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Osgoode Trilogy #1
Conduct in Question
Lawyer Harry Jenkins longs for freedom and love. Trapped under his senior partner's thumb for years and in a dead marriage, he has nearly reached his breaking point. The city is haunted by the spectre of the Florist, a sadistic murderer with an artistic flair, who believes he is called to judge the worthiness of his victims. When his partner drops dead in the office, Harry is free to make his own mistakes. Almost immediately, he is swept into a massive money-laundering scheme by the enigmatic Mr. Chin and into a conflict with his wealthy client Marjorie Deighton. When he finds Marjorie dead, he senses foul play. Are the Florist's murders and Mr. Chin's shady dealings connected? Can Harry find the answers before the Florist strikes again? Fortunately, the beautiful Natasha is there to guide him to the answers.
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First published January 1, 2005
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About the author
Mary E. Martin
11Ìýbooks27ÌýfollowersI’m a born and bred Torontonian! Almost every culture and language is here. The city affects my writing both as a setting and ways of looking at a world with such immense variety.
Toronto is the setting for my first novel, , in The Osgoode Trilogy, inspired by my many years of law practice here. Harry Jenkins, the protagonist of the trilogy, seeks love, compassion, forgiveness and a sense of meaning in life, as he outsmarts a serial killer and exposes massive frauds. Fortunately, my practice was far more sedate and my activities were the raising of three children.
After , I needed a new hero. Alexander Wainwright, Britain’s finest landscape painter, was born. Do you like to ask yourself the “Big� Questions—the kind which have no answers or too many answers? What’s this universe like? Random? Secret forces at play? What are we supposed to be doing here? You get the idea. I like to throw such questions at Alex to see what he says.
I’ve just published the third novel in . Here’s the question—Can a truly great artist have real love aside from his muse? At first, I thought that might be too esoteric a question. But how many workaholics can’t find or keep love?
When I’m not writing? In 2012, my two gorgeous grandchildren were born. Being a grandparent is the best!
Reading is a huge part of my life, not just fiction but non-fiction in the areas of art, psychology, philosophy, all kinds of literature. Photography is really fun. And, of course, travel is at the top of the list.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 5, 2008
A fascinating legal thriller�
Harry Jenkins is an estate lawyer and partner of Crane, Crawford and Jenkins law firm. First, his partner, Crawford, dies on the floor in his office while remember the love he once had with one of their clients, Marjorie Deighton. For Harry, things go from bad to worse and rather quickly.
Harry is asked to meet at Marjorie’s home; her intent is to review her will and consult with him about a meeting she is supposed to have earlier in the day. Along with his secretary, Harry visits the home of Ms. Deighton in late afternoon, only to find Ms. Deighton dead, lying on her bed. Harry believes that she must have died peacefully, but he is suspicious; there are just too many things going on that could make her passing a coincidence.
A mysterious man, Albert Chin, is referred to Harry for property acquisitions. Only, the properties are those surrounding the Marjorie’s estate. Plus, the names of the parties acquiring the properties seems fishy to him, as they are all numbered accounts. Money laundering? Harry allows himself to be blinded by the money, believing he may just live up to his wife’s expectations. But he knows the marriage is dead. Both have changed during their 20-year marriage; they no longer talk, nor are they in love. He also believes that his wife, Laura, is having an affair, mostly likely with her boss. Meanwhile, he fantasizes about the beautiful Natasha. And when he tries to deposit the checks from Chin into the trust, Mr. Mudhali, the manager of the bank, brings him to the office. It seems that Crawford had taken out a loan against the firm’s account. However, Harry believes that this is just as fishy as Mr. Chin’s acquisitions; it takes all the partners signatures for that loan, and Harry knows he’s never signed it.
And all the while, the serial killer, The Florist, is going around Toronto, judging and murdering women, using a knife to cut floral designs in their skin.
Harry believes that, somehow, they are all connected, even when he hopes they are not. But are they?
An incredible first novel by Canadian author, Mary E. Martin. Using her knowledge of the field, she writes an incredible novel filled with twists and coincidences. While the main character, Harry, goes through the motions of day-to-day life, he wishes his life were more exciting, more freedom, more love. And while I’m used to reading murder mysteries through the eyes of the detective, a criminal lawyer, this time, it’s through the eyes of an estate lawyer, one who usually deals with the passing of his clients, the grieving family and friends, wills, and estates. Not criminal. I liked the difference, and can’t wait to see what else Harry gets into. Also, I like how the author touched base on more than murder, money laundering, estates and wills. She adds abusive bullies, abused women, and very manipulative people. A fascinating combination. On to Book #2, Final Paradox.
Harry Jenkins is an estate lawyer and partner of Crane, Crawford and Jenkins law firm. First, his partner, Crawford, dies on the floor in his office while remember the love he once had with one of their clients, Marjorie Deighton. For Harry, things go from bad to worse and rather quickly.
Harry is asked to meet at Marjorie’s home; her intent is to review her will and consult with him about a meeting she is supposed to have earlier in the day. Along with his secretary, Harry visits the home of Ms. Deighton in late afternoon, only to find Ms. Deighton dead, lying on her bed. Harry believes that she must have died peacefully, but he is suspicious; there are just too many things going on that could make her passing a coincidence.
A mysterious man, Albert Chin, is referred to Harry for property acquisitions. Only, the properties are those surrounding the Marjorie’s estate. Plus, the names of the parties acquiring the properties seems fishy to him, as they are all numbered accounts. Money laundering? Harry allows himself to be blinded by the money, believing he may just live up to his wife’s expectations. But he knows the marriage is dead. Both have changed during their 20-year marriage; they no longer talk, nor are they in love. He also believes that his wife, Laura, is having an affair, mostly likely with her boss. Meanwhile, he fantasizes about the beautiful Natasha. And when he tries to deposit the checks from Chin into the trust, Mr. Mudhali, the manager of the bank, brings him to the office. It seems that Crawford had taken out a loan against the firm’s account. However, Harry believes that this is just as fishy as Mr. Chin’s acquisitions; it takes all the partners signatures for that loan, and Harry knows he’s never signed it.
And all the while, the serial killer, The Florist, is going around Toronto, judging and murdering women, using a knife to cut floral designs in their skin.
Harry believes that, somehow, they are all connected, even when he hopes they are not. But are they?
An incredible first novel by Canadian author, Mary E. Martin. Using her knowledge of the field, she writes an incredible novel filled with twists and coincidences. While the main character, Harry, goes through the motions of day-to-day life, he wishes his life were more exciting, more freedom, more love. And while I’m used to reading murder mysteries through the eyes of the detective, a criminal lawyer, this time, it’s through the eyes of an estate lawyer, one who usually deals with the passing of his clients, the grieving family and friends, wills, and estates. Not criminal. I liked the difference, and can’t wait to see what else Harry gets into. Also, I like how the author touched base on more than murder, money laundering, estates and wills. She adds abusive bullies, abused women, and very manipulative people. A fascinating combination. On to Book #2, Final Paradox.
January 23, 2018
This is about a family lawyer who gets embroiled in a money laundering scheme that also involves a serial killer call The Florist. While I finished the book and enjoyed it for the most part, I found it rather slow and repetitive in parts.
October 28, 2016
Harry Jenkins specializes in wills and family trusts at the law firm of Crane, Crawford and Jenkins. When Richard Crawford, the senior partner dies, Harry discovers that Richard had taken out a huge personal loan and used the firm coffers as collateral. At about the same time, Harry’s largest client Margorie Deighton dies, leaving Harry as executor of her estate. When a Chinese businessman requests Harry’s services on a land deal and hands over a large check amount, Harry is leery but accepts anyway. But when those land deals become a conflict of interest, Harry declines any more dealings with Mr. Chen, the businessman, thereby creating dangerous circumstances for Harry. Add to all of this, a serial killer that hits close to home and Harry has more than enough to keep him on his toes.
This story had so much going on that it had me feeling sorry for Harry. I really liked the way it all played out though. It had drama and adventure, as well as deceit, mystery, and fear, all rolled into an intriguing, easy to follow plot. I do wish that it had addressed more on why Ms. Giveny, Harry’s secretary, did a complete turnaround in her personality. I thought that should have been expounded upon more, to understand what had caused her to change so dramatically.
This story had so much going on that it had me feeling sorry for Harry. I really liked the way it all played out though. It had drama and adventure, as well as deceit, mystery, and fear, all rolled into an intriguing, easy to follow plot. I do wish that it had addressed more on why Ms. Giveny, Harry’s secretary, did a complete turnaround in her personality. I thought that should have been expounded upon more, to understand what had caused her to change so dramatically.
October 7, 2016
Harry Jenkins is a small time Toronto lawyer about to step into some big time crime cases, not that he knows that yet. Upon taking what he thought was a nice referral from an attorney friend of his who needed to avoid a conflict of interest, Harry gets swept up in a money laundering scheme involving murder, international intrigue and weirdly, the estate of one of his recently deceased clients.
The first in a trilogy, Conduct in Question is a legal thriller that finds Harry as an intelligent dupe in the middle of a scheme not of his own making. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was happy to see that while the legal aspects were explained in plain English I didn’t feel like anything was dumbed down for the the reader. I felt for Harry as he wades through his own personal struggles, and for the family of poor Aunt Marjorie. The only writing critique I would offer is that sometimes it switched from person to person narrative occasionally, and a defined break in the text - like a double space between paragraphs - might have been helpful to my eye. Other than that I really enjoyed both the pace and the story, and look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy!
The first in a trilogy, Conduct in Question is a legal thriller that finds Harry as an intelligent dupe in the middle of a scheme not of his own making. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was happy to see that while the legal aspects were explained in plain English I didn’t feel like anything was dumbed down for the the reader. I felt for Harry as he wades through his own personal struggles, and for the family of poor Aunt Marjorie. The only writing critique I would offer is that sometimes it switched from person to person narrative occasionally, and a defined break in the text - like a double space between paragraphs - might have been helpful to my eye. Other than that I really enjoyed both the pace and the story, and look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy!
December 14, 2016
Conduct in Question is the first book in the Osgoode Trilogy, a legal thriller that is as compelling as it is entertaining. The story revolves around a family characterized by greed, money laundering, and a missing will. But there is the serial killer, called “The Florist.� Interesting is the life of attorney Harry Jenkins who finds himself embroiled in a family saga that is complicated and dirty. Harry has his own problems � his marriage isn’t working well and he’s just lost a good partner, so his firm is just about to go under. Then there is the enigmatic Mr. Chin with his shady affairs involving money, and could he be involved in the killings?
Mary E Martin comes across as a master in the genre, weaving a thriller with powerful literary elements that will keep readers turning the pages. The suspense is biting, and at every turn, readers are itching to know who the bad guy is. They want to know who is doing the killing. The author does a great job is communicating the killer’s point of view without unveiling his face, but the end is satisfactory as the isolated pieces get put together. This is a great read for thriller and mystery fans.
Mary E Martin comes across as a master in the genre, weaving a thriller with powerful literary elements that will keep readers turning the pages. The suspense is biting, and at every turn, readers are itching to know who the bad guy is. They want to know who is doing the killing. The author does a great job is communicating the killer’s point of view without unveiling his face, but the end is satisfactory as the isolated pieces get put together. This is a great read for thriller and mystery fans.
October 18, 2016
Never Enough Money
As this book of murder, money-laundering, sexual tension, and family secrets unfolded the author, Mary E Martin, artfully draws you in with her vivid descriptions, cliff hangers, and enigmatic characters. I found the transitions in Conduct in Question: The First in a Trilogy to be brilliantly done. As the story unfolded and moved from one setting, event, and character I stayed glued to my Kindle to see how the author would tie it all together. With the exception of a few minor errors, such as thinks instead of think at location 1737, the editing and proofreading were flawless throughout this book. It's as if you are given a front row seat at the picture show when the lives of these people unfold before eyes one word, one sentence at a time. Just as Harry needed to solve the murders, I needed to know what the Florists next step would be. Who would be his next victim? Would anyone ever be satisfied?
As this book of murder, money-laundering, sexual tension, and family secrets unfolded the author, Mary E Martin, artfully draws you in with her vivid descriptions, cliff hangers, and enigmatic characters. I found the transitions in Conduct in Question: The First in a Trilogy to be brilliantly done. As the story unfolded and moved from one setting, event, and character I stayed glued to my Kindle to see how the author would tie it all together. With the exception of a few minor errors, such as thinks instead of think at location 1737, the editing and proofreading were flawless throughout this book. It's as if you are given a front row seat at the picture show when the lives of these people unfold before eyes one word, one sentence at a time. Just as Harry needed to solve the murders, I needed to know what the Florists next step would be. Who would be his next victim? Would anyone ever be satisfied?
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
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