Dark Money by Larry D. Thompson

This novel got my attention. Not only is it a well written legal thriller but it is on a subject matter about which every American should have concern.

This novel uncovers so many dark areas, it is hard to know where to start. The main issue is how politicians can accumulate great amounts of “dark money.” Since the recent Supreme Court decision regarding Citizens United, large donations can be made to a special fund set up under Section 501 (c)(4) of the Revenue Code. The donations are confidential. At least 51% of the donations are supposed to go to social action issues, but those can be tv adds targeting certain politicians about their votes or some other issue. Politicians get millions and even billions of dollars through this means.

To inform us about this concern, Thompson has crafted an excellent novel featuring Jack Bryant. Having made his fortune as a trial lawyer he now does pro bono work out of an RV. His friend and former war buddy, Walt, asks for Jack's help. Walt is with the Texas Department of Public Safety and his detail must protect the governor at a costumed fund raiser where open carry guns are encouraged. A wealthy contributor is killed during the event and Jack is later called in to help protect the DPS from a lawsuit. The only way he can do that is to find out who financed the assassin.

In the course of that investigation, we readers are involved in some additional dark issues. One is PTSD. Walt has it from his army days and it was interesting reading about that. Another issue was an anti-government militia group in West Texas. I knew such groups existed and I found Thompson's writing about it very interesting and informative.

The subject of the plot is great. I found the writing and plot construction superb. The characters were well crafted. Not only is this a very entertaining book but it is very informative on an issue that is timely. I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed.

My rating: 5/5 stars. 

I am taking part in a blog tour of this book and you can find the links to other participants on the tour and read an excerpt from the book here.

Larry D Thompson is a veteran trial lawyer and has drawn upon decades of experience in the courtroom to produce riveting legal thrillers. After graduating from the University of Texas School of Law, Thompson founded the Houston trial firm where he still serves as managing partner. The proud father of three grown children, he lives and works in Texas but spends his summers in Colorado, where he crafts his novels and hikes the mountains surrounding Vail. His greatest inspiration came from Thomas Thompson, his brother, who wrote many best-selling true crime books and novels.

Story Merchant Books, 430 pages.

Dark Money Details:

Genre: Mystery, Thriller Published by: Story Merchant Books Publication Date: December 8th 2015 Number of Pages: 430 ISBN: 0996990801 (ISBN13: 9780996990806) Series: A Jackson Bryant Legal Thriller, 2 Purchase Links:

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for the purpose of an independent and honest review.