Past Due

Victor Carl, a Philadelphia lawyer, takes on what appears to be a straightforward debt collection case from an old acquaintance. The matter quickly escalates beyond a simple financial dispute when Victor discovers connections to organized crime and corruption. As Victor investigates deeper, he becomes entangled with powerful figures in Philadelphia's underworld and legal establishment. He must navigate threats, deception, and moral complexities while uncovering the truth behind the debt and its implications. The investigation forces Victor to confront his own past decisions and relationships as he races to protect both his client and himself. His choices pit professional obligations against personal loyalties, testing the boundaries of legal ethics. Past Due examines themes of debt - both financial and moral - while exploring how the past shapes present choices and their consequences. The novel raises questions about justice, loyalty, and the price of uncovering truth in a system built on carefully maintained illusions.

Readers describe Past Due as a solid legal thriller with dark humor and a complex protagonist in Victor Carl. The book maintains tension throughout while exploring themes of loyalty and redemption. Readers appreciated: - Detailed Philadelphia setting - Sharp, witty dialogue - Morally ambiguous characters - Twisting plot that comes together at the end Common criticisms: - Too many subplots that slow the pacing - Some found Carl's self-loathing repetitive - A few readers felt the ending was rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (456 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (89 reviews) Notable reader comments: "Carl is no hero but you can't help rooting for him" - Goodreads reviewer "The detailed legal procedures feel authentic without getting boring" - Amazon review "Not as strong as earlier books in the series" - Barnes & Noble review "Dark and gritty with unexpected laughs" - Amazon reviewer

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🔍 "Past Due" is one of the Victor Carl novels, a series featuring a cynical Philadelphia defense attorney who often finds himself entangled in morally complex cases. 💼 William Lashner worked as a prosecutor in the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice before becoming a full-time novelist. 📚 The book explores themes of loyalty, revenge, and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance - common threads throughout Lashner's Victor Carl series. 🏛️ The Philadelphia setting plays a crucial role in the story, with Lashner's intimate knowledge of the city's legal system and neighborhoods adding authenticity to the narrative. 🎓 Lashner holds degrees from both New York University School of Law and the Iowa Writers' Workshop, combining legal expertise with formal creative writing training in his work.