Conflicts with Interest by Michael Ruddy -- Book Review

Journey down deep into the dark underbelly of corrupt law firms and insurance companies in Conflicts with Interest by Michael Ruddy.

Not exactly the world's greatest poker player, builder T.R. Morgan finds himself in a dangerous game of Defect Litigation. A lawsuit has been brought by homeowners of a house built by Morgan Homes. Representing the homeowners is Steve Sanderson, a ruthless Bay Area lawyer.

Being out played at nearly every turn, just when T.R. thinks the insurance companies are backing him, he discovers it might not be so simple. Already dealing with the tragic loss of his wife, T.R. and his son, Ryan, also a prinicipal of Morgan Homes, are stuck in a battle that could cost them everything they hold dear. Dragged into a world of human trafficking, drugs, and illicit sex, T.R. is determined to see this battle through to its climactic end; an end, not even he could imagine.

In this debut novel, author Michael Ruddy exposes corruption and under-handed play within law firms and insurance companies; a timely subject in today's world of large company scandals.

In Conflicts with Interest, Ruddy has created characters who are backed against the wall and must find a way to fight their way back. While not as full of suspense as I figured by the back cover blurb, this engaging story kept me turning the pages quickly. I needed to know how this would all turn out for T.R. and Ryan. Would they win? Would they lose? Would the pieces fall somewhere in the middle? And what of all the behind the scenes players? What would happen to them?

I enjoyed the changing points of view, which allowed me insight into characters other than T.R. that might have been lost if the point of view had stayed strictly with T.R.

Readers interested in law stories, corruption, and the darker side of the corporate world will enjoy Conflicts with Interest by Michael Ruddy.


Title: Conflicts with Interest
Author: Michael Ruddy
Publisher: Rodeo Publishing
ISBN-10: 0615305997
ISBN-13: 978-0615305998
SRP: $15.95

Winners of January Giveaways!

The Book Connection would like to congratulate the following winners in our January giveaways:

Nancye and CherylS22 will receive an ARC of Conflicts with Interest by Michael Ruddy.

Copies of Silk Flowers Never Die: Love, Death, Mental Illness and Courage in an Internationally Renowned Family by Stella Mazzucchelli are going out to Marianna, SandraK321, and Nickolay.

Daughter of Narcissus: A Family's Struggle to Survive Their Mother's Narcissistic Personality Disorder by Lady Colin Campell will go out to Wanda.

We'll be contacting the winners this week. They will have until next Friday to respond before we select other winners.

Congratulations again to all our winners. Look for more giveaways coming soon!

January Giveaway Number 1 - Conflicts with Interest by Michael Ruddy (Two ARCs up for Grabs)

As I mentioned earlier in the week, we are starting the giveaways up again this month. You'll have the opportunity to win copies of some great books in January, so make sure you stick with us to see what we have coming up.

Our first book hasn't even been released yet. Conflicts with Interest by Michael Ruddy will be released by Rodeo Publishing on January 30, 2010.



T.R. Morgan, a seasoned building professional, finds himself entangled in the combined corruption of the high profile law firm that is attacking him and the insurance companies that are supposed to defend him. Still enduring the painful memories brought on by the tragic death of his wife, he soon finds out, nothing involving lawyers and insurance companies happens quickly.

Instead of resolution, T.R., unwittingly enters a world of human trafficking, drugs, and illicit sex taking place behind the scenes. And his story comes forward to an explosive climax that no one could possibly foresee, least of all T.R. himself.

Early praise for Conflicts of Interest:


“At once both an abstract romp and merciless examination of human nature; featuring a knock-down drag-out honesty of dealing with the world.”
––Cameron Scott

“This book edifies, entertains, and angers all at once. Ruddy uses engaging fictional characters to accurately portray a system run awry.”
––Pat Fisher

Here's how to enter:


1) Mandatory: Follow this blog or let us know you are already a follower. Comment must include a working email address so that we can contact you if you win.

2) Get one additional entry for blogging about this contest. Leave a comment (with link) here telling us where you blogged about it.

3) Get two additional entries for tweeting about this contest. Don't forget to let us know here that you tweeted and leave us a link.

4) Get two additional entries for posting about this contest on Facebook. Leave us a link here.

This giveaway will run from today until 11:59 p.m.(Eastern) on January 31st. Two winners will be announced in early February.

This contest is open to all residents of the United States and Canada.