Corrupt Practices: A Parker Stern Novel by Robert Rotstein

A Los Angeles church, considered by some to be a powerful cult, charges Rich Baxter with embezzling millions. Rich reaches out to former colleague and star trial attorney Parker Stern to come to his defense. Parker despises the cult, but he hasn’t entered a courtroom since developing severe stage fright after his mentor, Harmon Cherry, committed suicide. Rich claims that Cherry did not kill himself—he was murdered by someone connected to the church. At first, Parker doesn’t believe it . . . until disturbing events force him to question what’s really happening. 

As the case takes an unexpected turn, Parker surprises himself and agrees to take on the church. But to represent his client and uncover the truth he must overcome his own long-buried secrets.

Corrupt Practices by Robert Rotstein is a competent thriller that takes place in and out of a Los Angeles courtroom.  The fact that Rotstein was an attorney for 30 years is evident in the courtroom details which add a nice sense of realism to the story. 

Parker Stern is a lawyer, who for emotional reasons has been trying to avoid stepping into a courtroom for the last year. That is until an ex partner/friend reaches out to him from jail. After this friend is murdered in jail, Parker Stern reluctantly finds himself drawn back into the thick of things. Soon after he is investigating a “Scientology” type of cult religion with deadly consequences. It quickly becomes a race against time for Parker Stern to prove his suspicions all the while the trial is proceeding in the courtroom.     

There are touches of author Michael Connelly in the way Rotstein uses Los Angeles as the backdrop to his story. Living in Los Angeles, it is always enjoyable to read a story set in your ‘back yard’.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Roberta