Bronze Medal Readers' Favorite - Legal Thriller
Los Angeles Book Festival Award - Runner Up Best Genre Fiction
San Francisco Book Festival Honorable Mention
New York Book Festival Honorable Mention - Best General Fiction
A psychotic coal mine operator and cynical neighbors with an anti-mining agenda fight out a strip mine permit battle. Mike Jacobs, a 29-year old environmental prosecutor with Pennsylvania's environmental agency, DEP, is caught between the warring factions, but is ordered to "babysit" the case. All Mike wants to do is to protect the environment and neighbors from certain harm as a result of the proposed mining. Sid Feldman, the Philadelphia lawyer for the mine operator, who oozes power and privilege, offers Mike a job midway through the proceedings. Miranda Clymer, the lawyer for the neighbors, pulls out all the stops to win Mike's affection and assistance. Mike's nearest and dearest friend, Nicky Kane is by his side as his paralegal. Mike must use all of his talents as a lawyer and rely on his discretion and courage to do what is right and not anger the political bosses for whom he works. In the cataclysmic ending, someone will die, but who?
What People Say
"[Burcat's] writing is tight and clean… Gritty, tough, poignant. Amid Rage tells a good story in a way every thriller aficionado will appreciate. Well done." --Steve Berry is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of the Cotton Malone novels
Writers like Burcat demonstrate that "within the densest fog and darkest black, you can find clarity and color if your imagination is 20-20."--Frank Bruni, an op-ed columnist for the New York Times and New York Times bestselling author
In AMID RAGE a dispute over a mining permit leads to a rage-fueled conflict every bit as dark and dangerous as the deepest mine. Thriller fans will love this story.—DP Lyle, award-winning author of the Jake Longly and Cain/Harper thriller series
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers’ Favorite –
Caught in a court battle between a coal mining corporation and an endangered community, an environmental prosecutor must find a way to remain neutral in the intriguing legal thriller Amid Rage by Joel Burcat. Mike Jacobs is an attorney with DEP, Pennsylvania’s environmental agency, and his job is to ensure that mining operations are working within the confines of the law. When Ernesto Rinati, the owner of the Rhino Mining company, has a complaint with DEP, Mike is directed to keep an eye on the proceedings. Unhappy with the restrictions on his mining permit issued by DEP, Rinati filed an appeal. In the meantime, the homeowners whose residences are in close proximity to Rintati’s new mine also filed an appeal to DEP, stating that the permit wasn’t stringent enough. Essentially babysitting the appellants, Mike is to remain neutral concerning the debate. However, when he meets both parties during his investigation, he inadvertently sides with the homeowners. Can Mike help the residents without losing his job?
Filled with suspense and intrigue, Amid Rage by Joel Burcat is an intense legal thriller. From the first page, the elements of greed, murder, and psychopathy color the plot, creating a fascinating and irresistible novel. The storyline is intriguing and moves at a fast pace, the momentum building until it culminates in an explosive and dramatic conclusion. Containing a sinister, sadistic, psychopathic villain and bloody, action-packed scenes, the story’s horror captures the imagination, making it impossible to put the book down until the protagonist prevails. Even though this is the second book in the Mike Jacobs series, the story does very well as a standalone. With an intense plot, a gripping storyline, and fascinating characters, this enthralling adventure promises to entertain everyone who enjoys courtroom drama and psychopathic criminals. Due to graphic violence and sexual content, the book is more suitable for mature readers.