Stark Justice
John R "Jack" Connelly, Connelly Law Offices
"Stark Justice is a fast paced, quick, and stimulating read by an author who knows the courtroom and understands how to bring interesting characters to life. Judge T.W. "Chip" Small brings together his deep wisdom, knowledge and understanding of real people, his observations and familiarity with the courtroom, and his awareness of the strategies employed by trial lawyers on both sides of a case in this entertaining story set in the small towns of Eastern Washington. The reader gets an actual and enjoyable education, an inside view of how the legal process truly works, and the thought process of plaintiffs and defense attorneys, litigants, and insurance companies throughout the proceedings. This is a book to be savored."
Galway Mayor
"Quick read, great characters, very believable story and outcome.
I was gifted a copy of this book. I found it to be a quick read (finished it in three days) - easy to keep track of the characters, and grabbed my imagination to think about the what if’s and what would I have done if I was one of the characters. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip!
If you enjoy legal dramas I highly recommend this."
Vince Bruun, Emerald Downs Racetrack and Casino, Director of Media Relations
"Retired Judge Chip Small expertly weaves a compelling tale of hope, devastation and triumph, written by a man who saw it all as an attorney for a prestigious law firm and later as a widely respected magistrate. With a gift for flowing prose, Small's writing is reminiscent of the great Dick Francis, the former steeplechase jockey who authored a series of highly popular racing books across the pond. At the center of Stark Justice is a jockey, Elmer Stark, whose promising career is cut short by a freakish tragedy which results in a conclusive civil trial in which Small spares no details on the machinations of the civil justice system."
B.H.
First vacation like this since 2021. The best thing is, I was finally able to resume reading and finished Stark Justice. Great book! This is the only actual book I have read in a long time, where you can actually hold the book and read it as opposed to audiobooks on the way to Wheathaven I mean Waterville. Just wanted to congratulate you on this book, I loved it and am very impressed. I hope you do write more with Arnie Adams like the epilogue says. Cheers!
You Are Not A Lawyer Anymore
Sarah Small
"This book is full of insights and things you didn't know you wanted to know about the job of a judge. Ret. Judge Small succinctly shares his best advice about being a judge - everything from practical pointers to cold realities and how and why it's important to either keep going - or instead resign from the bench. Some topics he could have devoted (and maybe later will?) entire books in themselves, but he keeps moving to give a full perspective for those looking up to or down from the court's position of power in our lives. A recommended read for all judges and want-to-be judges, for law students and probably anyone who's been involved with the legal system for any reason!"
Hon. Benes Z. Aldana, Ret'd. President, National Judicial College
"It is important to have mentors in life, and this book is a mentor in your pocket. The heartfelt and plain-spoken advice...provides a personal perspective to judging that is not available elsewhere."
Wallify
"The author efficiently and engagingly reviews several areas key for judges to function effectively, and in the process shows his love of our judicial system and his dedication to making it work for all people, offering suggestions throughout that new judges especially will find useful and enlightening. As a practicing lawyer, I appreciated the perspective from the bench and think the book is also worth reading by lawyers and not just new judges: its insights benefit lawyers in understanding better the job that judges are trying to do, and thereby informs how the legal advocate approaches his or her job."