The Trial

Because I am now the proud owner of the original painting I decided to give The Trial a re-read. it has been 32 years! since I read it back in 1992 so I guess it is time. One of the best pieces of dialogue in any Bolan book takes place when Bolan introduces himself to his lawyer. "It's not Blanski. It's Bolan. Mack Bolan." "I see. This changes everything." I don't have the book with me at the moment so I cannot give you the exact quote, but I loved it 32 years ago and I still love the whole exchange now. The book is also unusual in that there is hardly any action. There is a two page fist fight in a prison cell and then Bolan's escape at the end of the novel. So the body count can easily be done on two hands (we are not told how many are killed by the Mafia in their clumsy assault on the court.) But I must admit I do have problems with the novel. It definitley needed a re-write or tigtening up. The whole plot by the Mafia's external hire, the Rancher was clumsy and amateurish. The prosecution and the defense lawyers were not very good. Even though this was probably written in 1985 the whole case should never have made it to court, the evidence is too circumstantial and even I, without legal knowledge, could have driven a bus through the prosecution's case. A lot of characters from Bolan's past are introduced, including Susan Landry, Al Weatherbee and many others. Hal Brognola shows up as well but the question is why as half way through the novel they are forgotten about and do not seenm to be present at the final courtroom escape and shootout. Where did they go? Why was there not more security when it was discovered that the local cops had The Executioner in custody? Surely all the alphabet agencies would have shown up in force, all wanting a peice of the Bolan pie. But the biggest problem I did have was that this was really a 186 page novel with lots and lots of padding. So many characters had so many meandering thoughts about nothing that drove the plot forward that it became dull to read and easily skipable. And that is a shame because there really is a unique and interesting concept of Bolan behind bars just straining to escape. I think with a little more plotting this story would have been one of the best of the Gold Eagle range. But it does have one of the best cover paintings in the entire series. ;)

It's impressive to see what sort of content author Mike Newton can create when he actually cares. The Trial is a series classic, no doubt about it. The story is gripping and engaging every step of the way. All of the characters, be they series veterans or brand new, are well-written and fairly well fleshed out. Newton must have delivered a huge word count, as each page is jam-packed with tiny text, and none of it feels like the typical Newton filler that I often complain about. My criticisms are fairly small for this one. There are still too many exclamation points, and I was disappointed that we got to see so much insight into the judge's thought process, but never got to hear what his actual verdict would have been. The cliffhanger ending also bugged the hell out of me. Does Bolan ever encounter this villain again in the future? If you know the answer, please tell me. The Trial is a fantastic novel, one of Newton's best, and one of the best that the series has to offer.

This is one of those must read books, if youre a true fan of the the Executioner. A lot of reviews say this book is light on action. So what! This is a character driven story, and it stands Head and Shoulders above alot of books in this series. The best scenes are when Mack is testifying. I liked Mack telling the world why he has to fight and whats wrong with the current court system. The scene when Mack is Attacked inside his cell was well written. I liked when Mack told the sheriff he was living in a dream world if he thought that his department was clean. I liked when Mack was visited by Hal And Susan. This is a really solid read and definitely a top book in this series. 10 stars.

Well what a perfect title to celebrate the increased size of the titles here. The Big Guy is on the trail of a major drug importation and distribution network and visits their supposed location of activities. Finding nothing at the location he returns to his Motel room concerned about the reliability of his information only to find the body of a prostitute on his bed who has been slashed to pieces by persons unknown. When his room is surrounded by Police it quickly becomes apparent that he has been set up for a fall and is arrested and taken into custody to the local Police station. While held in the cells he quickly becomes aware that he is helpless and his enemies have him exactly where they want him. Corrupt Police officers quickly compound his troubles where Hit men are allowed entry to the cells to try and take him out. Managing to survive the attempts he finds himself in court charged with first degree murder and very little prospect of ever seeing the light of day again even if he can somehow manage to survive another day. The trial section is superb and really should be required reading for any reader who wishes to get into these series of books and gain an insight into the Big Guys philosophy on life and his motivation for what he does. Certainly this title is down on action scenes but more than made up for with one of the best titles released in this series. The ending section is fantastic, the characters introduced are excellent and the story drags you in from start to finish. Say what you wish about this author it remains that when he wants to he can produce stunning work as is displayed here in this title. Arguably one of the best five or so titles released in this entire series I reckon. If you haven't read it this is one of the few where you can be assured DO YOURSELF a favour and grab it. EXCELLENT reading and very highly recommended.

One of the best ever! Seeing Mack so calmly defending and arguing his stance on crime and the steps that need to be taken is just priceless. The book is low on action but extremely high on riveting philosophy and great dialogue. Don't get me wrong, there is action at the end. But the book has great pace with building menace. Just one of the all-time best Bolans. Hunt up a copy ASAP. Not to be missed.

Wow. This book is definitely a must-read for anyone who followed the original Mafia War. Never before has a Bolan novel had so few action sequences and so much revealing character development and dialogue. I must admit that at the end, I found it a little stretched how easily the Bolan brothers walk away once they are out of the Court. Honestly, if Bolan was in jail somewhere, I'd figure there would be a small armed camp posted outside with all the law agencies wanting a piece. Admittedly, the author spun a nice cloud over how Bolan's arrest was being handled as a local issue and Mack's insistence upon immediately moving to trial keeps the story taking place over only a couple of days...so you grant the author the small indulgence because the story is just soo good. A definite will read again.

“The Trial” is a outstanding masterpiece. This is a direct sequel to every Executioner novel published up to this point. Ironically charged with a crime he did not commit, Bolan’s entire War Everlasting is on trial here. In the eyes of the prosecutors, he is perhaps the worst mass murderer in the history of the country. His entire testimony, on the stand, turns it around. I have reread the lengthy and powerful cross-examination several times throughout the years. The novel is an analogy, a defense of the entire series, of who the Executioner is. His moral code, his duty and his mission are exposed bare here in what is the ultimate characterization of Mack Bolan. The action is slight, no big deal. There are other novels in the series that cover this. This is about the exploration and a summation of the character is the true action. A rebuttal of critics, an affirmation for fans. This is the best written book of the series. This is also the first book to expand to approximately 250 pages, so it was an event novel. This entry will be followed by the superb and epic “Moscow Massacre” and a string of highly popular novels that would span from 91 to 101. In my opinion, this is the golden age of the Gold Eagle era’s Executioner.

Oh My God!!!!!! This was the best book I have ever read in my life!!!!!! While most of the Executioner books I have read are about the situations he is in, this was all about defining his point of view in a courtroom and it was so amazing to see something that was one part Bolan, one part In The Heat of the Night and one part Law and Order. Well Done

A MUST READ! The trial documets many ideologies and principals that The Executioner follows. If you are new to the series or even if you havnt read many of the first half of the Executioner's tales, this book not only fills you in but also explains so much about our favorite character Mack Bolan. The trial scenes were tense at times and you could really tell that it took quite a lot of convincing before the prosecution began to see that Mack was on the side of justice. (although that did not change her preception of what Mack does for a living) JUDGE JURY AND THE EXECUTIONER.

Hell of a read. Mack finally gets a forum to tell people what drives him and why he continues the War Everlasting. If you want inside of the big guys head,this is the book.

Not a big Newton fan but this book was a masterpiece. Why? 1) It showed why Bolan works in the system. Without his taking out and disrupting mafia families allows people like Kendricks, Stone and Price to do their jobs. This book explained why the legal system is bent towards the mafia and crime syndicates and how impossible it is to go after them. Granted in the real world people like Bolan would not survive very long. 2) The courtroom systems were gripping. The explanation of what a turkey was was totally chilling and the reaction by Stone and the others were believable. Did the book have much action? No maybe 30 pages total out of 250. The villians though were dumb. Did they ever hear of "attempted" jailhouse breakout where a guard accidently leaves a door open and then opens fire against the prisoner. Dumping a second prisoner in the same cell as Bolan was idiotic. This should have sent it a point down but the book worked just so well and really fantastic characterizations. I liked how this really examined who Bolan was especially in the minds of the good guys like Stone and Price. One of the best Bolan books period.

One of the most gripping and important tales in the whole Bolan Saga! Not your typical action fest, but we see Mack placed in a situation entirely new to him, and how he reacts and faces his desperate situation. A triumph for Mike Newton, which shows how close he can come to the emotion created by Don. The cameos and mentions of characters from past adventures are a real treat to long-timers. A must read and a true 10!!!

I tried to think of why I would rate this less than 10 star, but I couldn't think of any. what a unique story! Newton really shows what he can do in this book. I don't care if some books are low on action as long as there is a good plot, suspense, and good characters and dialogue. This book has all of these qualities and good action at the end.

The title got me. I like Johnny's involvement, and I like the way Bolan Came out and told who he was. The ending doidn't rteally work foir me, but only by a touch.

This is one of my favorite stories of Mack. The action is on a different level than what Mack is accustomed to but the action and inticipation is on a high. It pulls you in and keeps you reading to the twisted end. This book does not fall into the action you expect from Mack, But that is also a part of the charm of this book and the story it brings. A must read for any true Mack fan.

A nice change of pace in the Bolan canon. All the courtroom testimony got to be a bit draggy but was laced with enough intrigue to keep you reading up until the payoff of a big climax. A little more action and faster pacing would've made this a sure 10.

This is a fantastic book. While it doesn't have the explosive action of some of the other novels in the series, the threat of danger is much more intense. Bolan is in a jail cell, and lacks his "combat stretch" that has kept him alive for so long. Because of this, he is much more vulnerable and does not seem so invincible. Bolan testifying on the stand is also great. Add to the the names from his past who show up and there is a terrific feel for the court room scenes. The entire legal side is well done. This one is a classic read, among the best in the series. Highly recommended.

As others have said, not a lot of action in this book until the very end, but a great storyline. Mack trapped in his cell and the way he controls things with a minimal use of violence makes this book one of the best i've read. It's gritty, for lack of a better word and a must read if you're interested in Mack Bolan the person.

Definitely not very action-packed. But a MUST read as its a big event in Bolan's War Everlasting. I still found it a great read.

I loved every minute of this one. If you have not red it then what are you waiting for!!!

While not one of the most action-packed books, the "trial" was very interesting, right down to the blazing shootout.

This is quite simply, my absolute favorite out of the entire series. How did Mack get caught? Will he see his day in court? This also features a rare appearance by Mack's brother Johnny.

This one was quite interesting. I agree that it wasn't that action filled. Some more action scenes would of made it more interesting. It started to lose steam when all those people were testyfying, but immediately picked up when Mack took the stand.

I liked the way it discussed Mack's past, could have had some more action scenes. How about some flash-backs of never before told battles as seen through the eyes of Mack Bolan.

One of the all time best Bolan books ever. This is a definite must read for fans of the series. It ties the history of the entire books series thus far and Mack's ideology into one book. This is as much a character study of Mack Bolan as it is a story of one of his adventures. I reread this more times that I can remember. Each time I came away feeling like I knew the big guy a little better because I had looked into his soul.

This book is not an action-packed book, but rather an insight into the mind of Bolan. A must read for all Bolan fans.

The BEST in the series. NO DOUBT. If you haven't read this...you don't know Mack.