Punch Line (The Chance Cormac Legal Thriller Series Book 2)
A comedian’s joke sparks outrage. A violent crime exposes corruption. A lawyer searching for redemption takes on his most dangerous case yet.
When stand-up comic Verne Slater is brutally attacked after a controversial routine, his injuries ignite a storm of media attention and social debate. Called back into action after a six-month suspension, Chance Cormac—boxer, lawyer, and reluctant hero—steps in to defend Verne and uncover the truth behind the assault. But in a city where justice bends to power and anger hides behind every headline, Chance soon realizes the case is about far more than one man’s freedom of speech.
As Verne fights for justice and dignity, Chance must navigate a maze of rogue cops, corrupt lawyers, and buried secrets, all while facing the ghosts of his own past. Each revelation brings him closer to the line between defense and vengeance—and crossing it could cost him everything.
“Suspenseful, bold, and thought-provoking… intertwines social satire and legal intrigue with intelligence and heart.” — The Chrysalis Brew Project
“A masterful exploration of identity, justice, and redemption. Sharp dialogue, gripping tension, and unforgettable characters.” — Readers’ Favorite
“The kind of thriller that blindsides you with every twist… smart, unpredictable, and deeply relevant.” — Medium
With its mix of courtroom tension, moral conflict, and fast-paced suspense, Punch Line keeps readers turning pages and questioning every motive until the very end.
Continue Chance Cormac’s journey in Facts Are Stubborn Things and The Collectors—two equally riveting novels that reveal how far one man will go to fight for truth, loyalty, and justice.
From the Publisher
ASIN : B0DGN6Y4PR
Publisher : Independently published
Publication date : October 30, 2024
Language : English
Print length : 306 pages
ISBN-13 : 979-8333138965
Item Weight : 1.17 pounds
Dimensions : 6 x 0.69 x 9 inches
Book 2 of 4 : Chance Cormac Legal Thrillers
Best Sellers Rank: #225,266 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #302 in Legal Thrillers (Books) #1,522 in Murder Thrillers #11,480 in Suspense Thrillers
Customer Reviews: 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (316) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
Original price was: $18.95.$16.07Current price is: $16.07.
A comedian’s joke sparks outrage. A violent crime exposes corruption. A lawyer searching for redemption takes on his most dangerous case yet.
When stand-up comic Verne Slater is brutally attacked after a controversial routine, his injuries ignite a storm of media attention and social debate. Called back into action after a six-month suspension, Chance Cormac—boxer, lawyer, and reluctant hero—steps in to defend Verne and uncover the truth behind the assault. But in a city where justice bends to power and anger hides behind every headline, Chance soon realizes the case is about far more than one man’s freedom of speech.
As Verne fights for justice and dignity, Chance must navigate a maze of rogue cops, corrupt lawyers, and buried secrets, all while facing the ghosts of his own past. Each revelation brings him closer to the line between defense and vengeance—and crossing it could cost him everything.
“Suspenseful, bold, and thought-provoking… intertwines social satire and legal intrigue with intelligence and heart.” — The Chrysalis Brew Project
“A masterful exploration of identity, justice, and redemption. Sharp dialogue, gripping tension, and unforgettable characters.” — Readers’ Favorite
“The kind of thriller that blindsides you with every twist… smart, unpredictable, and deeply relevant.” — Medium
With its mix of courtroom tension, moral conflict, and fast-paced suspense, Punch Line keeps readers turning pages and questioning every motive until the very end.
Continue Chance Cormac’s journey in Facts Are Stubborn Things and The Collectors—two equally riveting novels that reveal how far one man will go to fight for truth, loyalty, and justice.
From the Publisher
ASIN : B0DGN6Y4PR
Publisher : Independently published
Publication date : October 30, 2024
Language : English
Print length : 306 pages
ISBN-13 : 979-8333138965
Item Weight : 1.17 pounds
Dimensions : 6 x 0.69 x 9 inches
Book 2 of 4 : Chance Cormac Legal Thrillers
Best Sellers Rank: #225,266 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #302 in Legal Thrillers (Books) #1,522 in Murder Thrillers #11,480 in Suspense Thrillers
Customer Reviews: 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (316) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
9 reviews for Punch Line (The Chance Cormac Legal Thriller Series Book 2)
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Original price was: $18.95.$16.07Current price is: $16.07.
P. Gleszer –
engaging story, realistic action and even a happy ending
These are always great courtroom dramas, with action and characters that transcend battles before a judge. I’m always hunting for the next Cormac legal thriller.
spencer barback –
Punchline
Just finished reading Punchline. Easy to read. Lots of fun. Interesting plot with some twists and turns. I recommend.
kathleen dowis –
Well written , waiting for book 4
Refreshing author
Carol K. –
Legal thriller
Excellent
janet Block –
poor wrap up
Although interesting, with great legal insights, the writing was dull without literary impact.It felt like a truly made up fiction story, lacking intriguing description.Good try, Rich
Barbara B –
More than just a Chance encounter
Once again, Richard Danzig has written a book that’s tough to put down. In addition to a plot that moves with pace, suspense and excitement, this book offers a second invitation into the world not only of Chance Cormack, but of the compelling characters who surround him. These colorful people provide the background to Danzig’s story and you will find that you truly care about them. I look forward to finding out what happens in their lives next. A great follow up to Facts are Stubborn Things.
Dennis Kocher –
Dirty Jokes Unnecessary
Rated by past reader at an 89 I agree….however, in the first paragraph this comic told some pretty bad, dirty jokes and I know I wouldn’t recommend this book because of it. Most females would not approve…and while the comic ended up being a victim of a crime, at the end of the book he was still telling dirty jokes. I don’t think the jokes added anything to the story which I really liked. So if you are going to recommend this book, make sure you know who will be the reader.
Beyond-Paleo- Millie Barnes –
Thoroughly enjoyable
I’m really enjoying the series and looking forward to the next one. This was a really good read with a lot of twists and turns.
Books for Humanity Global –
Punch Line by Richard A. Danzig is less a traditional thriller and more a mirror reflecting the cracked and often comical faces of contemporary justice and identity. To engage with this book is to dance on a knife’s edge, where humor slices into deep societal wounds and satire tiptoes precariously close to the absurd. At its core, it asks a haunting question: What happens when the punchline is more painful than the setup?Consider this: George Carlin once quipped, “The planet is fine. The people are f***ed.” Punch Line operates within this sentiment, highlighting the folly of humanity in a world intent on defining itself by its outrage and divisions. Danzig’s protagonist, Verne Slater, is a stand-up comic who weaponizes wit against the absurdities of gender identity politics, societal taboos, and personal demons. But when the joke’s backlash becomes lethal, the narrative pivots from satire to suspense. Slater’s jokes, inspired by the likes of Carlin, lay bare the hypocrisies of every faction, aiming not to offend but to provoke thought—and laughter. The question remains: can humor ever be neutral, or is it always someone’s weapon?From an unconventional perspective, Punch Line can be likened to the infamous “Milgram experiment” in social psychology, where participants delivered what they thought were electric shocks to others under the guise of authority. Just as the experiment revealed the unsettling ease with which ordinary people inflict harm when prompted, this book interrogates how societal roles and stereotypes push individuals to extremes. Characters like Red, a deeply conflicted trans woman navigating both internalized and external prejudice, embody the human toll of systemic marginalization. Their pain and rage feel as raw as the shocking results of Milgram’s study—disturbing, illuminating, and unforgettable.Statistically speaking, humor rarely kills, but it is often misunderstood. Some studies found that humor’s perception varies drastically depending on cultural context, personal experience, and timing. In Punch Line, Danzig leans into this variability, using comedy as a vehicle to explore not only justice but also the fragile, ever-shifting boundaries of identity and respect. Verne’s late-night comedy routine isn’t just provocative; it’s a litmus test for audience insecurities. Do we laugh because it’s funny or because we’re uncomfortable? And when the laughter stops, who bears the consequences?Even the book’s structure is a calculated gamble. Chance Cormac, the series’ central figure, spends more time untangling emotional and legal knots than solving the core mystery of Verne’s attack. Some might argue this distracts from the plot, but viewed differently, it mirrors the reality of law itself: messy, convoluted, and deeply human. Danzig’s own background in law shines here, showing how justice is often less about truth and more about who tells the best story.For those who revel in unconventional reviews, consider this: Punch Line is a modern-day fable, its characters archetypes of our worst fears and best intentions. It echoes Catch-22 in its absurdity, Kafka in its alienation, and even Shakespeare’s fools, who wield humor as both sword and shield. Is it perfect? No. At times, its humor is too biting, its satire too sharp. But does it resonate? Absolutely.Perhaps the best way to sum it up is through Danzig’s own metaphorical approach: “The best punchline is the one you don’t see coming.” If so, Punch Line delivers a knockout. It may not leave you comfortable, but it will leave you thinking—and isn’t that the point?