Official Review: Almost Mortal by Christopher Leibig

Post by **Rupali Mishra** » 06 Apr 2025, 08:50

Congrats on BOTD!
Christopher Leibig's Almost Mortal is a compelling criminal novel that blends a defense lawyer's pursuit of a serial killer with a frightening journal filled with secrets from Argentina to Virginia.

James Hanna · Post by **Wamboi Susan** » 06 Apr 2025, 08:58

Compelling review and compelling character.It's indeed thought -provoking and gripping narrative.Would like to know who was "Rosslyn Ripper" and how Sam handled the case while working on identifying the killer.

Post by **Sanju Lali** » 06 Apr 2025, 09:10

"Almost Mortal" by Christopher Leibig is a story in which a priest had to decide between reporting the person and adhering to the clergy pertinent privilege. The plot revolves around a criminal defense attorney in Bennet County, Virginia. The story is nicely written, which is a plus point.

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 06 Apr 2025, 09:25

Almost Mortal does a great job of hiding the truth behind the main murder case: the Rosslyn Ripper case, but I find it hard to be invested in the person suspected to be the murderer. I don't really feel anything about the 3 murders as well as Sam, the one doing the private investigation. The characters don't have a striking feature that make them stand out.

Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis · 06 Apr 2025, 09:39

Your review of Almost Mortal was very good. The storyline for this book sounds very interesting. The priest had quite a dilemma of whether to tell anyone about the killer's confession or to keep his vows as a priest. I'll put this in my pile of books to read.

Tayna Harrison · Post by **Tayna Harrison** » 06 Apr 2025, 09:40

Almost Mortal by Christopher Leibig is a gripping legal thriller with a unique metaphysical twist. This novel, the first in a series, masterfully combines courtroom drama with mysterious elements, making it stand out from other legal novels. Leibig, a criminal defense attorney himself, uses his real-world experience to craft a plot that feels authentic, intense, and intelligent.

The story follows Sam Young, a young, ambitious criminal defense attorney who is grappling with a challenging case while simultaneously dealing with supernatural phenomena. Sam’s ordinary world begins to unravel when a client claims to have mystical knowledge about people’s hidden sins and secrets. As Sam tries to navigate the legal intricacies of his cases, he is drawn deeper into a mystery that questions the nature of humanity itself. Alongside this, he faces deeply personal revelations about his own past, adding emotional depth to the plot.

One of the most remarkable features of this book is the way it intertwines legal procedures with supernatural concepts without feeling forced or unbelievable. The writing is sharp, crisp, and perfectly paced. Leibig maintains the suspense throughout, giving readers just enough information to keep them hooked while leaving them eager for more. The dialogue is realistic, and the court scenes are vivid and compelling, clearly reflecting the author’s expertise in law.

What I liked most about Almost Mortal is its fresh approach to a saturated genre. Rather than relying solely on legal drama, it invites readers to question moral and existential dilemmas. The protagonist, Sam, is well-developed; he is flawed, relatable, and easy to root for. His internal struggles mirror the external conflicts he faces, giving the story emotional resonance.

Another highlight is the seamless blending of genres. While primarily a legal thriller, the book’s metaphysical aspects are thought-provoking without being overwhelming. Readers who enjoy a touch of the supernatural in otherwise realistic fiction will particularly appreciate this balance.

What I disliked is that the beginning of the novel can feel slightly slow as it sets up the complex world and characters. Some readers might find the multiple plot threads a bit challenging to follow initially. However, once the story gains momentum, it is incredibly rewarding. Also, readers looking for a pure legal thriller without any speculative elements might not fully appreciate the metaphysical aspects.

In terms of content, the book does contain some mild profanity and adult themes, but it is appropriate given the mature subject matter and does not feel gratuitous.

I found no significant grammatical errors or editing issues while reading Almost Mortal. The book appears to be professionally edited, which made the reading experience smooth and enjoyable.

Recommendation:
I would highly recommend Almost Mortal to readers who love legal thrillers but are looking for something different and deeper. Fans of John Grisham who don’t mind a supernatural twist would find this book refreshing. However, readers who prefer straightforward legal fiction without metaphysical elements might want to look elsewhere.

Final Verdict:
Almost Mortal is a clever, unpredictable, and deeply engaging novel that challenges the boundaries of the legal thriller genre. With its intelligent writing, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, I confidently rate it 4 out of 4 stars.

Macel A · Post by **Macel A** » 06 Apr 2025, 09:51

I usually enjoy a crime and a mystery book especially with one involving a killer on the loose. It's always interesting to read the clues the serial killer leaves behind and the suspense it brings in trying to find out who the serial killer is thanks for the informative review.

Love Ukaegbu · Post by **Love Ukaegbu** » 06 Apr 2025, 10:11

With a blend of a serial killer and a gifted protagonist, Almost Mortal by Christopher Leibig seems to be the book for me. Congratulations on the book of the day.

Post by **Alida Spies** » 06 Apr 2025, 10:22

It's always a moral dilemma for a priest to act or not on confidential information shared that can harm others. I found the idea of two stories incorporated into the book and being very different interesting. Thank you for your informative review.

Crystal Carter 8 · Post by **Crystal Carter 8** » 06 Apr 2025, 10:38

Ok the abilities thing is a complete twist to the story. Thank you for your post and taking the time to help us understand the story as well.

quote=NetMassimo post_id=2807818 time=1743941538 user_id=1396117]
This is a thriller with two stories that are intertwined. One of the stories concerns a character indicated only as X, so I guess there's a mystery about him, or her. I see that Sam has psychic abilities, which adds another layer to the plot, making it intriguing. Thank you for your great review!
[/quote]

T_stone wrote: ↑15 Jan 2019, 17:11 This looks like a book I'll enjoy reading but the lack of suspense will make me cross my fingers for this one, however, this is well constructed review. Thanks

Cynthia Duran · Post by **Cynthia Duran** » 06 Apr 2025, 10:47

Right away from reading the book sample I could tell Sam was a very interesting character, one of those that you instantly want to know more about. The book review confirmed my feelings. I suppose the crime story in itself is nothing new or extraordinary, but the mingling of two life stories definitely catches my attention. I hope the ending is not as disappointing as some of the comments might imply. Thanks for your review!

Lauren Stjohn · Post by **Lauren Stjohn** » 06 Apr 2025, 10:51

A different aspect of review unfolding two parallel stories within the novel. The character of Sam and his meeting with the nun Camille does hold potential interest. The novel seems to have taken quite a departure from usual stories of catholic priests. The review is informative and the sample of the book enticing to continue a read.

EVALINE MAGWAMU 1 · Post by **EVALINE MAGWAMU 1** » 06 Apr 2025, 12:17

Thank you for the elaborate review which gives an overview of the story.Crimes happen and many a time criminals walk away without being known.I like the way Sam Young a criminal defence attorney takes up a murder case in honour of his late mother.The most outstanding thing I got from him is on how he conceals the identity of some people during his investigation in order to protect them
.Recommended to lovers of crime stories.Congratulations for being the BOTD

Post by **Magdalyne chebet** » 06 Apr 2025, 12:45

This sounds like a really intriguing read—I'm always drawn to stories that blend crime, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. The dual storyline with Sam and the mysterious journal writer adds a unique layer. Definitely curious to see how it all unfolds! Congrats BOTD!

Ana Luiza 3 · Post by **Ana Luiza 3** » 06 Apr 2025, 12:53

It's a compelling read for those who enjoy thrillers with more than just investigations — it has emotional depth, questions about life after death, and a good pace. Great for those who enjoy John