Betrayal of Faith

Zachary Blake Legal Thriller #1

by Mark M. Bello

How can one have faith when faith itself is corrupt? When Jennifer Tracey discovers that her new parish priest has harmed her two sons, she seeks justice. Standing in her way? The Coalition-a secret church organization tasked with the responsibility of taking care of these types of incidents quickly and quietly and by any means necessary. Jennifer decides to file a lawsuit against the priest and the church and seeks out an attorney, Zachary Blake, who handled her late husband's industrial death case. However, through an unfortunate series of events, Zachary has gone from the penthouse to the poorhouse, working out of a dingy one-room office, handling traffic cases. Although Jennifer has misgivings, she reluctantly retains him and, together, they embark on a "David vs. Goliath" legal battle against an organization hell-bent on thwarting their efforts. Zachary hires an investigator, the infamous Micah Love, who travels to Ohio, where he discovers that two families have disappeared after an encounter with the same priest-and the one person who may provide some answers has died under mysterious circumstances. Religion, law, betrayal, mystery, intrigue, faith, and love converge in Michigan for the trial of the century. Will Zachary resurrect his troubled career and obtain the justice Jennifer seeks for her kids? Or will the church and the Coalition and its mysterious leader prevail in covering up the decadent acts of the priest and circumvent justice once again? Will the truth prevail?

Genres: Contemporary, Mystery, Fiction, Book Club, Thriller, Drama, Novels

381 pages, Paperback

Published July 11, 2017

About the author

Mark M. Bello is an attorney and award-winning author. A Michigan native, Mark received his B.A. in English Literature from Oakland University and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

After his career handling high-profile legal cases, Mark now provides readers with a close-up view of the social justice battlefront. Each book in the Zachary Blake Betrayal Series is a ripped-from-the-headlines novel inspired by Bello’s legal experiences and his concern for our current sociopolitical landscape.

Mark is married and has four adult children and ten grandchildren. In addition to his novels, Mark writes articles and blogs about safety, justice, and fairness in the legal system. His work can be found in numerous print and online publications.

Mark has written 9 Zachary Blake Legal Thrillers, a cozy legal mystery, a legal romance novel, and two children’s safety/social justice picture books.




**Visit and follow Mark’s blog: http://www.markmbello.com
**Follow Mark on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarkMBelloBooks
**Follow Mark on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MarkMBelloBooks
** Follow Mark on Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/1628379...

Reviews

[Kym · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really sad and hard to read at times. It's about two young boys that were sexually abused by their new pastor. They had already lost their dad and the pastor they grew up with had just moved away. After deciding to take the pastor and the church to court the boys and their mother had to go through all of it again in the public eye. There were some very disturbing, but not surprising events throughout the book that the church took into their own hands. I gave this book 4 stars due to the fact that unless you are an attorney, studying law, or in the court system in some way you can get really lost with all the legal terminology. I feel like it was a bit much and distracted the reader from the true meaning of the story. Overall it was a very enticing book and leads you to believe that there is still justice in this world if you just speak up.

[Breyanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A legal battle for justice

Betrayal of Faith is a compelling story featuring a legal battle that will change the lives of many characters. This story starts off with two teenage boys who are sexuality molested by a well-loved church official, Father Gerry Bartholomew. The only people who know how much of a monster he truly is, are the victims of his depravity. The mother of Gerry's two victims, Jennifer Tracey, tries her best to get justice for her sons without trying to cause them any more emotional trauma. She decides to make Father Gerry's evil ways public knowledge with the help of a lawyer, Zachary Blake. Lots of characters are caught between their own personal interests and doing what's right.

This book was well worth the read. The author made the characters and their personalities very real. There were some emotional moments, also a few detailed accounts of molestation. There were also a few thrilling moments and some happy times as well. We as readers, see how Father Gerry thinks from his perspective and he is convinced that what he is doing is God's work. I got drawn into this book and the wonderful descriptions. There isn't anything I did not like about it. I recommend this book to any mature person.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Botsford Hospital. Jim Tracey (husband/father, Oakland U BS engineering) had been in an accident & died.
MI. Our Lady of the Lakes Church/School (Farmington Rd.). Father Gerry Bartholomew (36, Priest, camp director) took Jake Tracey (9, son/brother) & Kenny Tracey (11, son/brother) under his wings.
Jennifer Tracey (37, widow/mother, newspaper editor, Oakland U BS; English) came to pick up the 2 boys.
Spencer Reed (husband/father) & Sherry Reed (wife/mother) & their 2 teen boys: David Reed & Justin Reed were trying to organize a charity event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital where Jeffrey Reed (son/brother) had died of cancer.
Farmington Hills (Oakland County), MI. 1-day, Jennifer invited Father Bartholomew over for supper.
Father Jonathan “Jon” Costigan (Priest) was not pleased about someone’s transfer to another Parrish.
Little Daddy’s Coney Island restaurant (Northwestern Highway, Farmington Hills/Southfield). Jennifer & Father Costigan met.

Zack met with Craig.
The church will offer $600,000, $300,000 for Jake & Kenny.
Zack made a counteroffer $1 million.
Craig’s selling point was: $400,000 for each boy & $200,000 for Jennifer & continued treatment.
Oakland County Jail. Father Bartholomew had his own cell.
Jennifer fired Zack when she heard the offer.
She made a final decision & hired him back.
17 counts against Father Bartholomew & $40 million sounded really good to Jennifer.
Cobo Center, Detroit’s largest convention center. Zack with Jennifer in tow mad a public announcement.
TV Channels 2, 4, 7, 50, & 62, Radio station reporters from WWJ, WJR, & religious stations were present.
Detroit Free Press & Detroit News reporters, Al Schneider National Religious reporter were there.

Detective Lieutenant Philip Jack (Berea PD) arrive at the scene.
Pontiac, MI. Oakland County Circuit Court. Father Gerry Bartholomew was pleading guilty to 4th-degree criminal sexual conduct.
All rise the Honorable Judge Erroll Shipper is presiding, Court is now in session.
State v. Bartholomew.

ADA Joseph Saunders (prosecutor) & several men dressed in suits & cleric garb were in attendance.
Craig Walsh appearing for the defendant Father Gerry Bartholomew (St. Patrick’s Church, Berea).
Zachary Blake attorney for the victims: Mrs. Jennifer Tracey (mother) Jake Tracey (9, son/brother) & Kenneth “Kenny” Tracey (11, son/brother).
Zachary Blake Plaintiff witness/testimony, cross-examination:
Craig Walsh Prosecution witness/testimony, cross-examination:
ADA Joseph Saunders
Witnesses: Father Gilbert Moloney (North American Division); Father Gerry Bartholomew (Our Lady of the Lakes); Kenny; Jake; Dr. Rothenberg (board-certified psychiatrist, MD); Micah Love; Dr. Mark Unatin (defense psychiatrist, MD);
Kenny had to be rushed to the Children’s Hospital.
The State v. Bartholomew case hearing continued.
Closing arguments.
The Plaintiff’s initial complaint demanded $40-million.

What was the verdict that spread quick through the TV, radio, online & print media (Detroit News, Free Press, Oakland Press, Detroit Legal News)?
The other civil trial case Tracey v. Bartholomew et al. ended in a Motion for Remittitur.

I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (pedophile, sodomized, statutory rape, child verbal/mental/physical/sexual abuse) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.

An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written religious-oriented crime drama book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great crime drama movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. Wow, there is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; 8 Grand Publications; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; ARR PDF book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Coco · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 'Betrayal' series of books by Mark M. Bello was recommended to me by a friend, as they knew I am a big fan of John Grisham and thought I would like these legal thrillers. I started with book 1, 'Betrayal of Faith' and it had me gripped from the very first page.

Once a hotshot lawyer, Zachary Blake has fallen from grace - instead of frequenting the courtroom, he frequents bars and strip clubs. But, things are about to change, when he is contacted by Jennifer, the wife of a former client. She is heavily involved in the Church, and believes a new preacher has abused her boys. But with mysterious higher powers determined to sweep the allegations under the rug, will there be justice for Jennifer's boys and redemption for Blake.

It's heartbreaking in parts, so relevant, well-written, and so engrossing! After reading 'Betrayal of Faith' in a single sitting on the weekend, I purchased the remaining books in the Zachary Blake series (including one on pre-order) and I can't wait to read them all.

[Jerry White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is amazing, I love crime thrillers and this one did not disappoint. The topic as you'll have already seen is highly controversial and it's something that has come up time and time again for far too long. The characters were fantastic and felt very real and the suspense and frustration throughout will keep you on the end of your seat. This is such an emotive and rousing book, and also intriguing to see the tactics used by a powerful society to keep people quiet - I highly recommend this book.

[the-librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making the law interesting is a difficult task for any writer. Legal dramas are typically long, drawn-out affairs with arcane twists that appeal largely to those practicing law. This book, and John Grisham’s writing, are the only exceptions I can think of to this general rule.
This book tells the story of a young widow devastated by the sexual abuse of her two young teenage boys by a trusted priest. Some descriptions of the abuse are disturbing and graphic so that would be my only reservation in recommending this book to everyone—it could be a traumatic read for anyone who has experienced abuse. However, this is a fantastic story, with interesting characters, and a plot that never seems to plod.
A down-on-his luck attorney is hired by the boys’ mother and it changes both of their lives. There is a good mix of legal drama, crime, mystery, and detective work that keeps things moving.
It is also a solid commentary on the need for all people and organizations to do more to ensure children are protected from abuse. This is a serious and persistent problem even if it is, relatively speaking, rare.
This book was able to hold my attention from beginning to end. It gave me hope that there are people in the world willing to fight for what is right and for justice and warmed my cynical heart. I think that is a little something we could all use from time to time.

[Heather D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging

Betrayal of Faith by Mark Bello was a gripping, engaging story that kept me riveted to the book until the ending. There were no tedious or drawn out parts of this story--each chapter presented new twists and turns, adding to the nail biting final outcome.

I really liked how Bello shifted the perspective and point of view of the character focus in each chapter. This led to a much greater understanding of the story and plot, as well as the various characters' actions, emotions and choices. These shifts were done excellently within the storyline, smoothly progressing the story from beginning to end. It gave the reader a unique perspective as to protagonist Zachary Blake, as well as the forces within the Catholic Church and legal system he was interacting with.

The story was intriguing. It begins when Catholic minister Father Gerry is suddenly transferred to a new church location. We immediately learn from a chapter focusing on the "Coalition" that this was done erroneously, with members wondering why he was transferred to a position involving children. Widow Jennifer soon learns from her two boys that Father Gerry sexually assaulted them on a camping trip. That is how all of our characters become entwined. The boys' counselor (hired by the church) encourages Jennifer to bring a civil lawsuit against the church. Jennifer and her boys decide to hire Zachary Blake, a once well to do attorney, who is now divorced, broke, and was forced out of his own law firm several years before. During the rest of the story, we see how the trial plays out, including the reactions of former victims, current perpetrators, and how the secrecy and hierarchy of the Catholic Church tries to thwart the rights of the victims.

I loved the justice described in the ending. It made reading the story even more worthwhile. Great book!

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

A conspiracy of silence

Michigan author Mark M. Bello is an attorney and a justice advocate, having earned his BA in English Literature from Oakland University and his law degree form Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He spent forty years in the courtroom with high profile legal cases, and now offers his knowledge on his website Legal Examiner and Injury Board writing posts about safety, fairness and justice in the civil justice system. Mark consolidates his experiences in this series of novels – THE ZACHARY BLAKE LEGAL THRILLERS, of which BETRAYAL OF FAITH is Book 1.

What will become a recognizable trait in this series is the manner in which background and subplots set a stage for the thrilling mystery to come. BETRAYAL OF FAITH opens with a reference to the Our Lady Of The Lakes Church and School and the padres associated with it. A fine country setting in Michigan draws the curtain open for a camping trip – ‘[Jennifer Tracy] pulled into the parking lot of Our Lady of the Lakes Church and School, parked, exited the old truck, and headed for the rectory…She was the first parent to arrive, not surprising considering she was a half-hour early. Jennifer was excited to see the boys. This was their first overnight since Father Bill’s transfer. Father Bill was the only man the boys warmed up to since their dad, Jim, passed away…’ Intrigue in place and the story unwinds gradually before the title character Zachary Blake is even mentioned!

The synopsis is a fine guide – ‘Zachary Blake—once Detroit’s King of Justice, his partners stole his practice —his wife kicked him out and took everything. He spends his time getting plastered at the local strip club or hustling traffic cases. Things are about to change . . .The Coalition — the church’s super-secret organization whose leader will stop at nothing to protect it. Will these evil actors thwart justice once again? Jennifer Tracy—a woman of deep faith and grim determination whose children have fallen victim to a vicious predator. Will the unconscionable evil of The Coalition victimize Jennifer and her boys a second time? The three converge in Detroit for the trial of the century.’

Once Zachary Blake is introduced he undergoes a transformation out of his ‘down time’ and into the superb lawyer an rapidly becomes a significant character creation. To say much more may possibly result in spoilers, and that is the last thing a fine thriller deserves. Mark M. Bello is a master craftsman – both in the depth of his legal knowledge and his eloquent prose. The language is appropriate for each character, and the manner in which the multiple characters interweave is mesmerizing. This is a terrific opening for a series, one that practically guarantees the reader will move on to the next volume very soon! Highly recommended.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in the Zachary Blake Legal Thriller Series by Mark Bello was what I would have to call a gritty and raw look at possibly one of the worst crimes out there, pedophiles, and their attacks on young boys. The fact that this is also an expose of priests' involvement in the church makes this a very relatable and almost taboo subject to discuss. What happens to the characters in the story, especially the brothers, Kenny and Jake, is simply heartbreaking and tragic, and the reader is definitely taken on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. This is also a story about the family's ability to survive and rebound back from this tragedy of events. This story was also somewhat of a vilification of the churches' approach to handling these matters with closed trial documents and non-disclosure agreements, all in order to protect the integrity of the church, which is why the public criminal and civil trials were held at the request of those who were truly damaged by the events. The characters were easy to relate to and almost feel their emotions personally. It was also a story about redemption for Zachary Blake and his practice of law as he struggled against the barriers of allowing justice and law to prevail. Finally, it was about a developing love relationship, between the family and Zachary, as well as the renewal of the family's faith in their church. This is a voluntary review of this book from Fast and Free Reviews.

[BookswithElena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was worth the read. The characters in it felt very real and all kind of emotions were part of the story. There was emotional, thrilling and happy moments that kept me engaged with the book and the story. The fact that each chapter held new events and twists to the story was what made the book interesting, keeping you immersed in the story wanting to know how it ends.
A great book that i highly recommend!!

[Janet Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare for a late night

Zachary Blake is a down-on-his-luck lawyer when he is presented with the case of a lifetime, taking on the Catholic Church. The charge....sexual abuse by a priest. Prepare to stay up late to read this one because you will care about the the families victimized by someone they trusted. This is an absolutely, wonderful read!

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrayal of Faith by Mark M. Bello is the first novel in the Zachary Black Legal Thriller series. Zachary Blake is at the bottom of his career as an attorney when Jennifer Tracey retains him to represent her and her two sons. She met him three years previous when Blake was at the top of his game and life was good to him. Now Blake is just a shell of what he uses to be. Can he become the man he used to be to get justice for the Tracey family after they lost so much to a man and organization they were supposed to trust?
 
There are some novels that are hard because of the subject, yet you cannot tear yourself away, Betrayal by Faith is that kind of book. Mark M. Bello is a master at writing about a topic that is every parent’s nightmare, yet keeps the reader focused on the thrill of the outcome. This novel is so well written and places you there with the Tracey family. I could not recommend this book enough. I was in awe at the details and complexity of the plot and characters. I am looking forward to the next in this series, Betrayal of Justice.

[Mrs. Varela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrayal of Faith is a well-written story about an incredibly sensitive topic. Author Mark M. Bello writes a realistic story about child sexual abuse in the church. He adds an intriguing touch mystery to keep readers engaged.

In his second book from the Zachary Blake series we find Zach disheartened with life after losing his wife and the law firm he established. To pass time he drinks alone and takes on menial cases. When former client Jennifer Tracy visits him at his new office seeking his services, his life begins to change in unexpected ways. As she tells him how a trusted parish priest sexually abused her two sons he sees hope in the form of dollar signs.

Jennifer's faith is shaken when she discovers that she is up against the powerful Coalition who stops at nothing to keep this scandal from going public. Nonetheless, Jennifer and her sons not only want justice, but they want the pedophile priest, Father Gerry kept from harming other children. Attorney Zachary Blake promises them that he will do all he can to fight for them in court.

The trial reveals just how badly the Church wants to hide its part in allowing Father Gerry to be in a presence of children. As Zach and the private investigator he hired, Micah Love learn more, they realize Father Gerry is not the only one who is a perpetrator of defiling th church.

This book was written with great deal of detail and at times heartbreaking revelations. At the same time the author keeps readers wondering about the outcome to the bitter end. I for one look forward to reading the next book in the Zachary Blake series.

[Lenor · Rating 5 out of 5]

One intense reading, Betrayal of Faith is a strong story about two boys who have been molested by Father Gerry Bartholomew a new church member. The struggle of a loving mother to bring justice for her boys is truly amazing, while trying to fight the system we still now a days live in; she is trying to protect her boys and with all she has, she doesn’t want to cause more traumas, with the help of Zachary Blake they want to bring justice to the victims of Father Gerry.

We get to read from different character´s points of view, which really helps to understand how each one of them saw the situation they were being dragged to. This book reminded me of the movie Spotlight, the fight against the church is one the legal system is still refusing to pursue and this book has such a powerful message that I couldn’t put it down until I finished every word in it!!

[Seacaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a controversial book and I absolutely loved it. I love tv crime dramas and this book is just like that, only more absorbing and detailed than you would ever see on screen. The author tells the story from multiple perspectives and this really creates strong emotions in the reader. Seeing "behind the scenes" of the attempted cover up etc is shocking and gripping, I couldn't wait to see the outcome. An incredibly emotive book and trust me you'll be left absolutely floored by this one.

[Jessi Bone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Tracey goes to the Our Lady of the Lakes Church to pick up her young boys Jake and Kenny from an overnight camping trip with a group of other boys with their pastor Father Gerry. Upon picking them up she knows something is not right. Her normally happy energetic boys just want to stay in their rooms and stay to themselves. Jennifer with the advisement of the Head Pastor Father John decides to put the boys in counseling. When two months pass the truth is revealed. Father Gerry had raped her young sons. Now along with their counselor Dr. Rothernberg they decide to press charges against Father Gerry for what he has done along with filing charges. The truth is far more dangerous than meets the eyes with the help of their attorney Zachary Blake the truth and light are what they seek.

I was taken aback by the fact Mark Bello tackled one of the most controversial topics of our time and the facts behind the child abuse that had taken a back seat to church politics and procedures. The fact he was kind enough to give you enough information to understand the damage but tackled it from the victim's point of view gave me great relief not excuses the behavior yet shows both sides of the cover-ups and secrecy. It is a well-written novel that you will find yourself staying up all night to finish. I will reassure you there is as happy as an ending can be when it comes to these cases and there are redemption and justice for all involved. I am glad I chose to pick it up to read you will find yourself crying, laughing and throw the book a time or two which with any good read you will find yourself doing.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in the series who was a prominent lawyer who seems to have hit rock bottom. In this story he meets Jennifer who would like him to file a suit against an individual who has taken advantage of her sons.

After the suit was filed, Zach receives an offer from the lawyer representing the defendant and recommends that Jennifer takes it. To him, it is a quick way to the finalization of a case and would also provide him with funds that he desperately needs. Jennifer refuses the offer because of certain conditions that the settlement imposes. Ultimately, Zach starts to regain the fire that he had when he was successful and continues to proceed more forcefully ahead. He gets Micah Love, his investigator, to start looking into possible similar circumstances that might have happened earlier. There is a group within the Defendants that is called "the Coalition who do everything they can do prevent Micah from finding out any information that would be detrimental to their defense.

As the date of the trial comes closer, Zach still has problems of how to proceed.

In order to determine the outcome of the jury trial and whether Good vs. Evil is the winner, then you must read this book which I recommend highly. The way that Zach performed is masterfull and I look forward to reading more in this series.

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book because of the amazing reviews on Amazon and oh boy, they were all right. Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. I couldn't put this down until I ended! This thriller got me reading and reading till I realize I finnished! very well writen and the story artistically constructed. I highly recommend it!

[Jon Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining legal book about the tragic results of the Church's attempt to cover up child molestation. For the legal layperson, this book also helps explain the process of a civil trial with entertainment.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book in the Betrayal series. The book kept my attention and engaged me from the very beginning.
The novel begins as a young widow retrieves her 2 sons from a camping trip chaperoned by their local priest. Instantly, she notices that the boys are different, but they won’t tell her why.
Eventually, it is discovered that the children were sexually abused by the priest. Jennifer, the mother, reaches out to a lawyer who handled her husband’s industrial accident case to represent her and her children. Now, the lawyer has fallen on hard times. Jennifer retains him anyway.
What follows is a court case where Jenny and her sons are up against the Catholic Church. It will be hard to prove that the church knew about the priest’s actions. Jenny is adamant that she doesn’t want the priest to be able to harm another child.
This is a well done courtroom drama with a bit of suspense and romance mixed in. The final lines wrap up the story nicely and give an update on the character’s lives after the court case. This is a book relevant to what has happened in the church and the sexual abuse cover-up scandal.
I look forward to the next installment.
#BetrayalOfFaith #MarkMBello

[Bluebird · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book and the author chose a great theme for a suspenseful crime thriller. The subject is very controversial and doesn't shy away from the very tough topic of pedophilia in the church. The author did well to play out so many different roles within the story and capture the feelings as well as the technical and legal aspects, quite reminiscent of Jodi Picoult who is one of my favorites. Highly recommend.

[Monica Reents · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible start to a series! I was drawn in right away and found myself unable to put the book down. Each chapter pushed this story forward, kept me entertained, and left me needing more.
The characters that were created for each part of this book couldn't have been crafted any better for this plot.
If you enjoy legal thrillers that keep you guessing and that throw twist after twist at you, this is for you!
I've purchased the entire series and am ready to binge read my way through them! Highly recommend!

[Frisca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having to raise two boys after losing their father, she finds the parish priest to be of help. When he is transferred and replaced by another priest her boys take that lose pretty hard as well. She hopes they could find some spark by sending them to summer camp. However, when they return, they seem to be far off worse than when they left. Not understanding and desperate to want to help her boys she finally finds out that they weren't only molested by the new priest, they were raped. When a mother's job is to protect her children, how can she do it without exposing them as well. She turns to a lawyer who when they first met had a firm with other prestigious layers. Faith being the main theme, the characters can lose it or keep it from losing themselves. This book reminded me of when my own faith was tested, and without searching for the answer, it was given a gift.

[Grymm Gevierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hard to put down, but it’s also rather dark. Bello claws at every emotion the readers have at their disposal and rips them into the open. The book tackles a few really important topics: sexual abuse, systemic corruption in the religious and legal systems, and the almighty dollar superseding motivation (which, thankfully, isn’t a through-theme, just my take on Zach’s initial motivations). I actually felt for the characters, I was rooting for a win against the legal team of the pastor and the pastor himself. This book really is a good snapshot into the disparity between motivated do-good lawyers and regular lawyers…but please don’t mistake this for a book focused on law. It is a theme, but the story here is certainly rooted in justice for the abused.

I will say that this feels a lot like Bello is pulling from his own experience as a lawyer. There is a good amount of jargon, which isn’t a problem as it’s mostly in context but can be a bit off-putting. I like law and have a lot of lawyer friends so it wasn’t so terrible for me, but I can see someone not being able to keep pace due to having to look up terms. I do recommend this book. It’s a great start to a series that I hope continues just as powerful as the first book.

[DonDon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betrayal of Faith by Mark M. Bello is a book in the Zachary Blake thrillers and I found this book to be quite an emotional read, containing detailed descriptions of the abuse that took place leaving me with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes! This book in my opinion is a must read that takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions to expose the truth of the abuse that so many children have and continue to suffer from. A real page turner.

[Ilya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh....reads like a movie script, very predictable: 2 boys, creepy Pastor, overnight camp, single mom, sinister Church, etc, etc, etc. Not engaging one bit. After Spotlight and Frontline's Secrets of the Vatican, this reads like Cliff Notes on Church's Sexual Abuse.

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Betrayal of Faith" penned by the author Mark M. Bello is the first installment in 'A Zachary Blake Legal Thriller' series. This is a kinda story that hooked me from the first page. Story is set in Michigan. Jennifer Tracey became a widow at the age of thirty seven. She lost her husband Jim three years ago. Jennifer is a mother of two sons: Jake (12 years old) and Kenny (14 years old). After losing their father, both Jake and Kenny found solace and comfort in Father Bill who was transferred from a parish in Pennsylvania to Michigan when Jim's accident occurred.

After three years, Father Bill had no choice but was transferred to a new church and Father Gerry replaced Bill at Our Lady of the Lakes Church. When Jake and Kenny went on a camping trip with Father Gerry, they returned home damaged. They were silent and sad. Jennifer suspected something is wrong with the boys and maybe Father Gerry is the reason behind. Grab a copy of this book and find out what happens next as Jennifer is seeking professional help now for her sons but church wanted her to seek treatment from practitioners that are loyal to the church.

This is an amazing story. It's gripping and unputdownable. Once I started reading this novel, it had all my attention. Cover photo of the book is nice and title is suitable. Writing style of author is nice and story plot is quite intriguing. If you enjoy stories involving suspense and is a fan of thriller, then don't miss to pick this one.

[Kia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrayal of Faith
By
Mark M Bello

My Review:
Recently I got my hands on the book Betrayal of Faith by Mark M Bello. Jim Tracey lost his life in a tragic accident. He left his wife Jennifer Tracey and his two sons Jake and Kenny to survive on their own. After Jim's death, Jennifer found it difficult to bring food to the table for boys but still she was doing whatever she can. After three years of Jim's death, when a new priest Father Gerry was transferred to the local church, he took wrong advantage of Jennifer's boys.

After returning from a camping trip, Kenny and Jake weren't the same. They started staying in their room and don't leave their home for anything but school. One evening when Jennifer invited Father Gerry for a supper so he could also talk to boys to figure out what's wrong, Jennifer realized that the priest could be the reason behind her boys' strange behavior.

As the story progresses, Jennifer takes help from Zachary Blake who is Detroit's former king of justice. Read the story yourself to know will Blake be of any help for Jennifer?

Author has done great job in this book. I am glad that I have got my hands on Mark's book. His writing is refreshing. Story is full of action and drama so I didn't feel bored anytime while reading this book. Narration is smooth so I enjoyed reading this book in a flow. I would love to see this book series as a TV series.

My Rating: 5/5

[Sonam Shukla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Widow and single mother Jennifer Tracy is a woman of deep faith and grim determination. When her sons fall victim to a vicious predator at the very place she seeks support. The case looks straightforward enough until Blake gets blindsided by The Coalition—The church’s super-secret organization whose leader will stop at nothing to protect it.
________
Betrayal of Faith is part of a Zachary Blake's legal thriller series. This was really a terrific read, a great story line with some amazingly memorable characters. The book actually did drag me into this story. This is the kind of book I want to read when I am stressed because it gets so thrilling that I forget about the things I was stressing on. As you Sail through this book it soon starts becoming very controversial but the author tackled it very tastefully. The major highlight of this book is child abuse, it really got intense after a few chapters I had to put the book away for a few hours only so that I can absorb what I actually read. The book is inspired by a real-life case, this compelling courtroom action drama spins a web of greed, power, and unspeakable acts of betrayal. I think this book can also be used for case studies and will come really handy for law students.
_______
By the end, the story gave me great relief.
Will victims and perpetrators get the justice they so richly deserve? Bello keeps you guessing until the jury speaks. I am really excited to see what's coming next!

[Readers Choice · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑻𝒊𝒕𝒍𝒆: Betrayal of Faith
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓: Mark M Bello

𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
Mark M Bello's 'Betrayal of Faith' is the first book in 'A Zachary Blake Legal Thriller' series.

Story is about the Tracey family. Jennifer Tracey's sons were abused by the priest of the local church in Michigan. Can you believe that? Zachary Blake was involved to look into the case of Tracey family. Three years back, Zack was at the top but now he is at the rock bottom in his career. He has already lost his practice, wife, kids, home, etc. But will Zachary who is in need of money, take Tracey family's case?

I like to suggest you to read this book on weekend so you could binge read it. Story is very interesting and author has written the plot nicely. I am very impressed with Mark's writing. Language used in the book is lucid and I enjoyed reading this story. While reading, I was so curious to find out what gonna happen next. Looking forward to read the next book in the series.

𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5