Step into the thrilling world of Rachel Gold, where sharp wits, high-stakes legal battles, and a dash of St. Louis charm collide! Michael A. Kahn’s Rachel Gold Mystery series follows the tenacious Rachel Gold, a former big-firm lawyer turned solo practitioner, as she tackles corporate conspiracies, mysterious murders, and ethical dilemmas with unwavering determination. With her razor-sharp intellect and a knack for uncovering buried secrets, Rachel’s adventures are a must-read for fans of legal thrillers with heart.
Blending courtroom drama with detective-style sleuthing, this series offers a refreshing take on the mystery genre. Rachel’s no-nonsense attitude, colorful sidekicks like the brash Benny Goldberg, and a vividly drawn St. Louis backdrop make every book a page-turner. Ready to meet a lawyer who’s as fierce in the courtroom as she is on the trail of justice? Let’s dive in!
How Rachel Gold Began
The Rachel Gold series was born from a challenge. Michael A. Kahn, a St. Louis-based trial lawyer, was constantly critiquing the novels he read, claiming he could write something better. His wife, Margi, finally told him to ‘write one or shut up.’ Kahn took the dare, and in 1992, Grave Designs introduced Rachel Gold, a Chicago lawyer who soon relocated to St. Louis. Kahn’s legal expertise and knack for storytelling crafted a heroine who’s both relatable and formidable, launching a series that’s now spanned over two decades.
The Heart of Rachel Gold
The series kicks off with Grave Designs, where Rachel investigates a mysterious trust fund tied to a pet cemetery, unraveling a conspiracy steeped in blackmail and murder. In Death Benefits, she digs into a suspicious suicide, navigating insurance law and ancient artifacts. Sheer Gall sees Rachel tackling a brutal murder case that exposes a web of deceit among St. Louis’s elite, while Bad Trust, the 11th and latest book, pits her against a deadly family trust dispute. Each novel weaves a legal issue—like due diligence, trusts, or age discrimination—into a gripping mystery.
Kahn’s stories shine through their St. Louis setting, capturing the city’s neighborhoods, culture, and quirks with insider flair. Themes of justice, ethics, and resilience run deep, as Rachel balances her moral compass with the murky realities of law and crime. Her wit, paired with a cast of quirky allies like her vulgar yet brilliant friend Benny and her supportive mother, Sarah, adds humor and warmth to the suspense. The series’ style—fast-paced, dialogue-driven, and layered with legal intrigue—keeps readers hooked.
Why Rachel Gold Resonates
Rachel Gold’s appeal lies in her blend of strength and humanity. Fans praise her as a ‘lawyer’s lawyer,’ embodying intelligence and grit while facing personal struggles, like balancing work and family in Bad Trust. The series has carved a niche in the legal thriller genre, drawing comparisons to Lisa Scottoline and Sara Paretsky for its strong female lead and intricate plots. Its St. Louis roots give it a unique regional flavor, making it a love letter to the city and a standout for mystery lovers seeking fresh settings.
Though not a household name, the series has a loyal following, with readers on Goodreads and Amazon lauding its engaging characters and unpredictable twists. Kahn’s ability to merge real-world legal issues with high-stakes drama ensures Rachel’s cases feel timely and thought-provoking, cementing her as a heroine for readers who crave substance with their suspense.
- First book published: 1992 (Grave Designs)
- Number of books: 11
- Latest book: Bad Trust (2020)
- Setting: Primarily St. Louis, Missouri
- Awards: Kahn is an award-winning author, recognized for his legal thrillers
Grab Grave Designs and dive into Rachel Gold’s world of legal thrills and St. Louis mysteries! Whether you’re a fan of courtroom drama or love a clever sleuth, Rachel’s adventures will keep you guessing till the final page.