Todd M. Johnson has practiced as an attorney for over 30 years, specializing as a trial lawyer. Todd’s career experience blends with his passion for writing in his novels published through Bethany House.
A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, he also taught for two years as an adjunct professor of International Law, and served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong.
The Deposit Slip, Mr. Johnson’s first novel, debuted in 2012. Todd’s second novel, Critical Reaction, will be released in November 2013.
Todd lives outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife Cathy and children Ian and Libby.
Learn more about Todd and his books on his Website.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
After decades of turning out plutonium for the arms race, the Hanford Nuclear Facility has long been shuttered, though its deadly legacy cannot be fully contained. The men who guard the facility from sabotage or monitor its buildings for radiation leaks are told the risks are under control. They believe it, until the worst happens: a thunderous explosion in the dead of night.
Two workers, lifer Poppy Martin and new hire Kieran Mullaney, believe themselves lucky to survive the blast. But as the debris is cleared, they discover their safety is not assured. Dead ends and closed doors halt their efforts to discover what really happened–and what radiation may have poisoned them. When stalling and threats force them into the hands of experienced trial lawyer Ryan Hart, they learn that theirs is no ordinary lawsuit. There is something still hidden in the desert of eastern Washington, and someone is willing to go to extreme lengths to make sure it never sees the light of day.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Critical Reaction, go HERE.
MY REVIEW:
It has become apparent that due to other obligations I will not finish reading Critical Reaction before the end of its blog tour. However I am approximately half through it and can share some of my thoughts. I definitely plan to finish this novel – I just don’t want to miss the review deadline.
I read Johnson’s previous novel The Deposit Slip and was impressed by his skill in relating legal details without thoroughly boring me. He includes just enough for his readers to understand what is necessary without excess legal jargon. I really appreciate that because to me the story is what’s important – don’t bog me down with unnecessary details. Critical Reaction continues with the same basic style. Johnson’s characters are well-rounded and easy to care about and although the story is told through several points of view, it is never difficult to follow.The plot is straightforward and contains some interesting twists and secrets that I hope will be revealed before the end.
I am invested in the book enough to already be a bit angry at the coverups and intimidation used by the Hanford executives. There are more than one character I am rooting for and am hoping for a satisfactory conclusion to their part in the overall story. I actually do not doubt that it will end well but I do enjoy the suspense that keeps me wondering as I read.
Based on my experience with The Deposit Slip and thus far with Critical Reaction, Todd M. Johnson has found a place on my go to authors list.
