Jack Swyteck Series: Book 20
Publication Date: January 6, 2026
In this thrilling novel from bestselling author James Grippando—the twentieth in his revered series—legendary criminal defense attorney Jack Swyteck takes on a twisty, difficult case that becomes one of the most complex in his illustrious career.
Miami criminal defense lawyer Jack Swyteck must contend with a unique problem. His client, Elliott Stafford, indicted for murder, has gone silent. Not just silent in asserting his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination—Elliott refuses to speak. He won’t talk to the judge, his girlfriend, or even the attorney fighting for his life. There seems to be no medical or psychological reason for his silence. He has, as Jack puts it, “chosen to become his own worst enemy.”
To some, it’s an act of protest against a broken criminal justice system. Jack doesn’t buy it. Undeterred by the hoopla and calls to walk away, he keeps his client and tries his best to save Elliott from himself. As he digs for facts, Jack discovers a much more disturbing reason for Elliott’s silence. Virtually everything Elliott told Jack before the indictment is proving false, including Elliot’s criminal history, family turmoil, and secret past. As Jack plunges deeper, he comes to believe that Elliott isn’t trying to hide his own guilt. He may be protecting someone else—and the stakes could not be higher.
With plenty of courtroom action, scenes in which “Grippando’s years of experience shine brightest” (New York Times), The Right to Remain is one of the most thrilling entries yet in this hugely popular series that keeps going strong.
The death of former FBI agent Owen Pollard kicks off a legal frenzy as investigators waffle between suicide and murder.
Author James Grippando serves up a legal thriller showcasing the tenacious Jack Swyteck, a skilled Miami defense attorney. The Right to Remain takes readers into the courtroom where anything can happen.
Was it the business partner? What about the wife? Why would a grand jury subpoena Elliott Stafford, who worked at Owen’s company?
Jack’s creative thinking may be hampered by his client’s stubborn silence, but there’s a reason why preparation is practically his middle name. When the dust settles and all the revelations have come to light, readers will be impressed with the author’s ability to weave in plenty of unexpected details.
The Right to Remain delivers an action-packed legal thriller full of surprises.
James Grippando is a New York Times bestselling author with more than thirty books to his credit, including those in his acclaimed series featuring Miami criminal defense attorney Jack Swyteck, and is the winner of the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction. He is also a trial lawyer and teaches law and literature at the University of Miami School of Law. He lives and writes in South Florida.
