Tom Berte: Book 2
Publication Date: February 17, 2026
Lawyer Tom Berte’s bucolic new life is about to be shattered by a threat he can’t ignore.
Tom Berte, a former Department of Justice lawyer, thought he’d left his past behind when he moved to Castle Ridge with his family. But when a brutal attack leaves him fighting for his life, Tom and his family find themselves at the epicenter of an unfolding conspiracy that stretches from the local ski resort to a desert compound on the other side of the world.
At the heart of the mystery is Phoenix Holdings Group, a shadowy international conglomerate with its sights set on Castle Ridge Ski Resort. When a catastrophic “accident” at the resort claims dozens of lives, Tom uncovers a chilling connection to his own assault and a ruthless plot that could endanger millions.
With his wife and daughter’s lives hanging in the balance, Tom must navigate a treacherous path of legal intrigue, corporate espionage, and looming revenge.
For fans of John Grisham and Michael Connelly, strap in for a heart-pounding legal thriller with The Winter Verdict—where the pursuit of justice is as precarious as a black diamond run.
Attorney Tom Berte discovers a ruthless international plot that threatens to destroy his community, but sounding the alarm would endanger his family.
Author Dan Buzzetta serves up an action-packed thriller in The Winter Verdict. A holding company based overseas is determined to acquire Castle Ridge Ski Resort.
As the resort’s attorney, Tom must present the offer, but no amount of money will convince the owner to sell. With a much larger plan in place, the holding company uses dirty deeds to wreak havoc.
By including a deadline, the author effectively ramps up the intensity. The terrorist threat using poison could easily be pulled out of today’s headlines.
The Winter Verdict brings evil to a small community, forcing ordinary people to fight against death and manipulation.
Dan Buzzetta is a successful attorney and partner in the New York City office of a large national law firm. In 2024, Dan was elected to the governing body of his hometown in New Jersey for a three-year term. Dan is also a volunteer firefighter, and in his spare time enjoys traveling and skiing with his wife and three children. He divides his time between New Jersey and Windham, New York
