Alive By Proxy, the third book in the Proxy Legal Thriller Series, is now live at the introductory price of $2.99 for a limited time.
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Quinton Bell may be walking into his most dangerous case yet.
When Houston Wildcatters linebacker Marcus Hale is charged with murder, the case erupts into a media firestorm. But as Quinton digs deeper, the trial begins exposing hidden motives, dangerous truths, and shadows from the past that refuse to stay buried.
The courtroom is packed. The cameras are rolling. Once again, Quinton stands between his client and catastrophe while guarding secrets of his own.
Read an excerpt before you jump in:
Chapter 1
Lightning slashed the Houston sky, illuminating the street for a fraction of a second before plunging it back into darkness. Rain hammered the pavement, pooling in gutters and rising fast. The bayous were already swollen, their muddy currents surging over the banks, consuming roads, homes, yards, everything in their path.
Daniel Price stood at his townhouse window, watching the water creep up his driveway. The power had gone out over an hour ago, leaving him in the dim glow of a flickering candle. A sharp knock at the door made him turn.
He wasn’t expecting anyone, especially at this hour and in this weather.
Another knock. Louder this time.
Urgent.
He unlatched the door and pulled it partially open.
A figure in a dark blue, rain-soaked poncho stood on the threshold.
“Jesus, you’re soaked,” Price said. “Get in here.”
The blade flashed in the candlelight.
Chapter 2
On the 610 Loop, Quinton Bell hustled into his office and dropped down behind his large wooden desk. He’d finished a hearing in the downtown courthouse and had hurried to get back to his office before rush hour hit.
The Law Office of Quinton Lamar Bell had only been open for about a year, and he was already turning away clients.
But Quinton Bell was not his real name.
It was Byron Douglas.
When Quinton opened his Houston office, he thought he was the only person alive who knew he had faked his own death in New York and stepped into the life of his dead best friend. He had taken the face, the name, and the future of Quinton Bell.
Now he lived each day alive by proxy, hiding in plain sight.
The phone rang.
Cassidy West was calling from jail.
Her client, Houston Wildcatters linebacker Marcus Hale, was being questioned for the murder of Daniel Price.
Chapter 3
Sheryl Benton sat in the dimly lit viewing room, her hands folded tightly in her lap. On the other side of the one-way glass, five men stood shoulder to shoulder in matching gray sweats.
Marcus Hale stood in slot number three.
Officer Gere’s voice was calm. “Take your time, Mrs. Benton. If you recognize anyone, just tell us.”
She leaned forward, uncertainty settling into her chest.
“Third from the left,” she finally whispered. “Maybe.”
That one word changed everything.
Behind her, Detective Clive Broussard stiffened.
And in the corner, Quinton Bell adjusted the cuffs of his tailored suit and watched the lineup begin to tilt toward disaster.
***
Excerpt from Alive By Proxy by Manning Wolfe. Copyright 2026 by Manning Wolfe. Produced with permission from Manning Wolfe. All rights reserved.
Some books come easier than others. This one didn’t. Marcus Hale’s story demanded more honesty, more digging, and more time spent in the uncomfortable places where the best thrillers live.
Thank you for reading, for sharing these books with friends, and for continuing to travel this road with Quinton and me. I’m so grateful to have you along for the ride.
Happy Reading,
Manning
