Philip Friedman Books In Order

Publication Order of William Kendall Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Anthologies

An American author as well as an attorney, the writer Philip Friedman, who also goes under the name of Philip Chase, is well known for writing tense and taut thrillers. Knowing his audience and what they’re looking for, he really manages to elevate the art-form to another level, creating exciting character driven dramas. Largely focusing on the legal world, he writes from an experienced perspective, giving his novels his own sense of understanding. This has lead to a collection of extremely accurate and realistic stories that are believable to the reader, whilst simultaneously not alienating them. Regardless of where they are from, he creates characters that are easy to relate to, resonating on a personal and intimate level, quite unlike any other.

Providing an insiders look into the world of law and order, along with crime, he offers a window that was otherwise not there before. With his unique voice and style as well, he really sets himself apart from the other writers currently working within his field. This has lead to him becoming a highly sought after figure throughout the industry, with many looking to replicate him and his work. Not only that, but he has also created a successful series as well, looking into the world of the military, which he did under the pen-name of Philip Chase. Continually finding fans from across the world, his work continues to resonate with readers, as his career has set a standard that will stand the test of time for many years yet.

Early and Personal Life

Growing up in the United States where he was born and raised, Philip Friedman was highly academic as well as creative from an early age. This lead to his love of writing, as he held a passion for literature, excelling in his studies, continually refining and honing his voice throughout the years. Studying at Princeton University, he would graduate in mathematics, giving him an academic foundation with which to propel his career forwards. This would later take him into his career as an attorney, another area which he would also excel in, gaining an insight into the world of the criminal justice system. Over time he would take in a wealth of inspiration from the world around him, constantly building upon the material he had at his disposal for his literary career.

Receiving his degree in law from the New York University, he would continue his career into law and order, becoming a much sought after attorney. This would pave the way for him to gain many ideas, leading to him also becoming a major figure of great standing too. Currently still writing and practising law to this day, he has a lot more come yet, as his career grows from strength-to-strength.

Writing Career

Making his literary debut with the stand-alone novel ‘Rage’ in 1972, he would also see a cinematic adaptation of that book coming out the very same year. Starring George C. Scott in the leading role as Dan Logan, it would herald the arrival of a major new writing talent on the literary scene. It was in 1976 that he would later release the novel ‘Deadly Crusade’, which would come out under his pseudonym of Philip Chase. This is the name he used for the subsequent titles in the series that came to be known as ‘William Kendall’, which were military espionage and action novels. Perfectly understanding action, excitement and tension, he really knows how to effectively build the tension and suspense throughout.

Also writing for numerous different publications over the course of his career, Friedman has written for Elle, The New York Times and The Forward. Along with this he has also served as a member of the Author’s Guild, as well as the Dramatists’ Guild, both of which have also elevated his standing in the literary community. Producing the award winning American Short Story series too, he really has made a name for himself, which will grow for a long time to come.

Defame and Destroy

With it also being re-published on the Kindle in 2017 through the ‘Ryder, Cassidy Publishing’ label, this was first released 1976. Continuing on from the previous two titles, it was the third novel in the ongoing ‘William Kendall’ collection of stories, following the eponymous protagonist. Written under the name Philip Chase, it would later be followed up with the book ‘Betrayal in Eden’, also being released in 1976.

As a fun and action packed military novel, this doesn’t miss a beat, even if it is one of the authors lesser known works. With a strong character in the form of William Kendall, Friedman really has fun with the genre, playing with the many tropes and cliches. This all creates an easy-going and casual read that immerses the reader fully into the narrative, giving fans and newcomers of the series alike something to enjoy.

This time it appears that the existence of the Special Unit is beginning to leak out, leading to major disarray and terror. With a mysterious group threatening to use murder and blackmail in their plans to upset international affairs worldwide, it appears that events are really taking a turn for the worse. With his unit assigned, William Kendall quickly discovers that resources are limited for his team, as he must make the best of a bad situation. Needing to quell the potential chaos that is threatening to rear its head, he’s pitted in a race against the clock to de-escalate the situation. Will William Kendall manage it in time? What mysterious forces are behind this terror and why are they doing it? Just who is out to defame and destroy?

Reasonable Doubt

First published in 1990, this was one of the later books to be released by Philip Friedman, with it being a stand-alone novel. Showing a clear sense of development for the author, it’s a definite must for any fans of his looking to gain a greater insight into his work. It would also take the readers on a journey into the world of law and order, giving them an insight into an otherwise unseen way of life.

Michael Ryan is an ex-federal prosecutor who has been estranged from his twenty-six year old son Ned. That’s when he receives news that his son has been murdered in a Soho art gallery, and Ned’s wife has been implicated in the crime, leaving her to turn to her father-in-law. This then leads Ryan on a journey into the life of his son, as he begins to unearth the truth about his own past and some artefacts that he would’ve rather left buried. Will he find the truth behind who really killed his son? Can he deal with the obstacles from his own past? How is he going to find the answers with reasonable doubt?