Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke for Readers' Favorite

In Brooke Holmes' Unjust, Jason Michelson is hired by one of the most prestigious law firms in Minneapolis and works an average of 120 hours a week. He lives frugally and, as a workaholic, he is a rising star in Goldstein Brandt Miller and Fredrickson as a fourth-year associate in the commercial law section. He loved his profession but was dismayed when he was instructed to add extra to his caseload with one hundred hours of pro bono work. He is directed to help Rachel Nix in the case of Maxwell Williams who, forty years earlier, had been sentenced for raping and killing his girlfriend. Now evidence had come to light and they were tasked with preparing for a new trial to exonerate the innocent victim. Despite a rocky start, Jason and Rachael are attracted to each other and work hard to prepare a new defense and maybe discover who murdered Amelia Marie Jackson. Weaving through the intricacies of the law does not make life easier, and the outcome is not what they expected.

I enjoyed reading Unjust by Brooke Holmes and despite knowing that the law is not fair, the points made are shocking. The story is so believable and authentic since Holmes is a lawyer and knows her subject intimately. To a reader not familiar with the legal profession, the author clearly describes the various points of law as Jason and Rachel work hard to prepare a case for a wrongly accused man and secure his release from jail. It is heartwarming to know that there are non-government organizations that attempt to right the wrongs of an unjust law. A large part of the book is the trial and I was riveted to the pages as the prosecution and defence argue their cases. Once I started reading, it was difficult to put this book down. The characters leaped off the page as they were so realistically drawn and you cared about them, always a sign of a good book. It never flags in pace and the developing romance between Jason and Rachel adds an extra dimension. Holmes takes us behind the scenes to share what really happens in a court of law and it is a fascinating read. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

A young woman dies in a stampede at the Michigan State Capitol. Her distraught father hires Andrea Kramer, an up-and-coming lawyer with a struggling practice, to bring his daughter's killers to justice. Andrea believes there is a possibility that she can get justice for her client. Still, the prospect of going up against high-flying Michael O’Hara, who has all the state's resources at his disposal, is a daunting proposition. Michael believes this case will go the way of his previous victories, but there is something about the beautiful attorney opposing him that makes him suspect it may not be business as usual this time. Read Mark M. Bello's Love Hate Law to find out who wins.

Courtroom rivalry leads to romance in Mark M. Bello’s Love Hate Law. Bello’s plot integrates elements of recent political happenings into a classic love story that readers will find as entertaining as it is relatable. The characters are well-crafted, and their motivations are clear enough for the reader to understand. Bello takes time to develop an exciting subplot about Michael’s fall from grace, deep enough to spawn a complete story that can stand alone. Another striking aspect of this novel is the focus Bello puts into the court proceedings as the story gathers momentum, going so far as to explain the jury selection process in a way that makes the event an immersive experience for the reader. Bello allows the reader to decide if the ethical ramifications of Andrea's and Michael’s activities make such a dalliance appealing. Bello’s unconventional storytelling approach guarantees that mystery and romance fans will enjoy Love Hate Law as much as I did.

Reviewed by Angelique Papayannopoulos for Readers' Favorite

Plausible Liars by Lin Wilder is a medical drama inspired by actual events and information on transgenderism, based on studies of material found on medical gender-affirmation websites. Dr. Lindsay McCall contends with transgender politics and becomes caught up in a provoking and challenging situation. Kate Townsend is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist and has published controversial articles on the dangers and impact of gender transitioning. We are also introduced to the sad and confused world of Joey Carmichael, a transgender teenager, who is befriended by Dr. McCall’s daughter LJ, and her unique friend Morgan. Indictments for unintentional murder have been filed against best friends Lindsay and Kate, placing them under the control of a dangerous conspiracy by the US Department of Justice. There is no doubt that both sides make compelling arguments.

Author Lin Wilder has created an eye-opening novel filled with detailed medical research and a realistic court case that will keep you captivated to the end. Transgenderism is presented diversely and plausibly for each of the characters introduced. The plot builds up intensely and one feels deeply emotionally immersed in the courtroom drama. Families, friends, and professionals are entangled in the medical and legal debates during the explosive court case with an unexpected twist in the end. There are recurring themes of social relations based on stereotypes, emotions, hardships, courage, justice, and faith. Plausible Liars is an informative and educational read and is highly recommended for those who are open-minded and willing to have their beliefs challenged. Truly, an eye-opener for both sides of the argument!

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

In the Shadows of the Game, a mystery and legal thriller by Owen Parr, starts with Ruth informing Joey Mancuso over the phone that her son, Randy Goldstein, had been taken into custody and would soon face charges related to second-degree murder. The victim was Silvio Alvarez, a teammate on Randy’s tennis team. All the evidence and circumstances pointed to Randy as the killer, and Mancuso had to track down the real killer to prove Randy's innocence. During Mancuso and his team’s investigation, they found a syndicate that forced teenage girls into prostitution as well as a syndicate that took advantage of female students making provocative videos of themselves. When people of interest were murdered, it was up to Mancuso to unravel the mystery behind these murders and find the link between them.

In the Shadows of the Game by Owen was a roller coaster ride of blackmail, courtroom drama, deceit, murder, suspense, and guilt. The plot was excellently executed and full of action and suspense, and there was never a dull moment. This page-turner hooked me from the start and kept me on the edge of my seat. The court proceedings had an engaging focus and provided an immersive experience. With all the unexpected twists and turns, I never knew what to expect next. The characters were authentic and easy to relate to. Mancuso believed in Randy’s innocence and investigated all possible aspects to prove his innocence. The story was brilliantly written and exceeded my expectations. The epilogue was an enjoyable read as Owen Parr expertly outlined the brilliant conclusion.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Empty Kayak by Jodé Millman is a mystery with a difference. Olivia and Kyle are kayaking along the Hudson River when a storm rolls in out of nowhere. While Olivia finds her way back to shore, her fiancé, Kyle, doesn’t. Detective Ebony Jones arrives at the river to help them, but discovering who the missing man is sends shockwaves through her. He’s her best friend’s ex-boyfriend, and Jessie and Kyle share a daughter. Ebony must investigate the mystery of what happened to Kyle; while Jessie seeks justice, neither woman is prepared for what they will face. Lies, betrayal, and earth-shattering secrets will drive a wedge between everyone involved, but Ebony and Jessie need to uncover the truth, no matter what. Will they learn what happened to Kyle? Will the truth tear them apart? And where does Olivia fit into everything?

The Empty Kayak by Jodé Millman is a wonderfully tense mystery with a strong focus on relationships and careers destroying lives. Although it is a police procedural novel, it is more about the personal and emotional aspects. It is part of a series, but I found it easy to read as a standalone novel. Although the characters are well-developed, reading the first two books in the series will provide an even better understanding of the two main protagonists, Ebony and Jessie. It has a unique storyline, and the tension builds with every page, reeling you in to discover the truth behind Kyle’s disappearance. The suspense draws you deeper into this gripping tale; you won’t put it down until you’re done. Of course, then you’ll want to read the rest of the series to get to know these fantastic characters better.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Burning Justice by Marti Green is Book 6 in the Innocent Prisoners Project Series. Becky Whitlaw, a young widow from Texas, stands accused of burning her house down, killing her three children. She claims she is innocent but could she have done it in a drunken blackout? The jury says she is guilty and convicts her. Twenty years on, Dani Trumball takes her case. Working with the Help Innocent Prisoners Project as a defense attorney, Dani agrees to defend Becky, even though the evidence is pointing straight at her. At the same time, California wildfires are raging closer and closer to Dani’s home; can she find the evidence she needs to get Becky acquitted at the same time as keeping her own husband and kids safe? Time is short for Dani and this case will test her to the limits.

Burning Justice by Marti Green is the sixth book in the Innocent Prisoners Project series but can be read as a standalone story. Marti Green has written a cracking legal thriller here, a story that tells another side of the justice system and shows us that not everything is black or white. The main protagonist, Dani, is very well developed, a likable, real person with real problems. This isn’t just about her legal battles; this is about her personal battles too and it makes for an intriguing read. There’s plenty of action, suspenseful mystery, and legal information along the way, some of which might cause your eyebrows to raise a little! The story is full of emotion and you will feel drawn to both Dani and Becky, rooting for them all the way. Highly recommended reading. I will be reading the rest of the series.

Reviewed by Danelle Petersen for Readers' Favorite

Under the Ashes: Murder and Morels by Charles Cutter is a clever and suspense-filled thriller with the good-looking but sometimes off-kilter Burr Lafayette as the lead character. Burr is an excellent lawyer but likes his Labatt beer a little too much and sometimes gets his wires crossed by mixing business with pleasure–to the utter dismay of his two loyal and supportive associates; Eve, his legal assistant, and Jacob, co-owner of their law firm, Lafayette and Wertheim. However, they have full confidence in his ability to find justice. The firm’s new client, Mrs. Molly Fagan, recently widowed wife of radio station owner Nick Fagan, hired them for what should be an open-and-shut case and is anything but. What follows a rollercoaster ride of lust, revenge, power, and Burr at his finest.

Under the Ashes: Murder and Morels was entertaining from beginning to end. The dialogue was crazy and witty; there was never a dull moment. The pace kept me on my toes, and the plot was well thought-out; just when I was sure I knew the culprit, Cutter found a new angle, and I was back to square one. The way Cutter constructed each character was great, unique, and relatable, and Zeke the Lab was adorable. Burr is good at what he does, and Cutter easily draws out the character, making him likable even with his unorthodox ways. I recommend Under the Ashes to those who love mystery thrillers, bizarre protagonists, and courtroom dramas.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

The Night of the Burning Car by Rob Lubitz is about Billy Dalton, who is on his way home and takes a shortcut through Kane County. Coming around a long bend, Billy saw a car speed off, and another car that was engulfed in flames. Running to the car, he helped a woman and her child to safety before the gas tank exploded. When he woke up in the hospital, nobody knew about the woman and child that he rescued. Billy is forced to plead guilty to drunk driving to avoid going to jail. Years later, a private detective contacted him and informed him that the woman and child he had saved wanted to thank him. For the first time, Billy had concrete evidence that he did rescue a woman and child and that it had not been just his imagination.

The Night of the Burning Car by Rob Lubitz is a mystery thriller set in Kane County where the Harkins family is the law. The action started in the first chapter and never stopped. It was unnerving that a family could do whatever they wanted and no one could stop them. The plot was original, compelling, and excellently executed. The twists and turns ensured that I never knew what to expect next. I just kept reading and could not put it down as I did not want to miss anything. The characters are authentic and well-defined. It was easy to follow the cast and their part in the story, which was well-written and intriguing. It surpassed all my expectations. The climax was extraordinary and it could not have ended in a better way.

Reviewed by Saifunnissa Hassam for Readers' Favorite

V.S. Kemanis' novel Power Blind is a well-crafted legal mystery, with two major subplots: an unsolved case of the murder of a police officer, and a civil case of a family's struggle to have the freedom to choose medical treatments for a terminal illness. The novel is set in 2022, in New York City, with flashbacks and backstories of characters. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on many aspects of law and order, in and out of the courtroom, is a powerful undercurrent in the novel. Dana Hargrove is an associate justice in the Appellate Division. She works with the other appellate judges to hear and decide on civil and criminal appeals from trial courts. One case involves the anguishing story of Josefina, 17, who has terminal Hodgkin's lymphoma disease. Josefina is hospitalized against her will, under a legal order by The Family Court. Her aunt Bianca is her guardian and only family. Bianca appeals the Family Court's order. The second case is the unsolved murder in 2020 of police officer Marlon Stokes. A fellow police officer, Corey McBride, is arrested for murder but a grand jury declines to charge him with the crime.

I greatly enjoyed reading V.S. Kemanis' Power Blind. I was drawn into the story for its compelling characters, its different and thought-provoking subplots, and strong themes of legal power and authority, ethical issues, family relationships, love, and loyalty. I liked Dana Hargrove's character: her intellectual capacity, legal experience, and expertise applied to complex legal cases. I liked her courage, determination, and unflinching stand on integrity and honesty as a judge and in her personal life. I thought Dana's family added great depth to the legal subplots. Her son Travis, an appellate attorney for the Administration for Children’s Services, is assigned to the civil case for which Dana is an appellate judge! I liked how that subplot, involving health decisions, grows more complex. When the novel's second subplot of a murder mystery began unfolding in greater detail, the story turned into a gripping page-turner for me. Dana's daughter Natalie is a Ph.D. candidate in cognitive psychology, studying how perceptions and memories affect witness testimony in criminal cases. Natalie turns her attention to the unsolved case of Marlon Stokes' murder. Power Blind is a fascinating and intricate legal story of a complex web of individual lives, incredible and difficult interpersonal dramas, and how people in power can be blind to the consequences of their decisions.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

When it rains, it pours. Down in South Brooklyn, Al Forte ran a successful law practice and had a happy family. He also had two cousins; Eli, the self-absorbed lawyer, and Mick, the repentant Mafia Don. Al and Mick were close, and the latter would do anything to protect his cousin. One day, Al was rushing out of the office when Eli showed up to borrow his computer. He thought nothing of it until his checks started bouncing. Someone wiped out Al’s personal and attorney escrow accounts up to two million dollars. His bank, clients, the FBI, disciplinary committee, and everyone else breathed down Al’s neck. To top it off, Eli also became unreachable. Al must prove his innocence or face suspension, disbarment, and even go to jail. Follow the search by reading Where’s... Eli? by Alex S. Avitabile.

Where’s... Eli? by Alex S. Avitabile is a legal and crime thriller novel with a comedic twist. This book is the second installment in the Al and Mick Forte crime fiction series, and I wasn’t disappointed. Mick was Al’s guardian angel. I loved the plot, development, and narrative style of storytelling. The characters also impressed me, especially Mick, who was the star of this story. He understood loyalty and knew how to protect those he loved. Mick was also very knowledgeable where it mattered, something Al didn’t understand. I learned that having the right degrees doesn’t confer the intelligence required to navigate this world. And even the perceived dumb people have something to teach us. Where’s... Eli? was a great book, and I can’t wait to read more adventures of this dynamic duo.