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shadymist's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Almost as good as Do No harm, I enjoyed reading this , I barely put it down. The only reason why I didn’t give it a 5 was because I predicted the ending and the verdict. It was keeping me in suspense and there were some unsuspecting moments. I’m looking forward to reading more from Jack.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Medical content, Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, Child death, Infertility, and Mental illness
Minor: Sexual content, Stalking, Blood, Toxic relationship, and Gun violence
piperkitty's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
It's only five days until the year's initial trial, that of Wade Darling, accused of murdering his wife and two teenage daughters before torching their country estate. The case unexpectedly arrives on Neve Harper's desk, and if she wins and can show Wade's innocence, she may be a lock for QC. However, a day or so before the commencement of the trial, she has a terrifying meeting with 'The Messenger'. He informs her that she must lose the case, that Wade must not be released, and that in exchange, her deepest, darkest secret would not be revealed, nor will members of her family be hurt. What a moral quandary. She must choose between her own life and the life of a potentially innocent man. I was intrigued by the premise of this book, and it did not disappoint. The writing flows incredibly well and draws you in. This is a legal thriller with a thorough in of moral dilemmas.
The legal jargon is very well explained not to confuse those unfamiliar with the terms. It is an excellent courtroom/trial drama in which Wade is suspected of murdering his wife and children and Neve, the attorney who will assist him in proving if. But nothing about this case, or the characters, is as it seems. The truth is the last thing on some people's agenda...
Several complex webs are woven in this story. At numerous times you wonder how the main characters keep their heads as well as carry on, although they do, and it turns into a taut, ominous engaging, and exciting thriller; you will be turning the pages as fast as you are able and will want to know the big question 'is Wade Guilty or Innocent'?
The protagonist, Neve, is a strong woman who has surmounted numerous obstacles. Having been in and out of foster care throughout her childhood, reading this perspective from a primary character was beautiful. I also strongly connected with her because I came from a similar situation. In her defence of Wade, who has been convicted of murdering his wife and children, Neve is fierce, astute, and cunning. But we also find that she needs to cover her tracks and use her position of authority more effectively.
Even though we know from the start that Neve is not the 'nice' heroine we want her to be, her complexity makes her the ideal protagonist for readers to dissect.
Bloomin Fantastic
The legal jargon is very well explained not to confuse those unfamiliar with the terms. It is an excellent courtroom/trial drama in which Wade is suspected of murdering his wife and children and Neve, the attorney who will assist him in proving if. But nothing about this case, or the characters, is as it seems. The truth is the last thing on some people's agenda...
Several complex webs are woven in this story. At numerous times you wonder how the main characters keep their heads as well as carry on, although they do, and it turns into a taut, ominous engaging, and exciting thriller; you will be turning the pages as fast as you are able and will want to know the big question 'is Wade Guilty or Innocent'?
The protagonist, Neve, is a strong woman who has surmounted numerous obstacles. Having been in and out of foster care throughout her childhood, reading this perspective from a primary character was beautiful. I also strongly connected with her because I came from a similar situation. In her defence of Wade, who has been convicted of murdering his wife and children, Neve is fierce, astute, and cunning. But we also find that she needs to cover her tracks and use her position of authority more effectively.
Even though we know from the start that Neve is not the 'nice' heroine we want her to be, her complexity makes her the ideal protagonist for readers to dissect.
Bloomin Fantastic
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Murder, and Child death
Minor: Death
outsmartyourshelf's review
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Barrister Neve Harper lands the defence case that could make or break her career. Three members of the Darling family (wife Yolanda & teenage children Phoebe & Danny) were killed in a fatal shooting at home & then the house was set on fire. Husband & father Wade, although injured, was the only survivor & he has been charged with three counts of murder. It seems it may be a 'family annihilator' case but is there more to this than meets the eye? Neve ponders this when she learns that the original defence barrister for Wade jumped in front of a highspeed train. On the way home she is approached by a menacing stranger who tells her that she has to throw the case or the truth about her husband's disappearance will be revealed to the police & that her step-daughter Hannah will be killed. Neve now has to weigh up the cost of putting a possibly innocent man behind bars for life or ending up in prison herself.
I really enjoyed reading this, it was one of those books that you just cannot put down. Neve is an intriguing character, she's very clinical in her manner & comes across as emotionally cold or stoic, although she obviously cares about Hannah. She's definitely a morally grey character as she will do whatever it takes to save herself & the few people she does care about even if that means breaking the law she is supposed to uphold. There are also a few moments of dark humour which, juxtaposed against the subject matter, made me laugh out loud in surprise. Most of the plot is not really a surprise if you read a lot of these genre of books, but that didn't spoil anything & the courtroom scenes were great. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes an edge-of-your-seat thriller. Verdict: Fast-paced legal thriller that doesn't take itself too seriously.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Simon and Schuster UK, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this, it was one of those books that you just cannot put down. Neve is an intriguing character, she's very clinical in her manner & comes across as emotionally cold or stoic, although she obviously cares about Hannah. She's definitely a morally grey character as she will do whatever it takes to save herself & the few people she does care about even if that means breaking the law she is supposed to uphold. There are also a few moments of dark humour which, juxtaposed against the subject matter, made me laugh out loud in surprise. Most of the plot is not really a surprise if you read a lot of these genre of books, but that didn't spoil anything & the courtroom scenes were great. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes an edge-of-your-seat thriller. Verdict: Fast-paced legal thriller that doesn't take itself too seriously.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Simon and Schuster UK, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Death, and Violence
Minor: Animal death
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