A review by outsmartyourshelf
False Witness by Karin Slaughter

challenging dark sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Defence attorney, Leigh Collier, is doing well; good job, happy and successful daughter, and an amicable relationship with her ex - her only issue is her estrangement from her drug-addicted younger sister, Callie. All their lives are about to be blown apart by Leigh's next case which brings back difficult memories from years ago. Rich, successful business owner, Andrew Tenant, has been accused of kidnap, rape, and torture and it's clear to Leigh that he's probably guilty, but Andrew knows a secret about Leigh and Callie's childhood and he threatens to torpedo their lives unless Leigh wins his case through fair means or foul.

This is one of those books that the author does so well - where you read with a feeling of dread in the pit of your stomach but you can't stop reading anyway. Leigh and Callie are extremely flawed human beings but they are also sympathetic characters too. Their love for each other is evident throughout the book, as they will go to almost any lengths to protect each other and their family. Throughout the story line, the author looks at the blatant misogyny and barriers women and young girls face in receiving justice in cases involving sexual assault. This is grim reading at a time when the justice system in England and Wales is facing scrutiny over its handling of such cases, as successful prosecutions have dropped in numbers. As usual it is graphic in dealing with its themes of violence, sexual violence, paedophilia, and drug-taking, so if those are triggers for you, be warned.

Thanks to NetGalley & publishers, HarperCollins UK, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
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