Michael's connections allowed him to paint her as crazy, and when he and the psychologist working with him to frame Alexa are both murdered, all clues point to her. Unfortunately she is so traumatized that she can not aid in her own defense. Sarah, new to the city, is appointed to defend her, and she is told to do the minimum for her client. It is obvious that Alexa is being railroaded, but Sarah is having difficulty building a defense without her client's assistance. Sarah is determined however, and with the help of her investigator, former FBI agent Jim Mitchell, she begins to discover the truth behind the cover-up.
Deborah Hawkins is very strong in her character development, and the reader quickly becomes involved in the abusive relationship as Alexa loses herself to a unrelenting husband. We watch as this strong female attorney allows herself to be manipulated and abused, and the author shows us how even the strongest women will endure much to protect their children.
The plot is also well developed and keeps the reader turning pages, although I often questioned how so many people involved in this case could be so corrupt. I was glad that her investigator, Jim, was portrayed as kind and intelligent, because most of the other male characters were corrupt and/or simply hateful.
This legal thriller is intense and definitely thought provoking, and it will definitely be one that you won't forget.
- Beverly
Publisher - Deborah Hawkins
Date of Publication - March 9, 2016