By Robert Dugoni

And yet another fantastic book to start my 2026!

Keera Duggan is making a name for herself in the defense attorney law firm her father founded. And while her own family dynamics are complicated, she knows how important family is. When her detective’s nephew is arrested for double homicide and drug charges, Keera quickly offers to defend him. But as Keera digs into the case, she quickly realizes something isn’t right. Not only does the evidence not add up, but the truth is buried under layers of deceit – including lies told by her client. Up against legendary “Batwoman” prosecutor, Anh Tran, Keera finds herself on defense in a losing battle. Has she met her match? Or is she up against something far more insidious than a drug-related homicide?

Pros: I love a good courtroom drama, and Robert Dugoni always delivers. But more than a courtroom drama, the Keera Duggan books also offer nail-biting mysteries and Blue Bloods-esque family drama. This book was no exception. And, like all Robert Dugoni books, the second-half twist was phenomenal. I particularly enjoyed the interaction between Keera and Anh. The gamesmanship between the prosecutor’s office and the defense attorney’s office was fascinating!

Cons: Robert Dugoni is a general market author, and, as such, there is some language in his books. Also, given the nature of the crime in question, there is some thematic content that clean readers might not appreciate. That said, any content or language was infrequent.

Bottom Line: Another top-notch legal drama that will keep you up late at night turning pages!