When sixteen-year-old Hannah Sheraton is arrested for the murder of her stepgrandfather, the chief justice of the California Supreme court, her distraught mother turns to her old college roommate, Josie Baylor-Bates, for help. Josie, once a hot-shot criminal defense attorney, left the fast track behind for a small practice in Hermosa Beach, California. But Hannah Sheraton intrigues her and, when … when the girl is charged as an adult, Josie cannot turn her back. But the deeper she digs the more Josie realizes that politics, the law and family relationships create a combustible and dangerous situation. When the horrible truth is uncovered it can save Hannah Sheraton or destroy them both.
“This story was inspired by a case my husband handled. As a superior court judge he had to sentence a minor to life in prison. It made me wonder how I felt about minors arrested for violent crimes. Are they most vulnerable among us – capable or horrible violence, perceived as adults and yet emotionally still children?” Rebecca Forster
“An enthralling read, with colorful, well-developed characters and the unique atmosphere of the California beach communities.” Nancy Taylor Rosenberg
“Blending complex psychological character portraits with spot-on accurage courtroom drmaa, Forster’s riveting legal thriller keeps the plot twists coming until the last, satisfying page.” – Alafair Burke
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I enjoyed this legal thriller about family dysfunction and the horrors of abuse, as well as innocence lost. The plot was engaging and the characters were either resilient or horrid, given the reality of life. I couldn’t put this book down as I enjoy intrigue, suspense, and mystery. The books I enjoy lead me to work hard on creating my own stories …
I liked the plot and the characters but it was a little slow-moving.
Totally surprised with ending.
This is a great book! I had trouble putting it down. The author develops the characters well, and the story line keeps you guessing. Highly recommend!
great read
tHIS BOOK WAS VERY INTERESTING. CONCERING THE TROUBLE TEENS CAN GET
THEMSELVES IN; SOMETIMES THRU NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN.
I felt sorry for Josie.
A must read mystery about Josie Bates, a lawyer. who takes on a case of a mentally challenged teenage girl who is accused of murder!!!
This was not a happy book. While justice may have prevailed it was not without costs. It was well written and the storyline kept you involved from beginning to end.
I loved this book. It’s definitely a page turner. I couldn’t put it down.
Facinating page turner
a must read for litigation lawyers with a heart.
Once i started this book i could not stop every page presented with mire questions than answers. Very intense story and well told. Plus a big fan of “who done it’s” i never figured out “who done it”
Josie is a strong, powerful force to be reckoned with and she’d be someone I want in my corner!
This book is unputdownable! The courtroom drama, twist and turns put you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I love Rebecca Forster, the entire Witness series, and her new series. Can’t wait for the next book she writes.
Pretty good – enough so that I bought the next book. A bit too much angst on part of protagonist and a bit “convenient” plotting, but enjoyable.
Loved this series , an easy read which kept you thoroughly gripped till the end
truly a great read. brought up many QUESTIONS concerning our court system and all that legal stuff, thoroughly enjoyed. kept my interest to the very end,
Very good. I highly recommend it!
Excellent suspense !