Prosecutor Sophie Dawson’s first job in the White Collar division of the Fulton County D.A.’s office is to build a case against a local bank employee who may be cheating clients. But when circumstances beyond her control leave her as the only witness to a double homicide involving a vengeful gang, her world is turned upside down. Former Atlanta police officer turned private security guard Cooper … guard Cooper Knight is hired to ensure that Sophie is kept safe. But as threats escalate, they don’t know who they can trust.
Sophie is determined not to back down, but her bank case gets more complicated by the day, and the gang will stop at nothing to keep her from testifying. Sophie wants to take a stand for what’s right–but can Cooper, who is determined not to be distracted by their growing attraction, keep her safe so that she can finish her pursuit for justice?
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Author Rachel Dylan has penned a story with many twists and turns and I was left guessing for the whole book. As a suspense writer that rarely happens for me as I usually figure things out pretty quickly and I love it when I can’t. I love the legal aspect of the book, and then, of course the romance, too. 🙂 And as a personal note, I lived in Atlanta for many years so I love that these stories are set there.
4.5 Stars! Rachel Dylan has upped her game in this one. It’s suspense from beginning to end. With being a witness and an attorney the action is non stop…this keeping the reader guessing. Except that at the end, I didn’t fall for the big surprise. I knew…which is probably just because I read a lot in this genre, but it made it somewhat anticlimactic for me. I was also a bit perturbed that the FBI couldn’t figure it all out ( yes, I realize it is fiction, but really the characters here are so real! I’m totally IN this book.)!
Great plot, twists, and I really enjoyed the characters in this read. Ultimately, that’s usually what makes me really enjoy a story. For any mystery or suspense fan, DO NOT miss this book! Just go buy it because I’m not giving spoilers, as hard as that may be!
“ I really don’t want to be that person. The person who has it all and still complains. But there are things money can’t buy. I wonder why God has chosen to keep those things from me.”
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I have read books 1 – 3 of the Atlanta Justice series, and Lone Witness is my favorite. Sophie is sensitive, but also courageous and determined to see justice is served. She experiences several attacks which would have most people running away or hiding; but, even though Sophie takes precautions, (with help of Cooper and his partners), she stays the course. Interwoven through all the action, Sophie and Cooper learn about God’s mercy, forgiveness, and His timing for their relationship. This book is a clean read with some brief violent situations.
Lone Witness is a fast-paced legal romantic suspense novel that will have the readers’ hearts racing throughout the entire novel! This book is full of twists-and-turns and will keep the readers guessing. Deadly Proof (the first book in the series) was amazing, but I think Lone Witness is even better. Prosecutor Sophie Dawson is dealing with the dangers of serving as the key witness in the double homicide trial of a powerful gang leader’s younger brother while at the same time trying to prosecute a senior bank manager from a well-known local bank who is accused of stealing from his clients. As Sophie faces numerous threats to her life, private security guard Cooper Knight is enlisted to serve as her bodyguard.
Lone Witness can be read as a stand alone novel, but I think would be even more enjoyable to read Deadly Proof first, since the story follows the journey of two of the secondary characters from the first novel. I have enjoyed watching how the group of friends have come together in the first novel, and how all the characters still play a role in the second book. However, if you have not already read Deadly Proof, the author provides enough backstory so that readers will not feel lost reading Lone Witness.
Rachel Dylan weaves the characters’ faith seamlessly into the novel and creates a powerful, authentic story that her readers will not want to put down. Faith and forgiveness are important themes in this novel.
I had to laugh when Sophie’s friend Mia described what Sophie was looking for in a guy. She said, “You want a knight in shining armor along with the happily ever after. You want a smoking hot, muscle-bound, romantic, off-the-charts smart guy with a great sense of humor and a steady job he loves who’s ready to settle down like, right now, and start a family…and oh, let’s not forget he has to share your faith. Does that about cover it?” Sometimes we’re so busy looking for perfection that we don’t realize the perfect person for us may already be in our lives, flaws and all.
Fans of authors Lynette Eason, Lynn H. Blackburn, and Elizabeth Goddard will love this latest novel by Rachel Dylan. I definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to start reading Breach of Trust (the third book in the series). Rachel Dylan is quickly becoming one of my new favorite romantic suspense authors.
It seems like everything is riding on her…
I was introduced to Rachel Dylan’s fiction through some of her Love Inspired Suspense titles, and I really liked them, so I was pretty excited when I discovered her full-length books, and then this series. Wow, if you like fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat legal fiction slash romantic suspense, the Atlanta Justice series is just for you!
I think my favorite thing about this series, and Lone Witness in particular, in addition to the romantic suspense part, is the insider view readers get of the legal system and its processes. I know this is fiction but I love the sense of realism that the author’s actual profession lends to each of her stories. Plus, unlike so many books or movies, that realism extends to our heroine having to deal with the times when she is successful and the others when she isn’t so much.
I’ll tell you, if you kind of get tired of perfect characters whose greatest difficulty seems to be what flavor of coffee they want to order, you really should check out Lone Witness. Both Sophie and Cooper are flawed, a bit damaged, and because of that are completely relatable to readers.
Rachel Dylan has a real winner in this book, and series. I really enjoyed every twist and turn, and, boy, was I in for some surprises!
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Sophie Dawson is a prosecutor in the White Collar Crime Unit, working on financial fraud cases. It should be less dangerous than criminal prosecutions, and it is … until she witnesses a robbery that leaves two people dead, and identifies the perpetrator as the brother of one of the city’s gang leaders. And she’s the lone witness.
I really enjoyed Deadly Proof, the first book in Rachel Dylan’s Atlanta Justice series.
But I didn’t enjoy Lone Witness as much. I enjoyed the legal aspect from Sophie’s viewpoint, but did find the number of point of view characters distracting as it wasn’t obvious why I was seeing their side of the story.
And I wasn’t altogether convinced by the romance subplot—it all felt a little too contrived, rather than reading like a natural development. It wasn’t bad. It just wasn’t the standard I’d expected after reading Deadly Proof. I think that was partly the fault of the dialogue, which seemed a little too formal, too wooden, for characters who were supposed to be falling in love.
The legal thriller/suspense element to Lone Witness was well done.
The suspense is enhanced as the reader soon understands what Sophie and Cooper don’t know: that Sophie had two separate sets of enemies … and that the attacks on her life weren’t coming from where she and Cooper thought. There was a neat twist at the end of the story that I didn’t see coming, so that was well done.
I also enjoyed the legal aspects, which showcased the author’s own legal experience in Grisham-worthy courtroom scenes. Overall, I’m sure legal suspense fans will enjoy Lone Witness.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
I have had the pleasure of reviewing several of Rachel Dylan’s novels and enjoyed each of them. I love the fact that she brings her experience as a lawyer into play in her riveting legal suspense novels which adds an extra layer of realism to them. In my opinion, each of her novels improves on the last one and Lone Witness serves to prove it.
When Sophie Dawson is the only witness to a double murder, she is determined to continue working on an important case but it soon becomes apparent that someone wants her dead. This action-filled, suspenseful tale takes her and Cooper Knight, the security guard hired by Sophie’s father, down a dangerously twisting path filled with surprises and multiple attempts on their lives. More than once, I was certain that I knew the answers only to be proved wrong once again. Strong yet normal characters are portrayed in a way that made me want to get to know them. I love how the author deftly weaves a strong yet unobtrusive message of faith into her narrative.
Definitely a page-turner, Lone Witness held me in its grip until its very last page but I hated to reach the end. I eagerly anticipate the next book in this great series.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
Lone Witness by Rachel Dylan is the second book in her Atlanta Justice series. Prosecutor Sophie Dawson is the only witness to a ruthless double murder by the younger brother of a notorious gang leader. Now, she must testify and prosecute a local bank employee who might be cheating his customers, all while staying out of the cross-hairs of the gang. Convinced that she is in danger her father hires Cooper Knight as Sophie’s bodyguard. With threats coming from everywhere, Cooper and Sophie are not sure whom they can trust. Will Cooper be able to keep Sophie alive to testify? It’s only a matter of time before someone strikes again and this time it could be fatal. Wow, this story was very intense! From the very beginning you were sucked in and it never let up. There were a few surprises that I didn’t see coming. I loved the interaction between Sophie and Cooper and the way they supported each other in their weaknesses. I was afraid that the court room dialogue would become too technical but Ms. Dylan made it all very easy to follow and not be boring. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who likes fast paced action thrillers.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Lone Witness by Rachel Dylan is the second installment in the Atlanta Justice series.
This one revolves around Sophie, one of three friends who are lawyers.
After working long hours on her first case in White Collar Crimes, Assistant DA, Sophie Dawson, stops by a convenience store for a snack to take home. While Sophie selects some goodies, a gunman enters the store, shoots the clerk and an innocent bystander and flees the scene. But not before Sophie sees his face. Her father hires Cooper Knight to be her bodyguard. But who of her colleagues is on her side? Who can she really trust? Which of her cases holds the clue to her harassment?
This is an interesting look at how cases are handled, with a bit of romance and some excitement along the way.
I have enjoyed both books in this series and look forward to the third. This is a book to make you think as well as feed your need for suspense!
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
This was the first book that I have read by Rachel Dylan and it was a very good book with realistic characters and scenes from current events. I liked getting to know the prosecutor Sophie through the pages of the book. She was determined to continue to work on her case in spite of having her life threatened by a local gang boss. The secondary plot of a threat from a totally different direction was an unexpected surprise. The details about the possible corruption at a financial institution that Sophie was investigating and getting ready to prosecute was rather ho-hum, but when I got to the end, I saw the need for it. Readers who enjoy a clean read with a little romance and some suspense will like this book. I enjoy more suspense, but I was satisfied with the conclusion so I do recommend this book.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Lone Witness Is an advantageous, suspenseful, adventureful, entangled, dangerous, infiltrating, guarded and God lead story. You have an attorney who witnessed a cold blooded mother – now the gang is after her to silence her before she appears as a witness. Meanwhile Cooper her body guard is protecting her – or at least trying to – because she is still trying her case in court while she has this target on her back – the ending is a shocker of a twist a twist that has twists – the turns have turns – you have to take Dramamine and love it – does she have trust in God to watch after her? Will she be OK? How about her and Cooper? I received a copy of this book from thev Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com – I look forward to seeing you there.
The second book of the Atlanta Justice series finds Assistant District Attorney Sophie Dawson suddenly involved in two extremely complicated cases. In one she is the prosecutor and in the other she is a witness–the lone witness. When it becomes apparent that she is in danger her father hires security guard Cooper Knight to protect her. What follows is a thrilling story that leaves readers wondering until the very end about the person or persons who are trying to prevent Sophie from completing these two cases and which case is prompting the attempts on Sophie’s life.
I appreciate that author Rachel Dylan included in her storyline the hard work that lawyers put into preparing their cases for trial. Research, documentation, preparing witnesses and dealing with jury tampering are all mentioned in this thrilling story. She also created two main characters who are strong in their faith and believe in prayer. In one instance Cooper prays “Lord, give me the strength to face this challenge. Please protect Sophie and help me do my job. I don’t want to let her down”. In another, Sophie asks “Lord, what is your plan here? Is there a plan?” and she admits that “Lord, I am not strong enough to do this on my own. I need you.”
Lone Witness is filled with adventure and romance; strength and uncertainty; and several supporting characters that deserve their own story. I truly enjoyed this book and I must admit that I was very surprised at the outcome. I recommend Lone Witness to anyone who enjoys Christian romance filled with mystery and suspense.
I received this book from the author and Bethany House but a positive review was not required. These are my honest opinions.
I think this is my favorite book by this author yet! Lone Witness allowed me to peek into what it is really like to be a lawyer, albeit with some extraordinary circumstances thrown in! From digging through documentation to being in a courtroom setting, from witness prep to dealing with ruthless clients, this book had it all.
I really liked these main characters and the complicated emotional journey they were on. Not only did Sophie and Cooper have to work to stay alive when Sophie ended up targeted, but they also had some intense feelings growing for each other at the same time.
This story was very interesting, had a great romantic thread, and kept me eagerly turning pages till the very end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Book two in Rachel Dylan’s ‘Atlanta Justice’ series is another winner. Sophie Dawson, a prosecutor for Atlanta’s Fulton County DA’s office is just entering into her first case with a local bank employee who is cheating customers. She desperately wants to bring justice to those who have been wronged. Then, stopping for a snack at a convenience store after working late, witnesses two people shot down in cold blood. She gets a good look at the shooter and now she has is trying to outrun a target on her back because the shooter is a member of a gang.
Cooper Knight is hired by Sophie’s father to be her personal security and soon he’s protecting her for real against several threats on her life. Sophie is unwilling to back down on anything right now and both cases are important to her.
Rachel Dylan dials up the suspense big time here, giving readers likable characters and plots within plots. She also throws the whole thing up in the air with a big wow of a surprise at the end! I did not expect that! Great job! Recommended if you enjoy legal thrillers such as Robert Whitlow.
*My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
Senior ADA Sophie Dawson is prosecuting a large bank while sitting on the witness stand for a double homicide trial. But which case is putting her life on the line?
There are a few players to keep track of and the ones I thought were the bad guys weren’t always the villains I imagined them to be. The investigation, preparation for trial, and courtroom scenes are what pushed the story forward, drawing me into the pages.
Both Sophie and Cooper Knight—the bodyguard Sophie’s dad hires to protect her after she witnesses a murder—have real-life issues they must work through before they can make a go at a relationship. Rachel Dylan doesn’t shy away from hard topics like grief, panic, or abuse. There is a lot of avoiding the attraction between these two, but when lives are at stake, they are forced to face the truth.
Dylan’s experience in law shines through the pages of Lone Witness, putting readers in the courtroom as well as behind the scenes in preparing for a case. The question of who is behind the danger surrounding Sophie adds to the intensity of another great read in the Atlanta Justice series.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
This was a very intense, but very interesting story. The main characters were portrayed in a way that made you care about them and what happened to them. Prosecutor Sophie Dawson is a “workhorse”. She stays late at her job and often skips eating. One fateful night she leaves work late, stops at a convenience store for a junk food snack and unwittingly witnesses a double murder. Being the only witness, she is in danger. The culprit is the brother of a notorious gang leader in the Atlanta area. Attempts on her life begin and she is assigned a body guard, Cooper Knight, by her father. Another case she is working on for her job also entails danger so it’s always a guess at where the danger is coming from.
This will keep you wondering, wavering back and forth, and dish out some surprises in the end. Throw in a little romance, faith testing and danger and find the makings for a very satisfying read.
Although it’s book #2 in the Atlanta Justice series it can be read alone. But I highly recommend book #1, Deadly Proof, as an excellent read also.
I received an ebook copy from the publisher/author but was not required to write a review.
The prosecutor never expected to become the star/only witness to murder. Wow, action, suspense and a little romance. This story had that look over your shoulder, what’s coming next element! If you like fast paced action, get your attention type books… you will like this one! I was gifted a copy and my review is voluntary.
“Tonight she was not here as a prosecutor, but as a witness.”
When senior assistant district attorney Sophie Dawson becomes an eyewitness to a double homicide, she quickly experiences what it is like to be under the microscope of an aggressive defense lawyer, not to mention the fact, that the accused is the little brother of a notorious Atlanta gang leader. Forced to divide her attention between preparing to witness and pressing forward with her own high profile White Collar Crimes Unit case, Sophie finds herself directly in the cross hairs of some very dangerous criminals.
“You have a huge target on your back. And Juan Wade doesn’t miss . . . . . ”
Cooper Knight, co-owner of a private security firm, has been employed by Sophie’s father to shadow his daughter, after it becomes apparent that someone associated with her case load is threatening Sophie with bodily harm. The lovely blond attorney is surprised when Cooper makes his presence known and little miffed that her father has intervened, but it’s not long before Sophie is thankful for Cooper’s presence; the threats against her safety suddenly escalating, as her court date draws near. They have met in the past, having mutual friends, but something about this time seems different, and a lot more interesting.
With its impressive legal savvy and fast paced scene changes, Dylan’s readers are sure to be impressed. . . . .especially with the ending.
I received a copy of this book from the author through Net Galley. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
Prosecutor Sophie Dawson’s first job in the White Collar division of the Fulton County D.A.’s office is to build a case against a local bank employee who may be cheating clients. But when circumstances beyond her control leave her as the only witness to a double homicide involving a vengeful gang, her world is turned upside down.
Former Atlanta police officer turned private security guard Cooper Knight is hired to ensure that Sophie is kept safe. But as threats escalate, they don’t know who they can trust.
Sophie is determined not to back down, but her bank case gets more complicated by the day, and the gang will stop at nothing to keep her from testifying. Sophie wants to take a stand for what’s right–but can Cooper, who is determined not to be distracted by their growing attraction, keep her safe so that she can finish her pursuit for justice?
I really enjoyed the book. Sophie is tough as nails when it comes to wanting to persecute those who break the law. Cooper will do all he can to protect those he’d hired to protect. It gets personal with Sophie and he doesn’t like that at all. He has vowed never to get married. This isn’t an edge of your seat thriller. But still a good mystery. I had some of it figured out before the end. But still a good book.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
Rachel Dylan’s extraordinary writing and legal knowledge are showcased in Lone Witness, second in her Atlanta Justice series. The character buildup, the circumstances each faces, and the faith with which they respond are written with empathy and sensitivity. It gives insight on just how dangerous the positions that some of our finest unsung heroes face, whether prosecutors, police officers, or even witnesses to egregious crimes.
Sophie Dawson is a Senior ADA, recently promoted and moved to the White Collar Crimes division. Her new case requires much research, and she just gave closing arguments for another. After a long day, she goes into the Quick Stop for some snacks. She hears a loud dispute at the register, turns, and sees first one shooting inside and another outside. Both victims are dead, and she gets the plate number on the getaway vehicle. Unfortunately, the man she id’s in a lineup is Ricky Wade, younger brother of Juan Wade, head of one of Atlanta’s most powerful gangs. No pressure there…
The politically-minded DA offers a young ADA to help Sophie with her new case and for her to mentor. Monica seems intelligent, inquisitive, and willing to do whatever needed. The deeper they look into the thousands of bank documents, Sophie sees a hornet’s nest that could implicate the bank and the former bank employee of money laundering on top of current charges. If so, that could cost the bank its reputation and the DA, his political career.
Sophie’s father can easily afford the best for her safety. Without telling her, he hires Cooper, a former Atlanta cop, now a business partner of the fiancé of one of Sophie’s best friends. Cooper spent two years in the gang unit, and is highly qualified to protect her. When she learns he is watching her, she is not happy, but allows him to stay well into the background. Events escalate quickly, and she is whisked away to a safe house. The problem is, there is no proof it was the gang boss ordering a hit, or if she is in the crosshairs of someone else. An ADA tends to make enemies in any case she tries.
Sophie and her friends Kate and Mia are the kind of ladies I would want to be around. They love their work, are honest, intelligent, wise, and good at their jobs. They are loyal friends and contribute to their community. Sophie and Cooper are very well defined, and other characters as necessary for their roles. Most are very likable, and some absolutely stunned this reader by the end of the novel.
The author has finely executed this complex novel. I kept trying to figure out who the bad guy was, and why, but in the end, only a tiny fraction of my solution was true. There are multiple mysteries, incredible suspense, and long, terrifying moments resulting from plot twists and turns! As I was reading, I thought: These situations could be very real. One’s faith would surely be put to the test! Thankfully this is a Christian thriller, with folks who aren’t perfect but model courage gained only through faith. The potential for romance, while not primary to the plot, offers how each of consider the other person. I was dumbfounded at much of the ending, at times pleasantly so. I highly recommend this exciting legal thriller to those who enjoy well-written Christian novels that include faith, intrigue, likable characters, and romance.
From a grateful heart: I received an e-arc from the author and NetGalley, and this is my honest review. A review was not required.