A dead defendant. A court in lockdown. And a murderer in the room. Coroner Fenway Stevenson is worried. Her father is on trial for murder. A huge conspiracy is wrecking the coastal town she calls home. And she’s finally dating the sheriff after his divorce is finalized. But with two gunshots in a crowded courtroom, everything changes. Thirteen people and a dead body and the doors are locked. As … changes.
Thirteen people and a dead body and the doors are locked. As the hours tick by, one thing becomes clear: the killer is still in there. With nothing but a fingerprint kit, an Ethernet cable, and her wits, can Fenway catch the killer before becoming a victim herself?
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I’ve followed this series from the beginning and enjoyed them all. This one is excellent as well … with a high stakes, closed room murder mystery. Fenway has to be at the top of her game if the killer is caught before the next victim falls.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story but was very disappointed in myself that I started almost at the end of the series. I was hoping that it was a series where the books could be read in any order, but it’s not. They should be read in strict order. Unfortunately for me, I feel the series will not be as enjoyable now, so I highly recommend that you don’t make the same mistake I did.
However, for this story, the characters are very believable, fully developed, and are not portrayed as “over-the-top” super detectives. I could relate to the relationship Fenway has with her dad because even though mine wasn’t wealthy, our relationship wasn’t the best. I also enjoyed the twist of a locked-room mystery. Here though, instead of the victim being in a locked room all alone, all of the suspects are locked into a courtroom together. Also, Fenway’s investigative skills reminded me a little of Miss Marple. Of course, Fenway has more ‘equipment’ available to her than Miss Marple did, but she is still able to read people as aptly as the well-known Agatha Christie creation.
I wish I didn’t have any semi-negative comments, but unfortunately, I do. I acknowledge that part of this is my OCD when it comes to books. I really don’t like typos or plot holes, even though I acknowledge that it is impossible to have a perfect book. But Mr. Ardoin makes a point of acknowledging his editors and the great job done by them. Maybe I don’t understand the job an editor does, but I would have thought the errors I noted would have been caught, especially one glaring one. For example, one of the major problems Fenway and Piper have while they are locked in the courtroom is that there is no internet/cell service. (A radio wave blocking paint was used.) Yet the ADA is looking through her email to find a code for the evidence safe. How does she have internet service when no one else does? But the one that I felt was so glaring was at the end of Chapter 8 Judith and Leda are arguing and Judith slaps Leda across the face. Then at the beginning of Chapter 9, things are completely swapped around and Judith is holding the side of her face where Leda slapped her. I realize its a picky detail, especially in consideration of the big picture, but it’s one of those things that bug me.
I know all of this is most likely more information than you wanted or needed, but I wanted to pass it on for anyone who is as anal as I am. All in all, if the rest of the books in the series are as enjoyable as this one, then I highly recommend them. Just be sure to read them in order.
I received a review copy from Story Origin and this is my honest opinion. I would like to thank them and Mr. Ardoin for the opportunity to read it.
I liked the concept of the book, but I felt it could’ve been condensed & been a much better story.
A courtroom drama with a twist
This was a page-turner – I was up until late in the night finishing it!
This is book 5 in the series but those who have not read the previous 4 will not have any issues catching up. There are references to past incidents throughout the story. In fact, this is a culmination of a storyline that has been building over the past few books.
It reminded me of the traditional cozy mysteries of the 1930s where everyone is locked away somewhere and can’t leave. In this case, there are 13 people under lockdown in a courtroom after a shooter kills the defendant after an arraignment. Cell phone signals are blocked which takes the technology more or less out of the equation. So Fenway has to use old fashioned smarts to figure it out. And, of course, her kit. (I’m not sure if a coroner carries crime scene tools around usually…?)
It is very well-paced and builds momentum to a standoff at the end.
Definitely a good read.
Another great book in this series. The whole story is developed within a courtroom and the way it is written the angst, fear, hate, deception drips from the pages whilst you read it. Things were not as they seemed to be and it is sure clear that seconds chance should be given before severing relationships. A very entertaining read!
I downloaded a free copy of this book through StoryOrigin and this is my honest review.
Great story! I couldn’t put it down! Fenway and Piper are an unbeatable team – digging up facts and then fitting them together like pieces in a 5,000 part jigsaw puzzle.
Everyone should read this book,but, not until you start with book1. I really enjoyed all of them, love Fenway,especially since I’m a Red Sox fan.
As I acquired each book, I read it, straight through.
Anxious to read more.