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Jury of One
Shelly Trotter, an able and determined lawyer and a children’s rights advocate, is thrust into a world in which she’s completely unschooled—the criminal court. Her client is a 17-year-old accused of killing a policeman, and she begins to suspect that he may have been involved in an undercover operation to entrap dirty cops, though his role in the scheme remains unclear. Was he the target or the bait—and what does the prosecution really have against him?
Then comes the shocker: Shelly fears that she has a connection to this boy, something she has kept secret for years, knowledge that she has hidden from her family and friends for most of her adult life. And as the evidence against the boy mounts, she finds that nothing—not legal ethics, not a statewide political campaign that could swing in the balance—will stop her from keeping him off death row. For with this client, she is truly a jury of one.
Then comes the shocker: Shelly fears that she has a connection to this boy, something she has kept secret for years, knowledge that she has hidden from her family and friends for most of her adult life. And as the evidence against the boy mounts, she finds that nothing—not legal ethics, not a statewide political campaign that could swing in the balance—will stop her from keeping him off death row. For with this client, she is truly a jury of one.
423 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 22, 2004
71 people are currently reading
786 people want to read
About the author
David Ellis
77Ìýbooks1,839ÌýfollowersDavid Ellis is a lawyer and the Edgar Allan Poe Award winner for Best First Novel for Line of Vision. Ellis attended Northwestern Law School and began his legal career in private practice in Chicago in 1993. He served as the House Prosecutor who tried and convicted Illinois Governor Blagojevich in the Impeachment Trial before the Illinois Senate. He was elected to the Illinois Appellate Court in 2014 and took office December 1, 2014. Ellis currently lives outside Chicago with his wife and three children.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ database with this name.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
July 20, 2014
Awesome book. Plot twists and turns kept me guessing throughout the entire book. I loved it. Can't wait to read more from this author! (David Ellis)
January 17, 2022
I thought David Ellis' Line of Vision was one of the better legal/first-person/mystery/psychological stories I've read in a long while, so I figured Jury of One would be good, too.
It had been years since I read Line of Vision and I am currently in more of a non-fiction reading groove now. That said, I stuck with Jury of One and found it worth the reading. It takes a while for the tale to develop and to set up the plot line that Ellis begins twisting with about half way through the novel.
There are a lot of surprises here and the trial stuff is great. It's multi-layered, but easier to follow than I had thought upon first glance.
It had been years since I read Line of Vision and I am currently in more of a non-fiction reading groove now. That said, I stuck with Jury of One and found it worth the reading. It takes a while for the tale to develop and to set up the plot line that Ellis begins twisting with about half way through the novel.
There are a lot of surprises here and the trial stuff is great. It's multi-layered, but easier to follow than I had thought upon first glance.
February 17, 2016
Maybe one should not read the book blurb here, because it contains spoilers that take away the element of surprise. Or maybe that was the intended effect, after all? I don’t know. In any case, even though there were many pages full of legal procedure references, the author was able to keep this story entertaining and captivating enough.
The character of Shelley Trotter was well defined and quite charismatic. By that I mean, she was strong and independent and that is a trait I truly admire. I applaud the author for portraying a realistic and genuine woman, who had not been defeated by her past, but had come out stronger. What I particularly liked about Shelley was that she worked for the Law school and the Child Advocacy Project; keeping children and teenagers in school, despite their small transgressions.
I also liked the nuance that was understood, that even though young people were forced or tempted to become delinquents, they were not all bad � they had good in them and some could be helped to lead normal lives.
The only thing that bothered me a bit is that the city where this story takes place, was never named. I could only guess it was somewhere Northern because the winter was cold - and milder temperatures only came back in May/June. I suppose this was intentional too, but I don't see the plus value.
The character of Shelley Trotter was well defined and quite charismatic. By that I mean, she was strong and independent and that is a trait I truly admire. I applaud the author for portraying a realistic and genuine woman, who had not been defeated by her past, but had come out stronger. What I particularly liked about Shelley was that she worked for the Law school and the Child Advocacy Project; keeping children and teenagers in school, despite their small transgressions.
I also liked the nuance that was understood, that even though young people were forced or tempted to become delinquents, they were not all bad � they had good in them and some could be helped to lead normal lives.
The only thing that bothered me a bit is that the city where this story takes place, was never named. I could only guess it was somewhere Northern because the winter was cold - and milder temperatures only came back in May/June. I suppose this was intentional too, but I don't see the plus value.
January 11, 2024
3.5 stars
This was a well-thought-out plot, one I felt filled with tension. David Ellis wrote a thought provoking legal mystery that was both engaging and entertaining.
There were areas where this book dragged a little and hindered the pace of the book although ample amount of time has been given for the character development of all the characters. The character development was phenomenal; never have I felt so invested in a fictional person's ethical and moral dilemmas. I couldn’t help but find myself rooting for and against the main characters, sometimes simultaneously wanting victory and demise.
On the flip side, although a promising premise, the narrative doesn’t quite deliver on the tension, despite a startling twist of a climax and so a three star rating.
I liked the drama and there was a LOT of drama and legal jargon, if you love lengthy legal thrillers this is it.
This was a well-thought-out plot, one I felt filled with tension. David Ellis wrote a thought provoking legal mystery that was both engaging and entertaining.
There were areas where this book dragged a little and hindered the pace of the book although ample amount of time has been given for the character development of all the characters. The character development was phenomenal; never have I felt so invested in a fictional person's ethical and moral dilemmas. I couldn’t help but find myself rooting for and against the main characters, sometimes simultaneously wanting victory and demise.
On the flip side, although a promising premise, the narrative doesn’t quite deliver on the tension, despite a startling twist of a climax and so a three star rating.
I liked the drama and there was a LOT of drama and legal jargon, if you love lengthy legal thrillers this is it.
July 18, 2020
Well I have decided late in life that starting a book does not mean you have to finish it. I read to the half way point and found that I didn’t much care how it ended. I was bothered by the fact that there was so much fiction regarding location � city, streets, landmarks, etc. It shouldn’t have mattered, it is fiction, but I found it distracting. Also, even though the characters were well developed, I did not connect with them. So, goodbye for now...
February 25, 2025
well rounded story
came full circle
powerful story
i liked these characters and their connections and way of looking out for one another
came full circle
powerful story
i liked these characters and their connections and way of looking out for one another
October 19, 2022
Complex, sophisticated, cerebral—this story reeled me in and kept me guessing. A suspenseful and intricate legal thriller, yes, but also a superb work of women’s fiction; a deep dive character study of Shelly.
Author did an excellent job of explaining legal jargon and processes to me, the layman, while simultaneously weaving all of that into the story and keeping it going.
Original, clever plot. I could see this as a movie.
This is my first read by David Ellis and I will be back for more.
Author did an excellent job of explaining legal jargon and processes to me, the layman, while simultaneously weaving all of that into the story and keeping it going.
Original, clever plot. I could see this as a movie.
This is my first read by David Ellis and I will be back for more.
January 18, 2017
REVIEW FOR WRITERS
WOW! I was introduced to David Ellis reading, Invisible, co-authored with James Patterson and was duly impressed.
PATTERSON STYLE vs ELLIS STYLE
Ellis holds his own. A newly publishing author, with 13 books � three co-authored with Patterson
() and his newest release, The Last Alibi.
Ellis is slower to get into. He lays foundation. But once the suspense of his thriller catches you, it becomes a page turner. Whereas Patterson often hooks in the Prologue, certainly within chapters one or two.
it took me a couple of days reading intermittently to get into Jury of One, but once I did...
Early on Ellis gives you the killer, but keeps up the suspense � suppose it's one of the other two boys? Our female protagonist, Shelly Trotter seems to believe this could be possible and plots this scenario, but for personal reasons shies away from Ronnie Masters, Alex's best friend/brother pointing the murder toward Todavia, an important minor character. Best of all, Ellis gut punches his TWISTER in chapter 72, p.337, and I never saw it coming. Though looking back, subtle hints are planted throughout the story.
Patterson writes thrillers. I categorize Ellis as more suspenseful. Both worthy of your time. Both great authors to study their style, flow, plot, character & story development. Patterson uses more descriptive phrasing. Ellis sticks to standard phrasing. Only a few eye-catching combinations.
Patterson's book are larger font and shorter chapters; Ellis' chapters may go up to twelve pages. Neither a Hemmingway (thank God!). Ellis' sentence structure is longer, though intriguing, less descriptive. Patterson is more descriptive in character actions; Ellis descriptive in scenes. Patterson may be a tad better at 'showing', but certainly doesn't leave Ellis in his dust.
As an author, Ellis has impressed me enough I ordered The Hidden Man from Amazon
().
Like Alex Cross, Ellis is developing a series feathering Jason Kolarich, a Chicago attorney with a lineman's build, a razor - sharp intellect - and the grief of a tragic personal loss (Amazon description). You'll find him starting with The Hidden Man, Breach of Trust, The Wrong Man and latest publication, The Last Alibi. Five Stand-Alone novels and four Patterson co-authored.
Check Ellis out. Don't think you will be disappointed.
RECOMMENDED
WOW! I was introduced to David Ellis reading, Invisible, co-authored with James Patterson and was duly impressed.
PATTERSON STYLE vs ELLIS STYLE
Ellis holds his own. A newly publishing author, with 13 books � three co-authored with Patterson
() and his newest release, The Last Alibi.
Ellis is slower to get into. He lays foundation. But once the suspense of his thriller catches you, it becomes a page turner. Whereas Patterson often hooks in the Prologue, certainly within chapters one or two.
it took me a couple of days reading intermittently to get into Jury of One, but once I did...
Early on Ellis gives you the killer, but keeps up the suspense � suppose it's one of the other two boys? Our female protagonist, Shelly Trotter seems to believe this could be possible and plots this scenario, but for personal reasons shies away from Ronnie Masters, Alex's best friend/brother pointing the murder toward Todavia, an important minor character. Best of all, Ellis gut punches his TWISTER in chapter 72, p.337, and I never saw it coming. Though looking back, subtle hints are planted throughout the story.
Patterson writes thrillers. I categorize Ellis as more suspenseful. Both worthy of your time. Both great authors to study their style, flow, plot, character & story development. Patterson uses more descriptive phrasing. Ellis sticks to standard phrasing. Only a few eye-catching combinations.
Patterson's book are larger font and shorter chapters; Ellis' chapters may go up to twelve pages. Neither a Hemmingway (thank God!). Ellis' sentence structure is longer, though intriguing, less descriptive. Patterson is more descriptive in character actions; Ellis descriptive in scenes. Patterson may be a tad better at 'showing', but certainly doesn't leave Ellis in his dust.
As an author, Ellis has impressed me enough I ordered The Hidden Man from Amazon
().
Like Alex Cross, Ellis is developing a series feathering Jason Kolarich, a Chicago attorney with a lineman's build, a razor - sharp intellect - and the grief of a tragic personal loss (Amazon description). You'll find him starting with The Hidden Man, Breach of Trust, The Wrong Man and latest publication, The Last Alibi. Five Stand-Alone novels and four Patterson co-authored.
Check Ellis out. Don't think you will be disappointed.
RECOMMENDED
April 26, 2013
If you like legal intrigue seasoned with a dash of politics, David Ellis is your guy. I first discovered David Ellis when he co-wrote a book with James Patterson that I particularly liked, and decided to check out his solo offerings. Boy, am I glad that I did! This is one of the most under-rated authors of our times, and why he doesn't get more notice is anyone's guess.
Jury of One centers around a female attorney named Shelley Trotter, who happens to be the daughter of the current Governor (something that she does her best to disassociate with due to their past family history). Shelley works at a law school clinic that defends indigent juveniles, typically for school-related disciplinary matters, or very minor infractions. One of her young clients from the law school, whom she has formed a friendship with, has been accused of murdering a police officer, and after seeking and failing to find a criminal defense attorney who will take Alex's case pro bono, Shelley reluctantly finds herself in the role of acting as Alex's counsel. She has help along the way, from one of the most successful attorneys in the city, who offers her office space, legal advice, and much more ;-) There are many twists and turns as Alex's reticence necessitates that Shelley dig and discover the facts a little at a time for herself, in the attempt to save his life, and come to terms with her own past.
Great book, although I could argue that there are a lot of unrealistic coincidences, and that the teenagers in this book don't seem to speak like teens, or behave like kids from the "other side of the tracks". It was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I would caution those who would like to try out David Ellis' books to read them in the order he wrote them, though, as characters do reappear in later books, even those outside of his 3-book (so far) series. I read them out of order, and it wasn't that it didn't make sense, but I would rather have read them in order if I had it to do over again.
Jury of One centers around a female attorney named Shelley Trotter, who happens to be the daughter of the current Governor (something that she does her best to disassociate with due to their past family history). Shelley works at a law school clinic that defends indigent juveniles, typically for school-related disciplinary matters, or very minor infractions. One of her young clients from the law school, whom she has formed a friendship with, has been accused of murdering a police officer, and after seeking and failing to find a criminal defense attorney who will take Alex's case pro bono, Shelley reluctantly finds herself in the role of acting as Alex's counsel. She has help along the way, from one of the most successful attorneys in the city, who offers her office space, legal advice, and much more ;-) There are many twists and turns as Alex's reticence necessitates that Shelley dig and discover the facts a little at a time for herself, in the attempt to save his life, and come to terms with her own past.
Great book, although I could argue that there are a lot of unrealistic coincidences, and that the teenagers in this book don't seem to speak like teens, or behave like kids from the "other side of the tracks". It was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
I would caution those who would like to try out David Ellis' books to read them in the order he wrote them, though, as characters do reappear in later books, even those outside of his 3-book (so far) series. I read them out of order, and it wasn't that it didn't make sense, but I would rather have read them in order if I had it to do over again.
August 25, 2012
Stumbled upon this book at a shop selling second hand books. Never heard of this author. First time reading through the pages, I realized this is something I've been looking for for a long. Something that sweeps me off my feet. The way the structure of the words and language being formed is like ice cream on a hot weather. An amazing legal crime thriller plot that doesn't sound too flimsy and cliche. I knew I had to get this book immediately. Went buying two more books by the same author. I have just finished reading 'jury of one'. As a slow reader, took me 6 days to complete it. There's a lot of high court drama going on, with a little side story that will lead you to some answers towards the end of the book, as everything will be explained. I feel that there were a lot of inconclusive repetition of the crime scene, playbacks that made it a little weary for the eye to follow. Nevertheless, by the end of the whole thing, it still left me with 'Wow'. Brain-stimulating and I'm definitely going for round 2 with his other book. 'company of liars'.
January 11, 2010
I had been wanting to read a David Ellis book for awhile now. I've always heard good things about his books, so I picked up the book "Jury of One".
The premise of the novel is about a lawyer named Shelly Trotter, who is asked to defend a young 16 year old boy who has been accused of murdering a police officer. She previously helped this young man Alex in a previous case and is shocked to find he's in trouble again.
There is so much going on in this book. So much is revealed, but its done at a pace that isn't overwhelming. David Ellis definitely knows how to keep you turning the pages as this one was hard to put down.
I'm also afraid that if I write anymore, that I may reveal a secret or two, so I will end this review here.
If you enjoy legal thrillers, then I can definitely recommend you read this book.
The premise of the novel is about a lawyer named Shelly Trotter, who is asked to defend a young 16 year old boy who has been accused of murdering a police officer. She previously helped this young man Alex in a previous case and is shocked to find he's in trouble again.
There is so much going on in this book. So much is revealed, but its done at a pace that isn't overwhelming. David Ellis definitely knows how to keep you turning the pages as this one was hard to put down.
I'm also afraid that if I write anymore, that I may reveal a secret or two, so I will end this review here.
If you enjoy legal thrillers, then I can definitely recommend you read this book.
January 19, 2013
legal thriller, only ok
January 20, 2016
Eher Dreieinhalb Sterne, aufgerundet auf vier.
October 18, 2019
Decided not to finish... Got about 2/3 of the way through and didn't care. Might be because of being sick but I just wasn't interested.
October 19, 2024
This was the 3rd of this author’s novels I’ve read. My review of the 2nd is a fitting review for this book. Both likes and dislikes. Here is that review modified only slightly to fit “Jury of One.�
Likes:
One way music may delight a listener is moving in an unexpected direction. A change in rhythm. A change in key. A higher or lower note than anticipated. And do forth.
Stories may also delight by the unexpected. This story did. Several times. Each brought a layer of satisfaction. Credit to the author particularly for blindsiding me with what seemed the final twist (certainly in plot advancement). Makes me smile even now.
Dislikes � or why only 3 stars?
This is the 3rd David Ellis novel I’ve read (and in publication order). As with the first two I found the mechanisms the author used, after the big reveal, to bring it all together, to attempt to explain the seemingly unexplainable, or to close the loop (so to speak), lacked credibility. The mechanism in this novel, an informal discussion between the protagonist lawyer (Shelly) and Ronnie, her heretofore lying, deceptive, must-think-he’s-smarter-than-the-professional-yet-blinded-dupes- around-him, recently revealed son by way of a decade past rape. A complete mismatch to the gravitas of the charges and proceedings throughout much (not all � more below) of the book, a mismatch to the weight of law and legal procedure (as I envision them), and even buffoonish. I was left wondering the author’s professional expertise which to my surprise I learned is law.
And the mechanism of the reveal (the other instance of mismatch) stretches credulity to imagine a judge would allow and prosecutor not object to the shenanigans of the witness.
I will read his 4th novel despite his repeating the same, imo, weak method � hoping that the author is able to vary the recipe and because I already purchased it. Had I not, I suspect he’d have already had his last chance.
Likes:
One way music may delight a listener is moving in an unexpected direction. A change in rhythm. A change in key. A higher or lower note than anticipated. And do forth.
Stories may also delight by the unexpected. This story did. Several times. Each brought a layer of satisfaction. Credit to the author particularly for blindsiding me with what seemed the final twist (certainly in plot advancement). Makes me smile even now.
Dislikes � or why only 3 stars?
This is the 3rd David Ellis novel I’ve read (and in publication order). As with the first two I found the mechanisms the author used, after the big reveal, to bring it all together, to attempt to explain the seemingly unexplainable, or to close the loop (so to speak), lacked credibility. The mechanism in this novel, an informal discussion between the protagonist lawyer (Shelly) and Ronnie, her heretofore lying, deceptive, must-think-he’s-smarter-than-the-professional-yet-blinded-dupes- around-him, recently revealed son by way of a decade past rape. A complete mismatch to the gravitas of the charges and proceedings throughout much (not all � more below) of the book, a mismatch to the weight of law and legal procedure (as I envision them), and even buffoonish. I was left wondering the author’s professional expertise which to my surprise I learned is law.
And the mechanism of the reveal (the other instance of mismatch) stretches credulity to imagine a judge would allow and prosecutor not object to the shenanigans of the witness.
I will read his 4th novel despite his repeating the same, imo, weak method � hoping that the author is able to vary the recipe and because I already purchased it. Had I not, I suspect he’d have already had his last chance.
April 10, 2025
3.0 stars� David Ellis is a very talented writer who wrote one of my all-time favorite books, “Look Closer.� I am slowly attempting to read some of his other legal thrillers hoping for the same type of reading experience. “Jury of One� was published over 20 years ago, but definitely is written in the same fast paced style as “Look Closer.� Unfortunately, for me, this book went off the rails with numerous far-fetched plot twists which stretched (and then broke) all of the rules of credibility. “Jury� begins with the shooting of a police officer by a juvenile named Alex, who is charged as an adult due to the severity of the crime. Based on an earlier relationship she developed with Alex when handling a less serious case, Shelly Trotter agrees to handle the case despite having no experience in representing anyone in a serious felony case. The book centers around Shelly as she develops relationships with the defendant, Alex, as well as his very helpful brother Ronnie. Luckily for Shelly she is given office space, tons of helpful legal advice, an unlimited budget and an investigator by a successful attorney with a crush on her. The more I read the more bizarre the twists and turns in the book became in every aspect of the story. The trial of Alex was full of surprises (to say the least) but once again, they were not believable. Due to the book’s unpredictability and a twist a minute writing style, I would still recommend it, but I do so with an asterisk because most of the unpredictability is based on ridiculous coincidences and an unbelievable plot.
June 10, 2019
Jury of One is a solid crime mystery, it begins with the murder of a police officer under cloudy circumstances, then it's turns out that perhaps it's a corrupt police officer involved in the sale of drugs and as the story unfolds it seems that everything that's gone before isn't what it initially appeared. This is especially the case 60% of the way through the book when one of the main facts about a character that you are presented with and take for granted turns out to be not so factual and that's only the beginning of the turns in the narrative that take place.
All in all it's quite a riveting mystery of who is responsible for the actual shooting, and what the circumstances were that led to the shooting.
By the end of the story all the questions, leads & false leads are resolved and wrapped up nicely.
All in all it's quite a riveting mystery of who is responsible for the actual shooting, and what the circumstances were that led to the shooting.
By the end of the story all the questions, leads & false leads are resolved and wrapped up nicely.
April 2, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up
I have really enjoyed some of this author’s other books, but I wasn’t wholly invested in this one. Maybe I’ve read too many legal thrillers recently, or maybe I’ve simply been away from this author for too long.
The characters were well-drawn, and I liked Shelly, the MC. She’s a strong, independent woman who believes kids deserve a second chance, and who doesn’t let her past overwhelm her future. Some of the law enforcement personnel made me uncomfortable, although I know there are officers out there like them.
There were a lot of twists and turns in the story, with the surprise ending found in so many thrillers. I will read more of this author’s work and hope that this particular book was a one-off.
I have really enjoyed some of this author’s other books, but I wasn’t wholly invested in this one. Maybe I’ve read too many legal thrillers recently, or maybe I’ve simply been away from this author for too long.
The characters were well-drawn, and I liked Shelly, the MC. She’s a strong, independent woman who believes kids deserve a second chance, and who doesn’t let her past overwhelm her future. Some of the law enforcement personnel made me uncomfortable, although I know there are officers out there like them.
There were a lot of twists and turns in the story, with the surprise ending found in so many thrillers. I will read more of this author’s work and hope that this particular book was a one-off.
October 17, 2023
This was the first book I've read by Ellis and it turned out to be a mixed feeling type of book. I don't hate it and yet I don't realy like it either. Ellis' writing style is fairly good and tough there were many pages full of legal procedure references, the author was able to keep the story entertaining enough. There were a lot of twists and turns but overall underwhelming. It is highly frustrating when you follow the thoughts of characters and the author deliberately lies about their own thoughts and intentions until they are ready to reveal the twists. The author was trying very hard to make the storyline complex and it didn’t need to be. There were a few holes in the plot but not too bothersome. Okay book.
2,5 stars.
2,5 stars.
February 24, 2017
she was raped and got preg as a teen. she couldnt go thru with abortion, had baby, gave for adoption. she became lawyer, represented boy who she thought was her son. his adoptive parents died, he also became father at young age. he was dealing small amount of drugs, got caught up in fbi sting to catch bad cops. cop was killed, he was charged with murder. she couldnt get anyone to represent him so she took on his case. but it turned out he was not her son, his 'brother' who was also adopted was really her son. he was involved somehow in the shooting but shes not sure shes getting the full story. the fbi sting is involved along with some cops that went 'bad'. she is taking on the trial alone
she keeps thinking one of the two boys killed the cop, i dont think she really knows which one. she keeps investigating and changing her mind and trial strategy throughout the trial.
she finally figures it out, and gets both boys off. she is going to be friends with her son
she keeps thinking one of the two boys killed the cop, i dont think she really knows which one. she keeps investigating and changing her mind and trial strategy throughout the trial.
she finally figures it out, and gets both boys off. she is going to be friends with her son
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2023
It's not as good as previous two novels of David Ellis. It's a little stretched in the first eighty percent but the ending makes up a for a lot of it. Shelly Trotter, lawyer and children rights advocate defends a boy accused of killing police officer. Her life turns out to be intertwined with the defender as revelations of the past come to the fore. I love how some of the same characters pop up and there is a certain continuity with previous novels. And although it is never explicitly mentioned the location is Chicago (where author works), which makes it a little more special for me.
August 2, 2022
Another page turner
From the first page the relationship with Shelly becomes something I wished more of. What a fantastic book, it kept me awake all night so I would be able to sleep without the characters consuming my dreams. I can relate all to well to Shelly,maybe that's why I am sorry I came to the end so quickly with only her issues solved,mine just too fresh again. More of these page turned please Mr. Ellis
From the first page the relationship with Shelly becomes something I wished more of. What a fantastic book, it kept me awake all night so I would be able to sleep without the characters consuming my dreams. I can relate all to well to Shelly,maybe that's why I am sorry I came to the end so quickly with only her issues solved,mine just too fresh again. More of these page turned please Mr. Ellis
March 27, 2024
This book was a very slow start for me, but I’m so glad I stuck with it! From reading the synopsis, you can easily guess the first “twist,� which left me feeling by a bit disappointed that I figured it out so early, but I figured there had to be more. And boy was I right! I never could have predicted where this story went. I particularly enjoyed the court scenes. The author is a lawyer (or maybe a judge?) himself, so those scenes really came to life.
November 5, 2024
Though I am a big fan of Judge Ellis, this one wasn't doing it for me until the last 100 pages or so. It seemed to me to be overly complicated and a big convoluted, the pacing of the story was odd, and it just wasn't all that believable to me. But I enjoyed the ending quite a lot, so I'd give this one 3.5 stars.
If you are new to David Ellis, I'd suggest starting with a different story of his.
If you are new to David Ellis, I'd suggest starting with a different story of his.
February 12, 2025
Definitely a strong 4 stars. Another good mystery where nothing seems to be what you think it is, where the twists and turns keep coming. Good writing that kept me wanting to turn the pages.
The last twist was maybe one too many and not one I could wrap my head around. Say what?!!
Still, a good read.
The last twist was maybe one too many and not one I could wrap my head around. Say what?!!
Still, a good read.
August 12, 2019
Wow! Great book. This one has it all .... Strong characters, well-developed plot, believable dialogue, mystery, courtroom drama, emotional secondary subject ..... Quick, have to find more novels written by David Ellis!
September 27, 2018
One of the best court room dramas I've read in years.
December 4, 2018
Loved it!
Well written. I liked that the tone was driving to find the answers to all the angles that were presented
Well written. I liked that the tone was driving to find the answers to all the angles that were presented
January 9, 2019
This was excellent!
October 28, 2019
Just didn't grab me. Too predictable. Too faux-titilating...just too many books more worthy of my time.
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