Eight stars
After enjoying some of her collaborative work, I turned to Nancy Allen's own writing to see how well she handles legal thrillers. I devoured the first few novels and hoped to see the same calibre with this book. I was not disappointed, as it proved just as addictive, while tackling many legal and social matters. Allen sets her stories in the Missouri Ozarks, where the rules do not follow the mainstream, while also presenting unique perspectives in the law. Allen delivers a stellar piece that is sure to have the reader hooked from the opening sentences.
The Missouri Ozarks are nothing like many places in the United States. What some might call backwards, the region is home to many people who have found religion and lost all sense of the outside world. In rural McCown County, the locals are shocked when a pregnant woman's body is discovered at a trailer park. There is a witness, but it is the woman's six-year-old daughter, Ivy. Young Ivy points to her mother's boyfriend, who happens to be the unborn baby's father as well. While the buzz gains momentum county prosecutor Madeleine Thompson promises them justice, which can only be interpreted as a death sentence.
Scrambling for a second chair, Madeleine's first choice to help her refuses to work on a death penalty case. She's forced to turn to a newer and less experienced Elsie Arnold. While Elise wants as much experience as she can get, she's concerned about her boss and working with her. Reluctantly, Elsie agrees and begins tackling the numerous angles to getting ready for court. The case appears to be a slam-dunk, until Elsie looks into the life of the victim and the reluctance of Ivy to share what she knows. Against Elsie's advice, Madeleine forges ahead and brings in some legal giants in the Attorney-General's office, which creates a circus for all involved. When the defence hires cutthroat trial attorney, Claire O'Hara, Elsie can only wonder what will happen next.
Elsie is ready for an intense prosecution in this case, sure that justice will have to prevail. She is determined to win this case, even if Ivy is really out of sorts. The death of a mother and her unborn child will fuel Elise to ensure that no loopholes are left open for the defence. With the evidence mounting, Elsie begin to wonder if the death penalty is the right way to go, a crack in the prosecution that could lead to a less effective case. All the while Ivy is in great danger and no one is paying any attention. Allen dazzles with this, the most intense of the series so far.
Nancy Allen's solo work has shown me just how strong her writing style can be, as well as how much I enjoy it. Allen engages the reader and leaves them wondering what they might find with this series. The narrative contrasts the strength of the law and the weakness of predictability with some backwards thinking the Missouri Ozarks has to offer, both done thoroughly and yet respectfully. The legal matters become clear plot points, as the narrative gains speed, culminating in a case that will leave the reader to wonder what is coming next. Characters make the story even better, especially Elsie Arnold, whose backstory is further enriched with some personal moments in the story.
Plot points help add a flavour to the story, ensuring that the surprises are constant. Allen advances things with strong twists and numerous aspects that are sure to keep the reader engaged. Dealing again with some highly controversial subject matter and legal conundrums, the story takes on a life of its own. I have devoured these books and have one more to complete those that have been published to date. Bring it on!
Kudos Madam Allen, for handling many a thorny issue.
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