In Her Defence

by Philippa Malicka

You've read about the Finbow trial. You've seen it in the tabloids. You've watched it when it appeared on the news, unable to peel your eyes away from the spectacle of it all.

Famous, wealthy Anna Finbow, standing in court, accusing therapist Jean Guest of brainwashing her daughter Mary to access to her trust fund.

Jean, claiming that the dark memories she's helped Mary uncover are real. That therapy has offered her a chance to finally heal.

I'll tell you now that you shouldn't believe either of them.
Only I can tell you the truth. But everything I say is in her defence.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Horror, Adult

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Dutchie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anna Finbow finds herself embroiled in a libel lawsuit filed by her daughter‘s therapist, Jean. Anna is convinced that Jean has brainwashed her daughter Mary, and posts the accusation in her celebrity newsletter to her fans. At the start of the trial, we see the proceedings through Gus’s eyes. Gus was a close friend of Mary’s and is also connected to Jean via therapy. The timeline alternates between the trial, as well as Gus‘s time in Rome, where she meets Mary and Jean. This helps to develop a backstory to try and understand if Anna‘s accusations are in fact true.

Through Gus‘s time in Rome, we see how she becomes acquainted with both Mary and Jean. All of the characters are unlikable to the point that I couldn’t see any redeeming qualities really about any of them. Gus is looking for a sense of belonging which leads her to developing a close friendship with Mary that is never quite reciprocated the way she hopes. However, Jean is her rock that she feels she can always rely on. Jean keeps attempting Gus to introduce her to Mary, but Gus is hesitant. What I felt this was missing was the “why”. As a reader, I am following the relationships, but am questioning why any of these people are connected. What does Gus see in Mary? What is Jean’s infatuation with Mary? We see it all unfold, but I don’t ever get the understanding of what is driving some of their actions.

This is one of those novels that I think there’s a bit of reading between the lines on what constitutes as therapy and which side you end up believing. I’m hesitant to classify this as a psychological thriller, but it has a few of those elements as well as some legal courtroom drama. While I had some hangups with this one, I definitely would be interested in seeing what the future holds for this author.

3.5 Stars

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deeply poignant novel outlining the search for identity, the fallibility of memory, and the interplay between obsession and love, Ms. Malicka swept me up in her words. You see, between the scandal, intrigue, and drama and the riveting court case playing out in real time, In Her Defense was one heck of a special novel. But it was the intense character study that grabbed me and didn’t let go. Focusing a sharp lens on Gus, the courtroom drama—while captivating—was only part of the story. After all, this coming-of-age tale was mixed judiciously with a cult-like vibe that had me thinking long and hard. With the sense that the scenario behind this trial could’ve been ripped right from the headlines, it felt both true-to-life and over-the-top—but only in the best possible way. After all, it was filled with a gaslighter supreme, oodles of secrets, and a web of lies.

All in all, despite the slow-burning storyline in this genre-bending stunner, I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in one single sitting. Haunting, expressive, and with a definite literary fiction feel, the two alternating timelines were both eerily atmospheric and yet also packed with twists. But it was the narrator—who walked the fine line between unreliable and trustworthy—that made this book sing. Well, alongside of the emotional depth surrounding the exploration of both power and control and betrayal and friendship. A dark look at all of the above, this debut novel had a bit of everything for lovers of literary thrillers, family dramas, and courtroom suspense. So if you enjoy unsettling plot lines that will keep your mind whirring away, grab this book now. After all, it’s going to stay rent-free in my head for a very long time. Rating of 4.5 stars.

SYNOPSIS:

The whole country has been riveted by the trial: Beloved TV star and national treasure Anna Finbow, standing in court, accusing her daughter’s therapist Jean Guest of brainwashing her daughter Mary for her own financial gain. Jean insists Mary’s traumatic memories arise from her upbringing and her time studying at a prestigious art school in Rome; wounds only Jean’s therapy can heal. But as the trial unfolds, it’s Augusta “Gus” Bird, Anna’s former employee—a seemingly insignificant bystander, a nobody—who holds the key to unraveling the tangled web of lies and deceit.

What really happened to Mary in Rome? And if her memories can’t be trusted, how will they ever uncover the truth behind her estrangement?

Thank you Philippa Malicka and Scribner Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: February 3, 2026

Content warning: parent-child estrangement, gaslighting, homophobia, drug and alcohol use, adult/minor relationship, mention of: eating disorder, grooming, suicide

[Angie Miale · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHOA. What a book. I just finished and I am totally shook. It is both suspenseful and terribly sad. Mood readers beware- it is hard to find a character to root for but it dives really deep into themes of identity and desire for acceptance. I was absolutely riveted and my mouth dropped open several times. Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Laura Dave.

SYNOPSIS
Gussie is lovesick over Mary, her former friend and sometimes hookup. She is the key witness in a trial. Mary's mother, Anna, is a beloved TV actor and Mary her estranged only daughter. Anna is suing Mary's therapist, Jean Guest. Jean says that Mary's parents are toxic and supports Mary in cutting off all contact. Anna says that Mary has been manipulated for money and Jean has inserted false memories into Mary's mind. Gus is the one that brings the two together- a former client of Jean, Mary has cut her off too. But Gus is the one that brought Jean and Mary together.

THEMES- heavy!
Very bad therapy
therapist as cult leader
Art school setting
The roles we play to each other- how our friends see us
Unrequited love
Estrangement of family
Sexual promiscuity as a search for acceptance
We are all simultaneously the groomer and the groomed, the villain and the victim, the unreliable and fiercely loyal.

I have read so many books where I came away saying, "Sheesh, these people all need therapy. This book is practically an advertisement for therapy." WHOA. NOT SO FAST. Did you know that in the UK anyone can register as a therapist online, like registering as a "life coach" it appears that this doesn't have the level of regulation that it does in the states. Or at least it doesn't in this universe.

the characters are so sad and over time they appear to see themselves in both ways. The characters, particularly Gus and Mary, grow over time and begin to have a maturity to understand their past insecurities. Jean gave them hope, then made them dependent on her for this hope, but at least she gave them hope.

There is a reason why people join cults- there are wonderful things about it that make one feel finally understood, feel like there is a story to their pain. If it was all isolation and hopelessness then no one would join a cult. But there is a desperation for identity that becomes fulfilled and feels wonderfully validating.

this book is so suspenseful it practically feels like horror. Unbelievable story.

Thank you to Netgalley and scribner for the ARC. Book to be published 2/24/26

[Teresa Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a particular weakness for debut psychological thrillers, especially when a new author comes out swinging, and In Her Defense absolutely earns that attention. This story unfolds around a very public libel case, where a powerful media figure stands accused of destroying a therapist’s reputation, and the courtroom becomes less about facts and more about perception. The narrative moves between the legal spectacle and the quieter moments that led everyone there, slowly revealing how memory, influence, and fear distort the truth. At the center is Augusta “Gus” Bird, a woman who appears peripheral at first, almost forgettable, until it becomes clear she may be the only person capable of untangling what actually happened.

What impressed me most is how character driven this novel is. The internal lives of these people are as tense and volatile as the external plot, and the emotional stakes inside the courtroom feel just as dangerous as the verdict itself. The unreliable narration keeps you constantly recalibrating your loyalties, questioning motives, and wondering who is being manipulated and who is doing the manipulating. Malicka digs into mental health, vulnerability, therapy, queer identity, consent, boundaries, and toxic mentorship with a precision that feels unsettlingly believable. The exploration of cult-like influence and psychological control is especially effective, forcing you to sit with how fragile our sense of self can be, how easily it can be shaped, and who benefits when it is.

This is not a book that tells you who to root for. You are left circling every character, asking whether they are obsessed, fulfilling a need, protecting themselves, or simply lying to survive. The tension builds slowly but deliberately, rewarding patience rather than rushing to satisfy expectations. Slow burn thrillers aren't for the faint of heart, but stick with it because the ending is...chef's kiss. Philippa Malicka is officially on my radar, and if this is what her debut

[Holden Wunders · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a lot of mixed thoughts and feelings about this book, I am also weirdly biased as I am estranged from my parents. Going into this book, I wasn’t quite prepared for what it actually was. It was portrayed and marketed in a very particular way that had me thinking this would be a court room drama with a crazy mother and isn’t necessarily the case.

This was less of a thriller and drama and more so a case study of humanity and existence. It tried to toe the line of literary a lot more than I had expected it to. And while that’s not a bad thing whatsoever, it was jarring in a lot of ways. It felt like it took time even to get its own footing within the book as the first 50ish pages it still wasn’t sure what book it was going to be and in what genre.

I really did think this was going to be about a crazy mother and her emotional instability given the many books coming out about estrangement, influencer parents, etc. But this was more so about a cultist therapist brainwashing and separating a woman from her life and the many people who try to get her back. It takes the POV from a woman who’s been apart of her life previously and gets entangled with her family in unexpected ways. I don’t think that should be a spoiler but the premise of the book and how it should be portrayed.

There were times I was disappointed and started skimming and then I would slow back down and be interested again which does say a lot of the quality. Even not being fully into this, it would drag me back again and again. Although it wasn’t what I had wanted from this book it was well done in a lot of ways and is worth a read if you liked The Girls from Emma Cline.

[Delaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise for this book is so promising, and I wanted to enjoy it more than I did, but alas. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the main character we were reading from, I felt like she told things in a way that kept me at a distance. Which, perhaps that’s intentional, but it did prevent me from becoming fully invested. I was waiting for the big twist but it never really came through. Overall, a more chill read for me when I was looking for something suspenseful. May be a better book for someone else’s mood!

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC

[Karen’s Library · Rating 2 out of 5]

In Her Defense is about a beloved TV star who takes her daughter Mary’s therapist to court claiming the therapist has brainwashed Mary and is actually a cult leader.

I thought this premise sounded interesting and as it looked to be a twisty psychological thriller, I definitely wanted to read it.

Unfortunately, there was really no thriller to this one and I didn’t really see any twists. It’s more woman’s literature which is not a typical genre for me. I would guess that others may enjoy this genre but it’s really not my cup of tea.

The characters were all extremely unlikable and I struggled to stay invested in the story. I usually need at least one character to root for.

I blame myself for not realizing that it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. Lesson learned. I should have read the description more carefully.

*Thanks to Scribner for the gifted eARC.*

[Leisa]

4.5 stars

✨This is a remarkable debut. It delivers a multi-layered story that is part legal thriller, part family drama, part psychological suspense. While it’s filled with deeply flawed and quite unlikeable characters, the writing is so powerful that I still felt a connection with the story.

✨At its heart, this is a story about psychological manipulation as well as a fascinating look at how easily a vulnerable person be victimized and exploited. It also explores how the lines can sometimes be blurred between victim and villain.

✨I loved the dual timelines and the way the book made me so mad I wanted to throw it across the room then go grab it back so I could hurry and keep reading.

I definitely recommend this one.

🌿Read if you like:
✨Complex characters
✨Moral ambiguity
✨Cult narratives
✨Artist stories
✨Dysfunctional family stories
✨Legal thrillers
✨Psychological suspense

[Stephanielikesbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a character study which unfolded during a libel trial in London when a wealthy mother, Anna, sues an unlicensed, cult-like therapist for how she manipulated and brainwashed her daughter, Mary, to turn against her parents. Told through the eyes of Gus, a young woman who also came under the spell of the therapist and who worked for Anna, the story touches on self-doubt, self-loathing, belonging, identity, and past trauma.

While the concept was interesting, I thought the story would have benefited from seeing the story through Mary’s eyes as well as Gus’. I also found the pacing to be slow as the focus was on the remembering and contemplation of past events and actions, and less on the actual trial. Mary was the only sympathetic character but I didn’t feel that I knew or understood her since we only learn about her through Gus’ eyes. The ending was somewhat hopeful which was good after the dark atmosphere of the story.

Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary digital copy. All opinions are my own.

[Bobbie Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed In Her Defense by Phillippa Malicka. It’s a compelling legal thriller that kept me turning pages while also giving me a lot to think about.

The courtroom drama is well done, but what stood out most to me was the emotional side of the story. The main character feels very real. Flawed, determined, and constantly questioning herself in a system that doesn’t always feel fair. I liked how the book explored themes of justice, perception, and the way women are judged, both inside and outside the courtroom.

The pacing was mostly solid, though there were a few moments in the middle where it slowed down a bit for me, and some plot points weren’t entirely surprising. Still, the tension builds nicely, and the payoff at the end made it worth it.

Overall, this was an engaging, thought-provoking read, especially if you enjoy legal thrillers with strong characters and social commentary. Definitely one I’d recommend, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced copy.

[Emily Poche · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Scribner for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

In Her Defense by Philippe Malicka is part psychological thriller, part legal drama. Set in both present London and years before in Rome, a woman named Gus is transfixed; first by a student named Mary, and then by a mysterious therapist. Later, Mary’s famous mother will claim in court that this therapist has brainwashed and alienated her daughter. Gus seems to be the only one with the full story.

I think that, on my first reading, that this book would have a lot of appeal to fans of Lisa Jewell. Monied families, ingratiating schemers, and dark secrets do make this book have a very familiar sense of framing.

Something that I particularly liked was that Gus, our main character, wasn’t blameless and often was unlikeable. She’s the push that gets the whole story in motion but she’s far from an innocent. Her actions are spineless, selfish, and at times cross boundaries. But at the same time, Malicka writes her with a healthy dose of empathy; she’s lonely, manipulated, and desperately seeking validation. I think that it’s pretty masterful that the author could craft a character that in one moment feels like a little lost puppy and in the other seems like a dangerously obsessed creep.

Unfortunately, I did not feel that the other characters were written with as much deftness as the main character. Jean especially appears as little more than a Svengali—charming and then deeply dangerous. We’re given little peeks into her as a more complex character and her motives are hinted at, but she really seems a stock “evil therapist.” Mary, as well, has very little depth beside being beautiful and physically present.

I did find that when this book was good, it was very, very engaging. On the other hand, when it dragged, it basically ground to a standstill. I felt like the same few ideas were being rehashed without moving the plot forward or adding depth. We know that Jean is manipulative and striving to control Mary, using Gus as a pawn to reach her. I felt like the many scenes of their interactions trying to reel her in were repetitive. It felt a little bit like I was reading the same interaction over and over again, interspersed with more interesting moments.

I liked this book, but it wasn’t a complete success in its goals. I think that if you really crave a different spin on a cult leader style thriller, that this could be very gripping. I particularly liked the way that the author wrote the ambiguously sympathetic main character. 3/5 stars!

[Christina Pace · Rating 3 out of 5]

A big thank you to Simon & Schuester, Philippa Malicka, and NetGalley for providing an ARC upon request in exchange for an honest review!

2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.

I liked the premise of this book. A libel trial involving a celeb chef, her daughter and the therapist that 'stole' her away from her? And the witness that could make/break the case? Sounds really interesting, and the book had me in the beginning, setting up the little breadcrumbs that would come up later down the road with an unassuming, day-in-the-life protagonist.

However, for me I found it staggering around part 2, which started out interesting, but then became a rotating door of 'will they/won't they' emotions that are never quite really acted upon by the main character. This goes on throughout part 2 and part 3, and it becomes a constant lurid description of being an art student in Rome. A lot of key details are also brought up as key parts of the story, only to never be expanded upon or closed out on at the conclusion of the novel. I won't get into spoiler territory as this book has yet to be released (slated for a Feb. 2026 release) but for so much time it spends on MC and her pining for her love interest in Rome, it says nothing about (IMO) the more important details that play a part in the court case. Fortunately it picks back up in part 4, but even those parts feel woefully short in comparison to part 2 and 3.

I really liked how things are described in the writing, and I think Malicka is a solid writer. I also liked the main character being as messy and vulnerable as she was, and how she unknowingly stepped into the belly of the beast with the court case. However, I think it's bogged down by pacing issues and the extended focus on one event over all others that make it a miss for me.

[Corinne Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part psychological thriller and part legal drama. The main character, Gus, is quite the unreliable character. Gus becomes quite enamored with a fellow student, Mary, and then by a mysterious therapist, who is very charming but becomes very dangerous. As the story goes on, it is this very therapist, who Mary's mother claims in court, that has brainwashed and alienated Mary from her family. The entire story is told from the perspective of Gus. At times, you feel sorry for Gus because she seems so vulnerable and lacking in confidence, while at other times she comes across as very manipulative and stalkerish. It is Gus who gets Mary and Jean (the therapist) together, as she feels that Jean has helped her in so many ways. But once Jean has Mary in her grasp, she neglects Gus and this causes Gus to spiral. You start to feel like you don't know who to trust, as it feels like no one is telling the truth. I found the book to be entertaining and pretty fast-paced, but I started feeling like I didn't grasp the characters' underlying motives. I felt like both Gus & Jean were very wishy-washy.

Many thanks to Scribner & NetGalley for an invitation to read an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very impressed with this debut novel. Augusta “Gus” is the main character and is a witness in the libel case that a TV celebrity filed against a therapist who treated her daughter, Mary. Gus had connections to the TV celebrity and to Mary. You learn early on that Gus also knew the therapist, Jean Guest. The story unfolds in a dual timeline format and kept me engaged the whole time. If you like twisty psychological thrillers, I highly recommend this book.

Thanks to Scribner, the author and Net Galley for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this slow paced mystery/drama. A celebrity takes her daughter's therapist to court, a friend of the daughter, also connected to the therapist, is the narrator. The therapist has a cult-like following, and is accused of implanting memories. The story is told through the court procedings, along with flashbacks to the narrator's interactions with all the other people involved leading up to the court case. It's a story in which you're never quite sure who to believe, none of the characters are particularly sympathetic, but it was interesting and entertaining from start to finish.

[Tam Sesto · Rating 4 out of 5]

A court case told in past/present modes. The characters were hard to like or root for, but their personalities fit the story perfectly. The plot was intriguing and captivating. The writing was moody and depressing. The ending was unexpected, and yet somehow perfect.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.

[Trisha]

ooh this sounds twisty. I like when we can't tell which story is true. Sounds like this one will be unique.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

[Chrissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK overall, but there was so much build‑up throughout the story that the ending felt surprisingly mediocre and left me wanting something more satisfying.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was primed for drama. You pitch me a courtroom showdown between a celebrity mom and a maybe cult leader therapist, throw in a fragile art student and a wildcard narrator with suspiciously strong side character energy? I’m seated. I’ve cleared my schedule. I’m expecting The Vow meets The Crown with a dash of Girl, Interrupted and maybe a few tasteful breakdowns over terracotta. What I got was more like if your ex’s emotional support barista testified in court while still lowkey stalking them on Instagram.

In Her Defense follows Augusta "Gus" Bird, who is… how do I put this gently… absolutely unqualified to be anywhere near a courtroom or anyone’s daughter. Gus is orbiting the chaos of a high-profile libel trial where famous lifestyle goddess Anna Finbow (think Goop, but with clay) is suing her daughter’s therapist Jean Guest for, allegedly, brainwashing Mary and inserting trauma like it’s an emotional BBL. The therapist, for her part, claims Mary’s estrangement is very much a “bad parents, bad vibes” situation. Meanwhile Gus, former friend, maybe ex-hookup, possibly unpaid intern to both women’s psyches, holds the one brain cell that could make or break this whole circus.

But does Gus testify? Not really. Does she monologue about her unrequited crush on Mary, get manipulated by Jean like she’s in a very sad rom com, and take dramatic train rides? Absolutely. Most of this book is less legal thriller and more long-form diary entry from someone who thinks handing over a mixtape is the same thing as processing grief. And honestly? Kinda iconic. But also deeply frustrating.

The vibes are off in a way that almost works. The story dips into the weird intimacy of toxic mentorship, unreciprocated love, and the kind of therapy that feels more like emotional MLM recruitment. Jean Guest has major cult leader in sensible shoes energy, but the book keeps her behind glass like a fancy exhibit instead of letting us dig into her psyche. Mary is more of a symbol than a person. And Gus? Gus is trying so hard to be the narrator of her own life, but you can tell she’s been edited out of the group chat multiple times.

The best parts are when the book leans into how gross and real it all feels. The art school flashbacks in Rome? Sensual, creepy, overstimulating in that way all good Euro trauma should be. But by Part 3, we’re just rinsing and repeating the same will-they-won’t-they dynamic between Gus and her lingering obsession with Mary and Jean. The tension flatlines. I started rooting for the trial to wrap up just so someone could go to jail or at least therapy with a license.

Also, the courtroom stuff? Criminally underused. We are told this is a libel trial watched by the entire country and yet we get, like, five minutes of actual legal drama and a lot more staring at people across cafés like we’re in a very sad Italian episode of Law and Order SVU. The potential was there but the execution felt like it kept getting distracted by its own reflection in a café window.

Is this book bad? No. Is it great? Also no. It’s smart, stylish, and very sure of itself, but it’s also emotionally evasive in ways that made me feel like I needed my therapist afterward. I respected the craft, but I didn’t enjoy the spiral. Gus is a brilliant mess of a character, but the plot keeps her treading water instead of letting her swim or sink in a satisfying, dramatic blaze.

Three stars because it gave me a lot to chew on, even if most of it tasted like slightly bitter prosecco. Perfect if you like your thrillers slow, sad, and filled with people making consistently terrible choices for reasons they refuse to explain.

Whodunity Award: For Making Me Root for the Therapist to Be a Cult Leader Just So Something Would Happen

Massive thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for the ARC. It made me question the therapeutic ethics of every wellness influencer I’ve ever followed and also whether I’ve accidentally libeled someone in a group chat.

[Angel **Book Junkie** · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Scribner, and Phillipa Malicka for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In Her Defense is one of those books that pulls you in with a strong premise, gives you characters you want to alternately hug and throttle, and then leaves you sitting there thinking, “Well… that was a ride.” Not the most explosive thriller on the shelf, but definitely one that kept me invested—sometimes out of love, sometimes out of pure frustration.

👩‍⚖️ The Characters
Anna
Anna is the beating heart of this story. I adored her. I wanted to wrap her in a blanket, hand her a cup of tea, and tell her everything would be okay. She’s layered, vulnerable, and quietly powerful in a way that sneaks up on you. Every scene with her felt grounded and emotionally rich. She’s the reason I kept turning pages.

Gus
And then… there’s Gus.
If Anna is the character you want to protect, Gus is the one you want to shake until her teeth rattle. Her inner monologue tested every ounce of my patience. Her choices? Questionable. Her attitude? Even more questionable. And that ending? Let’s just say she earned herself a metaphorical slap in the face. I kept waiting for her to give more—more depth, more growth, more anything—but she stayed frustratingly flat for me. If I’d found her even slightly more compelling, this could’ve been a five‑star read.

⚖️ The Storyline
The plot is solid, with a thoughtful legal‑drama backbone and emotional stakes that feel real. It’s not the most pulse‑pounding thriller, but it has a steady rhythm that keeps you curious. Some moments shine, others simmer a little too quietly, but the overall arc works. The tension builds in a slow, deliberate way, and the final stretch delivers enough payoff to make the journey worthwhile.

🎯 What Worked
Anna’s character—complex, warm, and deeply human

A strong premise with emotional weight

A finale that ties things together with satisfying clarity

🤏 What Fell Short
Gus being… Gus

A narrative that never quite hits “unputdownable”

A few pacing dips that soften the impact

⚖️ Final Verdict
A compelling, character‑driven legal drama with one protagonist you’ll love and another you’ll want to launch into the sun. While it wasn’t as captivating as I hoped, the emotional depth, the thoughtful storytelling, and Anna’s standout presence make it a strong read.

Final Score: 4 stars. A well‑crafted story with heart—held back only by one very frustrating character.

[Kaylin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part psychological drama, (small) part legal thriller, In Her Defense is a quietly unsettling, slow-burn story of identity, the search for belonging and acceptance, and the stories we tell ourselves about our lives.

Gus is a compelling unreliable narrator whose view of her own life is a bit skewed. As she deals with issues of identity and desperately seeks acceptance and love, she falls under the influence of someone whose intentions may not be as altruistic as they seem. Gus is a complex character, at turns lonely and eager, then selfish and obsessive. Her narration is obviously flawed but remains engaging, and her relationship with, and fixation on, Mary was well-developed and emotionally convincing.

I did wish for a bit more in-depth build up of Gus's relationship with Jean that leaned more heavily into the assertions of cult-like manipulation and toxic mentorship. The foundation is there, but I wanted it to go a little deeper and darker to really stick the landing. Jean is an intriguing character whose methods are clear--flattery, isolation and control, selective attention--but whose motives are only ever hinted at. Why was she so interested in Mary? Was she just another rich girl to exploit or was there a deeper connection? There are vague ties to mothering and loss, but they never fully connect. The trial aspect, a relatively minor piece of the overall narrative, could have been used to fuller effect to more forcefully expose Jean's intentions. While Jean clearly fits the bill of toxic mentor and master manipulator, the assertions of being a cult leader fell a little flat with the execution. Still, these ideas remained compelling enough to keep me turning pages.

Read for what it is, In Her Defense is an engaging and thoughtfully written psychological drama, even if it never quite embraces its darkest potential. Readers drawn to character-driven stories with unreliable narrators and slow-building unease will likely also enjoy this!

Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for the advance review copy!

[Carole Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it past trauma or a ruse for financial gain?

Anna Finbow is a well-known celebrity, loved by her fans for her line of ceramics as well as her presence on TV. She is estranged from her adult daughter Mary, who has been working with (unlicensed) therapist Jean Guest to resolve some issues . Mary now claims she has uncovered memories of abuse from her childhood and later her time at an art school in Italy; Anna says that Jean has brainwashed her daughter and is just after the money that could be made. It is the stuff of which riveting and salacious libel trials are made, and the country is obsessed by it. Anna's former assistant Augusta "Gus" Bird is observing the goings on, and it is from her perspective that the story unfolds...but amidst the lies, the uncertain memories and manipulation it may be that Gus holds the key to uncovering the truth
In Her Defense is part psychological thriller and part courtroom drama, with a narrative that bounces back and forth between the present day legal proceedings and flashbacks to Mary's time in Rome. Gus provides an interesting perspective, someone who seems to be outside the inner circle yet may have a closer connection than it would appear on the surface. Is Mary the victim of an unethical therapist who is manipulating her with claims of regression therapy, or is she someone who suffered horrible abuse years earlier with which she is just coming to terms? Is Anna's image as a national treasure hiding a less pleasant reality? It is a fine line between healing and harm, and the reader must rely on a less than trustworthy narrator as the plot twists its way to an end. With its focus on women, motherhood, intricate family relationships and celebrity it is a page turner that is more introspective than adrenaline-fueled narrative, a tale that readers of Liv Constantine, Lucy Foley and Sarah Pekkanen might find appealing. My thanks to NetGalley and Scribner Books for allowing me access to the novel in exchange for my honest review.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

This was a book I had on pre-order but had to cancel after money issues and I was so excited to read it. But sadly it didn't completely live up to my expectations.

It had me hooked from page one, and whilst I did enjoy it for the most part, it did lose its way and struggled to regain that instant opening.

Whilst all of it was good, I preferred the scenes set in the current moment in court; I found those sections very enjoyable indeed and I'd have preferred slightly longer sections there because they are few and far between. The other scenes become this almost will-they-wont-they love triangle which I found myself not caring about.

I am a bit confused about it. I do understand how the past sections link to the present scenes at a basic level, but they generally felt like two different stories and I really struggled to find that strong connection.

Parts 1 and 4 were great and I thoroughly enjoyed them. But parts 2 and 3 felt slow and sloppy and repetitive and completely at odds to the rest of it.

I couldn't get on with any character. That's not to say they're badly written, I don't think that's the case at all. They're just very unlikeable. You're not completely sure who you can trust, who is telling the truth. None of them are 100% good or bad, they're all morally grey, some more grey than others, but I just didn't like any of them. They all felt very distant, I couldn't feel the love or chemistry or connection between any of them. They were quite flat and I was struggling to find anything to grasp hold of.

I am reluctant to call it a thriller, even a psychological thriller, it's something completely different that I can't quite fit into any one basket. It's not a thriller, not a crime novel, nor a legal drama, it's just sort of flitting between them all, never fully settling.

This book had so much promise. The synopsis was intriguing and there were elements I thought were good, but it promised to much but failed to deliver.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philippa Malicka’s debut, In Her Defense, doesn’t waste time drawing you into its world of high-stakes drama and murky moral boundaries. The novel kicks off in a courtroom, where Anna Finbow, a celebrity with both money and secrets, accuses her daughter’s therapist, Jean Guest, of brainwashing her child for a shot at the family fortune. There’s a sense that everyone in the room is hiding something, especially the young woman hovering at the edges, quietly holding the power to change everything.

Malicka’s writing is sharp and propulsive, veering between the glamorous chaos of celebrity life and the quieter, messier realities of therapy and family. Each character brings their own unreliable version of truth, making the story as much about secrets and memory as about the verdict itself. Anna is a force, compelling but deeply flawed, while Jean’s motivations remain tantalizingly unclear. At the center, Mary is the silent gravity pulling everyone into her own orbit of pain and loyalty.

What sets this book apart is Malicka’s knack for psychological tension. The shifting timelines and perspectives can feel like a puzzle box, but that complexity adds to the suspense. The action moves between Stoke on Trent and Rome, deepening the sense of displacement and searching for answers. The result is a novel that keeps you guessing, with characters you’ll love, hate, and never quite trust.

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with courtroom intrigue, think Gillian Flynn with a legal edge, this one’s for you. Some might find the constant shifts a bit dizzying, but the payoff is worth it. Malicka’s debut is smart, stylish, and just the right amount of unsettling.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Augusta “Gus” Bird is watching the Finbow vs. Guest trial from the gallery. Her ex-employer, Anna Finbow is being sued by her estranged daughter’s therapist for libel. Anna, a television personality, claimed in a monthly newsletter that Jean Guest, an unlicensed therapist and life coach, brainwashed her daughter, Mary, and planted false memories in an effort to isolate her from her family. Anna claims Mary’s childhood was idyllic and beautiful and that there is no possible reason for her estrangement without Guest’s influence. Does Gus hold the key to proving who is in the wrong here? What does she have to do with this case?

My favourite parts about this book, as a therapist myself, was learning kind about how the UK does not have the same regulatory boards that we do in Canada that protect against unsafe therapy practices. Mental health clients are a vulnerable population, and “counsellors” like Jean Guest do truly exist and prey on the vulnerable by exploiting them and their issues.

I have read accounts from various licensing bodies in Canada about the things licensed and registered counsellors have been caught doing with their clients; but at least there are disciplinary actions that follow this malpractice.

This has all the markings to be a hit for me, but it missed the mark in a few places. I found the timeline to be tricky to follow, especially in part 5, and I really wish there was more court time! I loved watching Gus work for Anna, but I found the chapters where Mary lives in Rome to be a bit repetitive. This isn’t a thriller but more of a domestic suspense, so adjust your expectations accordingly!

Thank you to Net Galley, Scribner Books, and Simon & Schuster for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of In Her Defense by Philippa Malicka.

Oof, this is a handful of a book! I have a lot of mixed feelings about it as it does tackle family estrangement as a result of unethical and culty therapy. After reading reviews, I can fully understand how it would hit a nerve to someone who is currently experiencing estrangement for "legitimate" reasons (as if I'm anyone's judge on that subject). I can also see how it might validate someone who feels like they lost a family member to a group or individual who managed to "poison" said loved one against them. In fact, I have seen that, in my actual life.

The reality is, it's all true. Just like so many situations, there is a wide swinging pendulum and nuance to all of it. Cutting off a family member can have so many reasons, some more or less "healthy" than others. This is simply one scenario, and it does happen. Part of what classifies an abuser is isolation from friends and family. It serves them by enabling them to perpetuate power and control without outside interference. Anyway, I'm not about to write a school paper about it...

Anna is desperate to get her daughter, Mary back in her life and away from the influence of her toxic therapist Jean. And sitting in the rafters, watching the whole case happen day by day is Augusta, who works for Anna and knows the family better than even Anna knows.

This is a slow-burning thickly layered onion of a story that I found equal parts fascinating and horrifying. It also goes to show the power of words, charisma, and manipulative skills when placed in the wrong hands. I did enjoy this story, but do approach with caution if you are experiencing estrangement.

[Aurora Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Augusta (Gus) Bird finds herself at the heart of a libel trial after TV star Anna Finbow sues her daughter Mary’s therapist, for allegedly brainwashing her.

𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
I was into this from the get. The whole thing has this slightly stalky, off-kilter vibe. Even though the plot circles a libel trial, it leans more domestic than legal. The courtroom scenes are woven throughout, but they don’t have the depth you’d get from a full legal thriller.

It’s totally character-driven, and Gus is the heart. She isn’t unreliable so much as she’s still figuring herself out. It almost reads like a late coming-of-age story. She can be irritating, needy and ngl, creepy, but I also found her weirdly relatable.

I was hooked, but the pacing does slow down. It’s clear early on that Jean is manipulating Gus, and those moments start repeating. I kept wanting the plot to push forward instead of looping the same point.

And while I thought the writing was strong throughout, the ending didn’t quite work for me. I wanted a bigger emotional moment or at least some sort of confrontation. The loose ends between the characters left me itching for a little more closure.

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
If you like messy dynamics, morally tangled characters, and that slow-burn tension where you can’t look away, this one delivers. Just go in expecting a character-heavy psychological drama rather than a straight legal thriller.

Thank you Scribner and NetGalley for this #gifted ARC.

🎧 Narrated by Anna Popplewell
📖 Publishes 02•03•26 | 352 pages | 11h 30m

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Her Defense by Philippa Malicka had an intriguing premise—a libel trial involving a celebrity ceramicist who claims a therapist brainwashed her daughter—but I found the execution uneven. The story follows Augusta "Gus" Bird, a former dog walker caught up in the trial, and while her position as an unreliable narrator with hidden motives should have been compelling, I struggled to connect with her or care about the outcome.

The novel's main issue is that virtually every character is deeply unlikeable, which seems intentional but made for an exhausting reading experience. I couldn't root for anyone, and the constant shifting between perspectives and timelines—moving between present-day London and Mary's past in Rome—sometimes felt more confusing than clever. The ambiguity around who's telling the truth grows tiresome when you don't particularly trust or sympathize with anyone involved.

Malicka does have a sharp eye for psychological manipulation and the murkiness of memory, and there are moments where the courtroom drama crackles with tension. The questions raised about therapeutic ethics and family dynamics are genuinely thought-provoking. But the pacing drags in places, and some revelations felt underwhelming after all the buildup.

If you enjoy morally gray characters and don't mind spending time with people you actively dislike, this might work for you. For me, it was a competent thriller that kept me reading more out of stubbornness than genuine investment in the story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Alyssa Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Scibner for my gifted copy!

“Rome radiated a beauty that was almost abusive. ‘As in, it actually hurts my eyes.’”

“When someone abuses their position of power, the victim rarely has any choice over whether they really consent to a relationship. We get mixed up, confusing our desire for acceptance with something more meaningful.”

Moody. Brooding. Sinister.

Maybe it’s because I started the Jodi Hildebrandt documentary on Netflix called Evil Influencer the same time I began In Her Defense, but I couldn’t help but compare these two enigmatic self help gurus. Jodi and Jean, two people trusted to cradle fragile mental health, abusing that power and trust.

Like the basis of this novel, In Her Defense was art. It featured Rome as a tangible character in its own right, and it made me crave that painful beauty our FMC, Gus, describes. It reminded me so much of how hard I fell in love with Diavola by Jennifer Thorne or The House of Last Resort by Christopher Golden.

And alongside this art and beauty, history and heritage, is a gritty ugliness that taints everything it touches. This entire book feels like a mirage you’re grasping at by the tips of your fingers, but the mirage billows up like a sheet, exposing manipulation and abuse. An ugliness that makes you want to recoil and hide. It makes you question who you can open yourself up to, even if they have pedigree and power.

It was a beautiful, intelligent book. A push and pull of the mind and how malleable it is. I really loved the lush writing and the rich storytelling.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philippa Malicka’s In Her Defense is a twisty tale about family dynamics, but also how some people are susceptible to being unduly influenced by someone who shows up in the right place at the right time. The question is how would someone know when and where that is? What would someone have to gain by making someone else dependent on them? Is it just a power trip? Is there financial gain involved?

Anna Finbow, a famous ceramicist with a reality show in England is struggling with these questions. She cannot understand why her daughter, Mary, has cut off all connections with her family, mostly Anna and her husband. They discover that Mary has been involved with a therapist named Jean Guest. Anna sues Jean saying that she has a track record of creating relationships that become cult-like.

Enter Augusta, who appears to idolize Anna and becomes her dog walker. Gus worms her way into the family and becomes curious about the situation with Anna and her daughter. But all may not be as it seems. The story weaves and wobbles in and out with each chapter revealing more information that keeps readers spellbound and by the end of the story, there are still questions but of a different nature.

In Her Defense causes the reader to introspect about if, how, and why negative relationships form and become so durable. Why don’t people cut ties when things clearly are not helpful?

Thank you, Netgalley, for the prepublication copy to read and review.