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In Doubt
Defense Attorney Sophie Giraudo is about to open a new legal practice in her hometown of San Sebastian, California, when the beloved governer is shot and seriously wounded during a celebration in the town park. The only thing more shocking than the crime itself is the identity of the would-be a seemingly gentle teenager named Donny. Driven by her desire to understand what could make a person with no history of violence suddenly commit such a terrible act, Sophie reluctantly agrees to take him on as a client, knowing that, at least, it will bring her some income. But soon she realizes that she also has personal motivations for taking the a desire to prove to her overbearing mother that she is not the reckless and self-destructive tennager she used to be, to prove to her ex-husband, who happens to be the prosecuting attorney, that she can win her case, and to prove to herself that the traumatic events of her adolescence no longer define her.
As she digs deeper into Donny's past, Sophie begins to suspect that he might not be the cold-blooded killer everyone thinks he is. Does Donny's narcissistic mother really have her son's best interest in mind? Is Donny's mentor who runs Boys Into Men, a program for disadvantaged youths, the altruistic man he claims to be? Is Donny a deranged murderer, or a victim of his circumstances acting out of desperation? As Sophie races to uncover the truth, she is forced to come to terms with her past and to fight for what she knows is right...even if it means risking her reputation and possibly her life.
As she digs deeper into Donny's past, Sophie begins to suspect that he might not be the cold-blooded killer everyone thinks he is. Does Donny's narcissistic mother really have her son's best interest in mind? Is Donny's mentor who runs Boys Into Men, a program for disadvantaged youths, the altruistic man he claims to be? Is Donny a deranged murderer, or a victim of his circumstances acting out of desperation? As Sophie races to uncover the truth, she is forced to come to terms with her past and to fight for what she knows is right...even if it means risking her reputation and possibly her life.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
12 people are currently reading
892 people want to read
About the author
Drusilla Campbell
27 books138 followersDrusilla Campbell lives in San Diego with her husband, the lawyer-poet-professor, Art Campbell, two rescued dogs and four horses. She was born in Melbourne, Australia and came to California when she was six years old. Before that she criss-crossed the United States by train and car with her brave and resourceful mother and mostly adorable baby brother. She had sailed the Pacific Ocean three times before starting first grade and knew how to run down a pitching outside deck and come to a sliding, slamming stop against a bulkhead, laughing the whole time. She grew up in the Santa Clara Valley in the halcyon days before the dot com magnates discovered it, attended San Jose State University, and then started traveling again. She taught in Melbourne, London and at a remote jungle outpost in Panama before settling down and marrying. While living in Washington, DC she got a Masters Degree in Broadcast Journalism from the American University and went to work for NPR's major DC affiliate, WAMU-fm. She has two sons, Rocky and Matt, and three grandchildren who are smarter, more intelligent and entertaining than anyone elses. The dogs, the horses, the family and friends and writing books keep her happily in one place.
Drusilla is an award winning author of 16 published novels, including the best-selling and award winning novels, The Good Sister, Blood Orange, and Bone Lake. Her latest novel, Little Girl Gone from Grand Central Publishing, is available is available January 31, 2012. you.
Drusilla is an award winning author of 16 published novels, including the best-selling and award winning novels, The Good Sister, Blood Orange, and Bone Lake. Her latest novel, Little Girl Gone from Grand Central Publishing, is available is available January 31, 2012. you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
April 20, 2016
3.5 I enjoyed this mystery/legal thriller, the team of Sophie and Hemp are easy to relate to, flawed human beings each with their own baggage. When Sophie takes on the legal case of Donny, a seventeen yr, old boy who shot but not killed the governor of California, it looks like an open and shut case. But as is often true too in real life, nothing is ever as simple as it looks. There is much more going on than is at first apparent.
There are many different threads to this story, all interesting and some out of the headlines of today. I think the author did a credible job keeping the story from getting bogged down by allowing too many things into the scene. I found this book very interesting and the curves and turns were at time unexpected. Some of the themes, were dark and gritty but I don't want to give to much of the plot away. Did not get all the answers I wanted at book's end so I am hoping there is a sequel. I hope so anyway.
ARC from NetGalley.
There are many different threads to this story, all interesting and some out of the headlines of today. I think the author did a credible job keeping the story from getting bogged down by allowing too many things into the scene. I found this book very interesting and the curves and turns were at time unexpected. Some of the themes, were dark and gritty but I don't want to give to much of the plot away. Did not get all the answers I wanted at book's end so I am hoping there is a sequel. I hope so anyway.
ARC from NetGalley.
April 10, 2020
3.5 stars 🌟. I liked this story very much. It was written well without a lot of fancy legal jargon, choosing instead to tell a story with very well fleshed-out characters. I want to read more from this author as her writing style suits me. I have always liked legal thrillers but so many of them are written by lawyers and their jargon make my eyes glaze over sometimes. This book is not like that. It was a bit anti-climactic, but so many things in life are.
September 20, 2015
Donny is in a program for “troubled” teen boys, run by Roman and his wife, Iva. When Donny's mother comes to take him out of the program and bring him home, he is very upset to have to leave and really doesn't want to. Shortly after, the state governor, Maggie, is speaking in a park and is shot by Donny. There is no doubt about this; many people saw it and Donny didn't resist immediate arrest. His lawyer, Sophie, wants to dig further to try to figure out why Donny would shoot Maggie, as he's not talking.
Although I had a bit of trouble right at the start, with so many characters and trying to figure out who's who, once the story really started, I really liked it. I wanted to know what was going on and I wanted to keep reading. I felt badly for Donny and everything he'd been through. There were a couple of side-stories that weren't wrapped up, but that didn't bother me. I suppose that opens the door to more books about those characters or it's just more realistic. There was also an author's note at the end that was interesting to read about as she explained why she writes about the kinds of people that she does. This is the first book I've read by Campbell, and I will likely read more.
Although I had a bit of trouble right at the start, with so many characters and trying to figure out who's who, once the story really started, I really liked it. I wanted to know what was going on and I wanted to keep reading. I felt badly for Donny and everything he'd been through. There were a couple of side-stories that weren't wrapped up, but that didn't bother me. I suppose that opens the door to more books about those characters or it's just more realistic. There was also an author's note at the end that was interesting to read about as she explained why she writes about the kinds of people that she does. This is the first book I've read by Campbell, and I will likely read more.
June 23, 2016
3.5 stars
August 2, 2024
There's no doubt that Donny Crider shot the governor. The real story is why. While everyone in town thinks he should receive the maximum penalty for premeditated attempted murder, a stubborn yet emotionally vulnerable attorney wants to find the real story. She wants to give the young boy some justice...something he has never had.
The reason I liked this story is because it's so much like life--it's messy and not tied up in a neat package. When the book ends the story continues in your mind, and you imagine the next chapter for Donny as well as his attorney, Sophie Giraudo.
The reason I liked this story is because it's so much like life--it's messy and not tied up in a neat package. When the book ends the story continues in your mind, and you imagine the next chapter for Donny as well as his attorney, Sophie Giraudo.
June 9, 2020
Nice description of small California town and it's inhabitants.
June 27, 2014
MY REVIEW:
Grand Central Publishing | August 26, 2014 | Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-1-4555-1033-7
I have read every book Drusilla Campbell has written and all of them have been top caliber and IN DOUBT was no different.
So, Sophie Giraudo is a defense attorney who has just opened a new practice in San Sebastain, California. She desperately needs new clients to pay the bills for all the new furniture and plush carpeting she just purchased. It isn't long before Sophie gets her wish when a quiet, introverted teenager named, Donny Crider, shoots the Governor at a crowded venue with lots of witnesses. He was arrested on the spot.
Sophie is intriqued as to why a seemingly quiet, layed-back boy would commit such a crime. Against the wishes of family, co-workers, and friends, Sophie decides to take on Donny's case. She knows it's going to be difficult to defend the boy but she delves in head-on vowing to learn all she can about this boy.
Obtaining the information she needs to mount a defense almost blows up in her face after meeting, Donny and discovering he is not a talker and not one to divulge information that could possibly save his own life. His mother is a nightmare and his father has been absent from his life for fifteen years.
According to the Prosecutor, this kid doesn't have a leg to stand on and is going to jail for a long, long time. Can Sophie somehow find a way through all the muck and mire to mount a proper defense to help, Donny?
In Doubt did just that, kept me in doubt throughout the entire story. I always think most books end up the way we think they should but not all. Read this one to find out what happens, it'll shock you to your core.
Grand Central Publishing | August 26, 2014 | Trade Paperback|ISBN: 978-1-4555-1033-7
I have read every book Drusilla Campbell has written and all of them have been top caliber and IN DOUBT was no different.
So, Sophie Giraudo is a defense attorney who has just opened a new practice in San Sebastain, California. She desperately needs new clients to pay the bills for all the new furniture and plush carpeting she just purchased. It isn't long before Sophie gets her wish when a quiet, introverted teenager named, Donny Crider, shoots the Governor at a crowded venue with lots of witnesses. He was arrested on the spot.
Sophie is intriqued as to why a seemingly quiet, layed-back boy would commit such a crime. Against the wishes of family, co-workers, and friends, Sophie decides to take on Donny's case. She knows it's going to be difficult to defend the boy but she delves in head-on vowing to learn all she can about this boy.
Obtaining the information she needs to mount a defense almost blows up in her face after meeting, Donny and discovering he is not a talker and not one to divulge information that could possibly save his own life. His mother is a nightmare and his father has been absent from his life for fifteen years.
According to the Prosecutor, this kid doesn't have a leg to stand on and is going to jail for a long, long time. Can Sophie somehow find a way through all the muck and mire to mount a proper defense to help, Donny?
In Doubt did just that, kept me in doubt throughout the entire story. I always think most books end up the way we think they should but not all. Read this one to find out what happens, it'll shock you to your core.
June 18, 2017
This was a sad book. I wanted to cry when I discovered all Donney had been through. However, it only gets three starts as so much was left unresolved. Unless there is another book coming, I don't like how the end left us on this one.
June 16, 2017
Kẻ tình nghi - người dịch Trọng Nghĩa
Lấy đề tài ấu dâm và trấn động tâm lý của các nạn nhân sau việc bị lạm dụng, tác giả đưa người đọc đi sâu vào nỗi đau của những nạn nhân, đặc biệt là nạn nhân của một tội ác bệnh hoạn nhất. Đứa trẻ nào cũng luôn sợ hãi khi bị người lớn đe dọa. Rồi khi bị đe dọa, chúng sẽ chui vào vỏ ốc, dựng nên bức tưởng giữa chúng và phần còn lại của xã hội. Nhưng những người lớn đó đâu để chúng yên ổn trong đó, họ quyết tâm ngụy biện cho thói quen bệnh hoạn đó bằng lớp vỏ của yêu thương, quan tâm, của ý nghĩ nạn nhân không thấy tủi hổ mà là hạnh phúc. Cứ thế, đến một ngày khi giới hạn bị phá vỡ, liệu những nạn nhân đó có bộc phát ra tội ác nào không? Trong kẻ tình nghi, cậu bé Donny hiền lành, lặng lẽ, yêu thiên nhiên, một tài năng thiên bẩm về cây cối đã chấn động, được tiếp tay và gây nên tội ác không đáng có. Bản thân cậu cũng biết cậu sai, nhưng cậu không thể mở lòng ra được, tổn thương đến độ không biết vì lý do gì bản thân đã hành xử như thế. Và Sophie, con người dường như mạnh mẽ, lại cũng từng là nạn nhân của thứ sở thích bệnh hoạn đó. Nhưng nếu Donny bị động, thì Sophie, cho đến khi đã là cô gái 35 tuổi, vẫn tự thâm tâm biết nguyên nhân sâu sa là lỗi của bản thân. Cả Donny và Sophie đều bị những gông cùm của người thân, sự nổi loạn khi không tìm được ai hiểu mình, nhưng Sophie vẫn được yêu thương - dù yêu thương đó làm cô khó chịu - cứu giúp, tạo động lực cho cô gắng sức chiến đấu. Còn Donny, câu cô độc, lẻ loi, một tâm hồn bức xúc không thể giải tỏa. Và dù Sophie có đau đáu, cố gắng giúp đỡ, tìm đến sự công bằng mà bất kỳ ai cũng cần được hưởng, tạo một con đường đỡ tệ hại hơn, thì Donny cũng có chắc mạnh mẽ được như cô, khi bản chất giữa cô và Donny hoàn toàn khác nhau: kẻ bị ruồng bỏ, kẻ được yêu thương.
Vì nặng về tâm lý nên nhịp truyện hơi chậm, mô tả chi tiết từng cá nhân đến khung cảnh. Cũng vì thế người đọc có thể từ tốn nhâm nhi quyển truyện để thấu hiểu hơn đói với những nạn nhân của thứ tội ác bệnh hoạn này. Tuy nhiên, truyện vẫn để ngỏ rất nhiều tình tiết, như nỗi đau của vị thám tử, như số phận của Donny, liệu Sophie có vượt qua được quá khứ... Và theo thiện ý của mình, chính vì thế mới có thể cảm nhận được tính đời trong truyện.
Để kết lại đoạn nhận xét, cũng là để nhắc nhở bản thân và như tâm trạng khi mình đọc truyện muốn nói với các nhân vật trong truyện: "Nếu có người bỗng dưng nói điều ngon ngọt với bạn hoặc đối xử với bạn tốt hơn trước thì nhất định phải đề phòng, bởi vì trên đời này không có sự trả giá và thiện ý nào là vô duyên vô cớ"
Lấy đề tài ấu dâm và trấn động tâm lý của các nạn nhân sau việc bị lạm dụng, tác giả đưa người đọc đi sâu vào nỗi đau của những nạn nhân, đặc biệt là nạn nhân của một tội ác bệnh hoạn nhất. Đứa trẻ nào cũng luôn sợ hãi khi bị người lớn đe dọa. Rồi khi bị đe dọa, chúng sẽ chui vào vỏ ốc, dựng nên bức tưởng giữa chúng và phần còn lại của xã hội. Nhưng những người lớn đó đâu để chúng yên ổn trong đó, họ quyết tâm ngụy biện cho thói quen bệnh hoạn đó bằng lớp vỏ của yêu thương, quan tâm, của ý nghĩ nạn nhân không thấy tủi hổ mà là hạnh phúc. Cứ thế, đến một ngày khi giới hạn bị phá vỡ, liệu những nạn nhân đó có bộc phát ra tội ác nào không? Trong kẻ tình nghi, cậu bé Donny hiền lành, lặng lẽ, yêu thiên nhiên, một tài năng thiên bẩm về cây cối đã chấn động, được tiếp tay và gây nên tội ác không đáng có. Bản thân cậu cũng biết cậu sai, nhưng cậu không thể mở lòng ra được, tổn thương đến độ không biết vì lý do gì bản thân đã hành xử như thế. Và Sophie, con người dường như mạnh mẽ, lại cũng từng là nạn nhân của thứ sở thích bệnh hoạn đó. Nhưng nếu Donny bị động, thì Sophie, cho đến khi đã là cô gái 35 tuổi, vẫn tự thâm tâm biết nguyên nhân sâu sa là lỗi của bản thân. Cả Donny và Sophie đều bị những gông cùm của người thân, sự nổi loạn khi không tìm được ai hiểu mình, nhưng Sophie vẫn được yêu thương - dù yêu thương đó làm cô khó chịu - cứu giúp, tạo động lực cho cô gắng sức chiến đấu. Còn Donny, câu cô độc, lẻ loi, một tâm hồn bức xúc không thể giải tỏa. Và dù Sophie có đau đáu, cố gắng giúp đỡ, tìm đến sự công bằng mà bất kỳ ai cũng cần được hưởng, tạo một con đường đỡ tệ hại hơn, thì Donny cũng có chắc mạnh mẽ được như cô, khi bản chất giữa cô và Donny hoàn toàn khác nhau: kẻ bị ruồng bỏ, kẻ được yêu thương.
Vì nặng về tâm lý nên nhịp truyện hơi chậm, mô tả chi tiết từng cá nhân đến khung cảnh. Cũng vì thế người đọc có thể từ tốn nhâm nhi quyển truyện để thấu hiểu hơn đói với những nạn nhân của thứ tội ác bệnh hoạn này. Tuy nhiên, truyện vẫn để ngỏ rất nhiều tình tiết, như nỗi đau của vị thám tử, như số phận của Donny, liệu Sophie có vượt qua được quá khứ... Và theo thiện ý của mình, chính vì thế mới có thể cảm nhận được tính đời trong truyện.
Để kết lại đoạn nhận xét, cũng là để nhắc nhở bản thân và như tâm trạng khi mình đọc truyện muốn nói với các nhân vật trong truyện: "Nếu có người bỗng dưng nói điều ngon ngọt với bạn hoặc đối xử với bạn tốt hơn trước thì nhất định phải đề phòng, bởi vì trên đời này không có sự trả giá và thiện ý nào là vô duyên vô cớ"
July 15, 2017
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this book, partly because I'm biased to books involving teen murderers. 😂 I didn't love it though, and I thought I would. This book was sad the whole way through, which is understandable given the characters' backgrounds and histories. I did enjoy the storyline, however. Some parts I had to reread because I got confused as to which character was speaking, but overall the storyline flowed nicely. I didn't think it was slow at all at any point. The characters felt real to me. I do wish I could have got more closure involving a little incident, but it leaves the reader guessing, I suppose, and it was a little minor. Overall, I would rate this book 3.5 stars and I would recommend it if you enjoy a nice quick, sad little story.
August 28, 2025
I liked this book.Sophie Gordon is a lawyer who is struggling to build up a law practice. She takes on a controversial case where an eighteen year old boy Donnie is charged with shooting the California governor. Donnie is unable to remember any of the events leading up to the shooting. Sophie eventually uncovers that Donnie grew up with a pathological mother and was sexually abused by a man he admired who ran a group for boys having difficulty in mainstream society. Ultimately Donnie is sentenced to 15 years in prison where he works as a gardener and is likely to receive parole at a relatively young age.
July 7, 2022
I admire the clean, straightforward writing that didn't sentimentalize. The case is unwinnable, but the ending offers hope, not only for the kid but also for the lawyer and her investigator, who have troubles of their own that are woven skillfully throughout the book. I'd be more than happy to read another book featuring these main characters.
June 22, 2019
I really liked this book. Part of me is a little let down by the ending. I felt like I wanted more of a resolution for some of the characters, but perhaps it was fine the way it was summed up. Maybe I just wasn't ready for the book to be over.
April 10, 2021
It took forever to get into this book and then it ended rather abruptly with several stories left open. While I appreciated a few of the characters, I didn't love the book and wouldn't read anymore by this author.
September 14, 2024
The author has a simplistic writing style. But the topiccs and the stories she tells are so deep and taboo - the kind of taboo that isn't discussed but has affected every family in some way it seems. Worthy of your time to read this book, and others by Campbell.
August 20, 2017
I thought this book was well written. A good story , I thought it would a typical end g but it was unsuspected. The best type of ending.
March 12, 2018
I happened to find this author unexpectedly. She is now one of my favorites. This is a great book. Very easy to read. I was anxious to find out the ending.
February 10, 2020
Great book. I love mystery crime drama books.
November 27, 2023
I liked the protagonists in this novel, though it felt a bit angsty. I particularly enjoyed seeing a strong female character taking charge and not swooning over the men in the story!
October 3, 2020
In Doubt của nữ tác giả Drusilla Campbell được chuyển ngữ với tựa đề "Kẻ tình nghi" là cuốn sách trinh thám của tác giả nữ đầu tiên trong kệ sách của mình. Mình mua quyển sách này sau khi đọc sơ review trên một trang mạng và cũng muốn đọc thử tác phẩm trinh thám được viết bởi tác giả nữ thì sẽ như thế nào.
Cẩm trên tay "Kẻ tình nghi" điều làm mình chú ý là hình ảnh hai chiếc chìa khóa được lồng vào nhau bởi một sợi dây. Chính hình ảnh đó đã gợi lên cho mình chút tò mò về nội dung cuốn sách này.
Mở đầu câu chuyện Drusilla giới thiệu về hoàn cảnh của 2 nhân vật chính: Donny và Sophie. Hai nhân vật nằm ở hai chiến tuyến hoàn toàn trái ngược. Một người là hung thủ một người là luật sư biện hộ cho người kia. Vậy nhưng giữa họ lại có chung một bí mật. Chính bí mật đó đã thôi thúc Sophie nhận bào chữa cho Donny -cậu bé vị thành niên bị khép tội cố ý giết người và bị cả cộng đồng lên án, mong muốn cậu sẽ bị bỏ tù mọt gông vì hành động của mình.
Nội dung cuốn hút là vậy nhưng có lẽ nữ tác giả Drusilla đã vung tay quá trán khi sa đà vào việc miêu tả tâm lý của nhân vật Sophie thông qua quá trình tìm cách bào chữa cho thân chủ của mình. Xuyên suốt hơn 400 trang sách là những dòng miêu tả có phần dài dòng, đôi khi lan man về quá khứ của nữ chính mà đáng lý ra theo mình, nhân vật mà độc giả mong muốn tìm hiểu nhiều hơn là cậu bé Donny.
Cái hay của Drusilla là cách gợi mở câu chuyện cho từng nhân vật trong tác phẩm của bà nhưng cũng chính bà lại bỏ ngỏ hoàn toàn câu chuyện của nhân vật trung tâm trong cuốn sách là cậu bé Donny.
Ngoài điểm cộng là lời văn mạnh mẽ, cách miêu tả khó đọc thì điểm sáng mà Drusilla tạo được là thông qua hành trình tìm kiếm sự thật của Sophie, tác giả đã ngầm đã kích sự yêu thương, bảo bọc quá mức của người mẹ đối vói con cái, mà đại diện là 2 nhân vật: Elena và Anna. Thú thật, chính 2 nhân vật này cũng góp phần giữ chân mình đi hết con đường dài thòng của "Kẻ tình nghi".
Mình xin trích dẫn lời nhận xét của San Diego Unon Tribune thay cho lời kết mà mình nghĩ nó sẽ tạo góc nhìn đa chiều hơn cho bạn nào muốn tìm đọc tác phẩm này.
"Campell có một giọng kể chuyện mạnh mẽ và không lựa chọn con đường dễ dàng để truyền cảm hứng cho câu chuyện. Thay vào đó, bà đưa ra những chi tiết kịch tính đầy thuyết phục, với ngôn từ miêu tả tâm lý phức tạp. Tất cả những yếu tố này đã tạo nên một cuốn tiểu thuyết không dễ đọc, nhưng cũng rất khó bỏ dở một khi đã bắt đầu."
Cẩm trên tay "Kẻ tình nghi" điều làm mình chú ý là hình ảnh hai chiếc chìa khóa được lồng vào nhau bởi một sợi dây. Chính hình ảnh đó đã gợi lên cho mình chút tò mò về nội dung cuốn sách này.
Mở đầu câu chuyện Drusilla giới thiệu về hoàn cảnh của 2 nhân vật chính: Donny và Sophie. Hai nhân vật nằm ở hai chiến tuyến hoàn toàn trái ngược. Một người là hung thủ một người là luật sư biện hộ cho người kia. Vậy nhưng giữa họ lại có chung một bí mật. Chính bí mật đó đã thôi thúc Sophie nhận bào chữa cho Donny -cậu bé vị thành niên bị khép tội cố ý giết người và bị cả cộng đồng lên án, mong muốn cậu sẽ bị bỏ tù mọt gông vì hành động của mình.
Nội dung cuốn hút là vậy nhưng có lẽ nữ tác giả Drusilla đã vung tay quá trán khi sa đà vào việc miêu tả tâm lý của nhân vật Sophie thông qua quá trình tìm cách bào chữa cho thân chủ của mình. Xuyên suốt hơn 400 trang sách là những dòng miêu tả có phần dài dòng, đôi khi lan man về quá khứ của nữ chính mà đáng lý ra theo mình, nhân vật mà độc giả mong muốn tìm hiểu nhiều hơn là cậu bé Donny.
Cái hay của Drusilla là cách gợi mở câu chuyện cho từng nhân vật trong tác phẩm của bà nhưng cũng chính bà lại bỏ ngỏ hoàn toàn câu chuyện của nhân vật trung tâm trong cuốn sách là cậu bé Donny.
Ngoài điểm cộng là lời văn mạnh mẽ, cách miêu tả khó đọc thì điểm sáng mà Drusilla tạo được là thông qua hành trình tìm kiếm sự thật của Sophie, tác giả đã ngầm đã kích sự yêu thương, bảo bọc quá mức của người mẹ đối vói con cái, mà đại diện là 2 nhân vật: Elena và Anna. Thú thật, chính 2 nhân vật này cũng góp phần giữ chân mình đi hết con đường dài thòng của "Kẻ tình nghi".
Mình xin trích dẫn lời nhận xét của San Diego Unon Tribune thay cho lời kết mà mình nghĩ nó sẽ tạo góc nhìn đa chiều hơn cho bạn nào muốn tìm đọc tác phẩm này.
"Campell có một giọng kể chuyện mạnh mẽ và không lựa chọn con đường dễ dàng để truyền cảm hứng cho câu chuyện. Thay vào đó, bà đưa ra những chi tiết kịch tính đầy thuyết phục, với ngôn từ miêu tả tâm lý phức tạp. Tất cả những yếu tố này đã tạo nên một cuốn tiểu thuyết không dễ đọc, nhưng cũng rất khó bỏ dở một khi đã bắt đầu."
December 17, 2014
In Doubt by Drusilla Campbell depicts the story of a defense attorney that unwittingly finds herself in the middle of the biggest crime to ever hit the small town of SanSeb-- San Sebastian, California. Danny Crider, fresh out of the Boys into Men Boy's Home, has shot the governor,hometown hero Maggie Duarte. Crider's mother, Elena, is especially hurt because she feels a strong connection to the Governor. Elena takes Donny's crime so seriously that, while she pays for Donny's defense, she refuses to see him.
Donny is quiet, to a fault. He refuses to assist in his own defense so Sohpia Giraudo, fledgling defense attorney that only took the case for the fee, finds herself digging into Donny's past for clues. Why did he shoot the Governor? He says he doesn't know, but how could he aim and shoot and not know why? Sophia surmises that something in his past, specifically something regarding his father's disappearance from his life, is overbearingly inappropriate and compulsive mother, and Iva and Roman, the couple that own Roman's Gardens and run Boys into Men.
While I enjoyed reading this novel and trying to figure out the mystery alongside Sophia, I couldn't help feeling unfulfilled. I feel like so many issues were uncovered but left to wither in the sun. Donny's stoic silence was an interesting plot point at first but eventually he was just annoying. There was no introspection as to why he wouldn't speak about his actions. Sophia's investigator, Camp, whose daughter has been missing for two years-- we get a hint that he may have possibly found her, but that glimmer of hope falls a bit flat for me. As did the mention of her childhood rapist, specifically she and Camp walking down to the house where he used to live. If she wasn't going to ask Camp to find him.... ???
Some characters were very thin- Camp and Ben especially. Brad as well... I just didn't get him. Anna, in contrast was so vivid I practically had her cast in the movie in mind mind. Iva as well was so sympathetic and empathetic, I really felt for her, especially when she discovered the truth about her husband.
I suppose this book can be a lesson in how justice really works. Sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes without a whole lot of palatable answers. Sometimes justice is just barely served.
I was granted a copy of this novel for review from NetGalley.
Donny is quiet, to a fault. He refuses to assist in his own defense so Sohpia Giraudo, fledgling defense attorney that only took the case for the fee, finds herself digging into Donny's past for clues. Why did he shoot the Governor? He says he doesn't know, but how could he aim and shoot and not know why? Sophia surmises that something in his past, specifically something regarding his father's disappearance from his life, is overbearingly inappropriate and compulsive mother, and Iva and Roman, the couple that own Roman's Gardens and run Boys into Men.
While I enjoyed reading this novel and trying to figure out the mystery alongside Sophia, I couldn't help feeling unfulfilled. I feel like so many issues were uncovered but left to wither in the sun. Donny's stoic silence was an interesting plot point at first but eventually he was just annoying. There was no introspection as to why he wouldn't speak about his actions. Sophia's investigator, Camp, whose daughter has been missing for two years-- we get a hint that he may have possibly found her, but that glimmer of hope falls a bit flat for me. As did the mention of her childhood rapist, specifically she and Camp walking down to the house where he used to live. If she wasn't going to ask Camp to find him.... ???
Some characters were very thin- Camp and Ben especially. Brad as well... I just didn't get him. Anna, in contrast was so vivid I practically had her cast in the movie in mind mind. Iva as well was so sympathetic and empathetic, I really felt for her, especially when she discovered the truth about her husband.
I suppose this book can be a lesson in how justice really works. Sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes without a whole lot of palatable answers. Sometimes justice is just barely served.
I was granted a copy of this novel for review from NetGalley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2014
Drusilla Campbell has created something unique when things seem painfully familiar at times.
IN DOUBT, the story of a boy who can’t catch a break and a woman will never stop chasing the ever elusive break, is that unique thing. It’s categorized on Goodreads as a mystery but it’s more than that. It’s a story that’s a sampling of how society stands today.
Donny Crider is the boy who can’t catch a break. Even when he thinks he catches a break, there’s a terrible twist. Sophie Giraudo is the woman chasing the break, having spent a lifetime trying to figure out where she belongs and just how to get there.
They’re thrown together when Donny shoots the governor and his mother hires her to be his lawyer.
We’ve all seen it on television and online too many times; shooters and the headlines they rightly grab. What Campbell does that’s different is to remind anyone getting to know Sophie and Donny is that there’s always more to the story. Nothing is as cut and dry as it often seems when it is filtered down to us through the media. There’s a reason someone shoots someone, always. There’s also always a reason that the lawyer takes the case. And sometimes it’s even a noble reason. If not noble, exactly, at least a principled reason.
Sophie defends Donny because she believes the teenage boy has as much right to fairness and justice as anyone. She doesn’t try to get him off or prove he didn’t do it, because everyone knows he did. What she does is try to make the punishment he receives equal to the boy who did it… instead of the crime the boy did.
Perhaps we need to take that into account more, that the effect is important but the causes should always be considered.
IN DOUBT is real and, at times, raw. Everyone has their motivations and their goals. Some of those will do nothing more than cause problems for the people involved. Some of those will make life work smoother and easier. It’s reality.
IN DOUBT is an example that even when society seems to be at its darkest there will always be a ray of light to lead us… so long as we grab it and don’t let go.
IN DOUBT is available for purchase now. And you should purchase it.
(I received a copy of IN DOUBT through NetGalley in exchange for an honest, original review. My review is cross-posted at NetGalley, Goodreads, and on my blog.)
IN DOUBT, the story of a boy who can’t catch a break and a woman will never stop chasing the ever elusive break, is that unique thing. It’s categorized on Goodreads as a mystery but it’s more than that. It’s a story that’s a sampling of how society stands today.
Donny Crider is the boy who can’t catch a break. Even when he thinks he catches a break, there’s a terrible twist. Sophie Giraudo is the woman chasing the break, having spent a lifetime trying to figure out where she belongs and just how to get there.
They’re thrown together when Donny shoots the governor and his mother hires her to be his lawyer.
We’ve all seen it on television and online too many times; shooters and the headlines they rightly grab. What Campbell does that’s different is to remind anyone getting to know Sophie and Donny is that there’s always more to the story. Nothing is as cut and dry as it often seems when it is filtered down to us through the media. There’s a reason someone shoots someone, always. There’s also always a reason that the lawyer takes the case. And sometimes it’s even a noble reason. If not noble, exactly, at least a principled reason.
Sophie defends Donny because she believes the teenage boy has as much right to fairness and justice as anyone. She doesn’t try to get him off or prove he didn’t do it, because everyone knows he did. What she does is try to make the punishment he receives equal to the boy who did it… instead of the crime the boy did.
Perhaps we need to take that into account more, that the effect is important but the causes should always be considered.
IN DOUBT is real and, at times, raw. Everyone has their motivations and their goals. Some of those will do nothing more than cause problems for the people involved. Some of those will make life work smoother and easier. It’s reality.
IN DOUBT is an example that even when society seems to be at its darkest there will always be a ray of light to lead us… so long as we grab it and don’t let go.
IN DOUBT is available for purchase now. And you should purchase it.
(I received a copy of IN DOUBT through NetGalley in exchange for an honest, original review. My review is cross-posted at NetGalley, Goodreads, and on my blog.)
September 9, 2014
The analysis of a public shooting
Drusilla Campbell has written a story of the public shooting of the Governor of California by a teenage boy. My first thought was that of the Gabby Giffords shooting in Arizona. Like Congresswoman Giffords, the Governor was not killed, but she was now a paraplegic.
Enter Sophia Giraudo, a young idealist, who had honed her legal skills in the San Sebastian, CA, prosecutors office. It was there that she met her now ex-husband. After much soul searching and despite objections from family, friends and the townspeople, she decided to defend the shooter, Donny Crider.
Sophia had carried her own secrets for almost twenty years, and after attempts to talk to Donny; conversations with his mother, who made Joan Crawford seem almost saintly; talks with his father, who had been long divorced from Donny's mother; and the couple who ran a seemingly admirable program for disadvantaged boys; Sophia began to think she could build a defense case. All odds and most people were against her, but between her idealism and her skills, she proceeded. She and her ex-husband were in a constant battle over a trial vs. a plea deal.
In highly publicized shootings, we rarely, if ever, learn the full story of the shooter. How often do we hear that the perpetrator was a loner or, my personal favorites, that he helped little old ladies cross streets, carried their groceries and shoveled their snow? The emphasis is on the victim(s) as it should be.
Sophia delves into the life of Donny, exposing many tragedies he has undergone. She never attempts to excuse his actions, but she explains what caused them. Ms. Campbell did not write a whodunit, but a "why-done-it."
Like all of Drusilla Campbell's books, I could not put "In Doubt" down, resulting in an all-nighter. I had no idea how it would end, but when I reached the last page, I realized that the ending was perfect. I highly recommend this book.
Drusilla Campbell has written a story of the public shooting of the Governor of California by a teenage boy. My first thought was that of the Gabby Giffords shooting in Arizona. Like Congresswoman Giffords, the Governor was not killed, but she was now a paraplegic.
Enter Sophia Giraudo, a young idealist, who had honed her legal skills in the San Sebastian, CA, prosecutors office. It was there that she met her now ex-husband. After much soul searching and despite objections from family, friends and the townspeople, she decided to defend the shooter, Donny Crider.
Sophia had carried her own secrets for almost twenty years, and after attempts to talk to Donny; conversations with his mother, who made Joan Crawford seem almost saintly; talks with his father, who had been long divorced from Donny's mother; and the couple who ran a seemingly admirable program for disadvantaged boys; Sophia began to think she could build a defense case. All odds and most people were against her, but between her idealism and her skills, she proceeded. She and her ex-husband were in a constant battle over a trial vs. a plea deal.
In highly publicized shootings, we rarely, if ever, learn the full story of the shooter. How often do we hear that the perpetrator was a loner or, my personal favorites, that he helped little old ladies cross streets, carried their groceries and shoveled their snow? The emphasis is on the victim(s) as it should be.
Sophia delves into the life of Donny, exposing many tragedies he has undergone. She never attempts to excuse his actions, but she explains what caused them. Ms. Campbell did not write a whodunit, but a "why-done-it."
Like all of Drusilla Campbell's books, I could not put "In Doubt" down, resulting in an all-nighter. I had no idea how it would end, but when I reached the last page, I realized that the ending was perfect. I highly recommend this book.
February 13, 2015
When I spotted In Doubt on Netgalley, I thought it sounded super interesting. I love the odd crime novel and it’s been ages since I read one, so I was quite excited to dive in. I especially like when the novel is set around the world of the law, it’s a fascinating process and in another life I might have liked to be a lawyer, though I’m still not sure if I’d be a prosecutor or a defender!
In Doubt was a clever novel – told in third person, and including many, many different characters, but the crux of the story is Donny Crinder’s attempt to kill the Governor of San Sebastián, Maggie Duarte. She’s like a national treasure, and so the entire community is stunned when Donny does what he does, but Sophie decides to take on his case, and as she digs further and further into Donny’s life she sees it isn’t an open and shut case as her ex, and prosecutor, Ben assumes.
I enjoyed In Doubt, it had a good pace to it, lots of threads to the story and it unravelled at just the right speed, so you’re never overwhelmed with information. I liked that Sophie was willing to defend Donny, and I was quite disappointed Donny wasn’t more forthcoming, he was like a closed book that wouldn’t open no matter what. It would have been nice to hear things from his perspective.
My only issue with the novel is the abrupt ending – that seems to happen to me frequently, recently. Books just end! And I’m left with unanswered questions – who was targeting Sophie, with threats and breaking into her home, and stealing her shoes, what had happened to Hamp’s daughter? Why ask the questions if they aren’t answered? But other than that, In Doubt was a fascinating read, with so many layers to it! No one was as they seemed, and I liked the doubt thrown over everyone!
In Doubt was a clever novel – told in third person, and including many, many different characters, but the crux of the story is Donny Crinder’s attempt to kill the Governor of San Sebastián, Maggie Duarte. She’s like a national treasure, and so the entire community is stunned when Donny does what he does, but Sophie decides to take on his case, and as she digs further and further into Donny’s life she sees it isn’t an open and shut case as her ex, and prosecutor, Ben assumes.
I enjoyed In Doubt, it had a good pace to it, lots of threads to the story and it unravelled at just the right speed, so you’re never overwhelmed with information. I liked that Sophie was willing to defend Donny, and I was quite disappointed Donny wasn’t more forthcoming, he was like a closed book that wouldn’t open no matter what. It would have been nice to hear things from his perspective.
My only issue with the novel is the abrupt ending – that seems to happen to me frequently, recently. Books just end! And I’m left with unanswered questions – who was targeting Sophie, with threats and breaking into her home, and stealing her shoes, what had happened to Hamp’s daughter? Why ask the questions if they aren’t answered? But other than that, In Doubt was a fascinating read, with so many layers to it! No one was as they seemed, and I liked the doubt thrown over everyone!
September 20, 2014
Well this book didn't quite go in the direction I expected it to, part way through though I did get that meanwhile back at the ranch things weren't as they should be.
There were so many things going on and a lot that I felt a little disappointed that they weren't answers to. What will happen to Roman? Will Hamp ever find his daughter? Will Sophie get justice for that day on Mariposa street? Another book perhaps?
While Donny's story, the focus of the book, reveal portions of his life have left him broken, many of the characters in this book are damaged, maybe Donny most of all though. I was actually a little disappointed at the end when the governor didn't grant a pardon. As much as all of us want to and most do hate the mass shooters in schools or malls or theatres, this gives a little glimpse of someone who everyone hated because of the deed he did, but gives you a little background into the life of one such person and let's you see things a little differently. While what they did is horrendous they may not all be the evil they portrayed, you can't help but feel bad for the life Donny had endured up until now. Does that make what he did okay? Of course not, but you can still feel for him, and sympathize with what he has gone through.
And I have absolutely no respect for Donny's father who left him, at three years old with that excuse for a mother. And even later, he shelled out money for his defends, but that was the extent of his involvement, he didn't make any effort to see him, and didn't want the tarnish of Donny to dirty up his life. Had he acted differently and not the coward he was, he could have changed the whole course of his sons life.
I read this book in a day, couldn't put it down until I found out Donny's fate.
There were so many things going on and a lot that I felt a little disappointed that they weren't answers to. What will happen to Roman? Will Hamp ever find his daughter? Will Sophie get justice for that day on Mariposa street? Another book perhaps?
While Donny's story, the focus of the book, reveal portions of his life have left him broken, many of the characters in this book are damaged, maybe Donny most of all though. I was actually a little disappointed at the end when the governor didn't grant a pardon. As much as all of us want to and most do hate the mass shooters in schools or malls or theatres, this gives a little glimpse of someone who everyone hated because of the deed he did, but gives you a little background into the life of one such person and let's you see things a little differently. While what they did is horrendous they may not all be the evil they portrayed, you can't help but feel bad for the life Donny had endured up until now. Does that make what he did okay? Of course not, but you can still feel for him, and sympathize with what he has gone through.
And I have absolutely no respect for Donny's father who left him, at three years old with that excuse for a mother. And even later, he shelled out money for his defends, but that was the extent of his involvement, he didn't make any effort to see him, and didn't want the tarnish of Donny to dirty up his life. Had he acted differently and not the coward he was, he could have changed the whole course of his sons life.
I read this book in a day, couldn't put it down until I found out Donny's fate.
November 16, 2014
Sophie Giraudo, a defense attorney, is hired by the mother of a young man who just shot the governor. Abandoned by his father, now the only person who ever gave Donny a break has just sent him back to live with his abusive, narcissistic mother. He seems uninterested in his case and the potential for life in prison, but Sophie thinks he's not telling her everything and she's determined to find out what happened and why.
Having previously read and enjoyed Drusilla Campbell, IN DOUBT seemed like a book made for me. Unfortunately, the premise was the best part of this novel. The many points of view in IN DOUBT seemed haphazard and random. Omniscient in one paragraph, limited in the next, limited with a different character later, omniscient focusing on one character. I prefer one POV or one POV per chapter.
T
Goodreads classifies this as a legal thriller, but there was nothing thrilling and the pace was slow and belabored. I thought the book was more mystery, except a true mystery generally has more "mystery." All of the "twists" we're completely predictable and the ending was a letdown. I almost felt like IN DOUBT was the first book in the series, with so many questions dropped or unresolved.
Most of the characters had a reasonable amount of depth, but I didn't really gravitate to the characters as people. I liked Hamp, the PI best. I wanted to like Sophie and to root for Donny, but they were missing something that made me care enough.
I reluctantly can't recommend IN DOUBT as a guarantee good read, though some may enjoy.
Having previously read and enjoyed Drusilla Campbell, IN DOUBT seemed like a book made for me. Unfortunately, the premise was the best part of this novel. The many points of view in IN DOUBT seemed haphazard and random. Omniscient in one paragraph, limited in the next, limited with a different character later, omniscient focusing on one character. I prefer one POV or one POV per chapter.
T
Goodreads classifies this as a legal thriller, but there was nothing thrilling and the pace was slow and belabored. I thought the book was more mystery, except a true mystery generally has more "mystery." All of the "twists" we're completely predictable and the ending was a letdown. I almost felt like IN DOUBT was the first book in the series, with so many questions dropped or unresolved.
Most of the characters had a reasonable amount of depth, but I didn't really gravitate to the characters as people. I liked Hamp, the PI best. I wanted to like Sophie and to root for Donny, but they were missing something that made me care enough.
I reluctantly can't recommend IN DOUBT as a guarantee good read, though some may enjoy.
July 21, 2014
In Doubt by Drusilla Campbell is a novel focusing on Sophie Giraudo, a lawyer who is just opening her new office in her home town after a successful run as an attorney in the public sector. She is newly divorced and her ex is the local prosecutor. Her family is all living in town and, of course, there are history, past relationships, and unresolved issues that continue to rustle around. Sophie finds herself in the position of representing a young local boy who has shot and wounded a high profile state official. To get more details, you will simply have to read the book.
I found this book to be a compelling, page-turning, held-my-interest read. Good pacing, characters with enough complexity to be interesting, and a story that unfolded with some interesting twists. While most of the strings were wrapped up neatly at the end, some strands were left ambiguous which makes this fiction more realistic.
This is the first book that I have read by this author although this is not her first published books. I just may have to seek out her other books because this lady can tell a story.
I found this book to be a compelling, page-turning, held-my-interest read. Good pacing, characters with enough complexity to be interesting, and a story that unfolded with some interesting twists. While most of the strings were wrapped up neatly at the end, some strands were left ambiguous which makes this fiction more realistic.
This is the first book that I have read by this author although this is not her first published books. I just may have to seek out her other books because this lady can tell a story.
October 22, 2014
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In Doubt is one of those books that could have been "ripped from the headlines" or even a Law & Order episode. The story even moves as quickly as an episode of Law & Order. Sophie is a great main character and as the story goes on you can even see the similarities between Sophie and Danny. Specifically they each have a rocky relationship with a controlling, demanding mother. They both made some sketchy decisions that led to dire consequences. It was easy to understand why Sophie was so desperate to help Danny. I understand being from a big family, like Sophie, but it irritated me the way her family treated her. And her ex-husband was an arrogant ass. You can't really call In Doubt a mystery because the reader knows Danny shot the Governor, but you don't know why and that is somewhat of a mystery. As Sophie & Ham are digging for the truth, I will warn you, that they reveal some very uncomfortable and graphic situations regarding pedophilia and rape. It isn't gratuitous, but it could be tough for some of you to read.
In Doubt is one of those books that could have been "ripped from the headlines" or even a Law & Order episode. The story even moves as quickly as an episode of Law & Order. Sophie is a great main character and as the story goes on you can even see the similarities between Sophie and Danny. Specifically they each have a rocky relationship with a controlling, demanding mother. They both made some sketchy decisions that led to dire consequences. It was easy to understand why Sophie was so desperate to help Danny. I understand being from a big family, like Sophie, but it irritated me the way her family treated her. And her ex-husband was an arrogant ass. You can't really call In Doubt a mystery because the reader knows Danny shot the Governor, but you don't know why and that is somewhat of a mystery. As Sophie & Ham are digging for the truth, I will warn you, that they reveal some very uncomfortable and graphic situations regarding pedophilia and rape. It isn't gratuitous, but it could be tough for some of you to read.
March 15, 2017
7/10 sao. Cuốn này đọc khá ok, hơi ngạc nhiên là không có nhiều người đọc nó hơn. Truyện mang tính tâm lý xã hội hơn là trinh thám, đề cập đến một trong những vấn đề nó hổi nhất hiện tại và hệ quả tâm lý đối với nạn nhân. Nạn nhân nào may mắn có gia đình tốt và chỗ dựa tâm lý vững chắc thì có thể phục hồi phần nào.
Truyện có tiềm năng phát triển thành series mà không hiểu sao có mỗi cuốn này. Kết hơi hẫng, mình đã hi vọng nó sẽ bùng nổ một cách hoành tráng nhưng thật ra thế này logic hơn. Drusilla Campbell biết lượng sức mình, không cố bôi dài lê thê hay chém gió thần chưởng vào mặt độc giả. Riêng cái này thì mình ưng, sau khi đã đụng phải vô số tác giả kiểu như thế. Nhìn chung là dễ đọc và đọc dễ chịu.
Truyện có tiềm năng phát triển thành series mà không hiểu sao có mỗi cuốn này. Kết hơi hẫng, mình đã hi vọng nó sẽ bùng nổ một cách hoành tráng nhưng thật ra thế này logic hơn. Drusilla Campbell biết lượng sức mình, không cố bôi dài lê thê hay chém gió thần chưởng vào mặt độc giả. Riêng cái này thì mình ưng, sau khi đã đụng phải vô số tác giả kiểu như thế. Nhìn chung là dễ đọc và đọc dễ chịu.
October 19, 2014
I was a bit surprised at the direction of this book. I really thought someone else was the reason for Donny's disassociation and was surprised at the Sandusky-like situation. The book felt a bit disjointed to me in the alternating narrative and dialogue in the same paragraph - yes, a quick way to move the story along but it felt a bit like the reader was a distant observer and not fully integrated into the story. I can see where Sophie's story might be continued in another book. It felt like Donny was more of a setting than a character in this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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