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Vigorous Defense: A Dr. Giselle Norwood Forensic Thriller
When the courtroom becomes a battlefield, a young forensic pathologist is determined to shine a light on the truth.
In the gripping prequel to the Giselle Norwood Mysteries, Dr. Giselle Norwood's peaceful life takes an unexpected turn when a quirky lawyer ropes her into a murder trial.
What appears to be an open-and-shut poisoning case reveals layers of deception and a battle between truth and motive, pitting Giselle in a race against time to unearth the facts before an innocent man is wrongly convicted.
"Vigorous Defense" is a thrilling tale of suspense that shines the light of truth on the shadows of deceit, exposing a corrupt system of justice.
In the gripping prequel to the Giselle Norwood Mysteries, Dr. Giselle Norwood's peaceful life takes an unexpected turn when a quirky lawyer ropes her into a murder trial.
What appears to be an open-and-shut poisoning case reveals layers of deception and a battle between truth and motive, pitting Giselle in a race against time to unearth the facts before an innocent man is wrongly convicted.
"Vigorous Defense" is a thrilling tale of suspense that shines the light of truth on the shadows of deceit, exposing a corrupt system of justice.
33 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2023
203 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Audrey Walker
89 books92 followersAudrey Walker is a young and rising international best-selling Author in the Mystery & Suspense niche.
Walker's books are fast-paced, nail-biting pageturners with twists you won't see coming.
Walker lives currently in south Germany with her husband and a newly born daughter. When she is not writing or reading, you will find her climbing up the Alps in Switzerland and walking aroung the Black Forest in south of Germany.
Walker's books are fast-paced, nail-biting pageturners with twists you won't see coming.
Walker lives currently in south Germany with her husband and a newly born daughter. When she is not writing or reading, you will find her climbing up the Alps in Switzerland and walking aroung the Black Forest in south of Germany.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
September 20, 2023
“Every citizen deserv es a Vigorous Defense in a court of law.”
Vigorous Defense by Audrey Walker introduces us to Giselle Norwood, a forensic pathologist. Her husband has passed away from an illness and she was reluctant to take the job offered her in Washington DC. This had been their home and she wasn’t sure she wanted to leave it. Until…
She is approached by Bobby Kaminski, a personal injury lawyer who is representing an alleged murderer. She has a need to blend her work with her desire for justice.
A prequel, or short story that can be devoured (as I did) in a half hour or so, has to be pretty darn good and fast paced for me to give it a high rating. Audrey Walker also added an intriguing and unusual cause of death, which I found fascinating. I am eager to read more about Giselle Norwood and to dive into her future cases.
Vigorous Defense by Audrey Walker introduces us to Giselle Norwood, a forensic pathologist. Her husband has passed away from an illness and she was reluctant to take the job offered her in Washington DC. This had been their home and she wasn’t sure she wanted to leave it. Until…
She is approached by Bobby Kaminski, a personal injury lawyer who is representing an alleged murderer. She has a need to blend her work with her desire for justice.
A prequel, or short story that can be devoured (as I did) in a half hour or so, has to be pretty darn good and fast paced for me to give it a high rating. Audrey Walker also added an intriguing and unusual cause of death, which I found fascinating. I am eager to read more about Giselle Norwood and to dive into her future cases.
January 18, 2025
Very quick read
I didn't realize when I purchased the book that it was such a quick read but it was. Less than 33 pages of a consultation to bring someone in on a case where the husband clearly didn't care for his wife and only wanted the insurance money but he definitely wasn't the reason for his wife's death.
I didn't realize when I purchased the book that it was such a quick read but it was. Less than 33 pages of a consultation to bring someone in on a case where the husband clearly didn't care for his wife and only wanted the insurance money but he definitely wasn't the reason for his wife's death.
January 30, 2024
Short and sweet
Great mix of courtroom drama and medical thriller. The perfect appetizer for the much anticipated Giselle Norwood series.
Wonderful twist at the end.
Great mix of courtroom drama and medical thriller. The perfect appetizer for the much anticipated Giselle Norwood series.
Wonderful twist at the end.
June 16, 2024
i liked this book a lot considering it was so short! i do wish it was a little longer!
August 28, 2023
Vigorous Defense was a short read. Maybe half an hour. I got an ARC for my review, I’ve already ordered the next book.
This explains how and why Giselle Norwood ended up being the Dr. at the morgue in Washington, D.C. I liked her young attitude and style. She finds that the information gathered from a dead body can be as important as other clues in a case. The way it works out is fascinating. I’m primed now for the next novel coming soon.
Reason I gave 4 stars and not 5 is it doesn’t give much background into Norwood, her education, and family. I hope we learn more of this later.
This explains how and why Giselle Norwood ended up being the Dr. at the morgue in Washington, D.C. I liked her young attitude and style. She finds that the information gathered from a dead body can be as important as other clues in a case. The way it works out is fascinating. I’m primed now for the next novel coming soon.
Reason I gave 4 stars and not 5 is it doesn’t give much background into Norwood, her education, and family. I hope we learn more of this later.
August 30, 2023
An introduction into Giselle Norwood a forensic expert , drawn into a court case which she feels are wrong very short story but still quite an interesting read showing the working of certain Experts mind and their ability to find the facts and use them to prove or disprove evidence
August 30, 2023
Doctor Giselle Norwood is One Smart Forensic scientist!
by Barbara Kelley
"Vigorous Defense" is the prequel novel to Audrey Walker's Giselle Norwood Series. I love this character and how she figures out the truth behind a death. Is the death in this book a murder? Or is it simply an accidental death, caused not by a person, but by something extraordinarily real, but unheard of in all my 68 years of life. The real reason for the victim's death will have you wondering about all those past addictions that everyone out there probably does every day. We all read Internet email sent from doctors claiming that things like daily use of baking soda, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and cinnamon is good for a person's internal system. Nobody thinks twice about reading extremely old yellowed paperbacks purchased at a garage or yard sale. Maybe we should all be more cautious about what we "buy into" before we wind up a victim of such propaganda. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and this is my voluntary and honest review. I gave this book 5 stars. I have read Book 1 in the series and also look forward to reading Book 2 when it comes out in a few weeks.
by Barbara Kelley
"Vigorous Defense" is the prequel novel to Audrey Walker's Giselle Norwood Series. I love this character and how she figures out the truth behind a death. Is the death in this book a murder? Or is it simply an accidental death, caused not by a person, but by something extraordinarily real, but unheard of in all my 68 years of life. The real reason for the victim's death will have you wondering about all those past addictions that everyone out there probably does every day. We all read Internet email sent from doctors claiming that things like daily use of baking soda, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and cinnamon is good for a person's internal system. Nobody thinks twice about reading extremely old yellowed paperbacks purchased at a garage or yard sale. Maybe we should all be more cautious about what we "buy into" before we wind up a victim of such propaganda. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, and this is my voluntary and honest review. I gave this book 5 stars. I have read Book 1 in the series and also look forward to reading Book 2 when it comes out in a few weeks.
August 27, 2023
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
If you have read the 1st book in the series and wonder how Giselle wound up in Washington D.C. then this book is for you. It begins with Giselle in a restauurant where her late husband and her went and where she is remebering him. She is approached by a stranger who said he knew her husband and then asks for her help. He is defending a client and it doesn't look good that he will win. He wants to have Giselle review the autopsy report to see if there is anything that will cause the prosecutor's case to collapse. She agrees. After reviewing the report, she discovers something missing and travels to obtain it. Once she saw what was omitted, she then contacted the lawyer to have her testify.
To learn what she discovered and whether it was helpfull and why she hadn't move on after her husband died, then you need to read this book. It is definitely worth it.
If you have read the 1st book in the series and wonder how Giselle wound up in Washington D.C. then this book is for you. It begins with Giselle in a restauurant where her late husband and her went and where she is remebering him. She is approached by a stranger who said he knew her husband and then asks for her help. He is defending a client and it doesn't look good that he will win. He wants to have Giselle review the autopsy report to see if there is anything that will cause the prosecutor's case to collapse. She agrees. After reviewing the report, she discovers something missing and travels to obtain it. Once she saw what was omitted, she then contacted the lawyer to have her testify.
To learn what she discovered and whether it was helpfull and why she hadn't move on after her husband died, then you need to read this book. It is definitely worth it.
August 30, 2023
Giselle Norwood is the Chief Medical Examiner, forensic pathologist, for the Washington D.C. A Widow, dedicated to her work. While at a restaurant she and her husband frequented, she was approached by someone who knew her husband, Bobby Kininski, who wanted her to get involved in a case he is handling against the crooked DA using the carrot that he knows something about how her husband was killed. Kininski told her the case against his client was a case of revenge against and innocent man. Since Giselle wants some answers about her husband's death and since she was intrigued about the case, she decides to help. Can Giselle help exonerate an innocent man? Can she get the information she craves on her husband's death? A fast paced short read that grabs you for the beginning and makes you want more! A wonderful new serial. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
September 6, 2023
It pays to be well-read
One never knows from which source we’ll learn something that could come in handy someday.
The job of a defense attorney is not to insist that guilty clients are innocent, but rather to uphold that ‘every citizen deserves a vigorous defense in a court of law’. Even if said case helps out with a personal agenda…
Regardless of our chosen career paths, may we have an ‘overwhelming aversion to injustice’ and step in when needed. And to nurture that fire in our youth so that they continue the fight.
I’ve enjoyed other series by this author and read this the day after I downloaded it. This is a great intro to ‘Time of Death’ and ‘Echoes of Death’ (releases 26 Sep).
One never knows from which source we’ll learn something that could come in handy someday.
The job of a defense attorney is not to insist that guilty clients are innocent, but rather to uphold that ‘every citizen deserves a vigorous defense in a court of law’. Even if said case helps out with a personal agenda…
Regardless of our chosen career paths, may we have an ‘overwhelming aversion to injustice’ and step in when needed. And to nurture that fire in our youth so that they continue the fight.
I’ve enjoyed other series by this author and read this the day after I downloaded it. This is a great intro to ‘Time of Death’ and ‘Echoes of Death’ (releases 26 Sep).
September 20, 2023
Giselle Norwood is a medical examiner. Greet st her job. In this prequel she is approached by a defense lawyer who was friends of her late husband Charlie. A case that looks like a slam dunk for the prosecution turns around after she goes over the evidence and finds the true reason for the death. The outcome of that case makes her rethink her job mo ing forward she had been getting letters offering her a better position but she would have to sale the home she had with Charlie but now with fresh outlook on her future she decides to pursue it. I have also read and reviewed book one and can’t wait till book 2 is out.
October 7, 2023
Lawyer friend of deceased husband asks for help in hopeless case - 5 stars
A short mystery that is a great read. A man introduces himself to a woman seated at a Chicago restaurant as a childhood friend of her deceased husband. He asks for pro bono help to defend a client who is accused of poisoning his wife.
The defendant is almost certainly guilty but the woman who is a forensic pathologist, Giselle Norwood sees a possible use of her skills to help someone who clearly needs help. The brief story has fascinating medical detective work and a surprise ending.
Worthwhile and fast-moving. Put Vigorous Defense at the top of your list of books to be read.
A short mystery that is a great read. A man introduces himself to a woman seated at a Chicago restaurant as a childhood friend of her deceased husband. He asks for pro bono help to defend a client who is accused of poisoning his wife.
The defendant is almost certainly guilty but the woman who is a forensic pathologist, Giselle Norwood sees a possible use of her skills to help someone who clearly needs help. The brief story has fascinating medical detective work and a surprise ending.
Worthwhile and fast-moving. Put Vigorous Defense at the top of your list of books to be read.
December 31, 2023
A very short story.
Basically about Dr Norwood being good at her job and helping get murder charges dismissed against a client of her deceased husband’s old friend.
Dr Norwood is also in a quandary as to whether or not to apply for a job as chief medical examiner in the nations capital. It seems she is being badgered by DC department of health to apply for the position, maybe somebody there is flying a flag for her? She is reluctant to leave behind the house and garden she and her husband had built together.
Not a bad story but far too short to test your brain and there was nothing particularly tense or engaging. Interesting though.
Basically about Dr Norwood being good at her job and helping get murder charges dismissed against a client of her deceased husband’s old friend.
Dr Norwood is also in a quandary as to whether or not to apply for a job as chief medical examiner in the nations capital. It seems she is being badgered by DC department of health to apply for the position, maybe somebody there is flying a flag for her? She is reluctant to leave behind the house and garden she and her husband had built together.
Not a bad story but far too short to test your brain and there was nothing particularly tense or engaging. Interesting though.
August 27, 2023
Dr. Giselle Norwood a forensic Pathologist is approached by Bobby Kininski about how he was wanting to bring down Mitch Kelly the Dane country district attorney. A case of revenge for accusing his innocent childhood friend of a crime. Bobby was the defence lawyer for the Dennis Bauer murder case and with the help of Giselle is able to succeed brilliantly. I exciting read from the start. I am on the ARC team and leave a honest review. I reco mmend this book to other readers.
August 31, 2023
Vigorous Defense - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
A prequel novelette to the Giselle Norwood series by Audrey Walker, Vigorous Defense introduces Giselle, and draws us into her life and mindset.
The bereaved M.E becomes involved in an unexpected court case, whose outcome helps her decide whether to accept an offer that will change her life going forward.
Is it the right decision for Giselle?
To find out, get a copy of Audrey Walker's Vigorous Defense today!
A prequel novelette to the Giselle Norwood series by Audrey Walker, Vigorous Defense introduces Giselle, and draws us into her life and mindset.
The bereaved M.E becomes involved in an unexpected court case, whose outcome helps her decide whether to accept an offer that will change her life going forward.
Is it the right decision for Giselle?
To find out, get a copy of Audrey Walker's Vigorous Defense today!
September 2, 2023
Murder trial
An MD has an unusual meeting with an old friend of her husbands. She is interested in the case after reviewing some of the information. This short intro story , caught my attention and made me want to finish reading. Believe me, the last chapter was really good. She was a sharp witness that the prosecutor didn't see coming. Great start for a new series especially if you like smart, independent women.
An MD has an unusual meeting with an old friend of her husbands. She is interested in the case after reviewing some of the information. This short intro story , caught my attention and made me want to finish reading. Believe me, the last chapter was really good. She was a sharp witness that the prosecutor didn't see coming. Great start for a new series especially if you like smart, independent women.
September 3, 2023
Wow, what a wonderful thrilling journey full of adventure and mystery
Love it all, very fast paced thrilling and entertaining. I absolutely loved the characters and story line. A quick and exciting story with lots of unexpected twists and turns. Love the way it ends. Definitely a must read and I highly recommend reading this amazing thriller. Congratulations on your amazing writing talent.
Love it all, very fast paced thrilling and entertaining. I absolutely loved the characters and story line. A quick and exciting story with lots of unexpected twists and turns. Love the way it ends. Definitely a must read and I highly recommend reading this amazing thriller. Congratulations on your amazing writing talent.
September 11, 2023
Vigorous Defense (Giselle Norwood Series) is my forty-third read from author Audrey Walker. Outstanding, a 33-page read that I finished easily in half an hour. Strongly reminiscent of the writing of David Baldacci. An exciting, enjoyable read. I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." I can’t wait to read the next book. The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
September 22, 2023
Reading between the lines
Kaminski approached Giselle with an idea that made her think, he was representing someone who has been accused of murdering his wife. Kaminski thought he was guilty but needed to make a big show against the prosecutor kelly, not sure what to do Giselle agreed to look at the case. A case of never taking thing's for granted a good short story that shows how easy one can stray from the truth
Kaminski approached Giselle with an idea that made her think, he was representing someone who has been accused of murdering his wife. Kaminski thought he was guilty but needed to make a big show against the prosecutor kelly, not sure what to do Giselle agreed to look at the case. A case of never taking thing's for granted a good short story that shows how easy one can stray from the truth
November 18, 2023
I'm not normally a reader of medical court cases as the authors feel compelled to blind the reader with science or make them feel intellectually inadequate. However, as this was a short prequel, I gave it a go and was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it in spite of the less than flattering portrayal of the defence lawyer. As a hint to the core of the story I will merely say that readers of Umberto Eco will enjoy it.
January 15, 2024
A Short one that packs a lot of punch. Giselle Norwood was a forensic pathologist who had recently lost her husband. An old acquaintance of her husband contacted Giselle to ask her to be his expert witness at a murder trial he was defending. He confessed that he believed the defendant was guilty, but was entitled to due process. As you may suspect, the defendant gets acquitted, but the surprising way that this happens is an excellent story.
February 18, 2025
This is well-written and engaging; I cannot remember the last time I was so involved with a story from the first page. The author told the prequel story of Dr. Giselle Norwood, a young forensic pathologist. I found the characters to be believable and engaging. I am looking for the first book in this series.
Giselle Norwood
** 0.5. Vigorous Defense (2023)
1. Time of Death (2023)
2. Echoes of Death (2023)
3. Kiss of Death (2024)
Giselle Norwood
** 0.5. Vigorous Defense (2023)
1. Time of Death (2023)
2. Echoes of Death (2023)
3. Kiss of Death (2024)
August 28, 2023
I really like this short story! The storyline is clean, the main character crisply drawn and truly empathetic. I look forward to more of this style of writing from the author. I do not like reiterating storylines as I feel that steals from other readers' enjoyment but I can say it introduces forensic pathologist Giselle Norwood and illustrates her talents while helping an old acquaintance. It is a delightful afternoon read. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion of this novella.
August 31, 2023
Dealing with a dilemma
A fly by night attorney requests a favor from his old friend's wife. She's a medical examiner he needs to use as a professional witness in a murder case he's working on.
She shocks everyone in the courtroom with last-minute evidence she discovers and the accused goes free.
A fly by night attorney requests a favor from his old friend's wife. She's a medical examiner he needs to use as a professional witness in a murder case he's working on.
She shocks everyone in the courtroom with last-minute evidence she discovers and the accused goes free.
September 16, 2023
I want to read more!
Knowing that. Audrey Walker is an excellent writer , I did not hesitate to start reading this book. It has opened a new series of.books for me to enjoy.. it is based on a very interesting character inn one of favorite genres. I look forward to reading more in the series and recommend that you read this excellent book..
Knowing that. Audrey Walker is an excellent writer , I did not hesitate to start reading this book. It has opened a new series of.books for me to enjoy.. it is based on a very interesting character inn one of favorite genres. I look forward to reading more in the series and recommend that you read this excellent book..
September 18, 2023
Wayyyy Too Short
I really don’t enjoy books that barely get started and then their finished. The plot needed much more work on it - it just didn’t entice the reader. The book was so short that even the characters were hardly developed. If this is the way author writes her books, I probably won’t be a fan or waste my time reading her books.
I really don’t enjoy books that barely get started and then their finished. The plot needed much more work on it - it just didn’t entice the reader. The book was so short that even the characters were hardly developed. If this is the way author writes her books, I probably won’t be a fan or waste my time reading her books.
November 18, 2023
A great prequel.
This is going to be an excellent series to follow. Giselle is extremely knowledgeable and smart. The prequels complete in itself and had a lot of information in it. She thinks on her feet and was very quick to come to a reasonable explanation regarding anaemia.
I really liked her book and look forward to reading more of Audrey Walker's books.
This is going to be an excellent series to follow. Giselle is extremely knowledgeable and smart. The prequels complete in itself and had a lot of information in it. She thinks on her feet and was very quick to come to a reasonable explanation regarding anaemia.
I really liked her book and look forward to reading more of Audrey Walker's books.
March 15, 2024
Fascinating Court Case
This story will.keep you reading and guessing. An attorney takes a case that seems hopeless but as she studies it she discovered a rare and strange phenomena. It is so weird and strange I have never heard of it before but it gets a defendant cleared of murder charges.
This story will.keep you reading and guessing. An attorney takes a case that seems hopeless but as she studies it she discovered a rare and strange phenomena. It is so weird and strange I have never heard of it before but it gets a defendant cleared of murder charges.
July 31, 2024
Giselle, a forensic pathologist is approached by a personal injury attorney, Bobby, who needs her expertise on a case where he is the attorney for an unsavory man accused of murdering his wife. Bobby wants revenge against the opposing attorney who is a friend from his childhood.
This is a prequel to a series and is fast to read and engrossing.
Thank you Audrey Walker and Book Funnel
This is a prequel to a series and is fast to read and engrossing.
Thank you Audrey Walker and Book Funnel
August 28, 2023
A district attorney who is unscrupulous and wants to be in higher office. A man unjustly accused of murdering his wife. Giselle is a forensic pathologist is asked to help with the defense. A well written novella that makes you want more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews