What do you think?
Rate this book
Her Final Gamble: A Psychological Thriller
With her reputation on the line, one woman must make the ultimate gamble to save her career, her client, and a young boy's life.
Jacqueline Stone is an accomplished criminal defense attorney whose tenacity to uncover the truth has earned her the reputation as the one lawyer who can win unwinnable cases. But when a mysterious car accident kills both her son and husband, leaving her the sole survivor, she is exiled from her prestigious firm. Battling personal demons, Jacqueline finds herself at a crossroads, ready to give up law altogether, until accused murderer Ryan Mitchell seeks her counsel and she sees an opportunity for redemption.
But with evidence mounting against her client, a child witness too traumatized to provide information, and a mysterious photograph leading to more questions than answers, this case will be no easy feat. Jacqueline must navigate treacherous waters to not only save her career but also protect Ryan’s young son from a relentless killer. In a high-stakes gamble, she must rely on the wisdom of a deceased woman, as she races against time to solve the murder and unravel a web of deceit that threatens to consume them all.
Jacqueline Stone is an accomplished criminal defense attorney whose tenacity to uncover the truth has earned her the reputation as the one lawyer who can win unwinnable cases. But when a mysterious car accident kills both her son and husband, leaving her the sole survivor, she is exiled from her prestigious firm. Battling personal demons, Jacqueline finds herself at a crossroads, ready to give up law altogether, until accused murderer Ryan Mitchell seeks her counsel and she sees an opportunity for redemption.
But with evidence mounting against her client, a child witness too traumatized to provide information, and a mysterious photograph leading to more questions than answers, this case will be no easy feat. Jacqueline must navigate treacherous waters to not only save her career but also protect Ryan’s young son from a relentless killer. In a high-stakes gamble, she must rely on the wisdom of a deceased woman, as she races against time to solve the murder and unravel a web of deceit that threatens to consume them all.
312 pages, Hardcover
Published May 13, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 3, 2024
✰ 3 stars ✰
“The answer lies somewhere in it. My gut told me there was more to the story. I’ve always prided myself on being able to read people.”
Once Jacqueline Stone had everything she could have hoped for. A successful career as an admired leading criminal defense lawyer, her two precious superheroes, John & Jack, who made everyday living life a blessing. But, in a cruel twist of fate, it was all stolen from her - her family, her career, her will to live. It's while she's hiding away in her home, clinging to the last remnants of their happy life and grieving her heavy loss, she sees a young boy about to venture into the dark stormy waves. Flinging away common sense, she rushes in and saves him from drowning, with much gratitude from his father, real estate tycoon, Ryan Mitchell, and part ways with the relief that though she may have not been able to save her own son, at least there was one parent who would not suffer the same lonely tragedy she has suffered.
Now four years later, she's approached by Mitch to hire her as his defense attorney as he's accused of murdering his wife, philanthropist and socialite, Tiffany, his nine-year-old son, Patrick as the sole witness. 'You defend your clients with your heart and soul, not with fancy lawyer tricks.' To win back her reputation as the Quiet Queen, 'the nickname the media gave her when she won a case that everyone thought was a dead loser' and protect Patrick from those who wish to silence him from revealing the truth, Her Final Gamble will be the decisive blow to save Mitch from a crime he did not commit and save herself from the sadness and grief that she was so ready to succumb to. 🥺
“The thought of helping someone, of a real case, stirred something she’d thought had long ago died.”
The thing I've experienced when it comes to legal mystery thrillers that the writing takes on a certain directness that makes it somewhat devoid of a stance of using expressive adjectives to describe the way a person speaks, simply catering to have the dialogue exist. While it does make for a rather stilted kind of read, it also makes for a very theatrical read, which makes it easy to keep the tempo of the pacing flowing. If that makes sense. 👍🏻 The characters are a close-knit group that has their interactions intertwine and make it easy for me to shift between the numerous perspectives, as Jacqueline and her team followed various trails and clues to figure out how best to exonerate Mitch, while also shadowing different characters as they each leant their thoughts into what could possibly lead you to who was the guilty suspect.
It was easy to get immersed in a complex family dynamic where everyone had a vendetta, a secret, a sordid past, and the intent to frame or to kill. Jacqueline was a capable lawyer with a good conscience who believed in her clients' innocence; it's what makes her such a formidable one, too. It was interesting to see how Jacqueline would overcome her own personal demons to find it in her heart and strength to help Mitch, despite his own personal claims of a violent temperament that makes it even plausible that he very well may be guilty of committing a crime of passion. 'People had hurt Mitch badly, and that misunderstood little boy was still inside him.' 😟 But, along the way, the past blurs with the present; reveals and truths are brought forward that hint towards a ploy that may delve deeper than just his own past. One of his wife's own cultured and millionaire family that admires and respects money and blue blood over anything. Where healthy lineage means wealthy prospects. It weaves a complicated trial of deceit and deception that is more than just what meets the eye. 🧐
“I know you. You are not all about the money or the win. You need to believe in your cause. When you have something you believe in, then you, like me, won’t quit until you win.”
What carried the narrative was Jacqueline and Mitch butting heads over the case and his son's safety. How she recognized in him, the palpable need to protect his son - a love that she still holds onto dearly. Patrick's life still may be in danger over what he witnessed, how much trauma he's endured and how much he so strongly resembles her own son, Jack, that it's difficult for her to still be in a stable position to take a case that may very well save her reputation. 'Don’t ever discount the power of money. I learned its power when I was very young.' 😥 But, she is admirable in her ability to overcome those doubts; how she braves her palpitations and hesitations when her senses alert her that her client may very well be innocent. She tackled interfering family politics, speculative detectives, and Mitch's own conflicted emotions, yet dedication as a devoted father made her question her judgment, but not quite her resolve. It helps her bring closure to her loss and also find a way to forgive herself for the mistakes she may have made and blaming herself for her loved ones' death. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
But I have to be plainly honest with you. I knew who was responsible immediately. Believe me or not, it was too blatantly clear who it was. I mean, I enjoyed seeing how the clues were introduced and how each character's motives gave a hint of a doubt as to who it might really be, but it was more out of curiosity how the finale would unfold that really kept my interest, rather than figuring it out. Allow me to explain. If you're going to introduce storylines that adhere to different timelines of the story, through the process of elimination it is so obvious to rule out who exactly is the only one capable of existing in both respective scenarios. 🤦🏻♀️ It could be that I've played Sudoku one too many times, but the wording, the build-up, the glaring hints make it easy to judge how everything ties together. Even before certain points were even introduced, that character's behavior was so clear what their motive was that I was not the least surprised when it was revealed. Definitely a weak point for a mystery, but maybe some will find it less obvious than myself. 😮💨
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
“The answer lies somewhere in it. My gut told me there was more to the story. I’ve always prided myself on being able to read people.”
Once Jacqueline Stone had everything she could have hoped for. A successful career as an admired leading criminal defense lawyer, her two precious superheroes, John & Jack, who made everyday living life a blessing. But, in a cruel twist of fate, it was all stolen from her - her family, her career, her will to live. It's while she's hiding away in her home, clinging to the last remnants of their happy life and grieving her heavy loss, she sees a young boy about to venture into the dark stormy waves. Flinging away common sense, she rushes in and saves him from drowning, with much gratitude from his father, real estate tycoon, Ryan Mitchell, and part ways with the relief that though she may have not been able to save her own son, at least there was one parent who would not suffer the same lonely tragedy she has suffered.
Now four years later, she's approached by Mitch to hire her as his defense attorney as he's accused of murdering his wife, philanthropist and socialite, Tiffany, his nine-year-old son, Patrick as the sole witness. 'You defend your clients with your heart and soul, not with fancy lawyer tricks.' To win back her reputation as the Quiet Queen, 'the nickname the media gave her when she won a case that everyone thought was a dead loser' and protect Patrick from those who wish to silence him from revealing the truth, Her Final Gamble will be the decisive blow to save Mitch from a crime he did not commit and save herself from the sadness and grief that she was so ready to succumb to. 🥺
“The thought of helping someone, of a real case, stirred something she’d thought had long ago died.”
The thing I've experienced when it comes to legal mystery thrillers that the writing takes on a certain directness that makes it somewhat devoid of a stance of using expressive adjectives to describe the way a person speaks, simply catering to have the dialogue exist. While it does make for a rather stilted kind of read, it also makes for a very theatrical read, which makes it easy to keep the tempo of the pacing flowing. If that makes sense. 👍🏻 The characters are a close-knit group that has their interactions intertwine and make it easy for me to shift between the numerous perspectives, as Jacqueline and her team followed various trails and clues to figure out how best to exonerate Mitch, while also shadowing different characters as they each leant their thoughts into what could possibly lead you to who was the guilty suspect.
It was easy to get immersed in a complex family dynamic where everyone had a vendetta, a secret, a sordid past, and the intent to frame or to kill. Jacqueline was a capable lawyer with a good conscience who believed in her clients' innocence; it's what makes her such a formidable one, too. It was interesting to see how Jacqueline would overcome her own personal demons to find it in her heart and strength to help Mitch, despite his own personal claims of a violent temperament that makes it even plausible that he very well may be guilty of committing a crime of passion. 'People had hurt Mitch badly, and that misunderstood little boy was still inside him.' 😟 But, along the way, the past blurs with the present; reveals and truths are brought forward that hint towards a ploy that may delve deeper than just his own past. One of his wife's own cultured and millionaire family that admires and respects money and blue blood over anything. Where healthy lineage means wealthy prospects. It weaves a complicated trial of deceit and deception that is more than just what meets the eye. 🧐
“I know you. You are not all about the money or the win. You need to believe in your cause. When you have something you believe in, then you, like me, won’t quit until you win.”
What carried the narrative was Jacqueline and Mitch butting heads over the case and his son's safety. How she recognized in him, the palpable need to protect his son - a love that she still holds onto dearly. Patrick's life still may be in danger over what he witnessed, how much trauma he's endured and how much he so strongly resembles her own son, Jack, that it's difficult for her to still be in a stable position to take a case that may very well save her reputation. 'Don’t ever discount the power of money. I learned its power when I was very young.' 😥 But, she is admirable in her ability to overcome those doubts; how she braves her palpitations and hesitations when her senses alert her that her client may very well be innocent. She tackled interfering family politics, speculative detectives, and Mitch's own conflicted emotions, yet dedication as a devoted father made her question her judgment, but not quite her resolve. It helps her bring closure to her loss and also find a way to forgive herself for the mistakes she may have made and blaming herself for her loved ones' death. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
But I have to be plainly honest with you. I knew who was responsible immediately. Believe me or not, it was too blatantly clear who it was. I mean, I enjoyed seeing how the clues were introduced and how each character's motives gave a hint of a doubt as to who it might really be, but it was more out of curiosity how the finale would unfold that really kept my interest, rather than figuring it out. Allow me to explain. If you're going to introduce storylines that adhere to different timelines of the story, through the process of elimination it is so obvious to rule out who exactly is the only one capable of existing in both respective scenarios. 🤦🏻♀️ It could be that I've played Sudoku one too many times, but the wording, the build-up, the glaring hints make it easy to judge how everything ties together. Even before certain points were even introduced, that character's behavior was so clear what their motive was that I was not the least surprised when it was revealed. Definitely a weak point for a mystery, but maybe some will find it less obvious than myself. 😮💨
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2025
I am always looking for a wild legal thriller and this one did not disappoint! Our main girl is Jacqueline Stone. When we meet her, we know she’s recovering from a traumatic accident where she lost her husband and son. Her law career is on the line, until she gets a call to defend a man accused of killing his wife.
What follows is a fun, twisty ride with reveals I never saw coming. This is a high society murder case and we’re introduced to a wide cast of characters who are all hiding secrets. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something else happened and I was gasping and turning pages. I loved following a lawyer while also solving a murder. So fun and a perfect read for the summer. It’s out 5/13 ✨
March 24, 2025
I love a good mystery book and this one really did it for me! I was so enthralled by the different characters and the intertwining of their lives and stories. I was consistently on the edge of my seat and never would have guessed the ending or what ensues…I absolutely loved it. By the end I really fell in love with Jacqueline (the protagonists) character and I was sad it was over. Hoping this author has a second book on the market soon!
(Received an ARC of this book)
(Received an ARC of this book)
October 8, 2026
Given as a distraction for surgery recovery, this book did just that. It is not my type of book, though. I was open to the subject matter (murder mystery through the lawyer protagonist’s eyes) because I love a good murder documentary. But I couldn’t get past the superficial characters: why do they have to be strong, blonde, beautiful, drive a Beamer, be rich, have expensive shoes and jewelry….. I would have preferred to spend 90 min watching this as a movie than hours reading it as a book. Too many perfect coincidences for my taste as the characters solved the murders. But it did its job. It was entertaining.
June 22, 2025
a mystery so good I finished it in 2 days!
May 3, 2026
The writing in this book wasn't very smooth and the characters were difficult to keep straight. I enjoyed the story but if this wasn't for book club, I probably would have put this book down without finishing.
March 23, 2025
I was lucky to get an ARC of Her Final Gamble and it is a smart engaging mystery that immediately had me hooked while keeping me guessing until the end! Jacqueline was so much fun to root for and there were satisfying plot twists that will have you engaged until the end. Couldn't put it down--I can't recommend reading Her Final Gamble enough!
October 15, 2025
Jacqueline Stone’s life is rapidly unraveling after the devastating loss of her husband and child. Her once-thriving law firm is barely staying afloat, and her future as a criminal defense attorney looks grim—until the infamous Ryan Mitchell seeks her counsel. Known for her uncanny ability to win the unwinnable, Jacqueline must confront whether she still has what it takes after all she’s endured. Mitchell’s life may depend on it.
The odds are stacked against her client: the only witness is a child, the most promising clues were left behind in haste by the deceased, and the real killer may not be finished—putting Mitchell’s son in grave danger. With time running out, Jacqueline and her small but determined team must unravel the truth before it’s too late.
This fast-paced legal thriller keeps readers hooked, even if its twists aren’t entirely surprising. Jacqueline is an easy character to root for, and by the end, readers will find themselves hoping not just for her victory in court, but for her hard-won personal closure as well.
http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
The odds are stacked against her client: the only witness is a child, the most promising clues were left behind in haste by the deceased, and the real killer may not be finished—putting Mitchell’s son in grave danger. With time running out, Jacqueline and her small but determined team must unravel the truth before it’s too late.
This fast-paced legal thriller keeps readers hooked, even if its twists aren’t entirely surprising. Jacqueline is an easy character to root for, and by the end, readers will find themselves hoping not just for her victory in court, but for her hard-won personal closure as well.
http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
March 16, 2025
5/5 Stars – Absolutely LOVED this book!!
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy) of Her Final Gamble, and I’m so glad I did! I’m not usually a big reader, but Her Final Gamble had me hooked from the very first chapter! I finished it in just three days, which is lightning fast for me. Each chapter kept me moving forward and left me wanting more. The story moved so quickly and smoothly, making it a truly fast read that kept me intrigued the entire time.
I absolutely loved all the characters! Each one was so unique and fun to get to know, and I really enjoyed how well-developed they were. The plot was so exciting and filled with suspense – I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. From start to finish, I absolutely loved the storyline, the thrill, and the twists. It’s definitely one of the best reads I’ve had in a while!
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy) of Her Final Gamble, and I’m so glad I did! I’m not usually a big reader, but Her Final Gamble had me hooked from the very first chapter! I finished it in just three days, which is lightning fast for me. Each chapter kept me moving forward and left me wanting more. The story moved so quickly and smoothly, making it a truly fast read that kept me intrigued the entire time.
I absolutely loved all the characters! Each one was so unique and fun to get to know, and I really enjoyed how well-developed they were. The plot was so exciting and filled with suspense – I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. From start to finish, I absolutely loved the storyline, the thrill, and the twists. It’s definitely one of the best reads I’ve had in a while!
June 21, 2025
Reeling from the tragic loss of her husband and young son, Jacqueline Stone's life is in shambles. A once prestigious lawyer, she now spends her day hiding in grief, until a chance encounter with a drowning boy changes her life again. When the boy's father is accused of murder a few years later, he lures her back into law to defend him and protect his son once again.
Mary V. Slinkard writes a compelling legal thriller. Everyone has a motive in the world of privilege, and the main character must navigate the complex landscape. I enjoyed the way protecting Ryan helped bring closure to her grief over her own losses.
Advanced reader copy provided by Turner Publishing Company via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Mary V. Slinkard writes a compelling legal thriller. Everyone has a motive in the world of privilege, and the main character must navigate the complex landscape. I enjoyed the way protecting Ryan helped bring closure to her grief over her own losses.
Advanced reader copy provided by Turner Publishing Company via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
January 25, 2026
This is the first physical book I’ve read in months, and I was worried it might be hard to get into. Instead, it turned out to be a fast, engaging read that checked every box for me. It’s a compelling mystery packed with twists that kept me guessing until the end. The main character—a criminal defense attorney—has suffered unimaginable loss, lives with epilepsy, and fights to stay afloat in a sea of grief while trying to honor her employees’ loyalty and keep a father out of jail. Set in Philadelphia and the best part of New Jersey (South!), I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what happens next. It’s clearly setting up a sequel.
January 28, 2025
As the author's debut novel, Her Final Gamble offers an intriguing mix of suspense, twists, and high stakes.
One of the things that stood out to me was the author’s ability to create vivid, engaging characters. The plot is fast-paced, with enough suspense to keep you turning pages.That said, Her Final Gamble does follow a pretty predictable path at times
Thanks to Edelweiss for advance copy for reviewing
One of the things that stood out to me was the author’s ability to create vivid, engaging characters. The plot is fast-paced, with enough suspense to keep you turning pages.That said, Her Final Gamble does follow a pretty predictable path at times
Thanks to Edelweiss for advance copy for reviewing
March 17, 2025
I was so honored to receive an ARC of this book! A fun thriller which was very hard to put down! Loved the protagonist and was rooting for her from page one. So many twists and turns… I thought I solved the mystery several times, but was wrong! A thoughtful mystery with an ending I did not see coming! Don’t start reading it on a busy day- you will get nothing else done as you become entrenched in Jacqueline’s journey to solve a murder case
April 17, 2025
A fun, enticing read with superb writing and plot/character development. The main character Jacqueline is relatable - we feel not only her grit and perseverance but also her heartache and vulnerability. I had my suspicions about all of the remaining characters, which made for a great mystery! It also was interesting to learn more about epilepsy throughout the book. Hard to believe this is the author’s debut novel - she nailed it on the first try.
May 25, 2025
A well-developed plot and characters, with many twists and turns that I did not see coming! The author does a great job of intertwining the various aspects of the plot in a way that keeps you guessing what will happen next. You can’t help but root for Jacqueline Stone from the beginning. I also loved how the author weaves in information about epilepsy throughout the novel. What an amazing first book by this author.. can’t wait to read the next one!
April 30, 2026
Her Final Gamble is a fast-paced, engaging mystery that hooked me right away. Each chapter ends in a way that made me want to keep reading, so it was hard to put down. The twists kept me guessing, and just when I thought I had it figured out, the story took another turn. Jacqueline is a strong, compelling main character, and the mix of personal stakes with the legal drama adds good depth. A great pick if you enjoy smart, character-driven thrillers!
August 4, 2025
Mary Slinkard keeps you engaged with this legal thriller. I enjoyed seeing the portrayal of a lawyer that lives with epilepsy. It is good to enlighten those that still hold stigma about seizure disorders. You will enjoy the characters in this book and if you live in the Philly area you will enjoy the familiar locations mentioned.
November 12, 2025
Absolutely loved this book!!! Frequent reader but first-time reviewer. A friend recommended Her Final Gamble for our book club and it didn’t disappoint. Page-turner that I couldn’t put down. I usually solve these mysteries midway through but she got me! Definitely leaves you guessing. Cannot wait for the next one.
May 14, 2025
Just finished Her Final Gamble and loved it! Normally don’t read thriller/mystery books, but I was recommended by a friend. I absolutely could not put this book down once I got into it! 11/10 recommend if you are looking for your next book!
May 30, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this well written page turner! The characters were believable and well developed. The author had me on the edge of my seat wondering how this complex mystery was going to end. And hopefully Mary Slinkard will return with another great read!!!
Mary O
Mary O
February 12, 2026
This thriller was an absolute page-turner from start to finish. The suspense kept me guessing the entire time. Loved the characters -each character felt layered and real. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for the next one!
February 12, 2026
Fast paced mystery thriller from start to finish. Keeps you guessing. A strong woman protagonist living with epileptic seizures. She’s driven to succeed while recovering from a family tragedy. Looking forward to more from Mary Slinkard.
February 22, 2026
An outstanding suspense thriller! The writing was sharp and immersive, with perfectly timed twists that kept me guessing until the very end. I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved the experience.
May 19, 2025
Very fun read, believable characters, a good mystery that kept me interested. I’ll definitely read the next book in this series because I keep thinking about the characters!
May 19, 2025
So intriguing! Had me from the start, every character so well written, the descriptions of the settings and characters are so real as if you are there. A must read!!!
June 6, 2025
Finished this book in 2 days because I couldn’t put it down! Lots of weaving story lines which kept me engaged and dying to know what happened next. Definitely add this to your summer reading list.
June 21, 2025
I thought it was so good and well written. Didn’t want to put it down. Love how everyone is connected and there’s so much to uncover. Cannot wait to see where this story goes in a sequel (🙏)
July 9, 2025
I’m so impressed!!! This was such a wild read and everytime I thought I had it figured out I was dead wrong. Loved all the Philly & stone harbor mentions throughout
July 22, 2025
action packed!
August 16, 2025
Lots of twist and turns and if you are from Philadelphia you will appreciate the references.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews