A True Verdict

by Robert Rotstein

🎧Run Time = 8 hours and 31 minutes

A “spellbinding” Earphones Award winner (James Patterson) from a New York Times bestselling author, performed by a full cast! When research analyst Ellison is fired the same day he uncovers data proving a pharmaceutical company’s negligence, he turns to a lawyer — which kicks off a civil rights lawsuit full of twists and turns. “A perfect legal thriller” (Terry Shames).

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Robert Rotstein, A True Verdict is an edge-of-your-seat legal thriller filled with secrets.

MediMiracle Corporation manufactures Sophrosyne, a miracle cure for opiate addiction. Ellison Ricard, a research analyst for the company, claims to have uncovered data that proves Black users of Sophrosyne experience fatal side effects far more often than people of other races. When Ricard confronts MediMiracle’s charismatic founder and CEO, Peyton Burke, a violent confrontation ensues. The wheelchair-bound Ricard—a Black man who had been severely injured years earlier—is fired that very day.

Ricard turns to aging lawyer M. Bailey Klaus, to sue Burke and MediMiracle for civil rights violations, alleging that Ricard was fired because he blew the whistle on the coverup and because he was Black. Klaus faces off against his former protégé, Cicely Pagano, each arguing for drastically different versions of Ricard. Is he a brilliant, sincere, credible person who is rightfully standing up against a deadly product? Or is he a delusional, embittered, and avaricious liar who is taking advantage of his former employer?

Ricard’s fate rests with an eight-person jury who can’t agree on anything. Working together to reach a consensus means navigating a tempest of the most divisive politics, sexism, drug abuse, capitalism, healthcare, and racism. Can eight people with different backgrounds, ages, classes, and political views avoid coming to blows, much less render a true verdict? Told through court transcripts and jury deliberations, A True Verdict is a suspenseful ride to a shocking outcome …

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Legal Thriller, Thriller, Legal, Audiobook, Race

352 pages, Paperback

Published January 14, 2025

About the author

Robert Rotstein is an entertainment attorney with over thirty years experience in the industry. He’s represented all of the major motion picture studios and many well-known writers, producers, directors, and musicians. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

Member:

International Thriller Writers
Mystery Writers of America

Reviews

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. A True Verdict is a suspenseful legal thriller with its end impossible to predict. Its format was unusual for me. Most of the book revolves around the jury with added trial transcripts. The case seems straightforward. A disabled Black man in a wheelchair, Ellison Ricard (injured years before in a civil rights demonstration), is suing MediMiracle corporation for civil rights violations. He worked as a data research analyst for the pharmaceutical company, discovering their drug Sophrosyne caused more lethal side effects in Blacks. He contends he was wrongfully fired to keep this data hidden and because of his race. A defendant for the drug company is its charismatic, business-like CEO, Peyton Burke.

There is tension and some hostility among jury members, as they cannot agree on anything. It looks as if they will never reach a consensus. They vary in age, work, life experiences and attitude. There are accusations of racism, ageism, elitism, misogyny, and cultural stereotyping. There is a rivalry to gain the leadership role, so their opinions will dominate. Others feel less intelligent and too timid to speak up. Members are not above complaining to the judge about the behaviour of jury members. In this stressful atmosphere, they must hurry to reach a consensus.

As the trial nears its end, a video shows MediMiracale's leading members speaking and acting inappropriately. This may cause them to lose jury votes, but it is minor compared to the facts revealed about E. Ricard, which are bound to produce shock and controversy. The verdict is unexpected.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this twisty and intense ARC, which will be published on January 14, 2025.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Robert Rotstein, and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

I have enjoyed many novels by Robert Rotstein in the past and hoped to do so once again. A legal thriller of this type can only help to get the blood pumping and keep the reader in the middle of the mix. In a civil case, Ellison Ricard is bringing him employer to court for his dismissal. While he feels that he was fired for speaking out about a troubling medication, MediMiracle blames his poor attitude and disruptive behaviour. In a novel told through the eyes of the jurors who are deliberating, the story gains momentum the longer the group is out, prepared to decide on Ricard’s claim. What happens around the jury table could sway things, though the differing views of the group could make a verdict anything but predictable. Rotstein delivers a great thriller that kept me curious until the very end.

Ellison Ricard works as a research analyst for MediMiracle Corporation, creators of the opiate addiction medication, Sophrosyne. However, Ricard notices some recent studies on its use that show a remarkable spike in fatal outcomes amongst different racial groups. When he brings his findings up to the company CEO, Payton Burke, an explosive conversation turns violent and Ricard is fired on the spot.

Filing a lawsuit against his former employer, Ellison Ricard hopes to gain some notoriety and ensure that the truth comes out about Sophrosyne. After an intense trial, the case has gone to the jury, who must weigh all the evidence and decide whether to side with Ricard or support MediMiracle. However, the case is anything but cut and dry, especially with all the personalities around the table. Weighing the evidence and coming to a decision will be difficult, though the pressure to decide quickly is also part of the sense of tension in the air around the courthouse.

As the story alternates between the jurors’ perspectives and case transcripts, the story meanders and provides many angles as the deliberations move forward. A verdict is likely not far off, though the result is anything but guaranteed or predictable in this California community. Rotstein delivers a stunning legal thriller that entertains and educates in equal measure, leaving the reader as another member of the jury throughout the experience.

I have long enjoyed the legal thrillers that Robert Rotstein creates with his well-paced novels. This was no exception and keeps the reader in the middle of the action. Creating a strong narrative is but one of the many tasks Rotstein needs to juggle in this book. Things follow a clear direction, though there are many offshoots that create unpredictable moments for the attentive reader. Well-built characters keep the reader entertained and provide key questions about how the jury will be able to decide such a case, as no one seems to agree on much of anything. There are many who flavour the story and keep things edgy. Plot twists are key to the story’s success, as legal matters are never black and white, even when they seem to be quite easy to decide. Rotstein keeps the reader wondering until the verdict is in, which creates even more questions and provides a legal result no one could have guessed from the outset.

Kudos, Mr. Rotstein, for this stellar piece of writing!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @robertrotstein for the opportunity to read this propulsive book

TITLE: A TRUE VERDICT
AUTHOR: Robert Rotstein
PUB DATE: 01.14.2025

I love and enjoy reading legal thrillers - it is so exciting and fun, especially when it reads cinematic. A TRUE VERDICT is about Sophrosyne, and how it is marketed as a miracle drug by MediMiracle corp for opiate addiction. However, in certain population of users, its adverse effects can cause devastating outcomes, which the company is covering up. I love that the story is told with court transcripts and the point of view of the jury side, while maintaining a very tense atmosphere that will keep you turning those pages.

QOTD: Any exciting reads lately?

#suzyapprovedbooktours #atrueverdict #robertrotstein

[MM Suarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A trial should serve as a crucible of justice, in which all secrets come to light and truth prevails. Truth under penalty of perjury; truth uncovered via open- ended direct examination and brutal cross- examination. But no process, not even torture, can uncover all a person’s secrets. Our secrets define us as human beings."

Well heck there's enough "dirty laundry" in this trial to keep a laundromat solvent for years! This one is a suspenseful legal thriller that looks like a straightforward case where a disabled black man Ellison Picard, is suing his employer a pharmaceutical company, because he was wrongfully fired after he discovered that the company's drug has greater adverse effects on blacks. He alleges he was terminated because of his race and to keep him from disclosing the information he found in his research.

We have tired, aging attorney M. Bailey Klaus for Picard, facing the morally ambiguous Cicely Pagano for the pharmaceutical company, making drastically different arguments to a compromised Judge, and an eight person jury who can't agree on the color of the sky much less a verdict. What you get is a very enjoyable legal thriller with so many twists and turns that the end leaves you open mouthed and shaking your head in disbelief.
If legal thrillers are your thing definitely pick this one up!

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy legal thrillers then you will definitely want to pick this one up. I was hooked! I love a good courtroom drama!! The court case is about a whistleblower and a drug company that has manufactured a drug that can help with opiate addiction, but it could also hurt others who are of different races. The author describes all of the characters, such as the judge and jury, plaintiffs and defendants. I found the case so interesting. There's all kinds of twists and surprises throughout that totally caught me off guard. You'll also get to read the court transcripts which I thought was cool. The ending was a complete shocker for me. Did not expect that. Rotstein is a new to me author, and I cannot wait to read his backlist in the future!

Thank you to the publisher, author and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert Rotstein, the Author of “A True Verdict” has written an intriguing and riveting Legal Thriller. The genres for the book are: Legal Drama, Crime Thriller, and Suspense. There are secrets, lies, twists and turns and some shocking conclusions. The author vividly describes the dramatic, complex and complicated characters. In detail, the author describes each of the characters in detail, including the plaintiff and the defendent, the jurors, the judge, the court room staff, and the significant others. MeriMiracle Corporation manufactures Sophrosyne. which is a cure for opiate addiction in Caucasions. It is a new “Miracle Drug” that is claimed to save lives, yet there is a debate that it can harm and be deadly to other races. The themes surrounding the trial are racial discrimination, drug use, class differences, sexism, greed and political views. The two opposing attorneys, once worked with each other. The jury members are dysfunctional, and don’t agree on anything. Secrets and lies are discovered, and last minute witnesses are shocking. I promise you won’t get over the shocking ending, which is quite thought-provoking. I recommend that you read this book.

[Karen’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan of legal thrillers or court TV, then you should definitely enjoy A True Verdict. I went into this book blind and ended up reading it in one sitting.

The story is told from the POVs of everyone involved in a civil court case, the two opposing attorneys, the judge, the staff, the plaintiff, the defendant, and what I found the most interesting, the entire jury of eight. We even get court transcripts of some of the testimony.

At first I was a little confused with all the POVs, but at about the 3rd or 4th chapter I got it and just sat back and enjoyed the ride.

The court case is about a black wheelchair bound whistleblower who claims the miracle drug of a pharma corporation that helps opiate users, can also kill some who are non-white. He was fired for being violent but claims he was fired for whistleblowing and racism.

I found the jury fascinating as they couldn’t seem to agree on anything and clashed often. The ending was nothing that I expected and very surprising and twisty.

*Thanks so much to partners Blackstone Publishing and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted eARC and for including me on the booktour!*

[David Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I didn't see that ending coming!
It's obvious the author knows a thing or two about courtroom proceedings and what happens in jury rooms while deliberating. I was on a jury once and the deliberations were as contentious and my thoughts on some of my fellow jurors were just as baffling as they were in this novel. To say the least it was very relatable. I really enjoyed the way the story was crafted and told through the multiple POV's of the participants. With the back and forth in the deliberations it was a mystery how or if the jury would come to a consensus to reach a verdict which created tension and propelled the story forward. If you enjoy legal thrillers that get into the heads of the characters and have surprising twists asking the way, I recommend this intriguing novel.

Thank you to the author, publisher, NetGalley and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copies and including me on this tour.

[Andrea- The Shelf Life Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

A True Verdict is a legal thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It follows Ellison Ricard a black man who is wheelchair bound (injured in a civil rights demonstration year back). He is suing MediMiracle Corporation for civil rights violations. Ellison worked as a data research analyst for the pharmaceutical company. He discovered that their drug Sophrosyne caused more lethal side effects in African Americans then any others. Ellison argues he was wrongfully terminated to keep this data hidden and because of his race.

For majority of the book, we are following the jury as they deliberate. In the beginning it is very interesting since jury members are different ages and races and different life experiences. Unfortunately for me, it seemed to become caddy and mostly bickering instead of actual debating the facts.

The ending for me was a little unexpected, and I did enjoy that twist. Overall this was a 3.5 star read for me, but for someone who really enjoys legal thrillers, I think this is a good one for you.

My thanks to Blackstone Publishing, The Author, Robert Rotstein, as well as NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of A True Verdicit.

#ATrueVerdict #NetGalley

[Howard Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel presents a commentary on the workings and interactions of a jury during deliberations. The trial itself is extremely interesting (dealing with a pharmaceutical company, race relations, greed, etc.) and the reading of the actual transcripts paints a vivid picture for the reader. However, the backgrounds of each juror and their separate stories was somewhat monotonous and detracted from the story.
I thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.

[Paulina Bellantonio · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an attorney - the whole concept of jury duty just fascinates me. I’ll never get chosen - no lawyer in their right mind would want an attorney they can’t control in the jury box. The other jurors will look to that attorney for guidance and you just never know.

I love that we got the perspective of all the jurors and other key players, and that we were given trial transcripts as well. The book was so cleverly structured. The jurors were all so different - educated, uneducated, different political backgrounds, different genders and ethnicities. Truly a perfect storm in a sense because everyone had such strong opinions and they were all so valid (in my opinion anyway).

And that ending! If you love a courtroom drama - go read this book!

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting! This novel is a procedural drama that rotates through all the various perspectives involved in a highly controversial court case. It's told through notes, transcripts, video, and testimonies which was so neat.

The audio is well narrated by a large cast. That helped it be easier to follow diff characters.

Thanks to netgalley and Blackstone for an audio arc to read and review voluntarily.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a masterpiece of a book! The story opens after a trial is given to the jury to deliberate. Each juror has a POV but they are only identified as their juror number and occupation. We also hear from the lawyers and judge from their POV, but a very small amount compared to the jurors. The author includes transcripts of testimony, which I loved reading. As a fan of trial fiction this book was a perfect read. The author did a wonderful job telling the story in a unique and interesting way and throwing in a few twists, especially at the end. I would definitely read more books by this author.

[Marie Lutz · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of this courtroom drama’s major faults is that the author throws everything but the kitchen sink into the book detracting too much from what should be its main points, such as did MediMiracle fire the plaintiff, Ricard, because he was black; did they fire him because he was a whistleblower; how does an inexperienced judge handle this major trial.

Instead the plot digresses far too much into peripheral matters, for example, the judge’s law clerk’s pregnancy and how much leave she’ll get after the birth; that Ricard’s lawyer inappropriately kisses his assistant, Louise, causing problems with her, though he does apologize; the personal problems faced by members of the jury, including that the Retiree is dying, that the Editor’s daughter has leukemia, that the Vet Tech has problems with her mother, that two members of the jury are removed because they have sex with each other, and lots of other personal things that are not always interesting. The author, I believe, wants to show how the jurors’ lives affect the trial, but on the whole this is not convincingly done.

Homosexuality, bigotry, racism, transgenderism, and stereotyping someone because they are an immigrant with a “low level” job is also discussed. Is there any contemporary issue that the author doesn’t bring up?

In addition, the plaintiff is so weird it’s hard to identify with him. For one thing, it turns out he’s not black but white. He goes bonkers if he’s touched, He’s a blatant liar.

And there’s too much lecturing. The African American Scientist, who is the jury’s foreperson, for example, decries at length the number of blacks killed by police. She leaves out that 90% of black victims (maybe more) are murdered by other blacks. In 2024 less than one thousandth of 1% of black murders were perpetrated by police. If the reader is going to be lectured, let it be more balanced.

At the end, the plaintiff is awarded a huge sum of money. Unaddressed is whether the mistakes made during the trial will affect the verdict or the award on appeal. For example we know that the judge shouldn’t have appointed a foreperson and that the judge should have reported an inappropriate attempt to influence him.

I’m giving this novel 3 stars because it did sometimes keep my attention and I wanted to know how it turned out.

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
⚖️ love legal thrillers
👩‍⚖️ have ever served on a jury
📕 enjoy books written in unique ways
🌪️ like unexpected twists

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

MediMiracle Corporation manufactures Sophrosyne, a miracle cure for opiate addiction. Ellison Ricard, a research analyst for the company, claims to have uncovered data that proves Black users of Sophrosyne experience fatal side effects far more often than people of other races. When Ricard confronts MediMiracle’s charismatic founder and CEO, Peyton Burke, a violent confrontation ensues. The wheelchair-bound Ricard—a Black man who had been severely injured years earlier—is fired that very day.

Ricard turns to aging lawyer M. Bailey Klaus, to sue Burke and MediMiracle for civil rights violations, alleging that Ricard was fired because he blew the whistle on the coverup and because he was Black. Klaus faces off against his former protégé, Cicely Pagano, each arguing for drastically different versions of Ricard. Is he a brilliant, sincere, credible person who is rightfully standing up against a deadly product? Or is he a delusional, embittered, and avaricious liar who is taking advantage of his former employer?

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was such a unique read. I can’t say that I’ve read one that was written in this context before, so I really enjoyed the new to me format. While I’ve never served on a jury, I can imagine there’s a lot of pressure involved so it was easy to see where everyone was coming from in their deliberations. I liked hearing about the jurors individually and learning more about who they were. The twist was so unexpected and shocking, and I was really taken aback, in a good way. Overall, I highly recommend this one if you’re a big fan of legal thrillers!

[Julie B. (readingonthebrink) · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~ 📚Book Review 📚~~
~📖Book Tour📖~

⚖️A True Verdict⚖️
By Robert Rotstein

"... Wonder what the jury has to say
Waiting
Waiting
Waiting
Waiting
Waiting..."
~The Verdict by Joe Jackson

Are you a court drama fan? I definitely fit the bill, having watched my fair share of everything: Law and Order (the original!), Bull, The Practice, and Fairly Legal, to Perry Mason Reruns, Ally McBeal, LA Law, and yes, even Night Court (does that count?). So, when I was asked to read an ARC of a court drama, it was a no-brainer. (But, tbh, it was one of my first court drama novels).

I was hooked from the very beginning, as the novel opens as a court document, the stenographer’s notes. I WAS a part of the process. As I read the proceedings, I felt like I was sitting next to each and every juror. I truly loved the way Rotstein not only cinematically set the novel, but also technically and narratively captured the emotions, the dichotomy of every moving piece and person in the court room.

I must admit while I was completely drawn in and devoured over half the book before I looked up, I did get a little lost in the weeds with the court clerk. But without giving away anything, I see how her role was important to the overall outcome, and I look forward to celebrating the release of this novel this Tuesday! As Robert Rothstein is a new-to-me author, I’ve already added his back list (including his co-authorship with James Patterson), and I really hope there will be a new novel in his future for me to read!

Thank you to @robertrotstein
and @suzyapprovedbooktours for my electronic copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Rotstein’s 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑂𝑢𝑡-𝑜𝑓-𝑇𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝐿𝑎𝑤𝑦𝑒𝑟, and once again, he has brought us back into the courtroom for a gripping and thought-provoking legal thriller.

Ellison Ricard, a disabled Black man, is suing MediMiracle Corporation on the grounds of wrongful termination. He was employed as a research analyst for the pharmaceutical company when he discovered that their primary drug used to combat addiction resulted in more lethal side effects in African Americans than any other patient group. He claims he was terminated not only to keep this data hidden but also because of his race.

The narrative is told mainly through the jurors' eyes and some courtroom transcripts. As the drama unfolds, we learn a little about each juror, hear their deliberations, and even hear some of their inner monologues.

The case becomes interesting and complex, as it triggers hot debates among the jurors - race being one subject, as well as the drug's pros and cons.

For most of the book, I was enthralled by the jurors, who were only denoted by their occupations. They brought their opinions, baggage, and beliefs to the table, and you saw how they affected their judgment. But the ending… I did not see that coming, and it calls many things into question—including the truth. This is why I love reading Robert Rotstein; he keeps you thinking and isn’t afraid to discuss hot topics.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours @blackstonepublishing and @robertrotstein for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a page turner! Ricard is up against a medical corporation for whistle blowing that they were covering up numbers to for being fired because he is Black. This novel has it all. We get to read through the court transcripts, we get an inside look into the lives of each jury member as they fight for what they believe is the truth and who's side they are looking to vote towards. We also get to see a few incidents unfold that has also been brought out showing the good and bad of Ricard as well as the good and bad of those in higher positions at MediMiracle Corp. I really kept going back and forth as I read this novel. But then there was quite the bombshells that dropped and changed the aspect of things for both sides. As the jury is nearing a decision, they are called back in for further evidence. A very unusual event but the jury themselves also have a bombshell they are holding close to the chest that they discovered as they were going back through the thousands of pages of documents. This was a very good court read and I highly recommend for those who love court dramas and a story that will leave you thinking for a while after. Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the complementary ebook and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

You guys. This could be ripped from the headlines. It had me wondering if I was reading fiction or nonfiction.

The reader is dropped into a jury room at the start of deliberations and learns of the happenings of the case and trial based on their discussions.

I’ve been reading a lot of books lately that are new but I feel I’ve read before. This felt fresh. It’s a twist on the courtroom drama.

You get to know the players and realize how much their lives and moods play a part. The chapters represent someone in the trial and instead of using their name as a heading, it’s their job. Emphasizing how much the jurors are a part of it.

And those twists! Just when you think you are reading to find out what they determine, wham.

While I started out thinking 12 Angry Men, this had some pretty timely issues. It will have me thinking the next time a see the outcome of a trial.

Time has been a little short for me lately so I read when I could and listened when that worked better. They went all out with the audio with a full cast that really brought the story above and beyond. The voices spot on matched the characters and made it easy to follow. Sometimes listens with this many characters become a little tedious keeping track of them all but I had no problem.

If you are a fan of the OG courtroom drama with a little bit of a modern twist, this needs to be on your tbr.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Rotstein's A True Verdict is a courtroom drama written by an attorney who recognizes that high stakes civil litigation can present as engrossing a story as a sensational murder trial. This is a civil trial for damages by a fired employee. Ellison Ricard, a Black man, based his lawsuit on racial discrimination. He also claimed he was fired for whistleblowing about the disproportionate dangers of MediMiracle's addiction treatment drug for Black patients. The eight jurors are starting deliberations when two are observed in sexual activity in the parking lot. They are removed from the jury. The remaining six all have secrets that impact their deliberations. Even the attorneys, court officials, and the judge have things to hide. Each character is well developed, believable, and interesting. Rotstein cleverly allows each character to identify or clarify a relevant legal issue. Sometimes a four star read becomes a five star one by the ending. Why? The ending here is both shocking and sensitive.

[lori pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Audiobooks for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. The cast of Narrators make this such a fantastic book to listen to. Highly recommend the audiobook version.

I love the author and have read several of his books. This one did not disappoint!

We are in a civil trial where a black man is suing a corporation for wrongful termination due to blowing the whistle on their drug being more harmful to black peopel. The story opens with the case being given to the jurors, each of whom has an interesting POV and are identified either by their juror # or occupation. The reader also hears from the POVs from the lawyers and judge but that is minor as the main characters are the jurors. The author includes transcripts of testimony, which added a lot and kept the story interesting.

As a fan of trial and courtroom procedure fiction and suspense, this book was a perfect read.
This is a well written and very fast paced book that is full of suspense and twists that I did not see coming. I thought all of the characters were well written, relatable and lifelike. The ending blew me away, and I just did not see it coming.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A True Verdict by Robert Rotstein is a thrilling legal thriller which I really enjoyed.

This book kept be engaged and on the edge of my seat! The story is about Ellison, who is a black male that is wheelchair bound. He is wheelchair bound due to being part of a civil rights rally many years prior.

He is suing a corporation for a civil rights violation, as he was a former employee and had turned up something very alarming and was terminated (allegedly) for bringing it forward.

It was interesting having the jury perspective in this legal thriller. I really was SHOCKED by the ending, I did not see that coming. Such a great book I really enjoyed.

If you're a fan of legal thrillers, this book is for you!

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this legal thriller, it was perfectly written and held my interest!

Ellison Ricard an African American man who is wheelchair bound who was injured in a civil rights demonstration year back. He has decided to sue the injured in a civil rights demonstration. He his suing MediMiracle Corporation for civil rights violations. You see Ellison worked as a data research analyst for the pharmaceutical company. While working there he discovered that their drug Sophrosyne had caused more deadly and lethal side effects in African Americans then any others. Ellison is arguing that he was wrongfully terminated so they could keep this data hidden and because of his race. During the story we follow the jury as discuss, I liked that the jury was mixed. The ending was a surprise!!

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting read. This book is told from several different POVs and parts of it is court transcripts. There are a lot of heavy topics - racism, civil rights violations, ableism, DEI, and pharmaceutical drug testing cover ups. I was engaged with the book from the beginning and WOW what an ending.

This is my first book by Robert Rotstein. There was a long list of narrators who all did an excellent job with their characters - Sean Pratt, Phil Thron, Kelli Tager, Sophie Amoss, Natalie Naudus, Fajer Al-Kaisi, Hillary Huber, Mark Bramhall, Robin Miles, Andrew Eiden, Alex Boyles, Roxanne Hernandez, Eunice Wong, Deanna Anthony, and Graham Halstead.

Thank you to NetGalley & Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Myprivatebookclub · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt an actual excitement while reading this book. Its different POV's made you see things from different aspects, which is very much needed in cases of juries.
This is the first time I read a case through the eyes of the jurors. It has always truly amazed me how justice might be left in the hands of persons, who know nothing about law or legal matters so this book has been helpful.
The struggle between the jury members, the lawyers, the parties of the case has been described in a very easy manner, still having details creating twists in the story.
the strange revelations during the course of the book have been a surprise, so once doubts their own ability to evaluate things.
Was it really a true verdict?

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED the way this book uses court transcripts and through the eyes of people affiliated with a civil court case. The story is told as the jurors are deliberating. I enjoyed the fact that the jurors are not referred to by their name but by their occupations.

The court case itself is compelling as it is about a whistle blower for a company making a drug that gets rid of drug addictions. The book deals with race, the corporate world, and how jurors bring in their own preconceived notions and baggage into the jury room.

This is also a fast moving legal thriller with some pretty big twists along the way.

[Stacey (Bookalorian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I detest books with multiple points of view but this one.... changed my mind that it can be done right and works to create a brilliant story.

Firstly, the narration was bloody brilliant. I felt like I was part of that jury. Every unique voice was done with absolute care and I was hooked right in.

I don't read a lot of courtroom dramas but this one was clever, really clever with the way neither side was really clean and it made for some interesting dialogue. It felt real. It felt like I was in a documentary. It felt so realistic. I liked the characters, it was brilliantly written and well paced.

I need more from this author because I am now a fan girl.

5 stars

[ChapterNook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first official legal thriller and I really enjoyed it. The twists at the end, I did not see coming. I do wish we would have gotten a little more info on what happened with the Jury's, having had such an insight into a few of their worlds. With that said, the super important stuff was mostly tied up at the end. I enjoyed how much emotion it invoked within me while reading it (i got real pissed off at some of the characters that had strong one-way thinking opinions) yet enjoyed the diverse points of view. Overall i felt it was well written and a great read. This was a goodreads giveaway win for me. Thank you to the author, publisher and goodreads for allowing me an opportunity to read this title and provide an honest review.

[Air · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven’t read too many legal proceeding thrillers but I have to say this one was anything but boring. The author has a fantastic way of making any predictions entirely impossible, especially with fast moved pacing and constant twists. The atmosphere was another wonderful thing, you feel like you’re in the jury room while the decisions are unfolding. Ellison Ricard is filing a lawsuit against his former employer, MediMiracle Corporation. And all is most definitely NOT as it seems.

Thank you Suzy approved book tours!

[crafty.jenn.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good courtroom drama, and this one absolutely delivered. From the very first page, a sense of unease settled over me, growing with every twist and revelation.

Just when you think you know who to root for—trust me, you don’t.

The multiple POVs were fantastic, offering insight into a cast of deeply flawed, utterly compelling characters—each more messed up than the last. The dual timelines, shifting between the sequestered jury and the courtroom proceedings, added to the tension brilliantly.

I hated most of the characters, but in the best way—the kind where you can’t wait to see them get what’s coming to them. And that ending? Utterly satisfying on so many levels.

I closed the book with a smirk, already eager to read more from this author.