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Saving the Guilty: A Laurel Highlands Mystery
When defense attorney Sally Castle agrees to do a favor for an old friend she thinks the case will be present the appeal for a murder conviction and the work is already done. But the more Sally looks into the facts of the case, the more problems she sees. Did sloppy police procedure result in the conviction of an innocent man?
State Trooper Jim Duncan is also working what seems like a straight-forward the execution-style murder of a man with suspected drug ties. But before the scene is released he learns the victim was living with a deep-cover fake identity. Why?
Jim and Sally pursue their separate investigations and lines begin to cross, leading them to wonder how separate the cases are. As they uncover murder, drugs, infidelity, and federal-level fraud, one thing becomes clear. Someone wants Sally’s client in jail. And they will go to any length, including murder, to keep him there.
State Trooper Jim Duncan is also working what seems like a straight-forward the execution-style murder of a man with suspected drug ties. But before the scene is released he learns the victim was living with a deep-cover fake identity. Why?
Jim and Sally pursue their separate investigations and lines begin to cross, leading them to wonder how separate the cases are. As they uncover murder, drugs, infidelity, and federal-level fraud, one thing becomes clear. Someone wants Sally’s client in jail. And they will go to any length, including murder, to keep him there.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2024
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Liz Milliron
26 books100 followersCompassion, loyalty...and crime.
Liz Milliron is the Shamus award-nominated author of the Homefront Mysteries, set in Buffalo, NY during the early years of WWII, the Laurel Highlands Mysteries set in the scenic Laurel Highlands of southwest Pennsylvania, and the Jackson Davis Mysteries set in Niagara Falls, NY. Her short fiction has been published in multiple anthologies including Murder Most International, Murder Most Historical, and the Anthony award-winning Blood on the Bayou. Liz is a past president of the Pittsburgh Chapter of Sisters in Crime and the current Secretary, as well as the Education Liaison for the National Board of Sisters in Crime. She is also a member of International Thriller Writers, Pennwriters and the Historical Novel Society. Liz lives in the Laurel Highlands with her husband and a very spoiled retired-racer greyhound.
https://www.facebook.com/LizMilliron/
https://www.instagram.com/lizmilliron/
Liz Milliron is the Shamus award-nominated author of the Homefront Mysteries, set in Buffalo, NY during the early years of WWII, the Laurel Highlands Mysteries set in the scenic Laurel Highlands of southwest Pennsylvania, and the Jackson Davis Mysteries set in Niagara Falls, NY. Her short fiction has been published in multiple anthologies including Murder Most International, Murder Most Historical, and the Anthony award-winning Blood on the Bayou. Liz is a past president of the Pittsburgh Chapter of Sisters in Crime and the current Secretary, as well as the Education Liaison for the National Board of Sisters in Crime. She is also a member of International Thriller Writers, Pennwriters and the Historical Novel Society. Liz lives in the Laurel Highlands with her husband and a very spoiled retired-racer greyhound.
https://www.facebook.com/LizMilliron/
https://www.instagram.com/lizmilliron/
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 22, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. The storylines were interesting and well developed. Sally Castle and Jim Duncan complement each other professionally and personally. Sally and Tanelsa are the perfect law partners. The setting, descriptions, character development, and clues combine to make an entertaining read. Liz Milliron has a way of bringing her characters to life in a way that made me feel I personally knew them.
August 30, 2024
Although this book is book seven in the Laurel Highland Mystery collection, it is completely capable of being read as a standalone. I haven’t read any of the previous books in this series and did not feel like that took away any of my enjoyment whilst reading. If anything, I’m interested to now go back and read the earlier books so I can better understand the back story of the characters.
The main characters are Sally Clarke, a defence attorney and her boyfriend Jim/Duncan a State Trooper. Running alongside these characters, as ‘support characters’ if you like, are Tanelsa, Sally’s partner at her law firm, and Cavendish, Jim’s parter in the State police. All four characters work really well together and compliment each other as the story progresses each adding their own depth to the story.
It starts with Sally and Jim at home when Sally receives a call from an old colleague in the hospital. He asks if she will take on an appeal case for him as he is unable to continue with the case due to being in hospital. Despite it only being a few weeks before Christmas and the appeal hearing only being five days away, Sally agrees to take the case.
We then have a parallel story whereby the same morning as Sally and Tanelsa start reviewing the case files for the appeal, Duncan and Cavendish get called out to a murder scene in a small community. The scene is completely clean and the victim has boxes of cash and guns in the house leading Duncan to suspect that there is more to the scene than first suggests.
The author does a brilliant job of creating a chilling atmosphere throughout the book. Set in the fictional setting Monongahela County, pretty much every chapter there is mention of the freezing cold weather. As I was reading this book it was brilliant sunshine but the way the author describes the cold I could almost feel a chill down my neck whilst reading.
Ultimately this book all centres around one question - who actually killed Vivian Wilson? It doesn’t help that her husband Alec, whom Sally represents, is accused of killing her and provides an account which is full of inconsistencies and facts that can’t be verified. For a while it just seems as if Sally is chasing her tail, but slowly and surely the author pulls all the strands together for an ending I wasn’t quite expecting.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes mystery books with a strong sense of ‘who done it?’.
The main characters are Sally Clarke, a defence attorney and her boyfriend Jim/Duncan a State Trooper. Running alongside these characters, as ‘support characters’ if you like, are Tanelsa, Sally’s partner at her law firm, and Cavendish, Jim’s parter in the State police. All four characters work really well together and compliment each other as the story progresses each adding their own depth to the story.
It starts with Sally and Jim at home when Sally receives a call from an old colleague in the hospital. He asks if she will take on an appeal case for him as he is unable to continue with the case due to being in hospital. Despite it only being a few weeks before Christmas and the appeal hearing only being five days away, Sally agrees to take the case.
We then have a parallel story whereby the same morning as Sally and Tanelsa start reviewing the case files for the appeal, Duncan and Cavendish get called out to a murder scene in a small community. The scene is completely clean and the victim has boxes of cash and guns in the house leading Duncan to suspect that there is more to the scene than first suggests.
The author does a brilliant job of creating a chilling atmosphere throughout the book. Set in the fictional setting Monongahela County, pretty much every chapter there is mention of the freezing cold weather. As I was reading this book it was brilliant sunshine but the way the author describes the cold I could almost feel a chill down my neck whilst reading.
Ultimately this book all centres around one question - who actually killed Vivian Wilson? It doesn’t help that her husband Alec, whom Sally represents, is accused of killing her and provides an account which is full of inconsistencies and facts that can’t be verified. For a while it just seems as if Sally is chasing her tail, but slowly and surely the author pulls all the strands together for an ending I wasn’t quite expecting.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes mystery books with a strong sense of ‘who done it?’.
October 12, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Liz Milliron’s “Saving the Guilty” is a compelling addition to the Laurel Highlands Mystery series, blending legal drama with the rich, atmospheric setting of rural Pennsylvania. This seventh installment continues to follow defense attorney Sally Castle and her partner, Detective Jim Duncan, as they navigate a complex web of crime and justice.
The novel opens with Sally Castle agreeing to help an old friend by presenting an appeal for a murder conviction. What seems like a straightforward case quickly unravels into a labyrinth of legal and moral dilemmas. Set against the picturesque yet foreboding backdrop of the Laurel Highlands, Milliron’s detailed descriptions bring the setting to life, making it almost a character in its own right.
The small-town charm contrasted with the dark undercurrents of crime creates a gripping atmosphere.
Sally Castle is a standout protagonist, her sharp legal mind and unwavering sense of justice driving the narrative forward. Her dynamic with Jim Duncan adds depth to the story, blending professional respect with personal tension. The supporting cast, from the enigmatic old friend to the various townsfolk, are well-developed and add layers of intrigue to the plot.
“Saving the Guilty” explores themes of justice, redemption, and the gray areas of morality. The novel delves into the consequences of past actions and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their loved ones. Milliron has created a thought-provoking read.
Milliron’s writing is crisp and engaging, with a keen eye for detail that enhances the storytelling. The pacing is well-balanced, with enough twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats without feeling like the story is rushed.
“Saving the Guilty” is a masterful blend of legal thriller and mystery, with richly drawn characters and a setting that pulls readers into the heart of the Laurel Highlands. Liz Milliron has crafted a story that is entertaining yet thought-provoking, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
This novel not only satisfies the craving for a good mystery but also leaves readers pondering the complexities of justice and morality long after the final page.
Liz Milliron’s “Saving the Guilty” is a compelling addition to the Laurel Highlands Mystery series, blending legal drama with the rich, atmospheric setting of rural Pennsylvania. This seventh installment continues to follow defense attorney Sally Castle and her partner, Detective Jim Duncan, as they navigate a complex web of crime and justice.
The novel opens with Sally Castle agreeing to help an old friend by presenting an appeal for a murder conviction. What seems like a straightforward case quickly unravels into a labyrinth of legal and moral dilemmas. Set against the picturesque yet foreboding backdrop of the Laurel Highlands, Milliron’s detailed descriptions bring the setting to life, making it almost a character in its own right.
The small-town charm contrasted with the dark undercurrents of crime creates a gripping atmosphere.
Sally Castle is a standout protagonist, her sharp legal mind and unwavering sense of justice driving the narrative forward. Her dynamic with Jim Duncan adds depth to the story, blending professional respect with personal tension. The supporting cast, from the enigmatic old friend to the various townsfolk, are well-developed and add layers of intrigue to the plot.
“Saving the Guilty” explores themes of justice, redemption, and the gray areas of morality. The novel delves into the consequences of past actions and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their loved ones. Milliron has created a thought-provoking read.
Milliron’s writing is crisp and engaging, with a keen eye for detail that enhances the storytelling. The pacing is well-balanced, with enough twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats without feeling like the story is rushed.
“Saving the Guilty” is a masterful blend of legal thriller and mystery, with richly drawn characters and a setting that pulls readers into the heart of the Laurel Highlands. Liz Milliron has crafted a story that is entertaining yet thought-provoking, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
This novel not only satisfies the craving for a good mystery but also leaves readers pondering the complexities of justice and morality long after the final page.
September 10, 2024
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Sally Castle, an exceptional defense attorney and her boyfriend State Trooper Jim Duncan work together beautifully, cooperatively, and supportively. Sally’s law partner Tanelsa and Cavendish, Jim’s partner in the state police round out two strong support characters.
Sally agrees to take on a case for a friend despite the bad timing which turns out to be a great deal more complex than viewed on first blush. When a second body is found that appears to be tied to the first, Duncan and Cavendish become involved in the case up to their eyeballs.
Matters become very convoluted quickly as the author adds clues and twists that keep the reader turning pages. Dialogue is right on, authentic between intelligent and appealing characters.
An entertaining read from start to finish. The plot is well-paced and complex but it was the characters I found most appealing. If you enjoy mystery, tension, legal fiction, and great characters, then this one will keep your interest. Recommended.
I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through @NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts.
Sally Castle, an exceptional defense attorney and her boyfriend State Trooper Jim Duncan work together beautifully, cooperatively, and supportively. Sally’s law partner Tanelsa and Cavendish, Jim’s partner in the state police round out two strong support characters.
Sally agrees to take on a case for a friend despite the bad timing which turns out to be a great deal more complex than viewed on first blush. When a second body is found that appears to be tied to the first, Duncan and Cavendish become involved in the case up to their eyeballs.
Matters become very convoluted quickly as the author adds clues and twists that keep the reader turning pages. Dialogue is right on, authentic between intelligent and appealing characters.
An entertaining read from start to finish. The plot is well-paced and complex but it was the characters I found most appealing. If you enjoy mystery, tension, legal fiction, and great characters, then this one will keep your interest. Recommended.
I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through @NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts.
August 15, 2024
It has been a while since I have had the chance to hang out with Sally Castle and Jim Duncan. What a pleasure to see the evolution of these characters and their relationship! I thoroughly enjoyed Saving the Guilty and read it mostly in one sitting. One does have to sleep sometime. Liz Milliron’s compelling and convoluted story took me to familiar landmarks in a thrilling way. I loved the way the clues were found in believable ways through hard work and “mostly” proper channels. The book is full of bad guys, but you’ll have to read it to find out who is the worst, or maybe make up your own mind. Sally is a brilliant lawyer, who, along with her partner, Tanelsa, grinds out the hard work, with a bit of fancy footwork added to the mix to keep her police boyfriend Trooper Jim Duncan on his toes. Sally does seem to put herself in dangerous situations without meaning to. The book is so well written that you don’t realize how swept along into the worlds of drug dealing, murder, and gambling you are until you find yourself with Sally and Jim in deep trouble in the middle of a shootout. I’ll definitely be going back to read the books I have missed! An excellent read.
September 4, 2024
A brutal murder in a small Pennsylvania town lands the victim’s husband in prison as the prime suspect, with a life sentence hanging over his head. But when defense attorney Sally Castle agrees to come onboard, she discovers not only faulty handling of the case, but the possibility that the wrong man was pegged for the crime.
Soon, a second murder that looks like a professional hit complicates Castle’s search for truth. The deeper she digs, the more trouble she finds: adultery, a witness on the lam, drugs, insurance fraud––and the possibility that the two murders might be linked.
Liz Milliron’s masterfully constructed plot, full of the twists and turns we mystery fans love, and her switchblade-sharp dialogue kept me turning the pages late into the night. Her smart, savvy, and engaging characters––especially Castle’s state trooper beau, Jim Duncan, and her no-nonsense business partner Tanelsa Parson––had me rooting for them from the get-go.
Saving the Guilty is an exciting ride that never lets up from start to its surprising finish. Highly recommended. – Skye Alexander, author of the Lizzie Crane Jazz Age mystery series
Soon, a second murder that looks like a professional hit complicates Castle’s search for truth. The deeper she digs, the more trouble she finds: adultery, a witness on the lam, drugs, insurance fraud––and the possibility that the two murders might be linked.
Liz Milliron’s masterfully constructed plot, full of the twists and turns we mystery fans love, and her switchblade-sharp dialogue kept me turning the pages late into the night. Her smart, savvy, and engaging characters––especially Castle’s state trooper beau, Jim Duncan, and her no-nonsense business partner Tanelsa Parson––had me rooting for them from the get-go.
Saving the Guilty is an exciting ride that never lets up from start to its surprising finish. Highly recommended. – Skye Alexander, author of the Lizzie Crane Jazz Age mystery series
October 3, 2024
4* An Intriguing 'who done it'
Saving the Guilty is part of a series, yet I had no problems reading it as a stand-alone novel.
Defense Attorney Sally Castle is about to move in with State Trooper Jim Duncan when two cases arrive for their individual attention. Jim becomes the investigating officer for an execution style murder and Sally is requested to handle an appeal against a conviction of murder. All is not as it seems, soon the two unconnected cases begin to intertwine placing Sally in extreme danger.
Set over five days during a bitter cold winter. There's everything within the pages, adultery, murder, fraud, drugs, petty and hardened criminals, all resulting in an absorbing novel with enough twists in the plot to keep me fully engrossed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Level Best Books and NetGalley, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
Saving the Guilty is part of a series, yet I had no problems reading it as a stand-alone novel.
Defense Attorney Sally Castle is about to move in with State Trooper Jim Duncan when two cases arrive for their individual attention. Jim becomes the investigating officer for an execution style murder and Sally is requested to handle an appeal against a conviction of murder. All is not as it seems, soon the two unconnected cases begin to intertwine placing Sally in extreme danger.
Set over five days during a bitter cold winter. There's everything within the pages, adultery, murder, fraud, drugs, petty and hardened criminals, all resulting in an absorbing novel with enough twists in the plot to keep me fully engrossed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Level Best Books and NetGalley, this review is my personal, unbiased opinion.
December 16, 2024
This gripping legal and crime thriller draws you in from the very first chapter. Defense attorney Sally Castle takes on what initially seems like a straightforward appeal case, only to uncover a web of inconsistencies and buried secrets that suggest her client might have been wrongfully convicted. Meanwhile, State Trooper Jim Duncan’s investigation into an apparent drug-related execution leads him to startling revelations about the victim’s hidden life.
As their separate paths intertwine, the stakes rise with every twist, keeping you guessing until the very end. The blend of murder, deception, and high-stakes federal crimes creates a story packed with tension and surprises. The characters are richly developed, and the pacing is spot-on, making it impossible to put down. If you’re a fan of suspenseful, intricately plotted mysteries, this book is an absolute must-read!
As their separate paths intertwine, the stakes rise with every twist, keeping you guessing until the very end. The blend of murder, deception, and high-stakes federal crimes creates a story packed with tension and surprises. The characters are richly developed, and the pacing is spot-on, making it impossible to put down. If you’re a fan of suspenseful, intricately plotted mysteries, this book is an absolute must-read!
August 17, 2024
A Favor for a Friend
It started out as a simple favor for a friend in need. Sally Castle and her law partner, Tanelsa Parson were just supposed to file an appeal for a client wrongfully convicted of murder. The case turns out to be anything, but simple when inconsistencies start popping up that seem related to another murder case Jim Duncan, an investigator for the Pennsylvania State Police is working on. Duncan is also Sally's boyfriend. Can they keep things professional? With multiple murders and a growing list of suspects can Sally avoid becoming the next victim? How far will she go for a client? How far will Duncan go to save her? Lots of twists and turns will keep you entertained and guessing til the end.
It started out as a simple favor for a friend in need. Sally Castle and her law partner, Tanelsa Parson were just supposed to file an appeal for a client wrongfully convicted of murder. The case turns out to be anything, but simple when inconsistencies start popping up that seem related to another murder case Jim Duncan, an investigator for the Pennsylvania State Police is working on. Duncan is also Sally's boyfriend. Can they keep things professional? With multiple murders and a growing list of suspects can Sally avoid becoming the next victim? How far will she go for a client? How far will Duncan go to save her? Lots of twists and turns will keep you entertained and guessing til the end.
September 15, 2024
As it turns out, a lawyer and a state trooper make the perfect couple -- especially when their separate investigations overlap. In this well-paced, nicely detailed mystery, defense attorney Sally Castle and State Trooper Jim Duncan follow their parallel investigations, while also moving in together. Sally's grappling with defending a man she believes is guilty of murder -- as a lawyer she wholeheartedly believes in his right to zealous representation, but her instincts are telling her something different -- makes for an especially engaging read.
I have not read the earlier books in the series, but had no problem picking up on the character dynamics. Recommended.
I have not read the earlier books in the series, but had no problem picking up on the character dynamics. Recommended.
November 3, 2024
A fun, thrilling read with so many twists. I loved it!
August 11, 2024
I loved this book from start to end. Loved Sally and her partner “T” as they work together. Duncan is very special. A love story mixed in with the drama of working to help a friend. Don’t miss this one, you will enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews