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Keera Duggan #3

Her Cold Justice

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To save a client accused of murder, defense attorney Keera Duggan must fight a complex web of corruption in a riveting novel of suspense by New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni.

In a quiet South Seattle neighborhood, a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are murdered in their home. When a young man named Michael Westbrook is accused of the brutal double homicide, his uncle JP Harrison turns to Keera Duggan to defend him. JP is Keera’s trusted investigator, and he desperately needs Keera to save his nephew against escalating odds.

The evidence is circumstantial—Michael worked with one of the victims, drugs were found in his possession, and he bolted from authorities. Ruthless star prosecutor Kim Tran has gotten convictions on much less. With the testimony of two prison informants, the case looks grave. But Keera never concedes defeat. To free her client, she must dig deep before Tran crushes both of them.

As the investigation gets more twisted with each new find, Keera is swept up in a mystery with far-reaching consequences. This case isn’t just murder. It’s looking like a conspiracy. And getting justice for Michael could be the most dangerous promise Keera has ever made.

399 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2026

1701 people are currently reading
7740 people want to read

About the author

Robert Dugoni

51 books33k followers
Robert Dugoni is the critically acclaimed New York Times, and #1 Amazon bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite police series set in Seattle, which has sold more than 11 million books worldwide. He is also the author of The Charles Jenkins espionage series, the David Sloane legal thriller series, and The Keera Duggan legal thriller series. He has written several stand-alone novels including the historical novels A Killing on the Hill and Hold Strong, as well as the suspense novel The 7th Canon, and Damage Control. He has written the literary novels, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell - one of Newsweek Magazine's Best Books of All-Time and Suspense Magazine’s 2018 Book of the Year, for which Dugoni’s narration won an AudioFile Earphones Award. He has also written the critically acclaimed novel, The World Played Chess; as well as the nonfiction exposé The Cyanide Canary, a Washington Post Best Book of the Year. His novels have been optioned for movies and television series. Dugoni is the recipient of the Nancy Pearl Award for Fiction and a four-time winner of the Friends of Mystery Spotted Owl Award for best novel set in the Pacific Northwest. He has also been a finalist for many other awards including the International Thriller Award, the Harper Lee Prize for Legal Fiction, the Silver Falchion Award for mystery, and the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award.

Robert Dugoni’s books are sold in more than thirty-five countries and have been translated into more than thirty languages.

Visit his website at www.robertdugoni.com, and follow him on twitter @robertdugoni and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorRobertDugoni

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
Profile Image for Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo).
1,566 reviews4,634 followers
January 27, 2026
Keera Duggan #3-NOW AVAILABLE!

After a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are brutally murdered in their Seattle home, a young man named Michael Westbrook is accused of the double homicide, despite the fact that all of the evidence is circumstantial at best.

The prosecutor, Kim Tran, is known for getting convictions for crimes despite having little proof in the past-but is it because she is that talented or is it because she uses questionable tactics such as failing to to comply with discovery rules?

Lucky for Michael Westbrook, his uncle is JP Harrison, the PI for Duggan and Associates, and Keera Duggan is willing to represent his nephew.

Kim Tran may have finally met her match! ♟️
(AND believe me when I tell you that this is one Prosecuting Attorney that you will love to hate! )

In book #2, I felt like it took too long to get to the trial, but this time the court room brawls start at 40% so if you love legal thrillers for the court room scenes you will get plenty of those this time around.

It can be read as a standalone as the cases for the first two books aren’t spoiled, but I always prefer to read a series in order for character development.

I DID enjoy the story but some parts of the trial were a BIT technical, one plot twist a BIT predictable and the page count definitely too long. (399 pages)

The author has promised more Keera Duggan to come, with a PREQUEL up next!

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.

A buddy read with MarilynW, DeAnn and Mary Beth-be sure to watch for their reviews!

Thank You to Thomas & Mercer for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
Profile Image for Debra .
3,297 reviews36.5k followers
December 11, 2025
Gripping, mysterious, well thought out, and riveting! Her Cold Justice is the third book in the Keera Duggan series. It will work well as a stand-alone but do yourself and favor and read the first two books in the series - Her Deadly Game and Beyond Reasonable Doubt as they are fantastic books as well. Robert Dugoni does an impressive job blending the captivating courtroom scenes with Keera Duggan's personal life. Her family members are in this book as well, which makes this book and Keera's character feel more real and relatable.

Robert Dugoni got my attention from the very first page and it never wavered. In Her Cold Justice, former Chess Champion and attorney is defending a man accussed in the double murder of a drug dealer and his girlfriend. The case becomes more difficult by the day at prison informants take the stand.

If you have ever read a book by Dugoni, you know how wonderfully written, well thought out and captivating they are. I loved the court room scenes, the cross examinations, and how the plot unfolded. There are some twists, some turns, some reveals, and lots of tension. Her Cold Justice was a great addition to the series, and I can't wait to read what comes next!

*A Witches Words buddy read with Carolyn. Please read her review as well to get her thoughts on Her Cold Justice.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Profile Image for Holly.
1,536 reviews1,619 followers
August 13, 2025
A good but not great installment in the Keera Duggan series. I really enjoyed the prior two books in the series (required reading, this one wouldn’t work as well if you read it as a standalone) as they involved interesting cases with a twist. And more importantly (to me) the main character, Keera, was relatable with her complex family relationships and the fact that she has a little bit of imposter syndrome professionally despite the fact that she is more than capable. So I went into this excited to read an advanced reader’s copy (ARC) of this third book way ahead of its publication date (scheduled for Jan 27, 2026). This book is well written, but unfortunately the plot and the ending were a little lackluster in comparison to the prior books. I also was hoping for a bit more character development in this one, which we do get in the romance department but it felt a little shoehorned into the story.

But keep in mind this was an ARC so some things may change, so take this review with a grain of salt 😉. I received this ARC for free from NetGalley, but that did not impact my rating or review.
Profile Image for Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme).
889 reviews990 followers
February 1, 2026
For the third time in a row, I had a blast sitting court side with the Duggan family in Her Cold Justice. A true-to-life legal thriller with epic twists and turns, well-developed characters, and delicious courtroom drama, it was a rollicking good time from beginning to end. Tense, well-plotted, and wonderfully realistic, the legal aspects of this double homicide trial blended in perfectly with the police procedural aspects. You see, not only did we get a fly-on-the-wall view of the defendant’s beleaguered case but we also got to be somewhat behind the scenes of the police’s as well. Thanks to this well-written combo, I didn’t have a clue about what was coming next. After all, due to some last minute surprises that I would’ve loved to be in the courtroom to see, everything got turned on its head in the best possible way.

All said and done, it was clear that the king of legal and crime thrillers had done it again. With engaging cross examinations, a few shocking reveals, and plenty of good times with the Duggan clan, this book satisfied everything I look for in a Dugoni novel. I mean, not only was it a wild ride of conspiracies, corruption, and dirty schemes, but the continuing characters from the first two books in the series seemed to grow even more. I especially loved the sweet relationship between Patsy and Keera. Finally mending a bit after their troubles, it was an endearing look at a father-daughter crime-fighting duo. Just be forewarned that this book does start off somewhat slow. That being said, it was still propulsive and riveting every step of the way and was ultimately an unputdownable one-sitting read. Rating of 4.5 stars.

SYNOPSIS:

In a quiet South Seattle neighborhood, a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are murdered in their home. When a young man named Michael Westbrook is accused of the brutal double homicide, his uncle JP Harrison turns to Keera Duggan to defend him. JP is Keera’s trusted investigator, and he desperately needs Keera to save his nephew against escalating odds.

The evidence is circumstantial―Michael worked with one of the victims, drugs were found in his possession, and he bolted from authorities. Ruthless star prosecutor Anh Tran has gotten convictions on much less. With the testimony of two prison informants, the case looks grave. But Keera never concedes defeat. To free her client, she must dig deep before Tran crushes both of them.

As the investigation gets more twisted with each new find, Keera is swept up in a mystery with far-reaching consequences. This case isn’t just murder. It’s looking like a conspiracy. And getting justice for Michael could be the most dangerous promise Keera has ever made.

Thank you Robert Dugoni, Thomas & Mercer, and MBC Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: January 27, 2026

Content warning: murder, gaslighting, imprisonment, mention of: alcoholism, infidelity, gun violence, racism, violence
Profile Image for Jonetta.
2,617 reviews1,339 followers
January 27, 2026
the setup…
Defense attorney Keera Duggan is asked by JP Harrison, her investigator, to take on the case of Michael Westbrook who is accused of murdering a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend. It’s personal because Michael is JP’s nephew. While the evidence is circumstantial, the lead prosecutor is Anh Tran who is as formidable as they come, earning the moniker of Batwoman. As the case begins, it becomes clear that something is off and Keera isn’t fighting on a fair playing field.

the heart of the story…
Even I could tell something wasn’t right from the onset as the prosecutor wrested the case away from the lead detectives early on. Keera has exceptional skills and was fast on her feet when the twists kept coming in the courtroom. I loved the courtroom dynamics as it was akin to two star heavyweights in battle. This was such good stuff.

the narration…
Saskia Maarleveld is one of my most favorite narrators and is a perfect choice to narrate a legal thriller. Her delivery of the courtroom scenes was phenomenal.

the bottom line…
My love for legal thrillers is no secret and Dugoni is so good at writing them. The mystery was solid but it was those courtroom battles that had me mesmerized. As much as I love his other characters, Keera Duggan has risen to the top and I hope this series has no end in sight. I finished this in a day. Next!

Posted on Blue Mood Café

(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Profile Image for Angela.
682 reviews255 followers
September 22, 2025
Her Cold Justice (Keera Duggan, #3) by Robert Dugoni

Synopsis /

In a quiet South Seattle neighbourhood, a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are murdered in their home. When a young man named Michael Westbrook is accused of the brutal double homicide, his uncle JP Harrison turns to Keera Duggan to defend him. JP is Keera’s trusted investigator, and he desperately needs Keera to save his nephew against escalating odds.

The evidence is circumstantial—Michael worked with one of the victims, drugs were found in his possession, and he bolted from authorities. Ruthless star prosecutor Anh Tran has gotten convictions on much less. With the testimony of two prison informants, the case looks grave. But Keera never concedes defeat. To free her client, she must dig deep before Tran crushes both of them.

As the investigation gets more twisted with each new find, Keera is swept up in a mystery with far-reaching consequences. This case isn’t just murder. It’s looking like a conspiracy. And getting justice for Michael could be the most dangerous promise Keera has ever made.


My Thoughts /

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, publisher Thomas & Mercer, and author Robert Dugoni, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for January 27, 2026.

If you are a fan of legal-thrillers, then you will love this series by the master author, Robert Dugoni. If legal-thrillers aren't your thing, you might want to consider reading this series anyway, just to experience the magic that is the writing of Robert Dugoni.

The previous two books in this series were both 5 star reads for me; so my expectations were high coming into book #3. For those readers that are not 'series' readers I will say that this third book will do well as a standalone novel. However, to understand the intricacies of the characters, I highly recommend you read these in order.

I'm going to start my review at the end – with the Author Acknowledgements. As is often the case, there is so much more to be learned if you take the time to read these. Up until this point this was a four, four-and-a-half star read for this reader. At the end of the final chapter, I had questions…..questions that remained unanswered and I had already mentally pre-prepared that these were going to be listed as minor criticisms, as was my wont. Upon reading the Acknowledgements – all my unanswered queries had been addressed – my heartfelt thanks, because that's a load off my mind!

Former prosecutor, turned defence attorney, Keera Duggan has her work cut out for her with this next challenging case. After successfully defending Jenna Bernstein (book #2) in what was both a physically and emotionally draining trial, Keera felt burnt out; so Patsy insisted that she take a break to refresh and recharge. Now, having just returned from a trip to Italy, Keera is approached by the firm's chief investigator - JP Harrison. His nephew, Michael Westbrook, has been arrested for the brutal double homicide of John Lockett and his girlfriend, Melissa Scott. JP is adamant that his nephew is innocent of the charges but all evidence seems to be to the contrary. Opposing counsel is veteran prosecuting attorney Kim Tran. Tran has a long history of successes with her Department and will be prove to be an imposing adversary. This battle of the attorneys – Duggan v Tran – will be epic. Never give in. Never back down. Never concede defeat.

If you were to argue whether this book is more character driven or plot driven, you'd be splitting hairs. IMHO this is one of the few books where both elements are superbly executed. There are many memorable characters in this series, not all of them are likable, some are downright despicable - but they are relatable. Dugoni's portrayal of the Duggan family dynamics adds yet another layer to the character driven part of the narrative.

The stakes are high – a man could be sent to prison for crimes he says he didn't commit. Opposing Counsel appears to know the Defence strategies seemingly ahead of time. Co-incidence? Or is something more sinister going on?

As a reader, you know you are in safe hands with a Dugoni read, and this instalment was no different. Another highly engaging and compelling read, and a wonderful addition to the series.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to publisher, Thomas & Mercer for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Valleri.
1,021 reviews49 followers
September 24, 2025
Her Cold Justice is a legal thriller by New York Times bestselling author (and one of my FAVORITE authors) Robert Dugoni. It's the third book in the Keera Duggan series.

Defense attorney Keera Duggan takes on the case of Michael Westbrook, who is accused of a double homicide involving a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend in South Seattle. Tacked on to that, Michael's also accused of being a drug dealer. Her Cold Justice takes the reader on a wild ride that includes prison informants, corruption, and conspiracy!

I found myself a bit confused at the beginning, as there was a lot going on. Lots of twists and turns in the plot, lots of characters, and added to that, dual timelines. However, once I got to the meat of the book (the court case), I was hooked! I had a big smile on my face when I read the name of the restaurant a couple of characters went to for dinner.

I think I've read nearly all the books Mr. Dugoni has written: Tracy Crosswhite, Charles Jenkins, David Sloane, and now Keera Duggan, and I have enjoyed them all. Also, the author's notes were fascinating to read. In part, he stated he wanted a novel that blended legal thriller, police procedural, and family dynamics. With Her Cold Justice, he totally succeeded. I can't wait to read whatever comes next!

HUGE thanks to #ThomasAndMercer, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Her Cold Justice has an expected publication date of January 27, 2026.

#RobertDugoni #LegalThriller #PoliceProcedural #FamilyDynamics #Mystery #Crime #Series
Profile Image for Matt.
4,898 reviews13.1k followers
November 21, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Robert Dugoni, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Eager to return to the work of Robert Dugoni and one of his newer series, I reached for this ARC. Keera Duggan serves as a gritty lawyer set to help those who need it most in Seattle. One quiet morning, a suspected drug dealer is found murdered alongside his girlfriend. As the authorities look for suspects, Michael Westbrook, who worked with one of the victims, is accused of the crime, though professes his innocence. J.P. Harrison, the investigator for Duggan and Associates, reaches out to Keera Duggan, in hopes she will take Michael's case through the courts. Keera is ready for a tough trial, which hinges on circumstantial evidence. The prosecutor. Kim Tran, is a cutthroat lawyer and ready to ensure Keera loses and Michael is sent to jail. Two informants make the case almost dire, but Keera is not one to toss in the towel with ease. Working every angle, Keera gives it her all to ensure Michael is not sent away for a crime he did not commit, especially as there seems to be more to the case than meets the eye. Dugoni impresses once more with this intense courtroom thriller.

Robert Dugoni has often penned novels that I cannot put down once starting them. His great storytelling abilities are matched with a strong narrative base that keeps the reader interested from the outset. This is primarily a courtroom thriller and as the story gains momentum, Dugoni uses a mix of chapter lengths to provide a pace that pulls the reader into the middle. There are countless clashes from across the aisle, as well as key witness testimony that is bandied about by both legal teams. Gritty action seals the deal and soon there is no hope for the reader to escape, not that they hope to even try.

Characters emerge and provide needed depth to keep the reader curious. Returning characters offer development to advance their own storylines, while flavouring the present piece to keep things relevant. Keera Duggan has a great deal to prove and does so without being too standoffish, which is likely a blessing to series fans. Other storylines emerge with characters who take some of the additional spotlight, which enriches the reading experience and shows that Dugoni has a way to shape those he uses in his novels.

While only the third book in the series, the plot is well-paced and pulls things together, providing surprises and backstory when needed to leave the reader wondering what Keera will do when faced with the case at hand. Legal angles and an ever-evolving story provide significant entertainment and surprise factors. Sharp legal themes and clear exploration of courtroom antics present themselves to get all sides of the evidence to bear fruit. This is a series I am eager to see grow. Dugoni has done well to date and I can see good things to come.

Kudos, Mr. Dugoni, for a superb legal thriller set in the courtroom.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Profile Image for Prasanna.
Author 5 books24 followers
November 3, 2025
Robert Dugoni is a brilliant writer and I have liked all his books that I read, be it the Keera Duggan series or Hold Strong which I read last year and rated it 5 stars or the Tracey Crosswhite series.

So its not much of a surprise that I enjoyed reading the third book in the legal thriller series featuring the talented and hardworking defense attorney, Keera Duggan. This time around Keera is pitted against the invincible prosecutor Kim Tran who has a history of getting convictions even when the cases are based purely on circumstantial evidence. Kim has a reputation and due to her legend like rise in the courtroom battles and the tragic loss of her parents when she was a child, she has gained the moniker of 'Batman'. Keera has to defend JP Harrison's nephew, Michael, who has been arrested for the double homicide of his coworker and his wife. There is no direct evidence of Michael having killed the two, but Kim is known as the queen of circumstantial evidence not for nothing. Keera has to pull out every trick in her legal book to fight this one.

More than half of this book depicts the courtroom scenes between Kim and Keera and I really enjoyed the mind games between the two. And Patsy, Keera's father who is known as the legendary Irish Brawler also makes an active appearance in this book(unlike the last one). If you like legal thriller books then definitely don't miss out on this series. For me this book was the best of the series and I eagerly look forward to Dugoni's next.
Profile Image for Andrew Smith.
1,261 reviews997 followers
December 1, 2025
The story opens with a brutal double murder in Little Saigon, Seattle. A husband and wife are executed, an act witnessed (unbeknown to the killer) by their young daughter. It then switches to a present-day murder; this time it’s a man and a woman. Even though there are a number of significant differences to these acts of violence, we know there must be a link.

This is the third book in a series featuring defence lawyer (previously a prosecutor) Keera Duggan. I haven’t read either of the earlier episodes in this series but be warned if you’re also new to Duggan and her crew, there are significant give-always with regard to the earlier cases here, meaning these books really should be read in order.

I was able to quickly understand the relationships in what is, essentially, a family law firm: Keera, her two sisters and their father. The set-up is simple enough and well defined, though I do think the constant bickering involving Keera’s older sister Maggie is unnecessarily distracting. But soon a young man is arrested for the more recent murders and Keera finds herself in the position of defending a relation of her law firm’s investigator.

At this point, pre-trial but even more so once the trial has begun, the tension is ramped up ten-fold. Keera will face Kim Tran, a prosecutor renowned for both her aggressive style and her imposing record of success. Keera has her dad, a renowned lawyer in his own right though now retired, for support and to bounce ideas and strategy off, but the odds really are stacked against her. This section is the strongest in the tale and I found myself loath to put the book down – I was locked-in, big time.

But the story seemed to lose impetus in the second half. There’s an issue involving information leakage, the cause of which I think is pretty much telegraphed, and then a whole host of ‘surprises’ are introduced which I thought interrupted the flow and also challenged the believability of the whole piece. There were elements here that I really didn’t buy into.

In essence, I found this to be a nicely constructed legal thriller with some really tense courtroom action. However, I thought this was somewhat undermined by some over-egging of the pudding in the second half of the story.

My thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,319 reviews166 followers
February 1, 2026
I met Keera Duggan a couple of books ago, so I am very happy to see what she is up to in Her Cold Justice by Robert Dugoni. I am quick to become invested in the characters.

John Paul Harrison, Keera’s investigator, approaches her, asking her to defend his nephew. He is accused of a double homicide. The evidence is circumstantial and the further Keera gets in the trial, the more she senses that there is something very wrong. The danger rises, the deeper they dig. A conspiracy is exposed and there are those who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets from being brought to light.

Kim Tran is the prosecutor, known for winning her courtroom brawls, but Keera is no light weight. She calls Kim out when she tries to muddy the waters by playing fast and loose with the rules. Why does she seem to anticipate what Keera will do next? Is it really because she is just that good?

Robert Dugoni’s writing unravels the story smoothly, slowly, drawing me in. The suspense and a sense of anticipation build. Her Cold Justice is one part legal, one part police procedural and one part thriller. Sure to keep your mind working, Her Cold Justice is a wonderful addition to the Keera Duggan series. Each book can stand on its own, but I like to start at the beginning so I feel I can better relate to the characters.

See more at https://www.fundinmental.com
Profile Image for Sheri.
338 reviews23 followers
July 25, 2025

“Her Cold Justice” by Robert Dugoni is the third installment in the Keera Duggan series, and once again the author delivers a gripping and complex legal thriller. Our protagonist a former chess prodigy turned defense attorney takes on a high-stakes double homicide case involving the nephew of her firms devoted private investigator. What ensues is a real time chess match as she faces off in court against a renowned female prosecutor who always seems to be one step ahead.
If you’re a lover of high stakes legal battles, court room drama, and complicated family dynamics this book and the series is a must read. I am a huge fan!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Bam cooks the books.
2,320 reviews324 followers
January 24, 2026
Another great legal thriller from Robert Dugoni. In this third outing, Keera Duggan of Duggan & Associates is asked to defend their PI's nephew, Michael Westbrook, in a murder trial. The prosecutor will be Kim Tran who is known as Batwoman, because she witnessed the execution of both her parents as a young girl and went on to become a crime fighter. It will be a tough battle between two great lawyers.

As Dugoni mentions in his Acknowledgments, he wanted to do something different with this series, blending legal thriller with police procedural and family dynamics. I would add the courtroom drama is superb.

I received an arc of this new thriller from the author and publisher via NetGalley. Many thanks.
Profile Image for Shereadbookblog.
985 reviews
November 16, 2025
Keera Dugan, a former chess champion turned attorney, worked for the prosecutor’s office until a romantic relationship with a supervisor ended. She left that position and joined her family’s law practice headed by her father, known as the Irish Brawler who was on a downward career path due to his drinking problem. Keera has had some successful past cases and is now a rising star.

The firm’s investigator seeks Keera’s assistance for his nephew who has been accused of a heinous double murder based on circumstantial evidence. As she delves into the case, a dangerous conspiracy is uncovered.

This is the third in the Keera Duggan Series. I am a big fan of Robert Dugoni’s books and did read the first two installments. This one, however, would work as a stand alone. Dugoni always weaves a good tale. Legal thriller that is part police procedural with lots of family drama, it is a well plotted engrossing read with good character development. I like Keera , a strong, capable female protagonist. I look forward to the next in this series.

Be sure to read the author’s note at the back of the book.


Thanks to @NetGalley and @AmazonPUblishing #Thomasandmercer for the DRC.
Profile Image for Christina | christinas.booknook.
105 reviews29 followers
January 19, 2026
This is the third book in the Keera Duggan series and as always it was so engrossing.

Keera is a defense attorney in her father’s firm. She has made a name for herself with several cases when her PI JP Harrison comes to her. His nephew has been charged with murder and Keera takes the case, up against a prosecutor knowing for getting the job done.

I loved this book. The description of the courtroom setting and procedure and the way Robert Dugoni can make the explanation of a trial so entertaining. As always I was at the edge of my seat wondering how Keera would get her client off. Keera is smart and determined as well as empathetic and I love watching her work and interact.

The narration in this book was amazing. I love how each character is portrayed in such a unique way and how immersive the world is. Saskia Maarleveld had the job of making even the description of courtroom procedure entertaining and she did an amazing job.

I loved this book and can not wait to see more of Keera.

Thank you to Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for the ALC.
Profile Image for Renée | apuzzledbooklover.
771 reviews53 followers
January 27, 2026
3.5 ⭐️

This is the third book in the Keera Duggan series by Dugoni. I have to say it took me some time to become invested in the story.

Keera is called in to represent Michael Westbrook, the nephew of her investigator. He’s accused of a vicious double murder. He claims his innocence, but the prosecutor will stop at nothing to see him convicted.

Drugs and conspiracy are at the heart of the case and Keera is fighting an uphill battle. She works in her family's law firm, and the complex family dynamics add to the story.

I have liked this series, but not as much as the first book. This time I felt that the plot wasn’t as compelling as I was hoping it would be. I’m a big fan of Dugoni’s work. The World Played Chess is a favorite of mine.

Thanks to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for the complimentary e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

CA | Contains a small amount of strong language.
Profile Image for Adrian Dooley.
512 reviews160 followers
September 3, 2025
The third instalment of the Keera Duggan series and while not quite up to the standard of the first two it’s still a really good read.

Here Keera has to defend a young man who got a lift home from his work colleague and says that two parcels his colleague gave him to mind were supposed to be birthday presents for his colleagues girlfriend.

However when his work colleague and the girlfriend are found dead and the two parcels discovered by police turn out to be hard drugs, not only does Keera client face serious drug charges, he also finds himself charged will a double murder.

The prosecutor in the case is someone Keera hasn’t faced before but is known as a win at all costs person with a huge success rate, but the prosecutor herself with a very troubled past, will bend the rules to get a conviction. But how far will she go and how deep is the potential corruption?

This one flew along and you are always in a safe pair of hands with Dugoni. The story is easy to follow and you will find yourself finished before you know it.
As I said not quite up to the standards of the first two, the court scenes take up a huge chunk of the book and the investigation the majority of the rest, leaving liitle of Keeras personal and family life to feature, which really did add a depth to the characters in the first two. If you haven’t read the first two I’d advise doing so before reading this one as you need all the back stories really.

Dugoni is among my favourite authors writing at present and this newish series has been great. Every book can’t be great and this one isn’t but it’s still very good, just not quite as good as the first two.

Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
Profile Image for Pattyh.
1,010 reviews
August 14, 2025
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Her Cold Justice.

Dugoni is a great writer. I particularly like his standalone novels. This is a series but the plot can be a standalone novel.

This is a crime thriller with many colorful characters. The novel introduces a PA, Kim Tran, who is known as a crusader of justice, a law firm featuring Keera Dugan who is a returning character, and cops investigating a murder.

The background of the characters is vivid and applicable for the plot. I especially like the antagonist Tran who is a very interesting person with a tragic back story.

When a murder of two people is being investigated, a young man is immediately arrested. Tran is convinced he is the culprit, but his uncle is a friend d of Kerras so she takes his case.

The war of the courtroom is extremely serious and captivating. This is a complex situational battle for the truth. Is this young man guilty or a victim of circumstance.

Well written and suspenseful this is a top notch story that keeps the reader guessing.

4 stars
Profile Image for ML.
1,626 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2026
There are some plot twists but I saw them coming a mile away. Unfortunately, Maggie the annoying sister wasn’t a causality in this book. It was close though. Maybe next book.

Keera was her dynamic self and served her client well. Michael was a tragic victim in all of this. I was worried for his safety many times. His uncle, JP really came through for him. That was probably the best part of the book. I’ve enjoyed that character from book 1 and 2. In book 3, the stakes were higher for him obviously.

In the end, justice is served mostly. The prosecutor got away with conspiring but heh you can’t win them all huh. 🤔

The authors note made me tear up. I’m sorry for your loss.
Profile Image for Donna Skinner Lucas.
142 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2026
I love court room dramas and this book exceeded my expectations. I knew it would be good but WOW!
Profile Image for Judy Collins.
3,318 reviews449 followers
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January 18, 2026
In Robert Dugoni's gripping legal thriller, HER COLD JUSTICE (Keera Duggan #3), Seattle defense attorney Keera Duggan makes a thrilling return in this acclaimed series.

This time around, she takes on the formidable case of Michael Westbrook, a man entangled in a harrowing accusation of a brutal double homicide. As Keera delves deeper into the shadows of the case, she uncovers a tangled web of conspiracy that entwines drug smuggling and deep-seated corruption.

With stakes higher than ever, Keera finds herself risking everything—her career, her safety, and her principles—to uncover the elusive truth that could change her client's fate forever.

Keera Duggan's former status as a chess prodigy influences her legal work through a strategic, "chess player" mind that enables her to think multiple moves ahead of her opponent and strategically mislead them in the courtroom.

About...

The Crime:
 A suspected drug dealer, John Lockett, and his girlfriend are found brutally murdered in their South Seattle home.

The Accused: 
Michael Westbrook, who worked for Lockett, is charged with circumstantial evidence (drugs found on him, fleeing police) pointing to him.

Personal Connection: 
JP Harrison, Keera's trusted investigator, begs her to defend his nephew Michael, whom he believes is innocent.

Prosecution:
Star prosecutor Anh Tran is determined to convict Michael, seeing it as a win for her tough-on-crime reputation.

Keera's Investigation: 
Keera takes the case, facing down prison informants and a seemingly strong case, but discovers the murder is tied to a larger conspiracy, making it far more dangerous than just a double homicide.

Rising Stakes: 
As Keera digs deeper, the case becomes increasingly complex and dangerous, forcing her to confront powerful, corrupt elements with potentially far-reaching consequences. 


My thoughts...

Kerra is a dynamic character and attorney, using her sharp, "chess player" mind to strategize in and out of the courtroom; the stakes are high. Getting justice for Michael becomes a dangerous undertaking with far-reaching consequences, as powerful forces seem to be involved in the conspiracy.

Themes...

The main themes in HER COLD JUSTICE revolve around justice, corruption, family loyalty, and the complex moral dilemmas faced within the legal system.

~Justice vs. The System
The novel explores the tension between achieving true justice and the limitations and manipulations of the legal system.

~Corruption and Conspiracy
A major element of the plot is the uncovering of a complex web of drug smuggling and widespread corruption.

~Family and Loyalty
The case has a deeply personal dimension for Keera, as she is defending Michael Westbrook, the nephew of her trusted investigator and friend, JP Harrison.

~Moral Ambiguity
The story presents a significant moral dilemma: a good Samaritan act can put one in danger, making people hesitant to help. Keera's choice to step in and defend Michael, despite the escalating risks, puts her own life and career in a precarious position, highlighting the unsettling consequences of trying to do the right thing when powerful individuals are involved.

~Strategy and Intellect
Keera's background as a former chess champion is frequently referenced, and her strategic, calculating, and methodical approach to her legal cases is a prominent theme.

The courtroom scenes are portrayed as a battle of wits, where legal prowess and out-of-the-box thinking are essential for survival and success. Just as a chess player must adapt to their opponent's unexpected moves, Keera is prepared to shift her legal strategy as new and shocking information is revealed during the investigation and trial.

The takeaway message of HER COLD JUSTICE is that the pursuit of true justice can be a complex, morally ambiguous, and dangerous undertaking, requiring immense personal sacrifice.

~The system is imperfect
~Integrity is costly
~Strategy and intellect prevail

The title carries a dual significance, reflecting both the personal growth of the protagonist and the ruthless nature of the legal battle she faces. Duality of the Title:

The "Her" in the title refers to defense attorney Keera Duggan. Having recently taken over her family’s law practice, she must move beyond her past naivety and adopt a "cold," calculated approach to navigate a system rife with corruption.

The title also alludes to Keera's opponent, prosecutor Anh Tran, whose pursuit of justice is described as "cold" and "ruthless". Tran is known for using questionable tactics, such as manufacturing narratives from prison informants, to maintain a flawless conviction record.

The word "Cold" reinforces Keera's background as a former chess prodigy. In this case, she must use her sharp, analytical mind to stay "ice cold" under pressure, treating the courtroom as a high-stakes board where every move must be precisely timed.

The title highlights the contrast between Keera’s search for truth and Tran’s pursuit of "justice," which is fueled by a cold, personal desire for vengeance following the murder of her own parents. Where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, forcing Keera to question if the ends justify the means.

The audiobook...

The audiobook experience is nothing short of captivating. As always, Dugoni masterfully weaves an engaging narrative that pulls you into the depths of the plot. The award-winning narrator, Saskia Maarleveld— a true superstar and a personal favorite—commands attention from the very first moment. Her ability to elevate the story is remarkable, seamlessly embodying the mood and tension that permeate this gripping legal thriller series. With her expressive voice, she captures every subtle nuance, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats until the satisfying conclusion.

A special thank you to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for providing an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pub Date: Jan 27, 2026
Jan Newsletter
590 reviews6 followers
February 2, 2026
Keera hits the ground running after her well-deserved vacation in Italy. JP, the firm’s investigator and Keera’s friend, asks for her help in defending this nephew, Michael. The fear is real that Michael could be in jail for the rest of his life, based on the prosecutor, Anh Tran’s, reputation and conviction record.

This story was humming from the beginning and kept on going. Patsy is out of rehab and doing well. He is there is Keera needs him. Not to give too much away, but we get to see a bit of why he is referred to as the “Irish Brawler”. For those who also read Robert Dugoni’s Tracy Crosswaite series, you might recognize the restaurant mentioned towards the end.

I am getting a little ahead of myself, jumping to the end. This story was very well paced, plotted, and voiced. It feels as if a lot of research was put into understanding not only the judicial system, but also those who could relate to the treatment, thoughts, and feelings of the characters. The Irish lawyer is defending a young Black man who is the son of an Immigrant being prosecuted by an Asian woman. In this series and others, Dugoni has been adept at creating and portraying strong, confident, flawed, and successful female characters. He has done the same with tapping into the cultural nuances in this book. I felt as though he talked with people in the Black and Asian communities to get a sense of their view of the justice system. It made even some of the smaller characters have depth. While the story is a legal thriller forward, there are a few themes along the edges.

It was nice to see Detective Billy Ford lead on a case instead of Detective Frank Rossi. If you have not read books 1 and 2, you won’t be lost, but if you liked this one, maybe go back to them. Having Ford as on the prosecution team created opportunities for Dugoni to delve into deeper commentaries. Ford, a tall 6ft 8in Black man and father of three boys, understandably has some feelings about the case against a young Black man who has had a couple of missteps in his youth but seemed to be on the right path until now.

There is JP, who is also a Black man. While Ford is from the South, JP is British. He and his sister, Michael’s mom, immigrated when they were young. JP is also a former police officer. Both JP and Ford bring a perspective and insight that Keera needs to understand how to defend Michael.

Anh Tran’s backstory … the resilience and strength shown to overcome the horrific death of her parents and, for all intents and purposes, succeed was very well presented. I grew up hearing “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”. Anh lived it. My feelings about her actions are that she had good intentions when her career began. She didn’t seek fame nor financial gain. However, one decision forever changed her and her path. I could empathize with how she got there. Would I have made the same decision? I cannot say for sure, but I believe I would have definitely considered it.
This character-driven legal thriller has stuck with me. I admit that some plot points I did figure out before their reveal. It felt more like a pat on my back for keeping up than a critique of the author's execution. The bob-and-weave (brawler reference, couldn’t resist) that Keera had to do to fight in court was amazing. I think Patsy gave some of the best advice, to play her own game.

There is more I could say, but I fear I would give too much away. As I have come to expect and admire, there are many strong, capable female characters in this story. The plot kept me engaged from the very first page.

One more thing: Judge Patel (also a woman) imparts a pearl or two of wisdom… foreshadowing???
Overall, a fantastic, thought-provoking read.

Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Lisa.
505 reviews77 followers
February 5, 2026
This is the third book in the Keira Dugan Series and although I loved all of them, this one is even more intense and gripping. Formerly a prosecutor,Keira is now a criminal defense attorney in her father’s law practice and this case hits close to home. Her client is the nephew of her investigator, who is like family to her.

This one could easily be read as a stand alone but I encourage you start with book 1 in order to appreciate the relationships between characters. This book was hard to put down and I chose the audio book,which was fantastic. The narrator was Saskia Maarleveld,who is a favorite of mine. I highly recommend this series in any format. In my opinion, this is one of best legal thriller series out there.

You can also find my reviews on my Southern Girl Reads Facebook page,where I share more in depth reviews.
Profile Image for Joan.
471 reviews19 followers
February 7, 2026
Another incredible, fast paced read from Robert Dugoni, the third in the Keera Duggan series.
Profile Image for Grace.
2,318 reviews114 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 31, 2026
Keera Duggan is back.
Kicking a** and taking names.
Eventually.
This woman is the new "comeback kid"!

Once again, she seems to have taken on a case that seems unwinnable.
The judge doesn't like her.
The prosecuting attorney, Kim Tran, is ruthless and known for her aggressive tactics.
(Side bar, I love that a male author has featured two females in such strong roles. They are the leads of the story and equally brilliant, which it amazing).
And Keera has taken on a client, who I'm not sure she even fully believes. But like every other case, she goes in with a fighting spirit and doesn't give up. Even when it seems like the best option.

There is very little to the case itself, since the detectives and prosecutor only went after one suspect, really. That may just be their downfall. Instead, this story is how Keera tries to outmaneuver Tran. But Tran, for some reason Keera can't explain, always seems one step ahead. We learn why later.

While I expected something shady may be going down, with two informants suddenly providing testimony, I couldn't figure out who was behind it all. Was it the real killer? A power hungry individual? Or a convict, looking for a reduced sentence and willing to do anything? Maybe a little of each?

I lived how the detectives eventually began to second guess themselves, although it took long enough, dammit! And Keera has a good support team, including her famous father, to back her up along the way.

Overall, this was a great addition to the series. Always fun to watch a woman who is the boss!



*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sherry Steveson.
521 reviews21 followers
January 14, 2026
Robert Dugoni is an author that writes suspenseful thrillers with heart. There’s an element of humanity within his characters that draw you in and makes you care about them. It’s universal through his Tracy Crosswhite series and now with the third installment of the Keera Dugon series. I have enjoyed getting to know this legal family and this story gives us more insight into their history and lives.
J.P. Harrison’s ( the firm’s investigator) nephew has found himself in trouble. It’s a double murder and drugs are involved. The story opens with a murder that took place many years ago and the daughter of the murder victims plays a pivotal role in our present day story. I loved the twists and turns. My only disbelief is that with the FBI investigation into the deceased man that at the time of the trial they didn’t have a lead on his involvement in one of the biggest drug operations in the area. It was made to be undiscovered so that the big reveal would lead to that big aha moment. Not a big deal but an unbelievable one.

I like the way Keera’s character is evolving and I look forward to future installments of the series. Sounds like we may be getting a bit more of Patsy’s back story soon! Can’t wait!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lee.
1,062 reviews123 followers
July 21, 2025
This is classic Robert Dugoni at his best, if you are like me all I have to do is see this author’s name on a book and I would purchase it in a heartbeat.

Once again Dugoni presents us with another fabulous crime story regarding a young man named Michael Westbrook accused of murdering two people in a double homicide. This is a richly layered story that took me in from the first page. Great characters that enhanced the plot, particularly that of Kim Tran who I thought the author did an exceptional job of developing throughout the book, a woman that was obviously bent throughout her career but sadly due to reasons that had harbored since her childhood and a definite force to be reckoned with.

A great thriller with plenty of courtroom action that kept me riveted as the case developed and came to a very satisfying end. I loved it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Elaine.
1,433 reviews44 followers
January 22, 2026
Another amazing book by #RobertDugoni !!

Somehow this author GRIPS your heart right from the beginning, and pulls you RIGHT INTO the storyline… and doesn’t let you go until you’ve read that very last page!

Keiea Duggan is an attorney. She’s followed in her father’s footsteps… but she is NOT HIM, and doesn’t want to be compared to him… or judged as he would be! She’s practically just starting out, while he’s nearly retired…

So when she gets a call from her trusted investigator asking for help for his nephew, Keera is more than happy to help!
What she doesn’t realize is that the other attorney has a near perfect record of wins, and battles tooth and nail to get her wins! 😳

Michael Westbrook is the accused…. And he’s got quite a doozy that he’s entangled in. He works for a company, and goes to school at night. He’s also been befriended by his boss… who it turns out, just might be a drug dealer…

So when the boss and his girlfriend turn up dead… and Michael was one of the last people to see them… well, it doesn’t look too good for Mike.

Add in the fact that the boss gave him a couple of packages to hold, for his girlfriend, for her birthday… which were later found to be evidence AGAINST him…. Well, it’s not looking good for poor old Mike. And, he’s just a kid…

So, Keera is doing her best to fight for him…. But somehow, the other side seems to be one step ahead of them at every turn!

This was a long, winding road with lots of bends, kinks and turns… most that I never saw coming! And wow, the way it all adds up in the end….? Priceless!!!

#HerColdJustice (Keera Duggan #3) by @RobertDugoni and narrated beautifully by @SaskiaMaarleveld.

All the stars for me!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫💫💫💫💫✨✨✨✨✨🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

If this sounds like something you’d like, please look for it soon!
It has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET! But, it’s coming out soon… on 1/27/26! So, look 👀 for it then!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #BrillianceAudio and #BrillianceMedia for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Profile Image for Megan (mom read sip repeat).
369 reviews15 followers
January 27, 2026
Thank you @mbc_books @brillancepublishing @amazonpublishing for a gifted copy/ALC!

𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: Her Cold Justice (Keera Duggan, 3)
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Robert Dugoni
𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿: Saskia Maarleveld
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: January 27, 2026
5⭐️

🔹 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 🔹
Another great story from Dugoni! This is the third book in the Keera Duggan series, where defense attorney Keera takes on a case close to home. A young man is accused of a double homicide, and his uncle works as investigator for Keera’s family business. Keera takes on a mound of corruption dating back decades as she is battling a ruthless prosecutor who is determined to see her client behind bars no matter what.

Dugoni writes strong female main characters so well and I’m always just pulled right into his stories. It’s interesting to read about the defense attorney side of things, as sometimes they aren’t always defending innocent people. Keera and her family are determined to always give their clients a fair trial though.

I enjoy the multiple POVs too, with detective Rossi sharing their investigative side of things, as well as him having a personal interest in Keera. We get to see that slowly develop in each book.

This story was layered in conspiracy and the true nature of what happens to some who get unfairly set up and convicted.

I am excited to continue reading more Keera books in the future!

🎧 𝙉𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 🎧
Once again, Saskia Maarleveld did a great job narrating this legal thriller! She voiced Keera’s role brilliantly, displaying the confidence and strength needed. She had depth and vulnerability in her voice as well, which lent well to the intrigue and mystery of the story.

⚖️ 𝙔𝙤𝙪 ���𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
🔹 Police Procedurals
⚖️ Legal Suspense Thrillers
🔹 Conspiracy and Murder
⚖️ Strong FMC Attorney
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