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Keera Duggan #3
Her Cold Justice
Not yet published
Expected 27 Jan 26To 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.
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
Expected publication January 27, 2026
8 people are currently reading
1093 people want to read
About the author
Robert Dugoni
75 books32.9k followersRobert 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
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 88 reviews
November 7, 2025
Keera Duggan #3
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!
You can read this installment on January 27, 2026.
Thank You to Thomas & Mercer for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
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!
You can read this installment on January 27, 2026.
Thank You to Thomas & Mercer for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
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 📖
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 📖
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/
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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
July 12, 2025
*4.5 stars ✨
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.
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.
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.
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.
December 10, 2025
I love legal thrillers, and I’ve really enjoyed following Keera’s journey over the past two books. This one was definitely enjoyable, but I have to admit it felt a little lackluster in some parts—especially the conclusion. There is some movement in the romance that started in book 2, but it’s all packed into the end and felt a bit rushed, almost like it was added just to neatly wrap up book 3.
I did enjoy the plot, though. This time Keera is defending a young man accused of a double homicide, and what starts as a straightforward case slowly unravels into something way bigger and far more corrupt.
Compared to other legal thrillers I’ve read, this series is a little slower and less action-heavy, but I still enjoy the characters, the courtroom tension, and Keera’s determination. Definitely a solid addition to the series—even if I wanted a bit more from the ending.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley for this ARC!
I did enjoy the plot, though. This time Keera is defending a young man accused of a double homicide, and what starts as a straightforward case slowly unravels into something way bigger and far more corrupt.
Compared to other legal thrillers I’ve read, this series is a little slower and less action-heavy, but I still enjoy the characters, the courtroom tension, and Keera’s determination. Definitely a solid addition to the series—even if I wanted a bit more from the ending.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley for this ARC!
November 26, 2025
The third installment of the Keera Duggan series has Keera defending a case close to home. Her PI’s nephew has been accused of murdering a drug dealer and his girlfriend. Though the case is mostly circumstantial a hotshot Prosecuting Attorney is determined to skirt the rules to get a conviction.
Part police procedural and part legal thriller this book will keep the pages turning. The side characters round out a very well thought out plot.
I am a big fan of this series and this book is a good example why.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for the advanced copy.
Part police procedural and part legal thriller this book will keep the pages turning. The side characters round out a very well thought out plot.
I am a big fan of this series and this book is a good example why.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for the advanced copy.
October 31, 2025
Another Decent Follow-up To Dugoni’s Very Good “ Her Deadly Game” Featuring Keera Duggan!
My review of Her Cold Justice, the third book in Dugoni’s Keera Duggan legal mystery series,virtually identically mirrors my review of the second book, Beyond Reasonable Doubt; with both being entertaining and enjoyable but not as good as Her Deadly Game. To me, I’d score Her Deadly Game a solid B, whereas I’d give Her Cold Justice (and Beyond Reasonable Doubt) a C/C+.
My reasons for liking this book but not considering it to be a book you need to rush out to read are as follows: (1) the investigation leading up the murder charges brought against Keera Duggan’s client, while interesting, dragged on too long, such that I started mumbling to myself “come on already with the obvious”; (2) the courtroom drama was well-developed, well-executed and interesting, although the outcome was virtually devoid of surprising twists and turns, with the verdict being mostly predictable; and (3) the characters are well-developed and believable; although little new was provided to significantly flesh out the main character, Keera Duggan, and the interplay between her family members and close associates.
#Her Cold Justice #Net Galley
My review of Her Cold Justice, the third book in Dugoni’s Keera Duggan legal mystery series,virtually identically mirrors my review of the second book, Beyond Reasonable Doubt; with both being entertaining and enjoyable but not as good as Her Deadly Game. To me, I’d score Her Deadly Game a solid B, whereas I’d give Her Cold Justice (and Beyond Reasonable Doubt) a C/C+.
My reasons for liking this book but not considering it to be a book you need to rush out to read are as follows: (1) the investigation leading up the murder charges brought against Keera Duggan’s client, while interesting, dragged on too long, such that I started mumbling to myself “come on already with the obvious”; (2) the courtroom drama was well-developed, well-executed and interesting, although the outcome was virtually devoid of surprising twists and turns, with the verdict being mostly predictable; and (3) the characters are well-developed and believable; although little new was provided to significantly flesh out the main character, Keera Duggan, and the interplay between her family members and close associates.
#Her Cold Justice #Net Galley
October 15, 2025
Title: Her Cold Justice
Author: Robert Dugoni
Series: Keera Duggan Book 3
Genre: Courtroom Drama, Mystery Thriller
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Pub Date: January 27, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pages: 389
This is book 3 and can be read as a standalone but here is some background ~
Keera Duggan's father is a famous defense attorney Patrick (aka Patsy) Duggan & Associates.
Keera is a former Chess prodigy and loved to strategize. She often played chess with her father
who recognized her talent and could be used in a law career.
Keera had a good reputation as a Seattle prosecutor, until her romantic relationship with
Miller Ambrose also a prosecutor ended. She then joined her father’s firm.
When Patsy retired he had his three daughters take over
Ella was best at running the firm^
Maggie the firm’s receptionist and
Keera was the main attorney with several not so experienced associates.
Keera had just returned from a trip to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, when she is greeted by her chief investigator with the Duggan law practice - JP Harrison. His nephew Michael has been accused of double homicide and he wants Keera’s help.
Michael Westbrook is a young black man who was raised by a wonderful single mother. Michael got into some trouble in high school when he sold weed to friends etc.
He now works at ‘Flying Tigers’ an airfreight company and is accused of killing John Lockett a coworker in his home as well as Melissa Scott his live-in girlfriend . Additionally is accused of being a drug dealer.
The evidence is circumstantial— However Prosecutor Kim Tran is known as ‘Batwomen, a crusader of justice. Her parents were murdered and the killer got away with. She is ruthless and has gotten convictions on less evidence.
When the case goes to trial Keera is faced with not only Tran’s ruthlessness but also the Judge was a crime prosecutor who faced and hated Keera’s dad.
This is my eighteenth Robert Dugoni novel, I have read most of the novels in the Tracy Crosswhite series and always enjoyed them. This is the third in the Keera Duggan series. I read the other two in this series and loved both!
Dugoni is one of my fav authors.
Additionally enjoyed reading his Acknowledgements – He tells us that his recently novels were difficult as his mother has been ill.
He wrote The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hill to honor his mother who recently died from a massive stroke - she was ninety-two and although he will missed her very much, she lived a good life.
He also tells us when he starred the Keera Duggan series he wanted a blend of legal thriller, police procedural and family dynamics, He goes on to say his next edition will be prequel.
I am a fan of good courtroom drama and Dugoni is always Great! Plus I just love Keera. She always has me cheering – in this trail she certainly was up against a lot!
As I mentioned this was my third and hard to say which one was the best. However I just finished this one I want to say is was the BEST!!!
Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this granted me the pleasure of reading this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 27, 2026.
Author: Robert Dugoni
Series: Keera Duggan Book 3
Genre: Courtroom Drama, Mystery Thriller
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Pub Date: January 27, 2026
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pages: 389
This is book 3 and can be read as a standalone but here is some background ~
Keera Duggan's father is a famous defense attorney Patrick (aka Patsy) Duggan & Associates.
Keera is a former Chess prodigy and loved to strategize. She often played chess with her father
who recognized her talent and could be used in a law career.
Keera had a good reputation as a Seattle prosecutor, until her romantic relationship with
Miller Ambrose also a prosecutor ended. She then joined her father’s firm.
When Patsy retired he had his three daughters take over
Ella was best at running the firm^
Maggie the firm’s receptionist and
Keera was the main attorney with several not so experienced associates.
Keera had just returned from a trip to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, when she is greeted by her chief investigator with the Duggan law practice - JP Harrison. His nephew Michael has been accused of double homicide and he wants Keera’s help.
Michael Westbrook is a young black man who was raised by a wonderful single mother. Michael got into some trouble in high school when he sold weed to friends etc.
He now works at ‘Flying Tigers’ an airfreight company and is accused of killing John Lockett a coworker in his home as well as Melissa Scott his live-in girlfriend . Additionally is accused of being a drug dealer.
The evidence is circumstantial— However Prosecutor Kim Tran is known as ‘Batwomen, a crusader of justice. Her parents were murdered and the killer got away with. She is ruthless and has gotten convictions on less evidence.
When the case goes to trial Keera is faced with not only Tran’s ruthlessness but also the Judge was a crime prosecutor who faced and hated Keera’s dad.
This is my eighteenth Robert Dugoni novel, I have read most of the novels in the Tracy Crosswhite series and always enjoyed them. This is the third in the Keera Duggan series. I read the other two in this series and loved both!
Dugoni is one of my fav authors.
Additionally enjoyed reading his Acknowledgements – He tells us that his recently novels were difficult as his mother has been ill.
He wrote The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hill to honor his mother who recently died from a massive stroke - she was ninety-two and although he will missed her very much, she lived a good life.
He also tells us when he starred the Keera Duggan series he wanted a blend of legal thriller, police procedural and family dynamics, He goes on to say his next edition will be prequel.
I am a fan of good courtroom drama and Dugoni is always Great! Plus I just love Keera. She always has me cheering – in this trail she certainly was up against a lot!
As I mentioned this was my third and hard to say which one was the best. However I just finished this one I want to say is was the BEST!!!
Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this granted me the pleasure of reading this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 27, 2026.
November 29, 2025
I’ve been reading Her Cold Justice by Robert Dugoni, and I’m enjoying each book in this series more and more. What draws me in is not only the crime to solve but also the steady character development, the complexity of the plotting, and the realistic attention to courtroom detail. The deeper I get into this series, the more I appreciate how Dugoni blends emotional stakes with procedural precision.
In this story, Keera Duggan takes on the defense of Michael Westbrook, a young man accused of a brutal double homicide. A suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are found murdered in their home, and although the evidence against Michael is mostly circumstantial, it is certainly damaging. He worked with one of the victims, drugs were found in his possession, and he fled when officers arrived at the scene. Keera also has to contend with a powerful and relentless prosecutor known for securing convictions even when the evidence is less than solid. Right from the beginning, I felt the weight of what she is up against.
What I enjoy most is how the investigation unfolds layer by layer. The case starts out looking straightforward, but as Keera digs deeper, it becomes clear that the truth is much more tangled. Each new lead changes the trajectory of the story, turning the case into a wider web involving corruption, hidden motives, and long-buried secrets. Every time I thought I had a handle on what was really going on, a new twist forced me to re-evaluate everything. It is the kind of plotting that keeps me fully engaged.
The character work is equally compelling. Keera is not just a sharp lawyer; she is someone with a complicated history and a personal life that bleeds into her professional world. She left the prosecutor’s office after a painful breakup and now works within her family’s law firm, which has its own tensions and challenges. I also like how her background as a chess champion shows up subtly in the way she thinks through problems. Her strategic mind helps her anticipate moves, interpret intentions, and stay one step ahead in both the investigation and the courtroom.
One of the strengths of the series is its grounded depiction of the legal process. Dugoni spends time on the details, from interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence to the rhythm of courtroom arguments and objections. It feels authentic without ever becoming bogged down. The pressure on Keera feels real because the consequences of losing are not abstract. The stakes are both professional and deeply human.
If I have one minor critique, it is that I occasionally wanted to go even further into Keera’s emotional interior. Her history and vulnerabilities are rich material, and while they are touched on, I sometimes wished they were explored a little more fully. Even so, the balance between plot and character remains one of the series’ strengths.
Overall, Her Cold Justice delivers exactly what I look for in a legal thriller. It has tension, intelligence, emotional weight, and a protagonist I care about more with each book. I am already looking forward to continuing the series.
In this story, Keera Duggan takes on the defense of Michael Westbrook, a young man accused of a brutal double homicide. A suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are found murdered in their home, and although the evidence against Michael is mostly circumstantial, it is certainly damaging. He worked with one of the victims, drugs were found in his possession, and he fled when officers arrived at the scene. Keera also has to contend with a powerful and relentless prosecutor known for securing convictions even when the evidence is less than solid. Right from the beginning, I felt the weight of what she is up against.
What I enjoy most is how the investigation unfolds layer by layer. The case starts out looking straightforward, but as Keera digs deeper, it becomes clear that the truth is much more tangled. Each new lead changes the trajectory of the story, turning the case into a wider web involving corruption, hidden motives, and long-buried secrets. Every time I thought I had a handle on what was really going on, a new twist forced me to re-evaluate everything. It is the kind of plotting that keeps me fully engaged.
The character work is equally compelling. Keera is not just a sharp lawyer; she is someone with a complicated history and a personal life that bleeds into her professional world. She left the prosecutor’s office after a painful breakup and now works within her family’s law firm, which has its own tensions and challenges. I also like how her background as a chess champion shows up subtly in the way she thinks through problems. Her strategic mind helps her anticipate moves, interpret intentions, and stay one step ahead in both the investigation and the courtroom.
One of the strengths of the series is its grounded depiction of the legal process. Dugoni spends time on the details, from interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence to the rhythm of courtroom arguments and objections. It feels authentic without ever becoming bogged down. The pressure on Keera feels real because the consequences of losing are not abstract. The stakes are both professional and deeply human.
If I have one minor critique, it is that I occasionally wanted to go even further into Keera’s emotional interior. Her history and vulnerabilities are rich material, and while they are touched on, I sometimes wished they were explored a little more fully. Even so, the balance between plot and character remains one of the series’ strengths.
Overall, Her Cold Justice delivers exactly what I look for in a legal thriller. It has tension, intelligence, emotional weight, and a protagonist I care about more with each book. I am already looking forward to continuing the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Do you enjoy legal thrillers and police procedurals with a little family drama? If so, look no further than Robert Dugoni’s
Her Cold Justice,
the third book in the Keera Duggan series. It’s a riveting novel full of investigation, suspense, and plenty of courtroom drama. A man and his girlfriend are killed in their suburban home and Michael Westbrook is accused of the double homicide plus other charges. His uncle, J. P. Harrison turns to Keera, criminal defense attorney. Harrison is the legal firm’s investigator and needs her to save his nephew. While the evidence is circumstantial, a ruthless prosecutor, Kim Tran, has gotten convictions on less evidence. Can Keera and Harrison win Michael’s freedom?
Keera is an expert chess player who once competed in tournaments. She uses logic and strategy from the game that she learned from her father in her approach to court cases. She’s competitive, calculating, intuitive, and methodical. While she thinks outside-the-box, she takes a reasoned approach to things. However, she is also good at thinking on her feet and loves playing to an audience. Harrison loves music, vintage cars, and red wine. As a previous Seattle homicide detective, he still has many contacts in law enforcement. He also did a two-year forensics rotation when he was with the police department so he directs the law firm’s experts when needed. Tran is known as a crime fighter with a high conviction rate. She loves competition and tries to intimidate through her demeanor. She’s known to be ruthless in her pursuit of a conviction. Another great thing about this series is the continuity of characters while also adding in a few new ones.
Robert Dugoni is an excellent storyteller that always immediately engages me in his novels. It is written in a style that draws you in and keeps you rapidly turning the pages starting with the chilling prologue. The author has once again written an excellent thriller with great characterization, a solid and compelling plot, and exciting courtroom drama. The plot is riveting and once again shows both the defense and the police investigations as well as the trial. Keera’s interactions with her family and friends add another level of depth to the series. My one quibble was around information leakage. The culprit was way too obvious and it took too long for Keera to realize it was happening.
Overall, this novel is an engaging and gripping, legal thriller. I can’t wait to read the next book. I highly recommend the series is you enjoy the genre.
Thomas and Mercer and Robert Dugoni provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 27, 2026.
---------------------------
My 4.66 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
Keera is an expert chess player who once competed in tournaments. She uses logic and strategy from the game that she learned from her father in her approach to court cases. She’s competitive, calculating, intuitive, and methodical. While she thinks outside-the-box, she takes a reasoned approach to things. However, she is also good at thinking on her feet and loves playing to an audience. Harrison loves music, vintage cars, and red wine. As a previous Seattle homicide detective, he still has many contacts in law enforcement. He also did a two-year forensics rotation when he was with the police department so he directs the law firm’s experts when needed. Tran is known as a crime fighter with a high conviction rate. She loves competition and tries to intimidate through her demeanor. She’s known to be ruthless in her pursuit of a conviction. Another great thing about this series is the continuity of characters while also adding in a few new ones.
Robert Dugoni is an excellent storyteller that always immediately engages me in his novels. It is written in a style that draws you in and keeps you rapidly turning the pages starting with the chilling prologue. The author has once again written an excellent thriller with great characterization, a solid and compelling plot, and exciting courtroom drama. The plot is riveting and once again shows both the defense and the police investigations as well as the trial. Keera’s interactions with her family and friends add another level of depth to the series. My one quibble was around information leakage. The culprit was way too obvious and it took too long for Keera to realize it was happening.
Overall, this novel is an engaging and gripping, legal thriller. I can’t wait to read the next book. I highly recommend the series is you enjoy the genre.
Thomas and Mercer and Robert Dugoni provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 27, 2026.
---------------------------
My 4.66 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This, the third book in the series featuring legacy hot-shot defense attorney Keera Duggan, hits close to home. Her firm’s investigator, JP Harrison, has learned that his nephew, Michael Westbrook, is the prime suspect in the double homicide of a Seattle drug smuggler and his girlfriend. Of course, Keera must do what she can to help, so she enrolls the help of the firm’s co-workers, her sisters Ella and Maggie, and even her semi-retired father, the legendary, even hotter-shot Patsy Duggan.
It is, as were its predecessors, an engaging story that’s easy to read. I suppose I would carp that it’s a bit too heavy on exposition than I like – what someone is wearing or the style of a house can be relevant, of course, but I really don’t care about all the accessories nor what color the shutters are. But more to the point, Michael – who does have a record of not exactly following the letter of the law – insists he’s innocent. When a couple of crucial pieces of evidence are found at his home, he claims the murdered guy – who he was helping with various chores – said they were gifts for his significant other that he didn’t want her to find before her birthday (instead, oops, they contained illegal drugs).
Enter another hotshot attorney – Kim Tran – this time a prosecutor and likely candidate for a much higher government office and comes from a disturbing background. She’s nothing if not ruthless, as Keera’s father Patsy can attest (he’s gone head to head with her in the courtroom before). But that may be a plus, since he knows how she thinks and can give his daughter a heads-up when needed. Also enter detective Frank Rossi, with whom Keera has had a kind of arm’s length relationship that so far hasn’t gone much of anywhere. But he and his partner also get entangled with some of the questionable details of Keera’s current case – most notably the prosecution’s focus on incriminating testimony from two incarcerated “snitches.”
Early on, readers follow the progress of the trial – always a treat for me, at least, to get details of what happens in a courtroom – as well as the behind-the-scenes investigations to get to the truth. I won’t say the final revelation came as a surprise – I’d guessed it much earlier on, in fact – but from my perspective, getting it right usually trumps getting smacked in the teeth with a shocker ending. The fact that I stayed up half an hour past my bedtime to finish the book is telling as well – at my age, I need all the sleep I can get.
Bottom line? Another solid entry in the series, and I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for once again allowing me to keep up with the action by way of a pre-release copy. Good job!
It is, as were its predecessors, an engaging story that’s easy to read. I suppose I would carp that it’s a bit too heavy on exposition than I like – what someone is wearing or the style of a house can be relevant, of course, but I really don’t care about all the accessories nor what color the shutters are. But more to the point, Michael – who does have a record of not exactly following the letter of the law – insists he’s innocent. When a couple of crucial pieces of evidence are found at his home, he claims the murdered guy – who he was helping with various chores – said they were gifts for his significant other that he didn’t want her to find before her birthday (instead, oops, they contained illegal drugs).
Enter another hotshot attorney – Kim Tran – this time a prosecutor and likely candidate for a much higher government office and comes from a disturbing background. She’s nothing if not ruthless, as Keera’s father Patsy can attest (he’s gone head to head with her in the courtroom before). But that may be a plus, since he knows how she thinks and can give his daughter a heads-up when needed. Also enter detective Frank Rossi, with whom Keera has had a kind of arm’s length relationship that so far hasn’t gone much of anywhere. But he and his partner also get entangled with some of the questionable details of Keera’s current case – most notably the prosecution’s focus on incriminating testimony from two incarcerated “snitches.”
Early on, readers follow the progress of the trial – always a treat for me, at least, to get details of what happens in a courtroom – as well as the behind-the-scenes investigations to get to the truth. I won’t say the final revelation came as a surprise – I’d guessed it much earlier on, in fact – but from my perspective, getting it right usually trumps getting smacked in the teeth with a shocker ending. The fact that I stayed up half an hour past my bedtime to finish the book is telling as well – at my age, I need all the sleep I can get.
Bottom line? Another solid entry in the series, and I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for once again allowing me to keep up with the action by way of a pre-release copy. Good job!
July 13, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Robert Dugoni’s Her Cold Justice, the third installment in the Keera Duggan series, is a taut, cerebral legal thriller that doesn’t just flirt with conspiracy—it dives headlong into its icy depths. Dugoni, ever the master of courtroom drama, delivers a narrative that’s emotionally resonant and intellectually sharp, with a protagonist who refuses to be outmaneuvered.
Her Cold Justice is a meditation on the fragility of truth in a system built on adversarial gamesmanship. Dugoni explores:
- Justice vs. Power: Keera’s pursuit of justice is constantly thwarted by institutional corruption and prosecutorial ambition.
- Family and Loyalty: Her bond with JP Harrison, her investigator and surrogate uncle, adds emotional weight to the stakes.
- Conspiracy and Control: The deeper Keera digs, the more the case morphs from a double homicide into a window into the systemic rot of the justice process in the United States.
Keera Duggan, a former chess prodigy turned defense attorney, is Dugoni’s queen on the board. Her strategic mind and emotional restraint make her a compelling lead. She’s not just solving a case—she’s navigating a moral labyrinth where every move could cost her client his life or her career its integrity.
🔍The Plot - an overview
A suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are murdered. Michael Westbrook, a young man with circumstantial ties, is charged. Keera must dismantle a case built on shaky informant testimony and prosecutorial theatrics.
The deeper she investigates, the more she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to engulf them all.
Her Cold Justice is not just another legal thriller—it’s a chess match played in the shadows. Dugoni’s prose is lean yet evocative, his pacing relentless, and his characters morally complex. For readers who crave thrillers with brains and heart, this book delivers a checkmate!
Robert Dugoni continues to hone his impressive skills, when you think they are as razor sharp as they can possibly be, he hits another home run, and Her Cold Justice is a five-star choice for fans not only of legal thrillers but also police procedural and mystery fans.
Note: This is one of my favorite series, I love when Dugoni delivers a new installment, and Her Cold Justice is a stellar addition.
Robert Dugoni’s Her Cold Justice, the third installment in the Keera Duggan series, is a taut, cerebral legal thriller that doesn’t just flirt with conspiracy—it dives headlong into its icy depths. Dugoni, ever the master of courtroom drama, delivers a narrative that’s emotionally resonant and intellectually sharp, with a protagonist who refuses to be outmaneuvered.
Her Cold Justice is a meditation on the fragility of truth in a system built on adversarial gamesmanship. Dugoni explores:
- Justice vs. Power: Keera’s pursuit of justice is constantly thwarted by institutional corruption and prosecutorial ambition.
- Family and Loyalty: Her bond with JP Harrison, her investigator and surrogate uncle, adds emotional weight to the stakes.
- Conspiracy and Control: The deeper Keera digs, the more the case morphs from a double homicide into a window into the systemic rot of the justice process in the United States.
Keera Duggan, a former chess prodigy turned defense attorney, is Dugoni’s queen on the board. Her strategic mind and emotional restraint make her a compelling lead. She’s not just solving a case—she’s navigating a moral labyrinth where every move could cost her client his life or her career its integrity.
🔍The Plot - an overview
A suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are murdered. Michael Westbrook, a young man with circumstantial ties, is charged. Keera must dismantle a case built on shaky informant testimony and prosecutorial theatrics.
The deeper she investigates, the more she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to engulf them all.
Her Cold Justice is not just another legal thriller—it’s a chess match played in the shadows. Dugoni’s prose is lean yet evocative, his pacing relentless, and his characters morally complex. For readers who crave thrillers with brains and heart, this book delivers a checkmate!
Robert Dugoni continues to hone his impressive skills, when you think they are as razor sharp as they can possibly be, he hits another home run, and Her Cold Justice is a five-star choice for fans not only of legal thrillers but also police procedural and mystery fans.
Note: This is one of my favorite series, I love when Dugoni delivers a new installment, and Her Cold Justice is a stellar addition.
August 30, 2025
I’ll start at the end. Robert Dugoni explained in his Acknowledgements that he wanted to write a book that was a legal thriller, police procedural, and included family dynamics. In my estimation I can say check, check, and check. Defense attorney Keera Duggan and her father, Patsy, could conduct a masterclass in courtroom defense. Her Cold Justice has Keera defending the nephew of her chief investigator, ex-cop JP Harrison. The nephew, Michael Westbrook, is eventually charged with two counts of murder in Washington state court with federal drug related charges being held in abeyance. Keera learns she will be defending Michael against veteran and high profile prosecuting attorney Kim Tran, known as Batman for her ability to sweep in and provide justice for victims. Tran vs Duggan is going to be an epic battle.
The courtroom is the novel’s primary location for exciting and gripping detailed legal back and forth between the prosecution and defense. I literally felt as if I was a spectator in the courtroom observing the two attorney’s battle it out. Unfortunately for Keera the judge presiding over the case has a personal grudge against Keera’s father as the two undertook legendary legal battles in the past with the judge, then a prosecutor, coming out second too many times. Will her father’s history with the judge impact Keera’s case? Will the case be Keera vs Tran and the judge?
As the case continues the two homicide detectives assigned to the case spend additional time looking for physical evidence supporting the prosecution’s somewhat thin case. JP Harrison, continues looking for evidence supporting Keera and her nephew’s innocence. As the courtroom case moves forward Tran uses every legal trick available to support her circumstantial case and to derail Keera’s planned strategy. Punch and counterpunch as we get towards the climatic satisfying ending. I would say justice was served.
Robert Dugoni is an accomplished award winning author of several popular series and many best selling standalones. The Keera Duggan series, now with three outstanding entries, is a keeper. I look forward to future Keera adventures.
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Her Cold Justice. It was leisure time well spent.
The courtroom is the novel’s primary location for exciting and gripping detailed legal back and forth between the prosecution and defense. I literally felt as if I was a spectator in the courtroom observing the two attorney’s battle it out. Unfortunately for Keera the judge presiding over the case has a personal grudge against Keera’s father as the two undertook legendary legal battles in the past with the judge, then a prosecutor, coming out second too many times. Will her father’s history with the judge impact Keera’s case? Will the case be Keera vs Tran and the judge?
As the case continues the two homicide detectives assigned to the case spend additional time looking for physical evidence supporting the prosecution’s somewhat thin case. JP Harrison, continues looking for evidence supporting Keera and her nephew’s innocence. As the courtroom case moves forward Tran uses every legal trick available to support her circumstantial case and to derail Keera’s planned strategy. Punch and counterpunch as we get towards the climatic satisfying ending. I would say justice was served.
Robert Dugoni is an accomplished award winning author of several popular series and many best selling standalones. The Keera Duggan series, now with three outstanding entries, is a keeper. I look forward to future Keera adventures.
My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Her Cold Justice. It was leisure time well spent.
October 30, 2025
" You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have." (Bob Marley)
Keera Duggan has always lived under the shadow of her renowned father, Patsy Duggan the Irish Brawler. Patsy has been known far and wide as one of Seattle's greatest legal minds. But Patsy faces some serious health issues that have been festering over the years. His daughter steps up in their family firm and takes the lead. She needs to make her own mark and this latest case may make or break her.
Somes legal cases just scream for attention. This latest one touches close to home. J.P. Harrison, the firm's investigator, brings an unusual situation to Keera and the team. His nephew, Michael Westbrook, has been accused of drug dealing and far worse....the brutal murders of Michael's boss and his wife. When the police enter Michael's home with a search warrant, they find two sealed envelops in his bedroom with incriminating evidence. And there's more to come.
Keera is faced with her allegiance to J.P. while the evidence against Michael shouts otherwise. How does she step into the role of defense lawyer when she barely has the backing to prove Michael's innocence? Top this off with the Seattle's top prosecuting lawyer, Anh Tran, who has a stellar reputation. Robert Dugoni slides in a harrowing background scenario in the beginning scenes of this novel. It involves Tran and her eventual rigid momentum for fighting crime in this city.
Robert Dugoni is a favorite hands down. His novels are solid and brilliantly written. Her Cold Justice can easily be read as a standalone, but I'd encourage you to grab the first two books in this remarkable series in order to get a feel for these characters and the family dynamics. Dugoni never disappoints. He allows us to step into the minds of these legal eagles and experience their analytical approaches within the courtroom setting. It doesn't get better than Dugoni. Bravo, just bravo.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to the talented Robert Dugoni for the opportunity.
Keera Duggan has always lived under the shadow of her renowned father, Patsy Duggan the Irish Brawler. Patsy has been known far and wide as one of Seattle's greatest legal minds. But Patsy faces some serious health issues that have been festering over the years. His daughter steps up in their family firm and takes the lead. She needs to make her own mark and this latest case may make or break her.
Somes legal cases just scream for attention. This latest one touches close to home. J.P. Harrison, the firm's investigator, brings an unusual situation to Keera and the team. His nephew, Michael Westbrook, has been accused of drug dealing and far worse....the brutal murders of Michael's boss and his wife. When the police enter Michael's home with a search warrant, they find two sealed envelops in his bedroom with incriminating evidence. And there's more to come.
Keera is faced with her allegiance to J.P. while the evidence against Michael shouts otherwise. How does she step into the role of defense lawyer when she barely has the backing to prove Michael's innocence? Top this off with the Seattle's top prosecuting lawyer, Anh Tran, who has a stellar reputation. Robert Dugoni slides in a harrowing background scenario in the beginning scenes of this novel. It involves Tran and her eventual rigid momentum for fighting crime in this city.
Robert Dugoni is a favorite hands down. His novels are solid and brilliantly written. Her Cold Justice can easily be read as a standalone, but I'd encourage you to grab the first two books in this remarkable series in order to get a feel for these characters and the family dynamics. Dugoni never disappoints. He allows us to step into the minds of these legal eagles and experience their analytical approaches within the courtroom setting. It doesn't get better than Dugoni. Bravo, just bravo.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to the talented Robert Dugoni for the opportunity.
December 4, 2025
Lucky for us, Robert Dugoni has gifted readers the third installment in his compelling series featuring the sharp-minded criminal defense attorney Keera Duggan. Set against the gritty backdrop of South Seattle, the novel opens when Keera’s trusted PI urges her to take over a deeply troubling case: his nephew, Michael, has been charged with murdering a suspected drug smuggler and brutally assaulting his own girlfriend as she slept.
The evidence, though largely circumstantial, is undeniably damaging. Michael’s fingerprints are found throughout the victim’s home, and his DNA appears in places it seemingly should not. His explanation—that a coworker asked him to store “surprise” packages for his girlfriend and that he complied without suspicion—rings both plausible and perilously naïve. Dugoni deftly builds tension around these uncertainties, allowing readers to toggle between doubt and sympathy as the investigation unfolds.
Prosecuting the case is Anh Tran, a fierce, unrelenting attorney whose drive for conviction is shaped by the trauma of having witnessed her parents’ murders as a child. Yet Dugoni refuses to rely on archetype; Tran herself becomes a compelling enigma, her power and precision raising questions that extend far beyond the confines of the courtroom.
As always, Dugoni excels in weaving together the procedural mechanics of police work and the nuanced choreography of trial strategy. While the courtroom scenes can at times feel extensive, they are executed with such authenticity and narrative purpose that they remain integral to the story’s momentum. Layered atop the legal intrigue is an ongoing exploration of the Duggan family’s loyalties, history, and complex interpersonal dynamics—an emotional backbone that enriches the novel.
Her Cold Justice is a rewarding read for devotees of police procedurals and legal thrillers alike. With its blend of moral ambiguity, family drama, and high-stakes litigation, Dugoni delivers yet another finely crafted entry in the series.
Bring it on, Robert—readers are ready for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review
The evidence, though largely circumstantial, is undeniably damaging. Michael’s fingerprints are found throughout the victim’s home, and his DNA appears in places it seemingly should not. His explanation—that a coworker asked him to store “surprise” packages for his girlfriend and that he complied without suspicion—rings both plausible and perilously naïve. Dugoni deftly builds tension around these uncertainties, allowing readers to toggle between doubt and sympathy as the investigation unfolds.
Prosecuting the case is Anh Tran, a fierce, unrelenting attorney whose drive for conviction is shaped by the trauma of having witnessed her parents’ murders as a child. Yet Dugoni refuses to rely on archetype; Tran herself becomes a compelling enigma, her power and precision raising questions that extend far beyond the confines of the courtroom.
As always, Dugoni excels in weaving together the procedural mechanics of police work and the nuanced choreography of trial strategy. While the courtroom scenes can at times feel extensive, they are executed with such authenticity and narrative purpose that they remain integral to the story’s momentum. Layered atop the legal intrigue is an ongoing exploration of the Duggan family’s loyalties, history, and complex interpersonal dynamics—an emotional backbone that enriches the novel.
Her Cold Justice is a rewarding read for devotees of police procedurals and legal thrillers alike. With its blend of moral ambiguity, family drama, and high-stakes litigation, Dugoni delivers yet another finely crafted entry in the series.
Bring it on, Robert—readers are ready for more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars rounded down for an excellent legal thriller. It is book 3 in the series and I have not read the previous books in the series. It worked fine for me as a stand alone. The blurb says that it is a "riveting novel of suspense" and it is indeed.
The blurb sets the scene: "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."
There are multiple characters in this book that made it a suspenseful thriller:
A ruthless prosecutor, Kim Tran, known for a high conviction rate, and asking for the maximum sentence when the accused declines a plea bargain.
Keera Duggan, the defending attorney in a murder trial
Michael Westbrook, the accused murderer
JP Harrison, chief investigator for Keera's law firm
Patsy Duggan, Keera's father, and founder of the firm
Maggie Duggan, Keera's sister and receptionist/paralegal.
Ella Duggan, Keera and Maggie's sister, also an attorney.
Frank Rossi and Billy Ford, Seattle PD detectives investigating the murder of a drug dealer and his girlfriend.
There is no graphic violence, no sex and minimal profanity.
One quote, describing Tran: "Tran moved to the Most Dangerous Offender Program and sent a message of her own to those she prosecuted. If a suspect refused to plead, she would charge them to the fullest extent of the law and seek its harshest penalties. Detectives who had sat beside her in court said she had an evangelical fervor to her arguments, crafting theatrical narratives to explain mostly circumstantial evidence during her hundred-plus jury trials, a high percentage of which resulted in convictions."
I recommend this book to fans of the Lincoln Lawyer series by Michael Connelly.
#HerColdJustice #NetGalley.
Thank You Thomas & Mercer for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
Pub Date 27 Jan 2026
The blurb sets the scene: "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."
There are multiple characters in this book that made it a suspenseful thriller:
A ruthless prosecutor, Kim Tran, known for a high conviction rate, and asking for the maximum sentence when the accused declines a plea bargain.
Keera Duggan, the defending attorney in a murder trial
Michael Westbrook, the accused murderer
JP Harrison, chief investigator for Keera's law firm
Patsy Duggan, Keera's father, and founder of the firm
Maggie Duggan, Keera's sister and receptionist/paralegal.
Ella Duggan, Keera and Maggie's sister, also an attorney.
Frank Rossi and Billy Ford, Seattle PD detectives investigating the murder of a drug dealer and his girlfriend.
There is no graphic violence, no sex and minimal profanity.
One quote, describing Tran: "Tran moved to the Most Dangerous Offender Program and sent a message of her own to those she prosecuted. If a suspect refused to plead, she would charge them to the fullest extent of the law and seek its harshest penalties. Detectives who had sat beside her in court said she had an evangelical fervor to her arguments, crafting theatrical narratives to explain mostly circumstantial evidence during her hundred-plus jury trials, a high percentage of which resulted in convictions."
I recommend this book to fans of the Lincoln Lawyer series by Michael Connelly.
#HerColdJustice #NetGalley.
Thank You Thomas & Mercer for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
Pub Date 27 Jan 2026
September 1, 2025
This is the third book in this series- a wonderful series chronicling the Duggan family and all of their crazy disfunction. This book takes place a little while after the events of the last book. Keera needed a break after the craziness of the last case and went on a trip to Italy - by herself.
She had just returned when she is approached by JP Harrison, the lead investigator for the firm. Harrison's nephew is in trouble. There was a double murder of a couple who, unbeknownst to everybody, were heavily involved in the drug trade. The nephew -Michael Westbrook - worked with one of the victims and just happened to be given a ride to his home the day of the murders. Michael was the last person to see the victim alive and in a classic example of an easy slam dunk case, he is arrested for the murders. Unfortunately, he didn't do it.
There are a lot of moving parts in this case and a lot of time is spent taking the reader back in time to give out information of the background of the prosecutor who is handling the case. The changing in the timelines back and forth does take a little bit of time to digest as at first you are thinking, "what does this have to do with anything?" I mean, you realize that Mr. Dugoni isn't just giving you this information out of the good of his heart, but figuring out where it belongs tended to feel a little forced.
Regardless, I enjoyed this case for the amount of time we spent in the courtroom. This was a total courtroom procedural and we got to follow the case as Keera did her best to defend what started out as a case based only on circumstantial evidence, to a case that was a lot more complicated than originally thought.
While this was not my favorite of the Duggan books, I did enjoy it. It was good to see Patsy on a good path and it was awesome to see him back in the courtroom - even if it was just for a small amount of time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on January 27, 2026.
She had just returned when she is approached by JP Harrison, the lead investigator for the firm. Harrison's nephew is in trouble. There was a double murder of a couple who, unbeknownst to everybody, were heavily involved in the drug trade. The nephew -Michael Westbrook - worked with one of the victims and just happened to be given a ride to his home the day of the murders. Michael was the last person to see the victim alive and in a classic example of an easy slam dunk case, he is arrested for the murders. Unfortunately, he didn't do it.
There are a lot of moving parts in this case and a lot of time is spent taking the reader back in time to give out information of the background of the prosecutor who is handling the case. The changing in the timelines back and forth does take a little bit of time to digest as at first you are thinking, "what does this have to do with anything?" I mean, you realize that Mr. Dugoni isn't just giving you this information out of the good of his heart, but figuring out where it belongs tended to feel a little forced.
Regardless, I enjoyed this case for the amount of time we spent in the courtroom. This was a total courtroom procedural and we got to follow the case as Keera did her best to defend what started out as a case based only on circumstantial evidence, to a case that was a lot more complicated than originally thought.
While this was not my favorite of the Duggan books, I did enjoy it. It was good to see Patsy on a good path and it was awesome to see him back in the courtroom - even if it was just for a small amount of time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on January 27, 2026.
November 9, 2025
3.5 courtroom stars
This is #3 in the Keera Duggan series. I recommend reading this series in order for maximum understanding of the family dynamics. The author tells us that a prequel is coming next, so that could be an excellent place to start as well.
The book opens with a chilling jewelry store robbery and murder, and the ripple effects of this case carry into this story.
The case this time concerns Michael Westbrook, a young man accused of a double homicide and robbery with drugs involved. Michael also happens to be JP’s nephew. JP is the investigator for the Duggan law firm. Keera agrees to defend Michael, but she’s in for an uphill battle.
She must face the celebrated prosecutor Anh Tran, a woman known for finding ways to secure convictions even with thin evidence. Much of the evidence against Michael is circumstantial, but Tran secures the approval of a grand jury to move ahead with charges.
Keera and team race against the clock to prepare the case, but it seems that the prosecution is always one step ahead of them. The courtroom battles are epic between Keera and Tran.
There’s a bit of a police procedural plot here, too, but this one is more focused on the courtroom battle.
I liked that this installment continues to explore the family dynamic of the Duggan family. Patsy Duggan, Keera’s father, has left big shoes to fill as he steps back from the family firm’s business. The Sunday afternoon lunches are an interesting dynamic for all of them.
Will Keera be able to plant seeds of doubt with the jury, or will Michael be sent away for the rest of his life?
I liked how this one wrapped up, but it was on the long side!
This one made for a great buddy read discussion with Jayme, Marilyn, and MaryBeth. Be sure to check their reviews.
My thanks to Thomas and Mercer for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one. Scheduled to release on 1.27.2026.
This is #3 in the Keera Duggan series. I recommend reading this series in order for maximum understanding of the family dynamics. The author tells us that a prequel is coming next, so that could be an excellent place to start as well.
The book opens with a chilling jewelry store robbery and murder, and the ripple effects of this case carry into this story.
The case this time concerns Michael Westbrook, a young man accused of a double homicide and robbery with drugs involved. Michael also happens to be JP’s nephew. JP is the investigator for the Duggan law firm. Keera agrees to defend Michael, but she’s in for an uphill battle.
She must face the celebrated prosecutor Anh Tran, a woman known for finding ways to secure convictions even with thin evidence. Much of the evidence against Michael is circumstantial, but Tran secures the approval of a grand jury to move ahead with charges.
Keera and team race against the clock to prepare the case, but it seems that the prosecution is always one step ahead of them. The courtroom battles are epic between Keera and Tran.
There’s a bit of a police procedural plot here, too, but this one is more focused on the courtroom battle.
I liked that this installment continues to explore the family dynamic of the Duggan family. Patsy Duggan, Keera’s father, has left big shoes to fill as he steps back from the family firm’s business. The Sunday afternoon lunches are an interesting dynamic for all of them.
Will Keera be able to plant seeds of doubt with the jury, or will Michael be sent away for the rest of his life?
I liked how this one wrapped up, but it was on the long side!
This one made for a great buddy read discussion with Jayme, Marilyn, and MaryBeth. Be sure to check their reviews.
My thanks to Thomas and Mercer for the opportunity to read and honestly review this one. Scheduled to release on 1.27.2026.
August 7, 2025
I first read Robert Dugoni a few months ago with The Eighth Sister (2019) when I found he wrote espionage novels – one of my favorite sub-genre type mysteries. And I loved it! Then I saw that he had written a very popular literary novel, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell. So I decided to try another one of Dugoni’s series about a female attorney (another of my favorite type mystery series).
Defense attorney Keera Duggan works with her father and two sisters in a firm in Seattle. When a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are murdered in their home, the young nephew of Duggan’s PI is arrested for the crime. All the evidence against the young man is circumstantial, but the ruthless star prosecutor Anh Tran has managed to get convictions on much less.
The plot twists and turns throughout the novel – just like you want a legal thriller to do. The conclusion is much different than any other legal thriller I have read, and I like to be surprised. But the characters could be flushed out a bit more so that I am fully invested. Perhaps if I go back and read the first in this series of three… but a reader should not have to do that.
Her Cold Justice is a smart novel. And it held my attention throughout. Dugoni has been called “the young John Grisham,” and I do see that in the intricate plot with many surprises. I would give the novel 4 stars but for my desire to connect more to Keera and her family and their dynamics. Dugoni’s Anh Tran character was excellent. I wish he had flushed out Keera the same way.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review. Her Cold Justice will be published on January 27, 2026.
Defense attorney Keera Duggan works with her father and two sisters in a firm in Seattle. When a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are murdered in their home, the young nephew of Duggan’s PI is arrested for the crime. All the evidence against the young man is circumstantial, but the ruthless star prosecutor Anh Tran has managed to get convictions on much less.
The plot twists and turns throughout the novel – just like you want a legal thriller to do. The conclusion is much different than any other legal thriller I have read, and I like to be surprised. But the characters could be flushed out a bit more so that I am fully invested. Perhaps if I go back and read the first in this series of three… but a reader should not have to do that.
Her Cold Justice is a smart novel. And it held my attention throughout. Dugoni has been called “the young John Grisham,” and I do see that in the intricate plot with many surprises. I would give the novel 4 stars but for my desire to connect more to Keera and her family and their dynamics. Dugoni’s Anh Tran character was excellent. I wish he had flushed out Keera the same way.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This ARC title was provided by Netgalley.com at no cost, and I am providing an unbiased review. Her Cold Justice will be published on January 27, 2026.
August 19, 2025
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Keera was a chess champ as a girl, often playing with her dad, who taught her the strategies of the board that paralleled her work as an attorney. She followed in her father’s legal footsteps, now recognized as the daughter of the “Irish Brawler.”
No question Michael Westbrook has all the circumstantial evidence stacked against him. Still, it appeared he was an innocent pawn in a game of power and broken justice.
You might guess that the plot gets complex, sussing out conspiracy, secrets, and an end game you might not have imagined.
No question I’m a fan of the author and feel all his books are great, with varying degrees of great, of course. I’ve come to love the Keera Duggan series, the characters relatable with complicated personal lives.
If this were read as a standalone, I’d wish for more character development of Keera, whereas we got a clear and definitive picture of Kim Tran, described beautifully down to the cold, impervious stare.
As the book weaves its way through the twists and revelations, the storyline moves smoothly into the conclusion with, at this point, some predictability. Any reader who enjoys legal thrillers, though, will certainly appreciate the Dugoni writing style. It’s intelligently written, gripping, and entertaining. 4.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
Keera was a chess champ as a girl, often playing with her dad, who taught her the strategies of the board that paralleled her work as an attorney. She followed in her father’s legal footsteps, now recognized as the daughter of the “Irish Brawler.”
No question Michael Westbrook has all the circumstantial evidence stacked against him. Still, it appeared he was an innocent pawn in a game of power and broken justice.
You might guess that the plot gets complex, sussing out conspiracy, secrets, and an end game you might not have imagined.
No question I’m a fan of the author and feel all his books are great, with varying degrees of great, of course. I’ve come to love the Keera Duggan series, the characters relatable with complicated personal lives.
If this were read as a standalone, I’d wish for more character development of Keera, whereas we got a clear and definitive picture of Kim Tran, described beautifully down to the cold, impervious stare.
As the book weaves its way through the twists and revelations, the storyline moves smoothly into the conclusion with, at this point, some predictability. Any reader who enjoys legal thrillers, though, will certainly appreciate the Dugoni writing style. It’s intelligently written, gripping, and entertaining. 4.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
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