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Keera Duggan #3
Her Cold Justice
To save a client accused of murder, defense attorney Keera Duggan must fight a complex web of corruption in a riveting novel of suspense by New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni.
In a quiet South Seattle neighborhood, a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are murdered in their home. When a young man named Michael Westbrook is accused of the brutal double homicide, his uncle JP Harrison turns to Keera Duggan to defend him. JP is Keera’s trusted investigator, and he desperately needs Keera to save his nephew against escalating odds.
The evidence is circumstantial—Michael worked with one of the victims, drugs were found in his possession, and he bolted from authorities. Ruthless star prosecutor 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.
In a quiet South Seattle neighborhood, a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are murdered in their home. When a young man named Michael Westbrook is accused of the brutal double homicide, his uncle JP Harrison turns to Keera Duggan to defend him. JP is Keera’s trusted investigator, and he desperately needs Keera to save his nephew against escalating odds.
The evidence is circumstantial—Michael worked with one of the victims, drugs were found in his possession, and he bolted from authorities. Ruthless star prosecutor Anh Tran has gotten convictions on much less. With the testimony of two prison informants, the case looks grave. But Keera never concedes defeat. To free her client, she must dig deep before Tran crushes both of them.
As the investigation gets more twisted with each new find, Keera is swept up in a mystery with far-reaching consequences. This case isn’t just murder. It’s looking like a conspiracy. And getting justice for Michael could be the most dangerous promise Keera has ever made.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2026
1975 people are currently reading
7482 people want to read
About the author
Robert Dugoni
56 books33.1k 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 456 reviews
January 27, 2026
Keera Duggan #3-NOW AVAILABLE!
After a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are brutally murdered in their Seattle home, a young man named Michael Westbrook is accused of the double homicide, despite the fact that all of the evidence is circumstantial at best.
The prosecutor, Kim Tran, is known for getting convictions for crimes despite having little proof in the past-but is it because she is that talented or is it because she uses questionable tactics such as failing to to comply with discovery rules?
Lucky for Michael Westbrook, his uncle is JP Harrison, the PI for Duggan and Associates, and Keera Duggan is willing to represent his nephew.
Kim Tran may have finally met her match! ♟️
(AND believe me when I tell you that this is one Prosecuting Attorney that you will love to hate! )
In book #2, I felt like it took too long to get to the trial, but this time the court room brawls start at 40% so if you love legal thrillers for the court room scenes you will get plenty of those this time around.
It can be read as a standalone as the cases for the first two books aren’t spoiled, but I always prefer to read a series in order for character development.
I DID enjoy the story but some parts of the trial were a BIT technical, one plot twist a BIT predictable and the page count definitely too long. (399 pages)
The author has promised more Keera Duggan to come, with a PREQUEL up next!
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
A buddy read with MarilynW, DeAnn and Mary Beth-be sure to watch for their reviews!
Thank You to Thomas & Mercer for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
After a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are brutally murdered in their Seattle home, a young man named Michael Westbrook is accused of the double homicide, despite the fact that all of the evidence is circumstantial at best.
The prosecutor, Kim Tran, is known for getting convictions for crimes despite having little proof in the past-but is it because she is that talented or is it because she uses questionable tactics such as failing to to comply with discovery rules?
Lucky for Michael Westbrook, his uncle is JP Harrison, the PI for Duggan and Associates, and Keera Duggan is willing to represent his nephew.
Kim Tran may have finally met her match! ♟️
(AND believe me when I tell you that this is one Prosecuting Attorney that you will love to hate! )
In book #2, I felt like it took too long to get to the trial, but this time the court room brawls start at 40% so if you love legal thrillers for the court room scenes you will get plenty of those this time around.
It can be read as a standalone as the cases for the first two books aren’t spoiled, but I always prefer to read a series in order for character development.
I DID enjoy the story but some parts of the trial were a BIT technical, one plot twist a BIT predictable and the page count definitely too long. (399 pages)
The author has promised more Keera Duggan to come, with a PREQUEL up next!
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up.
A buddy read with MarilynW, DeAnn and Mary Beth-be sure to watch for their reviews!
Thank You to Thomas & Mercer for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
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.
February 1, 2026
For the third time in a row, I had a blast sitting court side with the Duggan family in Her Cold Justice. A true-to-life legal thriller with epic twists and turns, well-developed characters, and delicious courtroom drama, it was a rollicking good time from beginning to end. Tense, well-plotted, and wonderfully realistic, the legal aspects of this double homicide trial blended in perfectly with the police procedural aspects. You see, not only did we get a fly-on-the-wall view of the defendant’s beleaguered case but we also got to be somewhat behind the scenes of the police’s as well. Thanks to this well-written combo, I didn’t have a clue about what was coming next. After all, due to some last minute surprises that I would’ve loved to be in the courtroom to see, everything got turned on its head in the best possible way.
All said and done, it was clear that the king of legal and crime thrillers had done it again. With engaging cross examinations, a few shocking reveals, and plenty of good times with the Duggan clan, this book satisfied everything I look for in a Dugoni novel. I mean, not only was it a wild ride of conspiracies, corruption, and dirty schemes, but the continuing characters from the first two books in the series seemed to grow even more. I especially loved the sweet relationship between Patsy and Keera. Finally mending a bit after their troubles, it was an endearing look at a father-daughter crime-fighting duo. Just be forewarned that this book does start off somewhat slow. That being said, it was still propulsive and riveting every step of the way and was ultimately an unputdownable one-sitting read. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
In a quiet South Seattle neighborhood, a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are murdered in their home. When a young man named Michael Westbrook is accused of the brutal double homicide, his uncle JP Harrison turns to Keera Duggan to defend him. JP is Keera’s trusted investigator, and he desperately needs Keera to save his nephew against escalating odds.
The evidence is circumstantial―Michael worked with one of the victims, drugs were found in his possession, and he bolted from authorities. Ruthless star prosecutor Anh Tran has gotten convictions on much less. With the testimony of two prison informants, the case looks grave. But Keera never concedes defeat. To free her client, she must dig deep before Tran crushes both of them.
As the investigation gets more twisted with each new find, Keera is swept up in a mystery with far-reaching consequences. This case isn’t just murder. It’s looking like a conspiracy. And getting justice for Michael could be the most dangerous promise Keera has ever made.
Thank you Robert Dugoni, Thomas & Mercer, and MBC Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 27, 2026
Content warning: murder, gaslighting, imprisonment, mention of: alcoholism, infidelity, gun violence, racism, violence
All said and done, it was clear that the king of legal and crime thrillers had done it again. With engaging cross examinations, a few shocking reveals, and plenty of good times with the Duggan clan, this book satisfied everything I look for in a Dugoni novel. I mean, not only was it a wild ride of conspiracies, corruption, and dirty schemes, but the continuing characters from the first two books in the series seemed to grow even more. I especially loved the sweet relationship between Patsy and Keera. Finally mending a bit after their troubles, it was an endearing look at a father-daughter crime-fighting duo. Just be forewarned that this book does start off somewhat slow. That being said, it was still propulsive and riveting every step of the way and was ultimately an unputdownable one-sitting read. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
In a quiet South Seattle neighborhood, a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are murdered in their home. When a young man named Michael Westbrook is accused of the brutal double homicide, his uncle JP Harrison turns to Keera Duggan to defend him. JP is Keera’s trusted investigator, and he desperately needs Keera to save his nephew against escalating odds.
The evidence is circumstantial―Michael worked with one of the victims, drugs were found in his possession, and he bolted from authorities. Ruthless star prosecutor Anh Tran has gotten convictions on much less. With the testimony of two prison informants, the case looks grave. But Keera never concedes defeat. To free her client, she must dig deep before Tran crushes both of them.
As the investigation gets more twisted with each new find, Keera is swept up in a mystery with far-reaching consequences. This case isn’t just murder. It’s looking like a conspiracy. And getting justice for Michael could be the most dangerous promise Keera has ever made.
Thank you Robert Dugoni, Thomas & Mercer, and MBC Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 27, 2026
Content warning: murder, gaslighting, imprisonment, mention of: alcoholism, infidelity, gun violence, racism, violence
January 27, 2026
the setup…
Defense attorney Keera Duggan is asked by JP Harrison, her investigator, to take on the case of Michael Westbrook who is accused of murdering a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend. It’s personal because Michael is JP’s nephew. While the evidence is circumstantial, the lead prosecutor is Anh Tran who is as formidable as they come, earning the moniker of Batwoman. As the case begins, it becomes clear that something is off and Keera isn’t fighting on a fair playing field.
the heart of the story…
Even I could tell something wasn’t right from the onset as the prosecutor wrested the case away from the lead detectives early on. Keera has exceptional skills and was fast on her feet when the twists kept coming in the courtroom. I loved the courtroom dynamics as it was akin to two star heavyweights in battle. This was such good stuff.
the narration…
Saskia Maarleveld is one of my most favorite narrators and is a perfect choice to narrate a legal thriller. Her delivery of the courtroom scenes was phenomenal.
the bottom line…
My love for legal thrillers is no secret and Dugoni is so good at writing them. The mystery was solid but it was those courtroom battles that had me mesmerized. As much as I love his other characters, Keera Duggan has risen to the top and I hope this series has no end in sight. I finished this in a day. Next!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Defense attorney Keera Duggan is asked by JP Harrison, her investigator, to take on the case of Michael Westbrook who is accused of murdering a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend. It’s personal because Michael is JP’s nephew. While the evidence is circumstantial, the lead prosecutor is Anh Tran who is as formidable as they come, earning the moniker of Batwoman. As the case begins, it becomes clear that something is off and Keera isn’t fighting on a fair playing field.
the heart of the story…
Even I could tell something wasn’t right from the onset as the prosecutor wrested the case away from the lead detectives early on. Keera has exceptional skills and was fast on her feet when the twists kept coming in the courtroom. I loved the courtroom dynamics as it was akin to two star heavyweights in battle. This was such good stuff.
the narration…
Saskia Maarleveld is one of my most favorite narrators and is a perfect choice to narrate a legal thriller. Her delivery of the courtroom scenes was phenomenal.
the bottom line…
My love for legal thrillers is no secret and Dugoni is so good at writing them. The mystery was solid but it was those courtroom battles that had me mesmerized. As much as I love his other characters, Keera Duggan has risen to the top and I hope this series has no end in sight. I finished this in a day. Next!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
March 25, 2026
I'm glad Keera Duggan is back
Her Cold Justice begins with the double murder of a drug dealer and his girlfriend in a quiet neighborhood. Circumstantial evidence points to a young man, Michael Westbrook, who knew the victims and who worked with one of them.
Michael’s uncle, JP Harrison, is Keera’s trusted PI. When JP asks Keera to help him, she can’t say no. She wants to help, but the trial won’t be easy when the prosecutor, Anh Tran, has a reputation for getting convictions with far less evidence.
Keera and JP will do anything to get Michael out of trouble, but the hits keep coming from the prosecution.
Can Keera win this one?
I love returning to the world of Keera Duggan. She’s great at her job and getting better at her personal life. I like where she’s heading romantically, and her interactions with her father have improved. She still needs work with one of her sisters. The trial was fun to listen to and I was happy with the outcome.
I'm excited for the next novel. Bring it on!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Her Cold Justice begins with the double murder of a drug dealer and his girlfriend in a quiet neighborhood. Circumstantial evidence points to a young man, Michael Westbrook, who knew the victims and who worked with one of them.
Michael’s uncle, JP Harrison, is Keera’s trusted PI. When JP asks Keera to help him, she can’t say no. She wants to help, but the trial won’t be easy when the prosecutor, Anh Tran, has a reputation for getting convictions with far less evidence.
Keera and JP will do anything to get Michael out of trouble, but the hits keep coming from the prosecution.
Can Keera win this one?
I love returning to the world of Keera Duggan. She’s great at her job and getting better at her personal life. I like where she’s heading romantically, and her interactions with her father have improved. She still needs work with one of her sisters. The trial was fun to listen to and I was happy with the outcome.
I'm excited for the next novel. Bring it on!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Thomas & Mercer via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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.
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 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/
February 24, 2026
I have enjoyed most of Robert Dugoni’s books which I have read so far – the Tracy Crosswhite series and this one. This third book in the series kept me hooked as well.
Frank Rossi and his partner Billy Ford are called to the scene of a murder of a couple – John Lockett and Melissa Scott. Their neighbour called it in after going over to their place and finding John dead. The cops find drugs at their place, and it looks like John was dealing on the side, while working at an airfreight company. Michael, who works in the same company as John was the last one to see him and says John dropped him home since his car was undergoing repairs. After a search, drugs and cash are found at Michael’s home. Michael is arrested and is accused of murdering the couple. JP Harrison (Michael is his sister’s son) approaches Keera. Michael claims he is innocent and that John gave him the packets mentioning they were to be surprise gifts for Melissa. Kim Tran, the prosecutor is a tough lady known for getting convictions even based on circumstantial evidence.
Keera’s character shines and the courtroom scenes are a delight to read. There is a nice cameo for her dad Patsy as with the previous books. The plot and procedures are strong, but the real strength is in the battle of tactics between Keera and Tran. The book touches upon issues of burden of proof, manipulation, and race. In the afterword, the author mentions that sadly his mother recently had a stroke. He goes on to discuss how reading an article gave him an idea for the story – about the leeway usually granted to prosecutors to win their cases.
Another great book in the series.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and the author for a free electronic review copy.
Frank Rossi and his partner Billy Ford are called to the scene of a murder of a couple – John Lockett and Melissa Scott. Their neighbour called it in after going over to their place and finding John dead. The cops find drugs at their place, and it looks like John was dealing on the side, while working at an airfreight company. Michael, who works in the same company as John was the last one to see him and says John dropped him home since his car was undergoing repairs. After a search, drugs and cash are found at Michael’s home. Michael is arrested and is accused of murdering the couple. JP Harrison (Michael is his sister’s son) approaches Keera. Michael claims he is innocent and that John gave him the packets mentioning they were to be surprise gifts for Melissa. Kim Tran, the prosecutor is a tough lady known for getting convictions even based on circumstantial evidence.
Keera’s character shines and the courtroom scenes are a delight to read. There is a nice cameo for her dad Patsy as with the previous books. The plot and procedures are strong, but the real strength is in the battle of tactics between Keera and Tran. The book touches upon issues of burden of proof, manipulation, and race. In the afterword, the author mentions that sadly his mother recently had a stroke. He goes on to discuss how reading an article gave him an idea for the story – about the leeway usually granted to prosecutors to win their cases.
Another great book in the series.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas & Mercer and the author for a free electronic review copy.
February 17, 2026
Dugoni has done it again! This is book #3 in the Keera Duggan series. Each book in the series can be read as stand alone, as each case is different, but to understand the characters and their development, I do think reading these in order has value.
I won’t I won’t rehash the synopsis here so please see others reviews or the blurb for that. I just want to note a couple of things I really like about this authors writing style:
1. He’s very skilled at writing court room dialogue that follows real life court procedure. Sometimes it can be technical, but if you enjoy courtroom drama, this series is for you!
2. I can tell he writes with the experience of a being a father sometimes. There was some dialogue in this book about the character Michael Westbrook volunteering to help a woman do yard work. And the investigator aka his uncle said, “No 21 year old goes over to an attractive woman’s house eager to do yard work.” I mean if that isn’t the truth! 😂 The yard work part, lol! As a mom of 3-20 somethings, this is spot on!
3. He is very good at creative detail. Example. Keera is telling her client, Michael Westbrook a story about her father. I won’t give it away but let’s say it has something to do with a parrot 🦜 and I was so intrigued by this story I had to do some research of my own to see what real life examples led the author to come up with this story! And what I found was very interesting. 💡😯
4. No matter what is happening with the case Keera is involved in, there’s always a tie-in to her family. The family dynamic is so relatable and heartwarming. I especially enjoy her interaction with her father. Keera is a tough attorney in her own right. She never wants to be in her father’s shadow but that seems to be something she struggles with because her father is sort of “infamous”. At the same time, he’s usually the first person she wants to talk to about her cases.
Basically, if there’s another Keera book, it will be an automatic add to cart 🛒 for me! And I do hope there are many more!
This book is available NOW! Thank you to the author for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own!
4.5 🌟 rounded up!
I won’t I won’t rehash the synopsis here so please see others reviews or the blurb for that. I just want to note a couple of things I really like about this authors writing style:
1. He’s very skilled at writing court room dialogue that follows real life court procedure. Sometimes it can be technical, but if you enjoy courtroom drama, this series is for you!
2. I can tell he writes with the experience of a being a father sometimes. There was some dialogue in this book about the character Michael Westbrook volunteering to help a woman do yard work. And the investigator aka his uncle said, “No 21 year old goes over to an attractive woman’s house eager to do yard work.” I mean if that isn’t the truth! 😂 The yard work part, lol! As a mom of 3-20 somethings, this is spot on!
3. He is very good at creative detail. Example. Keera is telling her client, Michael Westbrook a story about her father. I won’t give it away but let’s say it has something to do with a parrot 🦜 and I was so intrigued by this story I had to do some research of my own to see what real life examples led the author to come up with this story! And what I found was very interesting. 💡😯
4. No matter what is happening with the case Keera is involved in, there’s always a tie-in to her family. The family dynamic is so relatable and heartwarming. I especially enjoy her interaction with her father. Keera is a tough attorney in her own right. She never wants to be in her father’s shadow but that seems to be something she struggles with because her father is sort of “infamous”. At the same time, he’s usually the first person she wants to talk to about her cases.
Basically, if there’s another Keera book, it will be an automatic add to cart 🛒 for me! And I do hope there are many more!
This book is available NOW! Thank you to the author for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own!
4.5 🌟 rounded up!
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.
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.
February 28, 2026
Her Cold Justice is the third book in the Keera Duggan series by award-winning, best-selling American author, Robert Dugoni. Just back from a short vacation in Italy, attorney Keera Duggan finds herself defending a young man to be tried for the murder of a work colleague and the colleague’s girlfriend. Michael Westbrook is the twenty-three-year-old nephew of Keera’s very capable investigator, ex-Seattle PD cop, PJ Harrison, who asks her to defend him.
SPD detectives John Ford and Frank Rossi are investigating, and despite the weakness of their case against Michael: no gun, no blood-spattered clothing, no known motive, no other suspects, Prosecuting Attorney Anh Tran seems fixated on getting a conviction and takes the case to a grand jury.
The murders happened in early December, but the trial, in front of Judge Ima Patel, is set for some nine months hence, giving the SPD and the defence team time to investigate. Tran has a reputation for getting convictions, often on just circumstantial evidence. Keera’s dad, Patsy has come up against her, but it’s Keera’s first time, and she’s discovering she’s smart, intuitive, and unpredictable.
Tran isn’t above using some dirty tricks like omitting items from discovery which put the defence at a disadvantage, acting within the rules, but skirting the edges, and ruthless. When she brings in two prison inmates who claim Michael confessed to the murders, things don’t look good.
Keera values her father’s support and advice, and describes how Tran seems uncannily well-informed, anticipating Keera’s every argument: “It’s like Tran knows where I’m going before I get there.” Is she just a very talented prosecutor, or is it something more? Eventually, a combination of thorough investigative work by the SPD and JP Harrison, and some guilty consciences, reveal some very nasty goings-on. Another gripping court-room procedural.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer.
SPD detectives John Ford and Frank Rossi are investigating, and despite the weakness of their case against Michael: no gun, no blood-spattered clothing, no known motive, no other suspects, Prosecuting Attorney Anh Tran seems fixated on getting a conviction and takes the case to a grand jury.
The murders happened in early December, but the trial, in front of Judge Ima Patel, is set for some nine months hence, giving the SPD and the defence team time to investigate. Tran has a reputation for getting convictions, often on just circumstantial evidence. Keera’s dad, Patsy has come up against her, but it’s Keera’s first time, and she’s discovering she’s smart, intuitive, and unpredictable.
Tran isn’t above using some dirty tricks like omitting items from discovery which put the defence at a disadvantage, acting within the rules, but skirting the edges, and ruthless. When she brings in two prison inmates who claim Michael confessed to the murders, things don’t look good.
Keera values her father’s support and advice, and describes how Tran seems uncannily well-informed, anticipating Keera’s every argument: “It’s like Tran knows where I’m going before I get there.” Is she just a very talented prosecutor, or is it something more? Eventually, a combination of thorough investigative work by the SPD and JP Harrison, and some guilty consciences, reveal some very nasty goings-on. Another gripping court-room procedural.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer.
January 24, 2026
Another great legal thriller from Robert Dugoni. In this third outing, Keera Duggan of Duggan & Associates is asked to defend their PI's nephew, Michael Westbrook, in a murder trial. The prosecutor will be Kim Tran who is known as Batwoman, because she witnessed the execution of both her parents as a young girl and went on to become a crime fighter. It will be a tough battle between two great lawyers.
As Dugoni mentions in his Acknowledgments, he wanted to do something different with this series, blending legal thriller with police procedural and family dynamics. I would add the courtroom drama is superb.
I received an arc of this new thriller from the author and publisher via NetGalley. Many thanks.
As Dugoni mentions in his Acknowledgments, he wanted to do something different with this series, blending legal thriller with police procedural and family dynamics. I would add the courtroom drama is superb.
I received an arc of this new thriller from the author and publisher via NetGalley. Many thanks.
February 1, 2026
I met Keera Duggan a couple of books ago, so I am very happy to see what she is up to in Her Cold Justice by Robert Dugoni. I am quick to become invested in the characters.
John Paul Harrison, Keera’s investigator, approaches her, asking her to defend his nephew. He is accused of a double homicide. The evidence is circumstantial and the further Keera gets in the trial, the more she senses that there is something very wrong. The danger rises, the deeper they dig. A conspiracy is exposed and there are those who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets from being brought to light.
Kim Tran is the prosecutor, known for winning her courtroom brawls, but Keera is no light weight. She calls Kim out when she tries to muddy the waters by playing fast and loose with the rules. Why does she seem to anticipate what Keera will do next? Is it really because she is just that good?
Robert Dugoni’s writing unravels the story smoothly, slowly, drawing me in. The suspense and a sense of anticipation build. Her Cold Justice is one part legal, one part police procedural and one part thriller. Sure to keep your mind working, Her Cold Justice is a wonderful addition to the Keera Duggan series. Each book can stand on its own, but I like to start at the beginning so I feel I can better relate to the characters.
See more at https://www.fundinmental.com
John Paul Harrison, Keera’s investigator, approaches her, asking her to defend his nephew. He is accused of a double homicide. The evidence is circumstantial and the further Keera gets in the trial, the more she senses that there is something very wrong. The danger rises, the deeper they dig. A conspiracy is exposed and there are those who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets from being brought to light.
Kim Tran is the prosecutor, known for winning her courtroom brawls, but Keera is no light weight. She calls Kim out when she tries to muddy the waters by playing fast and loose with the rules. Why does she seem to anticipate what Keera will do next? Is it really because she is just that good?
Robert Dugoni’s writing unravels the story smoothly, slowly, drawing me in. The suspense and a sense of anticipation build. Her Cold Justice is one part legal, one part police procedural and one part thriller. Sure to keep your mind working, Her Cold Justice is a wonderful addition to the Keera Duggan series. Each book can stand on its own, but I like to start at the beginning so I feel I can better relate to the characters.
See more at https://www.fundinmental.com
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.
February 23, 2026
3.75 Rounded up.
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.
January 19, 2026
This is the third book in the Keera Duggan series and as always it was so engrossing.
Keera is a defense attorney in her father’s firm. She has made a name for herself with several cases when her PI JP Harrison comes to her. His nephew has been charged with murder and Keera takes the case, up against a prosecutor knowing for getting the job done.
I loved this book. The description of the courtroom setting and procedure and the way Robert Dugoni can make the explanation of a trial so entertaining. As always I was at the edge of my seat wondering how Keera would get her client off. Keera is smart and determined as well as empathetic and I love watching her work and interact.
The narration in this book was amazing. I love how each character is portrayed in such a unique way and how immersive the world is. Saskia Maarleveld had the job of making even the description of courtroom procedure entertaining and she did an amazing job.
I loved this book and can not wait to see more of Keera.
Thank you to Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for the ALC.
Keera is a defense attorney in her father’s firm. She has made a name for herself with several cases when her PI JP Harrison comes to her. His nephew has been charged with murder and Keera takes the case, up against a prosecutor knowing for getting the job done.
I loved this book. The description of the courtroom setting and procedure and the way Robert Dugoni can make the explanation of a trial so entertaining. As always I was at the edge of my seat wondering how Keera would get her client off. Keera is smart and determined as well as empathetic and I love watching her work and interact.
The narration in this book was amazing. I love how each character is portrayed in such a unique way and how immersive the world is. Saskia Maarleveld had the job of making even the description of courtroom procedure entertaining and she did an amazing job.
I loved this book and can not wait to see more of Keera.
Thank you to Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for the ALC.
January 27, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
This is the third book in the Keera Duggan series by Dugoni. I have to say it took me some time to become invested in the story.
Keera is called in to represent Michael Westbrook, the nephew of her investigator. He’s accused of a vicious double murder. He claims his innocence, but the prosecutor will stop at nothing to see him convicted.
Drugs and conspiracy are at the heart of the case and Keera is fighting an uphill battle. She works in her family's law firm, and the complex family dynamics add to the story.
I have liked this series, but not as much as the first book. This time I felt that the plot wasn’t as compelling as I was hoping it would be. I’m a big fan of Dugoni’s work. The World Played Chess is a favorite of mine.
Thanks to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for the complimentary e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
CA | Contains a small amount of strong language.
This is the third book in the Keera Duggan series by Dugoni. I have to say it took me some time to become invested in the story.
Keera is called in to represent Michael Westbrook, the nephew of her investigator. He’s accused of a vicious double murder. He claims his innocence, but the prosecutor will stop at nothing to see him convicted.
Drugs and conspiracy are at the heart of the case and Keera is fighting an uphill battle. She works in her family's law firm, and the complex family dynamics add to the story.
I have liked this series, but not as much as the first book. This time I felt that the plot wasn’t as compelling as I was hoping it would be. I’m a big fan of Dugoni’s work. The World Played Chess is a favorite of mine.
Thanks to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for the complimentary e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
CA | Contains a small amount of strong language.
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.
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 ✨
February 5, 2026
There are some plot twists but I saw them coming a mile away. Unfortunately, Maggie the annoying sister wasn’t a causality in this book. It was close though. Maybe next book.
Keera was her dynamic self and served her client well. Michael was a tragic victim in all of this. I was worried for his safety many times. His uncle, JP really came through for him. That was probably the best part of the book. I’ve enjoyed that character from book 1 and 2. In book 3, the stakes were higher for him obviously.
In the end, justice is served mostly. The prosecutor got away with conspiring but heh you can’t win them all huh. 🤔
The authors note made me tear up. I’m sorry for your loss.
Keera was her dynamic self and served her client well. Michael was a tragic victim in all of this. I was worried for his safety many times. His uncle, JP really came through for him. That was probably the best part of the book. I’ve enjoyed that character from book 1 and 2. In book 3, the stakes were higher for him obviously.
In the end, justice is served mostly. The prosecutor got away with conspiring but heh you can’t win them all huh. 🤔
The authors note made me tear up. I’m sorry for your loss.
February 5, 2026
This is the third book in the Keira Dugan Series and although I loved all of them, this one is even more intense and gripping. Formerly a prosecutor,Keira is now a criminal defense attorney in her father’s law practice and this case hits close to home. Her client is the nephew of her investigator, who is like family to her.
This one could easily be read as a stand alone but I encourage you start with book 1 in order to appreciate the relationships between characters. This book was hard to put down and I chose the audio book,which was fantastic. The narrator was Saskia Maarleveld,who is a favorite of mine. I highly recommend this series in any format. In my opinion, this is one of best legal thriller series out there.
You can also find my reviews on my Southern Girl Reads Facebook page,where I share more in depth reviews.
This one could easily be read as a stand alone but I encourage you start with book 1 in order to appreciate the relationships between characters. This book was hard to put down and I chose the audio book,which was fantastic. The narrator was Saskia Maarleveld,who is a favorite of mine. I highly recommend this series in any format. In my opinion, this is one of best legal thriller series out there.
You can also find my reviews on my Southern Girl Reads Facebook page,where I share more in depth reviews.
January 31, 2026
I love court room dramas and this book exceeded my expectations. I knew it would be good but WOW!
Read
January 18, 2026In Robert Dugoni's gripping legal thriller, HER COLD JUSTICE (Keera Duggan #3), Seattle defense attorney Keera Duggan makes a thrilling return in this acclaimed series.
This time around, she takes on the formidable case of Michael Westbrook, a man entangled in a harrowing accusation of a brutal double homicide. As Keera delves deeper into the shadows of the case, she uncovers a tangled web of conspiracy that entwines drug smuggling and deep-seated corruption.
With stakes higher than ever, Keera finds herself risking everything—her career, her safety, and her principles—to uncover the elusive truth that could change her client's fate forever.
Keera Duggan's former status as a chess prodigy influences her legal work through a strategic, "chess player" mind that enables her to think multiple moves ahead of her opponent and strategically mislead them in the courtroom.
About...
My thoughts...
Kerra is a dynamic character and attorney, using her sharp, "chess player" mind to strategize in and out of the courtroom; the stakes are high. Getting justice for Michael becomes a dangerous undertaking with far-reaching consequences, as powerful forces seem to be involved in the conspiracy.
Themes...
The main themes in HER COLD JUSTICE revolve around justice, corruption, family loyalty, and the complex moral dilemmas faced within the legal system.
~Justice vs. The System
The novel explores the tension between achieving true justice and the limitations and manipulations of the legal system.
~Corruption and Conspiracy
A major element of the plot is the uncovering of a complex web of drug smuggling and widespread corruption.
~Family and Loyalty
The case has a deeply personal dimension for Keera, as she is defending Michael Westbrook, the nephew of her trusted investigator and friend, JP Harrison.
~Moral Ambiguity
The story presents a significant moral dilemma: a good Samaritan act can put one in danger, making people hesitant to help. Keera's choice to step in and defend Michael, despite the escalating risks, puts her own life and career in a precarious position, highlighting the unsettling consequences of trying to do the right thing when powerful individuals are involved.
~Strategy and Intellect
Keera's background as a former chess champion is frequently referenced, and her strategic, calculating, and methodical approach to her legal cases is a prominent theme.
The courtroom scenes are portrayed as a battle of wits, where legal prowess and out-of-the-box thinking are essential for survival and success. Just as a chess player must adapt to their opponent's unexpected moves, Keera is prepared to shift her legal strategy as new and shocking information is revealed during the investigation and trial.
The takeaway message of HER COLD JUSTICE is that the pursuit of true justice can be a complex, morally ambiguous, and dangerous undertaking, requiring immense personal sacrifice.
~The system is imperfect
~Integrity is costly
~Strategy and intellect prevail
The title carries a dual significance, reflecting both the personal growth of the protagonist and the ruthless nature of the legal battle she faces. Duality of the Title:
The "Her" in the title refers to defense attorney Keera Duggan. Having recently taken over her family’s law practice, she must move beyond her past naivety and adopt a "cold," calculated approach to navigate a system rife with corruption.
The title also alludes to Keera's opponent, prosecutor Anh Tran, whose pursuit of justice is described as "cold" and "ruthless". Tran is known for using questionable tactics, such as manufacturing narratives from prison informants, to maintain a flawless conviction record.
The word "Cold" reinforces Keera's background as a former chess prodigy. In this case, she must use her sharp, analytical mind to stay "ice cold" under pressure, treating the courtroom as a high-stakes board where every move must be precisely timed.
The title highlights the contrast between Keera’s search for truth and Tran’s pursuit of "justice," which is fueled by a cold, personal desire for vengeance following the murder of her own parents. Where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, forcing Keera to question if the ends justify the means.
The audiobook...
The audiobook experience is nothing short of captivating. As always, Dugoni masterfully weaves an engaging narrative that pulls you into the depths of the plot. The award-winning narrator, Saskia Maarleveld— a true superstar and a personal favorite—commands attention from the very first moment. Her ability to elevate the story is remarkable, seamlessly embodying the mood and tension that permeate this gripping legal thriller series. With her expressive voice, she captures every subtle nuance, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats until the satisfying conclusion.
A special thank you to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for providing an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pub Date: Jan 27, 2026
Jan Newsletter
This time around, she takes on the formidable case of Michael Westbrook, a man entangled in a harrowing accusation of a brutal double homicide. As Keera delves deeper into the shadows of the case, she uncovers a tangled web of conspiracy that entwines drug smuggling and deep-seated corruption.
With stakes higher than ever, Keera finds herself risking everything—her career, her safety, and her principles—to uncover the elusive truth that could change her client's fate forever.
Keera Duggan's former status as a chess prodigy influences her legal work through a strategic, "chess player" mind that enables her to think multiple moves ahead of her opponent and strategically mislead them in the courtroom.
About...
The Crime:
A suspected drug dealer, John Lockett, and his girlfriend are found brutally murdered in their South Seattle home.
The Accused:
Michael Westbrook, who worked for Lockett, is charged with circumstantial evidence (drugs found on him, fleeing police) pointing to him.
Personal Connection:
JP Harrison, Keera's trusted investigator, begs her to defend his nephew Michael, whom he believes is innocent.
Prosecution:
Star prosecutor Anh Tran is determined to convict Michael, seeing it as a win for her tough-on-crime reputation.
Keera's Investigation:
Keera takes the case, facing down prison informants and a seemingly strong case, but discovers the murder is tied to a larger conspiracy, making it far more dangerous than just a double homicide.
Rising Stakes:
As Keera digs deeper, the case becomes increasingly complex and dangerous, forcing her to confront powerful, corrupt elements with potentially far-reaching consequences.
My thoughts...
Kerra is a dynamic character and attorney, using her sharp, "chess player" mind to strategize in and out of the courtroom; the stakes are high. Getting justice for Michael becomes a dangerous undertaking with far-reaching consequences, as powerful forces seem to be involved in the conspiracy.
Themes...
The main themes in HER COLD JUSTICE revolve around justice, corruption, family loyalty, and the complex moral dilemmas faced within the legal system.
~Justice vs. The System
The novel explores the tension between achieving true justice and the limitations and manipulations of the legal system.
~Corruption and Conspiracy
A major element of the plot is the uncovering of a complex web of drug smuggling and widespread corruption.
~Family and Loyalty
The case has a deeply personal dimension for Keera, as she is defending Michael Westbrook, the nephew of her trusted investigator and friend, JP Harrison.
~Moral Ambiguity
The story presents a significant moral dilemma: a good Samaritan act can put one in danger, making people hesitant to help. Keera's choice to step in and defend Michael, despite the escalating risks, puts her own life and career in a precarious position, highlighting the unsettling consequences of trying to do the right thing when powerful individuals are involved.
~Strategy and Intellect
Keera's background as a former chess champion is frequently referenced, and her strategic, calculating, and methodical approach to her legal cases is a prominent theme.
The courtroom scenes are portrayed as a battle of wits, where legal prowess and out-of-the-box thinking are essential for survival and success. Just as a chess player must adapt to their opponent's unexpected moves, Keera is prepared to shift her legal strategy as new and shocking information is revealed during the investigation and trial.
The takeaway message of HER COLD JUSTICE is that the pursuit of true justice can be a complex, morally ambiguous, and dangerous undertaking, requiring immense personal sacrifice.
~The system is imperfect
~Integrity is costly
~Strategy and intellect prevail
The title carries a dual significance, reflecting both the personal growth of the protagonist and the ruthless nature of the legal battle she faces. Duality of the Title:
The "Her" in the title refers to defense attorney Keera Duggan. Having recently taken over her family’s law practice, she must move beyond her past naivety and adopt a "cold," calculated approach to navigate a system rife with corruption.
The title also alludes to Keera's opponent, prosecutor Anh Tran, whose pursuit of justice is described as "cold" and "ruthless". Tran is known for using questionable tactics, such as manufacturing narratives from prison informants, to maintain a flawless conviction record.
The word "Cold" reinforces Keera's background as a former chess prodigy. In this case, she must use her sharp, analytical mind to stay "ice cold" under pressure, treating the courtroom as a high-stakes board where every move must be precisely timed.
The title highlights the contrast between Keera’s search for truth and Tran’s pursuit of "justice," which is fueled by a cold, personal desire for vengeance following the murder of her own parents. Where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, forcing Keera to question if the ends justify the means.
The audiobook...
The audiobook experience is nothing short of captivating. As always, Dugoni masterfully weaves an engaging narrative that pulls you into the depths of the plot. The award-winning narrator, Saskia Maarleveld— a true superstar and a personal favorite—commands attention from the very first moment. Her ability to elevate the story is remarkable, seamlessly embodying the mood and tension that permeate this gripping legal thriller series. With her expressive voice, she captures every subtle nuance, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats until the satisfying conclusion.
A special thank you to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for providing an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pub Date: Jan 27, 2026
Jan Newsletter
February 2, 2026
Keera hits the ground running after her well-deserved vacation in Italy. JP, the firm’s investigator and Keera’s friend, asks for her help in defending this nephew, Michael. The fear is real that Michael could be in jail for the rest of his life, based on the prosecutor, Anh Tran’s, reputation and conviction record.
This story was humming from the beginning and kept on going. Patsy is out of rehab and doing well. He is there is Keera needs him. Not to give too much away, but we get to see a bit of why he is referred to as the “Irish Brawler”. For those who also read Robert Dugoni’s Tracy Crosswaite series, you might recognize the restaurant mentioned towards the end.
I am getting a little ahead of myself, jumping to the end. This story was very well paced, plotted, and voiced. It feels as if a lot of research was put into understanding not only the judicial system, but also those who could relate to the treatment, thoughts, and feelings of the characters. The Irish lawyer is defending a young Black man who is the son of an Immigrant being prosecuted by an Asian woman. In this series and others, Dugoni has been adept at creating and portraying strong, confident, flawed, and successful female characters. He has done the same with tapping into the cultural nuances in this book. I felt as though he talked with people in the Black and Asian communities to get a sense of their view of the justice system. It made even some of the smaller characters have depth. While the story is a legal thriller forward, there are a few themes along the edges.
It was nice to see Detective Billy Ford lead on a case instead of Detective Frank Rossi. If you have not read books 1 and 2, you won’t be lost, but if you liked this one, maybe go back to them. Having Ford as on the prosecution team created opportunities for Dugoni to delve into deeper commentaries. Ford, a tall 6ft 8in Black man and father of three boys, understandably has some feelings about the case against a young Black man who has had a couple of missteps in his youth but seemed to be on the right path until now.
There is JP, who is also a Black man. While Ford is from the South, JP is British. He and his sister, Michael’s mom, immigrated when they were young. JP is also a former police officer. Both JP and Ford bring a perspective and insight that Keera needs to understand how to defend Michael.
Anh Tran’s backstory … the resilience and strength shown to overcome the horrific death of her parents and, for all intents and purposes, succeed was very well presented. I grew up hearing “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”. Anh lived it. My feelings about her actions are that she had good intentions when her career began. She didn’t seek fame nor financial gain. However, one decision forever changed her and her path. I could empathize with how she got there. Would I have made the same decision? I cannot say for sure, but I believe I would have definitely considered it.
This character-driven legal thriller has stuck with me. I admit that some plot points I did figure out before their reveal. It felt more like a pat on my back for keeping up than a critique of the author's execution. The bob-and-weave (brawler reference, couldn’t resist) that Keera had to do to fight in court was amazing. I think Patsy gave some of the best advice, to play her own game.
There is more I could say, but I fear I would give too much away. As I have come to expect and admire, there are many strong, capable female characters in this story. The plot kept me engaged from the very first page.
One more thing: Judge Patel (also a woman) imparts a pearl or two of wisdom… foreshadowing???
Overall, a fantastic, thought-provoking read.
Happy Reading!
This story was humming from the beginning and kept on going. Patsy is out of rehab and doing well. He is there is Keera needs him. Not to give too much away, but we get to see a bit of why he is referred to as the “Irish Brawler”. For those who also read Robert Dugoni’s Tracy Crosswaite series, you might recognize the restaurant mentioned towards the end.
I am getting a little ahead of myself, jumping to the end. This story was very well paced, plotted, and voiced. It feels as if a lot of research was put into understanding not only the judicial system, but also those who could relate to the treatment, thoughts, and feelings of the characters. The Irish lawyer is defending a young Black man who is the son of an Immigrant being prosecuted by an Asian woman. In this series and others, Dugoni has been adept at creating and portraying strong, confident, flawed, and successful female characters. He has done the same with tapping into the cultural nuances in this book. I felt as though he talked with people in the Black and Asian communities to get a sense of their view of the justice system. It made even some of the smaller characters have depth. While the story is a legal thriller forward, there are a few themes along the edges.
It was nice to see Detective Billy Ford lead on a case instead of Detective Frank Rossi. If you have not read books 1 and 2, you won’t be lost, but if you liked this one, maybe go back to them. Having Ford as on the prosecution team created opportunities for Dugoni to delve into deeper commentaries. Ford, a tall 6ft 8in Black man and father of three boys, understandably has some feelings about the case against a young Black man who has had a couple of missteps in his youth but seemed to be on the right path until now.
There is JP, who is also a Black man. While Ford is from the South, JP is British. He and his sister, Michael’s mom, immigrated when they were young. JP is also a former police officer. Both JP and Ford bring a perspective and insight that Keera needs to understand how to defend Michael.
Anh Tran’s backstory … the resilience and strength shown to overcome the horrific death of her parents and, for all intents and purposes, succeed was very well presented. I grew up hearing “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”. Anh lived it. My feelings about her actions are that she had good intentions when her career began. She didn’t seek fame nor financial gain. However, one decision forever changed her and her path. I could empathize with how she got there. Would I have made the same decision? I cannot say for sure, but I believe I would have definitely considered it.
This character-driven legal thriller has stuck with me. I admit that some plot points I did figure out before their reveal. It felt more like a pat on my back for keeping up than a critique of the author's execution. The bob-and-weave (brawler reference, couldn’t resist) that Keera had to do to fight in court was amazing. I think Patsy gave some of the best advice, to play her own game.
There is more I could say, but I fear I would give too much away. As I have come to expect and admire, there are many strong, capable female characters in this story. The plot kept me engaged from the very first page.
One more thing: Judge Patel (also a woman) imparts a pearl or two of wisdom… foreshadowing???
Overall, a fantastic, thought-provoking read.
Happy Reading!
February 7, 2026
Her Cold Justice is book 3 in the Keera Duggan series by Robert Dugoni. Michael Westbrook is a young man accused of killing a couple he knew from work. Both were brutally murdered at their home the same night that the man had given Michael a ride home. Michael had no idea that the man was being investigated for drug smuggling or so he says. Michael's uncle is JP Harrison, Keera's private investigator for the firm, and he pleads with her to take his case. There is very little evidence in the case, except for circumstantial evidence, but Michael is charged with the double murders. Kim Tran is the well known prosecutor and Keera knows that she has a very impressive conviction record. Keera has her work cut out for her and doesn't want to let JP down.
JP was in possession of an envelope of drugs and an envelope of cash. Both were given to him from his boss as he told Michael they were gifts for his girlfriend and needed them out of the house. Michael wanted to help him out and took both. As the investigation proceeds, things look very bad for Michael when 2 prison informants come forward with information on Michael. Kim Tran is playing games with Keera by not providing an accurate list of the witnesses she is going to call and by holding back evidence until it's introduced in court. Keera has to keep her wits and find a way to do the same to Kim. The case takes a sinister turn and Keera must decide how to proceed. Will Keera be able to get the charges against Michael dropped, an innocent verdict from the jury, or will Michael end up wasting away in prison?
Her Cold Justice is a fantastic legal thriller with the suspense building as more information is released. When you reach a certain point in the book you won't be able to put it down. I love the characters in this series and feel like I know them well. I absolutely loved the twists in the book and rate Her Cold Justice 5 stars. Robert Dugoni has another hit series on his hands and I can't wait for the next book in the Keera Duggan series to be released. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy of Her Cold Justice in exchange for a fair review. #HerColdJustice
JP was in possession of an envelope of drugs and an envelope of cash. Both were given to him from his boss as he told Michael they were gifts for his girlfriend and needed them out of the house. Michael wanted to help him out and took both. As the investigation proceeds, things look very bad for Michael when 2 prison informants come forward with information on Michael. Kim Tran is playing games with Keera by not providing an accurate list of the witnesses she is going to call and by holding back evidence until it's introduced in court. Keera has to keep her wits and find a way to do the same to Kim. The case takes a sinister turn and Keera must decide how to proceed. Will Keera be able to get the charges against Michael dropped, an innocent verdict from the jury, or will Michael end up wasting away in prison?
Her Cold Justice is a fantastic legal thriller with the suspense building as more information is released. When you reach a certain point in the book you won't be able to put it down. I love the characters in this series and feel like I know them well. I absolutely loved the twists in the book and rate Her Cold Justice 5 stars. Robert Dugoni has another hit series on his hands and I can't wait for the next book in the Keera Duggan series to be released. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy of Her Cold Justice in exchange for a fair review. #HerColdJustice
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