What do you think?
Rate this book
False Witness
A lawyer who was set-up, imprisoned, and disbarred, only to be vindicated and reinstated, is determined to find out who set her up and cover their tracks with a trail of dead bodies
Defense Attorney Karen Wyatt exposed corruption in the police force and the District Attorney's office while getting her client exonerated in court. But in doing so, she put a target on her back and she was set-up on fake drug charge, imprisoned and disbarred until the conspiracy unraveled and her innocence was proven. Now reinstated to the bar, Wyatt is still interested in finding out who ordered her to be set-up - but the key figures were either killed or are in Witness Protection.
In the meantime, Wyatt is a practicing defense attorney, whose current client is either guilty of a heinous murder, or is a too-trusting patsy for an acquaintance set-up for a crime he didn't commit. It will take all of Wyatt's genius to defend her client successfully but that's just one piece of an increasingly complex puzzle.
With a deadly criminal drug gang, a powerful, corrupt figure hiding in the D.A.'s office, and a Congressman who turned up with an unbelievable story after disappearing for days, False Witness is twisty, breathtaking, and unpredictable thriller.
Defense Attorney Karen Wyatt exposed corruption in the police force and the District Attorney's office while getting her client exonerated in court. But in doing so, she put a target on her back and she was set-up on fake drug charge, imprisoned and disbarred until the conspiracy unraveled and her innocence was proven. Now reinstated to the bar, Wyatt is still interested in finding out who ordered her to be set-up - but the key figures were either killed or are in Witness Protection.
In the meantime, Wyatt is a practicing defense attorney, whose current client is either guilty of a heinous murder, or is a too-trusting patsy for an acquaintance set-up for a crime he didn't commit. It will take all of Wyatt's genius to defend her client successfully but that's just one piece of an increasingly complex puzzle.
With a deadly criminal drug gang, a powerful, corrupt figure hiding in the D.A.'s office, and a Congressman who turned up with an unbelievable story after disappearing for days, False Witness is twisty, breathtaking, and unpredictable thriller.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2025
207 people are currently reading
8221 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
October 8, 2025
4-5/10: 2⭐️’s
I wanted to like this book so much more than I did. It had the potential for a great detective and courtroom procedural and thriller. However, there was way too many characters to keep track of. I found myself going back and looking for character names to remind myself of who was who and what role they played in a lot of intertwining and tangled plots lines. It became incredibly confusing. If not for the over abundance of characters I might have liked this more. It all kind of came together in the end, but it was a let down after really liking the Robin Lockwood series.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Original rating and review posted: 8/30/25
Please read other reviews!!
10/8/25: updated publisher thank you which I had forgotten to do in original review.
I wanted to like this book so much more than I did. It had the potential for a great detective and courtroom procedural and thriller. However, there was way too many characters to keep track of. I found myself going back and looking for character names to remind myself of who was who and what role they played in a lot of intertwining and tangled plots lines. It became incredibly confusing. If not for the over abundance of characters I might have liked this more. It all kind of came together in the end, but it was a let down after really liking the Robin Lockwood series.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Original rating and review posted: 8/30/25
Please read other reviews!!
10/8/25: updated publisher thank you which I had forgotten to do in original review.
October 30, 2025
This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. I thought the story was a little busy (there were a lot of subplots) but it was overall enjoyable. I really liked the over arching storyline of a defense attorney who was set up and sent to prison for a year before she was freed. The other plots were ok, but the one with the senator got a little weird. I did really enjoy the narrator, she did a great job bringing the characters to life and keeping the story engaging. The writing was good and I loved that it takes place in Portland Oregon which is the general area I’m in so it was fun hearing about places here.
November 8, 2025
(2.75 stars)
Thank you to Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read and listen to an advance copy of False Witness.
I’ve wanted to try a book by Phillip Margolin for a while and when I saw that False Witness was a standalone novel, I figured it would be a great way to try this prolific author. Unfortunately, this book didn’t really grab me as I had hoped it would. We have a lawyer who was wrongly imprisoned and disbarred after she exposed corruption in the Porland (Oregon) Police Department. As the book opens, she is exonerated and has her freedom and life restored. I expected the gist of the book to be her efforts to find out who set her up. And while that did happen, there were so many side plots and characters, that I often had a hard time remembering who was who. This was despite the always excellent narration by Thérèse Plummer on the audio version of the book, which is how I mostly drank in this story. Would it have been a bit clearer in print? Perhaps, but the medium would not have made a difference in the inclusion of so many subplots that took away from what should have been the main story. There were a few courtroom scenes and those were good.
You can tell that the author is quite familiar with the Portland area (I’m also familiar with it due to having had family in the area for several years), but I can’t really recommend this book other than that. I was left wanting more. At least it wasn’t a long book.
All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read and listen to an advance copy of False Witness.
I’ve wanted to try a book by Phillip Margolin for a while and when I saw that False Witness was a standalone novel, I figured it would be a great way to try this prolific author. Unfortunately, this book didn’t really grab me as I had hoped it would. We have a lawyer who was wrongly imprisoned and disbarred after she exposed corruption in the Porland (Oregon) Police Department. As the book opens, she is exonerated and has her freedom and life restored. I expected the gist of the book to be her efforts to find out who set her up. And while that did happen, there were so many side plots and characters, that I often had a hard time remembering who was who. This was despite the always excellent narration by Thérèse Plummer on the audio version of the book, which is how I mostly drank in this story. Would it have been a bit clearer in print? Perhaps, but the medium would not have made a difference in the inclusion of so many subplots that took away from what should have been the main story. There were a few courtroom scenes and those were good.
You can tell that the author is quite familiar with the Portland area (I’m also familiar with it due to having had family in the area for several years), but I can’t really recommend this book other than that. I was left wanting more. At least it wasn’t a long book.
All opinions are my own.
October 23, 2025
Although I am a huge fan of author Phillip Margolin and narrator Thérèse Plummer, I was not the right listener for this audiobook.
WHY?
I despise bloat.
While the book's premise was stellar —a vindicated, disbarred defense attorney seeking revenge and getting dragged into a complex murder case—the execution suffered from severe bloat.
Waaay too many subplots and characters.
I prefer storylines with fewer, well-developed characters and subplots.
Thérèse Plummer, as always, did a superb job with the audiobook's narration.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Phillip Margolin, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Having long enjoyed the work of Phillip Margolin, I was eager to get my hands on this standalone legal thriller. Margolin has impressed me with his series work, so I sought to remain open-minded for something that works independently of past novels, shaping the story and characters swiftly, with much effectiveness. There was significant corruption in Portland's policing and defense attorney Karen Wyatt sought to expose it all. In doing so, Wyatt was set up and sent to prison for years. After proving her innocence, Wyatt returns to legal work and takes on a case where a young man is said to have killed a powerful businessman, bludgeoning him and leaving a mess. Working every angle, Karen Wyatt is determined to get answers, even if that means crossing some powerful members of a biker gang, an oddball Member of Congress, and those within the DA's office with something to hide. Margolin keeps the reader hooked with this fast-paced piece that leaves little time to breathe.
I have much enjoyed Phillip Margolin’s work in the past, balancing legal issues with strong policing. The narrative works well and pulls the reader in from the outset, as the story gains momentum. Much of the development builds from a strong foundation and Margolin’s ability to present things swiftly.
Character development works well, with a vast array of those who seek to flavour the piece in their own way. Karen Wyatt has an axe to grind with those who put her away, but must also find out who is trying to frame her client. The various criminal elements of the piece push a sinister aspect, while the different groups investigating the murder also present some intriguing angles. No one reached out and grabbed me by the lapels, but Margolin’s does well to provide an array of entertaining characters.
While the reader is handling two distinct main storylines in this piece, there is never a lag in the action. Margolin ensures to keep the reader on edge with the surprises and twists he incorporates, never waning as one is given more attention at certain points. The flow of the story works well with all that is going on, providing the reader with an entertaining time throughout. Phillip Margolin delivers a quick piece that had me turning pages into the night.
Kudos, Mr. Margolin, for a great read!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Having long enjoyed the work of Phillip Margolin, I was eager to get my hands on this standalone legal thriller. Margolin has impressed me with his series work, so I sought to remain open-minded for something that works independently of past novels, shaping the story and characters swiftly, with much effectiveness. There was significant corruption in Portland's policing and defense attorney Karen Wyatt sought to expose it all. In doing so, Wyatt was set up and sent to prison for years. After proving her innocence, Wyatt returns to legal work and takes on a case where a young man is said to have killed a powerful businessman, bludgeoning him and leaving a mess. Working every angle, Karen Wyatt is determined to get answers, even if that means crossing some powerful members of a biker gang, an oddball Member of Congress, and those within the DA's office with something to hide. Margolin keeps the reader hooked with this fast-paced piece that leaves little time to breathe.
I have much enjoyed Phillip Margolin’s work in the past, balancing legal issues with strong policing. The narrative works well and pulls the reader in from the outset, as the story gains momentum. Much of the development builds from a strong foundation and Margolin’s ability to present things swiftly.
Character development works well, with a vast array of those who seek to flavour the piece in their own way. Karen Wyatt has an axe to grind with those who put her away, but must also find out who is trying to frame her client. The various criminal elements of the piece push a sinister aspect, while the different groups investigating the murder also present some intriguing angles. No one reached out and grabbed me by the lapels, but Margolin’s does well to provide an array of entertaining characters.
While the reader is handling two distinct main storylines in this piece, there is never a lag in the action. Margolin ensures to keep the reader on edge with the surprises and twists he incorporates, never waning as one is given more attention at certain points. The flow of the story works well with all that is going on, providing the reader with an entertaining time throughout. Phillip Margolin delivers a quick piece that had me turning pages into the night.
Kudos, Mr. Margolin, for a great read!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 11, 2025
4.5 Stars
Karen Wyatt was falsely convicted on a manufactured drug charge after exposing corruption in the District Attorney’s Office as well as the police. She served time before having the conviction overturned. She also won a large sum which allows her pick and chose the cases she wants to defend. She’s also still investigating whether there were others in the DA’s office behind her setup.
I really enjoyed my first read by Phillip Margolin! It was a fast-paced crime procedural with a lot at play and several POVs. Karen had a few cases she worked through, up against a lazy, arrogant DA and it was satisfying to see her beat him with her smart thinking and strategy. I really liked Karen and I hope we get more mysteries with her as the star!
Thérèse Plummer is one of my all-time favorite narrators so it was an added pleasure having her narrative the story! A definite recommend!
I voluntarily listened to an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Karen Wyatt was falsely convicted on a manufactured drug charge after exposing corruption in the District Attorney’s Office as well as the police. She served time before having the conviction overturned. She also won a large sum which allows her pick and chose the cases she wants to defend. She’s also still investigating whether there were others in the DA’s office behind her setup.
I really enjoyed my first read by Phillip Margolin! It was a fast-paced crime procedural with a lot at play and several POVs. Karen had a few cases she worked through, up against a lazy, arrogant DA and it was satisfying to see her beat him with her smart thinking and strategy. I really liked Karen and I hope we get more mysteries with her as the star!
Thérèse Plummer is one of my all-time favorite narrators so it was an added pleasure having her narrative the story! A definite recommend!
I voluntarily listened to an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
November 11, 2025
Fair, At Best!
Thirty-two years ago, after finished an advance reader copy of Margolin’s Gone, But Not Forgotten, and then followed by two of his other excellent legal thrillers (After Dark and Long Lake), Margolin quickly became one of my favorite authors. Over the last three decades I read a number of his other legal thrillers but, sadly, I found myself being increasingly less and less satisfied with them; with False Witness being the first of his books I’ve read in about ten years.
Unfortunately, my opinion of this book as well as of most of the other more recent of his books I read, represents a significant decline from what I loved in his early works.
Here are some of the reasons why I feel False Witness is just fair, at best, in comparison:
…its plot, while ambitious, had too many threads which were not tied together tightly enough, resulting in it being not as focused as it could have been;
…several of the plot elements seemed too far-fetched and implausible;
…its main and secondary characters were notably less strongly and credibly developed than what I previously counted on Margolin to deliver;
…just mediocre in terms of building and maintaining suspense, with surprising and believable endings; and
…while still entertaining, False Witness in terms of “legal thriller spheres” now seem familiar and somewhat formulaic.
Overall, False Witness is good enough to finish but not a book I recommend you rush out to read.
#False Witness #NetGalley
Thirty-two years ago, after finished an advance reader copy of Margolin’s Gone, But Not Forgotten, and then followed by two of his other excellent legal thrillers (After Dark and Long Lake), Margolin quickly became one of my favorite authors. Over the last three decades I read a number of his other legal thrillers but, sadly, I found myself being increasingly less and less satisfied with them; with False Witness being the first of his books I’ve read in about ten years.
Unfortunately, my opinion of this book as well as of most of the other more recent of his books I read, represents a significant decline from what I loved in his early works.
Here are some of the reasons why I feel False Witness is just fair, at best, in comparison:
…its plot, while ambitious, had too many threads which were not tied together tightly enough, resulting in it being not as focused as it could have been;
…several of the plot elements seemed too far-fetched and implausible;
…its main and secondary characters were notably less strongly and credibly developed than what I previously counted on Margolin to deliver;
…just mediocre in terms of building and maintaining suspense, with surprising and believable endings; and
…while still entertaining, False Witness in terms of “legal thriller spheres” now seem familiar and somewhat formulaic.
Overall, False Witness is good enough to finish but not a book I recommend you rush out to read.
#False Witness #NetGalley
July 3, 2025
False Witness is a legal thriller with twists and a great lead in Karen Wyatt, a lawyer, who was framed and spent time in jail because of it.
Phillip Margolin keeps the tension high as Karen fights to uncover the truth behind a deadly conspiracy. Fast-paced, smart, and impossible to put down! I read this book in one afternoon!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review.
Phillip Margolin keeps the tension high as Karen fights to uncover the truth behind a deadly conspiracy. Fast-paced, smart, and impossible to put down! I read this book in one afternoon!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review.
August 25, 2025
A great thriller. I loved the characters, especially Karen.
November 18, 2025
False Witness follows a defense attorney who was framed on drug charges and was later disbarred. A series of betrayal, the complexities of the justice system, personal redemption, and the lengths people will go to for power and revenge.
November 21, 2025
"A lawyer who was set-up, imprisoned, and disbarred, only to be vindicated and reinstated, is determined to find out who set her up and cover their tracks with a trail of dead bodies."
Karen Wyatt is determined to find out who set her up and had her imprisoned four years earlier. Because of the wrongful imprisonment she received a handsome settlement and is able to use those resources to get answers while simultaneously working a case. Things get complicated with lots of subplots and characters to deep track of. There is the murder trial, a corrupt DA and law enforcement, as well as a dangerous motorcycle gang, and a politician who claims he was abducted by aliens. These stories may seem unrelated but Margolin seamlessly weaves then all together for readers in the end.
This is a fast-paced, engaging legal thriller that fans of John Grisham and Michael Connelly are sure to love. The audiobook performance by Therese Plummer is engaging and she captures the emotions of multiple characters. Many thanks to Macmillan Audio, NetGalley and Phillip Margolin for an advance listening copy in exchange for my honest review. 🎧
Karen Wyatt is determined to find out who set her up and had her imprisoned four years earlier. Because of the wrongful imprisonment she received a handsome settlement and is able to use those resources to get answers while simultaneously working a case. Things get complicated with lots of subplots and characters to deep track of. There is the murder trial, a corrupt DA and law enforcement, as well as a dangerous motorcycle gang, and a politician who claims he was abducted by aliens. These stories may seem unrelated but Margolin seamlessly weaves then all together for readers in the end.
This is a fast-paced, engaging legal thriller that fans of John Grisham and Michael Connelly are sure to love. The audiobook performance by Therese Plummer is engaging and she captures the emotions of multiple characters. Many thanks to Macmillan Audio, NetGalley and Phillip Margolin for an advance listening copy in exchange for my honest review. 🎧
November 24, 2025
3.5 Stars
False Witness is an intricately woven story.
Many characters.
However, it’s easy to read quickly so I was able to keep track of the characters.
I found this book too choppy & not up to par for Philip Margolin.
I usually love Philip Margolin’s novels.
Still, this was an intriguing read.
Please see other reviews for more details and comments.
False Witness is an intricately woven story.
Many characters.
However, it’s easy to read quickly so I was able to keep track of the characters.
I found this book too choppy & not up to par for Philip Margolin.
I usually love Philip Margolin’s novels.
Still, this was an intriguing read.
Please see other reviews for more details and comments.
Read
December 13, 2025DNF at 5%. Profanity. The story was quite interesting.
October 7, 2025
Attorney Karen Wyatt was framed by crooked police officers and a DA and imprisoned. After exposing the corruption, she was exonerated, won a huge settlement and has returned to practicing law. She takes on the case of a man accused of stealing a Jaguar and killing the owner. Is he guilty or was it a set up? Then there is the congressman who went missing and claimed to have been abducted by aliens, financial shenanigans by the murder victim, a desperado motorcycle Gang, and it seems there is still corruption within the DAs office.
Over four decades since his debut novel, Phillip Margolin continues to captivate readers with his storytelling. This mystery/crime story/legal thriller has a plot that moves along at a brisk pace that keeps the reader engaged. Initially, multiple storylines appear to diverge, but Margolin skillfully weaves them together by the end.
While I’m uncertain if this will be a new series to accompany Margolin’s popular Robin Lockwood series, I do like the character of Karen, particularly her sense of fairness and justice, as well as her intelligence. I also enjoyed her investigator, Morris, a former police officer.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @StMartinsPress @Minotaur_Books for the DRC.
Over four decades since his debut novel, Phillip Margolin continues to captivate readers with his storytelling. This mystery/crime story/legal thriller has a plot that moves along at a brisk pace that keeps the reader engaged. Initially, multiple storylines appear to diverge, but Margolin skillfully weaves them together by the end.
While I’m uncertain if this will be a new series to accompany Margolin’s popular Robin Lockwood series, I do like the character of Karen, particularly her sense of fairness and justice, as well as her intelligence. I also enjoyed her investigator, Morris, a former police officer.
Thanks to @NetGalley and @StMartinsPress @Minotaur_Books for the DRC.
August 6, 2025
Thanks to Minotaur Books for gifted access via NetGalley. All opinions below are my own.
This was a very complex set of intertwined crimes where you’re presented with a bunch of seemingly unrelated dominoes that come together in the most unexpected ways. A politician claiming to be abducted by aliens after publicly challenging their existence, a lawyer who has just been sprung from prison after being framed, a brutal murder and a violent motorcycle gang are our main characters. But chapter after chapter we get new lives and new unusual circumstances which weave into the story. At times it was a little overwhelming but having read Margolin before I trusted the process. It definitely all comes together nicely with several explosive moments. I really liked that we got both courtroom fireworks and great action scenes.
This was a very complex set of intertwined crimes where you’re presented with a bunch of seemingly unrelated dominoes that come together in the most unexpected ways. A politician claiming to be abducted by aliens after publicly challenging their existence, a lawyer who has just been sprung from prison after being framed, a brutal murder and a violent motorcycle gang are our main characters. But chapter after chapter we get new lives and new unusual circumstances which weave into the story. At times it was a little overwhelming but having read Margolin before I trusted the process. It definitely all comes together nicely with several explosive moments. I really liked that we got both courtroom fireworks and great action scenes.
August 8, 2025
Set up by corrupt cops and district attorneys, disbarred lawyer Karen Wyatt wins her release from jail and gets reinstated to the bar following a post conviction hearing. Three years later, she’s defending a patsy in a murder trial that has far-reaching implications. False Witness is a fast-moving legal thriller with a multi-pronged plot and plenty of twists. There’s a lot of moving parts and characters here keeping the reader on their toes as Wyatt tries to defend her client while the bodies around them are dropping like flies. Part police procedural, part courtroom drama, this was an engrossing read that just flew by, totally enjoyable. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I discovered this author earlier this year when I was looking for lawyer series. I LOVED his Robin Lockwood series and hope to continue reading it soon. When I saw this new standalone, I was thrilled to read it.
False Witness has several plots and mini plots with different legal cases. I guess Karen Wyatt is mostly the main character. She was set up and wrongly imprisoned. Now she is out, has some wealth from her false incarceration, and notoriety as well. She was and is a talented criminal defense attorney with compassion for others.
One of her cases is a young guy accused to killing a wealthy businessman. There's also a congressman who disappeared and is fuzzy on what happened to him, as well as a corrupt lawyer in the DA's office. There are police and federal authorities investigating these crimes or possible crimes, of course.
It's fun to learn Karen's smart legal strategies and see the clever work of her investigator. I really enjoy this author and hope to read more of his books. Karen could even be the foundation for a new series as I'd happily read more about her and her firm.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I discovered this author earlier this year when I was looking for lawyer series. I LOVED his Robin Lockwood series and hope to continue reading it soon. When I saw this new standalone, I was thrilled to read it.
False Witness has several plots and mini plots with different legal cases. I guess Karen Wyatt is mostly the main character. She was set up and wrongly imprisoned. Now she is out, has some wealth from her false incarceration, and notoriety as well. She was and is a talented criminal defense attorney with compassion for others.
One of her cases is a young guy accused to killing a wealthy businessman. There's also a congressman who disappeared and is fuzzy on what happened to him, as well as a corrupt lawyer in the DA's office. There are police and federal authorities investigating these crimes or possible crimes, of course.
It's fun to learn Karen's smart legal strategies and see the clever work of her investigator. I really enjoy this author and hope to read more of his books. Karen could even be the foundation for a new series as I'd happily read more about her and her firm.
September 3, 2025
This book starts off by throwing out several different storylines that are seemingly not related, yet the more time elapses, the more the puzzle pieces begin to unravel. The main focuses though, seems to be with FMC and Defense Attorney Karen Wyatt. She is just released from prison after spending a year incarcerated. She was framed and convicted for a crime she didn't commit. Oh, and she was also disbarred. Once she is released and everything overturned and reinstated, she wins several lawsuits against the city and now - exceedingly wealthy, she has the luxury of picking which cases she chooses to take.
One of her clients is a young man who was also apparently set up to steal a car and was then framed for a murder. It is this case that starts to bring everything together.
Unfortunately, I wanted to like this more than I actually did. I was a huge fan of Mr. Margolin's Robin Lockwood series but it has been years since I've read one of his books. This book felt clunky - that is probably not a good word to use, but it was the word that came to mind.
I also wanted to like Karen more than I did. After everything she was put through, I should have really rooted for her and been a huge fan. I just wasn't. I didn't NOT like her, I just never felt comfortable with her character and that is a problem.
The book does come together at the end and everything seems to be tied up in the end. I enjoyed the courtroom portions of this the most and really enjoyed the scenes with Karen as she went up against the very irritating prosecutor.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on November 11, 2025.
One of her clients is a young man who was also apparently set up to steal a car and was then framed for a murder. It is this case that starts to bring everything together.
Unfortunately, I wanted to like this more than I actually did. I was a huge fan of Mr. Margolin's Robin Lockwood series but it has been years since I've read one of his books. This book felt clunky - that is probably not a good word to use, but it was the word that came to mind.
I also wanted to like Karen more than I did. After everything she was put through, I should have really rooted for her and been a huge fan. I just wasn't. I didn't NOT like her, I just never felt comfortable with her character and that is a problem.
The book does come together at the end and everything seems to be tied up in the end. I enjoyed the courtroom portions of this the most and really enjoyed the scenes with Karen as she went up against the very irritating prosecutor.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This book will be out for publication on November 11, 2025.
November 11, 2025
There are lots of twists and turns in this story so that was very entertaining. I also enjoyed the premise of the plot - someone imprisoned for something they didn't do is liberated. Very socially conscious theme. I loved when the prosecution and defense were making their arguments and questioning and re-questioning the various people on the stand.
The narration was excellent. I could tell when the different people were speaking and that doesn't always happen with audiobooks. High marks!
I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me an e-copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
The narration was excellent. I could tell when the different people were speaking and that doesn't always happen with audiobooks. High marks!
I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me an e-copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
November 4, 2025
https://wendyreadit.wordpress.com/202...
This story is like reading an episode of 'Lincoln Lawyer" or any similar legal drama. In this story, a lawyer is wrongly convicted of a crime and disbarred. When this crime is discovered, the lawyer, Karen Wyatt, gets her law license reinstated and she's determined to find out who set her up. Leave yourself plenty of time to read this suspenseful mystery or listen to the well narrated audio version. 4 stars
This story is like reading an episode of 'Lincoln Lawyer" or any similar legal drama. In this story, a lawyer is wrongly convicted of a crime and disbarred. When this crime is discovered, the lawyer, Karen Wyatt, gets her law license reinstated and she's determined to find out who set her up. Leave yourself plenty of time to read this suspenseful mystery or listen to the well narrated audio version. 4 stars
November 7, 2025
3/5
Thank you Minotaur and Macmillan Audio for the gifted advanced copies!
This was very “eh" overall. I loved all of the courtroom scenes and definitely found those to be the best part of this book. A lot of events felt like happenstance and coincidence. There were a couple of good surprises that kept me intrigued. I had a really hard time connecting with this one from the beginning, because it kind of jumps right into a story that feels as if you are starting from the middle of a series… But you’re not. I really like this author's legal approach to thrillers, and that’s what made me stick with this one. It was entertaining, and confusing. Felt too quick to really connect with any of the characters beyond the surface. Not sure this type of writing is my vibe overall.
Thank you Minotaur and Macmillan Audio for the gifted advanced copies!
This was very “eh" overall. I loved all of the courtroom scenes and definitely found those to be the best part of this book. A lot of events felt like happenstance and coincidence. There were a couple of good surprises that kept me intrigued. I had a really hard time connecting with this one from the beginning, because it kind of jumps right into a story that feels as if you are starting from the middle of a series… But you’re not. I really like this author's legal approach to thrillers, and that’s what made me stick with this one. It was entertaining, and confusing. Felt too quick to really connect with any of the characters beyond the surface. Not sure this type of writing is my vibe overall.
October 29, 2025
*Audiobook
This was a solid read with an excellent choice in audio narration (Thérèse Plummer). She did a wonderful job.
I enjoyed this book although I did get a little lost in the characters from time to time.
If you like legal thrillers then you can always count on this author as a safe bet.
This was a solid read with an excellent choice in audio narration (Thérèse Plummer). She did a wonderful job.
I enjoyed this book although I did get a little lost in the characters from time to time.
If you like legal thrillers then you can always count on this author as a safe bet.
July 9, 2025
Another great story by a dynamic author.
Karen Wyatt was framed and sent to jail, bring disbarred from her career along the way.
After bring cleared when a whistleblower comes forth to reveal the setup by the police, she is released and reinstated as a lawyer.
And now she is on a mission: to only represent people she genuinely believes innocent and to find out who was behind her police frame and why.
Great suspense with riveting action. Police corruption, gangland drugs and political corruption are just a tip of the iceberg.
Super story with strong characters and a pace that moves right along.
Margolin grabbed the golden ring, once again.
Karen Wyatt was framed and sent to jail, bring disbarred from her career along the way.
After bring cleared when a whistleblower comes forth to reveal the setup by the police, she is released and reinstated as a lawyer.
And now she is on a mission: to only represent people she genuinely believes innocent and to find out who was behind her police frame and why.
Great suspense with riveting action. Police corruption, gangland drugs and political corruption are just a tip of the iceberg.
Super story with strong characters and a pace that moves right along.
Margolin grabbed the golden ring, once again.
December 3, 2025
An Engaging New Protagonist
Karen Wyatt, a prisoner for the past year, arrives in court for he post-conviction hearing. Her lawyer calls only one witness, Garrett Loman. He was a forensic expert employed by the Oregon State Crime Lab before he was convicted of stealing cocaine from the evidence locker. Loman testifies that Officer Max Ellis knew he had an addiction and had been stealing cocaine evidence. He said that Ellis would go to the district attorney if he didn’t plant Wyatt’s prints on a package containing cocaine that he had found her prints on the package. The drug dealer who supplied the Cocaine and Ellis was murdered. The judge vacates Wyatt’s conviction and orders her immediate release. The judge calls the Oregon State Bar and recommends that she be reinstated immediately. From this start, a complex mystery unfolds.
This novel is complex as it has five threads. Multiple characters narrate the first three threads. While this may seem daunting, I did not have any trouble following its various threads and how they interacted to create an excellent mystery. Therefore, this complexity should not discourage readers. The first thread introduces Karen Wyatt. As summarized above, significant relationships are established in that chapter. The second thread is Wyatt’s pro bono defence of Jack Blackburn for the murder of Terrance Cogen. He has a very fantastical explanation for why he was driving around in Cogen’s very expensive Jaguar. But, this thread did start with an ardent anti-UFO congressman stating that aliens kidnapped him on the night of Cogen’s murder. The third thread concerns the police investigation and the actions of the District Attorney’s office. The third thread is narrated primarily by Billy Kramer, who gave Blackburn his boss’s Jaguar to drive and wasn’t available to accept it back. The fourth thread deals with the Devil’s Disciples, a criminal motorcycle gang. This thread adds a criminal element into the mix. The last thread deals with the congressman’s wife and Cogen’s widow. Besides having a case that looks like a jumbled Rubik’s cube, Wyatt’s also has a prosecutor and a police department that have her in their crosshairs. Also, there is a suspicion of a leak in the prosecutor’s office. The pace of the novel is good, but it seems to slow down as the last three threads come to the forefront. The main storyline becomes more complex, the number of possible suspects increases, and potential motives become evident. This complexity captured my interest.
The prologue chapter provides much of Karen Wyatt’s background, which is supplemented throughout the book. There are no real B-storyline threads, as her personal side is provided mainly through her interactions with her investigator and one of the prosecuting attorneys. I found that Wyatt’s background was adequate.
This novel should not cause most readers to stop reading due to the usual trifecta of reasons. There are no intimate scenes in this novel. There is a low level of crude language, a touch of rude language, and relatively low impious language. Violence is described after the fact, except for when the perpetrator was told how the murder was done.
I only had one minor issue with this novel. The last two chapters provide a glimpse of the future for the principal characters, except for one, who received only a compliment. I would have liked something more positive for that character. I liked this new character as a good addition to Robin Lockwood in the five novels of that series that I read. This novel is not advertised as a series; I think that Wyatt is a sustainable character for a series. I strongly recommend this novel and thoroughly enjoyed it. I rate it with five stars.
I received the free, pre-publication e-book version of this novel from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, St. Martin’s Press, for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
Karen Wyatt, a prisoner for the past year, arrives in court for he post-conviction hearing. Her lawyer calls only one witness, Garrett Loman. He was a forensic expert employed by the Oregon State Crime Lab before he was convicted of stealing cocaine from the evidence locker. Loman testifies that Officer Max Ellis knew he had an addiction and had been stealing cocaine evidence. He said that Ellis would go to the district attorney if he didn’t plant Wyatt’s prints on a package containing cocaine that he had found her prints on the package. The drug dealer who supplied the Cocaine and Ellis was murdered. The judge vacates Wyatt’s conviction and orders her immediate release. The judge calls the Oregon State Bar and recommends that she be reinstated immediately. From this start, a complex mystery unfolds.
This novel is complex as it has five threads. Multiple characters narrate the first three threads. While this may seem daunting, I did not have any trouble following its various threads and how they interacted to create an excellent mystery. Therefore, this complexity should not discourage readers. The first thread introduces Karen Wyatt. As summarized above, significant relationships are established in that chapter. The second thread is Wyatt’s pro bono defence of Jack Blackburn for the murder of Terrance Cogen. He has a very fantastical explanation for why he was driving around in Cogen’s very expensive Jaguar. But, this thread did start with an ardent anti-UFO congressman stating that aliens kidnapped him on the night of Cogen’s murder. The third thread concerns the police investigation and the actions of the District Attorney’s office. The third thread is narrated primarily by Billy Kramer, who gave Blackburn his boss’s Jaguar to drive and wasn’t available to accept it back. The fourth thread deals with the Devil’s Disciples, a criminal motorcycle gang. This thread adds a criminal element into the mix. The last thread deals with the congressman’s wife and Cogen’s widow. Besides having a case that looks like a jumbled Rubik’s cube, Wyatt’s also has a prosecutor and a police department that have her in their crosshairs. Also, there is a suspicion of a leak in the prosecutor’s office. The pace of the novel is good, but it seems to slow down as the last three threads come to the forefront. The main storyline becomes more complex, the number of possible suspects increases, and potential motives become evident. This complexity captured my interest.
The prologue chapter provides much of Karen Wyatt’s background, which is supplemented throughout the book. There are no real B-storyline threads, as her personal side is provided mainly through her interactions with her investigator and one of the prosecuting attorneys. I found that Wyatt’s background was adequate.
This novel should not cause most readers to stop reading due to the usual trifecta of reasons. There are no intimate scenes in this novel. There is a low level of crude language, a touch of rude language, and relatively low impious language. Violence is described after the fact, except for when the perpetrator was told how the murder was done.
I only had one minor issue with this novel. The last two chapters provide a glimpse of the future for the principal characters, except for one, who received only a compliment. I would have liked something more positive for that character. I liked this new character as a good addition to Robin Lockwood in the five novels of that series that I read. This novel is not advertised as a series; I think that Wyatt is a sustainable character for a series. I strongly recommend this novel and thoroughly enjoyed it. I rate it with five stars.
I received the free, pre-publication e-book version of this novel from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. My review is based solely on my own reading experience. Thank you, St. Martin’s Press, for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
November 6, 2025
Thank you Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for the advanced copy of False Witness in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
The true test of a thriller's creativity is how successfully it blends the probable with the impossible and managing the fine line between the two. The author achieved this feat, opening with a bold, ambitious subplot: the possible discovery of alien life. Yes, you read that right. It is a testament to the talent behind the penmanship that such a subject can be immediately introduced and remain credible in the process.
While the talk of aliens and there existence remained prominent, what followed was a remarkably well-rounded story that operates simultaneously as a gripping legal thriller and an intricate "who-dunnit." The plot maintained a relentless, easy-to-follow pace, and there was never a dull moment along the way. The mystery and suspense element was exceptionally high, and the fast pace kept me engaged throughout the entire book.
The narrative is driven by an equally impressive and fully developed cast of characters. While the entire ensemble is strong, the female lead was the definitive standout. She possessed a compelling presence and a deeply intriguing backstory, making her instantly memorable. I could easily see this character leading a potential series, and I would be happy to follow her future exploits.
The twists and turns in this book were extremely unpredictable. I was glad to be kept guessing as I was unable to get a handle on the central mystery until the final pages—a sign of a truly superior reading experience. I would recommend this book, not only to those who love the thriller genre but also to readers seeking a well-done and creatively ambitious story. This book delivered both in spades.
The true test of a thriller's creativity is how successfully it blends the probable with the impossible and managing the fine line between the two. The author achieved this feat, opening with a bold, ambitious subplot: the possible discovery of alien life. Yes, you read that right. It is a testament to the talent behind the penmanship that such a subject can be immediately introduced and remain credible in the process.
While the talk of aliens and there existence remained prominent, what followed was a remarkably well-rounded story that operates simultaneously as a gripping legal thriller and an intricate "who-dunnit." The plot maintained a relentless, easy-to-follow pace, and there was never a dull moment along the way. The mystery and suspense element was exceptionally high, and the fast pace kept me engaged throughout the entire book.
The narrative is driven by an equally impressive and fully developed cast of characters. While the entire ensemble is strong, the female lead was the definitive standout. She possessed a compelling presence and a deeply intriguing backstory, making her instantly memorable. I could easily see this character leading a potential series, and I would be happy to follow her future exploits.
The twists and turns in this book were extremely unpredictable. I was glad to be kept guessing as I was unable to get a handle on the central mystery until the final pages—a sign of a truly superior reading experience. I would recommend this book, not only to those who love the thriller genre but also to readers seeking a well-done and creatively ambitious story. This book delivered both in spades.
November 6, 2025
WOW!! Talk about your head spinning!! This one is crazy!!
We open up with a defense lawyer, who has been in jail for the past year, being set free after it was proven that she was set up, and all the charges against her were dropped. This does not take away from the fact that she spent an entire year in jail!! For false charges!! And she is not going to rest until she finds out who set her up...
As we go on, we find out that she had a target on her back once she exposed that police, government and judges were involved in a case she had tried... and that they were corrupt...
So, as she goes about getting her life back on track, she stumbles upon some other stuff... that has her eyes wide open!
Aliens. People getting killed. Drug cartels. Motorcycle Gangs. Government. Very wealthy people. Etc, etc...
I will warn that there are some disturbing ** triggers ** in this one involving brutal deaths and torture scenes... so, if you are prone to not do well with these things, you might want to avoid this one.
*** Otherwise, keep your eyes 👀 open for it!! It will be released in less than a week on 11/11/25!! ***
4 bold, scary, spine-tingling stars for me!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#FalseWitness by @PhillipMargolin and narrated phenomenally by @TheresePlummer.
Thanks so much to @NetGalley and @MacmillanAudiofor an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
We open up with a defense lawyer, who has been in jail for the past year, being set free after it was proven that she was set up, and all the charges against her were dropped. This does not take away from the fact that she spent an entire year in jail!! For false charges!! And she is not going to rest until she finds out who set her up...
As we go on, we find out that she had a target on her back once she exposed that police, government and judges were involved in a case she had tried... and that they were corrupt...
So, as she goes about getting her life back on track, she stumbles upon some other stuff... that has her eyes wide open!
Aliens. People getting killed. Drug cartels. Motorcycle Gangs. Government. Very wealthy people. Etc, etc...
I will warn that there are some disturbing ** triggers ** in this one involving brutal deaths and torture scenes... so, if you are prone to not do well with these things, you might want to avoid this one.
*** Otherwise, keep your eyes 👀 open for it!! It will be released in less than a week on 11/11/25!! ***
4 bold, scary, spine-tingling stars for me!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#FalseWitness by @PhillipMargolin and narrated phenomenally by @TheresePlummer.
Thanks so much to @NetGalley and @MacmillanAudiofor an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
November 18, 2025
False Witness by Philip Margolin
Audiobook: 🎧 6 hours 38 minutes
Publication Date: November 11, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨✨BOOK REVIEW✨✨
👩🏻⚖️ False Witness opens with an attorney, Karen Wyatt, who becomes entangled in a dangerous situation after trying to expose corruption. What happens to her is not random.
💵 Wyatt has challenged some powerful and dangerous people. Who has she crossed that has the influence, money, and connections to manipulate her treacherous downfall? Karen will not stop until she uncovers the truth of who framed her, why, and how far the conspiracy reaches. Karen learns her case is tied to multiple layers of hidden crime, powerful alliances, and deeply buried secrets.
✍🏻 The author, Philip Margolin gradually reveals the truth through multiple intertwined storylines. Margolin, uses her downfall to set up the novel’s central mystery and to show how deeply any type of wrongdoing can reach into legal systems.
📝 I really respected Karen’s persistence and the lengths she went to in order to uncover who was trying to destroy her. Philip Margolin weaves a convoluted web in this masterful story. However, I did feel that there were a few too many characters to keep track of, and it was challenging at times to remember how they were connected to past events and characters.
🎙️ As far as the narration goes, Therese Plummer delivered an outstanding performance, giving each character a unique voice that perfectly matched their personality. I could sense the danger, the desperation, and the eagerness in her tone as the story unfolded.
A big thank-you to Macmillan’s Early Listener Program for generously providing me with an ALC of this story in exchange for an honest review.
#MacAudio2025 #readrelaxrevelrepeat #FalseWitness #PhilipMargolin #LegalThriller #CrimeThriller #MysteryBooks #ThrillerReads #BookRecommendations
Audiobook: 🎧 6 hours 38 minutes
Publication Date: November 11, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✨✨BOOK REVIEW✨✨
👩🏻⚖️ False Witness opens with an attorney, Karen Wyatt, who becomes entangled in a dangerous situation after trying to expose corruption. What happens to her is not random.
💵 Wyatt has challenged some powerful and dangerous people. Who has she crossed that has the influence, money, and connections to manipulate her treacherous downfall? Karen will not stop until she uncovers the truth of who framed her, why, and how far the conspiracy reaches. Karen learns her case is tied to multiple layers of hidden crime, powerful alliances, and deeply buried secrets.
✍🏻 The author, Philip Margolin gradually reveals the truth through multiple intertwined storylines. Margolin, uses her downfall to set up the novel’s central mystery and to show how deeply any type of wrongdoing can reach into legal systems.
📝 I really respected Karen’s persistence and the lengths she went to in order to uncover who was trying to destroy her. Philip Margolin weaves a convoluted web in this masterful story. However, I did feel that there were a few too many characters to keep track of, and it was challenging at times to remember how they were connected to past events and characters.
🎙️ As far as the narration goes, Therese Plummer delivered an outstanding performance, giving each character a unique voice that perfectly matched their personality. I could sense the danger, the desperation, and the eagerness in her tone as the story unfolded.
A big thank-you to Macmillan’s Early Listener Program for generously providing me with an ALC of this story in exchange for an honest review.
#MacAudio2025 #readrelaxrevelrepeat #FalseWitness #PhilipMargolin #LegalThriller #CrimeThriller #MysteryBooks #ThrillerReads #BookRecommendations
October 29, 2025
This was a story of corruption inside the police force in Portland, Oregon.
Defense Attorney Karen Wyatt was just released from a year in prison where she was wrongfully set up and disbarred. She got out and turned herself around becoming very successful. It didn’t take her long before picking and choosing her next case and it was a doozy.
It was a slow start. I wasn’t sure where it was going at first. Some books take time and this was the case with this story. One challenge was trying to keep track of the multiple characters. It was frustrating with the introduction of a new name in a number of chapters. I found it to be distracting.
Yet, it showed another side of how power can corrupt in the government system. We always want the honest characters to win over mismanagement. I was glad it was a strong woman who fought for justice. This was one variation of what can happen. It has some far-fetched twists and suspense that made a decent story.
My thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of November 11, 2025. This is my personal viewpoint.
Defense Attorney Karen Wyatt was just released from a year in prison where she was wrongfully set up and disbarred. She got out and turned herself around becoming very successful. It didn’t take her long before picking and choosing her next case and it was a doozy.
It was a slow start. I wasn’t sure where it was going at first. Some books take time and this was the case with this story. One challenge was trying to keep track of the multiple characters. It was frustrating with the introduction of a new name in a number of chapters. I found it to be distracting.
Yet, it showed another side of how power can corrupt in the government system. We always want the honest characters to win over mismanagement. I was glad it was a strong woman who fought for justice. This was one variation of what can happen. It has some far-fetched twists and suspense that made a decent story.
My thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of November 11, 2025. This is my personal viewpoint.
November 8, 2025
I have a hard time resisting books by Phillip Margolin. I know if I want an exciting thriller that jump right in, not wasting time to get to into a web of danger and conspiracy Mr. Margolin is the author to do so.
In “False Witness” we are into a complex puzzle when Defense Attorney Karen Wyatt expose corruption in the police and the District Attorney’s office while representing a client in court. In doing so she put a target on her back. She definitely got herself in a pickle.
The author keeps the tension high as Karen goes about her business of practicing law. Going through her list of suspects working hard to find the mole in the DA’s office. The plot doesn’t take a breather; many twists and turns await moving the storyline briskly and along the way I couldn’t help but to flip pages at a rapid pace to see what Karen would face next.
A lot goes on: a congressman has been kidnapped by aliens (so he says), a man murdered, a stolen car leading to an arrest and it goes on and on. Of course, all the action leads to a well-written trial. It has kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I have to mention we have many characters to follow, it may be, a bit of a challenge.
This latest did not disappoint: well-said and well-done
My thank to St-Martin’s Press for this ARC which I received from Netgalley for my thoughts: this is the way I see it.
In “False Witness” we are into a complex puzzle when Defense Attorney Karen Wyatt expose corruption in the police and the District Attorney’s office while representing a client in court. In doing so she put a target on her back. She definitely got herself in a pickle.
The author keeps the tension high as Karen goes about her business of practicing law. Going through her list of suspects working hard to find the mole in the DA’s office. The plot doesn’t take a breather; many twists and turns await moving the storyline briskly and along the way I couldn’t help but to flip pages at a rapid pace to see what Karen would face next.
A lot goes on: a congressman has been kidnapped by aliens (so he says), a man murdered, a stolen car leading to an arrest and it goes on and on. Of course, all the action leads to a well-written trial. It has kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I have to mention we have many characters to follow, it may be, a bit of a challenge.
This latest did not disappoint: well-said and well-done
My thank to St-Martin’s Press for this ARC which I received from Netgalley for my thoughts: this is the way I see it.
November 24, 2025
Thank you Macmillan Audio for this gifted audiobook!
This book was a pretty quick read/listen, though it was not necessarily the most memorable I've read. This is a great option for anyone who needs a quick and easy legal thriller/mystery. At first, the multiple POVs seemed to be a little too much and it was hard to keep everything straight, but towards the end as dots started to connect, the purpose of each plotline made sense. I think everything came together nicely at the end. Like I said, not exactly a memorable read with jaw dropping plot twists or anything, but a quick read if you need something more low key.
The narration was really great so I definitely recommend the audiobook. Therese Plummer's narration is what kept me invested at the beginning when I felt a little overwhelmed by all the POVs and plotlines. She is a great performer and her voice worked really well for this type of story.
This book was a pretty quick read/listen, though it was not necessarily the most memorable I've read. This is a great option for anyone who needs a quick and easy legal thriller/mystery. At first, the multiple POVs seemed to be a little too much and it was hard to keep everything straight, but towards the end as dots started to connect, the purpose of each plotline made sense. I think everything came together nicely at the end. Like I said, not exactly a memorable read with jaw dropping plot twists or anything, but a quick read if you need something more low key.
The narration was really great so I definitely recommend the audiobook. Therese Plummer's narration is what kept me invested at the beginning when I felt a little overwhelmed by all the POVs and plotlines. She is a great performer and her voice worked really well for this type of story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews