What do you think?
Alex Hayes #2
11th Hour Witness
A Missing Witness. A Dark Conspiracy. A Prosecutor with Everything to Lose.
Assistant District Attorney Alex Hayes is no stranger to high-stakes cases, but when a key witness in a human trafficking investigation vanishes, she’s thrust into a battle unlike any she’s faced before. What starts as a desperate search for answers takes a shocking turn when Alex uncovers ties between the case and her late mother’s secret past—a past shrouded in conspiracy and betrayal.
As she digs deeper, Alex discovers evidence linking her mother to a sprawling trafficking ring and powerful players determined to keep their secrets buried. But the truth comes at a price. With political pressure mounting and her own career on the line, Alex must navigate a treacherous path of lies, corruption, and buried family secrets. When a surprise witness emerges, Alex faces a harrowing courtroom showdown that will determine not only the outcome of the case but also her own future.
In a world where justice is often a pawn in a dangerous game, Alex must decide how far she’s willing to go to uncover the truth—and what she’s willing to sacrifice along the way.
Assistant District Attorney Alex Hayes is no stranger to high-stakes cases, but when a key witness in a human trafficking investigation vanishes, she’s thrust into a battle unlike any she’s faced before. What starts as a desperate search for answers takes a shocking turn when Alex uncovers ties between the case and her late mother’s secret past—a past shrouded in conspiracy and betrayal.
As she digs deeper, Alex discovers evidence linking her mother to a sprawling trafficking ring and powerful players determined to keep their secrets buried. But the truth comes at a price. With political pressure mounting and her own career on the line, Alex must navigate a treacherous path of lies, corruption, and buried family secrets. When a surprise witness emerges, Alex faces a harrowing courtroom showdown that will determine not only the outcome of the case but also her own future.
In a world where justice is often a pawn in a dangerous game, Alex must decide how far she’s willing to go to uncover the truth—and what she’s willing to sacrifice along the way.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
About the author
L.T. Ryan
277 books1,579 followersL.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 15, 2025
A very intriguing story of seeking true justice.
ADA Alex Hayes has made up her mind that she will not be satisfied with just a conviction without digging deeper into the facts to ensure all involved are also charged and brought to justice. Very impressive and entertaining reading.
ADA Alex Hayes has made up her mind that she will not be satisfied with just a conviction without digging deeper into the facts to ensure all involved are also charged and brought to justice. Very impressive and entertaining reading.
February 17, 2026
This one hooked me fast. Within the first few chapters, I was already fully drawn in and turning pages. It probably helped that I’d read the earlier books and was already invested, but either way, I was eager to see what was next for Alex — especially as more layers of her mother’s story began to unfold.
I love Alex’s determination and refusal to back down. That strength clearly runs in the family, though at times it feels like she may not be as cautious as she should be, given the history surrounding the case she’s digging into. The emotional stakes tied to her mother’s disappearance added depth and kept me genuinely curious about what really happened.
The overarching storyline is compelling and definitely keeps the momentum going. There were moments where some of the case connections felt a bit too coincidental or neatly aligned, but I was still fully along for the ride.
My only real struggle was with the repetition in descriptive language. Certain phrases and facial-expression details appeared frequently enough that they became distracting. The story itself is strong — I just found myself wishing for a little more variety and restraint in the prose.
Overall, though, it’s a gripping continuation with high emotional stakes and a storyline that kept me engaged from beginning to end. I finished it satisfied and still invested in what comes next.
I love Alex’s determination and refusal to back down. That strength clearly runs in the family, though at times it feels like she may not be as cautious as she should be, given the history surrounding the case she’s digging into. The emotional stakes tied to her mother’s disappearance added depth and kept me genuinely curious about what really happened.
The overarching storyline is compelling and definitely keeps the momentum going. There were moments where some of the case connections felt a bit too coincidental or neatly aligned, but I was still fully along for the ride.
My only real struggle was with the repetition in descriptive language. Certain phrases and facial-expression details appeared frequently enough that they became distracting. The story itself is strong — I just found myself wishing for a little more variety and restraint in the prose.
Overall, though, it’s a gripping continuation with high emotional stakes and a storyline that kept me engaged from beginning to end. I finished it satisfied and still invested in what comes next.
June 27, 2025
Like the first book, Fractured Verdict, I love the storyline mainly because of the twists and turns that it takes. For me to enjoy a good thriller, there has to be points in the book where it turns in a different direction. Between Alex Hayes questioning the guilt of the person she is prosecuting, to her trying to figure out what happened with her missing mother, the story was captivating and kept me wanting to continue reading even when I had to stop. From those points alone, I would have given 11th Hour Witness five stars.
However, the way Alex Hayes is portrayed detracts a little. I think it has more to do with the writer seemingly attached to using/repeating certain phrases. Some phrases can be eliminated or replaced with other similar phrases.
Aside from that, I do like the writing style and the storylines. I give this four stars but it is more like 4.5 to me.
However, the way Alex Hayes is portrayed detracts a little. I think it has more to do with the writer seemingly attached to using/repeating certain phrases. Some phrases can be eliminated or replaced with other similar phrases.
Aside from that, I do like the writing style and the storylines. I give this four stars but it is more like 4.5 to me.
November 17, 2025
Alex Hayes is at it again...trying to get herself killed!
Alex becomes embroiled in a case at the DAs office involving the discovery of 44 bodies (some dismembered) on the property of the accused, Pierce.
Her mother, Katherine, who also worked in the DAs office disappeared when Alex was 8, never to be seen again. Alex is determined to dig further into her mother's disapperance and when it becomes obvious that the case is tied to her mother's disapperance she digs in.
At the 11th hour of Pierce's trial a last minute witness, Lydia comes forward. She gives them evidence and testimony that will surely convict Pierce. But, Alex becomes skeptical and continues to dig further and further. Putting herself at an abandoned warehouse with a gun to her head.
How does it all come together and will her mother's disapperance will solved. And, what's next fr Alex.
Alex becomes embroiled in a case at the DAs office involving the discovery of 44 bodies (some dismembered) on the property of the accused, Pierce.
Her mother, Katherine, who also worked in the DAs office disappeared when Alex was 8, never to be seen again. Alex is determined to dig further into her mother's disapperance and when it becomes obvious that the case is tied to her mother's disapperance she digs in.
At the 11th hour of Pierce's trial a last minute witness, Lydia comes forward. She gives them evidence and testimony that will surely convict Pierce. But, Alex becomes skeptical and continues to dig further and further. Putting herself at an abandoned warehouse with a gun to her head.
How does it all come together and will her mother's disapperance will solved. And, what's next fr Alex.
March 29, 2025
Good, but some parts not so much
An awful lot of redundant, repetitive thoughts from Alex, which detracted from the overall pacing. But, as usual, a good read. Authors do need to pay a little more attention to errors , which were distracting. (One paragraph someone stands up, then stands up again two paragraphs later, without ever having sat down. Several typos, and it almost seemed like everyone’s smile never reached their eyes. In one case that happened to two different people within paragraphs of each other.) Again, however, worth a read.
An awful lot of redundant, repetitive thoughts from Alex, which detracted from the overall pacing. But, as usual, a good read. Authors do need to pay a little more attention to errors , which were distracting. (One paragraph someone stands up, then stands up again two paragraphs later, without ever having sat down. Several typos, and it almost seemed like everyone’s smile never reached their eyes. In one case that happened to two different people within paragraphs of each other.) Again, however, worth a read.
April 5, 2025
Dog With A Bone
My reading of a book always starts with the character. Do I like him or her? I found Alex at times annoying and she over thought her case but on the same hand it drove me further into wanting to know her better and what makes her tick. This case was personal, a piece of evidence captures her attention and like a dog with a bone, she doesn't let go. When I started reading this book, I was hooked just like a dog with a bone. I couldn't stop and put the book down. You won't be disappointed
My reading of a book always starts with the character. Do I like him or her? I found Alex at times annoying and she over thought her case but on the same hand it drove me further into wanting to know her better and what makes her tick. This case was personal, a piece of evidence captures her attention and like a dog with a bone, she doesn't let go. When I started reading this book, I was hooked just like a dog with a bone. I couldn't stop and put the book down. You won't be disappointed
May 3, 2025
Powerful, thoughtful, compelling thriller!
This book has many twists and turns along with surprises in the case Alex Hayes has been assigned to work with Shaw, a senior DA. Alex Hayes is also trying to find out what happened to her mother when she went missing while working on a trafficking case years ago. Excitement, intrigue, and the unsuspected is what you will find when you read this book. I highly recommend this book, and be sure to read book one and the prequel. Happy reading! ☺️
This book has many twists and turns along with surprises in the case Alex Hayes has been assigned to work with Shaw, a senior DA. Alex Hayes is also trying to find out what happened to her mother when she went missing while working on a trafficking case years ago. Excitement, intrigue, and the unsuspected is what you will find when you read this book. I highly recommend this book, and be sure to read book one and the prequel. Happy reading! ☺️
May 6, 2025
One fantastic team, Ryan and Chase
Be aware that you may have trouble putting this book down, as the plot thickens your night may last longer. Alex Hayes is one kick-ass prosecutor who seeks the truth regardless of the cost to her and her associates. At least she didn’t get shot this time. Can’t wait to see how she does at the Federal level. More power for her, she’ll probably charge even harder than before.
Be aware that you may have trouble putting this book down, as the plot thickens your night may last longer. Alex Hayes is one kick-ass prosecutor who seeks the truth regardless of the cost to her and her associates. At least she didn’t get shot this time. Can’t wait to see how she does at the Federal level. More power for her, she’ll probably charge even harder than before.
October 3, 2025
I’m obsessed
A lot of times when I read a great book,, I miss it, and now I’m on a prowl looking for another. Fortunately I don’t have to bc this is a series, and the writing is outstanding,, and I’m a picky reader. I read all Scott Pratt books, and this series here that Laura wrote is just as good if not better. The story, the details, the flow of the writing. I couldn’t wait to read when I had time, which was every night. So now on to the next book.
A lot of times when I read a great book,, I miss it, and now I’m on a prowl looking for another. Fortunately I don’t have to bc this is a series, and the writing is outstanding,, and I’m a picky reader. I read all Scott Pratt books, and this series here that Laura wrote is just as good if not better. The story, the details, the flow of the writing. I couldn’t wait to read when I had time, which was every night. So now on to the next book.
May 8, 2025
Excellent reading!
If you love a good lawyer and good courtroom drama, you will love Alex Hayes. I am impressed by her intuition. And she takes no crap from anyone. Sometimes, she doesn't know when to shut up. But she's tenacious and relentless in her pursuit of the truth! The next in the series is gonna be epic. She and Erin? Perfect pair.
If you love a good lawyer and good courtroom drama, you will love Alex Hayes. I am impressed by her intuition. And she takes no crap from anyone. Sometimes, she doesn't know when to shut up. But she's tenacious and relentless in her pursuit of the truth! The next in the series is gonna be epic. She and Erin? Perfect pair.
October 8, 2025
11th Hour Witness by LT Ryan
This 2nd book in Alex Hayes series was also very good, in fact, better than the first one with lots of intrigue. The identity of the mastermind behind the mass (44) murders with bodies stuffed in a mass burial ground was a complete surprise. Alex Hayes gets some closure in getting to know what happened to her mother.
This 2nd book in Alex Hayes series was also very good, in fact, better than the first one with lots of intrigue. The identity of the mastermind behind the mass (44) murders with bodies stuffed in a mass burial ground was a complete surprise. Alex Hayes gets some closure in getting to know what happened to her mother.
May 10, 2026
great read
Great read. I couldn’t put the book down. Ryan has a way to unravel a story where you instantly connect to the main characters. You like them. You root for them. Ryan narrates the story with outside references and expressions to help the reader see it all in his mind as you read. The tale goes fast enough so the read doesn’t lag.
Great read. I couldn’t put the book down. Ryan has a way to unravel a story where you instantly connect to the main characters. You like them. You root for them. Ryan narrates the story with outside references and expressions to help the reader see it all in his mind as you read. The tale goes fast enough so the read doesn’t lag.
August 18, 2026
Another good book
I thought it was well written and overall good story. The only issue I have… Alex needs to chill the heck out. Always clenching her fists, full of tension. Next book, she’ll be guzzling pepto bismal for her ulcer. Seriously, someone that uptight all the time needs a different job. She’s no good to herself or others. Just makes the story a bit harder to enjoy.
I thought it was well written and overall good story. The only issue I have… Alex needs to chill the heck out. Always clenching her fists, full of tension. Next book, she’ll be guzzling pepto bismal for her ulcer. Seriously, someone that uptight all the time needs a different job. She’s no good to herself or others. Just makes the story a bit harder to enjoy.
April 24, 2025
Loved every paragraph
If you like courtroom thrillers that are filled with twists and turns and keep you guessing throughout the book this is for you! Can't wait to read book 3 of the series!
If you like courtroom thrillers that are filled with twists and turns and keep you guessing throughout the book this is for you! Can't wait to read book 3 of the series!
April 27, 2025
Another amazing story
These authors put together great stories that contain intrigue Mystery and And great characters Once you start you don't want to finish until you're all done Great job
These authors put together great stories that contain intrigue Mystery and And great characters Once you start you don't want to finish until you're all done Great job
May 2, 2025
Maternal Perseverance Prevails
A prosecutor's gut feeling proves true as she investigates the twists and turns of a sex trafficking ring previously pursued by her deceased district attorney mom.
A prosecutor's gut feeling proves true as she investigates the twists and turns of a sex trafficking ring previously pursued by her deceased district attorney mom.
June 13, 2025
Exciting book
A story full of conspiracy, ( or two she ). Never true who she could trust even her own thoughts. It was a hold your breath with a good ending but questions still unanswered.
A story full of conspiracy, ( or two she ). Never true who she could trust even her own thoughts. It was a hold your breath with a good ending but questions still unanswered.
September 21, 2025
I swore after the first book, I wouldn’t read the next one. But I did. Alex is just a drama queen and a martyr. She always assumes the worst of her parents, friends and co-workers before trying to find out the truth.
October 8, 2025
Suspicion
Alex is always so suspicious of her colleagues, and cannot be blamed for it due to hierarchy. This time, they did not let her down, just continued to question her theories, until they came through
Alex is always so suspicious of her colleagues, and cannot be blamed for it due to hierarchy. This time, they did not let her down, just continued to question her theories, until they came through
February 13, 2026
Presumed Guilty until Proven Innocent
This book was hard to put down. It was very suspenseful. I thoroughly enjoyed following all the clues along the way to the surprising conclusion. Anyone choosing this book better have extra time to devote to reading it!
This book was hard to put down. It was very suspenseful. I thoroughly enjoyed following all the clues along the way to the surprising conclusion. Anyone choosing this book better have extra time to devote to reading it!
September 8, 2026
Not sure
At 20% read there are so many inconsistencies from book 1 it is difficult to think this author(s) even read book 1!
I will continue to read because I hope this book can redeem itself.
At 20% read there are so many inconsistencies from book 1 it is difficult to think this author(s) even read book 1!
I will continue to read because I hope this book can redeem itself.
March 29, 2025
Alex Hayes is in for the fight of her life. Secrets are revealed that will change her life. Awesome book!
March 29, 2025
All nighter
Couldn’t put it down, up till 3 am.
Very good plot. Unexpected ending.
Can’t wait to read book the next ones 8n the series.
Couldn’t put it down, up till 3 am.
Very good plot. Unexpected ending.
Can’t wait to read book the next ones 8n the series.
April 8, 2025
L.T. Ryan writes spectacular novels that incorporate all the action that is in our justice system.
April 11, 2025
Decent read....
April 12, 2025
Fran’s review
As usual, an excellent read. I have never been disappointed in a book by L T Ryan. Keep the ink flowing, Mr. Rya. I promise I’ll keep reading.
As usual, an excellent read. I have never been disappointed in a book by L T Ryan. Keep the ink flowing, Mr. Rya. I promise I’ll keep reading.
April 14, 2025
CC1
This was a great chapter in the Alex, Hayes saga. Very good fighting back trying to prove her point . 10 stars plus!!!! Thanks, Carl Clause
This was a great chapter in the Alex, Hayes saga. Very good fighting back trying to prove her point . 10 stars plus!!!! Thanks, Carl Clause
April 19, 2025
well Executed
This definitely makes for another book to unscramble what has been uncovered. The “tease” for book 3 leaves me wondering if this will ever be resolved.
This definitely makes for another book to unscramble what has been uncovered. The “tease” for book 3 leaves me wondering if this will ever be resolved.
April 23, 2025
11th Hour Witness
As usual, an exemplary novel, entertaining and intriguing. Following legalese with a thrill. From the tease of the next boo, Alex will be in trouble again.
As usual, an exemplary novel, entertaining and intriguing. Following legalese with a thrill. From the tease of the next boo, Alex will be in trouble again.
April 26, 2025
This was a good one and the second in a new series. I rate it 4.7 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews