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Lying Injustice #1
Lying in Judgment
A man serves on the jury of a murder trial - for the crime that he committed.
Peter Robertson, 33, discovers his wife is cheating on him. Following her suspected boyfriend one night, he erupts into a rage, beats him, and leaves him to die...or so he thought. Soon, he discovers he has killed the wrong man - a perfect stranger.
Six months later, impaneled on a jury, he realizes the murder being tried is the one he committed. After wrestling with his conscience, he works hard to convince the jury to acquit the accused man. But the prosecution's case is strong, as the accused man had both motive and opportunity to commit the murder. As the pressure builds, Peter begins to slip up and reveal things only the murderer would know - and Christine, a pretty and intelligent alternate juror, suspects something is amiss.
As jurors one by one declare their intention to convict, Peter's conscience eats away at him, and he careens toward nervous breakdown, revealing details about the crime that had not been disclosed in court.
Lying in Judgment is a courtroom thriller about a good man's search for redemption for his tragic, fatal mistake, pitted against society's search for justice.
Peter Robertson, 33, discovers his wife is cheating on him. Following her suspected boyfriend one night, he erupts into a rage, beats him, and leaves him to die...or so he thought. Soon, he discovers he has killed the wrong man - a perfect stranger.
Six months later, impaneled on a jury, he realizes the murder being tried is the one he committed. After wrestling with his conscience, he works hard to convince the jury to acquit the accused man. But the prosecution's case is strong, as the accused man had both motive and opportunity to commit the murder. As the pressure builds, Peter begins to slip up and reveal things only the murderer would know - and Christine, a pretty and intelligent alternate juror, suspects something is amiss.
As jurors one by one declare their intention to convict, Peter's conscience eats away at him, and he careens toward nervous breakdown, revealing details about the crime that had not been disclosed in court.
Lying in Judgment is a courtroom thriller about a good man's search for redemption for his tragic, fatal mistake, pitted against society's search for justice.
Audible Audio
Published December 27, 2018
233 people are currently reading
650 people want to read
About the author
Gary Corbin
12 books63 followersGary Corbin is a writer, actor, and playwright in Camas, WA, a suburb of Portland, OR.
In his character-driven police procedural, A Woman of Valor, rookie policewoman Valorie Dawes has a mission: take serial child molesters like Richard Harkins off the streets of her small hometown of Clayton, CT—for good. But can Valorie overcome the trauma she suffered as a child and stop Harkins from hurting others—or will her bottled-up anger lead her to take reckless risks that put the people she loves in greater danger?
Gary's debut novel, Lying in Judgment, was released in March, 2016. Lying in Judgment is a courtroom thriller about Peter Robertson, who serves on the jury of a murder trial for the crime he committed. Lying in Judgment was selected as Bookworks.com "Book of the Week" for July 11-18, 2016, and was the feature novel on Literary Lightbox’s “Indie Spotlight” in February 2017. In the sequel, Lying in Vengeance, Peter is blackmailed by a former fellow juror, who demands that he kill her stalker - or she'll reveal his secret murderous past.
His Mountain Man Mysteries series includes Gary's second novel, The Mountain Man's Dog, The Mountain Man's Bride, and The Mountain Man's Badge.
All are available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook forms. Lying in Judgment, Lying in Vengeance, and The Mountain Man's Dog are also available on audio.
An award-winning playwright, several of his plays have been produced in the Portland, OR area, some of them multiple times. In addition to his own scripts, Gary writes, ghost-writes, and edits scripts. He specializes in tight, realistic dialogue involving sharply drawn, interesting characters in complex relationships.
Gary is a member of PDX Playwrights, the Portland Area Theater Alliance, the Willamette Writers Group and the Bar Noir Writers Workshop, and participates in workshops and conferences in the Portland, Oregon area.
A homebrewer as well as a maker of wine, mead, cider, and soft drinks, Gary is a member of the Oregon Brew Crew and a BJCP National Beer Judge. He loves to ski, cook, and garden, and hopes someday to train his dogs to obey. And when that doesn’t work, there’s always Renegade’s Paradise.
In his character-driven police procedural, A Woman of Valor, rookie policewoman Valorie Dawes has a mission: take serial child molesters like Richard Harkins off the streets of her small hometown of Clayton, CT—for good. But can Valorie overcome the trauma she suffered as a child and stop Harkins from hurting others—or will her bottled-up anger lead her to take reckless risks that put the people she loves in greater danger?
Gary's debut novel, Lying in Judgment, was released in March, 2016. Lying in Judgment is a courtroom thriller about Peter Robertson, who serves on the jury of a murder trial for the crime he committed. Lying in Judgment was selected as Bookworks.com "Book of the Week" for July 11-18, 2016, and was the feature novel on Literary Lightbox’s “Indie Spotlight” in February 2017. In the sequel, Lying in Vengeance, Peter is blackmailed by a former fellow juror, who demands that he kill her stalker - or she'll reveal his secret murderous past.
His Mountain Man Mysteries series includes Gary's second novel, The Mountain Man's Dog, The Mountain Man's Bride, and The Mountain Man's Badge.
All are available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook forms. Lying in Judgment, Lying in Vengeance, and The Mountain Man's Dog are also available on audio.
An award-winning playwright, several of his plays have been produced in the Portland, OR area, some of them multiple times. In addition to his own scripts, Gary writes, ghost-writes, and edits scripts. He specializes in tight, realistic dialogue involving sharply drawn, interesting characters in complex relationships.
Gary is a member of PDX Playwrights, the Portland Area Theater Alliance, the Willamette Writers Group and the Bar Noir Writers Workshop, and participates in workshops and conferences in the Portland, Oregon area.
A homebrewer as well as a maker of wine, mead, cider, and soft drinks, Gary is a member of the Oregon Brew Crew and a BJCP National Beer Judge. He loves to ski, cook, and garden, and hopes someday to train his dogs to obey. And when that doesn’t work, there’s always Renegade’s Paradise.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 15, 2016
What a super read! I usually don't read self-published books because of generally poor editing, head hopping and story lines that are all over the place. But when one of my book club members raved about Corbin's book several of us in the book club HAD to check it out, including me. I am so glad I did! Great plot twists, an unexpected ending and a lot of "what if" thinking about what you or someone you know would do.
October 3, 2017
Life is busy but good, then your wife leaves you for another man. In a rage, you follow him and beat him with a tire iron - or so you believe. Six months later, you're called for jury duty, and find yourself sitting in judgement of the man who is accused of the murder you committed. There are many twists and turns in this book, and lots of surprises for the reader. I did find it a bit difficult to keep track of some of the lesser characters, and the beginning was a bit slow, but overall I enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
November 11, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this book after attending a writer's event.
It was a great courtroom thriller. I thought the author did a fine job displaying the inner turmoil of Peter, the protagonist and juror in a case he is directly involved in. There were a few notable secondary characters; one of them is fellow juror Christine who I am still trying to figure out.
There is a strong religious theme as Peter's father was a pastor and his brother and sister are religious. Peter is a complex character, a man capable of extreme violence and extreme love and concern over his ailing mother. Ultimately, I feel that Peter uses religion to assuage his guilt and this theme comes out during his "Amazing Grace" musical moment.
Another theme is race. The accused is a Latino man with means and motive. The jury was a melting pot of ethnicity, which made for interesting deliberations.
And Gary, if you are reading this, I want to say that I correctly guessed the actual events explained in the epilogue, although not exactly as I imagined but pretty close :)
It was a great courtroom thriller. I thought the author did a fine job displaying the inner turmoil of Peter, the protagonist and juror in a case he is directly involved in. There were a few notable secondary characters; one of them is fellow juror Christine who I am still trying to figure out.
There is a strong religious theme as Peter's father was a pastor and his brother and sister are religious. Peter is a complex character, a man capable of extreme violence and extreme love and concern over his ailing mother. Ultimately, I feel that Peter uses religion to assuage his guilt and this theme comes out during his "Amazing Grace" musical moment.
Another theme is race. The accused is a Latino man with means and motive. The jury was a melting pot of ethnicity, which made for interesting deliberations.
And Gary, if you are reading this, I want to say that I correctly guessed the actual events explained in the epilogue, although not exactly as I imagined but pretty close :)
September 24, 2017
What I loved: Lying in Judgment is a very unique book and the plot is really original. I was extremely excited to read this one, and finished it in just a few sittings.
I really loved how the author, Gary Corbin, started the book off with action happening right away. Sometimes, books take too long to get to the juicy parts, but not this one! It's also fast-paced and has shorter chapters, making the book hard to put down.
Corbin does a fantastic job of really depicting how Peter's guilt is eating away at him and you will often squirm with Peter during the tense scenes.
It also appeared to me, the court room scenes seemed accurate and realistic as far as dialogue and court proceedings go...
Visit my blog to read my entire SPOILER-FREE review!
http://www.christiewritesreviews.com/...
I really loved how the author, Gary Corbin, started the book off with action happening right away. Sometimes, books take too long to get to the juicy parts, but not this one! It's also fast-paced and has shorter chapters, making the book hard to put down.
Corbin does a fantastic job of really depicting how Peter's guilt is eating away at him and you will often squirm with Peter during the tense scenes.
It also appeared to me, the court room scenes seemed accurate and realistic as far as dialogue and court proceedings go...
Visit my blog to read my entire SPOILER-FREE review!
http://www.christiewritesreviews.com/...
July 20, 2019
I will definitely continue this series.... although I felt that Peter is a bit of an idiot. He can’t control himself and has soooo many tells that I can’t believe only one fellow juror was on to him. I am curious how his story will continue with the manipulation going on in his life from so many people. It was a very interesting concept and an original idea. I could see this being a good movie or tv show plot.
I actually listened to the audio version and found the narration was good. I didn’t have an issue with it like I saw in another review.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
I actually listened to the audio version and found the narration was good. I didn’t have an issue with it like I saw in another review.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
April 15, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was unique and the details and back and forth during the trial were gripping. Gary did a great job with the narration, grabbing my attention from the beginning.
January 19, 2018
very good court room drama read
Cherie'
Cherie'
June 11, 2019
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are mine.
Here, Peter believes everything in his marriage is great, until he discovers his wife is cheating on him. Enraged by this, he follows the man with whom he believes his wife is having an affair. This results in a confrontation involving a tire iron. Several months later, Peter is called to jury duty and ends up serving on the very jury where another man is accused of murdering the very man Peter believes he killed.
This is an interesting thriller - however, I felt there were a couple of holes in the plot, which distracted me, and the one juror who Peter befriends seemed to be out of a soap opera. There are some good twists to the story and overall, I liked it.
I listened to this book - the narrator is the author himself. Normally I am not of fan of authors narrating their own books [very hit/miss as narration is an art of its own] - but I thought overall he did a good job.
Here, Peter believes everything in his marriage is great, until he discovers his wife is cheating on him. Enraged by this, he follows the man with whom he believes his wife is having an affair. This results in a confrontation involving a tire iron. Several months later, Peter is called to jury duty and ends up serving on the very jury where another man is accused of murdering the very man Peter believes he killed.
This is an interesting thriller - however, I felt there were a couple of holes in the plot, which distracted me, and the one juror who Peter befriends seemed to be out of a soap opera. There are some good twists to the story and overall, I liked it.
I listened to this book - the narrator is the author himself. Normally I am not of fan of authors narrating their own books [very hit/miss as narration is an art of its own] - but I thought overall he did a good job.
March 6, 2016
I couldn't put down Gary Corbin's debut novel, Lying In Judgment. Suspense, mystery, humor, and even romance, this story has it all!
The writing flows and is so easy to fall into that I forgot about time and read through the night.
Gary Corbin is a master at building the characters in the story. The reader learns to become friends with Peter and root for him the entire journey.
I truly enjoyed this story and I know you will too!
The writing flows and is so easy to fall into that I forgot about time and read through the night.
Gary Corbin is a master at building the characters in the story. The reader learns to become friends with Peter and root for him the entire journey.
I truly enjoyed this story and I know you will too!
July 19, 2016
Anxiety factor 10
The premise for this story grabbed me before I even bought the book. Serving on a jury is a tremendous, and nerve-wracking responsibility. And to know that you committed the crime while it's being tried, just blows my mind. The story exceeded my expectations. I was on the edge of my seat until the very, very surprising end. Corbin is definitely a new author to follow. Lying in Judgement is terrific!
The premise for this story grabbed me before I even bought the book. Serving on a jury is a tremendous, and nerve-wracking responsibility. And to know that you committed the crime while it's being tried, just blows my mind. The story exceeded my expectations. I was on the edge of my seat until the very, very surprising end. Corbin is definitely a new author to follow. Lying in Judgement is terrific!
September 23, 2016
This is an interesting read, it is a murder mystery but so much more than that. It is also a look into the psyche of a person. That person would be Peter Robertson. I can't disclose too much about the story line without giving away secrets, but let's say Peter has a few things to hide, as do many other characters in this book. Follow Peter as he deals with a personal crisis and as he becomes a juror in a murder trial. The interesting connections will keep readers glued to the pages. Well done.
May 31, 2016
I won't share any spoilers, but will say that Lying in Judgment is one of those books where the tension continues to build as Peter's life careens precipitously along a proverbial cliff, and even at the end when you think all is revealed, Corbin throws you for an unexpected loop (or two). I can't wait to start the Mountain Man series.
July 19, 2016
Four stars
You are new to me but I really enjoyed your bookIt !t keep me motivated and interested. I look forward to reading your next book. I have always enjoyed a good thriller and this made the list.Ending was a bit different did not expect that.
You are new to me but I really enjoyed your bookIt !t keep me motivated and interested. I look forward to reading your next book. I have always enjoyed a good thriller and this made the list.Ending was a bit different did not expect that.
August 10, 2025
Gary Corbin’s Lying in Judgment is an engrossing, morally tangled thriller that hooked me from the first chapter. What makes it so compelling isn’t just the shocking premise Peter Robertson realizing he’s on the jury for the very murder he committed but the way Corbin digs deep into the human psyche when guilt, fear, and justice collide.
The pacing is spot on. Early on, I could feel Peter’s panic simmering beneath the surface as he tries to keep his secret buried while sitting in judgment of an innocent man. The courtroom scenes are tense and realistic, and I found myself questioning how I would act in his position. Corbin masterfully layers the pressure: Peter’s crumbling marriage, his mother’s failing health, and his friend’s crisis all close in at once, making his unraveling feel inevitable.
I particularly appreciated how no character felt like a flat archetype. Even Christine, the alternate juror who starts to suspect Peter, is sharp and believable, and her presence adds an extra edge of suspense. The writing strikes a balance between plot-driven tension and emotional depth, which made me care as much about Peter’s internal struggle as about the trial’s outcome.
By the end, I was torn between wanting Peter to be caught and hoping he’d somehow find redemption. This moral push and pull is the novel’s greatest strength it refuses to hand you an easy answer about right and wrong.
If you like courtroom dramas with a psychological twist, Lying in Judgment is worth every page. It’s not just a legal thriller it’s a thought provoking look at how one terrible mistake can unravel a life, and how far someone will go to protect a secret.
The pacing is spot on. Early on, I could feel Peter’s panic simmering beneath the surface as he tries to keep his secret buried while sitting in judgment of an innocent man. The courtroom scenes are tense and realistic, and I found myself questioning how I would act in his position. Corbin masterfully layers the pressure: Peter’s crumbling marriage, his mother’s failing health, and his friend’s crisis all close in at once, making his unraveling feel inevitable.
I particularly appreciated how no character felt like a flat archetype. Even Christine, the alternate juror who starts to suspect Peter, is sharp and believable, and her presence adds an extra edge of suspense. The writing strikes a balance between plot-driven tension and emotional depth, which made me care as much about Peter’s internal struggle as about the trial’s outcome.
By the end, I was torn between wanting Peter to be caught and hoping he’d somehow find redemption. This moral push and pull is the novel’s greatest strength it refuses to hand you an easy answer about right and wrong.
If you like courtroom dramas with a psychological twist, Lying in Judgment is worth every page. It’s not just a legal thriller it’s a thought provoking look at how one terrible mistake can unravel a life, and how far someone will go to protect a secret.
August 10, 2025
Gary Corbin’s Lying in Judgment is an engrossing, morally tangled thriller that hooked me from the first chapter. What makes it so compelling isn’t just the shocking premise Peter Robertson realizing he’s on the jury for the very murder he committed but the way Corbin digs deep into the human psyche when guilt, fear, and justice collide.
The pacing is spot on. Early on, I could feel Peter’s panic simmering beneath the surface as he tries to keep his secret buried while sitting in judgment of an innocent man. The courtroom scenes are tense and realistic, and I found myself questioning how I would act in his position. Corbin masterfully layers the pressure: Peter’s crumbling marriage, his mother’s failing health, and his friend’s crisis all close in at once, making his unraveling feel inevitable.
I particularly appreciated how no character felt like a flat archetype. Even Christine, the alternate juror who starts to suspect Peter, is sharp and believable, and her presence adds an extra edge of suspense. The writing strikes a balance between plot driven tension and emotional depth, which made me care as much about Peter’s internal struggle as about the trial’s outcome.
By the end, I was torn between wanting Peter to be caught and hoping he’d somehow find redemption. This moral push and pull is the novel’s greatest strengthit refuses to hand you an easy answer about right and wrong.
If you like courtroom dramas with a psychological twist, Lying in Judgment is worth every page. It’s not just a legal thrillerit’s a thought provoking look at how one terrible mistake can unravel a life, and how far someone will go to protect a secret.
The pacing is spot on. Early on, I could feel Peter’s panic simmering beneath the surface as he tries to keep his secret buried while sitting in judgment of an innocent man. The courtroom scenes are tense and realistic, and I found myself questioning how I would act in his position. Corbin masterfully layers the pressure: Peter’s crumbling marriage, his mother’s failing health, and his friend’s crisis all close in at once, making his unraveling feel inevitable.
I particularly appreciated how no character felt like a flat archetype. Even Christine, the alternate juror who starts to suspect Peter, is sharp and believable, and her presence adds an extra edge of suspense. The writing strikes a balance between plot driven tension and emotional depth, which made me care as much about Peter’s internal struggle as about the trial’s outcome.
By the end, I was torn between wanting Peter to be caught and hoping he’d somehow find redemption. This moral push and pull is the novel’s greatest strengthit refuses to hand you an easy answer about right and wrong.
If you like courtroom dramas with a psychological twist, Lying in Judgment is worth every page. It’s not just a legal thrillerit’s a thought provoking look at how one terrible mistake can unravel a life, and how far someone will go to protect a secret.
October 1, 2022
My rating system:
5 stars - Absolutely loved it! I would definitely read again anytime!
4 stars - Really liked it! Will most likely read again sometime.
3 stars - Liked it. Glad I read it but probably won't read again.
2 stars - Didn't like it. Glad I'm done with the book and I'll never read it again.
1 star - Very rare rating. Absolutely hated the book. Will never read again and I'll probably burn any copies I come across.
5 stars - Absolutely loved it! I would definitely read again anytime!
4 stars - Really liked it! Will most likely read again sometime.
3 stars - Liked it. Glad I read it but probably won't read again.
2 stars - Didn't like it. Glad I'm done with the book and I'll never read it again.
1 star - Very rare rating. Absolutely hated the book. Will never read again and I'll probably burn any copies I come across.
January 25, 2017
At 362 pages, this book started out as such a slow read, I couldn’t finish it. Too long for my taste.
December 23, 2017
I was looking forward to this book as it had an interesting premise. I found it hard in bits and the ending felt rushed
January 5, 2020
I couldn't continue reading the book as I didn't care what happened to the main character. He was awful and I lost interest.
May 8, 2020
This book had a very unique plot, and I was thoroughly intrigued to find out what happened. But I struggled with many of the characters - they didn’t seem believable or very real for that matter.
August 28, 2024
A unique plot line that you can’t figure out what will happen until the end.
April 19, 2016
Title: Lying in Judgment
Author: Gary Corbin
ISBN: 978-0692642689
Publisher: Double Diamond Publishing
Sometimes what seems to be the truth or you think is reality is not. A fight with his wife learning she is having an affair with someone else leads Peter Robertson on a downward spiral that will take him back to one night when he took someone’s life only to learn the truth that will haunt him in the present. Arguing with the man he thinks is sleeping with his wife, having followed him from the restaurant they were having dinner, Peter never once realizes that the car he is following and the man he would eventually murder is not the man Marcia, his wife is having the affair with and the murder that he committed in a violent and tragic rage is about to create a situation that Peter will come face to face with as he serves on a jury and learns that the defendant is charged with the murder he committed. Hoping to get off of the case and not being chosen for the jury, he confides in his best friend and decides to remain quiet for now as the author shares the jury selection and although he tries to answer in a way to get him off the case he does not succeed. Finding some solace in befriending one of the other jurors, Peter finds himself knee deep in what might be the toughest situation he’s ever faced as the trial begins, the photos of the incident are graphic and the truth is about to unravel Peter like a sweater where one thread comes lose as the owner unravels it piece by piece. The tension rises even more as Peter reflects often out loud about different aspects of evidence found as he falls prey to the wiles of one of the jurors, listens carefully to the testimony, has to deal with his mother having another stroke and then hit right between the eyes when one of the nurses relates she knew the murder victim. Will Peter decide to find a way to get off of this jury? Will he use his mother as an excuse or is he so transfixed by the events, what is being presented that he hopes the defendant gets off and he gets away with murder. As you meet the members of the jury you realize that some are quite astute like Dolores who seems to be listening quite intently and Larry who makes the coffee but is on target with his remarks and then Peter whose bodily movements and demeanor should have triggered some red flags but no one was paying that kind of attention to him at least not yet. This is a complex plot dealing with one man’s guilt, lack or remorse, moral values, survival, revenge and a jealousy that cost one man his life and another might pay for a crime he might not have committed or did Alvin Dark pay for flirting with Martina Aguilar hiding their true relationship from the people at the restaurant where they both worked, did not see Marcia and her boyfriend leave at the same time and Raul Vasquez followed him out and the end result is Dark was killed. As Peter views the photos and listens to the detective and medical examiner’s testimonies you realize his fears, his body begins to show signs of stress yet no one picks up on at. But, Peter was making some unfortunate slips and at times it looked like he might be giving it away that he was the killer by some lips of the tongue during the testimony of Martina and other witnesses.
Take a bottle and close it up so tight that there is no air in it for anything to breath. As Peter becomes more embroiled in the case at hand and the evidence against Raul comes to light he begins to weave the events into his own remembrance of what really happens. The air within him as it does when a tire blows goes out, he begins to feel flushed, needs air and receives a call about his mother, her release from the hospital, his sister’s misguided help and his friend’s desperate need of hope. Will he ever find freedom in his own mind from the guilt, remorse, revenge, and frustration and fear that he will be found out? Will the air ever get back inside that tire or bottle and renew his spirit? Struggling with his own guilt, then having his sister deciding to try and control his mother’s care, Christine the juror he befriended thinking she knows there is more to his involvement in the case and his best friend stating he’s betrayed. Choices are made and sides are drawn as the trial comes to an end and each juror has to make a statement requiring being truthful or untruthful and one with the intention to deceive. Raul Vasquez’s voice is heard and the courtroom is silent as each one takes away something else from his testimony. A manipulation you won’t believe. A jury that is divided and then comes together at the end but why and how? A conductor raises his arms as he begins to conduct the orchestra making sure that they are playing in proper precision. When his hands are finally lowered and this conductor stands still facing the audience with an ending that will shock readers as the jury decides the fate of one man while the conductor sits back and watches as each one conducts their own brand of Lying in Judgment of another.
Author: Gary Corbin
ISBN: 978-0692642689
Publisher: Double Diamond Publishing
Sometimes what seems to be the truth or you think is reality is not. A fight with his wife learning she is having an affair with someone else leads Peter Robertson on a downward spiral that will take him back to one night when he took someone’s life only to learn the truth that will haunt him in the present. Arguing with the man he thinks is sleeping with his wife, having followed him from the restaurant they were having dinner, Peter never once realizes that the car he is following and the man he would eventually murder is not the man Marcia, his wife is having the affair with and the murder that he committed in a violent and tragic rage is about to create a situation that Peter will come face to face with as he serves on a jury and learns that the defendant is charged with the murder he committed. Hoping to get off of the case and not being chosen for the jury, he confides in his best friend and decides to remain quiet for now as the author shares the jury selection and although he tries to answer in a way to get him off the case he does not succeed. Finding some solace in befriending one of the other jurors, Peter finds himself knee deep in what might be the toughest situation he’s ever faced as the trial begins, the photos of the incident are graphic and the truth is about to unravel Peter like a sweater where one thread comes lose as the owner unravels it piece by piece. The tension rises even more as Peter reflects often out loud about different aspects of evidence found as he falls prey to the wiles of one of the jurors, listens carefully to the testimony, has to deal with his mother having another stroke and then hit right between the eyes when one of the nurses relates she knew the murder victim. Will Peter decide to find a way to get off of this jury? Will he use his mother as an excuse or is he so transfixed by the events, what is being presented that he hopes the defendant gets off and he gets away with murder. As you meet the members of the jury you realize that some are quite astute like Dolores who seems to be listening quite intently and Larry who makes the coffee but is on target with his remarks and then Peter whose bodily movements and demeanor should have triggered some red flags but no one was paying that kind of attention to him at least not yet. This is a complex plot dealing with one man’s guilt, lack or remorse, moral values, survival, revenge and a jealousy that cost one man his life and another might pay for a crime he might not have committed or did Alvin Dark pay for flirting with Martina Aguilar hiding their true relationship from the people at the restaurant where they both worked, did not see Marcia and her boyfriend leave at the same time and Raul Vasquez followed him out and the end result is Dark was killed. As Peter views the photos and listens to the detective and medical examiner’s testimonies you realize his fears, his body begins to show signs of stress yet no one picks up on at. But, Peter was making some unfortunate slips and at times it looked like he might be giving it away that he was the killer by some lips of the tongue during the testimony of Martina and other witnesses.
Take a bottle and close it up so tight that there is no air in it for anything to breath. As Peter becomes more embroiled in the case at hand and the evidence against Raul comes to light he begins to weave the events into his own remembrance of what really happens. The air within him as it does when a tire blows goes out, he begins to feel flushed, needs air and receives a call about his mother, her release from the hospital, his sister’s misguided help and his friend’s desperate need of hope. Will he ever find freedom in his own mind from the guilt, remorse, revenge, and frustration and fear that he will be found out? Will the air ever get back inside that tire or bottle and renew his spirit? Struggling with his own guilt, then having his sister deciding to try and control his mother’s care, Christine the juror he befriended thinking she knows there is more to his involvement in the case and his best friend stating he’s betrayed. Choices are made and sides are drawn as the trial comes to an end and each juror has to make a statement requiring being truthful or untruthful and one with the intention to deceive. Raul Vasquez’s voice is heard and the courtroom is silent as each one takes away something else from his testimony. A manipulation you won’t believe. A jury that is divided and then comes together at the end but why and how? A conductor raises his arms as he begins to conduct the orchestra making sure that they are playing in proper precision. When his hands are finally lowered and this conductor stands still facing the audience with an ending that will shock readers as the jury decides the fate of one man while the conductor sits back and watches as each one conducts their own brand of Lying in Judgment of another.
February 9, 2021
Many twists and turns. Did not keep me as interested as some of the other books by this author. Just a ok read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2017
What I loved: Lying in Judgment is a very unique book and the plot is really original. I was extremely excited to read this one, and finished it in just a few sittings.
I really loved how the author, Gary Corbin, started the book off with action happening right away. Sometimes, books take too long to get to the juicy parts, but not this one! It's also fast-paced and has shorter chapters, making the book hard to put down.
Corbin does a fantastic job of really depicting how Peter's guilt is eating away at him and you will often squirm with Peter during the tense scenes.
It also appeared to me, the court room scenes seemed accurate and realistic as far as dialogue and court proceedings go...
Visit my blog to read my entire SPOILER-FREE review!
http://www.christiewritesreviews.com/...
I really loved how the author, Gary Corbin, started the book off with action happening right away. Sometimes, books take too long to get to the juicy parts, but not this one! It's also fast-paced and has shorter chapters, making the book hard to put down.
Corbin does a fantastic job of really depicting how Peter's guilt is eating away at him and you will often squirm with Peter during the tense scenes.
It also appeared to me, the court room scenes seemed accurate and realistic as far as dialogue and court proceedings go...
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April 22, 2016
Lying in Judgment is a very good crime/thriller story. It's about a man who kills his wife's lover. However, it turns out it wasn't his wife's lover and moreover he's in a jury to prosecute alleged murdered of the unfortunate man. Will Peter do the right thing or try to avoid his faith? Or is there something else he can do?
The book is exciting, full of moral dilemmas and inner fights of the main character. Not only he has to deal with the court, but he also has problems at work, with friends and family and his wife left him. You can see how he crumples and how he is headed towards the break down which can cost him his life.
The writing is good, easy and fast-paced. The dialogues are good, sometimes funny but sometimes really dark.
Anyway, if you are into this kind of stories you should definitely get a copy.
The book is exciting, full of moral dilemmas and inner fights of the main character. Not only he has to deal with the court, but he also has problems at work, with friends and family and his wife left him. You can see how he crumples and how he is headed towards the break down which can cost him his life.
The writing is good, easy and fast-paced. The dialogues are good, sometimes funny but sometimes really dark.
Anyway, if you are into this kind of stories you should definitely get a copy.
July 14, 2016
No one to root for
The plot of this book was fascinating. In fact, I wish I would have written the story. However, too much space given to Peter's anguish. We got it, he was horrified and guilty. In real life no cell phones, much less a coffee maker, gets through the metal detectors. Just not allowed for a visitor in the building. Peter was written as someone the average person would think was going through drug withdrawal even after a week of being in court. The side story was unnecessary. Not one likeable character, other than his mother. I found myself wishing he would confess and be done with it. Christine was a unhinged person as well.
The plot of this book was fascinating. In fact, I wish I would have written the story. However, too much space given to Peter's anguish. We got it, he was horrified and guilty. In real life no cell phones, much less a coffee maker, gets through the metal detectors. Just not allowed for a visitor in the building. Peter was written as someone the average person would think was going through drug withdrawal even after a week of being in court. The side story was unnecessary. Not one likeable character, other than his mother. I found myself wishing he would confess and be done with it. Christine was a unhinged person as well.
December 29, 2016
Ok. Draggy at times. Couldn't really bond with any of the characters because we didn't get to know any of them well enough to have a feeling for them. No one was likeable. By the end I was ready to be finished.
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