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Jenna James #1
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt: Jenna James Legal Thrillers, Book 1
Assistant DA Jenna James took an oath to uphold the law, administer justice, deter crime and ensure the safety of the community. Her job isn't easy, but it has always been black and white - criminals versus victims. Now she is the victim, and the very system she's fought to uphold is suddenly corrupt, the lines between good and bad are blurred and her world has turned upside down. She's always known that world existed - a world of power so immense that a single phone call can result in people disappearing or political offices being vacated, a world where doctors are available at a moment's notice. She's never been part of that world - never wanted to be. The body count is rising, and unless she finds proof beyond a reasonable doubt against a corrupt former federal judge, and a notorious criminal defense attorney, it will continue to rise.
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First published April 17, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 19, 2018
What an engaging, marvelous story with fast-paced action and characters so well developed you feel you know them as friends! Jenna James is an assistant DA facing a quagmire of corruption from a Judge, attorneys, and people she thought of as friends!
One family, headed by a powerful judge, is incorrigible. An attorney she has been dating, Michael, is a member of this bunch, and Jenna begins to see the real person he is. His mother is killed, in an 'accident', so Jenna is able to get the younger brother released from prison into her custody for the funeral services. Now the dark shadows begin to twist and turn as the courtroom is turned into a playground with evil overtaking good.
I absolutely love the characters the author introduces, really liking some while feeling fooled by others myself! A suspenseful,breath-taking story that can not be put down until finished! I am very excited about seeing Jenna again soon...
One family, headed by a powerful judge, is incorrigible. An attorney she has been dating, Michael, is a member of this bunch, and Jenna begins to see the real person he is. His mother is killed, in an 'accident', so Jenna is able to get the younger brother released from prison into her custody for the funeral services. Now the dark shadows begin to twist and turn as the courtroom is turned into a playground with evil overtaking good.
I absolutely love the characters the author introduces, really liking some while feeling fooled by others myself! A suspenseful,breath-taking story that can not be put down until finished! I am very excited about seeing Jenna again soon...
April 6, 2015
I had the pleasure of reading an ARC of Linda S Prather's new legal thriller, Beyond A Reasonable Doubt which is available on pre-order now and due for release on April 17th. Not long now!
I believe I have to be Linda's number one fan, to me her writing is seamless and flows wonderfully. Her ability to involve the reader in her stories is second to none.
After reading Beyond A Reasonable Doubt - the first book in a new series of legal thrillers starring Assistant DA Jenna James - I have to say this is Linda's best book yet.
Jenna is a kick-ass Assistant DA caught up with a corrupt family headed up by of all people a former judge. Jenna gets entangled in a messy family web of deceit in which an innocent member of the family has been imprisoned for twenty-five years. When a member of the young man's family is killed in an accident, he is released from prison into Jenna's custody to attend the funeral, and that's where this fast-paced, non-stop thriller really begins.
You'll love all the twists and turns and the convincing characters, both good and bad, in this compelling, taut thriller.
Can't wait for the second book in the series which I believe is being written now.
I believe I have to be Linda's number one fan, to me her writing is seamless and flows wonderfully. Her ability to involve the reader in her stories is second to none.
After reading Beyond A Reasonable Doubt - the first book in a new series of legal thrillers starring Assistant DA Jenna James - I have to say this is Linda's best book yet.
Jenna is a kick-ass Assistant DA caught up with a corrupt family headed up by of all people a former judge. Jenna gets entangled in a messy family web of deceit in which an innocent member of the family has been imprisoned for twenty-five years. When a member of the young man's family is killed in an accident, he is released from prison into Jenna's custody to attend the funeral, and that's where this fast-paced, non-stop thriller really begins.
You'll love all the twists and turns and the convincing characters, both good and bad, in this compelling, taut thriller.
Can't wait for the second book in the series which I believe is being written now.
April 25, 2015
'Beyond a Reasonable doubt' is the first in a series featuring bright prosecutor, Jenna James. Though it's tagged as a legal thriller, the actual courtroom scenes are very few and short. I was glad of this as I was afraid it contained a lot of legal jargon, but thankfully this wasn't the case.
All characters in this book are very realistic and strong. The good ones are very likeable, while the baddies couldn't be more repulsive and loathsome.
Judge William Elkins is a scumbag. He's rich, powerful and corrupt. Working closely with Marcus Dade, an even more corrupt lawyer, he took bribes from criminals in order to let them go in court. Witnesses against their 'clients' simply disappeared. His son Michael is in a relationship with Jenna James.
When the judge's wife dies suddenly, Jenna smells something fishy and is suspicious. Escorting their son Jordan from prison to see his mother, Jenna's life is put in mortal danger. The judge will stop at nothing to keep his secrets under cover. As the bodies pile up, Jenna knows that she's in their list too, but in order to put the judge behind bars, she must find evidence that's beyond a reasonable doubt. Will she make it on time before she's silenced for ever?
This book is very well written with realistic dialogue. It is a very fast-paced thriller in which the action never ceases. It kept me on the edge of my seat reading and reading to find out what will happen next. The way the book ends is a good indicator that we'll see more of Jenna James in the future.
All characters in this book are very realistic and strong. The good ones are very likeable, while the baddies couldn't be more repulsive and loathsome.
Judge William Elkins is a scumbag. He's rich, powerful and corrupt. Working closely with Marcus Dade, an even more corrupt lawyer, he took bribes from criminals in order to let them go in court. Witnesses against their 'clients' simply disappeared. His son Michael is in a relationship with Jenna James.
When the judge's wife dies suddenly, Jenna smells something fishy and is suspicious. Escorting their son Jordan from prison to see his mother, Jenna's life is put in mortal danger. The judge will stop at nothing to keep his secrets under cover. As the bodies pile up, Jenna knows that she's in their list too, but in order to put the judge behind bars, she must find evidence that's beyond a reasonable doubt. Will she make it on time before she's silenced for ever?
This book is very well written with realistic dialogue. It is a very fast-paced thriller in which the action never ceases. It kept me on the edge of my seat reading and reading to find out what will happen next. The way the book ends is a good indicator that we'll see more of Jenna James in the future.
April 19, 2015
Originally posted on my blog - http://wp.me/p4Dssh-Gj
This is the first book that I've read by this author, but it definitely won't be the last! I read this book in one sitting. Prathers' writing style is so fluid and engaging that you can't help but be drawn in. I found myself to be so engaged in the story that before I realised, I had finished the book! Fast paced and with realistic characters, I found this book impossible to put down.
I loved the character of Jenna and found her to be well developed and very relatable. I enjoyed the twists and turns in this story and wanted to know whether Jenna would be successful in her quest for justice or whether more obstacles would be thrown in her way to prevent that. It was interesting to see the court side of crimes, rather than the police side, and I found the legal talk interesting. There wasn't very much in the way of court scenes, just enough to give the reader a different perspective every so often. I found the court aspect to be quite a refreshing way of approaching a crime!
I will definitely be looking out for more by this author and hope book 2 in this series comes quickly!
This is the first book that I've read by this author, but it definitely won't be the last! I read this book in one sitting. Prathers' writing style is so fluid and engaging that you can't help but be drawn in. I found myself to be so engaged in the story that before I realised, I had finished the book! Fast paced and with realistic characters, I found this book impossible to put down.
I loved the character of Jenna and found her to be well developed and very relatable. I enjoyed the twists and turns in this story and wanted to know whether Jenna would be successful in her quest for justice or whether more obstacles would be thrown in her way to prevent that. It was interesting to see the court side of crimes, rather than the police side, and I found the legal talk interesting. There wasn't very much in the way of court scenes, just enough to give the reader a different perspective every so often. I found the court aspect to be quite a refreshing way of approaching a crime!
I will definitely be looking out for more by this author and hope book 2 in this series comes quickly!
April 29, 2015
Beyond A Reasonable Doubt is a fast paced legal thriller, though if like me your not a big lover of court room saga's, do not worry as very little of this book is set in the courtroom.
Meet Jenna James an Assistant DA who stands by her oath to serve justice to all criminals and does everything in her power to protect the innocent.
Jenna makes a big mistake getting involved with Michael, unfortunately realising to late, she is dragged into a world of murder, lies and deceit and is put into a very compromising situation, does she stand by her oath she took or does she turn a blind eye in the hope that she can protect her own life.
There are a lot of unsavoury characters in this story and for Jenna she soon realises that some people are not all they seem and who can she really trust. Luckily she has some great friends in Harry and Jake who will do anything to protect their friend. She also has some help from some unlikely allies.
I really enjoyed this book and was gripped through out the story. I'm hoping that this is the first of many following Jenna and her fight in bringing people to justice. A great read that is fast paced and the reader will struggle to put down.
Meet Jenna James an Assistant DA who stands by her oath to serve justice to all criminals and does everything in her power to protect the innocent.
Jenna makes a big mistake getting involved with Michael, unfortunately realising to late, she is dragged into a world of murder, lies and deceit and is put into a very compromising situation, does she stand by her oath she took or does she turn a blind eye in the hope that she can protect her own life.
There are a lot of unsavoury characters in this story and for Jenna she soon realises that some people are not all they seem and who can she really trust. Luckily she has some great friends in Harry and Jake who will do anything to protect their friend. She also has some help from some unlikely allies.
I really enjoyed this book and was gripped through out the story. I'm hoping that this is the first of many following Jenna and her fight in bringing people to justice. A great read that is fast paced and the reader will struggle to put down.
May 2, 2015
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, the first book in the Jenna James series, is a page turner that kept me glued to my Kindle for longer than my eyes could handle. Once the action took off, it never slowed down to a point I felt I could set it down and come back to it (though unfortunately I was forced to every once in a while- life does get in the way!). It’s been a while since I’ve read one of Linda Prather’s books and I have loved every one of them, but this is different than her others. It’s a legal thriller, even though it doesn’t have a lot of courtroom scenes. Starting with a murder, a corrupt judge, and a long line of unethical cover ups, Jenna goes after all of them, with the help of some loyal friends by her side. The action never stops and the story is one of the best I’ve read this year. Jenna James is a strong, likeable heroine and I can’t wait to read the next in the series.
April 11, 2015
Linda Prather. Book 1
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt,
I hadn't read a book by this author for a little while, I can assure you I won't be waiting as long until I read another one. This book is the first in the Jenna James series and the next one can't come quick enough. This book is a fast paced courtroom drama with plenty death scenes to keep you happy all the way to the last page. A highly recommended read.
5 stars 11 April 2015.
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt,
I hadn't read a book by this author for a little while, I can assure you I won't be waiting as long until I read another one. This book is the first in the Jenna James series and the next one can't come quick enough. This book is a fast paced courtroom drama with plenty death scenes to keep you happy all the way to the last page. A highly recommended read.
5 stars 11 April 2015.
April 5, 2015
reviewed for tbc. absolutely fantastic. couldnt put it down. loved the characters and the plot. a lot of murders but i was still hooked. the courtroom wasnt too much. 5☆. linda prather this was absolutely fab. :)
May 5, 2015
WOW....THIS IS A GREAT READ....NO SPOILERS....
I have read linda Prather's books and loved them and this book didn't disappoint me.... It kept me hooked from start to finish the pace and storyline is brilliant....I fell in love with the characters and I'm hoping there will be more in the series....
I have read linda Prather's books and loved them and this book didn't disappoint me.... It kept me hooked from start to finish the pace and storyline is brilliant....I fell in love with the characters and I'm hoping there will be more in the series....
May 20, 2017
Criminals and Law Aiding Citizens..
This book centers around Jenna, the female character who's main objective is to follow the rules.
The story line has a quick pace, a few hours in court, murder, and corruption, which lead to a decent mystery thriller novel.
Logan McAllister did well with the narration.
Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."
April 13, 2015
Beyond A Reasonable Doubt by Linda Prather was my first book by this author and will most definitely not be my last. This book wowed me from the first chapter right to the last.
Firstly, I loved absolutely everything about this amazingly fast paced legal thriller and Assistant DA Jenna James, and found her character strong, determined and very brave.
Although this book has been described as pretty violent with bad language, I personally did not find anything offensive about it at all, but then I seem to be a bit immune to violence as I do tend to read pretty gruesome books at times.
I do not want to get too involved with the plot and spoilers, but I do so love to see powerful and corrupt men, who feel that the law was written for everyone but them, brought down.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough for its fast pace and never a dull moment storyline with a lovely touch of romance, and Linda Prather is now right up there on my favourite authors list. I believe this book is the first of a series and I am waiting with bated breath for the second book.
Thanks to Linda Prather and The Book Club for this ARC
Firstly, I loved absolutely everything about this amazingly fast paced legal thriller and Assistant DA Jenna James, and found her character strong, determined and very brave.
Although this book has been described as pretty violent with bad language, I personally did not find anything offensive about it at all, but then I seem to be a bit immune to violence as I do tend to read pretty gruesome books at times.
I do not want to get too involved with the plot and spoilers, but I do so love to see powerful and corrupt men, who feel that the law was written for everyone but them, brought down.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough for its fast pace and never a dull moment storyline with a lovely touch of romance, and Linda Prather is now right up there on my favourite authors list. I believe this book is the first of a series and I am waiting with bated breath for the second book.
Thanks to Linda Prather and The Book Club for this ARC
April 7, 2015
I had the pleasure and privilege of reading an ARC of Linda S Prather's new legal thriller, Beyond A Reasonable Doubt. Being a newbie to reviewing and book clubbing, this is the first ARC I have had. If all the rest will be like this one, I will be a very happy individual. Wow!! Possibly one of the best books I have read.
I was captured from page 1 and read it in a day. Really could not put it down. It was well written, gripping, a great story line and I was really able to get into the characters and feel their emotions. Not that I spent a lot of time analysing the characters as I was too busy wanting to know what was coming next. I can not recommend this book highly enough if you want a good compelling read.
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt is, I believe, the second in the series, but I read it as a stand-alone as I was not aware there was another one. It made no difference as it was a great book. It is available now on pre-order and due for release on 17th April.
I was captured from page 1 and read it in a day. Really could not put it down. It was well written, gripping, a great story line and I was really able to get into the characters and feel their emotions. Not that I spent a lot of time analysing the characters as I was too busy wanting to know what was coming next. I can not recommend this book highly enough if you want a good compelling read.
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt is, I believe, the second in the series, but I read it as a stand-alone as I was not aware there was another one. It made no difference as it was a great book. It is available now on pre-order and due for release on 17th April.
April 18, 2015
I was given this book as an ARC by my book club. It was the first book I'd read by this Linda S. Prather but it certainly won't be the last.
From page one it was a real CPID (Couldn't Put It Down) book.
The characters in the book are all really well-written, the plot is brilliant and the story totally believable.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone who enjoys a good thriller.
From page one it was a real CPID (Couldn't Put It Down) book.
The characters in the book are all really well-written, the plot is brilliant and the story totally believable.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone who enjoys a good thriller.
April 12, 2015
My type of book, fast paced, action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it. It is well written and keeps the reader engaged. Loved to see the big boys brought down. Nice to see a little romance interweaved with all the action without it dominating the storyline and enjoyed the little twists.
May 11, 2015
Beyond A Reasonable Doubt is a fast paced legal thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Although this wasn't a long novel, the characters were very well developed. The book ended totally different than I expected, but it was a nice twist. The ending also left open the possibility of more novels starring Jenna James.
September 1, 2015
Linda S Prather really draws you into her stories. I enjoyed this one immensely. Her characters were so well defined I found the whole book intriguing, gripping and engaging. It had everything you want in a good story and she really has an excellent way of portraying what is going on together with all the twists and turns, I was completely floored with the ending. Do not miss this a superb book.
April 24, 2015
I can finally breathe
I absolutely loved this book. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading. I had to take breaks because I didn't want to read about something bad happening to someone I liked!! I just cannot wait for book 2!!!!!
I absolutely loved this book. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading. I had to take breaks because I didn't want to read about something bad happening to someone I liked!! I just cannot wait for book 2!!!!!
May 6, 2015
I enjoyed this legal thriller-first in a series I assume from the title. Very fast-paced and truly a page-turner. Characters are well-drawn and certainly represent the good and the bad in the legal arena. I'd recommend it.
June 5, 2017
( Format : Audiobook )
"People had only the power you gave them."
The emphasis is on the thriller rather than the legal as very little action takes place in the courts. Plenty occurs outside of them, however, involving those who should be above, but not outside, the law - from judges to the defence and prosecuting attorneys.
Jenna Patience James is a successful, fast rising prosecuting attorney and has for some time been dating Michael, the attractive and wealthy son of the powerful Judge William Elkins. When Michael's mother dies 'in an accident', Jenna discovers that not only is Michael not the man she had thought him to be but also that corruption, and worse, lie deep in the justice system. Lives are lost, murders committed and Jenna has to decide who to trust as she, herself, is horribly threatened.
This is a fast paced thriller with numerous twists and well developed characters as Jenna finds herself caught in a lethal battle between rich and powerful men who will stop at nothing to save their positions. Narrator Logan McAllister gives a superb reading, clear, well paced and giving distinctive voice to the numerous protagonists.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt is the first book I have read by author, Linda Prather, but will certainly not be the last. I was very fortunate to have been gifted my copy by the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom. Thank you, I enjoyed it enormously, even if it did sometimes stretch credibility to it's limits, and can wholeheartedly recommend it to all who prefer their legal thrillers to take place outside of the courtroom.
"People had only the power you gave them."
The emphasis is on the thriller rather than the legal as very little action takes place in the courts. Plenty occurs outside of them, however, involving those who should be above, but not outside, the law - from judges to the defence and prosecuting attorneys.
Jenna Patience James is a successful, fast rising prosecuting attorney and has for some time been dating Michael, the attractive and wealthy son of the powerful Judge William Elkins. When Michael's mother dies 'in an accident', Jenna discovers that not only is Michael not the man she had thought him to be but also that corruption, and worse, lie deep in the justice system. Lives are lost, murders committed and Jenna has to decide who to trust as she, herself, is horribly threatened.
This is a fast paced thriller with numerous twists and well developed characters as Jenna finds herself caught in a lethal battle between rich and powerful men who will stop at nothing to save their positions. Narrator Logan McAllister gives a superb reading, clear, well paced and giving distinctive voice to the numerous protagonists.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt is the first book I have read by author, Linda Prather, but will certainly not be the last. I was very fortunate to have been gifted my copy by the rights holder, via Audiobook Boom. Thank you, I enjoyed it enormously, even if it did sometimes stretch credibility to it's limits, and can wholeheartedly recommend it to all who prefer their legal thrillers to take place outside of the courtroom.
April 19, 2023
Fantastic Mystery Thriller!
By: Linda S. Prather
Narrated by: Logan McAllister
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 04-19-23
What do you do when a prospective case comes home to roost, and suddenly, no one is what they seemed, and the “facts” are as clear as mud! Where do you turn, who do you trust? If your Assistant DA Jenna James, you use all your wits, courage, and every trick in your arsenal to see justice done! “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt” is the first book in what promises to be a dynamic and deeply satisfying series! The characters are plentiful, diverse and well developed with complete backstories! They are ALL so filled with personality! I’d love to have some of them in MY life, while others … let’s just say they’re as shifty as the sands at high tide! No spoilers, I’ll not give away who fits where! This action packed plot is fast moving and held my attention throughout! Both the dialogue and scene setting are very well written, ring true, and serve to keep the story moving forward at a comfortable pace, leaving this listener both supremely satisfied and with no unanswered questions at the conclusion! Beautifully clear, emotionally appropriate narration make listening a pleasure! I look forward to more of what is sure to be a fabulous series! Five stars. I loved it!
By: Linda S. Prather
Narrated by: Logan McAllister
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 04-19-23
What do you do when a prospective case comes home to roost, and suddenly, no one is what they seemed, and the “facts” are as clear as mud! Where do you turn, who do you trust? If your Assistant DA Jenna James, you use all your wits, courage, and every trick in your arsenal to see justice done! “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt” is the first book in what promises to be a dynamic and deeply satisfying series! The characters are plentiful, diverse and well developed with complete backstories! They are ALL so filled with personality! I’d love to have some of them in MY life, while others … let’s just say they’re as shifty as the sands at high tide! No spoilers, I’ll not give away who fits where! This action packed plot is fast moving and held my attention throughout! Both the dialogue and scene setting are very well written, ring true, and serve to keep the story moving forward at a comfortable pace, leaving this listener both supremely satisfied and with no unanswered questions at the conclusion! Beautifully clear, emotionally appropriate narration make listening a pleasure! I look forward to more of what is sure to be a fabulous series! Five stars. I loved it!
April 7, 2024
Great read
The scales that weigh good versus evil and the gray area between. That sentence sums up this book, yet it doesn't. Greed is powerful, and the more you have, or have not, the more luring it is to be caught up in the circle of bold crime, hidden bodies, nver mind how, the lust for the more salacious side of life, the luxury of having fine homes, designer furniture and more way above one's pay grade is more than enough to lure a reader to this book. This is the first book by Prather I've read. I'm hooked, plain, and simple. You will be as well.
The scales that weigh good versus evil and the gray area between. That sentence sums up this book, yet it doesn't. Greed is powerful, and the more you have, or have not, the more luring it is to be caught up in the circle of bold crime, hidden bodies, nver mind how, the lust for the more salacious side of life, the luxury of having fine homes, designer furniture and more way above one's pay grade is more than enough to lure a reader to this book. This is the first book by Prather I've read. I'm hooked, plain, and simple. You will be as well.
December 23, 2018
Brilliant story, action packed, constantly on the go, you won't have time to put the book down.
I was half way through when I was hoping there would be a second book. If you're into crime, dirty cops, dirty judges and lawyers along with a strong female character who isn't wet behind the ears then this is a book for you. I couldn't put this down. I've got to download the next one now.
Thank you to TBC for introducing me to another fabulous author.
I was half way through when I was hoping there would be a second book. If you're into crime, dirty cops, dirty judges and lawyers along with a strong female character who isn't wet behind the ears then this is a book for you. I couldn't put this down. I've got to download the next one now.
Thank you to TBC for introducing me to another fabulous author.
April 2, 2023
I love the narration of Logan McAllister. He brings out the action and characters to your ears.
This is a great thriller . We meet Jenna Patience James who is a fast rising prosecuting attorney. She is dating Michael. Who is the wealthy son of the powerful Judge William Elkins. Its is only after Michael's mother dies 'in an accident, does Jenna realise that Michael is corrupted, and his father is worse. We have so many twists ,and murder. Jenna must decide who to trust.
This is a great thriller . We meet Jenna Patience James who is a fast rising prosecuting attorney. She is dating Michael. Who is the wealthy son of the powerful Judge William Elkins. Its is only after Michael's mother dies 'in an accident, does Jenna realise that Michael is corrupted, and his father is worse. We have so many twists ,and murder. Jenna must decide who to trust.
June 12, 2017
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt by Linda S. Prather was a good book. This was a great legal thriller that centered around Assistant DA Jenna James. Jenna finds herself a victim and many things around her start unraveling. This was a great Read and I can't wait to read more by Linda S. Prather.
March 18, 2018
Wow, what a fantastic story with such realistic characters. The storyline was very intriguing and gripping, I loved. So full of detail, I don't usually read legal thrillers but this author could change that, will be reading more from this author as enjoyed it so much.
April 23, 2020
Twist and turns everywhere
Well written, fast paced good character development...very enjoyable read. Jenna James as the lead character will be fun following as she takes over as he new district attorney. Looking forward to follow up books.
Well written, fast paced good character development...very enjoyable read. Jenna James as the lead character will be fun following as she takes over as he new district attorney. Looking forward to follow up books.
January 23, 2025
Excellent! Kerra Duggan a Seattle attorney takes a case to defend a childhood friend Jenna who is accused of murdering a former partner in a biotech company that is falling apart. Jenna as Keera knows is a controlling sociopath. Many layers of lies and deceits. Unusual finish to this story.
December 31, 2019
Loved this book, love the characters and recognise a few of them from later books from the author. Gripping story
June 11, 2015
Free book for honest review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
In Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, Linda S. Prather creates a world where the rich and powerful operate above the law with impunity. Greed, corruption, and murder are par for the course. People, even family, are as dispensable as last year’s cashmere sweater, and can be eliminated when they start talking too much or become useless or burdensome.
Jenna James, a morally upright up-and-coming district attorney in a Texas office that is a hotbed of corruption, is involved in an unsatisfying relationship with Michael Elkins, the son of of a powerful and feared judge. When she is called upon to look into the suspicious death of the judge’s wife (at the request of Judge Elkins’ other son, who had been imprisoned) the obstacles become higher and higher. The situation spirals out of control and the death toll rises. it seems the “bay guys’ have all the power, and needless to say, Jenna’s faith in the justice system is irreversibly altered and she no longer knows whom to trust.
Ms. Prather creates some terrific characters. The judge and his sexually aggressive son are pure evil, Jordan Elkins is the furious “black sheep” son who will challenge his father and brother to get justice for his mother. Jenna is the brave DA who refuses to back down. In fact, the deaths of a few people close to her only fuels her rage and determination. Clifford Beaumont, although not above using coercive tactics, is portrayed as a family man who cares more about protecting his family than about wealth and prestige. Marcus Dade, an irritable defense attorney for the rich and powerful, seems to have an agenda of his own (though what that agenda is is not made entirely clear). David Garcia, the district attorney who is dying of cancer, who, at the end of his life, repents of the times he got sucked into the corruptive schemes. And the various henchmen hired to do odd jobs for them, such as Drago, Gregory, and two unidentified terrorists hired to detonate a bomb. There are also characters on the side of good, such as the butt-kicking Loki and her team. However, my favorite characters are the hilarious, dynamic Jake and Harry, two police officers hired to watch Jenna when it becomes clear her life is in danger. They provide comic relief in an otherwise serious novel, and I hope they are back in the sequel.
As far as the plot, it starts a little slow, but soon picks up, and when it does, the reader is hooked. A few concerns I had were the mention of a supposedly accidental killing that Michael committed when he was a teenager (of someone hinted to be a prostitute) that never went anywhere (I’m more forgiving of loose ends like this when a book is first of a series). Also, the whole shooting at the airport scene is a little strange. Someone is shot in an airport, police gun down the “shooter” and the real shooter gives his target a flesh wound and somehow escapes with his victims in tow? I think I misunderstood this scene. Otherwise, security at this airport is extremely incompetent and lax. All writers have to take fictional liberties to move along the plot, but I felt this particular scene could have been better handled. Otherwise, although the plot is a tad predictable and cliched (most pure crime thrillers are-no offense intended to the writer), it is well-written, fast paced, and keeps you hooked to the end.
No issues that I saw with grammar, stylistics, or formatting.
To summarize, I give an A+ for characterization, an A- for plot flow, and a B+ for plot development. Well worth a read if you enjoy a fast-actioned crime thriller. I am looking forward to the sequel.
4stars
Jessica W
In Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, Linda S. Prather creates a world where the rich and powerful operate above the law with impunity. Greed, corruption, and murder are par for the course. People, even family, are as dispensable as last year’s cashmere sweater, and can be eliminated when they start talking too much or become useless or burdensome.
Jenna James, a morally upright up-and-coming district attorney in a Texas office that is a hotbed of corruption, is involved in an unsatisfying relationship with Michael Elkins, the son of of a powerful and feared judge. When she is called upon to look into the suspicious death of the judge’s wife (at the request of Judge Elkins’ other son, who had been imprisoned) the obstacles become higher and higher. The situation spirals out of control and the death toll rises. it seems the “bay guys’ have all the power, and needless to say, Jenna’s faith in the justice system is irreversibly altered and she no longer knows whom to trust.
Ms. Prather creates some terrific characters. The judge and his sexually aggressive son are pure evil, Jordan Elkins is the furious “black sheep” son who will challenge his father and brother to get justice for his mother. Jenna is the brave DA who refuses to back down. In fact, the deaths of a few people close to her only fuels her rage and determination. Clifford Beaumont, although not above using coercive tactics, is portrayed as a family man who cares more about protecting his family than about wealth and prestige. Marcus Dade, an irritable defense attorney for the rich and powerful, seems to have an agenda of his own (though what that agenda is is not made entirely clear). David Garcia, the district attorney who is dying of cancer, who, at the end of his life, repents of the times he got sucked into the corruptive schemes. And the various henchmen hired to do odd jobs for them, such as Drago, Gregory, and two unidentified terrorists hired to detonate a bomb. There are also characters on the side of good, such as the butt-kicking Loki and her team. However, my favorite characters are the hilarious, dynamic Jake and Harry, two police officers hired to watch Jenna when it becomes clear her life is in danger. They provide comic relief in an otherwise serious novel, and I hope they are back in the sequel.
As far as the plot, it starts a little slow, but soon picks up, and when it does, the reader is hooked. A few concerns I had were the mention of a supposedly accidental killing that Michael committed when he was a teenager (of someone hinted to be a prostitute) that never went anywhere (I’m more forgiving of loose ends like this when a book is first of a series). Also, the whole shooting at the airport scene is a little strange. Someone is shot in an airport, police gun down the “shooter” and the real shooter gives his target a flesh wound and somehow escapes with his victims in tow? I think I misunderstood this scene. Otherwise, security at this airport is extremely incompetent and lax. All writers have to take fictional liberties to move along the plot, but I felt this particular scene could have been better handled. Otherwise, although the plot is a tad predictable and cliched (most pure crime thrillers are-no offense intended to the writer), it is well-written, fast paced, and keeps you hooked to the end.
No issues that I saw with grammar, stylistics, or formatting.
To summarize, I give an A+ for characterization, an A- for plot flow, and a B+ for plot development. Well worth a read if you enjoy a fast-actioned crime thriller. I am looking forward to the sequel.
4stars
Jessica W
August 11, 2016
Why did it take so long for Beyond a Reasonable Doubt to get to the top of my reading pile? I am now a huge Jenna James and Linda Prather fan.
I loved the short, sharp chapters and devoured this book. It kept my interest, and I thoroughly enjoyed the main character being a DA and finding out about crimes from her point of view. The author obviously knows her stuff!
Highly recommend this legal thriller and will definitely be reading more from this author.
I loved the short, sharp chapters and devoured this book. It kept my interest, and I thoroughly enjoyed the main character being a DA and finding out about crimes from her point of view. The author obviously knows her stuff!
Highly recommend this legal thriller and will definitely be reading more from this author.
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