Body of Evidence

Rain City Legal #6

by Stephen Penner

You can’t bury the truth.

Seattle Attorney Daniel Raine is hired by one Jim Carpenter who has been charged with a cold case murder.

A body has been discovered, buried under Carpenter’s business. When the remains are identified as a missing girl who was responsible for the DUI death of his own daughter, he instantly becomes the prime suspect.

It’s a clear case of a grief-stricken father out for revenge.

Believing Carpenter’s vehement protestations of innocence, Raine sets out to find out what really happened on that fateful day ten years ago.

But the case gets increasingly difficult as Raine finds himself battling a power-hungry prosecutor with an eye on higher office.

Even worse, all the witnesses seem to have something to hide, and as he digs for the truth, Raine has to fight through a tangled web of secrets and lies.

A web that will soon turn deadly…

Body of Evidence – the sixth book in the brilliant legal thriller series featuring attorney Daniel Raine.

Genres: Mystery

316 pages, ebook

Published June 8, 2025

About the author

Stephen Penner is an author, artist, and attorney from Seattle, Washington. He has written more than 30 novels and specializes in courtroom thrillers known for their unexpected twists and candid portrayal of the justice system. He draws on his extensive experience as a criminal trial attorney to infuse his writing with realism and insight.

Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.

In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.

Reviews

[Marie A · Rating 5 out of 5]

TL/DR: Hopefully you have read the synopsis and are just here to see what others thought about the book. Yes? Great. Here’s my hot take. If you are a sucker for police procedurals or legal thrillers, especially where the person being accused swears they didn’t do it? I can’t recommend this book enough. It was a crazy ride and even though this was my first book from this author, I can confidently say it won’t be my last.

I love books like this. A guy hires a lawyer because he knows he’s going to be arrested for murder, swears he didn’t do it and then you settle in for what is sure to be a book filled with twists and turns.

I really like the MMC of this series, Daniel Raine. I also love the play on words with the city where it takes place and the character’s last name.

This is a fun, quick read. I also loved the two FMC’s of the book; Sawyer, also a lawyer and Raine’s girlfriend when the lawyering doesn’t keep them apart and Sommer’s, Raine’s part-time investigator when she isn’t doing her full time job as a commercial real estate agent. They are both strong, independent women and I love their sass and no apologies attitude, especially when they are doing their job. Better yet, Raine appreciates it too.

I cannot recommend this book enough. I would like to thank the author, Stephen Penner; Inkubator Books and NetGalley for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading!

[Lisanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a legal thriller, but I had a great time reading Body of Evidence.
It was fast-paced, easy to get into, and the legal drama kept me hooked the whole way through. I haven’t read the earlier books in the series, but that didn’t stop me from following the story and now I definitely want to go back and read them to learn more about Daniel Raine. He’s a great main character He's smart, determined, and someone you want to root for.
The ending wasn’t predictable for me at all, which was really refreshing.
Body of Evidence kept me guessing right up to the last few pages.

⭐️ Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review ⭐️

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Body of Evidence
Author: Stephen Penner
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Series: A Rain City Legal Thriller Book 6
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Body of Evidence" by Stephen Penner

My Insight:

'Body of Evidence' is a gripping courtroom drama that centers on attorney Dan Raine, who finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes murder case. With his client facing serious charges, the tension escalates when the client's wife is also implicated in a murder. The story unfolds with a cast of three lawyers navigating the complexities of the law, secrets, and moral dilemmas. As Raine works to clear his client's name, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with twists and turns. You'll definitely want to pick up this sixth installment to see how the intricate web of the case unravels and whether the attorneys can secure justice for their clients. The suspense will keep you turning the pages eagerly!

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Body of Evidence Stars🌟

Dan Raine is once again caught up in a murder, but in this case it’s a cold case and involves the accused’s neighbour who disappeared a decade ago.

Lots going on in this one and the final reveal turns out I had some of the information correct, but did not know who was responsible - though I should’ve seen it coming. A tangled web of secrets which ultimately resulted in almost two families losing everything😢

A great read and would definitely recommend this series to others who enjoy the legalities of a trial and what’s involved to a certain degree. I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and willingly leave my honest review❤️‍🩹

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Body of Evidence is the sixth novel in the Daniel Raine series by Stephen Penner. This is a very good series and perfect for readers who enjoy legal thrillers. Seattle attorney Daniel Raine takes on Jim Carpenter as a client, and faces I knew I was in for an emotional moral journey.

A body is discovered buried directly under Jim Carpenter’s business. When the remains are identified as the girl responsible for the DUI death of Carpenter’s own daughter years ago, the motive is practically served to the police on a silver platter. It looks like the ultimate “grief-stricken father” revenge story.

Daniel Raine is faced with defending a man whom the entire city of Seattle has already convicted in their minds. Raine is convinced by Carpenter’s protests of innocence and is determined to uncover the truth. Daniel needs to look back ten years into the past to uncover what really happened on the day that girl disappeared. It is more than a body that has remained hidden for ten years, there are ten years of lies and secrets.

Raine is up against a legal adversary who cares more about a win in court that will likely lead to promotion, than they do about actual justice. This adds a political tension to the courtroom scenes and every witness Raine interviews seems to have a secrets and that have remained for ten years.

This is a another cleverly written fast paced novel that is a good addition to this excellent series. I am really enjoying this series. Strong characters, clever plots and fast paced, bring on the next one.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story begins with Dan just having a trial go to the jury. As he was leaving the courthouse, he is met by Jim, a potential client, who advises him that he is to be arrested for murder. It seems that a body has been discovered buried under a building that Jim sold. The body is in all likelihood that of Zoe who disappeared 10 years earlier. It so happened that Zoe was the driver of a vehicle in which Chloe, Jim's daughter, was killed. Dan and Jim go to the site and both are arrested. Dan is released, but Jim is held pending charges.

Jim is later charged with murder and Dan begins his investigation. Dan is finding that all the evidence points to Jim. Before the case goes to trial, the local prosecutor is replaced by the Attorney General who believes that this case will help him with his run for Governor. Another wrinkle comes out and that is Kristi, Jim's wife, being charged with murder for killing Zoe's mother. McClain decides that he wants to join both cases into one trial. The trial begins and Mclain is almost done with his portion when everything changes.

To learn how Dan handled his investigation, who was Kristi's lawyer, what steps Dan took in his defense of Jim, who was Zoe's killer as well as what event happened during the trial, then you need to read this.

The ending is one that is unexpected, don't miss out!

[Lape · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a Daniel Raine novel, and now I completely understand the hype. Raine is everything I love in a legal thriller lead: smart, sharp, witty, a little sarcastic, and absolutely relentless when it comes to fighting for the truth.

He’s hired by Jim Carpenter, who knows he’s about to be arrested for murder. A body has been found buried under his old business. Turns out, it’s Zoe, a girl who went missing ten years ago after causing the DUI crash that killed Jim’s daughter. It’s a setup that practically screams revenge, and the case looks open and shut. But Raine believes Jim’s innocence, and what follows is a wild ride of courtroom strategy, buried secrets, and twists I never saw coming.

I loved the balance between investigation and courtroom drama. The legal scenes are sharp, engaging, and easy to follow, even as the stakes keep rising. And just when I thought I had a handle on things, the story flipped in a completely unexpected direction. And I loved it!!

Throw in a power hungry prosecutor, a second murder, and the very atmospheric backdrop of Seattle, and you’ve got a legal thriller that fires on all cylinders.

If you enjoy fast paced legal thrillers with clever plots, great characters, and twists that’ll make you gasp, then Body Of Evidence is a really good pick.

Thanks to the Author, and @inkubatorbooks for the opportunity to read the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback.

[LianaReads blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Body of Evidence was a gripping legal thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. I’ve only read a couple of the earlier books in the series, but now I want to read them all!
Daniel Raine is such a smart and likable attorney, and I loved following his journey to uncover the truth. The case was intense, a man is accused of killing the girl who caused his daughter’s death in a DUI years ago. The body is found under his business, and all signs point to him, but nothing is ever that simple. The search goes above and beyond for the missing daughter and I was very much glued to my kindle to find out what’s happening next and if he will manage to find her because there seems to be lots of obstacles along the way.
The courtroom scenes were well written and easy to follow, with plenty of twists along the way. Seattle makes a great setting, and the writing had a nice mix of suspense and dry humor.
If you enjoy legal dramas with strong characters and a clever plot, this series is worth checking out!
Very grateful to the publisher/author for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own

[Caroline | dogtailsandcrimetales · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★

Daniel Raine, a Seattle attorney, is hired to defend Jim Carpenter in a cold case murder. While there is an argument that logically Jim could not be guilty, there is not much evidence to prove his innocence. The victim is a missing girl who was responsible for the death of Jim’s daughter in a DUI accident ten years ago. Though it was well known she had been under the influence, she was never charged. When she disappeared shortly after the accident, everyone seemed to assume that Jim or his wife had something to do with it—perhaps a case of revenge.

The circumstantial evidence is quite strong, considering their shared backstory, and the case against Jim does not look any better when his wife ends up facing her own murder charge…

This is my second book in the Rain City Legal series, and it is a bit more of a slow burn. However, once we get to the trial, things start speeding up, leading to an unexpected final reveal!

Stephen Penner does an excellent job portraying courtroom scenarios and behind-the-scenes legal procedures in a way that is easily digestible for readers. The character development is also well done—each character feels distinct and enhances the story. Daniel is an interesting character, and I quite enjoyed Sawyer getting in on the action while clearly separating her personal life from her professional life and entanglement with Daniel. The Seattle setting is great; it adds a certain mood and melancholy (I do not think the sun shines even once).

I highly recommend this to fans of legal thrillers!

Thank you NetGalley, Inkubator Books, and Stephen Penner for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Linda Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

10+ stars I Want to read it again !

The first chapter has a good opening and then it just keeps on getting better and better ALL the time ! Daniel Raine is the best. I loved him and Detective Adams to name a few because there were several other really good characters too. And that "weak" but power hungry prosecutor, Thompkins makes for an interesting opponent. At least, Daniel seems to think so. Daniel likes winning and he's clever and kinda sneaky. Enter in Detective Adams who seems to know what shes doing and she's really good at her job. Now. Manny Lutz, the new owner of the leveled property? I didn't like him from the start. HE seemed to be dumb as a box of rocks ! Or is he? Not going to answer any of those questions. Or share anything else. Because, why ruin it for others? No spoilers from me!! The author wrote an excellent book !
I got a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[TheLisaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephen Penner’s Body of Evidence delivers a gripping legal thriller that immediately captures attention and never lets go. The intrigue begins when a stranger approaches attorney David Brunelle out of the blue, requesting representation—an encounter that sparks a cascade of suspenseful events.

From that compelling opening, Penner expertly builds tension, offering readers just enough information to keep them guessing. The narrative unfolds with a steady stream of clues, each one deepening the mystery and adding new layers to the plot. The pacing is sharp, and the structure is thoughtfully crafted, with revelations that arrive at just the right moments.

What makes this novel especially effective is Penner’s ability to balance courtroom drama with psychological tension, creating a story that is both intellectually satisfying and emotionally engaging. Body of Evidence is a tightly woven, expertly written thriller that keeps readers hooked until the final page.

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Body of Evidence is a crime, legal thriller. I always enjoy these types of stories because you get to see the crimes being solved from a different perspective and it's truly amazing to see the work that gets put into it.
This story has a couple twists that I didn't see coming. Jim hires an attorney because a body has been found at a location of a building he used to own. The body, isn't just a body though, it's a young girl. And that girl, happens to be his daughter's best friend, Zoe. He knows this because his daughter, Chloe was killed the year before her friend went missing. Chloe actually died in a car accident, being driven by Zoe. And Zoe's body showing up at a location that Jim owned at the time she went missing makes him look awfully guilty.
I loved all the attorney procedurals in the story and I enjoyed this one from beginning to end. The plot is really captivating and the writing is easy to follow.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another riveting read from start to finish. The body of a young woman who disappeared several years earlier is discovered underneath the business of the father of the young woman's best friend who died in a car accident. The car was driven by the woman whose body is found and so the father is accused of the murder. Daniel is hired to defend him and so begins a great tale of mistrust, betrayal and secrets.

As well as the legal aspects in the courtroom which are really enjoyable, I also enjoy the investigative side of things especially as Dan has a tendency to put himself into less than ideal situations. Just as things look like falling apart for Dan's defence strategy, we have time for a shocking twist that turns everything upside down. Definitely one that I never saw coming. This is a great series and I hope there's a lot more to come.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed the Rain City legal thrillers I've had the chance to read so far, and Body of Evidence was no exception. Daniel Raine is not only witty with words and action, but fearless when it comes to getting his hands dirty where and when needed.

A seemingly open/shut case involving murder leaves Raine clutching at straws trying to find the real whodunnit for his client but the deck seems stacked against him. Add another murder involving the client's wife, and things look even bleaker. But if there's anyone who can find the needle in the haystack to save the day, it's Daniel Raine. Suffice it to say, if I was in a serious legal pickle, he would be my counsel hands down!

Entertaining throughout, with a well-developed storyline make this one another winner on the legal front.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan is approached by a man, Jim, who keeps on saying he is going to prison but that he is not a murderer. Jim had recently sold his business and human remains where found in the building which he believed belonged to his late daughter's best friend who disappeared ten years past. What follows is a series of juridical manouvers to try to release him (and fails) from jail and the trial becomes even more complicated when his wife kills the daughter's best friend mother! It's interesting to learn how the legal system works in the US and how the truth is important but not be the main goal in a trial. The case sees a complete turn around when an unexpected witness to the girl's murder is found and brought to testify. Great plot, great story, highly recommended!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

Attorney J. Daniel Raine enjoyed his role as a Prosecuting Attorney. However, now he is assigned the task of being a defense attorney for a lovely mid-thirties defendant.

Raine is up against a seasoned prosecuting attorney who really wants to see him fail at his new role in defense, but he finds every loophole possible and ignores evidence that implicates his client.

This is a very interesting book and is engaging and interesting. I can thoroughly recommend to any who enjoy a solid mystery and legal thriller! 5 stars – CE Williams

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. Any opinion expressed here is my own.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good story that takes us behind the scenes of the whole legal process, from the suspect turning himself in until the end of the trial. Jim Carpenter had just walked into Attorney Daniel Raine's office and hired the lawyer and told him what he knew he was going to be charged with the murder of his neighbors daughter. Jim had owned a hardware store and sold to another gentleman for him to tear down the building and rebuild on the site. When they did the digging the workers found a body under the old building. Jim had been there watching the process of the tear down and saw them discover the body and he went straight to the lawyers office.

So who did commit the murder? Was it Jim? And if it was Jim why did he do it?

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad I discovered this series, I’ve really enjoyed the legal aspects in all of the instalments. Defense Attorney Daniel Raine practices in Seattle, has a girlfriend who’s also an attorney and uses an investigator who’s a prominent real estate agent. The group Raine surrounds himself with all have distinct attributes and personalities. This case involves a body long buried under a building being torn down for new development. There were plenty of possibilities for suspects including a twisted family dynamic. It’ll keep you guessing who the perpetrator was. The drama really amped up during the murder trial as Raine has little defense and no clues for getting his client acquitted. I can’t wait to read what the author has in store next

[Genesia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This, the next installment in the series, is just as good as the previous ones. Rayne is defending a client who's accused of murdering his neighbors' daughter. The book is full of twists and surprises at every corner. With mostly the same characters as in the previous books, this book is full of entertainment and great world-building. I enjoyed the trials and the details about the procedures. I love this genre and find every moment I spent reading the book worth it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carolyn Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel Raine is an attorney hired to defend Jim Carpenter who is charged with murder of a girl who disappeared 10 years ago. Jim sold his store and the body was discovered when the developer who bought the building started demolition. This story has it all…the cold case, the land developer, two families intertwined, who knew what and who has something to hide. Loved the ending and really did not see that coming.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lotsa courtroom drama. A legal defense story that is riveting. Starts with a cold case and moves onto a warm case. The story twists to and fro as the clues unravel. The caseload multiplies as the investigation progresses. There are suspects that come and go. There are breaks that impact everything. There is the fight for justice and the resolution of crimes past. Love courtroom dramas and especially loved this one!

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only are we dealing with Mr. Carpenter being accused of killing his daughter’s best friend and neighbor Zoe(because she killed his daughter in a car accident), his wife is accused of killing Zoe’s mom. So many secrets to be revealed in this one. Totally kept me guessing. That last chapter was riveting. Excellent thriller.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book from this author that I have ever read. It was pretty good. Although I rather enjoy murder mysteries and whodunits that make you figure out who really did it. There was too much legalese and paper filing for me. I also did not need to know each road or street he drove on. I wanted to read more about him solving the crime verses filing papers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Thomas J McCallister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well if you like a courtroom story lines it was pretty good. Had some twist with the courtroom drama and of course the identifying the murderer had an interesting plot line that one would not have expected, To be honest I am a fan of legal thrillers and Stephen Penner is one of my "go to" authors. I have read 11 of is books and have been very satisfied. I also have several other authors for legal thrillers. I usually read two books at a time (a legal thriller and an action adventure).

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Body of Evidence" is the latest book in the Rain City Legal saga! It's a "who did it" no nonsense story about 2 families and not 1 but 2 dead bodies which see Raine and Sawyer both going to trial with their clients. I love the Rain City books so much because they don't just focus on one thing, they do a deep dive into legal aspects with emotion and wit all bundled together. Highly recommend!

[Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's three sides to a story and Attorney Daniel Raine must find the truth somewhere in between. Right off the bat I knew attorney Raine would do whatever it took to win his case legal or other wise and I couldn't read fast enough to get to the good parts and see how he wins this case. I find all of the
Stephen Penner's books I've read to be intriguing.

[Robert Foland · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Body of Evidence" delivers the goods! Stephen Penner knows how to grab your attention and maintain it until the final page. Skillfully crafted mysteries and plenty of suspense. The books in this series seem to get better and better. Nothing like a little last minute courtroom magic to make my day!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seattle Attorney Daniel Raine is hired by Jim Carpenter who has been charged in a cold case murder. A body was found under Jim's business and it turns out that the remains are those of a girl who was responsible for the DUI death of his own daughter. Everyone assumes it's the result of a grief stricken father, but Daniel decides to dive deeper.

[Heather Paulsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am new to this series & didn't realize I was jumping in the middle. I am so glad I did, this was fabulous! Dan Raine is a hoot, he is snarky, smart, and straightforward. This story has really good twists that make you flip the pages faster to see what happens next. Loved everything about this. Now I have to catch up on the series.

[Mikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Mr Penner's books in this series are getting better and better, IMHO. This novel kept me guessing right until the end. The final twist was a fine surprise. Totally unexpected. I enjoy how the usual characters are being developed. I also enjoy how much I can understand the legalese. This is a well-developed story throughout.