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In Her Defense
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12 days and 05:21:32
5 copies available
U.S. only
As a sensational celebrity libel trial unfolds, a young woman at the periphery secretly wields the power to make or break the case. But with her own hidden past, will she dare to speak up?
Everyone is watching. Only one person knows the truth.
The whole country has been riveted by the Beloved TV star and national treasure Anna Finbow, standing in court, accusing her daughter’s therapist Jean Guest of brainwashing her daughter Mary for her own financial gain. Jean insists Mary’s traumatic memories arise from her upbringing and her time studying at a prestigious art school in Rome; wounds only Jean’s therapy can heal. But as the trial unfolds, it’s Augusta “Gus” Bird, Anna’s former employee—a seemingly insignificant bystander, a nobody—who holds the key to unraveling the tangled web of lies and deceit.
What really happened to Mary in Rome? And if her memories can’t be trusted, how will they ever uncover the truth behind her estrangement? Twisty and propulsive, In Her Defense is a compulsively readable debut for fans of Lucy Foley and Laura Dave.
Everyone is watching. Only one person knows the truth.
The whole country has been riveted by the Beloved TV star and national treasure Anna Finbow, standing in court, accusing her daughter’s therapist Jean Guest of brainwashing her daughter Mary for her own financial gain. Jean insists Mary’s traumatic memories arise from her upbringing and her time studying at a prestigious art school in Rome; wounds only Jean’s therapy can heal. But as the trial unfolds, it’s Augusta “Gus” Bird, Anna’s former employee—a seemingly insignificant bystander, a nobody—who holds the key to unraveling the tangled web of lies and deceit.
What really happened to Mary in Rome? And if her memories can’t be trusted, how will they ever uncover the truth behind her estrangement? Twisty and propulsive, In Her Defense is a compulsively readable debut for fans of Lucy Foley and Laura Dave.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 19, 2025
Anna Finbow finds herself embroiled in a libel lawsuit filed by her daughter‘s therapist, Jean. Anna is convinced that Jean has brainwashed her daughter Mary, and posts the accusation in her celebrity newsletter to her fans. At the start of the trial, we see the proceedings through Gus’s eyes. Gus was a close friend of Mary’s and is also connected to Jean via therapy. The timeline alternates between the trial, as well as Gus‘s time in Rome, where she meets Mary and Jean. This helps to develop a backstory to try and understand if Anna‘s accusations are in fact true.
Through Gus‘s time in Rome, we see how she becomes acquainted with both Mary and Jean. All of the characters are unlikable to the point that I couldn’t see any redeeming qualities really about any of them. Gus is looking for a sense of belonging which leads her to developing a close friendship with Mary that is never quite reciprocated the way she hopes. However, Jean is her rock that she feels she can always rely on. Jean keeps attempting Gus to introduce her to Mary, but Gus is hesitant. What I felt this was missing was the “why”. As a reader, I am following the relationships, but am questioning why any of these people are connected. What does Gus see in Mary? What is Jean’s infatuation with Mary? We see it all unfold, but I don’t ever get the understanding of what is driving some of their actions.
This is one of those novels that I think there’s a bit of reading between the lines on what constitutes as therapy and which side you end up believing. I’m hesitant to classify this as a psychological thriller, but it has a few of those elements as well as some legal courtroom drama. While I had some hangups with this one, I definitely would be interested in seeing what the future holds for this author.
3.5 Stars
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Through Gus‘s time in Rome, we see how she becomes acquainted with both Mary and Jean. All of the characters are unlikable to the point that I couldn’t see any redeeming qualities really about any of them. Gus is looking for a sense of belonging which leads her to developing a close friendship with Mary that is never quite reciprocated the way she hopes. However, Jean is her rock that she feels she can always rely on. Jean keeps attempting Gus to introduce her to Mary, but Gus is hesitant. What I felt this was missing was the “why”. As a reader, I am following the relationships, but am questioning why any of these people are connected. What does Gus see in Mary? What is Jean’s infatuation with Mary? We see it all unfold, but I don’t ever get the understanding of what is driving some of their actions.
This is one of those novels that I think there’s a bit of reading between the lines on what constitutes as therapy and which side you end up believing. I’m hesitant to classify this as a psychological thriller, but it has a few of those elements as well as some legal courtroom drama. While I had some hangups with this one, I definitely would be interested in seeing what the future holds for this author.
3.5 Stars
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2025
WHOA. What a book. I just finished and I am totally shook. It is both suspenseful and terribly sad. Mood readers beware- it is hard to find a character to root for but it dives really deep into themes of identity and desire for acceptance. I was absolutely riveted and my mouth dropped open several times. Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Laura Dave.
SYNOPSIS
Gussie is lovesick over Mary, her former friend and sometimes hookup. She is the key witness in a trial. Mary's mother, Anna, is a beloved TV actor and Mary her estranged only daughter. Anna is suing Mary's therapist, Jean Guest. Jean says that Mary's parents are toxic and supports Mary in cutting off all contact. Anna says that Mary has been manipulated for money and Jean has inserted false memories into Mary's mind. Gus is the one that brings the two together- a former client of Jean, Mary has cut her off too. But Gus is the one that brought Jean and Mary together.
THEMES- heavy!
Very bad therapy
therapist as cult leader
Art school setting
The roles we play to each other- how our friends see us
Unrequited love
Estrangement of family
Sexual promiscuity as a search for acceptance
We are all simultaneously the groomer and the groomed, the villain and the victim, the unreliable and fiercely loyal.
I have read so many books where I came away saying, "Sheesh, these people all need therapy. This book is practically an advertisement for therapy." WHOA. NOT SO FAST. Did you know that in the UK anyone can register as a therapist online, like registering as a "life coach" it appears that this doesn't have the level of regulation that it does in the states. Or at least it doesn't in this universe.
the characters are so sad and over time they appear to see themselves in both ways. The characters, particularly Gus and Mary, grow over time and begin to have a maturity to understand their past insecurities. Jean gave them hope, then made them dependent on her for this hope, but at least she gave them hope.
There is a reason why people join cults- there are wonderful things about it that make one feel finally understood, feel like there is a story to their pain. If it was all isolation and hopelessness then no one would join a cult. But there is a desperation for identity that becomes fulfilled and feels wonderfully validating.
this book is so suspenseful it practically feels like horror. Unbelievable story.
Thank you to Netgalley and scribner for the ARC. Book to be published 2/24/26
SYNOPSIS
Gussie is lovesick over Mary, her former friend and sometimes hookup. She is the key witness in a trial. Mary's mother, Anna, is a beloved TV actor and Mary her estranged only daughter. Anna is suing Mary's therapist, Jean Guest. Jean says that Mary's parents are toxic and supports Mary in cutting off all contact. Anna says that Mary has been manipulated for money and Jean has inserted false memories into Mary's mind. Gus is the one that brings the two together- a former client of Jean, Mary has cut her off too. But Gus is the one that brought Jean and Mary together.
THEMES- heavy!
Very bad therapy
therapist as cult leader
Art school setting
The roles we play to each other- how our friends see us
Unrequited love
Estrangement of family
Sexual promiscuity as a search for acceptance
We are all simultaneously the groomer and the groomed, the villain and the victim, the unreliable and fiercely loyal.
I have read so many books where I came away saying, "Sheesh, these people all need therapy. This book is practically an advertisement for therapy." WHOA. NOT SO FAST. Did you know that in the UK anyone can register as a therapist online, like registering as a "life coach" it appears that this doesn't have the level of regulation that it does in the states. Or at least it doesn't in this universe.
the characters are so sad and over time they appear to see themselves in both ways. The characters, particularly Gus and Mary, grow over time and begin to have a maturity to understand their past insecurities. Jean gave them hope, then made them dependent on her for this hope, but at least she gave them hope.
There is a reason why people join cults- there are wonderful things about it that make one feel finally understood, feel like there is a story to their pain. If it was all isolation and hopelessness then no one would join a cult. But there is a desperation for identity that becomes fulfilled and feels wonderfully validating.
this book is so suspenseful it practically feels like horror. Unbelievable story.
Thank you to Netgalley and scribner for the ARC. Book to be published 2/24/26
October 9, 2025
Thank you to Scribner for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
In Her Defense by Philippe Malicka is part psychological thriller, part legal drama. Set in both present London and years before in Rome, a woman named Gus is transfixed; first by a student named Mary, and then by a mysterious therapist. Later, Mary’s famous mother will claim in court that this therapist has brainwashed and alienated her daughter. Gus seems to be the only one with the full story.
I think that, on my first reading, that this book would have a lot of appeal to fans of Lisa Jewell. Monied families, ingratiating schemers, and dark secrets do make this book have a very familiar sense of framing.
Something that I particularly liked was that Gus, our main character, wasn’t blameless and often was unlikeable. She’s the push that gets the whole story in motion but she’s far from an innocent. Her actions are spineless, selfish, and at times cross boundaries. But at the same time, Malicka writes her with a healthy dose of empathy; she’s lonely, manipulated, and desperately seeking validation. I think that it’s pretty masterful that the author could craft a character that in one moment feels like a little lost puppy and in the other seems like a dangerously obsessed creep.
Unfortunately, I did not feel that the other characters were written with as much deftness as the main character. Jean especially appears as little more than a Svengali—charming and then deeply dangerous. We’re given little peeks into her as a more complex character and her motives are hinted at, but she really seems a stock “evil therapist.” Mary, as well, has very little depth beside being beautiful and physically present.
I did find that when this book was good, it was very, very engaging. On the other hand, when it dragged, it basically ground to a standstill. I felt like the same few ideas were being rehashed without moving the plot forward or adding depth. We know that Jean is manipulative and striving to control Mary, using Gus as a pawn to reach her. I felt like the many scenes of their interactions trying to reel her in were repetitive. It felt a little bit like I was reading the same interaction over and over again, interspersed with more interesting moments.
I liked this book, but it wasn’t a complete success in its goals. I think that if you really crave a different spin on a cult leader style thriller, that this could be very gripping. I particularly liked the way that the author wrote the ambiguously sympathetic main character. 3/5 stars!
In Her Defense by Philippe Malicka is part psychological thriller, part legal drama. Set in both present London and years before in Rome, a woman named Gus is transfixed; first by a student named Mary, and then by a mysterious therapist. Later, Mary’s famous mother will claim in court that this therapist has brainwashed and alienated her daughter. Gus seems to be the only one with the full story.
I think that, on my first reading, that this book would have a lot of appeal to fans of Lisa Jewell. Monied families, ingratiating schemers, and dark secrets do make this book have a very familiar sense of framing.
Something that I particularly liked was that Gus, our main character, wasn’t blameless and often was unlikeable. She’s the push that gets the whole story in motion but she’s far from an innocent. Her actions are spineless, selfish, and at times cross boundaries. But at the same time, Malicka writes her with a healthy dose of empathy; she’s lonely, manipulated, and desperately seeking validation. I think that it’s pretty masterful that the author could craft a character that in one moment feels like a little lost puppy and in the other seems like a dangerously obsessed creep.
Unfortunately, I did not feel that the other characters were written with as much deftness as the main character. Jean especially appears as little more than a Svengali—charming and then deeply dangerous. We’re given little peeks into her as a more complex character and her motives are hinted at, but she really seems a stock “evil therapist.” Mary, as well, has very little depth beside being beautiful and physically present.
I did find that when this book was good, it was very, very engaging. On the other hand, when it dragged, it basically ground to a standstill. I felt like the same few ideas were being rehashed without moving the plot forward or adding depth. We know that Jean is manipulative and striving to control Mary, using Gus as a pawn to reach her. I felt like the many scenes of their interactions trying to reel her in were repetitive. It felt a little bit like I was reading the same interaction over and over again, interspersed with more interesting moments.
I liked this book, but it wasn’t a complete success in its goals. I think that if you really crave a different spin on a cult leader style thriller, that this could be very gripping. I particularly liked the way that the author wrote the ambiguously sympathetic main character. 3/5 stars!
December 2, 2025
A big thank you to Simon & Schuester, Philippa Malicka, and NetGalley for providing an ARC upon request in exchange for an honest review!
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
I liked the premise of this book. A libel trial involving a celeb chef, her daughter and the therapist that 'stole' her away from her? And the witness that could make/break the case? Sounds really interesting, and the book had me in the beginning, setting up the little breadcrumbs that would come up later down the road with an unassuming, day-in-the-life protagonist.
However, for me I found it staggering around part 2, which started out interesting, but then became a rotating door of 'will they/won't they' emotions that are never quite really acted upon by the main character. This goes on throughout part 2 and part 3, and it becomes a constant lurid description of being an art student in Rome. A lot of key details are also brought up as key parts of the story, only to never be expanded upon or closed out on at the conclusion of the novel. I won't get into spoiler territory as this book has yet to be released (slated for a Feb. 2026 release) but for so much time it spends on MC and her pining for her love interest in Rome, it says nothing about (IMO) the more important details that play a part in the court case. Fortunately it picks back up in part 4, but even those parts feel woefully short in comparison to part 2 and 3.
I really liked how things are described in the writing, and I think Malicka is a solid writer. I also liked the main character being as messy and vulnerable as she was, and how she unknowingly stepped into the belly of the beast with the court case. However, I think it's bogged down by pacing issues and the extended focus on one event over all others that make it a miss for me.
2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
I liked the premise of this book. A libel trial involving a celeb chef, her daughter and the therapist that 'stole' her away from her? And the witness that could make/break the case? Sounds really interesting, and the book had me in the beginning, setting up the little breadcrumbs that would come up later down the road with an unassuming, day-in-the-life protagonist.
However, for me I found it staggering around part 2, which started out interesting, but then became a rotating door of 'will they/won't they' emotions that are never quite really acted upon by the main character. This goes on throughout part 2 and part 3, and it becomes a constant lurid description of being an art student in Rome. A lot of key details are also brought up as key parts of the story, only to never be expanded upon or closed out on at the conclusion of the novel. I won't get into spoiler territory as this book has yet to be released (slated for a Feb. 2026 release) but for so much time it spends on MC and her pining for her love interest in Rome, it says nothing about (IMO) the more important details that play a part in the court case. Fortunately it picks back up in part 4, but even those parts feel woefully short in comparison to part 2 and 3.
I really liked how things are described in the writing, and I think Malicka is a solid writer. I also liked the main character being as messy and vulnerable as she was, and how she unknowingly stepped into the belly of the beast with the court case. However, I think it's bogged down by pacing issues and the extended focus on one event over all others that make it a miss for me.
October 30, 2025
This book is part psychological thriller and part legal drama. The main character, Gus, is quite the unreliable character. Gus becomes quite enamored with a fellow student, Mary, and then by a mysterious therapist, who is very charming but becomes very dangerous. As the story goes on, it is this very therapist, who Mary's mother claims in court, that has brainwashed and alienated Mary from her family. The entire story is told from the perspective of Gus. At times, you feel sorry for Gus because she seems so vulnerable and lacking in confidence, while at other times she comes across as very manipulative and stalkerish. It is Gus who gets Mary and Jean (the therapist) together, as she feels that Jean has helped her in so many ways. But once Jean has Mary in her grasp, she neglects Gus and this causes Gus to spiral. You start to feel like you don't know who to trust, as it feels like no one is telling the truth. I found the book to be entertaining and pretty fast-paced, but I started feeling like I didn't grasp the characters' underlying motives. I felt like both Gus & Jean were very wishy-washy.
Many thanks to Scribner & NetGalley for an invitation to read an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Many thanks to Scribner & NetGalley for an invitation to read an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Want to read
October 1, 2025ooh this sounds twisty. I like when we can't tell which story is true. Sounds like this one will be unique.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
December 3, 2025
It was OK but it was a lot of build up for a mediocre ending.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This was a book I had on pre-order but had to cancel after money issues and I was so excited to read it. But sadly it didn't completely live up to my expectations.
It had me hooked from page one, and whilst I did enjoy it for the most part, it did lose its way and struggled to regain that instant opening.
Whilst all of it was good, I preferred the scenes set in the current moment in court; I found those sections very enjoyable indeed and I'd have preferred slightly longer sections there because they are few and far between. The other scenes become this almost will-they-wont-they love triangle which I found myself not caring about.
I am a bit confused about it. I do understand how the past sections link to the present scenes at a basic level, but they generally felt like two different stories and I really struggled to find that strong connection.
Parts 1 and 4 were great and I thoroughly enjoyed them. But parts 2 and 3 felt slow and sloppy and repetitive and completely at odds to the rest of it.
I couldn't get on with any character. That's not to say they're badly written, I don't think that's the case at all. They're just very unlikeable. You're not completely sure who you can trust, who is telling the truth. None of them are 100% good or bad, they're all morally grey, some more grey than others, but I just didn't like any of them. They all felt very distant, I couldn't feel the love or chemistry or connection between any of them. They were quite flat and I was struggling to find anything to grasp hold of.
I am reluctant to call it a thriller, even a psychological thriller, it's something completely different that I can't quite fit into any one basket. It's not a thriller, not a crime novel, nor a legal drama, it's just sort of flitting between them all, never fully settling.
This book had so much promise. The synopsis was intriguing and there were elements I thought were good, but it promised to much but failed to deliver.
This was a book I had on pre-order but had to cancel after money issues and I was so excited to read it. But sadly it didn't completely live up to my expectations.
It had me hooked from page one, and whilst I did enjoy it for the most part, it did lose its way and struggled to regain that instant opening.
Whilst all of it was good, I preferred the scenes set in the current moment in court; I found those sections very enjoyable indeed and I'd have preferred slightly longer sections there because they are few and far between. The other scenes become this almost will-they-wont-they love triangle which I found myself not caring about.
I am a bit confused about it. I do understand how the past sections link to the present scenes at a basic level, but they generally felt like two different stories and I really struggled to find that strong connection.
Parts 1 and 4 were great and I thoroughly enjoyed them. But parts 2 and 3 felt slow and sloppy and repetitive and completely at odds to the rest of it.
I couldn't get on with any character. That's not to say they're badly written, I don't think that's the case at all. They're just very unlikeable. You're not completely sure who you can trust, who is telling the truth. None of them are 100% good or bad, they're all morally grey, some more grey than others, but I just didn't like any of them. They all felt very distant, I couldn't feel the love or chemistry or connection between any of them. They were quite flat and I was struggling to find anything to grasp hold of.
I am reluctant to call it a thriller, even a psychological thriller, it's something completely different that I can't quite fit into any one basket. It's not a thriller, not a crime novel, nor a legal drama, it's just sort of flitting between them all, never fully settling.
This book had so much promise. The synopsis was intriguing and there were elements I thought were good, but it promised to much but failed to deliver.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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The Book Review Crew Blog
2.5 Stars
This book is a legal thriller about a libel trial involving a celebrity, which means it captures the public's attention and scrutiny. What the people of the court and the media don't know is that the case depends on a young lady who holds all the cards to determine the outcome. This unknown woman has a hidden past and must decide whether to step into the spotlight and reveal the truth or remain quiet to protect herself.
This book was a fast-paced legal drama that initially sucked me in, and it would be an engaging read for fans of the genre. The premise is pretty good, too. Ania, a lawyer, is put in the difficult position of defending her old university friend, Kamila, who is accused of murdering her wealthy, abusive husband. The book does a good job of building tension, especially in the courtroom. I liked how we got the history between Ania and Kamila.
However, where it falls just short is in its predictability. While the initial setup is intriguing, many of the twists felt a bit "meh," and the final reveal didn't shock or surprise me. Some of the characters' motivations felt slightly underdeveloped, and their reasoning didn't make complete sense. Overall, this book was just okay because it doesn't do anything new, and it isn't something I will remember in the long run.
NOTE:
- NetGalley has the genre listed as:
- General Fiction| Women's Fiction
- It is 100% a legal thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
2.5 Stars
This book is a legal thriller about a libel trial involving a celebrity, which means it captures the public's attention and scrutiny. What the people of the court and the media don't know is that the case depends on a young lady who holds all the cards to determine the outcome. This unknown woman has a hidden past and must decide whether to step into the spotlight and reveal the truth or remain quiet to protect herself.
This book was a fast-paced legal drama that initially sucked me in, and it would be an engaging read for fans of the genre. The premise is pretty good, too. Ania, a lawyer, is put in the difficult position of defending her old university friend, Kamila, who is accused of murdering her wealthy, abusive husband. The book does a good job of building tension, especially in the courtroom. I liked how we got the history between Ania and Kamila.
However, where it falls just short is in its predictability. While the initial setup is intriguing, many of the twists felt a bit "meh," and the final reveal didn't shock or surprise me. Some of the characters' motivations felt slightly underdeveloped, and their reasoning didn't make complete sense. Overall, this book was just okay because it doesn't do anything new, and it isn't something I will remember in the long run.
NOTE:
- NetGalley has the genre listed as:
- General Fiction| Women's Fiction
- It is 100% a legal thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
December 8, 2025
𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Augusta (Gus) Bird finds herself at the heart of a libel trial after TV star Anna Finbow sues her daughter Mary’s therapist, for allegedly brainwashing her.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
I was into this from the get. The whole thing has this slightly stalky, off-kilter vibe. Even though the plot circles a libel trial, it leans more domestic than legal. The courtroom scenes are woven throughout, but they don’t have the depth you’d get from a full legal thriller.
It’s totally character-driven, and Gus is the heart. She isn’t unreliable so much as she’s still figuring herself out. It almost reads like a late coming-of-age story. She can be irritating, needy and ngl, creepy, but I also found her weirdly relatable.
I was hooked, but the pacing does slow down. It’s clear early on that Jean is manipulating Gus, and those moments start repeating. I kept wanting the plot to push forward instead of looping the same point.
And while I thought the writing was strong throughout, the ending didn’t quite work for me. I wanted a bigger emotional moment or at least some sort of confrontation. The loose ends between the characters left me itching for a little more closure.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
If you like messy dynamics, morally tangled characters, and that slow-burn tension where you can’t look away, this one delivers. Just go in expecting a character-heavy psychological drama rather than a straight legal thriller.
Thank you Scribner and NetGalley for this #gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Anna Popplewell
📖 Publishes 02•03•26 | 352 pages | 11h 30m
Augusta (Gus) Bird finds herself at the heart of a libel trial after TV star Anna Finbow sues her daughter Mary’s therapist, for allegedly brainwashing her.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
I was into this from the get. The whole thing has this slightly stalky, off-kilter vibe. Even though the plot circles a libel trial, it leans more domestic than legal. The courtroom scenes are woven throughout, but they don’t have the depth you’d get from a full legal thriller.
It’s totally character-driven, and Gus is the heart. She isn’t unreliable so much as she’s still figuring herself out. It almost reads like a late coming-of-age story. She can be irritating, needy and ngl, creepy, but I also found her weirdly relatable.
I was hooked, but the pacing does slow down. It’s clear early on that Jean is manipulating Gus, and those moments start repeating. I kept wanting the plot to push forward instead of looping the same point.
And while I thought the writing was strong throughout, the ending didn’t quite work for me. I wanted a bigger emotional moment or at least some sort of confrontation. The loose ends between the characters left me itching for a little more closure.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
If you like messy dynamics, morally tangled characters, and that slow-burn tension where you can’t look away, this one delivers. Just go in expecting a character-heavy psychological drama rather than a straight legal thriller.
Thank you Scribner and NetGalley for this #gifted ARC.
🎧 Narrated by Anna Popplewell
📖 Publishes 02•03•26 | 352 pages | 11h 30m
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In Her Defense by Philippa Malicka had an intriguing premise—a libel trial involving a celebrity ceramicist who claims a therapist brainwashed her daughter—but I found the execution uneven. The story follows Augusta "Gus" Bird, a former dog walker caught up in the trial, and while her position as an unreliable narrator with hidden motives should have been compelling, I struggled to connect with her or care about the outcome.
The novel's main issue is that virtually every character is deeply unlikeable, which seems intentional but made for an exhausting reading experience. I couldn't root for anyone, and the constant shifting between perspectives and timelines—moving between present-day London and Mary's past in Rome—sometimes felt more confusing than clever. The ambiguity around who's telling the truth grows tiresome when you don't particularly trust or sympathize with anyone involved.
Malicka does have a sharp eye for psychological manipulation and the murkiness of memory, and there are moments where the courtroom drama crackles with tension. The questions raised about therapeutic ethics and family dynamics are genuinely thought-provoking. But the pacing drags in places, and some revelations felt underwhelming after all the buildup.
If you enjoy morally gray characters and don't mind spending time with people you actively dislike, this might work for you. For me, it was a competent thriller that kept me reading more out of stubbornness than genuine investment in the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The novel's main issue is that virtually every character is deeply unlikeable, which seems intentional but made for an exhausting reading experience. I couldn't root for anyone, and the constant shifting between perspectives and timelines—moving between present-day London and Mary's past in Rome—sometimes felt more confusing than clever. The ambiguity around who's telling the truth grows tiresome when you don't particularly trust or sympathize with anyone involved.
Malicka does have a sharp eye for psychological manipulation and the murkiness of memory, and there are moments where the courtroom drama crackles with tension. The questions raised about therapeutic ethics and family dynamics are genuinely thought-provoking. But the pacing drags in places, and some revelations felt underwhelming after all the buildup.
If you enjoy morally gray characters and don't mind spending time with people you actively dislike, this might work for you. For me, it was a competent thriller that kept me reading more out of stubbornness than genuine investment in the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2025
Philippa Malicka’s In Her Defense is a twisty tale about family dynamics, but also how some people are susceptible to being unduly influenced by someone who shows up in the right place at the right time. The question is how would someone know when and where that is? What would someone have to gain by making someone else dependent on them? Is it just a power trip? Is there financial gain involved?
Anna Finbow, a famous ceramicist with a reality show in England is struggling with these questions. She cannot understand why her daughter, Mary, has cut off all connections with her family, mostly Anna and her husband. They discover that Mary has been involved with a therapist named Jean Guest. Anna sues Jean saying that she has a track record of creating relationships that become cult-like.
Enter Augusta, who appears to idolize Anna and becomes her dog walker. Gus worms her way into the family and becomes curious about the situation with Anna and her daughter. But all may not be as it seems. The story weaves and wobbles in and out with each chapter revealing more information that keeps readers spellbound and by the end of the story, there are still questions but of a different nature.
In Her Defense causes the reader to introspect about if, how, and why negative relationships form and become so durable. Why don’t people cut ties when things clearly are not helpful?
Thank you, Netgalley, for the prepublication copy to read and review.
Anna Finbow, a famous ceramicist with a reality show in England is struggling with these questions. She cannot understand why her daughter, Mary, has cut off all connections with her family, mostly Anna and her husband. They discover that Mary has been involved with a therapist named Jean Guest. Anna sues Jean saying that she has a track record of creating relationships that become cult-like.
Enter Augusta, who appears to idolize Anna and becomes her dog walker. Gus worms her way into the family and becomes curious about the situation with Anna and her daughter. But all may not be as it seems. The story weaves and wobbles in and out with each chapter revealing more information that keeps readers spellbound and by the end of the story, there are still questions but of a different nature.
In Her Defense causes the reader to introspect about if, how, and why negative relationships form and become so durable. Why don’t people cut ties when things clearly are not helpful?
Thank you, Netgalley, for the prepublication copy to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Augusta (Gussie) Bird is involved in a libel trial. Anna Finbow (a celebrity) has sued Jean Guest, her daughter Mary’s therapist, for brainwashing her and Anna has written a public article condemning Jean. This is an interesting concept. The book is part courtroom drama and part psychological thriller. The trial is in the present timeline. By flashbacks we learn the backstory that Gussie was lonely, felt alienated and was infatuated with Mary when they were art students in Rome. Gus was very attached to her therapist Jean, who in turn wanted to be introduced to Mary to expand her client base. There are a lot of moving parts in this book. I found it hard to connect with Jean, both an unlikeable and questionable therapist. Mary needed to be more developed as a character. What I did enjoy was the author’s ability to show very different sides of Gus’s personality; she is manipulated and unhappy, yet she can be devious and an unreliable narrator. Other young girls are mentioned to further the claim that Jean is a cult leader and influencing young girls to separate from their parents. The themes of identity, power, and isolation are developed through the relationships and alternating timelines. I look forward to another book by this author. With thanks to Netgalley and Scribner for this ARC. My opinions are my own.
October 15, 2025
(ARC - out 02/03/26 via Scribner) As someone who feels I would legit melt into a pile of goo without my weekly therapy sessions, I thoroughly enjoyed this literary thriller about the dangers of therapy taken to an extreme, about therapists practicing without the proper training, and about how social media supremacy has provided a space for junk science to flourish. The story is told from the first person perspective of Gus, an employee of a beloved ceramist and t.v. star, Anna. Anna’s daughter, Mary, has come under the control of a so-called therapist, Jean. Mary, using her public presence, starts a public outcry about Jean’s brand of therapy and her track record of ruining the lives of the young women she is supposed to be counseling. These young women frequently “discover” repressed memories of childhood trauma and cut themselves off from their families. Jean then sues Mary for slander, which is where the story begins, although many chapters are set at various points in the past. Gus is absolutely an unreliable narrator and every character in this novel has secrets and a desire to control the public narrative. All of these people are interconnected in ways both surprising and expected, and I really had a good time reading this.
October 20, 2025
2.75 stars! In Her Defense combines psychological thriller with courtroom drama. The premise filled me with intrigue right away. I typically love trial type media, and it stands out in the realm of thriller books. Even though I love this type of media, I didn't absolutely like how it all played out in this novel.
The beginning felt very ambiguous, which made me want to continue reading. One detail I liked was how the chapters were titled with the courtroom day. The chapters were very short at times, but at other times, they grew in length substantially. As the story continued, I started to lose the investment I had into it. It was too slow, and some chapters would reel me in, but it would be lost by the next.
I could not get myself to care for the characters. I wasn't too interested in how things were going to piece together due to this. I didn't like or hate any of the characters, which typically builds feelings towards a book. In all, there was a lot of potential for this book and the plot, but it missed its mark for me.
Thank you NetGalley, Scribner, and Philippa Malicka for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The beginning felt very ambiguous, which made me want to continue reading. One detail I liked was how the chapters were titled with the courtroom day. The chapters were very short at times, but at other times, they grew in length substantially. As the story continued, I started to lose the investment I had into it. It was too slow, and some chapters would reel me in, but it would be lost by the next.
I could not get myself to care for the characters. I wasn't too interested in how things were going to piece together due to this. I didn't like or hate any of the characters, which typically builds feelings towards a book. In all, there was a lot of potential for this book and the plot, but it missed its mark for me.
Thank you NetGalley, Scribner, and Philippa Malicka for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2025
This compelling debut is a slow burn psychological thriller wrapped in the structure of a courtroom drama. The story follows the narrator, Augusta “Gus “ Bird, a young sculptor who is financially unstable, emotional untethered and searching for her life meaning with the help of a therapist, Jean Guest. Gus becomes entangled with a wealthy, high profile family whose matriarch, television personality Anna Finbow, is fighting a highly publicized libel case against her daughter Mary’s therapist, also Jean. As the trial unfolds, truths about Gus, Anna, Mary and Jean become evident. The emotional and moral layers of the characters build through Ms. Malicka’s use of many themes including power and influence; the fragility of identity; emotional dependence and control vs care. The psychological complexity grew throughout the story as it highlighted the human desire to belong even if the cost of belonging is high.
Thank you NetGalley and Scribner for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this gripping debut in exchange for my honest thoughts. Publication date: February 3, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Scribner for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this gripping debut in exchange for my honest thoughts. Publication date: February 3, 2026
November 30, 2025
Beloved TV star Anna Finbow is distraught. Her daughter, Mary, has cut off all contact with her and her husband, and they are convinced that Mary’s “therapist” is the one behind it (Jean Guest). They believe she runs more of a cult than a place of healing. This leads to a libel trial that unearths details that no one is prepared for.
The story bounces back and forth from the trial itself and what happened leading up to it - and how Anna’s former employee Augusta was involved.
Is it truly libel - the things Anna is claiming about Jean? Or is Jean more sinister than she appears to be?
Read this book to find out!
————————————
I wanted so badly to love this book. It had such potential for me, but every time I got excited, I was let down. Maybe because it is framed partially as a psychological thriller, yet it felt nothing like the ones I have read and loved in the past. Maybe it just didn’t wrap up as nicely as I would have liked? I also personally hated the ending. I don’t know if I was expecting some grand reveal or plot twist, but this one sadly just didn’t do it for me.
The story bounces back and forth from the trial itself and what happened leading up to it - and how Anna’s former employee Augusta was involved.
Is it truly libel - the things Anna is claiming about Jean? Or is Jean more sinister than she appears to be?
Read this book to find out!
————————————
I wanted so badly to love this book. It had such potential for me, but every time I got excited, I was let down. Maybe because it is framed partially as a psychological thriller, yet it felt nothing like the ones I have read and loved in the past. Maybe it just didn’t wrap up as nicely as I would have liked? I also personally hated the ending. I don’t know if I was expecting some grand reveal or plot twist, but this one sadly just didn’t do it for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars, rounded up.
I'll be honest, I wasn't so sure about this book in the beginning. Gus (Augusta) is an unreliable narrator. She is an artist who has gone to Rome for a residency in ceramics where she meets some other artists and quickly becomes enamored of Mary, the daughter of a rich and famous women. Gus also meets Jean, a woman who calls herself a counselor, who befriends and mentors Gus. Gus has no one to confide in and Jean uses that to her advantage.
Told different timelines, Jean is suing Mary's mother for defamation. We learn a lot about Jean and how she controls her patients and separates them from family and anyone who might influence them against her.
It took a little while for me to get into it because the characters are not particularly likeable. But, once the story and the courtroom drama get going I was sucked into the drama playing out and wondering if Jean would get her comeuppance. The manipulation that Jean was able to get away with was captivating.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
I'll be honest, I wasn't so sure about this book in the beginning. Gus (Augusta) is an unreliable narrator. She is an artist who has gone to Rome for a residency in ceramics where she meets some other artists and quickly becomes enamored of Mary, the daughter of a rich and famous women. Gus also meets Jean, a woman who calls herself a counselor, who befriends and mentors Gus. Gus has no one to confide in and Jean uses that to her advantage.
Told different timelines, Jean is suing Mary's mother for defamation. We learn a lot about Jean and how she controls her patients and separates them from family and anyone who might influence them against her.
It took a little while for me to get into it because the characters are not particularly likeable. But, once the story and the courtroom drama get going I was sucked into the drama playing out and wondering if Jean would get her comeuppance. The manipulation that Jean was able to get away with was captivating.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
October 31, 2025
4.5 stars
✨This is a remarkable debut. It delivers a multi-layered story that is part legal thriller, part family drama, part psychological suspense. While it’s filled with deeply flawed and quite unlikeable characters, the writing is so powerful that I still felt a connection with the story.
✨At its heart, this is a story about psychological manipulation as well as a fascinating look at how easily a vulnerable person be victimized and exploited. It also explores how the lines can sometimes be blurred between victim and villain.
✨I loved the dual timelines and the way the book made me so mad I wanted to throw it across the room then go grab it back so I could hurry and keep reading.
I definitely recommend this one.
🌿Read if you like:
✨Complex characters
✨Moral ambiguity
✨Cult narratives
✨Artist stories
✨Dysfunctional family stories
✨Legal thrillers
✨Psychological suspense
✨This is a remarkable debut. It delivers a multi-layered story that is part legal thriller, part family drama, part psychological suspense. While it’s filled with deeply flawed and quite unlikeable characters, the writing is so powerful that I still felt a connection with the story.
✨At its heart, this is a story about psychological manipulation as well as a fascinating look at how easily a vulnerable person be victimized and exploited. It also explores how the lines can sometimes be blurred between victim and villain.
✨I loved the dual timelines and the way the book made me so mad I wanted to throw it across the room then go grab it back so I could hurry and keep reading.
I definitely recommend this one.
🌿Read if you like:
✨Complex characters
✨Moral ambiguity
✨Cult narratives
✨Artist stories
✨Dysfunctional family stories
✨Legal thrillers
✨Psychological suspense
December 28, 2025
I was so excited to read this book but it was kind of a drag for me. I started out really engaged but the longer it went on, the harder it was to get through it. It was only 320 pages but took me a good amount of time to finish.
I have a love hate relationship with dual timelines, i ended enjoying one timeline way more than the other. The trial timeline just didnt pay off for me at all but i pushed through because I did wanna see how it ends but the ending to me didn’t have a high payoff. The character work for the main character was good but i really didnt understand why she was so obsessed with Mary but I also know that can happen because of an unreliable narrator. I think the premise of this book was really good, it just didnt deliver for me - the execution wasn’t my personal taste!
I would classify this as a psychological thrillers/ lit fics so if you’re into those, you might enjoy this!
I have a love hate relationship with dual timelines, i ended enjoying one timeline way more than the other. The trial timeline just didnt pay off for me at all but i pushed through because I did wanna see how it ends but the ending to me didn’t have a high payoff. The character work for the main character was good but i really didnt understand why she was so obsessed with Mary but I also know that can happen because of an unreliable narrator. I think the premise of this book was really good, it just didnt deliver for me - the execution wasn’t my personal taste!
I would classify this as a psychological thrillers/ lit fics so if you’re into those, you might enjoy this!
October 13, 2025
Augusta "Gus" Bird has a front-row seat to a celebrity libel trial, but that's only because she plays a key role in the events. Gus, an artist, had an opportunity to complete a short fellowship in Rome. While wondering around, she met two important people, Jean Guest and Mary Finbow. At first, Gus thought Jean was just a kind, affluent older woman who was willing to listen, but she soon finds out that Jean is a therapist, untrained and uncredentialed, and offers to help Gus deal with some difficult issues from the past. Gus doesn't have money to pay her, so eventually, Jean starts to put pressure on Gus to introduce her to Mary, the daughter of a celebrity. As the novel jumps from the trial in the present to events in the past, we are slowly shown that maybe things aren't exactly what they seem in the world of the celebrity or in the world of the ordinary person either.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A superbly crafted courtroom drama populated by more than one thoroughly pernicious personality.
Our narrator, Gus, eases us into the opening of a libel case while drip-feeding historical snapshots of the events that led us there. It’s a measured, confident approach — and while I didn’t warm to Gus immediately (he took longer to win me over than most protagonists), that resistance did eventually melt away.
Honestly, though, even during that initial coolness, the writing carried me along. It’s polished, assured, and so smooth it almost dares you not to keep reading. By the end, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the novel and very happy to put this author firmly on my will-read-again list.
My thanks to #NetGalley and #HodderAndStoughton for the ARC of “In Her Defence” by #PhilippaMalicka.
Our narrator, Gus, eases us into the opening of a libel case while drip-feeding historical snapshots of the events that led us there. It’s a measured, confident approach — and while I didn’t warm to Gus immediately (he took longer to win me over than most protagonists), that resistance did eventually melt away.
Honestly, though, even during that initial coolness, the writing carried me along. It’s polished, assured, and so smooth it almost dares you not to keep reading. By the end, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the novel and very happy to put this author firmly on my will-read-again list.
My thanks to #NetGalley and #HodderAndStoughton for the ARC of “In Her Defence” by #PhilippaMalicka.
September 30, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Scribner for the eARC.
This book was engrossing and I was loathe to put it down. It's really well written, but I must say the subject matter made me quite uncomfortable at times. There were times when I felt the protagonist was absolutely crazy. I was embarrassed for her and at the same time felt desperately sorry for her. It might be counter intuitive, but even though there wasn't a single likeable character (a couple of them were almost evil), I loved this book. The shifting between Italy and England was enjoyable and so was her time working for Anna...but again I cringed at times with embarrassment.
But I loved the read and highly recommended recommend it.
This book was engrossing and I was loathe to put it down. It's really well written, but I must say the subject matter made me quite uncomfortable at times. There were times when I felt the protagonist was absolutely crazy. I was embarrassed for her and at the same time felt desperately sorry for her. It might be counter intuitive, but even though there wasn't a single likeable character (a couple of them were almost evil), I loved this book. The shifting between Italy and England was enjoyable and so was her time working for Anna...but again I cringed at times with embarrassment.
But I loved the read and highly recommended recommend it.
December 20, 2025
“In Her Defense” is a masterfully crafted thriller that goes beyond suspense to explore the complexities of loyalty, trust, and the choices we make under pressure. Philippa Malicka writes with such nuance that every character feels vividly real—their fears, doubts, and fierce determination drawing you in completely. The plot twists are clever and unexpected, keeping me on edge while also delivering moments of genuine emotional resonance. I found myself not only invested in the mystery but deeply connected to the people at the heart of it. This book isn’t just a page-turner; it’s a story that lingers, challenging you to consider what you’d do in their shoes. Truly unforgettable.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for allowing me to devour this arc. Look for it on February 3, 2026.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for allowing me to devour this arc. Look for it on February 3, 2026.
October 12, 2025
This was truly a twisty book. It has a little bit of everything- courtroom drama, a therapist, a TV star, sex, and lots of money.
Anna's daughter Mary has cut off contact with her and she thinks she knows why. She believes that Mary's therapist has conned her into doing this for her own gain. So now it has become a trial for the world to watch and hold their breath as it unfolds.
I will say I found myself confused and had a hard time rooting for anyone in particular. I loved the premise but I didn't really feel myself coming back to it. Overall it wasn't outstanding or bad, just a decent book.
Worth a read if you love legal thrillers!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Anna's daughter Mary has cut off contact with her and she thinks she knows why. She believes that Mary's therapist has conned her into doing this for her own gain. So now it has become a trial for the world to watch and hold their breath as it unfolds.
I will say I found myself confused and had a hard time rooting for anyone in particular. I loved the premise but I didn't really feel myself coming back to it. Overall it wasn't outstanding or bad, just a decent book.
Worth a read if you love legal thrillers!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
November 12, 2025
In Her Defense left me feeling somewhat neutral. I didn’t dislike it, but I also never truly connected with the characters or the unfolding story. The beginning drew me in, and I was curious to see where it would go—but as the plot progressed, it started to lose momentum. There were long stretches where not much happened, and when events did occur, they didn’t hold my attention or make me eager to keep reading.
The premise itself is strong, and the writing is solid, but nothing ever really stood out or pulled me in emotionally. It wasn’t a bad read, just one that didn’t leave much of an impression.
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The premise itself is strong, and the writing is solid, but nothing ever really stood out or pulled me in emotionally. It wasn’t a bad read, just one that didn’t leave much of an impression.
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 18, 2025
I liked this, but I just couldn't connect with it like I wanted to. I appreciated the fact that all the characters were flawed - I didn't really appreciate the lack of growth for anyone. I never really got a sense of the fame attached to Anna, and by extension, to Mary. It got the point where I really didn't have an emotional attachment to anyone, which for me, is never a good thing.
I can see the appeal of this --it just didn't end up appealing that much to me.
Would I read more from the author? Maybe.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.
I can see the appeal of this --it just didn't end up appealing that much to me.
Would I read more from the author? Maybe.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.
November 28, 2025
3.5 ⭐️. I’m not sure how I feel about this book. It was a little dark for my liking and while it held my attention, it became a little repetitive & seemed to drag a bit towards the end. I’m not sure I can give an adequate synopsis, there is just so much going on… therapy gone wrong, legal courtroom drama, dysfunctional family, unrequited love and every character seems to be unreliable!
If you like a slow burn & dark psychological thriller, this may be a good book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for this ARC. This book will be released on Feb 2, 2026.
If you like a slow burn & dark psychological thriller, this may be a good book for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for this ARC. This book will be released on Feb 2, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a very solid first novel from Philippa Malicka. Interesting premise with an unreliable narrator kept you guessing till the end. It was hard to rally behind a character though - they were all pretty unpleasant individuals. I did find myself skimming some of the areas with Jean and Gus as they seemed repetitive. Would have liked to know more about Mary, she was a very weak character in the present timeline. Some more plumping out of history and storyline overall would have made this a 5 star rather than a 4 star.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a more complex book then I thought I was getting into. I had originally gone into it thinking it would be like reading something akin to reality TV. Instead I ended up taking a deep dive into the ill effects of coercive and manipulative behaviour. The dangers of a power imbalance in relationships and the wickedness of those who prey on the vulnerable.
I was impressed with how the story was put together and found myself unaware of what could happen next. The main character is written in detail with real life flaws and struggles.
I was impressed with how the story was put together and found myself unaware of what could happen next. The main character is written in detail with real life flaws and struggles.
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