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Dissection of a Murder
10 hours
Nothing is as it seems—and no one is telling the truth—in this page-turning thriller about a young lawyer forced to defend a man on trial for murder against the mentor who taught her everything: her husband.
When Leila Reynolds is handed her first murder case, she’s shocked by the victim: a well-known, well-respected judge, whose death sent shockwaves through the legal community. She’s also incredulous—she’s nowhere near experienced enough to handle such a high-profile assignment—but the defendant is insistent: he wants her, and only her, to represent him.
Except he’s refusing to talk. And if that wasn’t complicated enough, Leila soon learns her opponent is the most ruthless prosecutor she’s ever known: her husband.
It’s an impossible situation, yet Leila is determined to sway the jury to her side—until she’s blindsided once again by a shadowy figure from her past. Suddenly, Leila finds herself fighting not only for her client and marriage, but also to keep her own secrets buried. And if she has to rewrite the rules to win, so be it.
Nothing is as it seems—and no one is telling the truth—in this page-turning thriller about a young lawyer forced to defend a man on trial for murder against the mentor who taught her everything: her husband.
When Leila Reynolds is handed her first murder case, she’s shocked by the victim: a well-known, well-respected judge, whose death sent shockwaves through the legal community. She’s also incredulous—she’s nowhere near experienced enough to handle such a high-profile assignment—but the defendant is insistent: he wants her, and only her, to represent him.
Except he’s refusing to talk. And if that wasn’t complicated enough, Leila soon learns her opponent is the most ruthless prosecutor she’s ever known: her husband.
It’s an impossible situation, yet Leila is determined to sway the jury to her side—until she’s blindsided once again by a shadowy figure from her past. Suddenly, Leila finds herself fighting not only for her client and marriage, but also to keep her own secrets buried. And if she has to rewrite the rules to win, so be it.
10 pages, Audiobook
First published May 5, 2026
About the author
Jo Murray
2 books246 followersJo Murray grew up in Teesside, England, during the ’90s, when working-class girls were told they probably shouldn’t try to become barristers. Thankfully, she ignored everyone. After studying Classics at Newcastle University, she went to law school and was a criminal barrister before leaving the profession to look after her two children. She lives in North Yorkshire.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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June 2, 2026
My fellow bookworms… may I?
Can I officially introduce the best legal thriller of 2026?
🥁 Drum roll, please… 🥁
The crown goes to Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray.
From the very first page, I fell hard for Jo Murray’s razor-sharp writing style. The second I finished, I immediately started searching for her backlist—scrolling, refreshing, scrolling again—only to realize this was her first novel. And yes… I actually screamed. Because I need more Jo Murray thrillers in my life, immediately. She is now on my auto-approved author list, and I will read anything she writes next without even checking the blurb.
A dream for legal-thriller lovers
And here’s the fun twist:
The upcoming Presumed Innocent Season 2 adaptation is already rumored to be spectacular—but I genuinely believe this story may top it.
Yes, I’ll miss Jake Gyllenhaal terribly… but with Rachel Brosnahan, Matthew Rhys, and Courtney B. Vance joining the cast, this adaptation is already screaming Emmy bait.
Rachel as Leila Reynolds? Absolute perfection. Tell me she won’t eat that role alive.
But first—let’s give this novel the standing ovation it deserves.
What makes Dissection of a Murder so addictive?
This book has everything I want in a legal thriller:
⚖️ Sharp courtroom tension
🧩 A layered mystery
🔥 High emotional stakes
👀 Dual timelines and perspectives
🕵️ A chilling, anonymous watcher
The story unfolds through Leila Reynolds and the mysterious Witness X, whose intersecting narratives blend past and present in a way that never lets you relax.
Leila learned the law from her husband and mentor, Julian—a legendary attorney who shaped her career and pushed her to the top, even helping secure her place in the Legal 500. Their relationship is built on ambition, loyalty, and shared victories… until everything cracks.
Five years earlier, Leila defended Jack Miller, a man wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for two years. Now, Jack is accused of murdering Judge Anton Smythe—the very man who once sentenced him, while Jack’s foster mother was dying of cancer.
And Jack requests only one lawyer: Leila.
The problem?
Leila has never handled a criminal murder case.
And the prosecutor?
Her own husband.
Julian plays to win. And this time, he has no intention of letting Leila save her client.
A shadow watching from the dark…
As the case grows darker, a terrifying presence emerges.
Someone is watching Leila and Julian’s home.
Someone sends Julian a cryptic birthday gift.
Someone stalks Leila, trolls her online, and knows far too much.
Who is Witness X?
What are they hiding?
And how are they connected to Jack, the judge, and Leila’s past?
Every clue is a thread—and when they finally connect, the truth is more disturbing than anything Leila is ready to face.
“Nothing is ever black and white—especially when it comes to the law.”
Final Verdict
This novel is fast, relentless, and impossible to put down.
You will:
bite off your perfectly manicured nails,
forget to blink,
and gasp at every twist.
By the end, you’ll need a spa day to recover from the stress—and it will be completely worth it.
This isn’t just a five-star book.
This is sky-full-of-stars, whole-planet-level brilliant.
The best thriller I’ve read in years.
I laughed like Villanelle at the end—shocked, thrilled, and already desperate for more.
📚 Go get your copy.
I already ordered mine for a future reread.
Endless thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for sharing this absolute MASTERPIECE in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I truly appreciate it.
medium.com
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Can I officially introduce the best legal thriller of 2026?
🥁 Drum roll, please… 🥁
The crown goes to Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray.
From the very first page, I fell hard for Jo Murray’s razor-sharp writing style. The second I finished, I immediately started searching for her backlist—scrolling, refreshing, scrolling again—only to realize this was her first novel. And yes… I actually screamed. Because I need more Jo Murray thrillers in my life, immediately. She is now on my auto-approved author list, and I will read anything she writes next without even checking the blurb.
A dream for legal-thriller lovers
And here’s the fun twist:
The upcoming Presumed Innocent Season 2 adaptation is already rumored to be spectacular—but I genuinely believe this story may top it.
Yes, I’ll miss Jake Gyllenhaal terribly… but with Rachel Brosnahan, Matthew Rhys, and Courtney B. Vance joining the cast, this adaptation is already screaming Emmy bait.
Rachel as Leila Reynolds? Absolute perfection. Tell me she won’t eat that role alive.
But first—let’s give this novel the standing ovation it deserves.
What makes Dissection of a Murder so addictive?
This book has everything I want in a legal thriller:
⚖️ Sharp courtroom tension
🧩 A layered mystery
🔥 High emotional stakes
👀 Dual timelines and perspectives
🕵️ A chilling, anonymous watcher
The story unfolds through Leila Reynolds and the mysterious Witness X, whose intersecting narratives blend past and present in a way that never lets you relax.
Leila learned the law from her husband and mentor, Julian—a legendary attorney who shaped her career and pushed her to the top, even helping secure her place in the Legal 500. Their relationship is built on ambition, loyalty, and shared victories… until everything cracks.
Five years earlier, Leila defended Jack Miller, a man wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for two years. Now, Jack is accused of murdering Judge Anton Smythe—the very man who once sentenced him, while Jack’s foster mother was dying of cancer.
And Jack requests only one lawyer: Leila.
The problem?
Leila has never handled a criminal murder case.
And the prosecutor?
Her own husband.
Julian plays to win. And this time, he has no intention of letting Leila save her client.
A shadow watching from the dark…
As the case grows darker, a terrifying presence emerges.
Someone is watching Leila and Julian’s home.
Someone sends Julian a cryptic birthday gift.
Someone stalks Leila, trolls her online, and knows far too much.
Who is Witness X?
What are they hiding?
And how are they connected to Jack, the judge, and Leila’s past?
Every clue is a thread—and when they finally connect, the truth is more disturbing than anything Leila is ready to face.
“Nothing is ever black and white—especially when it comes to the law.”
Final Verdict
This novel is fast, relentless, and impossible to put down.
You will:
bite off your perfectly manicured nails,
forget to blink,
and gasp at every twist.
By the end, you’ll need a spa day to recover from the stress—and it will be completely worth it.
This isn’t just a five-star book.
This is sky-full-of-stars, whole-planet-level brilliant.
The best thriller I’ve read in years.
I laughed like Villanelle at the end—shocked, thrilled, and already desperate for more.
📚 Go get your copy.
I already ordered mine for a future reread.
Endless thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for sharing this absolute MASTERPIECE in exchange for my honest thoughts.
I truly appreciate it.
medium.com
May 30, 2026
5/5 ★
It is going to be VERY hard to top this book on my favorite books of the year list because WOW I loved this.
It’s such a great feeling when you love a book so much that it reminds you why you love reading. This debut did that for me.
In Dissection of a Murder, young lawyer Leila Reynolds is forced to defend a murder suspect in a high-profile case against the ruthless prosecutor who knows her best: her husband. As secrets from her past resurface, Leila must fight for her client, her marriage, and the truth before everything she’s hidden is exposed.
I cannot believe this is a debut! Jo Murray is such a talented writer. This book reads like it was written by someone who has been releasing books for years.
The mystery was complex and the clues were perfectly plotted. The characters felt layered and real, and the tension, heartbreak, and passion for the case could be felt throughout the whole story.
Prior to this book, I thought courtroom legal thrillers were far from my type of book, but I left this one craving more of them. I especially found it interesting how the UK’s justice system is structured compared to the US. The fact that it was husband vs. wife made everything even more intense as the case became more and more competitive.
Leila was such a memorable protagonist and probably my favorite of the year. She has her flaws, but I haven’t felt such complex emotions for a character in a long time, which demonstrates just how well written this story was.
On top of the mystery being intense and the characters being complex and well developed, there are also MULTIPLE breathtaking twists. I was able to piece most of them together before they happened, but in a way that made me feel like a detective following the clues, not like they were obvious. I still had those jaw dropping moments I love when everything was actually revealed. I actually gasped on the last page when I saw how it ended.
Part of why I loved it so much could be that this was my introduction to the new subgenre of courtroom legal thrillers, as I mentioned, so the story arc felt very new to me and so well done.
I wish I could force everyone to drop what they are reading and read this book… it was that fast paced, intense, and gripping for me.
—
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It is going to be VERY hard to top this book on my favorite books of the year list because WOW I loved this.
It’s such a great feeling when you love a book so much that it reminds you why you love reading. This debut did that for me.
In Dissection of a Murder, young lawyer Leila Reynolds is forced to defend a murder suspect in a high-profile case against the ruthless prosecutor who knows her best: her husband. As secrets from her past resurface, Leila must fight for her client, her marriage, and the truth before everything she’s hidden is exposed.
I cannot believe this is a debut! Jo Murray is such a talented writer. This book reads like it was written by someone who has been releasing books for years.
The mystery was complex and the clues were perfectly plotted. The characters felt layered and real, and the tension, heartbreak, and passion for the case could be felt throughout the whole story.
Prior to this book, I thought courtroom legal thrillers were far from my type of book, but I left this one craving more of them. I especially found it interesting how the UK’s justice system is structured compared to the US. The fact that it was husband vs. wife made everything even more intense as the case became more and more competitive.
Leila was such a memorable protagonist and probably my favorite of the year. She has her flaws, but I haven’t felt such complex emotions for a character in a long time, which demonstrates just how well written this story was.
On top of the mystery being intense and the characters being complex and well developed, there are also MULTIPLE breathtaking twists. I was able to piece most of them together before they happened, but in a way that made me feel like a detective following the clues, not like they were obvious. I still had those jaw dropping moments I love when everything was actually revealed. I actually gasped on the last page when I saw how it ended.
Part of why I loved it so much could be that this was my introduction to the new subgenre of courtroom legal thrillers, as I mentioned, so the story arc felt very new to me and so well done.
I wish I could force everyone to drop what they are reading and read this book… it was that fast paced, intense, and gripping for me.
—
Follow my Bookstagram and Booktok for all things mystery, thriller, and horror novels!
instagram.com/joshxreads
tiktok.com/@joshxreads
May 16, 2026
YOUR HONOUR… I OBJECT
Dissection of a Murder is a high-stakes legal thriller about Leila Reynolds, a barrister defending a client accused of murdering a respected judge. The case is complicated by a silent defendant, a prosecutor who is her husband, and her own hidden secrets.
Urghhhhhh! Listen I am not saying the high ratings for this book is wrong, I’m just saying… I don’t get it.
The beginning had me balls deep and I was super invested, but along the way I wanted to claw my eyes out! I was SOOOO BORED! Leila as a narrator was not doing it for me at all. I found her so uninteresting and somewhat idiotic. As a lawyer I promise you I would shit bricks if I found out she was the one defending me.
Now I don’t want to toot my own horn but that ‘twist’… I clocked it VERY early on! Is it a good twist… sure why not… but my main gripe of why it didn’t work for me will spoil the book!
I did enjoy the courtroom scenes! These always tend to be my favourite with legal thrillers, but everything outside of that was dull and somewhat dragged for me.
For me personally this would work better in a tv/ film adaptation. Not a bad book but the twist could have been executed better.
2.5 ⭐
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
I hear this is the legal thriller of the year!?
I can’t wait to be the judge of that! 😏
I hope it delivers!
🖤💛❤️🖤
Dissection of a Murder is a high-stakes legal thriller about Leila Reynolds, a barrister defending a client accused of murdering a respected judge. The case is complicated by a silent defendant, a prosecutor who is her husband, and her own hidden secrets.
Urghhhhhh! Listen I am not saying the high ratings for this book is wrong, I’m just saying… I don’t get it.
The beginning had me balls deep and I was super invested, but along the way I wanted to claw my eyes out! I was SOOOO BORED! Leila as a narrator was not doing it for me at all. I found her so uninteresting and somewhat idiotic. As a lawyer I promise you I would shit bricks if I found out she was the one defending me.
Now I don’t want to toot my own horn but that ‘twist’… I clocked it VERY early on! Is it a good twist… sure why not… but my main gripe of why it didn’t work for me will spoil the book!
I did enjoy the courtroom scenes! These always tend to be my favourite with legal thrillers, but everything outside of that was dull and somewhat dragged for me.
For me personally this would work better in a tv/ film adaptation. Not a bad book but the twist could have been executed better.
2.5 ⭐
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
I hear this is the legal thriller of the year!?
I can’t wait to be the judge of that! 😏
I hope it delivers!
🖤💛❤️🖤
May 21, 2026
4.0 stars— I have been wanting to read “Dissection of a Murder” by Jo Murray as soon as I began seeing multiple 5 star reviews on Goodreads several weeks ago. The fact that the book is a legal thriller by a brand new author just added to my anticipation. The book is told from the perspective of Leila, a criminal barrister in England. I had to do a little research during the early chapters of this book in order to understand the differences between the criminal justice systems of the United States and England. The book begins with Leila agreeing to accept the appointment of representing a murder defendant, Jack, who is charged with murdering a local judge. The case is complicated further by the fact that the prosecutor assigned to the case is Julian, Leila’s husband. Leila basically learned how to practice law under the instruction of Julian who was her pupil-master until she was ready to practice on her own. Although technically allowed under limited circumstances in both countries, I wouldn’t want to try a case (especially one this high-profile) against my spouse. Needless to say the relationship of Julian and Leila is put under great strain as a result of their decision to face off in court. “Dissection” did take a while for me to get into. The first half of the book was very slow in my opinion with a lot of character building and drawn out scenes that I lost interest in quickly. However, at about the halfway point (coincidentally when the murder trial began 🤔), this book picked up major momentum. In fact, I couldn’t put it down for the final half of the book. The book was able to tie together the very interesting trial to an initially very boring stalker mystery in a plausible and interesting way. The conclusion of the book was also very nicely done (although not the biggest fan of unresolved plot points). The courtroom scenes themselves were a little sparse on details, but not everyone is as good at writing courtroom scenes as Scott Turow. I definitely would recommend this book— as the last half of the book more than makes up for the slow start. I look forward to reading Ms. Murray in the future if this is the kind of twisting and turning courtroom thriller she publishes in the future.
December 27, 2025
What is justice? It probably means different things to different people. Will Judge Anton Smythe, 56, get justice for his murder? Is the tale of the prosecutor, Julian Kesler, tells at trial the true version of events or does the defence lawyer Leila Reynolds put across a robustly different interpretation that may lead to a not guilty verdict for Jack Millman? What is Jack’s definition of justice? This indeed is a dissection of a murder, but remember, don’t trust anyone, especially the lawyers.
Oh my goodness, where to start with this one, perhaps with I reluctantly put it down when real life intrudes. There are so many layers involved in this very definition of a legal thriller that makes it such a clever novel. The dynamics are off the charts, between Julian and Leila, Leila and the characters in Chambers, Leila and Jack and so on with excellent characterisation into the bargain. Leila is especially fascinating as to whether she’s likeable, you decide. There’s so much misogyny directed at Leila my blood boils. The least said about Julian the better but I’d love to wipe that arrogant smirk of his smooth veneer. There are some side characters and I become desperate to know what the story is there and the identity of one of the points of view is a tantalising puzzle.
The author creates an escalating air of threat and menace, a watchfulness that gives prickles at the back of the neck. There’s twist upon twist, whiplash like, making it a terrific thriller as I genuinely have no idea what’s going to implode/explode next. Add in the legal element and that makes it big winner for me.
What of the trial? It’s electric, riveting and totally enthralling. It’s suspenseful, tense and very dramatic and I’ll say no more as this is one courtroom thriller that begs to be read.
Overall, it’s very clever and creative, it’s well written and perfectly paced with several points of view which works so well, building the suspense and a pile of questions. It’s a cracker of a book which praise be, has a really good conclusion.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Oh my goodness, where to start with this one, perhaps with I reluctantly put it down when real life intrudes. There are so many layers involved in this very definition of a legal thriller that makes it such a clever novel. The dynamics are off the charts, between Julian and Leila, Leila and the characters in Chambers, Leila and Jack and so on with excellent characterisation into the bargain. Leila is especially fascinating as to whether she’s likeable, you decide. There’s so much misogyny directed at Leila my blood boils. The least said about Julian the better but I’d love to wipe that arrogant smirk of his smooth veneer. There are some side characters and I become desperate to know what the story is there and the identity of one of the points of view is a tantalising puzzle.
The author creates an escalating air of threat and menace, a watchfulness that gives prickles at the back of the neck. There’s twist upon twist, whiplash like, making it a terrific thriller as I genuinely have no idea what’s going to implode/explode next. Add in the legal element and that makes it big winner for me.
What of the trial? It’s electric, riveting and totally enthralling. It’s suspenseful, tense and very dramatic and I’ll say no more as this is one courtroom thriller that begs to be read.
Overall, it’s very clever and creative, it’s well written and perfectly paced with several points of view which works so well, building the suspense and a pile of questions. It’s a cracker of a book which praise be, has a really good conclusion.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Pan Macmillan for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
June 4, 2026
“A jury consists of twelve persons chosen to decide who has the better lawyer.” – Robert Frost
The book begins with a clear understanding of working definitions of murder, the jury, solicitors and barristers, ending the explanation with the note that ‘this is how the criminal trial system works in England and Wales.’
“But not always.”
Which leads readers into a prologue that in first person narrative introduces the accused. Or does it?
“If this trial has taught you anything, ladies and gentlemen, it’s that not everything is as it seems.”
And that is truly the premise of this story. What readers think they know, think again. We are taken down a long, winding, twisting road that may confuse, bewilder, and manipulate us into believing one thing, only to discover something entirely different.
And then, the ending.
The question becomes: will readers enjoy the ride — or not? And, as is typical with murder mysteries packed with multiple plot twists, will justice ultimately prevail?
With unlikable characters and somewhat unreliable narrators, readers are left questioning what exactly they just witnessed — and whether the truth was ever really present to uncover in the first place.
Described as a ‘breathlessly compulsive courtroom drama with expertly crafted twists that readers won’t see coming,’ this debut novel will either completely capture readers or leave them feeling frustrated by its relentless misdirection.
For me, the verdict still feels undecided.
Because in the end, it will be all about the reader, anyway.
(No spoilers from me.)
Clearly this book has resonated with many readers, so I encourage you to read other reviews and see if it might work better for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars
The book begins with a clear understanding of working definitions of murder, the jury, solicitors and barristers, ending the explanation with the note that ‘this is how the criminal trial system works in England and Wales.’
“But not always.”
Which leads readers into a prologue that in first person narrative introduces the accused. Or does it?
“If this trial has taught you anything, ladies and gentlemen, it’s that not everything is as it seems.”
And that is truly the premise of this story. What readers think they know, think again. We are taken down a long, winding, twisting road that may confuse, bewilder, and manipulate us into believing one thing, only to discover something entirely different.
And then, the ending.
The question becomes: will readers enjoy the ride — or not? And, as is typical with murder mysteries packed with multiple plot twists, will justice ultimately prevail?
With unlikable characters and somewhat unreliable narrators, readers are left questioning what exactly they just witnessed — and whether the truth was ever really present to uncover in the first place.
Described as a ‘breathlessly compulsive courtroom drama with expertly crafted twists that readers won’t see coming,’ this debut novel will either completely capture readers or leave them feeling frustrated by its relentless misdirection.
For me, the verdict still feels undecided.
Because in the end, it will be all about the reader, anyway.
(No spoilers from me.)
Clearly this book has resonated with many readers, so I encourage you to read other reviews and see if it might work better for you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars
May 29, 2026
Meticulously performed dissections can be unsettling as layers are stripped away to vividly expose hidden inner workings.
➡️ SCALPELS, PLEASE!!!!
Let’s dissect what went right and what went wrong with this legal thriller.
➡️ THE ANATOMY OF WHAT WORKED
🔷 A Brilliant Premise: A female barrister is handed her first high-stakes murder case, only to realize her courtroom opponent is the most ruthless prosecutor she’s ever known: her husband. The domestic-meets-legal tension was ultra-compelling.
🔷 Sensational Courtroom Drama: The closing testimonies and legal battles were electric. Because the author is a former barrister, the legal details, procedures, and courtroom atmosphere felt authentic and sharp.
🔷 Unreliable Narrators: Mark this book as "reliable" for its gripping portrayal of unreliable narrators. I dare you to guess whose testimony is truthful.
➡️ WHERE THE DISSECTION FALTERED
🔷 Uneven Pacing: The book's slow, repetitive start took too long to build momentum.
🔷 Too Many Unbelievable Shocking Twists in Rapid Succession:
Once the book reached its final 25%, the narrative shifted into hyperdrive, delivering a dizzying barrage of "whiplash" shocking twists that felt more eye-rolling than earned.
🔷 "Witness X" Needed A Scapel. The alternating "Witness X" POVs did not work. Removing this POV and using a different strategy to add the "Witness X" reveal would have significantly helped the pacing.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Joanne Froggatt. Her performance was outstanding—carrying the listener through the slower chapters and bringing genuine gravitas to the courtroom scenes.
➡️ THE VERDICT:
A highly impressive debut with top-tier legal realism, held back by uneven pacing and too many eye-rolling moments.
3.5 Stars, Rounded Up.
May 17, 2026
Uh oh. What I was hoping to be a really awesome courtroom drama kind of fell into the meh territory for me.
Leila has just been assigned her first murder case. The defendant is making it near impossible to give him a proper defense, and to make matters worse, the prosecutor is her husband. As evidence comes to light, it is clear this isn’t an open and shut case.
I don’t know why this didn’t work for me. I was having a hard time staying interested during the first part; however, once the second part hit it, it definitely gained momentum. I’ve also come to realize that I don’t like unnamed narrators thrown into the mix. It completely takes me out of the plot. I’ve read a few books recently that have used this plot device, and it just doesn’t work for me; this was no exception. As for the characters themselves, they kind of lacked depth. I never got a good feel for their intentions besides seeing how the trial would play out. Lastly, maybe I read too many thrillers, but the twist kind of just fell flat for me.
It’s possible I would have enjoyed this more had I not just read a really awesome courtroom drama by Kia Abdullah.
I’m obviously an outlier; almost all of my GR friends really enjoyed this one, so please check out their reviews.
Leila has just been assigned her first murder case. The defendant is making it near impossible to give him a proper defense, and to make matters worse, the prosecutor is her husband. As evidence comes to light, it is clear this isn’t an open and shut case.
I don’t know why this didn’t work for me. I was having a hard time staying interested during the first part; however, once the second part hit it, it definitely gained momentum. I’ve also come to realize that I don’t like unnamed narrators thrown into the mix. It completely takes me out of the plot. I’ve read a few books recently that have used this plot device, and it just doesn’t work for me; this was no exception. As for the characters themselves, they kind of lacked depth. I never got a good feel for their intentions besides seeing how the trial would play out. Lastly, maybe I read too many thrillers, but the twist kind of just fell flat for me.
It’s possible I would have enjoyed this more had I not just read a really awesome courtroom drama by Kia Abdullah.
I’m obviously an outlier; almost all of my GR friends really enjoyed this one, so please check out their reviews.
June 2, 2026
Dissection of a Murder written by Jo Murray was full of suspense and surprise. It’s written with a peculiar and creative pen, with chapters filled with anticipation and uncertainty. This twisty and feisty British murder mystery reveals itself in slow burn fashion… “dangling the carrot” just ever so… keeping the reader wanting more.
Was this worth the read?
Yes! It’s intriguing and suspenseful…♟️
PART ONE:
The first half of this novel was mostly setting the scene, creating suspicions, getting to know the handful of important characters and their relationships (or “secret” relationships). As well as, it allowed the reader to get to know the British legal system.
PART TWO:
The second half of the novel is the actual unraveling … the investigation… and the strategies of both sides, and the actual murder trial.
These pages are oozing with courtroom drama, and to me, this was the best part of the novel.
Between chapters, the investigation unfolds, laws are broken and lines are crossed. And once the trial begins … it’s pages are full of domestic tension as the Kings Council (the Prosecutor, Julian Reynolds) is married to the accused council (Leila Reynolds)… AND the friction is palpable. 😳
Also included throughout the novel were flashbacks of Leila’s past which reveal toxic relationships and “rules” her father insisted she live by. In addition, it included a secret witness… who …if found… has the potential to damage everything.
I really enjoyed the build up of the story and its multilayered mystery. This is a 4 ⭐️ book for the keen writing and suspense.
(BTW… I did figure out the major plot twist and secret at about the 1/2 way mark. But so much was happening … I held on for the reveal!)😊
Was this worth the read?
Yes! It’s intriguing and suspenseful…♟️
PART ONE:
The first half of this novel was mostly setting the scene, creating suspicions, getting to know the handful of important characters and their relationships (or “secret” relationships). As well as, it allowed the reader to get to know the British legal system.
PART TWO:
The second half of the novel is the actual unraveling … the investigation… and the strategies of both sides, and the actual murder trial.
These pages are oozing with courtroom drama, and to me, this was the best part of the novel.
Between chapters, the investigation unfolds, laws are broken and lines are crossed. And once the trial begins … it’s pages are full of domestic tension as the Kings Council (the Prosecutor, Julian Reynolds) is married to the accused council (Leila Reynolds)… AND the friction is palpable. 😳
Also included throughout the novel were flashbacks of Leila’s past which reveal toxic relationships and “rules” her father insisted she live by. In addition, it included a secret witness… who …if found… has the potential to damage everything.
I really enjoyed the build up of the story and its multilayered mystery. This is a 4 ⭐️ book for the keen writing and suspense.
(BTW… I did figure out the major plot twist and secret at about the 1/2 way mark. But so much was happening … I held on for the reveal!)😊
May 27, 2026
“Dissection of a Murder”, by Jo Murray
3 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I was expecting to love this book. Some of my friends loved it and claimed that this is the best book they have read that included an unreliable narrator. I take it that they have never read “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”, by Agatha Christie, which in my opinion is a masterclass in mystery that revolutionized the genre by using a highly deceptive narrator.
Anyways…
In the beginning I had the impression that I had read a similar story or watched a movie or tv show that had the same kind of premise. But I could be wrong about this.
Although I liked the concept and the development of the story, I found the writing to be very pedestrian, with very weak dialogues. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to finish it, but when I was at 15% I predicted the major twist and I had to continue reading just to prove me wrong. But I wasn’t.
There were some interesting scenes, but i was really looking forward to reading about the trial, which stars after 63% in the book. It was a long wait. Some parts did drag on for too long.
As for the trial, I didn’t think it was that thrilling or spectacular. There were some good points, but nothing that I could say was extraordinary.
The conclusion was extremely disappointing. A cheap trick that didn’t sit well with me, but I won’t explain why I didn’t like it, as it would spoil the experience. But my ratings are based only on the writing and concept, and not because I did not like the ending.
Anyways, in general it wasn’t a bad read. I was entertained and it was a fast read.
E-book (Kobo): 416 pages (default), 110k words, 73 chapters
3 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I was expecting to love this book. Some of my friends loved it and claimed that this is the best book they have read that included an unreliable narrator. I take it that they have never read “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”, by Agatha Christie, which in my opinion is a masterclass in mystery that revolutionized the genre by using a highly deceptive narrator.
Anyways…
In the beginning I had the impression that I had read a similar story or watched a movie or tv show that had the same kind of premise. But I could be wrong about this.
Although I liked the concept and the development of the story, I found the writing to be very pedestrian, with very weak dialogues. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to finish it, but when I was at 15% I predicted the major twist and I had to continue reading just to prove me wrong. But I wasn’t.
There were some interesting scenes, but i was really looking forward to reading about the trial, which stars after 63% in the book. It was a long wait. Some parts did drag on for too long.
As for the trial, I didn’t think it was that thrilling or spectacular. There were some good points, but nothing that I could say was extraordinary.
The conclusion was extremely disappointing. A cheap trick that didn’t sit well with me, but I won’t explain why I didn’t like it, as it would spoil the experience. But my ratings are based only on the writing and concept, and not because I did not like the ending.
Anyways, in general it wasn’t a bad read. I was entertained and it was a fast read.
E-book (Kobo): 416 pages (default), 110k words, 73 chapters
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An absolutely addictive legal thriller that I couldn’t put down.
I read this on the plane to Japan, I was completely blown away, what a story. It is full of shocking twists and dubious truths. Trust no one! Such a clever concept for a story… a husband and wife on either side of the law, in a case that looks to be a slam dunk guilty. Only things are not as they seem and there were so many times that I gasped out loud, and I clapped when I finished it. One of the best books that I have read in 2026, and I cannot wait for the TV adaptation.
You just need to read this and not know too much about the plot. A must read for lovers of legal thrillers. I loved that the author explained the legal system in the UK throughout the novel, especially as it is so different from other legal systems
Thank you so much to Dutton for my advanced copy of this fantastic book to read. Published on May 5th.
I read this on the plane to Japan, I was completely blown away, what a story. It is full of shocking twists and dubious truths. Trust no one! Such a clever concept for a story… a husband and wife on either side of the law, in a case that looks to be a slam dunk guilty. Only things are not as they seem and there were so many times that I gasped out loud, and I clapped when I finished it. One of the best books that I have read in 2026, and I cannot wait for the TV adaptation.
You just need to read this and not know too much about the plot. A must read for lovers of legal thrillers. I loved that the author explained the legal system in the UK throughout the novel, especially as it is so different from other legal systems
Thank you so much to Dutton for my advanced copy of this fantastic book to read. Published on May 5th.
May 13, 2026
🔥Best Debut of 2026🔥
This book is so amazing that it’s the follow-up season to Presumed Innocent on Apple TV!
A man has been charged with murdering a prominent judge. Both the victim and the accused were at the crime scene. Leila Reynolds has been requested to handle the accused’s case and it’s her first murder case. Can she handle it????
THIS IS A STRAIGHT UP BANGER!! Nothing is as it seems. My freaking mind was constantly reeling. I had so many damn theories throughout the book. And let me just tell you that my hands were literally shaking the whole last 70 pages. Shaking while holding the book! This has never happened. Ever! What does that tell you? THAT YOU MUST READ THIS NOVEL!
If you read thrillers, and you don’t end up reading it, you will miss one of the BEST legal thrillers to ever exist. PERIOD. Don’t let that negativity be in your life 😆😆.
ALL OF THE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amazing buddy read with Regan, Julie and Janelle
Thank you Dutton Books and NetGalley for the arc.
This book is so amazing that it’s the follow-up season to Presumed Innocent on Apple TV!
A man has been charged with murdering a prominent judge. Both the victim and the accused were at the crime scene. Leila Reynolds has been requested to handle the accused’s case and it’s her first murder case. Can she handle it????
THIS IS A STRAIGHT UP BANGER!! Nothing is as it seems. My freaking mind was constantly reeling. I had so many damn theories throughout the book. And let me just tell you that my hands were literally shaking the whole last 70 pages. Shaking while holding the book! This has never happened. Ever! What does that tell you? THAT YOU MUST READ THIS NOVEL!
If you read thrillers, and you don’t end up reading it, you will miss one of the BEST legal thrillers to ever exist. PERIOD. Don’t let that negativity be in your life 😆😆.
ALL OF THE ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Amazing buddy read with Regan, Julie and Janelle
Thank you Dutton Books and NetGalley for the arc.
May 20, 2026
A truly outstanding debut legal thriller! I LOVED the way the plot unfurled and thought there were so many interesting dynamics and nuances to the characters! the type of book I could recommend to beginners and veterans of the genre alike!
May 7, 2026
no it doesn’t work like that, you can’t have the unreliable narrator be so unreliable they’re lying to themselves. that’s insane. that’s not a plot twist, it’s just insane
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2025
My Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Oooh I loved this… twists and reveals done right!!!
A dead Judge.
A silent defendant.
And a courtroom full of liars!!
When Leila Reynolds is handed her first murder case, she’s shocked at how high-profile it is, its the murder of a well respected judge.
This shouldn’t be the kind of case shes leading, its way beyond her expertise. But the defendant, Jack Millman, is clear. He wants her, and only her. To make things worse he’s refusing to speak. How is she supposed to prove herself on what appears to be an unwinnable case?
Losing is not an option.
She must find the most persuasive argument. Trials aren’t won by convincing judges or fellow barristers - they’re all about convincing a jury. Suddenly, Leila finds herself fighting not only to keep Jack out of prison but to also keep her own secrets buried deep.
Its true what they say, there are two sides to every story.
Guilty or Not Guilty? You decide…
Ok, here we go…. I am not going to tell you must about this book you need to go in blind… the synopsis above gives you a taste but it does not tell you must compared to what this book is packing. It is not packing a punch it is packing a bag of punches!!!
I don’t know anything about this author but I am going to find out!! This is a legal thriller and thrilling is the right word. I found it really interesting the legal information that we get from this book. Our author is a former criminal barrister and it shows!!! We get all the inside information (well likely not all) and it is broken down into easy to understand parts and i found that really good. It wasn’t condescending either but for someone like me with very little knowledge of criminal law and the way trials are run (in the UK or anywhere) I loved all the information that wasn’t just spewed At us like an info dump it was interspersed into the story. Loved that!!!
I really liked Leila, even when there were things I was guessing (not all true) that might paint her in a different light.. i was still rooting for her. I liked Jack as well… and I hated Julian from the get go… but you be the judge… why? I can’t tell you at all because it will spoil not one but all the surprises in this book.
It is told from multiple pov from Leila, Witness X and a couple of others and it is interesting to pay close attention when reading the POV you will get clues… but I really don’t think you will guess everything. I had an inkling But then when I was right about one thing I was punched in the face with a different piece of information or a reveal i was not expecting at all… I loved that so much. Its been ages since I have read a book where it has actually taken me by surprise multiple times.
I actually loved the writing so much, it kept me engaged and I wanted to keep reading into the night.. the fact that I couldn't was done to the fact that I am a light weight when going to bed… and nothing to do with how interesting this novel was. I got up in the morning and just started it again!!
I have nothing but praise for this book, I really enjoyed it, and would recommend it!!
Overall, I don’t have any complaints, are there some unrealistic parts… yes!! Its fiction guys!! But the legal information alone is second to none in my opinion, the characters are expertly written and the twists were outstanding I couldn’t ask for anything else. This is my first thriller back after a bit of a break and what a winner I got!!! Loved it!!
I will absolutely be keeping my eye out for this authors next book!!!
Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan and Jo Murray for an exceptional advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!!
A dead Judge.
A silent defendant.
And a courtroom full of liars!!
When Leila Reynolds is handed her first murder case, she’s shocked at how high-profile it is, its the murder of a well respected judge.
This shouldn’t be the kind of case shes leading, its way beyond her expertise. But the defendant, Jack Millman, is clear. He wants her, and only her. To make things worse he’s refusing to speak. How is she supposed to prove herself on what appears to be an unwinnable case?
Losing is not an option.
She must find the most persuasive argument. Trials aren’t won by convincing judges or fellow barristers - they’re all about convincing a jury. Suddenly, Leila finds herself fighting not only to keep Jack out of prison but to also keep her own secrets buried deep.
Its true what they say, there are two sides to every story.
Guilty or Not Guilty? You decide…
Ok, here we go…. I am not going to tell you must about this book you need to go in blind… the synopsis above gives you a taste but it does not tell you must compared to what this book is packing. It is not packing a punch it is packing a bag of punches!!!
I don’t know anything about this author but I am going to find out!! This is a legal thriller and thrilling is the right word. I found it really interesting the legal information that we get from this book. Our author is a former criminal barrister and it shows!!! We get all the inside information (well likely not all) and it is broken down into easy to understand parts and i found that really good. It wasn’t condescending either but for someone like me with very little knowledge of criminal law and the way trials are run (in the UK or anywhere) I loved all the information that wasn’t just spewed At us like an info dump it was interspersed into the story. Loved that!!!
I really liked Leila, even when there were things I was guessing (not all true) that might paint her in a different light.. i was still rooting for her. I liked Jack as well… and I hated Julian from the get go… but you be the judge… why? I can’t tell you at all because it will spoil not one but all the surprises in this book.
It is told from multiple pov from Leila, Witness X and a couple of others and it is interesting to pay close attention when reading the POV you will get clues… but I really don’t think you will guess everything. I had an inkling But then when I was right about one thing I was punched in the face with a different piece of information or a reveal i was not expecting at all… I loved that so much. Its been ages since I have read a book where it has actually taken me by surprise multiple times.
I actually loved the writing so much, it kept me engaged and I wanted to keep reading into the night.. the fact that I couldn't was done to the fact that I am a light weight when going to bed… and nothing to do with how interesting this novel was. I got up in the morning and just started it again!!
I have nothing but praise for this book, I really enjoyed it, and would recommend it!!
Overall, I don’t have any complaints, are there some unrealistic parts… yes!! Its fiction guys!! But the legal information alone is second to none in my opinion, the characters are expertly written and the twists were outstanding I couldn’t ask for anything else. This is my first thriller back after a bit of a break and what a winner I got!!! Loved it!!
I will absolutely be keeping my eye out for this authors next book!!!
Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillan and Jo Murray for an exceptional advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!!
May 26, 2026
5⭐️- I devoured this book in record time 📖💨💨 It completely pulled me in from the very first page and did NOT let go 😮💨✨ The legal drama is done perfectly, almost immaculately, with such precision, tension, and slick storytelling that it genuinely reads like a high-end TV courtroom series unfolding in front of your eyes 🎬⚖️🍿
The courtroom scenes are where this book absolutely shines ✨🔥 Every exchange feels sharp, calculated, and loaded with subtext 👀💬 The pacing is tight, relentless, and constantly ramps up the stakes 📈⚡ You really get that electric “something is about to explode” feeling where every word matters and every pause feels dangerous 😳⏳⚖️
And the twists… they DELIVER 🌀😱💥 While I did manage to spot and speculate one of the big reveals ahead of time 🤔👀, it honestly did not take away from the experience at all 🙌 If anything, it made it even more fun waiting for it to land ⏳😏 And when it finally did… it still hit HARD 💥💥 There are enough smaller twists and turns throughout to keep you constantly second-guessing everything anyway 🧠🔄😵
Overall, this is pure binge-worthy legal drama energy 🍿📺📚 A gripping, twisty courtroom thriller that feels like a series you cannot stop watching 😩➡️📖 Hope we will see a tv adaptation soon…
The courtroom scenes are where this book absolutely shines ✨🔥 Every exchange feels sharp, calculated, and loaded with subtext 👀💬 The pacing is tight, relentless, and constantly ramps up the stakes 📈⚡ You really get that electric “something is about to explode” feeling where every word matters and every pause feels dangerous 😳⏳⚖️
And the twists… they DELIVER 🌀😱💥 While I did manage to spot and speculate one of the big reveals ahead of time 🤔👀, it honestly did not take away from the experience at all 🙌 If anything, it made it even more fun waiting for it to land ⏳😏 And when it finally did… it still hit HARD 💥💥 There are enough smaller twists and turns throughout to keep you constantly second-guessing everything anyway 🧠🔄😵
Overall, this is pure binge-worthy legal drama energy 🍿📺📚 A gripping, twisty courtroom thriller that feels like a series you cannot stop watching 😩➡️📖 Hope we will see a tv adaptation soon…
May 22, 2026
Standing ovation 👏🏽 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Bravo!!! Talk about understanding the assignment, this author took storytelling to the next level!! Wow, so like this is a bombshell of a story that will not let you down and leave you mind blown 🤯 with its very last words. I’m completely flabbergasted. This is going to mess with me all day!
Looking for an all around amazing story with high stakes court drama? Then stop right because it doesn’t get any better than this. Highly recommend, this one knocked my socks off and for that I say….Thank you very much!!
Looking for an all around amazing story with high stakes court drama? Then stop right because it doesn’t get any better than this. Highly recommend, this one knocked my socks off and for that I say….Thank you very much!!
November 11, 2025
One of the easiest five star reviews I have ever given, this book is a masterclass on how to deliver a courtroom thriller and has now set such a high bar that I am not sure many books in this genre will be able to reach. Yes, it is THAT good.
I don't want to delve too much into the synopsis, it is a book that you are better to go into relatively blind, but this novel tells the story of Leila, a lawyer from a working class background who has come good. However, when she is instructed on her first murder trial, she is shocked at the high profile nature of it - the victim being a well-respected judge - however the defendant has asked for her personally and she is keen to step up.
The first half of the novel builds up to the trial as Leila seeks evidence which will exonerate her client, who claims he is not guilty but will not put forward a defence. The second half then moves onto the trial itself which is explosive. That's it, I'm saying no more and I know this sounds like a 'typical' legal thriller but trust me it is not.
The multiple POVs tell the story expertly and, in addition to the legal aspects of the book, the personal lives of those within the chamber add an extra dimension without being crass.
The ending is delivered in a way which I have not experienced for a long time, it was a literal gasp out loud moment, and I can't wait for my Goodreads friends to read this so we can talk about it. This would be a good buddy read for people who have it on their TBR list. It's sure to be one of the hits of 2026.
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan | Macmillan for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I don't want to delve too much into the synopsis, it is a book that you are better to go into relatively blind, but this novel tells the story of Leila, a lawyer from a working class background who has come good. However, when she is instructed on her first murder trial, she is shocked at the high profile nature of it - the victim being a well-respected judge - however the defendant has asked for her personally and she is keen to step up.
The first half of the novel builds up to the trial as Leila seeks evidence which will exonerate her client, who claims he is not guilty but will not put forward a defence. The second half then moves onto the trial itself which is explosive. That's it, I'm saying no more and I know this sounds like a 'typical' legal thriller but trust me it is not.
The multiple POVs tell the story expertly and, in addition to the legal aspects of the book, the personal lives of those within the chamber add an extra dimension without being crass.
The ending is delivered in a way which I have not experienced for a long time, it was a literal gasp out loud moment, and I can't wait for my Goodreads friends to read this so we can talk about it. This would be a good buddy read for people who have it on their TBR list. It's sure to be one of the hits of 2026.
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan | Macmillan for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2026
Now this was something else. Something delicious and intriguing. A new flavor in a sea of familiar tastes, one that stood out. It helps that it was already one of my favorite tastes, legal thrillers when done well always makes me very enthusiastic. And this one made
me so excited I could have run a marathon on the adrenaline it created. And the twist.
Well.
This. Is. The. Mother. Of. All. Twists.
Read it for yourself, and maybe you’ll discover a new favorite flavor as well.
me so excited I could have run a marathon on the adrenaline it created. And the twist.
Well.
This. Is. The. Mother. Of. All. Twists.
Read it for yourself, and maybe you’ll discover a new favorite flavor as well.
May 17, 2026
"Nothing is as it seems—and no one is telling the truth—in this page-turning thriller about a young lawyer forced to defend a man on trial for murder against the mentor who taught her everything: her husband."
Leila Reynolds is shocked when a judge is murdered and the accused specifically requests her to be the defense attorney. There are three problems with this scenario. First, she doesn't have the experience, second the defendant isn't talking, and third, the prosecution is none other than her long-time mentor and husband Julian.
To complicate matters there is also a stalker known as Witness X who is threatening Leila and watching her and Julian.
This is the best legal thriller I've read in a long time! It has everything you want including courtroom drama, layered complexity, an anonymous stalker, high stakes and a dual timeline. The plot is propulsive and the character development flawless. What is more shocking is that this is a debut! This book is being adapted into Season 2 of Apple TV's Presumed Innocent starring Rachel Brosnahan and it should be outstanding!
The audiobook performance (11 hours 41 minutes) by Joanne Froggat is perfection, creating tension and immersing the reader fully into the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley, PRH Audio, Dutton Books and Jo Murray for the gifted advance reader's copy and advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.📚🎧
Leila Reynolds is shocked when a judge is murdered and the accused specifically requests her to be the defense attorney. There are three problems with this scenario. First, she doesn't have the experience, second the defendant isn't talking, and third, the prosecution is none other than her long-time mentor and husband Julian.
To complicate matters there is also a stalker known as Witness X who is threatening Leila and watching her and Julian.
This is the best legal thriller I've read in a long time! It has everything you want including courtroom drama, layered complexity, an anonymous stalker, high stakes and a dual timeline. The plot is propulsive and the character development flawless. What is more shocking is that this is a debut! This book is being adapted into Season 2 of Apple TV's Presumed Innocent starring Rachel Brosnahan and it should be outstanding!
The audiobook performance (11 hours 41 minutes) by Joanne Froggat is perfection, creating tension and immersing the reader fully into the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley, PRH Audio, Dutton Books and Jo Murray for the gifted advance reader's copy and advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.📚🎧
May 14, 2026
This is a good legal thriller with a few surprises,I enjoyed this and found it to be a quick read so if you like legal thrillers give it a try I recommend it and believe you won’t be disappointed.
May 9, 2026
You will never convince me that the first person narrator lying to themselves, and the reader, the entire time is a good twist. God what a waste of time I hate books like this so much
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2026
*4.5 stars
A husband and wife face off against the other when they take on the lead roles of a high stakes murder trial. Leila, the defense attorney, married to Julian, her former mentor and now prosecutor for the government. There are a lot of things going on in this trial, especially involving the chapters dealing with Witness X. The defendant, Jack, is trying to shield this person by not involving them in the case, but they could be the only thing that stands in the way of him going to prison for life.
Lots of twists and turns with this one. A definite recommend.
A husband and wife face off against the other when they take on the lead roles of a high stakes murder trial. Leila, the defense attorney, married to Julian, her former mentor and now prosecutor for the government. There are a lot of things going on in this trial, especially involving the chapters dealing with Witness X. The defendant, Jack, is trying to shield this person by not involving them in the case, but they could be the only thing that stands in the way of him going to prison for life.
Lots of twists and turns with this one. A definite recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dissection Of A Murder is THE thriller of the year. I knew I needed it immediately once I read the synopsis. When I found out season 2 of Presumed Innocent is based on this, I forgot about my TBR and moved this to the top.
It was a captivating, twisty legal thriller that was so well written. I was blown away.
I will say I wish I ended about 2 chapters sooner, but that is this reader's preference.
It was a captivating, twisty legal thriller that was so well written. I was blown away.
I will say I wish I ended about 2 chapters sooner, but that is this reader's preference.
November 28, 2025
5🌟
Like omg what do you mean? You where not ready for the gasp I gusped when the plot hitted me...
I'm going to keep this clean and simple because you just have to experience this one for yourself and I will not spoil this for anyone!
This was a thriller masterpiece 👌 Brava Jo Murray! This was deliciously thrilling, the suspension was top-notch! I finished this in under 24 hours, that is how addictive this book was!
If you are a thriller fan you should definitely pick this one up like immediately!
Thank you Netgalley and Pan Macmillan publishing for this amazing ARC! What a gift to experience this before someone could spoil this for me ❤️
Like omg what do you mean? You where not ready for the gasp I gusped when the plot hitted me...
I'm going to keep this clean and simple because you just have to experience this one for yourself and I will not spoil this for anyone!
This was a thriller masterpiece 👌 Brava Jo Murray! This was deliciously thrilling, the suspension was top-notch! I finished this in under 24 hours, that is how addictive this book was!
If you are a thriller fan you should definitely pick this one up like immediately!
Thank you Netgalley and Pan Macmillan publishing for this amazing ARC! What a gift to experience this before someone could spoil this for me ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Superb masterpiece. A masterclass in plotting.
May 11, 2026
a twist that feels insulting to readers and a boring legal thriller? that’s almost impressive👏
May 21, 2026
This book insulted my intelligence on a level I can't forgive. Anyone with half a braincell should be able to see the "twist" coming from a thousand miles away. I figured it out by 12% and the rest was sheer torture.
I skimmed quite a bit but didn't miss much of anything, because holy hell, was this book too big for its britches: long, overwrought, preachy, and downright painful to read.
I did not appreciate having every legal procedures explained to me like I'm in kindergarten.
Was this book specifically written for an American audience? The stage is a British court of law, but everyone talks like an American. It was so weird to hear words like "barrister" and "solicitor" flung around without any kind of attempt to make the dialogue or setting feel even remotely British.
And don't get me started on Leila, the female protagonist. She was infuriating!
The literary device has been done over and over and OVER again, ad nauseam. In contemporary lit, it worked exactly once in . Now, it's just hackneyed and tired.
Don't buy into the hype!
I skimmed quite a bit but didn't miss much of anything, because holy hell, was this book too big for its britches: long, overwrought, preachy, and downright painful to read.
I did not appreciate having every legal procedures explained to me like I'm in kindergarten.
Was this book specifically written for an American audience? The stage is a British court of law, but everyone talks like an American. It was so weird to hear words like "barrister" and "solicitor" flung around without any kind of attempt to make the dialogue or setting feel even remotely British.
And don't get me started on Leila, the female protagonist. She was infuriating!
The literary device has been done over and over and OVER again, ad nauseam. In contemporary lit, it worked exactly once in . Now, it's just hackneyed and tired.
Don't buy into the hype!
May 5, 2026
4.5/5
Dissection of a Murder is one of those legal thrillers that immediately stands out for how sharp and confident it feels, especially as a debut! From the start, the premise hooks you: a young defense attorney taking on a high profile murder case against her own husband. It’s messy, high stakes, and full of tension before the trial even really begins.
What makes this one work so well is how layered the central case is. The mystery unfolds in a way that feels complex but never overwhelming, with each reveal adding another piece to a puzzle that’s constantly shifting. I did manage to guess one of the major twists early on, but it didn’t take away from the experience—in fact, watching how everything came together was just as satisfying. The pacing really shines, too,chapters are tight and fast moving, and the interspersed sections from the unknown witness add this eerie, almost unsettling edge that keeps you slightly off balance in the best way.
Courtroom dramas can sometimes drag, but that’s absolutely not the case here. The tension builds gradually and intentionally, pulling you deeper into both the legal battle and Leila’s personal unraveling. The characters feel fully realized, with complicated motivations and secrets that keep you questioning everyone’s version of the truth. It’s smart, it’s gripping, and it feels genuinely fresh in a genre that can sometimes feel formulaic.
Overall, this is a really impressive debut, it’s clever, engaging, and hard to put down. A solid 4.5 star read that proves courtroom thrillers can still surprise you.
Dissection of a Murder is one of those legal thrillers that immediately stands out for how sharp and confident it feels, especially as a debut! From the start, the premise hooks you: a young defense attorney taking on a high profile murder case against her own husband. It’s messy, high stakes, and full of tension before the trial even really begins.
What makes this one work so well is how layered the central case is. The mystery unfolds in a way that feels complex but never overwhelming, with each reveal adding another piece to a puzzle that’s constantly shifting. I did manage to guess one of the major twists early on, but it didn’t take away from the experience—in fact, watching how everything came together was just as satisfying. The pacing really shines, too,chapters are tight and fast moving, and the interspersed sections from the unknown witness add this eerie, almost unsettling edge that keeps you slightly off balance in the best way.
Courtroom dramas can sometimes drag, but that’s absolutely not the case here. The tension builds gradually and intentionally, pulling you deeper into both the legal battle and Leila’s personal unraveling. The characters feel fully realized, with complicated motivations and secrets that keep you questioning everyone’s version of the truth. It’s smart, it’s gripping, and it feels genuinely fresh in a genre that can sometimes feel formulaic.
Overall, this is a really impressive debut, it’s clever, engaging, and hard to put down. A solid 4.5 star read that proves courtroom thrillers can still surprise you.
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