Call of Justice

by Robin James

This prequel novel takes readers back to the murder trial that started it all—and nearly ended Mara Brent’s career.Her first day on the job, brand-new prosecutor Mara Brent gets the case nobody else the execution-style killing of hometown hero Deputy KC Black by a small-time criminal. The evidence is shaky, the eyewitness is unreliable, and her new boss has already set Mara up as a scapegoat if she loses. But the whole town is watching, and local law enforcement is out for blood. One verdict will decide the defendant’s fate—and Mara’s future.

With the odds stacked against her, Mara’s new career might be over before it even begins. But if they thought she’d fold, they were wrong.

Perfect for new readers, this prequel novel can be read as a standalone or at any point in the series. For fans of gripping, character-driven legal thrillers in the tradition of John Grisham, Karin Slaughter, and Lisa Scottoline.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2026

About the author

Robin James is an attorney and former law professor. She's worked on a wide range of civil, criminal and family law cases in her twenty-year legal career. She also spent over a decade as supervising attorney for a Michigan legal clinic assisting thousands of people who could not otherwise afford access to justice.

Robin now lives on a lake in southern Michigan with her husband, two children, and one lazy dog. Her favorite, pure Michigan writing spot is stretched out on the back of a pontoon watching the faster boats go by.

Join Robin James's Legal Thriller Newsletter to get updates on her latest releases and author news. http://robinjamesbooks.com/newsletter

Reviews

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This prequel novel takes us back to the pivotal murder trial that set everything in motion and almost derailed Mara Brent's career.
The author skillfully immerses us in Mara's early days in her new town, right at the heart of her first major case.
If you've ever been curious about the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a legal drama, you're in for a fascinating experience. Robin James invites us to delve into the lives of Mara and her colleagues at the prosecutor's office, who play vital roles in their shared mission.
It's captivating to see how the District Attorney's office operates and how the tension unfolds within this tight-knit environment. This glimpse into the past not only showcases the intricacies of the trial but also uncovers the relationships and conflicts that propel the narrative forward.


After just six weeks as an assistant prosecutor, Mara found herself stuck with a case that no one else wanted to touch. With only flimsy evidence at her disposal, she was tasked with trying to convict a man accused of murdering a beloved police officer. Her boss, Phil Halsey, insisted that this was a significant opportunity for her career, but Mara saw it differently.

Deep down, she realized she was being set up as a scapegoat. If the trial went poorly, it would be easy for others to point fingers at her and dismiss her from the office. The pressure was on, and Mara felt the weight of the situation bearing down on her, knowing that her future could hinge on this high-stakes case.

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[Moseleygirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat to go back to the beginning and see where Mara Brent started her career as a prosecutor. Still married & mother to a baby Will, Mara's first case is the shooting of hometown hero, Deputy KC Black, by a small time criminal and Black's informant. The only evidence in what seems to be an almost unwinnable case is the unreliable witness testimony of a local eccentric.

At first look, it appears a very contrived plot but James has spun an entirely plausible and exciting courtroom drama that absolutely has the reader hanging on cliff edges as it heads towards its dramatic climax.

It's great to see Mara at the start of her career where her relationships with many of the familiar characters, both colleagues and police, began. It's also good to get a glimpse of her marriage whilst it was still solid. Perhaps we'll get to see a little more of those early days and insight into how Mara's family fell apart.

As usual, this is a well-paced, tense and exciting courtroom drama that keeps the reader totally engaged and guessing right up to the end. Loved it.

I was lucky enough to be provided with an advance copy from the author in return for my honest review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. Much thanks to the author, the Mara Brent series gets its prequel. Where it all began, Mara's first murder trial. The questions answered and details filled in that I felt I missed when reading book 1 (back in 2024).

If you're new to the series, this is an excellent beginning to a "must read" from one of my all time favorite authors. Reading this prequel takes me back in time, now I just wanna binge the first 8 books again.

Looking forward to book 9.

[Clifton Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Robin James’ legal thrillers: both, her Cass Leary Series and her Mara Brent Series. When I read that her next Mara Brent book was going to be a “prequel,” I balked. (Probably something to do with watching the Star Wars prequels. I still want my money back.) However, it turned out to be a pleasant experience. Mara is the brand-new assistant prosecutor, and is handed the job of prosecuting the accused murderer of a popular police officer in town. The D. A. gave her the case because there was no physical evidence tying the accused to the crime, no murder weapon, and the only eye witness was a homeless woman with mental health issues. Mara’s boss was looking for a scapegoat to blame when they couldn’t get a conviction. The author’s stories always move quickly, and it was interesting to see the way the protagonist first related to the other characters. “Call of Justice” is a great escape, and as a prequel, a good introduction to this eight-book series. (256 pages)

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel by Robin James is a moving and beautifully written look at the very beginning of Mara Brent’s journey. Seeing Mara handle her first case straight out of law school highlights just how strong, intelligent, and capable she was from the start—and makes the woman she later becomes even more compelling.

The courtroom scenes are intense and emotionally charged, and the testimony is handled with authenticity and restraint. I found myself deeply affected during several moments, which is a true credit to the author’s skill. The emotional weight feels earned, never forced, and the story honors both the legal process and the human cost behind it.

This prequel adds meaningful depth to the Mara Brent series and stands powerfully on its own. An excellent, emotionally resonant read and an easy five-star recommendation.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Call of Justice🙌

Oh my gosh, Mara Brent’s first ever murder trial….what a doozy of a case! But how fantastic to see how everything started and how those first few relationships between herself, her colleagues and the detectives she works with were forged.

A great addition to Mara’s series and there are moments when I am swaying back and forth between the arguments made in court and the evidence. A difficult case indeed but absolutely loved seeing Mara in action.

I received an advanced copy and willingly leave my honest review❤️‍🩹

[Darlene Clinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous story!

Wow! What a great book filled with everything you want to read in a legal thriller and the best part…not one bad word! What a joy to be able to read a book like this! Congratulations Robin James on another awesome book!

[Margarita Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of the legal thrillers!

No one writes courtroom scenes better than Robin James. I have read alk her books and wait excitedly for the next one. Her protagonists are tough and admirable. Read all her books. You won't be disappointed.

[Peter Strauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome Addition

What a refreshing look back at the start of Mara Brent's career, well done. An interesting look at her family dynamic, prior to splitting with her husband and a look at Will's younth... the case was interesting and a great insight into the Attorney, Mara Brent!

[Diane Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I’m glad Robin James decided to turn this into a book! As always, she doesn’t disappoint! Excellent story. As always, I eagerly anticipate her next book.

[Liz Krummell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice to see the start of the series Jason came across as too perfect especially if you have read the rest of the books - taking a full week off?

[Anne Bnana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5