Judge Stone: A Novel

by Viola Davis; James Patterson, Viola Davis

1 pages, MP3 CD

Published March 9, 2026

Reviews

[Marsha Rafalski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a dedicated James Patterson fan. From his middle grade, YA oeuvre, his mystery-thrillers, courtroom dramas and suspense novels will always capture my interest before I am involved too long. His pattern of partnering with younger writers calls their talents onto a stage larger than otherwise might be available. This latest effort is a fascinating character study of a Black, circuit court judge in small Union Springs, Alabama.

Mary Stone has been a judge for most of her working life. As the oldest of three daughters of a hard working, Christian couple who were well known for their support of the community which is passed on to their children. Mary believes herself to be responsible for her family and the extended community. When the case of a doctor who performed an abortion for a 13 year old who has been the victim of a gang rape. But this is not a case against the rapists or the members of the community who have failed the teen by turning a blind eye to her condition. Instead it is the young Black physician who has made it her mission to serve the community who is arrested, charged and tried only for the act of performing the abortion which resulted in complications causing the act to become a cause to divide and polarize the entire community. When Mary and the jurors receive death threats and her hundred year old farmhouse is blown up, it sets the scene for a very satisfying courtroom climax I have read in a while. Recommend to readers of mystery-thrillers, suspense, legal drama, family drama as well as those who enjoy books that emphasize social justice.

P.S. Mary Stone is a unique, likable character that I would enjoy seeing more of in the future.

[Patricia Velin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love me some Viola Davis so I bought the book as soon as I heard about it. Good story about a tough And tired Judge Stone. Enjoyed

[Skip Weisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book by James Patterson I’ve read. His genre is not something I typically like to read. That may change after reading “Judge Stone.”

I’m also typically a slow reader but whipped through this book in seven days reading only an hour a night. Many of those nights I told my wife I didn’t think I’d be reading much as I was tired when we went to bed and one hour and 50 pages later I finally had it put it down to go sleep.

Great pace, short chapters which kept me moving and intriguing chapter endings that make you want to turn the page and keep going.

Written half in Judge Stone ‘a first person account and then an omniscient narrator for the second half providing the story of the characters involved in the case before Judge Stone I find to be a great approach to bringing the story along.

I found it interesting that the theme of the book speaks directly to the pro-life/pro-choice discussion in the post Roe era and is at the core of the story and the case before Judge Stone, yet none of that is mentioned in the promotion of the book. Which I’m sure was strategic to keep the readership broad.

I’m in the final stages of writing my debut novel and readying my agent query package. My story has a similar theme and all the book hooks I’m putting forth all include that overarching theme. But seeing how this book has been positioned has me rethinking my book’s approach.

Wish me luck!

[Libbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, It really pulls you in from the very beginning. It was serious and deep because of the topic, but it also had that “on the edge of your seat” mystery feeling.

This story follows Mary Stone who is a circuit court judge in Union Springs, Alabama. When a Doctor performs an abortion on a 13 year old girl, the younger doctor is arrested and is waiting to be charged, this ultimately divides the town between her being guilty or not guilty.

I enjoyed this book, It really pulls you in from the very beginning. It was serious and deep because of the topic, but it also had that “on the edge of your seat” mystery feeling.

Viola Davis was a perfect choice for the audiobook, I really hope she does more audiobooks because she was fantastic!

[Alyssa Grimes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gobbled up this audiobook in one day, it was so riveting and powerful and viola davis narrating is perfection! Such a tragic story and unfortunately something that happens and as women, I feel it’s important we read stories like these, however sad they may be:( this book centers around abortion and the trial of the doctor who performed one on a 13 year old girl that was…you know. So please note those triggers going in! Great story though, you’ll fall in love with everything about Judge Stone herself:)

[Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know that James Patterson is listed as a co-offer of this book with Viola Davis. One listing only has her as the author, so I’m not sure which is correct. I do know that she read the audio version and it was magnificent As to the novel itself it focused on an issue of abortion laws in the results of illegal abortion. In certain states that made the book an absolutely fantastic read. Judge Stone herself. Is a complex character most others in the story are in one way or another peripheral what is not peripheral is the sad reality that this novel reflects upon. It might make you think.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an uncomfortable story. A legal story told from the perspective of a 13 year old girl, a single female judge, a single female doctor. All black and all living in current day Alabama that isn’t as racially accepting as one might hope. It is about an abortion. Nothing is as simple as you would like regardless of where you sit on that debate. The e story is worth continuing even when it is hard. Don’t prejudge it.

[Sinéad Gilligan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a legal story told from the perspective of three female characters; a 13 year old girl, a single female judge, a single female doctor.the characters are black and are living in Alabama present day. The primary focus of the story is abortion. Viola Davis is an excellent narrator for the story.

[Karen L Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a superb book! I “read” this as an audio book and I’m so glad I did. Viola Davis’ voice as a strong, southern, sassy and intelligent black woman made this the best audio I’ve ever “read”. The story hits all emotions and makes you truly think about why you believe what you do in regard to the touchy topics the story is based on. This is a great book. I highly recommend.

[Mary Caldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, had to keep reading

[Ange Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I had the audiobook so listened in one day!! Just didn’t want to put it down, it was also good to hear justice came for the little people.

[Donna Doneff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read , couldn’t put it down , finished in 2 days

[JANA HUNT · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narration is so important in an audiobook and how can you go wrong with Viola Davis. The book itself!? 🥺😭
I don’t do book reports anymore, so you should just read it. It’s worth the time!

[Kate Howdyshell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this audible book. Viola Davis was a great narrator, story was solid and kept me intrigued. I didn’t want to put it down.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so good! We need more from Davis and Patterson!!

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent narration by Viola Davis!

[CrabbyKG]

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