After years prosecuting murderers, Assistant District Attorney Jessie Black doesn't think there's anything that can truly disturb her. She's wrong.
When a distraught teenage girl shows up out of nowhere, demanding to talk, Jessie thinks the girl looks familiar but can't quite place her. The girl claims her father was murdered and the police are letting the killer get away with it. Jessie feels for the girl, but investigating murders is the role of the police department.
Then she realizes why Carrie looks familiar, and what homicide she's talking about.
Reluctantly drawn into a politically explosive case the police and the DA's Office don't want her to touch, Jessie finds herself face-to-face with terrifying questions of law and morality in an upside-down world where the line between victim and killer is dangerously blurred. But like Carrie, she won't stop searching for the truth, even if it means risking her career, her values, and her life.
Jessie Black does very good job as a assistant district attorney, she has empathy and conscious. In this book known abusive city councilman no body liked, was killed by his girlfriend. Is this self defense or murder? In this courtroom drama no unending jury selection or questioning, moves fast with twists. Some people sell their souls to devil for money.
This is the fourth book in this series and it is every bit as good as the previous books. I've read other series where I actually started getting bored and struggled to get through it. Just the opposite is true of this one. I am glad I found it after the author already had several books on the shelves so I can go straight to the next when I finish one. It's the characters that have sold me on this collection. Deputy prosecutor Jessie Black and her boyfriend, former detective, Mark Leary. I have a vivid picture of them in my mind thanks to a really good job of characterization by the writer but I won't ruin it for anyone by sharing my personal vision of Jessie and Mark.
In this book, Jessie is approached by a young girl who wants Jessie to investigate her father's murder. There's just one catch. The supposed guilty party has been cleared by the police and the shooting deemed self-defense. Brooke Raines claims Corbin Keeley chased her from a restaurant during an argument and she, fearing for her life, had no alternative but to pull a gun and shoot him.
At first Jessie is skeptical, the case seems pretty cut and dried, but then has second thoughts when other facts come to light. If Brooke and Mark were dating and he'd never given the slightest hint towards being abusive, why did she feel the need to bring a gun on their date? And when Brooke and Mark argued over the fact she decided to break up with him, why did she leave a crowded restaurant and walk to a deserted alley if she was afraid of his reaction as she claims? Why not stay where she was surrounded by witnesses and people who would surely protect her? As Jessie investigates she discovers there's much more at stake than what Brooke has said. Problem is, Jessie's made herself and Leary targets because the bad guys aren't about to go to jail and will go to any lengths to prevent that from happening.
This book grabbed my attention from the start and never let go. Leary is such a great guy and even though he's no longer a detective, he still has the skills and is willing to put his life on the line to help Jess. Each case she works is different and there's always a hook that draws her in. In this case it's a man's daughter who wants justice for her father. At one time the man was violent and beat his wife, but he got help and was a changed man. Not the type of man who would chase his girlfriend into an alley and attack her. Jessie believed his daughter and like a bulldog after a bone, she sets out to prove it. Five stars for me.
This is the fourth Jessie Black legal thrillers I've read. So far, I've really enjoyed all of them. Larry Winters does a great job at writing engaging, page-turning fiction, and since I am a Law student, I love the legal aspect of things. In "Fatal Defense", the book spends a lot more time concentrating on what is happening in the court room, as the story revolves around the trial against Brook Raines. Brook shot councilman Keeley, a local politician with a history of physical abuse against his ex-wife, claiming it was self-defence; she tried to break up with him in a restaurant, and when he followed her out of the restaurant, he allegedly got violent so she shot him to save her own life.
I'm going to hide my review because it does contain spoilers.
I gave the story a 4 out of 5 rating because there was one thing that really grated me about the story. As Jessie's trial is happening, Leary - who is now working as private security in the firm Acacia - suddenly remembers a similar case he worked three years ago. A woman had stabbed her boyfriend to death, saying it had been self-defence too. Leary hadn't believed her, but there was no evidence to support the claim that she was lying, so the case was closed.
So, Leary, who is still pining about his days as a cop, decides to do some digging himself. He gets pretty far along, going to visit the woman's house and everything, and making connections.... and throughout the entire time, he never ONCE talks to Jessie about it??? When the entire reason he started investigating was because the cases were so similar - and he didn't make the connection?
Given what Winters has told us about Leary, I find it hard to believe. He is supposed to be a superb detective, and yet he missed it. And Jessie and Leary, who at the time of this book have been dating for a few years (but don't live together ... a couple in their thirties?), and who have worked on previous cases together, and he never talks to her about it?
Sorry, but I can't believe that. And it irked me for the 30% of the book it went on for, because it simply was. not. believable.
Other than that, the plot was great and kept you hooked and interested until the end. Winters manages to do more showing than telling, and I like his style, because it isn't filled with useless descriptions. He lets the readers come to many of the conclusion by themselves, which I appreciate.
I would recommend these books (the Jessie Black legal thriller series) to anyone who loves reading crime and legal fiction, because as a prosecutor in the Homicide Unit they blend both words in really well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
If it weren’t for the number of grammatical errors, I would have given this book a 4.95 rating. I really…really…liked it. This is book #4 in the 10 book Jessie Black legal thriller series. I didn’t realize this was a series or I would have tried to read them in series order. Although I don’t think that is necessary, I do like to read a series in the order they are published. I hope to be able to read the rest - in any order I can get them from the library. What really caught my attention and drew me into this book was the way it began. “When a distraught teenage girl shows up out of nowhere, demanding to talk, Jessie thinks the girl looks familiar but can't quite place her. She claims her father was murdered and the police are letting the killer get away with it. Jessie feels for the girl, but investigating murders is the role of the police department. Jessie is an assistant DA. Then she realizes why Carrie looks familiar, and what homicide she's talking about.” Jessie is not just a hardworking assistant DA, but she is one who truly cares. Despite a heavy work load and many other reasons to just walk away, Jessie instead decides to get involved and take a look at the case. Then, against all odds, she not only gets involved but actually ends up bringing charges against the “supposed” victim but, in the process and in the middle of the trial, discovers it is all part of a much more sinister plot! (No spoilers here!) It is Jessie’s utter devotion to justice and willingness to pursue the unpopular regardless of the consequences that has made me an ardent fan after only have read one book in this 10 book series. Can’t wait to read the other 9.
Jessie Black can withstand almost anything except injustice. Fatal Defense, by Larry A. Winters, is a compelling read. The book flowed as usual with Author Larry A. Winters, and it built beautifully, and so smoothly. Jessie Black, Assistant D.A. character was up to her usual expert self in a court of law. Detective Leary also dove into action, and was such wonderful support to Jessie. What a guy! He just can’t help himself or stop doing what he loves so much, which is investigating crimes. I loved the characters in the Jessie Black Series. Loved the storyline/plot, (NO SPOILERS). I felt I was sitting in the courtroom with Jessie, hanging on every word, and felt like I was out investigating with Leary and feeling every painful attack on him. Very strong and well built characters, along with a great plot that sweep the reader up, and pulls the reader knee deep into the story. Author Larry A. Winters delivered again with Fatal Defense. Such a wonderful experience to read any book Author Larry A. Winters writes. Guaranteed good read always. ENJOY!!
A teenage girl shows up at Jessie’s office trying to convince Jessie that her father has been murdered. Jessie decides to do some investigating into the allegations. What she learns is Councilman Corbin Keely who has an abusive background is the murder suspect. But as information is developed Jessie feels that Brooke Raines, who killed Corbin Keely, did so intentionally. Jessie is conflicted about the case but ultimately decides to proceed. Meanwhile, Mark Leary has been rethinking an old case from 3 years ago. As he does some investigating on his own, he sees some similarities between his old case and Jessie’s new case. What Jessie and Mark discover is a conspiracy beyond imagination. This book has everything—murder, conspiracy, courtroom drama and more. This book intrigued me from page one. I could not stop reading. This has been one of my favorite Jessie Black stories. Can’t say enough how much I liked it.
A teenage girl named Carrie Keeley meets up with Assistant District Attorney Jessie Black asking her to take up the case of her Father's death. Carrie believes that the case looks more than a self defense killing and that the shooter Brooke Raines is actually getting away from the crime. Jessie is actually surprised by the girl's statement. This case is already closed as the police believed that Councilman Corbin Keeley was killed by Brooke Raines in self defense. However the yielding to the persistence of Carrie Keeley, Jessie agrees to review the facts of the case. In the process, she starts believing that the case has more spice to it that it is made to believe. Was Corbin Keeley really shot in self defense? Is there some shocking secret burried underneath? Read this riveting legal thriller to find out.
Each time I dive into another Larry Winters novel, I’m thrilled to see how much they evolve! This latest installment is truly captivating. As a big fan of courtroom dramas, I was delighted by this gripping narrative! Winters masterfully pulls together a cast of intriguing characters, setting the stage for a captivating ongoing story.
In this engaging tale, Carrie encourages Jessie to look into her father's death. He was a troubled individual, now divorced, and the circumstances surrounding his shooting by his new girlfriend reveal a deeper complexity. The unfolding case is anything but simple, and the novel artfully blends courtroom tension with the emotional journeys of its characters. Jessie faces a formidable defence lawyer, making the stakes even higher. It's an enthralling read that keeps you engaged from start to finish—definitely one not to be missed!
I love this author's writing style. I keep thinking this is the best book but the next one is just as good if not better. Some of the characters are consistent in all the books. What seems like murder mysteries also to me are psychological thrillers. The female lead and her boyfriend are very likeable and carry the main storylines. The characters are very well developed and believable. I feel like I know them personally. The dialogue flows freely and smoothly. The editing is clean with a couple of minor mistakes, with no bearing on the story. I can't remember how I discovered this author but I am so glad I did. I am reading these books back to back which is unusual for me. But I have to keep reading, they are that good!
Mr. Winters’ book, Fatal Defense, is a great read. The story of a city councilman’s murder hits the ground running in the first pages of the novel. Councilman Keeley’s murder is brought to Jessie Black’s attention by his devoted daughter, Carrie. At first, Jessie is not interested in pursuing justice for Keeley, but a plea from Carrie tugs her heart and starts her down the road on a journey that results in many twists and turns. Several grammatical and editing errors prevented me from giving this legal thriller a 5 star rating (former English teacher), but the story was very good.
You’re only a criminal if you get caught; how do you prove a negative? This 4th stand-alone book in the legal series about ‘avenging Angel of Justice’, Jessica Black, starts with her reminding herself why she had wanted to work in the DA’s office. I was interested in discussions of a conspiracy theory and realised that, not only reporters, love the spectacle of a trial. I have also come to better understand that very few victims are completely innocent and very few criminals are all bad. It was good to see Leary and Graham involved, with Black, again too.
This novel started a bit slower than the other ones I've read in the series, but it soon got moving very well.
On the negative side, it's a little hard to believe that anyone could be as idealistic as Ms. Black.
On the positive side, lots of fascinating characters, some interesting legal moves, and some really enjoyable characters.
One thing I really like is the ability of the characters to change due to circumstances -- kind of like real life. For example, a detective, that wasn't known for doing a thorough job, changes!
I rate the book as superb and also the writer did an excellent job of creating a suspenseful story followed by creating great characters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The author's writing is a good supplement to writing by John Grisham, he doesn't take John Grisham's place but he is an excellent substitute!!!!!!!!! I would recommend this book to anyone that has a mysterious flavour of suspension and legal niceties!!!!!!!!!!
Number 4 in the Jessie Black, prosecutor series is just as exciting as the first three. Jessie basically gets shamed into second guessing a homicide detective’s decision to call a shooting self defense and investigating it herself. She works her magic while endangering herself to find the truth and prove it in court with her boyfriend the former homicide detective. Very exciting.
JessieBlack is accosted in a university hiring spree, by the daughter of recently killed councilman. After listening to the daughter’s impassioned plea, Jessie reluctantly agrees to reopen the case. After much investigation, Jessie and significant other, Mark Leary, put together the pieces for not one, but two cases!
Interesting twist with insights into DA office, police detective office and City Council.
This was a good story. Jessie is an excellent attorney and she is an attorney that shows us all that things are not always as they appear. I'm looking to read more Jessie stories and her boyfriend that's always there for her.
The story is about a woman that kills her boyfriend under the premises that he was physically abusing her. Her story is backed up by his ex wife being abused her. Don't want to spoil it for you, so get the book and see whay takes plave.
Cannot wait for next chapter of their life working together. I just love their story because it is more about the story and does not go into the actual description of the sex life which in some stories takes away the thrill of what is coming next, it just turns into a five shades of something.
A great thriller. Jessie Black's mysteries keep the reader involved in the story. I read both Deadly Evidence and Fatal Defense in a day. Did not want to put down either one. Great storylines and detective work, in the books. Waiting for more books, through Amazon Kindle
Good read. The author has avoided long winded , he generally is crisp in narration. Pointed story , moves well and no unnecessary description about clouds, sun and decor of homes. Just bare facts relating to the story line and holds the attention of the reader. I finished reading in just one day because the narration was racy. Look forward to reading other books in the series
Read in one evening. I liked the excitement and the characters. This is my first book by this author and I highly recommend it. The plot was easy to follow through the eyes of different characters in chapters. Each character was unique and brought a new perspective to the crime.
Unlike the previous Jessie Black's stories I have read, this one had a paintfully slow start. I even consider stop the book altogether. Nonetheless, the wait and patience was worth. As an attorney the big fail on how things happen in real life is distracting but the story is intriguing. The character are easy to relate and love/ or hate. The ending was just perfect and touching. 👌
I realize I only listened to this book about a month ago and remember that I thought it was clever (with one small exception), kept me engaged and had a very satisfying ending, I don't remember enough of the details to produce a decent review. I do remember breezing through this and enjoying the audio version.
Just when you think Larry A. Winters can't write a more thrilling and interesting story, he surprises us all. Like all his stories, which are page turners and hard to put down, this one is no exception. Thank you, Mr. Winters, for giving me book hangovers. Always look forward to reading your next book.
This book, like the other Jessie Black novels, is a great read. The story moves quickly, is concise, and exciting. What I loved best about it is that there was no gratuitous violence or sex. This is a must read if you enjoy thrillers. It was impossible to put down.
The last of the Jessie Black series is five stars plus! From start to finish I wondered how this suspense would play out. The author really knows how to tell a story! An excellent read!
the 4th installment of the Jessie Black series is as good as the 1st 3. The plot lines are fantastic in all but always make you think about how you would feel given a certain situation.. Hope there are more to come. Kudos to Mr. Larry Winters
I will say what I have said all along that this is a great series . The thrills are fantastic. I highly recommend this book and series. This is worth reading if you like thrillers.
Each case gets better and better. This is great courtroom drama. The characters are awesome and I’m so happy for Leary and Jessie. I enjoy being in the midst of each case. The author makes it feel like I’m right there in the middle of it all.