Grave Testimony

Jessie Black Legal Thrillers #0.5

by Larry A. Winters

Can an up-and-coming prosecutor convict a killer for a murder that happened fourteen years ago? When a drug dealer reaches out to assistant district attorney Jessica Black with information about a case that has gone unsolved for over a decade—the brutal murder of a little boy—Jessie sees an opportunity to bring long-delayed justice to the murdered child’s family. But convicting the boy’s killer won’t be easy. Much of the evidence is old or lost, the detective who originally investigated the crime seems to have secrets of his own, and someone is willing to kill to ensure that what happened fourteen years ago remains an unsolved mystery forever.

Jessie’s not the type to give up easily, though. Especially when she’s seeking justice for a child and his family.

Grave Testimony is a short legal thriller that takes place prior to the events of Burnout, the first book in the Jessie Black series. At 35,000 words (approximately 150 pages), Grave Testimony is lightning-paced while still delivering all the great characters, unpredictable twists, and intelligent courtroom action you love from Larry A. Winters.

If you’re a newcomer to the series, Grave Testimony is a powerful introduction to Jessie and her world. If you’re already a fan, you’re going to love this exciting look at a period before the other books.

Buy Grave Testimony and start reading today.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

152 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 17, 2017

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the prequel to the “Jessica Black Legal Thrillers.” We get to meet Jessie when she wins a big case that will make her a star lawyer. Unfortunately, while celebrating that night, she makes a bad choice that will haunt her.

A 14 year old murder of a 7 year old child has been a cold case. A sudden break gives Jessie a chance to redeem that night in the eyes of her peers, and give peace to a torn family. A family that splintered and never recovered.

I enjoyed the story line and the look at what the Jessie character could possibly become. At this time there are four books in the series. If you’ve read them, this is a nice short look at what was her beginning story. I’d definitely pick up this series. I’d like to see where Jessie is going. There were a few open relationships that could either die out or become future storylines. Only one way to find out!

Thank you Larry A. Winters

[Aviar Savijon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mystery thriller you won't forget. I loved it!!!!!!!!

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary electronic copy of this excellent short mystery novel, lead-in to a series titled Jessie Black Legal Thrillers, from the author Larry A. Winters. Thank you Sir for sharing your hard work with me. I have read Grave Testimony of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I look forward to reading the balance of this series, which will keep me quite busy for a while.

Jessie Black is an Assistant D.A. in Philadelphia, a lawyer who handles murder cases for the state. And this one is a doozie. Starting out immediately with a big mark against her due to a bit too much booze and a bad idea, she has a really hard time being taken seriously when it comes to prosecuting the unsolved case of the 14-year-old blunt-force murder of Trent Hawkins, a 7-year-old boy, a case that has recently come back into prominent attention in their community with a new witness, himself a boy at the time of the death of his friend. He will have to live long enough to bear witness in court, however. Jessie and the crew at the Philadelphia 9th district police station need to work fast and cover all the bases if they are to find justice for this family.
Reviewed on September 18,2023 at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review at Kobo.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruce tried to warn Bea Hawkins (Karah’s mother) but she wouldn’t listen.
Karah Hawkins (daughter) didn’t want to see her mother ever again.
Philadelphia, PA. Courthouse. Kenneth Rosenberg (jury foreperson, retired accountant), Judge Kapron, ADA Jessica Black, Kristen Dillard (16, orphan), Jack Ackerman (defense lawyer), Frank Ramsey (defendant).
The clerk read the verdict. In the case of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania vs Francis Ramsey for the unlawful death of Robert Dillard in violation of Penal Code Section 2502, we, the jury, find the defendant guilty.

The clerk continued, In the case of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania versus Francis Ramsey for the unlawful death of Erin Dillard in violation of Penal Code Section 2502, we, the jury, find the defendant guilty. In the other 3 cases of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania vs Francis Ramsey he was found guilty also.
The media had coined him the Family Man (serial killer).
Thirsty Giraffe Pub. The night for celebration.
9th District Philadelphia, PD station 21St. Clay Robinson (A/A, 22, small time drug dealer) wanted to cop a plea with ADA Black.
Noah Snyder (defense lawyer) was present.

Strawberry Mansion, N. Philadelphia, PA. Detective Jacoby & ADA Black went to interview Bea Hawkins (Trenton’s mother) & Karah Hawkins (daughter/sister).
Dennis Mason (50+, janitor) was Mirandarized & arrested.
HS security guard Catherine Bricker rushed out of the house & was captured by the Philadelphia, PD Officer’s.
Philadelphia, PA. Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. Detective Isaac Jacoby & ADA Black had arrived. Their star witness Clay was in a coma.
Karah told Bruce it was time to go the baby is coming.
An emergency C-section is going to perform.
Karah & the baby boy we’re transferred to the neonatal care unit NCU.
Jessie (mediator) met Bea at the hospital.
Clay later was killed.
Will ADA Black solve the murder case & win the Dennis Mason & Frank Ramsey court case?

I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.

Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of graphic adult content violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (minor/adult verbal, psychological, emotional, physical) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.

An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written legal thriller (Prequel) book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great legal thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; BookFunnel; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Deb Threadgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit I am not a big fan of legal thrillers, but when I read the blurb about Grave Testimony I had to give it a try. I have also never read anything by Larry A. Winters, but that will be changing. I may be one of a handful of people who don’t like John Grisham’s books. I tried several different one and there just wasn’t any passion that I could feel from his books. This book was full of passion from the Assistant District Attorney and the Detective on a 14 yr old homicide case of a seven year old little boy. But that is not where the book starts off. It starts off with a mother trying to see her now pregnant daughter that she hasn’t seen in fourteen years because her daughter thinks her mother killed her little brother and got away with it. She knocks on the door but her daughters husband nor her daughter will let her come in.
We then move to the courtroom where Assistant DA Jessica Black is waiting on a verdict from a very heinous crime that had taken place in Philadelphia. When she hears guilt on all the charges she and her boss and the detectives are all thrilled. Then we go to a bar where everyone is celebrating the victory. Jessie has too much to drink as does the lead detective in the case and they make a huge mistake by going out to his car and getting hot and heavy. Then there are flashes and they know they have been photographed. The next morning the pictures and story are all over the internet and news media. When Jessie goes to work she gets lots of looks and snide comments and is called into her bosses office. They have a long talk but she doesn’t get fired.
The next day she calls in sick, then later homicide detective Issac Jacoby calls and asks her to meet him at the 9th District Police Station that he has a person that wants to make a deal that he says will solve the 14 year old murder of the seven yr. old little boy. The station is not that far from her apartment. When she gets there Jacoby wants to know what took her so long,did she walk? And she says yes she did. The prisoner who wants to tell his story about the homicide is in the room waiting when the two of them walk in. They ask is he ready to get started and he says not until his lawyer gets there. He comes in shortly and even makes a snide comment at Jessie. He wants all of the charges against his client dropped, then he will tell the story and gu home and not back to prison. Jessie says it doesn’t work that way and they haggle back and forth. Jessie says her last offer is after he testifies then the charges will be dropped. His client says no way, let’s get out of here but Clay Robinson the prisoner says he will take the deal. The paperwork is signed and they set up a video camera and Jessie asks him questions about what he know about the murder. Clay goes into great detail to tell them what happened. They tell him they will have to confirm as much of his story as they can and he goes back to prison. I don’t feel like I should tell anymore but lots of action takes place from this point until the end of the book. I really loved the book with all the twists and turns and if you have never read it, I highly recommend it.

[Brian O'Hare · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grave Testimony by Larry Winters is an introduction to the Jessica Black legal thriller series. It is not, however, a full length novel; it is a novella. I was sent a copy and asked to review it. I normally don’t read novellas. I find them lightweight, like an incomplete meal. This fact may well have influenced my views on this particular story.

Winters is an excellent story-teller, his plotting is good, his writing is fast-paced and professional, and he appears to know a lot about the law which gives his work that extra layer of credibility. His female protagonist works a case under severe restrictions due to a poor decision and a paparazzi photographer who was there to catch and broadcast the episode. The story is well handled and the characters in the main believable.

My problem with the story is the opening and the ending. To me, both are psychologically unconvincing. At the beginning of the book, Jessica is in a somewhat unhappy and conflicted mood and allows herself to be taken outside to have sex in a parked car when a news photographer happens, very conveniently, to be on hand to photograph her in flagrante delicto. The photograph is published and Jessica’s reputation dives. I understand, for the sake of the ensuing story, that Jessica needed to be disgraced. Given her character, however (as I understand if from reading about her), I just can’t buy the original stupid decision. The author makes a very credible job of trying to convince the reader, but for my money, I believe he should have fought harder for a ‘disgrace’ event that sits more closely with the character’s nature.
During the novel a daughter and her husband have had a bitter relationship with the girl’s mother for years. The daughter believes totally that the mother is guilty of an unforgiveable act. The feelings of daughter and husband have run strong and have been aggressively negative towards the mother for years and they have treated her extremely badly. At the end of this novella it comes to light the mother was innocent. Immediately, the author offers us a final scene in the book with the whole family in a hospital room where love is overflowing.

Embitterness doesn’t work like that. Years of entrenched hatred and acrimony don’t evaporate in seconds. Regardless of the rightness or wrongness of the emotions, the psyche is reluctant to let go of what it has lived with for years as a psychological truth. Thus there has to be a bridging period that allows the brain to bring its influence to bear on long held, deeply rooted feelings. There will be guilt, there will be burgeoning regret, there will be shame, but there will be no easy path to reconciliation. Counselling and help are essential for a process that normally takes time.

The final scene was deliberately written to be emotionally sugary. It felt like reader manipulation. I’m afraid it simply left a bad taste in my mouth.

For those less picky, however, the story remains an intriguing legal thriller. It will still give most readers a deal of reading pleasure.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the series that I have read. This story provides an introduction of Jessie Black and also Mark Leary who will become her boyfriend in later stories.

This story has Jessie involved in finding out who killed a 7 year old boy 14 years earlier. This intro to this is having the mother of that child attempt to reconnect with her daughter who was convenced that her mother killed her brother. Jessie along with Jacoby, the dective assigned to the D.A.'s office and lead detective of the original crime, are notified that an individual involved in a drug arrest has information that he will trade for a reduction in sentence. The information is the identity of the person who murdered the little boy. After talking the the individual, Jessie and Jacoby attempt to verify this data and bring the culprit to trial. While this ws happening, the suspect remained in custody.

When Jessie interviewed the informant, they had recorded his testimony so that they would have it on record. During the trial and prior to his testimony, the individual had a drug overdose that resulted in him going into a coma. Without his testimony, the defendant's attorney attempted to have the case dismissed. Jessie tried to have the recorded interviewed entered as evidence. Before the case decision was made, the witness came out of his coma and was looking forward to testifying. While Jessie was searching for the officer that was stationed outside the witnesses room, another individual who had given the drug overdose snuck into the room and smothered the witness. During this, Jessie wound up shooting Colby.

In the end, the tape was authorized and the trial proceeded. In order to find out what happened, then you need to read this book which I recommend.

[Glenda Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review today is on A Jessie Black Legal Thriller Prequel, Grave Testimony. I was given this book, these thoughts are all my own but I want you to read this book it is a great read! This book is well written, action packed and full of intrigue. Larry said he gave this book away to get you hooked on the series. I think he did a good thing because I really want to see what happens next. I must warn my followers that there is a compromising sex scene in chapter two but is not described in detail and is well handled there are a couple of cuss words but is mostly a clean read.

Assistant District Attorney Jessie Black won her trial. Afterward the whole office went out to celebrate. Jessie was caught in a compromising situation that could very well destroy her and her career. She was called into her boss' office. She left work and went home to hide. On the second day the court detective, Isaac Jacoby calls and tells her to get to the 9th District Police Station right away. When she arrives she finds that he wants her to make a deal with a young man charged with possession. He is willing to testify on a cold case. The horrific murder of a a seven year old boy. It seems he witnessed the murder and is ready to testify. This seems to be to good to be true. Jessie agrees but Isaac set out to find if this man's testimony could be true.

This is a struggle to find clues in a fourteen year old case. Could people possibly remember? Then the bottom falls out of her case, where do they go from here? Can they still take this monster off the streets?

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jessie wins a big profile case, it is a reason to celebrate. Everyone from Jessie's boss to the police who investigated the case are having a wonderful time partying. Then Jessie and the lead detective get caught in a compromising picture in his police car. This causes major problems for Jessie and the District Attorney's Office. Jessie is now the latest scandal about town, and her once rising star has just fizzled out. Then she gets a call from Isaac Jacoby. Issac has found a witness to an old cold case. The murder of a seven year old boy fourteen years earlier. Everyone thought the mother did it, but it was never proven. Now, they have a chance to get the real killer. Clay Robinson wants a deal for his PWID (Possession With Intent to Deliver) charge for the information he has. Information that wasn't released to the public. They make the deal ONLY if he testifies in court and they get an conviction. They keep Clay in jail to prevent him from bailing on them. Just as the case is started in court Jessie gets a call, Clay was found in a coma, with a needle in his arm....an over dose. Will he wake up in time to get on the witness stand? Will he remember anything at all?Can they prove who killed Trenton without his testimony? You will be surprised at how this story goes down.

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grave Testimony (A Jessie Black Legal Thriller Prequel)
By Larry A. Winters
5 out of 5 stars

The story Grave Testimony (A Jessie Black Legal Thriller Prequel) by Larry A. Winters is a book that will pull you in and won’t let you go until the final page. It is a story that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. There are twists that I didn’t see coming. I love the character of Jessica Black. She is a strong, intelligent, and independent woman. She is an assistant district attorney that works hard to get justice, even if the case was over a decade ago. It is a case that will break your heart. The killing of a little boy. Will Jessica overcome the obstacles that seem to be derailing the case? Will she get justice for the child and his family? Read this book to find out. This story took me on an emotional ride. There are additional characters that are introduced. Some of them are helpful to Jessica. Then there are others who have I wondered about their motives and actions. This is a fast-paced book that you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend reading this book. This is a prequel to a series and I can’t wait to read the next book.

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Black is an Assistant District Attorney waiting on a decision from a jury to convict a serial killer in court. When the conviction is read, she becomes an instant star…but the night of the celebration ends with her reputation on the line. When another detective calls her in on a suspicious meeting with a criminal, this could be the means to saving her career and reputation. The criminal is a witness to a notorious murder that occurred fourteen years ago. When things seem like they are in the bag, something happens to their star witness. The family is in tatters, the mother blamed but never arrested, the daughter and sister believing her mother did it, and now Jessica and the detective that brought her in are scrambling to find a way to keep the alleged murderer in custody and to face trial days away. Will the original witness make it? Will they find new evidence? Are there others involved? If so, who and why? This is the prequel to a new and exciting series you will not want to miss!

[Stellar Space · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating Legal Thriller

Grave Testimony is a Captivating Legal Thriller that draws you right in and doesn't let go until the end and then even though all the tension and concerns are settled you want more. You want another in depth case full of surprises that keeps you guessing while you journey through the twists and turns, which includes more well drawn characters and, of course, more of DA Jessie Black.

This was my first book by Larry Winters and it turned me into a fan who did something out of character, I didn't just purchase the next book in the series; no; I immediately purchased every book in the Jessie Black Legal Thriller series and I'm glad I did.

I'm enthralled. And I'm grabbing every opportunity I can to pick up my kindle to dive back in to this series. It is a thrilling and amazing read! Each book and it's case with its cast of well developed characters keeps your attention making it hard to put down. I highly recommend Grave Testimony and the complete Jessie Black Legal Thriller series.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the prequel to Winter’s Jessie Black Legal Thrillers. Jessica Black is an Assistant District Attorney for the city of Philadelphia when she finds herself in the midst of a very public scandal. With her heart in her throat she responds to a summons to the DA’s office for what she is sure will be either a formal reprimand or termination. To her surprise the request to meet comes from one of the DA’s top detectives, Isaac Jacoby. He would like her assistance in putting to rest the murder of a 7-year-old child that occurred 14 years ago. A witness has come forward, however there is a catch. From this point on, the book takes off like a hunting dog after a rabbit. Winter’s style is approachable. The chapters are short, the action swift, and the eventual denouement quite satisfying. Grave Testimony is not only a well-constructed read but also serves as a brilliant vehicle for introducing/anchoring the Jessie Black series of thrillers. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Diane Saul · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Battered Boy case has gone unsolved for 14 years. The Mother of the little boy has lived under the shadow of suspicion, shunned by everyone including her other child. Everyone is convinced she murdered her son. Now new evidence has come to light that will expose the real killer, but the real killer will stop at nothing to keep the case from being solved. Assistant DA Jessie Black has her hands full.

This is a short book, a prequel to the Jessie Black series. It has characters that will tug on your heart strings and at the same time there are some nasty characters. The book is well written and had plenty of suspense that kept me interested all the way through. I like the Jessie Black books I have read previously and this is a great addition to the series. Readers won’t go wrong with this book, or any other book in the series. Thank you to the author for an advanced copy for a fair review. I look forward to future books in the series.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is a prequel to the Jessie Black series and was written after some of the others. In this Jessie is a relatively new Prosecutor in the Philadelphia DA’s office. In the first case, she gets a conviction for a murderer and while celebrating with the law enforcement community, gets drunk and does something stupid. After being chastised for it and warned against such future behavior she takes on another case in which a previously unknown witness tells them details of a fourteen year old murder in which an eight year old boy was beaten to death on the street. No one had been charged with this crime so it was quite a coup for the DA’s office. The rest of the novella deals with the procedures in gathering evidence and trying the crime. It is filled with twists and turns. The characters, both the old cops and the newer, younger ones are believable and well done. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating from the get-go…

A well-written legal thriller with an easy flow – I like that the chapters are relatively short and propel you forward. I didn’t want to put it down. The story, with its multiple facets, is engaging and mood altering – arousing the reader to feel what the characters are going through. The unsolved crime draws you in and you want to discover answers just as much as Jesse and Jacoby do. Is it even possible after fourteen years while faced with strong residual emotions and unexpected events to finally achieve restitution for those deeply scarred?
I won’t give anything away but I will encourage others to read a very entertaining prequel to what I expect will be an excellent series. So, I am now anxious to read Burnout by Larry A. Winters and add him to my list of preferred authors.

[Linda Stabile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessie Black is a prosecutor who finds herself handling an old case of a young child bludgeoned to death years ago. There has never been anyone arrested for this crime, but a witness comes to fruition when he is arrested for a minor crime. His story of witnessing this long ago murder brings the old case back to life. There are many twists and turns in trying to prove just who murdered this child. This is an excellent prequel to the series about Jessie Black and I cannot wait to continue this series. Jessie Black’s backstory is brought to life by author Larry Winters. The series already has several books in it, but this prequel lets you know how everything began. Excellent writing and one of the best authors I have read. I am part of an ARC group that was given this book to read and am so glad I was because I loved this book so much....

[Sue Olexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grave Testimony by Larry A. Winters is a WINNER READ! What a great plot supported with wonderfully developed characters that helps hit this one out of the park. Flowed from the beginning and continued to flow as the story ebbed to a finish. Very skillfully written by an obviously accomplished Author Larry A. Winters. I particularly loved the justice in this book. Well written character Jessie Black was very believable as a D.A. and a very pivotable point in Grave Testimony. Everything a book needs is Grave Testimony. Kudos to Author Larry A. Winters for Grave Testimony and you can assure yourself of a wonderful read with this book. Grave Testimony is a real life testimony to some very artful and skillful writing by Author Larry A. Winters. READ ON...it is a MUST READ! ENJOY!

[Darren Bourn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent short legal thriller that I received from the author for joining his mailing list.

The story begins with a successful young assistant district attorney, fresh from a successful win, caught in a compromising position with a local homicide detective and then continues with her solving a fourteen year old murder of a young boy. Has a few twists and turns enough to keep a legal afficiendo eager to read the rest of the book. Downside is that it felt a tad rushed towards the back third of the story.

As I am a afficiendo of legal fiction, I may be a tad bit biased, but I really enjoyed the book and would not hesitate to give this short novel a rating of five stars out of five.

As with all reviews, this is just my five cents worth.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve years ago, Trenton, a young boy was brutally murdered. Although never convicted, everybody believed that the boy's mother murdered him. Twelve years later, a witness comes forward with evidence to convict the real killer.

Jessie Black isn't sure whether she should believe Clay. He has a criminal record of his own. After checking a few details, though, she finds his story credible. Jessie struggles with the legal system to bring the true killer to justice and to redeem Trenton's mother, who has suffered for so long.

GRAVE TESTIMONY is a fast-paced novel. It's filled with action and emotion. I enjoy legal thrillers, but some forget about the emotional element. This novel packs action with emotion.

I received a free copy in exchange for a review.

[Craig Smedley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Black is an assistant district attorney and in this prequel to a series, it commences with Jessica being successful in prosecuting a murderer and rapist. She goes out to celebrate her victory with the team, and after a big night out and a surprising indiscretion, a District Attorney detective calls on her to consult with him regarding a 14-year-old unsolved murder case and an arrested drug dealer.

This leads into an absorbing pursuit for the truth with many twists and turns and fast paced action. Numerous characters come into the story and this enables the reader to both enjoy and identify, with some of the characters, before it comes to a surprise conclusion.

Well recommended by this reader.

[Irene Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free e-copy of this book and have chosen to write an honest and unbiased review. I have no personal affiliation with the author. Wow! This book starts out with a bang and never quits. This is an action packed legal thriller, full of suspense and twists and turns. Jessica Black is a great character with human faults and caring. She works well with Isaac Jacoby on a 14-year-old cold case, the horrific murder of a young boy. He is a stable and steadying force for Jessie. This is a great story and well worth the read. I look forward to reading more from Larry Winters in the future.

[Rudrashree Makwana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Black is an assistant district Attorney, her life was on peak, on one side she won the case of Frank Ramsey yet on the other side, one public scandal had a certain impact on her life and career. Now she had to made a deal with the drug dealer in order to get the information about the murder.
Bae Hawkins was the primary suspect. Like a shattered pieces of puzzles, everyone’s life has been affected by the murder of Trenton. While, Bea’s daughter Karah believes that her mother killed her own son. Karah is living with Bruce and she is pregnant.
Will Jessie be able to prove Bae Innocent? Will she be able to find the murderer of Bae’s son? Or Bae really killed her own son? Will Clay gain consciousness? Will Hawkins 14 years suffering will end? Will Trenton get justice?

[mary arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first mystery of the "scorned woman" through the professional embarrassment of a one night stand to the discoveries and disappointments of a 14 year old murder. This story holds the reader captive until every last question is answered and the verdict is in. Jessie proves to be a likeable character. She is smart but not the woman who saves the day by figuring out everything that others cannot. She leaves room for others like Jacoby to provide support. ( I hope he will be in more of the series.)
This was a very enjoyable book. I look forward to more in this series.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is the first in the series that I have read but I will definitely look for more.

The author has written an intense story with strong characters that work hard to find the years old murder of a young child. Jessie Black stands true to her job as a prosecutor in bringing the suspected killer to justice while also helping to heal the broken relationship between the child's mother and sister.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery with a happy ending.

[Rita Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is the first in the series that I have read but I will definitely look for more.

The author has written an intense story with strong characters that work hard to find the years old murder of a young child. Jessie Black stands true to her job as a prosecutor in bringing the suspected killer to justice while also helping to heal the broken relationship between the child's mother and sister.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery with a happy ending.

[Martin Pingree · Rating 5 out of 5]

For 14 years, the Battered Boy case has remained unsolved, casting a long shadow over the boy’s mother. Shunned by her community—even by her own daughter—she has lived under the weight of suspicion, with everyone convinced she killed her son.

Now, new evidence has surfaced that could finally reveal the real murderer. But the true killer is willing to do whatever it takes to keep the truth buried. As Assistant DA Jessie Black pursues justice, she finds herself caught in a deadly game where uncovering the past could have fatal consequences.

[Carl Deskins,III · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable book that warrants a plausible review!!!!

This book is a very satisfying book that is full of justified characters and it also has a superb plot!! This book is a very satisfying and pleasing read that gives the reader a wholesome feeling because of its subplots and characters!!!!!! I would recommend this book to anyone that likes to experience various things and feelings!!!!!!!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This prequel, which was offered by the author free on Kindle, is skillfully written and very interesting. The plot is complete and clear, the characters are well-drawn and empathetic, the writing style is smooth and polished. I expect to download more books in this series. (Just FYI, for my own record-keeping, 4-star ratings are the highest I give books unless there’s philosophical or literary value in a book.)

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jessie Black is a prosecutor who is called in to make a deal for a drug dealer who has information about the murder of a 7 year old boy that has been unsolved for 14 years. This book is a prequel to the Jessie Black legal thrillers.

I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read, moved pretty fast, and had a good little twist at the end that I kind of knew was coming, but was unable to exactly pinpoint until the last few chapters. I look forward to reading other books in this series.