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Innocence Trilogy #1
Proof of Innocence
She's a prosecutor chasing demons. He's wrestling them. Will they find proof of innocence? Or will the demons win?
Every prosecutor has one – the case that won’t let go, long after the verdict. Maggie Frye’s has just jumped from nightmare to worst-case reality.
Four and a half years ago, she served as special prosecutor in a remote mountain county in Commonwealth of Virginia v. J.D. Carson. Shaking off echoes of the family tragedy that drove her to be a prosecutor, she did her damnedest, despite cards stacked against her. The verdict? Not guilty. A moment that rattled her in ways she’s done her best to bury.
Except now another young woman has been killed in chillingly similar circumstances.
Either Maggie prosecuted the right man and got the wrong verdict or she prosecuted the wrong man and got the right verdict. Either way, a murderer is free to strike again. And there is J.D. Carson -- not only still in town, but far too close to the investigation for Maggie’s comfort.
But Maggie’s going to be part of this part of this investigation, too. Because this time she’ll get it right … no matter what it costs her.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Proof of Innocence, by USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn, will entertain fans of stories that swirl suspense and romance with an ongoing murder investigation in which the man the prosecutor is drawn to might be the one she's trying to catch.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NOTE FROM PATRICIA McLINN TO CAUGHT DEAD IN WYOMING READERS: Proof of Innocence and its upcoming sequel, Price of Innocence, do not have nearly as much humor as the Caught Dead mysteries, though there is some. (I just can't help myself.) They're a bit grittier and darker ... though not in the deep end of grit and dark. I strongly recommend you read the preview to be sure this is something you would enjoy.
Caught Dead in Wyoming cozy mystery series:
Sign Off
Left Hanging
Shoot First
Last Ditch
Look Live
Back Story
Cold Open
If you like romantic suspense, you might also try:
Ride the River: Rodeo Knights, a stand-alone romance with suspense that is set on the Wyoming rodeo circuit and includes a few Caught Dead in Wyoming character cameos.
Bardville, Wyoming series:
A Stranger in the Family
A Stranger to Love
The Rancher Meets His Match
Every prosecutor has one – the case that won’t let go, long after the verdict. Maggie Frye’s has just jumped from nightmare to worst-case reality.
Four and a half years ago, she served as special prosecutor in a remote mountain county in Commonwealth of Virginia v. J.D. Carson. Shaking off echoes of the family tragedy that drove her to be a prosecutor, she did her damnedest, despite cards stacked against her. The verdict? Not guilty. A moment that rattled her in ways she’s done her best to bury.
Except now another young woman has been killed in chillingly similar circumstances.
Either Maggie prosecuted the right man and got the wrong verdict or she prosecuted the wrong man and got the right verdict. Either way, a murderer is free to strike again. And there is J.D. Carson -- not only still in town, but far too close to the investigation for Maggie’s comfort.
But Maggie’s going to be part of this part of this investigation, too. Because this time she’ll get it right … no matter what it costs her.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Proof of Innocence, by USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn, will entertain fans of stories that swirl suspense and romance with an ongoing murder investigation in which the man the prosecutor is drawn to might be the one she's trying to catch.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NOTE FROM PATRICIA McLINN TO CAUGHT DEAD IN WYOMING READERS: Proof of Innocence and its upcoming sequel, Price of Innocence, do not have nearly as much humor as the Caught Dead mysteries, though there is some. (I just can't help myself.) They're a bit grittier and darker ... though not in the deep end of grit and dark. I strongly recommend you read the preview to be sure this is something you would enjoy.
Caught Dead in Wyoming cozy mystery series:
Sign Off
Left Hanging
Shoot First
Last Ditch
Look Live
Back Story
Cold Open
If you like romantic suspense, you might also try:
Ride the River: Rodeo Knights, a stand-alone romance with suspense that is set on the Wyoming rodeo circuit and includes a few Caught Dead in Wyoming character cameos.
Bardville, Wyoming series:
A Stranger in the Family
A Stranger to Love
The Rancher Meets His Match
447 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2018
110 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Patricia McLinn
128 books313 followersUSA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn’s novels—cited by reviewers for warmth, wit and vivid characterization – have won numerous regional and national awards and been on national bestseller lists.
In addition to her romance and women’s fiction books, Patricia is the author of the Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series, which adds a touch of humor and romance to figuring out whodunit.
Patricia received BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University. She was a sports writer (Rockford, Ill.), assistant sports editor (Charlotte, N.C.) and—for 20-plus years—an editor at the Washington Post.
She has spoken about writing from Melbourne, Australia to Washington, D.C., including being a guest-speaker at the Smithsonian Institution. She is now living in Northern Kentucky, and writing full-time. Patricia loves to hear from readers through her website, Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.
In addition to her romance and women’s fiction books, Patricia is the author of the Caught Dead in Wyoming mystery series, which adds a touch of humor and romance to figuring out whodunit.
Patricia received BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University. She was a sports writer (Rockford, Ill.), assistant sports editor (Charlotte, N.C.) and—for 20-plus years—an editor at the Washington Post.
She has spoken about writing from Melbourne, Australia to Washington, D.C., including being a guest-speaker at the Smithsonian Institution. She is now living in Northern Kentucky, and writing full-time. Patricia loves to hear from readers through her website, Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 23, 2018
Well Told, Well Written - Thoroughly Disliked The Main Protagonist
Four and one-half years ago, after only two hours of deliberation by a jury, J. D. Carson was found not guilty of murdering a young woman. Maggie Frye, the special prosecutor brought in after the local prosecutor recused himself and left town only days prior to the trial date, took that verdict as both a personal and a professional failure. For Maggie, “Not Guilty” is not the same as “Innocent,” and she has believed since her first day that Carson is “Not Innocent” in that murder.
Now, present day, another young woman is found brutally murdered in the exact same location as the first, positioned in exactly the same manner as the first, and the crime scene staged and scrubbed in exactly the same way as the first. The new sheriff to the area requests Maggie’s assistance when he discovers that the original case was poorly managed by his predecessor, who was diagnosed with dementia not long after the verdict.
What the new sheriff needs Maggie to do is pull a comparison and contrast between the two cases to see if they are related in any way, and, if so, advise as to whether they could have been perpetrated by the same killer or by a copycat. For this purpose, Maggie is assigned to work with her local counterpart who has been recently elected to that position.
When Maggie reports to that new Commonwealth Attorney for the county, she is absolutely flabbergasted to discover that her counterpart is Dallas Herbert Monroe, the man who had been the defense attorney for J. D. Carson. Only minutes later, she is absolutely horrified to find that Monroe’s assistant is none other than newly minted attorney J. D. Carson himself. At this point, the murder mystery — and the proverbial fireworks — truly begin.
Ms. McLinn states in her promo blurb that Maggie Frye is “struggling with demons.” I presume that’s her way of saying that her main protagonist is flawed and in need of redemption — a good and oft used plot line and a draw for readers. But McLinn’s actual verbiage within the novel implies that Maggie is not really struggling with her demons at all. In actuality, she is so consumed by those demons that she truly believes that the demons are right. The only problems she struggles with are anger when someone else’s demons are stronger than hers, disbelief when she does not get the verdict from a jury that she has worked for and frustration when someone asks her to take anything, and I do mean “anything,” on faith as opposed to incontrovertible proof.
As a result of this portrayal, I never warmed to Maggie Frye at all during the novel, not even after the circumstances of a massive trauma were revealed, circumstances that severely affected her psychologically and “created” her demons. And I could not develop any sympathy for her at that point as way too many years had passed since that trauma occurred and too many opportunities to get professional help for the problem had been rejected.
Even though I seriously disliked the main protagonist, I still continued on with the novel for three reasons. First, it was a convoluted murder mystery well told and well written, definitely not a cozy. Secondly, I wanted to follow the clues, rather than skip to the end, to see if my guess as to the identity of the murderer was correct. And thirdly, I wanted to know whether Ms. McLinn would use logic, epiphany or a deus ex machina to save J. D. Carson and Dallas Herbert Monroe from Maggie Frye.
As this is a first novel in a new series, the question is now whether I will choose to read the second entry scheduled for 2019. According to Ms. McLinn’s early blurbs, the main protagonists in that entry will be two secondary characters from this first novel. Since these two have already demonstrated a capacity for both intelligence and common sense, I plan to make that second entry a must-read.
Four and one-half years ago, after only two hours of deliberation by a jury, J. D. Carson was found not guilty of murdering a young woman. Maggie Frye, the special prosecutor brought in after the local prosecutor recused himself and left town only days prior to the trial date, took that verdict as both a personal and a professional failure. For Maggie, “Not Guilty” is not the same as “Innocent,” and she has believed since her first day that Carson is “Not Innocent” in that murder.
Now, present day, another young woman is found brutally murdered in the exact same location as the first, positioned in exactly the same manner as the first, and the crime scene staged and scrubbed in exactly the same way as the first. The new sheriff to the area requests Maggie’s assistance when he discovers that the original case was poorly managed by his predecessor, who was diagnosed with dementia not long after the verdict.
What the new sheriff needs Maggie to do is pull a comparison and contrast between the two cases to see if they are related in any way, and, if so, advise as to whether they could have been perpetrated by the same killer or by a copycat. For this purpose, Maggie is assigned to work with her local counterpart who has been recently elected to that position.
When Maggie reports to that new Commonwealth Attorney for the county, she is absolutely flabbergasted to discover that her counterpart is Dallas Herbert Monroe, the man who had been the defense attorney for J. D. Carson. Only minutes later, she is absolutely horrified to find that Monroe’s assistant is none other than newly minted attorney J. D. Carson himself. At this point, the murder mystery — and the proverbial fireworks — truly begin.
Ms. McLinn states in her promo blurb that Maggie Frye is “struggling with demons.” I presume that’s her way of saying that her main protagonist is flawed and in need of redemption — a good and oft used plot line and a draw for readers. But McLinn’s actual verbiage within the novel implies that Maggie is not really struggling with her demons at all. In actuality, she is so consumed by those demons that she truly believes that the demons are right. The only problems she struggles with are anger when someone else’s demons are stronger than hers, disbelief when she does not get the verdict from a jury that she has worked for and frustration when someone asks her to take anything, and I do mean “anything,” on faith as opposed to incontrovertible proof.
As a result of this portrayal, I never warmed to Maggie Frye at all during the novel, not even after the circumstances of a massive trauma were revealed, circumstances that severely affected her psychologically and “created” her demons. And I could not develop any sympathy for her at that point as way too many years had passed since that trauma occurred and too many opportunities to get professional help for the problem had been rejected.
Even though I seriously disliked the main protagonist, I still continued on with the novel for three reasons. First, it was a convoluted murder mystery well told and well written, definitely not a cozy. Secondly, I wanted to follow the clues, rather than skip to the end, to see if my guess as to the identity of the murderer was correct. And thirdly, I wanted to know whether Ms. McLinn would use logic, epiphany or a deus ex machina to save J. D. Carson and Dallas Herbert Monroe from Maggie Frye.
As this is a first novel in a new series, the question is now whether I will choose to read the second entry scheduled for 2019. According to Ms. McLinn’s early blurbs, the main protagonists in that entry will be two secondary characters from this first novel. Since these two have already demonstrated a capacity for both intelligence and common sense, I plan to make that second entry a must-read.
May 27, 2018
I do love a complex mystery and this one fills the bill. The characters are interesting and there is lots of conflict to keep the action flowing. McLinn doesn't rush the story. It builds piece by piece, in the same way her protagonist builds a case. There are also some surprising twists and turns and an exciting climax. In short, I found PROOF OF INNOCENCE a thoroughly enjoyable read.
December 18, 2023
Nothing thrills me more than discovering a new, gifted writer to add to my favorites list. Today I got to add Patricia McLinn to that list. Patricia is not new to the fiction game, being an USA Today bestselling author with over sixty books in print, but she was new for me. Proof of Innocence was the first book by Patrica that I have read, and it has turned me into an avid McLinn fan. I downloaded Proof of Innocence as part of a promotional bundle, but after reading it, I am off to Amazon to buy Price of Innocence and Premise of Innocence, books 2 and 3 in the series. Proof of Innocence is one of the best, if not the best, mystery/thrillers that I have read this year.
McLinn has created a cast of characters that will live on in the hearts and minds of her readers long after they finished all three books in this adrenaline infused trilogy. This woven plot is filled with twists and turns, with an abundance of red herrings tossed in that will keep the reader guessing as to who the murderer or murderers are to the very end. Countless times I had thought I knew who the killer or killers were, only to discover that I was dead wrong. I can honestly say that the one that committed those dastardly deeds was one that I have never considered at all.
If you only read one new series this year, you need to make it The Innocence Trilogy.
McLinn has created a cast of characters that will live on in the hearts and minds of her readers long after they finished all three books in this adrenaline infused trilogy. This woven plot is filled with twists and turns, with an abundance of red herrings tossed in that will keep the reader guessing as to who the murderer or murderers are to the very end. Countless times I had thought I knew who the killer or killers were, only to discover that I was dead wrong. I can honestly say that the one that committed those dastardly deeds was one that I have never considered at all.
If you only read one new series this year, you need to make it The Innocence Trilogy.
May 31, 2018
Proof of Innocence by Patricia McLinn
Prosecutor Maggie Frye is determined to do her job and protect as many women as she can from being hurt... She follows the evidence...not her gut feelings. Almost five years after losing a case—letting a murderer roam free—she gets a second chance. Another murder. Same town. Same place. Same man lives there again.
Talk about tunnel vision...she has it. This time around, Maggie is starting from the ground up. The new sheriff wants her help in finding out if the murders could be the same person. In her mind...they are and she already has her verdict on who it is. But...could she be wrong?
Wow! What a page-turner. I had so many people I suspected of the crimes. This was a great suspense with a touch of romance. The author added several different point-of-views from the characters, which added to the mystery of who-done-it, I thought.
**Sensual content and language
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Prosecutor Maggie Frye is determined to do her job and protect as many women as she can from being hurt... She follows the evidence...not her gut feelings. Almost five years after losing a case—letting a murderer roam free—she gets a second chance. Another murder. Same town. Same place. Same man lives there again.
Talk about tunnel vision...she has it. This time around, Maggie is starting from the ground up. The new sheriff wants her help in finding out if the murders could be the same person. In her mind...they are and she already has her verdict on who it is. But...could she be wrong?
Wow! What a page-turner. I had so many people I suspected of the crimes. This was a great suspense with a touch of romance. The author added several different point-of-views from the characters, which added to the mystery of who-done-it, I thought.
**Sensual content and language
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
June 23, 2018
I have been a fan of Patricia McLinn for just over 3 years now, and she is now one of my top 3 authors. Her writing is phenomenal you are made to feel that you are part of the story,and drawn in on every page. I was sent a preview of this a few months ago and couldn't put that down, wow I wasn't disappointed with the final product.
It was great to finally get into a book that made you think, guessing what happens next and who dun-nit! The main characters were 100% no romance between Maggie and JD to start but you got the feeling it wouldn't be long( near the end of the book in the end ):)
Proof of Innocence is different from Patricia's other books, but I can honestly say it is simply the best, cannot wait until the next one ..due next year;) . I highly recommend this book, its excellent, enjoyable,a brilliantly written mystery romance with intrigue,suspense, with scary bits all mixed in.
It was great to finally get into a book that made you think, guessing what happens next and who dun-nit! The main characters were 100% no romance between Maggie and JD to start but you got the feeling it wouldn't be long( near the end of the book in the end ):)
Proof of Innocence is different from Patricia's other books, but I can honestly say it is simply the best, cannot wait until the next one ..due next year;) . I highly recommend this book, its excellent, enjoyable,a brilliantly written mystery romance with intrigue,suspense, with scary bits all mixed in.
May 30, 2018
Before reading Proof of Innocence I was only aware of Patricia McLinn as a women's fiction/romance author...now I know she is a pretty great suspense/romantic suspense writer!! The Romance really didn't happen until towards the end of the book but the timing was perfect...a natural, believable progression. Maggie and JD are great leading characters...both have troubled pasts. Maggie was the prosecutor against him 4 years previously...and she feels that she failed when he was acquitted. Now they must work together to find the killer of another woman.
The story is engrossing and the ending provides a nice surprise twist...and a pretty great fight scene. I believe this is the first of a series...I'm looking forward to spending more time with Maggie, JD and the others!
The story is engrossing and the ending provides a nice surprise twist...and a pretty great fight scene. I believe this is the first of a series...I'm looking forward to spending more time with Maggie, JD and the others!
August 21, 2018
Great read that keeps you guessing
I read all of Patricia McLinn's books as soon as they come out! Her stories capture my interest in the first pages and keep me hooked all the way to the end. I like the new setting of this series, it's a different setting than most of her books, which are mainly in WY. I liked the story behind all of the characters in this book and how they were all connected throughout their lives. While reading, you were constantly asking yourself which characters were guilty or not. If you are familiar with Patricia McLinn, you will love this book. Even if you've never read any of her other books, you will definitely enjoy this one and want to read all the other series that she has!
I read all of Patricia McLinn's books as soon as they come out! Her stories capture my interest in the first pages and keep me hooked all the way to the end. I like the new setting of this series, it's a different setting than most of her books, which are mainly in WY. I liked the story behind all of the characters in this book and how they were all connected throughout their lives. While reading, you were constantly asking yourself which characters were guilty or not. If you are familiar with Patricia McLinn, you will love this book. Even if you've never read any of her other books, you will definitely enjoy this one and want to read all the other series that she has!
September 20, 2023
Strong woman, strong story
I enjoy reading McLinn’s mysteries, but I wasn’t sure about this one at the beginning. A legal case, a lawyer obsessed with the case she lost, and then the suspense kicked in and the deaths continued. But how are they all related to one another? The book quickly became a page-turner—even when at times I had trouble keeping the characters straight, the major players were obvious. Just a good read with two major characters constantly at odds with one another, until they’re not.
I enjoy reading McLinn’s mysteries, but I wasn’t sure about this one at the beginning. A legal case, a lawyer obsessed with the case she lost, and then the suspense kicked in and the deaths continued. But how are they all related to one another? The book quickly became a page-turner—even when at times I had trouble keeping the characters straight, the major players were obvious. Just a good read with two major characters constantly at odds with one another, until they’re not.
May 23, 2018
5+ stars
I was eager to read this book after reading the preview sent out. Oh my word! Ms. McLinn has outdone herself! Kept me on my toes through the whole story. I hope there is a sequel to this book. It reminded me of the interaction between the characters in her Caught Dead series.
I was eager to read this book after reading the preview sent out. Oh my word! Ms. McLinn has outdone herself! Kept me on my toes through the whole story. I hope there is a sequel to this book. It reminded me of the interaction between the characters in her Caught Dead series.
July 13, 2021
Hard to put down!
I wasn’t sure if I would like this book. But right from the start, it draws you in and keeps your attention. The characters, storyline and suspense are very well thought out and written. I’m going to start the second book in the trilogy right now.
Happy reading…you’ll be trying to figure out who was the murderer until the very last pages.
I wasn’t sure if I would like this book. But right from the start, it draws you in and keeps your attention. The characters, storyline and suspense are very well thought out and written. I’m going to start the second book in the trilogy right now.
Happy reading…you’ll be trying to figure out who was the murderer until the very last pages.
February 5, 2023
Was J.D. guilty?
Maggie was convinced he was as the prosecutor. She focused on him. Then another murder happened, and she was convinced he did it again. She was determined he would be found guilty this time.
Love this author, and the way she writes.McLinn 's stories keep you reading.
Maggie was convinced he was as the prosecutor. She focused on him. Then another murder happened, and she was convinced he did it again. She was determined he would be found guilty this time.
Love this author, and the way she writes.McLinn 's stories keep you reading.
June 2, 2018
Besides the mystery and suspense, this book has excellent character development as the author slowly teases out the facts of the main characters’ pasts. Hard to put down. This author does not disappoint. As soon as I see she has a new book out, I immediately buy it.
February 4, 2019
Great read!
This book is filled with plot twists from beginning to end. The characters are revealed layer by layer sustaining the suspense of the story. By the time the ending arrived, I wanted to accompany each character on to their next adventure.
This book is filled with plot twists from beginning to end. The characters are revealed layer by layer sustaining the suspense of the story. By the time the ending arrived, I wanted to accompany each character on to their next adventure.
October 23, 2018
Trust
A story that weaves in and out of the hope and despair of humanity. Excellent characters as they build complicated relationships in the middle of life and death situations. A lot of strategy and a lot of action. Can't wait for the story to continue!
A story that weaves in and out of the hope and despair of humanity. Excellent characters as they build complicated relationships in the middle of life and death situations. A lot of strategy and a lot of action. Can't wait for the story to continue!
July 27, 2020
Not normally a fan of legal stories, but this one keeps your attention. The question is was the man found innocent really guilty expecially when another murder occurs. Very well written with good strong characters
December 2, 2020
Okay, I’m hooked. There are fascinating characters (all of them!), and a twisty mystery with thrills & chills. Although this is part of a trilogy, there is a satisfying ending that simply leaves room for more stories. NO cliffhanger! Thank you, Ms. McLinn!
May 26, 2021
Great story
Patricia McLinn has a wonderful gift of storytelling and this book is proof. The timelines are flawless and the facts are dribbled out bit by excruciating bit.
The reader is sucked in and held hostage to the story until the very end. What a ride!
Patricia McLinn has a wonderful gift of storytelling and this book is proof. The timelines are flawless and the facts are dribbled out bit by excruciating bit.
The reader is sucked in and held hostage to the story until the very end. What a ride!
May 30, 2018
Loved Proof of Innocence
It was a very good book. It kept me in suspense all the way to the end. I will definitely recommend it to my friends!!
It was a very good book. It kept me in suspense all the way to the end. I will definitely recommend it to my friends!!
July 1, 2018
Kept Me Guessing
Definitely a page turner! I stayed up way too late finishing the book, because I couldn’t put it down. Now I’m ready to read the 2nd book in the series.
Definitely a page turner! I stayed up way too late finishing the book, because I couldn’t put it down. Now I’m ready to read the 2nd book in the series.
October 5, 2022
Great read - love this author- getting to know her other series as well . This one was longer than ones I have previously read, but it was fantastic all the way.
March 24, 2023
I have read several of Ms McLinn’s book, and sorry to say did not enjoy this book. Felt is was a dragged out story.
November 16, 2023
A damn good book!
November 24, 2023
Who killed Pan Wade and then Laurel Blankenship Tagner and why??? They left him??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
January 1, 2025
Absolutely full of suspense and danger that will keep you wanting more. How will this turn out. Well written, characters that draw you in.
November 1, 2025
This had me repeatedly changing my guess as to who tge murderer was. Didn't see the solution coming.
October 2, 2023
This is book #1 of a trilogy and a good standalone novel. I am looking forward to reading the next 2 books. This novel is about a prosecutor who tried a case 4 1/2 years ago and is still convinced that she lost the case and a murderer was freed. She is called to assist in another case that could have a connection to that case. She in determined to not let a guilty man go free again and almost loses her life in the process.
This is a murder mystery involving tracking down a murderer in a small town where everyone knows everyone else.
Thank you Patricia McLinn and Book Funnel.
This is a murder mystery involving tracking down a murderer in a small town where everyone knows everyone else.
Thank you Patricia McLinn and Book Funnel.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews