What do you think?
Rate this book
Cass Leary Legal Thriller #2
Silent Witness
A wealthy couple is brutally murdered in their kitchen. The only witness, their six-year-old daughter goes missing. The child’s birth mother is charged with the crime.
Small town lawyer Cass Leary takes the case that could rip her family apart. Her sister Vangie stands accused in the double homicide of an affluent, Ann Arbor couple. All the physical evidence points to Vangie’s guilt and Cass knows she’s been keeping secrets. But, is she truly capable of murder?
As Cass digs deeper, dark suspicion grows against her own sister. It’s a race against time as the clues pile up against Vangie and the chances of finding her little girl alive dwindle. To find the truth and unmask a killer, Cass will have to risk her reputation and her life.
Silent Witness is the second book in series of high-stakes legal thrillers. If you like blood-pumping action, compelling characters, and twisted crime conspiracies, then you’ll love Robin James’s page-turning tale.
Buy Silent Witness to take a ride with this edge-of-your-seat crime thriller today!302 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2019
5147 people are currently reading
881 people want to read
About the author
Robin James
24 books431 followersRobin 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
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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
January 18, 2019
Title: ➳ Silent Witness
Series ➳ Cass Leary Legal Thriller #2
Author: ➳ Robin James
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ღ After big headliner case that Cass Leary had won in her small home town in Michigan. Her & her family were trying to settle back into some type of normal. Until she got frantic call from her baby sister
➳Vangie Leary now stands accused in the double homicide. But of course, Vangie can’t let Cass do her job without throwing in a few curve balls into Cass laid plans of defense for her sister… not to meant Cass’s pass seem to come back to bite her once again
➳This book had me sitting at the edge of my seat all the way to pretty much the last page of this book..
We learn fast in this book how strong the Leary family is, even down to the youngest of the member
➳The characters Robin James introduced are very interesting & likeable. Well some of are. The feisty main character Cass Leary you’ll root for her up until the very end.
♥●•I loved the book. The twists in this story just added to the plot. I am looking forward to reading more from this author
Reading order
• 1. Burden of Truth Publication Date: January 6, 2019
2. Silent Witness 💕
Next up is the Devil’s Bargain & I really can’t wait to get my hands on this one
➦📚 Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion & my honest review 💕
➦ 💕 I received an EXCLUSIVE copy of this book in exchange for my honest review of it. 💕
💕 . .**This has not influenced my review.* **
💕 ✎Paulette Review ❤ 💕
Series ➳ Cass Leary Legal Thriller #2
Author: ➳ Robin James
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ღ After big headliner case that Cass Leary had won in her small home town in Michigan. Her & her family were trying to settle back into some type of normal. Until she got frantic call from her baby sister
➳Vangie Leary now stands accused in the double homicide. But of course, Vangie can’t let Cass do her job without throwing in a few curve balls into Cass laid plans of defense for her sister… not to meant Cass’s pass seem to come back to bite her once again
➳This book had me sitting at the edge of my seat all the way to pretty much the last page of this book..
We learn fast in this book how strong the Leary family is, even down to the youngest of the member
➳The characters Robin James introduced are very interesting & likeable. Well some of are. The feisty main character Cass Leary you’ll root for her up until the very end.
♥●•I loved the book. The twists in this story just added to the plot. I am looking forward to reading more from this author
Reading order
• 1. Burden of Truth Publication Date: January 6, 2019
2. Silent Witness 💕
Next up is the Devil’s Bargain & I really can’t wait to get my hands on this one
➦📚 Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion & my honest review 💕
➦ 💕 I received an EXCLUSIVE copy of this book in exchange for my honest review of it. 💕
💕 . .**This has not influenced my review.* **
💕 ✎Paulette Review ❤ 💕
August 31, 2021
Hmm. I just don't think this is the series for me. Other than the courtroom scenes (which I love), the books have a young adult feel to them. Lots of teenage angst from characters who are adults. Again, the lack of editing drove me crazy. It's jarring when the character's names get switched with each other.
Anyway, that is just my take on Silent Witness. I seem to be the outlier so take my review with a grain of salt...
Anyway, that is just my take on Silent Witness. I seem to be the outlier so take my review with a grain of salt...
June 28, 2020
This 2nd book in the series is more of the same as the first one - and I ask myself, how much drama can one family take? All these quick accusations by the police, by the townspeople? Also the repetitive emotions between siblings becomes a bit irritating. How many times can Cass and her brother Joe, say to each other, regarding Evangeline or little Jessa: "She's so strong one" and then, "no, you are the strong one", on and on, and again, those same feelings expressed. It wears thin, after awhile. Given, the lightweight of these books content-wise, I don't think I'll continue this series.
*1,5* stars
*1,5* stars
November 30, 2023
3.5 stars. A page turning read. Cass fights a steep uphill battle trying to find a way to help her sister/Vangie get out of a murder charge. The situation was looking pretty grim for not only Vangie but for Cass's guardianship for her niece/Jessa. Thought I had an idea who the murderer might be. But at the 80% mark, the author throws in a huge twist. While I enjoyed this story, I admit I was disappointed with the last 20%. The climactic ending came out of left field just in time to tie everything up too perfectly. 😏 Didn't buy it.
Like this series, and I'm looking forward to book 3. Overall, this was a 4.0 star read for the courtroom drama but lost a 1/2 star for the ending. If more clues had been woven into the story a little sooner, it would've made it more believable.
Like this series, and I'm looking forward to book 3. Overall, this was a 4.0 star read for the courtroom drama but lost a 1/2 star for the ending. If more clues had been woven into the story a little sooner, it would've made it more believable.
September 8, 2025
A bit OTT and I wished there was more court room drama than thriller material. Still, I like Cass Leary, the protagonist and I will progress with this series.
January 22, 2019
For the second book in the series this was so intriguing. You get the familiarity of the characters, a brand new crime and the judicial process in one complete book. I love that I don’t necessarily see the solution coming. The intricacies of the justice process from beginning to end is magical to go through from the outside looking in. Great job again.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 29, 2023
Each book in this series feels like I am watching an episode of my favorite crime television show instead of reading words on paper, and in my opinion, those are the best types of books! The books in this series have a way of captivating my attention, and I feel like I have to keep reading until I find out how this case will be solved. I feel like this series also does a good job of making me feel like I can be a detective because I solved the case before the ending, and I feel like I know who did it. Then I get to the end, and I'm usually surprised because I realize that I didn't have everything completely figured out. I definitely recommend this series if you are interested in crime television shows like Law and Order or CSI!
November 3, 2025
4.5 stars
September 13, 2020
I’m not exactly sure who wrote the synopsis for this novel, but when you read it, doesn't it just make you want to dive in and get it going? I’ll say this, the synopsis was much more entertaining than the actual book itself. Once again, I’ve been duped into thinking I was getting one thing when in actuality what I got was something else.
If I were a betting woman and someone asked what would I classify this book as, I’d place my money on ‘family drama.’ To call this book a legal thriller is an insult to legal readers and I do not take too kindly to writers who put their work product out and place it under a genre that clearly their book does not belong.
There were a multitude of problems I had with this book. You already know the first, it’s not what I would call a “legal thriller.” In fact, the only thrill I got out of this read was completing it so I could move on to something I really want to read.
Our main character, Cass Leary, is an attorney on a mission. Cass’s mission this time around was to save her sister from the death penalty. A couple was found brutally murdered in their home and Cass’s sister was accused of murdering them. Vangie, Cass's sister, was accused of murdering this couple because they were the adoptive parents to Vangie’s little six-year old daughter, Jessica, who is now missing. So not only is Cass having to deal with her niece’s disappearance, she’s got to figure out if her sister murdered her niece's parents.
To add insult to injury, Cass’s brothers were up-in-arms because they wanted to know why Vangie was being accused of this heinous crime. Needless to say, Cass was the mother hen to her siblings and all of them looked to her for the answers. What angered the hell out of me is that none of her siblings gave enough damn about Cass and her dilemmas because all the legal advice she gave them, they continually ignored her warnings. They kept inserting themselves in the legal affairs and Cass was the attorney. Since they knew so much, why the hell didn't they go to law school, was what I kept thinking! This went on throughout the entire book. Not only did they insert themselves, but there was so much description on how each character was feeling and what they were thinking. It got to the point I found myself thinking “why am I continuing to read?” But, as my readers know, I give every author respect, even though my time and feelings certainly weren’t considered here!
So, as I pressed on, these characters got dumber, if that’s possible, and I kept waiting for this “thrilling” “legal” story to unfold. I read, and read, and read, and read, and all I managed to find was an attorney who definitely knows the law, but unfortunately doesn’t know how to relay it in a “legal thriller” so that there is courtroom drama and not “family” drama that unfolds. Trust and believe, there’s a huge difference!! Wait for it! Wait! For! It! And nothing! What the hell?
The more I read, the more frustrated I got and as you can see from my review, this is the best I can manage. It’s hard for me to find anything decent to say about a story that had nothing to do with law. Oh, sure it had plenty of family issues and drama but very little legalese. You cannot call a book a “legal thriller” and the only legal parts dealt with the law that Cass knew about, but where was the courtroom scenes? What happened to the other side of the law? Why was it just one sided? Like I said, the synopsis is so much more enticing than the actual story itself and that’s a real travesty. This could have been a really good book. Just because a real-life attorney knows the law doesn’t mean they can write a book!
The Sexy Nerd gives Silent Witness two loud stars! I did not like this story by any means! There was way too much description of things that didn’t matter. The characters didn’t behave in the manner in which you would expect and why invest your time in them? Unfortunately, you’re not going to find any courtroom drama with this novel. Good luck in finding much legal thrills at all. As I stated above, the best thrill I got from this novel was when I finally finished it. Oh, and when you do find out what is really going on, the ending was extremely disjointed from the entire story line. It didn’t make sense to me. Why was this book written is what I’d really like to know?
To read the original post, please go to: https://www.thesexynerdrevue.com/2020...
If I were a betting woman and someone asked what would I classify this book as, I’d place my money on ‘family drama.’ To call this book a legal thriller is an insult to legal readers and I do not take too kindly to writers who put their work product out and place it under a genre that clearly their book does not belong.
There were a multitude of problems I had with this book. You already know the first, it’s not what I would call a “legal thriller.” In fact, the only thrill I got out of this read was completing it so I could move on to something I really want to read.
Our main character, Cass Leary, is an attorney on a mission. Cass’s mission this time around was to save her sister from the death penalty. A couple was found brutally murdered in their home and Cass’s sister was accused of murdering them. Vangie, Cass's sister, was accused of murdering this couple because they were the adoptive parents to Vangie’s little six-year old daughter, Jessica, who is now missing. So not only is Cass having to deal with her niece’s disappearance, she’s got to figure out if her sister murdered her niece's parents.
To add insult to injury, Cass’s brothers were up-in-arms because they wanted to know why Vangie was being accused of this heinous crime. Needless to say, Cass was the mother hen to her siblings and all of them looked to her for the answers. What angered the hell out of me is that none of her siblings gave enough damn about Cass and her dilemmas because all the legal advice she gave them, they continually ignored her warnings. They kept inserting themselves in the legal affairs and Cass was the attorney. Since they knew so much, why the hell didn't they go to law school, was what I kept thinking! This went on throughout the entire book. Not only did they insert themselves, but there was so much description on how each character was feeling and what they were thinking. It got to the point I found myself thinking “why am I continuing to read?” But, as my readers know, I give every author respect, even though my time and feelings certainly weren’t considered here!
So, as I pressed on, these characters got dumber, if that’s possible, and I kept waiting for this “thrilling” “legal” story to unfold. I read, and read, and read, and read, and all I managed to find was an attorney who definitely knows the law, but unfortunately doesn’t know how to relay it in a “legal thriller” so that there is courtroom drama and not “family” drama that unfolds. Trust and believe, there’s a huge difference!! Wait for it! Wait! For! It! And nothing! What the hell?
The more I read, the more frustrated I got and as you can see from my review, this is the best I can manage. It’s hard for me to find anything decent to say about a story that had nothing to do with law. Oh, sure it had plenty of family issues and drama but very little legalese. You cannot call a book a “legal thriller” and the only legal parts dealt with the law that Cass knew about, but where was the courtroom scenes? What happened to the other side of the law? Why was it just one sided? Like I said, the synopsis is so much more enticing than the actual story itself and that’s a real travesty. This could have been a really good book. Just because a real-life attorney knows the law doesn’t mean they can write a book!
The Sexy Nerd gives Silent Witness two loud stars! I did not like this story by any means! There was way too much description of things that didn’t matter. The characters didn’t behave in the manner in which you would expect and why invest your time in them? Unfortunately, you’re not going to find any courtroom drama with this novel. Good luck in finding much legal thrills at all. As I stated above, the best thrill I got from this novel was when I finally finished it. Oh, and when you do find out what is really going on, the ending was extremely disjointed from the entire story line. It didn’t make sense to me. Why was this book written is what I’d really like to know?
To read the original post, please go to: https://www.thesexynerdrevue.com/2020...
April 19, 2020
I mean ... I really like the recurring characters, and I liked the overall plot of this follow-up book, but it had some issues. I’m going to keep reading the series because I actually am enjoying it, so I wanna make sure to mention the good things first about this book. The plot was believable and gripping from literally the first page. I enjoy reading about the legal process in general and Cass, our protagonist lawyer, is really admirable and she proves to be an easy voice and perspective to follow. This series tugs at my heart strings as well. The family that each book centers around is flawed, but beautiful and I can’t help but love and root for them. It’s also just nice to know that everything will be ok... because it’s a series, ya know? In saying all this I gotta mention why I rated it so poorly. There were incorrect names at times and sentences that obviously were just overlooked. Mainly, the editing of this book was pretty bad. Also, around 3/4 of the way through, I started to see where this ending was headed and I found it somewhat boring and a bit of an easy-out. I really thought there were other, more interesting, routes that could’ve been explored. But I still kept reading because the characters are worth it and I cared to know what happened regardless. I’m hoping that the remaining books have less flaws and maybe more time in the hands of a skilled editor.
February 4, 2019
Outstanding follow up story😍
OMG, this book totally reeled me in and kept me hooked to the pages, as I quickly made my way through this outstanding follow up story of my favourite lawyer, Cass. The twists and turns will keep you guessing and the anxiety level of everything happening will keep you on the edge of your seat and gripping it with your nails!
I absolutely loved this legal thriller and I can’t wait to see what Robin has next in store for us. This is fast paced, gripping and intense and you will literally feel like a tornado has gone through your mind when you read this❣️
Thank you so much Robin for my advanced copy for which I leave my honest review and I bow down to you as this story was unpredictable and soooooo good😍
OMG, this book totally reeled me in and kept me hooked to the pages, as I quickly made my way through this outstanding follow up story of my favourite lawyer, Cass. The twists and turns will keep you guessing and the anxiety level of everything happening will keep you on the edge of your seat and gripping it with your nails!
I absolutely loved this legal thriller and I can’t wait to see what Robin has next in store for us. This is fast paced, gripping and intense and you will literally feel like a tornado has gone through your mind when you read this❣️
Thank you so much Robin for my advanced copy for which I leave my honest review and I bow down to you as this story was unpredictable and soooooo good😍
January 30, 2021
This is the second Cass Leary story I've read. I loved the first one, but liked the 2nd one a lot less. I would have liked it more if it didn't involve the same family members as the first book. They are a dysfunctional bunch who appear to be a gang of emotionally stunted imbeciles through most of the book. Late in the story they have all morphed into pleasant, reasonable, loving people! This was hard to believe. Before reading this book, I would have said I want to read all of the books in the series. Now, maybe not, or at least not soon, anyways.
March 15, 2020
This book is so slow. From the middle on I started not reading everything because it was so repetitive, her brothers problems, the way Cass used to take care of them, the handsome cop... it was too boring for me
May 29, 2024
Silent Witness returns us to the Leary family where Vangie stands accused of a double murder. Cass has an uphill battle to try to prove her sister's innocence.
The last little bit was not my favourite, it felt too convenient and out of left field.
Overall, I was intrigued and hooked throughout. I'll definitely be continuing the series.
The last little bit was not my favourite, it felt too convenient and out of left field.
Overall, I was intrigued and hooked throughout. I'll definitely be continuing the series.
May 8, 2024
I can't put these books down! Onto the next one.
June 2, 2024
Excellent
I love Robin James' writing and how the story moves rapidly. The characters and story hold your interest and you cannot put the book down!
I love Robin James' writing and how the story moves rapidly. The characters and story hold your interest and you cannot put the book down!
August 20, 2023
Um, maybe don’t bother with this one …
if you’re a detail-oriented reader like me. As the author recommended, I read “Burden of Truth” before reading this one, the second book. I almost couldn’t finish it. Not only were there grammar mistakes, there were continuity errors as well. From the first book to this one, one character’s eye color and age changed; two characters’ heights changed; and other details were inconsistent. To me, this seems like a combination of sloppy writing and even worse editing. I had hoped this would be a series I could enjoy, but I hate reading with a metaphorical blue pencil in my hand. I’ll skip the rest of the series.
if you’re a detail-oriented reader like me. As the author recommended, I read “Burden of Truth” before reading this one, the second book. I almost couldn’t finish it. Not only were there grammar mistakes, there were continuity errors as well. From the first book to this one, one character’s eye color and age changed; two characters’ heights changed; and other details were inconsistent. To me, this seems like a combination of sloppy writing and even worse editing. I had hoped this would be a series I could enjoy, but I hate reading with a metaphorical blue pencil in my hand. I’ll skip the rest of the series.
July 4, 2019
Thrilling legal mystery.
The second book in this series is even better than the first one. I could hardly put it down. The flawed Leary family is likable despite the bad choices each one of them has made along the way and you cant help rooting for them. The twists and turns in the story keep you guessing and hoping for a good final outcome. I recommend the book to lovers of good legal mysteries.
The second book in this series is even better than the first one. I could hardly put it down. The flawed Leary family is likable despite the bad choices each one of them has made along the way and you cant help rooting for them. The twists and turns in the story keep you guessing and hoping for a good final outcome. I recommend the book to lovers of good legal mysteries.
March 22, 2021
I’m one of those who needs a murder mystery to clear my palate. Or like the dessert at the end of a meal.
The first of this series was better than this one, I think. I get tired of the protagonist being right and almost getting killed near the end.
So this was ok. Probably a 2 but, I’m feeling generous.
The first of this series was better than this one, I think. I get tired of the protagonist being right and almost getting killed near the end.
So this was ok. Probably a 2 but, I’m feeling generous.
December 6, 2020
Another very enjoyable tale in this series and I wonder if she'll make it a hat-trick of 5* reads ? I'm definitely sticking with the series so watch this space. Once more, Cass's family features heavily in this story and they're certainly a "hot mess" as Jeanie described them !! Each is very likeable in their own fashion, however, and they DO stick together when it comes to the crunch. I liked Eric being back in this instalment once more along with Cass's older sidekicks Jeanie and Miranda. They make a great team. Again the author uses language that real people use so don't pick this up if earthier vocabulary offends you. You're better off reading book 1 before embarking on this one as well as it does follow on from the case Cass had in that book.
I'd not heard the line "You may refuse to answer questions" given when a criminal is being arrested before. That's a new one on me. I'd also write spread-eagled not spread eagle as it's written in this. I saw one word dropped from a sentence, just one misplaced apostrophe in Homeowner's and China didn't need capitalising but that was a great improvement in this book, and even I can't complain too loudly at that.
I did laugh aloud at the Kato Kaelin mention as I knew just what she meant. This story certainly got better as it progressed and I enjoyed it.
I'd not heard the line "You may refuse to answer questions" given when a criminal is being arrested before. That's a new one on me. I'd also write spread-eagled not spread eagle as it's written in this. I saw one word dropped from a sentence, just one misplaced apostrophe in Homeowner's and China didn't need capitalising but that was a great improvement in this book, and even I can't complain too loudly at that.
I did laugh aloud at the Kato Kaelin mention as I knew just what she meant. This story certainly got better as it progressed and I enjoyed it.
June 28, 2021
Well I wasn't disappointed with this book. It continued the effort to complete reading the story. This story has Cass receiving a call from her sister Vangie asking for help. Vangie is being arrested for a double murder. The individuals killed were the ones that adopted Vangie's daughter that was identified in the first series. While Cass was trying to help her sister, Vangie's daughter, Jessa, was missing.
Vangie's was bailed out, but was under house arrest at Cass's home. After Cass learned of a possible finding of Jessa, Vangie left the house and as a result, bail was revoked and Vangie went to jail. Cass got another call of a person matching Jessa's description and this was Jessa, Cass worked to get guardianship of Jessa. As time went by, Cass was abducted as well as Jessa. Cass learned that she was taken by the one that killed the two people that Vangie was charged with.
To find out why the killer selected the people he did and how he was able to enter their homes, how Cass was able to get away and what the result of the guardianship trial resulted in, then you must read this book.
Vangie's was bailed out, but was under house arrest at Cass's home. After Cass learned of a possible finding of Jessa, Vangie left the house and as a result, bail was revoked and Vangie went to jail. Cass got another call of a person matching Jessa's description and this was Jessa, Cass worked to get guardianship of Jessa. As time went by, Cass was abducted as well as Jessa. Cass learned that she was taken by the one that killed the two people that Vangie was charged with.
To find out why the killer selected the people he did and how he was able to enter their homes, how Cass was able to get away and what the result of the guardianship trial resulted in, then you must read this book.
November 12, 2022
Very good read, 4.5 stars
This second installment of the Cass Leary series is a great follow up to the the first book. It has very good character development,with a hard-to-guess plot line and plenty of action. The fact that Ms. James has spent over 20 years as a practicing attorney clearly shows in the details of law, court procedure, and legal minutiae. However, I did pull back half a star because of two issues. First, the dismaying, repeated use of "wanna." While this word is very popular in present day vernacular, it's sloppy writing and does not add anything positive to the story. Ms. James has both Cass and her partner Jeannie using it, and this mars the presentation of their otherwise smart, sassy, savvy and strong personalities. It's jarring and distracting. Secondly, I would expect a detail-oriented attorney to know the difference between HIPAA and HIPPA. HIPAA is the Federal Health Insurance Privacy and Accountability Act, whereas HIPPA is nothing but a mistake lazy people make. Ms. James, I sure hope you can do better. Other than these issues, this was an enjoyable read, and I'm on to book 3.
This second installment of the Cass Leary series is a great follow up to the the first book. It has very good character development,with a hard-to-guess plot line and plenty of action. The fact that Ms. James has spent over 20 years as a practicing attorney clearly shows in the details of law, court procedure, and legal minutiae. However, I did pull back half a star because of two issues. First, the dismaying, repeated use of "wanna." While this word is very popular in present day vernacular, it's sloppy writing and does not add anything positive to the story. Ms. James has both Cass and her partner Jeannie using it, and this mars the presentation of their otherwise smart, sassy, savvy and strong personalities. It's jarring and distracting. Secondly, I would expect a detail-oriented attorney to know the difference between HIPAA and HIPPA. HIPAA is the Federal Health Insurance Privacy and Accountability Act, whereas HIPPA is nothing but a mistake lazy people make. Ms. James, I sure hope you can do better. Other than these issues, this was an enjoyable read, and I'm on to book 3.
February 12, 2024
This book was weaker than the first book in the series, but not so weak that I’m inclined to give up on the series. If you’re going into this looking for serious courtroom drama, prepare for mild disappointment. I wouldn’t call the brief courtroom scenes here all that amazing.
The cops are sure Vangie Leary murdered the adoptive parents of the girl to whom Vangie gave birth six years earlier. She had all kinds of motive. The adoptive parents didn’t want her to see the little girl anymore, and they obtain a court order barring her from being part of the child’s life.
But Vangie didn’t kill the parents, and she didn’t kidnap the child. The little girl goes missing at the time of the murders. Cass Leary knows shoe has a limited amount of time to prove her sister’s innocence and to rescue the missing child if she’s still alive.
There’s plenty of suspense here. The book got me through a sleepless pain-filled Sunday night, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have read it. I just think that, while it’s good, it’s not quite as gripping as was book one in the series.
The cops are sure Vangie Leary murdered the adoptive parents of the girl to whom Vangie gave birth six years earlier. She had all kinds of motive. The adoptive parents didn’t want her to see the little girl anymore, and they obtain a court order barring her from being part of the child’s life.
But Vangie didn’t kill the parents, and she didn’t kidnap the child. The little girl goes missing at the time of the murders. Cass Leary knows shoe has a limited amount of time to prove her sister’s innocence and to rescue the missing child if she’s still alive.
There’s plenty of suspense here. The book got me through a sleepless pain-filled Sunday night, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have read it. I just think that, while it’s good, it’s not quite as gripping as was book one in the series.
March 17, 2022
Overall: 2.5*
Plot: 4*
Execution: 2*
There were a few times in this narrative that I literally thought, “I hate this book!” It was the writing..so much of it was over the top. Cass’ brothers were frequently testosterone-driven, raging idiots; Cass’ sister was raging and hysterical, capable only of sobbing or screaming, “My baby!”; the lead detective was a caricature. They were all caricatures. The parts that were supposed to be heart-warming went way over the top to schmaltzy.
I think James has points she wants to make about Cass and her family and believes she needs to keep pounding them into her readers with a sledgehammer.
I will probably take a long break from James and then try Book 3, but if these characters don’t GROW UP, I’m done.
Audiobook narration: 3.5* The narrator, Teri Clark Linden, had trouble with yelling and screaming (those are difficult), but she did quite a good job with the child.
Plot: 4*
Execution: 2*
There were a few times in this narrative that I literally thought, “I hate this book!” It was the writing..so much of it was over the top. Cass’ brothers were frequently testosterone-driven, raging idiots; Cass’ sister was raging and hysterical, capable only of sobbing or screaming, “My baby!”; the lead detective was a caricature. They were all caricatures. The parts that were supposed to be heart-warming went way over the top to schmaltzy.
I think James has points she wants to make about Cass and her family and believes she needs to keep pounding them into her readers with a sledgehammer.
I will probably take a long break from James and then try Book 3, but if these characters don’t GROW UP, I’m done.
Audiobook narration: 3.5* The narrator, Teri Clark Linden, had trouble with yelling and screaming (those are difficult), but she did quite a good job with the child.
May 28, 2022
Silent Witness by Robin James 5/21/2022 Kindle
This is the second installment in the Cass Leary series. After years as an attorney for questionable clients of a big time Chicago law firm, Cass is practicing in her childhood Michigan town. She takes on the defense of her sister who is the birth mother of the adopted child of the victims of a brutal murder.
Two major points bothered me. When a child is missing, why wouldn’t the police at least consider ties to the deceased father? Secondly, what court would possibly allow a material witness who may hold vital information in a homicide to be placed in the custody of the attorney for the defense? That was plain ludicrous.
Aside from those picky points, I enjoyed this legal mystery very much. The court room parts are especially well done. I’m getting to know the family and characters now that I’ve two of this series. I’ll definitely read more and can easily recommend others to do so as well.
This is the second installment in the Cass Leary series. After years as an attorney for questionable clients of a big time Chicago law firm, Cass is practicing in her childhood Michigan town. She takes on the defense of her sister who is the birth mother of the adopted child of the victims of a brutal murder.
Two major points bothered me. When a child is missing, why wouldn’t the police at least consider ties to the deceased father? Secondly, what court would possibly allow a material witness who may hold vital information in a homicide to be placed in the custody of the attorney for the defense? That was plain ludicrous.
Aside from those picky points, I enjoyed this legal mystery very much. The court room parts are especially well done. I’m getting to know the family and characters now that I’ve two of this series. I’ll definitely read more and can easily recommend others to do so as well.
October 27, 2020
The 2nd in the series about Cass Leary. Another one, that you just don't want it to end. Amazing ride!
Cass Leary is an attorney and her practice is now doing better after the high profile case she defended in her home town. Now her sister has called her and she is being dragged out of her house by police. She doesn't know why. When Cass arrives, she finds out. Her sister is being charged with the double murder of the couple that adopted her sister's child.
Now the 6 year old child is missing, the parents murdered and the police have only Cass' sister to charge for the murder as so much evidence was found that she was there.
An exciting book, that just keeps moving along with every page you turn. Robin James is now one of my favorites authors!! Don't miss this series. I am on to the 3rd!!
Cass Leary is an attorney and her practice is now doing better after the high profile case she defended in her home town. Now her sister has called her and she is being dragged out of her house by police. She doesn't know why. When Cass arrives, she finds out. Her sister is being charged with the double murder of the couple that adopted her sister's child.
Now the 6 year old child is missing, the parents murdered and the police have only Cass' sister to charge for the murder as so much evidence was found that she was there.
An exciting book, that just keeps moving along with every page you turn. Robin James is now one of my favorites authors!! Don't miss this series. I am on to the 3rd!!
May 4, 2022
Book 2 of the Cass Leary Legal Thrillers -- I finished book 1, downloaded the prologue that the author offered (very short "back story" of how Cass ended up back in Delphi - free and interesting, certainly not essential to the story line but good!), and immediately started book 2, Silent Witness last night. Finished this one today and starting on #3!! Enough back story to be able to pick up without starting at book 1, but definitely worth starting at the beginning! The series so far is a great story of how someone from "the wrong side of the tracks" can do just fine when they put their mind to it and work hard enough!! I've been reading these on Kindle Unlimited, and thoroughly enjoying them!
November 2, 2025
4.5 Stars
Silent Witness is the second book in the Cass Leary Legal Thriller Series by Robin James. This is a gripping and emotionally charged legal thriller series that is as compelling as it is thought-provoking. Cass Leary is a fiercely intelligent and tenacious attorney who navigates the murky waters of justice with a mix of grit, vulnerability, and unyielding determination.
The cases in the series are diverse and meticulously detailed, ranging from domestic disputes to high-stakes criminal trials. Robin James’ background as a legal practitioner shines through in the authenticity of the courtroom scenes and the nuanced exploration of ethical dilemmas. Each book is a page-turner, filled with unexpected twists, moral gray areas, and moments of genuine suspense.
Happy Reading…
Silent Witness is the second book in the Cass Leary Legal Thriller Series by Robin James. This is a gripping and emotionally charged legal thriller series that is as compelling as it is thought-provoking. Cass Leary is a fiercely intelligent and tenacious attorney who navigates the murky waters of justice with a mix of grit, vulnerability, and unyielding determination.
The cases in the series are diverse and meticulously detailed, ranging from domestic disputes to high-stakes criminal trials. Robin James’ background as a legal practitioner shines through in the authenticity of the courtroom scenes and the nuanced exploration of ethical dilemmas. Each book is a page-turner, filled with unexpected twists, moral gray areas, and moments of genuine suspense.
Happy Reading…
March 29, 2021
Suspenseful yes, but ...
This whole book was based on Cass Leary's sister, Vangie being arrested for the murders of the adoptive parents of her daughter Jessa. The part that I did not like was the weak circumstantial case that the writer made look like was some actual case that she was going to use to prove Vangie killed the couple. It would never hold up to get a warrant in real life, but being that is what fictional stories are created with, meaning untruths, then I went ahead and gave it four stars because it was suspenseful as far as the plotline went. Hoping next one is better!
This whole book was based on Cass Leary's sister, Vangie being arrested for the murders of the adoptive parents of her daughter Jessa. The part that I did not like was the weak circumstantial case that the writer made look like was some actual case that she was going to use to prove Vangie killed the couple. It would never hold up to get a warrant in real life, but being that is what fictional stories are created with, meaning untruths, then I went ahead and gave it four stars because it was suspenseful as far as the plotline went. Hoping next one is better!
December 6, 2020
Vangie had a daughter she gave up when she was raped as a teenager. When her daughter was 6 years old her adopted parents were both murdered and Jessa disappeared . Vangie did see her daughter off and on but they decided not to allow it anymore. So Vangie was a likely suspect in their murders. Cass a lawyer was Vangie's sister and she tried to help her stay our of jail. The cops had no idea where Jessa was. So Cass decides to try and track her where about down as she may have been the only witness to the murders. Cass was family to Jessa and she had to prove her sister was not a murderer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews