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A savage killer. A silenced witness. A driven prosecutor who refuses to back down.

Life is good for Assistant DA Jessie Black. She just brought another murder trial to a successful conclusion. Her reputation is growing as a top prosecutor in Philadelphia. And she’s engaged to a strong, handsome man she loves. Now it’s time to step back, plan her wedding, and look forward to a bright future.

But when a young man is brutally butchered in his own home, the courtroom calls to her. Especially when the police are desperate for help. Hal and Kristina Nolan, a clever husband-and-wife team of defense attorneys, have filed motions to block key evidence and keep a critical witness off the stand. Jessie knows she needs to go to trial and beat them at their own game. Because if she fails, their client, a remorseless human monster, will stroll out of the courthouse a free man.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 4, 2019

1260 people are currently reading
229 people want to read

About the author

Larry A. Winters

30 books114 followers

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5 stars
920 (60%)
4 stars
431 (28%)
3 stars
131 (8%)
2 stars
19 (1%)
1 star
10 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
Profile Image for Dianna.
380 reviews29 followers
April 27, 2023
If I recall correctly, I read a couple of the earlier Jessie Black thrillers, but I haven't read them all or in order. However, that didn't hamper my ability to follow the storyline here in Silenced Witness. This was a fast, but perfectly paced thriller. It moved smoothly between the different characters and each held up his or her end of the story well.

Jessie, an assistant district attorney, is trying a gruesome murder case at the same time she is "supposed" to be planning her upcoming wedding to her colleague, Mark Leary. Working alongside Mark and her friend Emily, it seems that Jessie may be on her way to loosing this case due to technicalities. She may also end up losing Mark if she doesn't figure out what's causing her cold feet.

I liked this book a lot, largely because Jessie is such a likeable character. She's torn between wanting to achieve at her job and have a successful marriage. It's easy to see that conflict causing her to doubt herself and put off making decisions about marrying Mark. These are all true to life feelings and emotions that make this a very readable story.

The murder case, although truly horrible, isn't far from the mark of reality. Nearly daily we hear of crimes almost as unbelievable taking place. Then the accused going free on some technicality of law so that society is as dangerous as ever.

Even with or maybe because of the seriousness the crime, this book is compelling to read. You won't want to miss out. I'm going back to pick up some more installments of this series.
162 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2019
Once again Author Larry Winters brings the reader another wonderful Jessie Black adventure in the court room, as well as in her personal life. There are bad people, and then there are monsterously evil people, and in Author Larry Winters book, The Silenced Witness, Jessie Black, Asst. D.A. encounters the latter, at a time when she is having to take her focus off the planning of her soon to be wedding and marriage to her fiancé Mark Leary, as Jessie takes a case that has profound effects on Jessie’s and Mark’s personal life as well as on Jessie’s professional life. She cannot allow a monster to win. Wonderful life like characters are these two characters, as well as other supporting, and well built characters, as Author Larry Winters weaves words with his magic pen on the pages, to create The Silenced Witness book. As always, with accomplished Author Larry Winters writing, the plot and characters all integrate together to bring to vivid life a unique tale of murder, but one which Jessie Black takes in stride, being the expert prosecutor that she is. What a wonderful and exciting book The Silenced Witness is, that is produced for the reader, by very creative Author Larry Winters. Action, emotions evoked, and a great ending, are only a few of the gifts to the reader in The Silenced Witness. I wouldn’t have missed this book for the world! I HIGHLY recommend this can’t put it down book, The Silenced Witness, as A MUST READ! Accomplished Author Larry Winters at his best!
526 reviews6 followers
April 19, 2023
Action packed courtroom drama

A thoroughly suspense filled drama. When ADA Jessie Black is assigned as the chief prosecutor, in a hideous and gruesome murder case, it becomes a serious crossroads in her life. With her fiancee she is nearing the day of her life, her wedding. This case will be crucial to not only her career but also the her personal relationship with her soon to be spouse. Can she fully concentrate on such a huge case whilst still continuing with her marriage arrangements? Conducting a case against a husband and wife defence team is no picnic. They are slippery, evasive and desperate to win, at all costs, and their accused client has more behind the back moves which he uses to thwart the prosecutional case. Can Jessica and her team find the truth despite being thwarted by many diversions used by the defender?
Profile Image for Bev.
3,272 reviews98 followers
June 3, 2019
Jessica Black is only a few month's away from her wedding to Leary when a big profile case comes in. Everyone including the wedding planner is trying to get Jessica to make her choices for her "big day". Her maid of honor, Detective Emily Gramham wants Jessica to take the case. Her boss and Leary don't want her to. Turns out she takes the case. But at what price? Can she do both, plan a wedding and prosecute a raving maniac at the same time? What about Leary? Will he stand by and watch or will this tear them apart? The answers and so much more are in the book. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
105 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2020
Jessie and Mark are trying to plan their wedding but, as usual, cases seem to be getting in the way. When a particularly gruesome murder case comes along, Jessie just can’t resist, putting a strain on their relationship. Desperate for a win and with their future and law practice in jeopardy, Hal and Kristina Nolan manage to weasel their way into this case. Jessie encounters one obstacle after another as she struggles to find a way to win this case. Will this vicious, sadistic murderer get away with it? This is such a great book! I was captivated from page one. I truly love courtroom dramas and this one definitely does not disappoint. 5+ stars for me on this book.
82 reviews3 followers
August 21, 2019
One of my favorite authors!

I have read every book in the series and I'm so bummed that this is the last one I haven't read. Actually I read everything by this author on Amazon and I absolutely loved his books. There's nothing like a great courtroom drama, these are always exciting, very well written, characters are very endearing. Many authors nowadays write multiple books and they tend to be shorter than novels used to be, but these are full books she will love getting into.
Profile Image for Brenda Whiteside.
Author 24 books311 followers
July 25, 2023
This is my favorite so far in this series I will continue to read. I really need to drop back and read them in order I suppose, but it hasn't messed with my enjoyment. I'm a little lost on the relationship between Jessie and Detective Leary but not so much to disturb me. The villain in this book is complex and one we can love to hate. Jessie's personal life with her upcoming wedding causes more conflict for the story. And the clever husband/wife law team Jessie comes up against is so believable I think I saw them on a billboard in Phoenix. Enthralling read.
Profile Image for Janet.
Author 1 book1 follower
June 25, 2019
Well played, Larry Winters.

This Jessie Black novel was well worth the few hours it took me to read it.
The story was carefully woven into a greatly packed tale. It flowed, nice and smooth and succinct, with frustrating obstacles at every turn. Without any maudlin feelings Jessie's own wedding played out, leaving the tale neatly wrapped in a satisfying bow.

Well played, Mr. Winters!
189 reviews2 followers
July 4, 2020
Can't get enough!

I'm so excited! I just found out that there is a seventh book. I'm beginning to sound like a broken record. When you read all the books in a series back to back there's only so many ways to say how great they are. The fact that I'm reading all these books in a row back to back and loving each one is a statement in itself. I can't wait. I've already downloaded the seventh book. So I recommend this series to any adult.
Profile Image for Nan Christine  Borton-Smith.
556 reviews12 followers
December 28, 2020
Jessie & Leary finally Tie the Knot

and if that doesn’t have you grabbing this book then you either aren’t a fan of the series (perish the thought) or you haven’t been introduced to the impressive cast of characters— in that case, find book 1.
That’s it for spoilers but if you like legal drama and/or crime procedurals with characters you feel you know from the neighborhood and intelligent fresh stories, look no farther.
370 reviews3 followers
April 24, 2023
Jessie is torn between wedding planning and prosecuting a psycho killer and thinks she can do both but it is too much for her fiancé who thinks she is getting cold feet. The case eventually hinges on one witness and some circumstantial security camera evidence but Jessie sticks with it and still makes it to her wedding despite the courtroom drama and an attempt on her life. Gritty and determined, plenty to get your teeth into.
1,788 reviews15 followers
April 30, 2023
The author has wrapped another legal thriller around his favorite assistant DA, Jessie Black. He is very good at bringing out the details to make this a mystery that will leave you wondering if/how can Jessie pull this out. Good characters, good plot, good detail on evidence and procedure.

If you love a good legal mystery, maybe even if you love the setting, Philadelphia, give this book - the entire series really, a good read.
225 reviews
June 19, 2023
courtroom drama

Jessie Black, prosecutor, has the unenviable task of prosecuting a cold- bloodied killer when the two “smoking guns” in the case can’t be presented in the trial against him. Her fiancé is incensed with her because she can’t make decisions about anything having to do with their upcoming wedding. There are twists and a surprise in the investigation, just when all looks lost. Great story.
75 reviews
August 31, 2024
Determined

Jesse knows who the killer is, but being able to prove can be hazardous to her health. A rich man brutally kills his wife’s lover, then tells her he did it, knowing that she can’t testify against him due to spousal privilege laws. A desperate husband & wife legal team take on his case, then learn he did it. They need the money from the retainer, so they agree to take the case. Can they save him? Will the truth come out?
6 reviews
May 12, 2019
The best Jessie Black book written.

Lots of suspense and a great story. Jessie sure had her work cut out for her. The ending was priceless. The. book kept my interest the whole time. There were no dull filler sections. This is, by far, the best book I have read this year beyond any doubt. Hopefully, Mr. Winters will keep them coming.
Profile Image for Sheryl Berry.
25 reviews
May 12, 2019
Another win

Larry Winters has another winner. His most recent in the Jessie Black series is a good quick read. His characterization pulls you in and no matter how often you try to put the book down, you have to pick it back up and keep reading. Always disappointing when there are no more pages!
Profile Image for ANNESANGINE.
9 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2020
Fast-overrIding mysteries and courtroom drama. Well written, well defined characters with over-the-top but believable plots. I read the entire series and hope for more to come

I recommend these books to anyone who enjoys a well-written (although could have used better editing) story to read .
Profile Image for PWA Allen .
423 reviews6 followers
October 19, 2020
I enjoyed this gruesome story. There are some interesting twists and turns. The only problem I had with it was -it's simple writing, no depth, no substance. It's almost like it was written for a much younger group except for the details of the murder. However, having said that, I did enjoy the read.
122 reviews
February 25, 2021
What a superb legal thriller and gripping to the wonderfully surprising conclusion

A real joy to read. The development of the plot, the interplays between characters, very little objectionable language and a wonderful surprise, a celebration of the value of marriage. I truly loved this book.
193 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2021
When something seems too good to be true, it usually is. This 6th book about Jessica Black starts doubly dramatically and ends emotionally. I’m hooked by this legal thriller series and have already followed the many twists and turns of several homicides. I still have two more books to look forward to and am eagerly anticipating what this driven prosecutor might be asked to handle next.
69 reviews
December 30, 2021
Riveting

I like the suspense and mystery of a police investigation and courtroom drama. Also an ending where the bad guy gets his dues. I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a thriller. I gave it four stars because it kept me on the edge of my seat. I look forward to reading more of these stories in the future.
83 reviews1 follower
November 22, 2022
Silenced Witness is an intense story

This book is very well done, and it is easy to fit right into the feeling of being there for the action. Difficult to put down once you start. I felt that I was right there in the courtroom, involved with information, and during the trial. Very well done
12 reviews
May 23, 2023
Good Read

This was my first book by this author. Now, I will seek out more in this series. Fast paced drama kept my intention. I did like the short length which meant cutting some of the frivolous character development or scenes found in other books but the author did not skimp on the plot or necessary details. Overall, I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Deena Scintilla.
731 reviews
December 19, 2024
Free from Bookbubs. I read it everywhere like in the car, on the treadmill, between commercials on TV, and while waiting for my coffee to brew because I disn't want to put it down. The characters were well-developed and realistic. Warning: murder was very graphic.
This was my first in the series (for me), but it won't be the last and can be read out of order.
Profile Image for Cheryl Carmoega.
121 reviews2 followers
May 10, 2019
Jessica Black is Back!!!

Winters does it again! Great story, Jessica Black doing what she does best!!! Well rounded characters, well developed story and another awesome court room performance by Prosecutor Jessica Black!!!
Keep them coming Larry!!!
1 review
May 10, 2019
Justice

Good court drama and lots of exciting ups and downs as Jessie Black prosecutes a murder while also trying to plan a wedding. Lots of legal does and don’ts add to this interesting story.
180 reviews
May 15, 2019
Another good book by Winters

This book pulls you right in and keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. It can easily be read as a stand-alone. If you haven't read the preceding books in the series, you can still read and enjoy this book.
55 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2019
Silenced Witness

Another great book Larry Winters! Once I started this book I could not stop. Love the Jessie Black series. I recommend this series to anyone that loves legal thrillers
Profile Image for Christine Almodovar.
3 reviews
May 18, 2019
A great read!

As with the other Jessie Black thrillers, I could not put this book down. The action is non stop, with many twists and turns. The characters are believable. There is an absence of excess sex and violence.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews

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