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Vicious felons are going free. Can one determined attorney stop them from slaughtering more innocents?

Sharp small-town prosecutor Mara Brent has a heart as big as it is tough. Smack in the middle of a scandal surrounding her corrupt ex-boss, she works relentlessly to put things back in order. But when past gross negligence threatens to free convicted criminals, Mara fears her tight-knit community will be plagued by sadistic serial killers.

Preparing for the legal fight of her career, Mara battles to keep a violent pair of brothers locked up. But when the bloodthirsty duo is suddenly released on bail, she finds herself in a race against time to stop their inevitable killing spree.

Will Mara put the brutal murderers back behind bars before she has innocent blood on her hands?

Price of Justice is the second book in the compelling Mara Brent Legal Thriller Series. If you like smart female lawyers, twisty plots, and knife-edge tension, then you’ll love Robin James’s keep-you-guessing novel.

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2020

2638 people are currently reading
445 people want to read

About the author

Robin James

24 books435 followers
Robin 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

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5 stars
3,338 (63%)
4 stars
1,521 (28%)
3 stars
328 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
Profile Image for ➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas .
1,180 reviews353 followers
August 30, 2020
Title: ➳ Price of Justice
Series➳ Mara Brent Legal Thriller Series 2#
Author: ➳ Robin James
Kindle: August 28th 2020
Paperback: August 24, 2020

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
LIVE

ღ I’m not going to lie, Robin James’s books are crazy good! But are hard as heck to write reviews for, cuz it’s so hard not to give away too much in my reviews.
Prosecutor Mara Brent returns in the 2nd book to another pulse-pounding new legal thriller.

I struggled to put this book down! Okay okay all admit I stayed up pretty much have the night reading this book it was that good!

No Further Questions this is a dark & emotionally compelling courtroom drama that explores the tragic death of 2 young people brutally murdered by 2 psychopaths

You’ll see that Mara’s live & loyalties are torn apart in the aftermath, in her personal life

While the mystery side of things definitely draws you in, it's the human drama that hooks you. The characters are not always likeable, they are flawed, messy & complex as they wrestle with their mistakes, guilt & grief, but Robin James has a way of making you sympathize with them & feel their pain.

I also really loved how the other players in the story & their drama draw you in

Highly recommend!
➦📚 *Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion+ Also I wouldn’t never discourage anyone from reading this book.

➦*I received an ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review of it. 💕
💕 . .**This has not influenced my review.* **

Happy Reading & Enjoy --------Paulette Alphas Review
Profile Image for Linda.
866 reviews136 followers
April 9, 2022
A riveting read that kept me on my toes as I kept flipping the pages just so I can finish the book in one sitting... We all know who the killers were but getting the evidence to pin the killers had me going into the wee hours - a good thing that I’m still working from home and no rush for early morning meetings 😊 And that ending gave me pause as I went into an OMG moment…

High 4+⭐️
Profile Image for Heather.
1,552 reviews9 followers
January 4, 2021
Price of Justice

I’m speechless. Completely. I did not see that ending happen. I love how different this series is from the Cass Leary series. They’re both fantastic but it’s not the same thing with different characters. Still speechless.
Profile Image for Moonlight &#x1f338;.
664 reviews97 followers
May 20, 2025
This was really good. So gripping. And it shows more from the fact that I spent so many days reading it and didn’t lose interest. I’ve been busy and found that when I start taking long breaks from books I soon lose interest. But whenever I came back to this book, I was interested in it again!

Spoiler review: The first part felt vaguely repetitive since even though we weren’t there, we were told they were all rehashing things from the first trial. I was also tired of the Mara and Jason back-and-forth. At the end of book 1, the author made him redeemable. Just to suddenly do a 360 here and make him all but the ultimate villain. By the time the author was done, it felt like I didn’t even like Jason anymore. I feel they’re setting us up to accept Sam and Mara, but I don’t really like Sam and don’t feel up for that pairing.

Save these, the last quarter of the book was enough to bump it up to 4 stars. It was really gripping. I’m a Christian and initially felt unsure about reading this based on the subject. But I appreciate the author made the distinction that Damon was a false practicer—and it’s not a lie that there are vile people committing evil like this out there. But there WERE times/things that made me very uncomfortable and I’ll be more careful with my legal thriller picks going forward.

I’m glad Mara chose to divorce Jason, for his own sake. He cheated and that’s terrible but she often treated him like he murdered someone instead, and it all just felt like an over-punishment. It grated that he was always begging and accepting whatever she said too because of his guilt. I prefer HE be free of her.

The case and ending saved this book for me. I don’t know if I want to continue the series, partly because I’m not up for Sam and Mara. And I also kinda liked Jason so it will definitely feel like something is missing.
Profile Image for Patches Deese.
251 reviews
March 5, 2024
Would recommend the book to anyone who like a good suspense thriller, interesting curves and an easy read. I read this book over the weekend and I could not put it down.
Profile Image for Shelley C.
2,974 reviews64 followers
August 28, 2020
It’s the Price of Justice😱

Another thought provoking story by Robin that will leave you reeling❣️ I was about 30% in when I realised I had a question about the gruesome murders that had occurred in this small town that Mara has taken to calling her own. Even though I was on the right track, Robin threw me off as we got closer to the conclusion, so I’d say I was half way right🤷‍♀️ As per usual outstanding storyline and the characters and story development is just phenomenal😍

If you haven’t read anything by Robin yet I would highly recommend as one gets drawn into the trials and evidence that’s uncovered along the way, along with the characters who truly make you feel as though you are fighting along with them😁 I can’t wait to see what happens next and getting to know these characters more. Thank you to Robin for my advanced copy for which I leave my honest review❤️
Profile Image for Ann.
2,125 reviews51 followers
April 26, 2024
5.0 stars. A brutal double murder, gripping tension, and a positively riveting read once this quick moving legal thriller builds. Loved it!

Mara Brent, prosecuting attorney's plate is not only full, its overflowing. While dealing with the stress of a major trial, her home life is still unsettled, and her office is still reeling from her corrupt ex-boss's actions and the aftermath. On the plus side there's a sense of family that's slowly starting to build for Mara with her co-workers.

Wasn't sure I was going to like this series quite as much as this authors Cass Leary series, but after this book I'm all in. With the shocking ending to this story I have no choice but to move on to book 3 immediately.
310 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2025
4.3 stars. A fast-paced, gripping court room drama. Really like this series. The FMC, Mara Brent, is a bad ass. Gruesome murders of two young teens. I cannot wait to get the next in the series.
Profile Image for Dori Johnson .
7 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2025
It took me a long time to get into this one, kept putting it down. But once I got past the halfway mark it finally got really good! It took me way too long to read this one, but I’m on to book #3 now.
Profile Image for Linda.
766 reviews18 followers
June 22, 2021
Another winner! Though it took me a bit longer to grab onto the overall premise, it didn't mean this book didn't come together in the flourish I've come to expect from a Robin James book. I very much like Mara Brent as a character, as well as her world of fellow characters. The writing is of course smooth and easy to follow, the dialogue realistic, the character interactions top-notch.

This book essentially picked up where the former left off, which is smack dab at the beginning of the mess left behind by her boss after his actions in book one. Turns out the guy has plenty of horrid skeletons in his closet, including what seems to be purposeful interference on a previous murder that may now render the convicts to be freed men. This book is particularly gruesome, considering the nature of the crime. Obviously you don't want serial killers to go free, but damn, you read this thing wondering how in the hell can Mara and her team stop it from happening?

As is customary, there's plenty of courtroom drama to go around, quick-paced verbal sparring I've come to love, love, love in these books. Character developments are fantastic, and I'm already wanting certain things to happen. Seeing as how Robin is gracious with her characters, I'll expect nothing but the best. And the twists in this book, my gawd the twists. How does Robin even come up with these twists? It's amazing.

I very much enjoyed this and here I go to the next...
Profile Image for Judi Haley.
1,356 reviews6 followers
November 3, 2020
I always love Robin James' books. If you like courtroom drama, you will too!

This is the second in this series about Mara Brent. She is a prosecutor for her town and married to a politician, who is currently running for office. Her life problems at home are many, as her husband cheated on her and she just can't seem to trust him again. But, she knows she must put on a happy face and help him win the race.

What Mara really loves is her life as prosecutor. She loves the people that she works with and considers them family. She loves her son. Now, she is facing one of her toughest cases. She has been assigned the case of two brothers, who were convicted 20 years ago, of a brutal killing of a teenage couple. They have recently been released from prison on a technicality, but she knows that they are guilty and she must figure out the truth to have them found guilty and back in prison, before they kill again.

An exciting novel and one that you will keep those pages turning!!
189 reviews2 followers
March 17, 2021
Excellent book!

I don't know how these authors can write book after book and keep the mystery, characters, words flowing so magically. I have several favorite authors that I love to read. They are so talented. I recently discovered this author. She has a way with words and I love her books. I have read the first series and I am on the third book of this series. I have elected to follow her so I can grab anything new that she writes.
The characters are very well developed and believable. The dialogue flows freely and smoothly. The editing is clean with little to no spelling or grammatical errors. I recommend these books to anyone who loves a mystery with court room drama.
Profile Image for Marni Tagami.
145 reviews4 followers
July 23, 2022
Terrific!!!

I did not know this author. I just took a chance on the book. I am so glad I did. James manages a very difficult balance between Mara Brent's private life and her professional life as a prosecuting attorney. Both had enormous trials and tribulations. As a mystery heroine, I'm impressed with Mara's humility and maturity as well as her legal mind. The other characters were all well drawn and interesting, and the procedural process of the trial in the story was fascinating. Mara's private life with an adulterous husband running for Congress, and a child on the autism spectrum was also well developed. All in all, I'm very impressed with the story and look forward to Book 3 and more of Mara Brent and more of author Robin James.
Profile Image for Julie Born.
94 reviews
September 21, 2023
Really good

I wish I could write better titles but this book is "really good". I don't easily give 5 stars so 4 is usually as good as it gets. I find reviewers that retell the whole story annoying and don't read them but I will give the readers Digest version. Two convicted murderers have been granted a new trial. If you read the first book in the series you will remember the previous Chief Prosecutor was guilty of misconduct, which leads to this verdict being overturned. What makes this somewhat unique and compelling is that you don't know if they are guilty or not. As the trial progresses and falls apart you really have no idea where it will end.
A VERY good read, I highly recommend it.
24 reviews
January 8, 2023
Really good read, didn't see that ending coming

Once again, Robin James has written an amazing book. She weaves the most complex, convoluted plots that keep the reader guessing. Well, actually, no, the smart reader gives that up and just enjoys the ride. This is one of her better ones, and I have read several of the Cass Leary books, and so far, two of the Mara Brent. I really like Mara's character, she is presented as real, someone you might actually know. For suspense, complicated plots, believability, and very well-written storylines, you cannot go wrong with Robin James.
131 reviews
December 19, 2020
Is high

I love this author . I read every book as they are released. I have not been disappointed yet. In this book she is fighting the system that was corrupt for years without anyone catching on. The old district attorney commits suicide and then is found to be fixing trials to his benefit. Now all the employees of the newly elected DA's office are under suspicion of corruption. Mars does a fine job making the right decisions in the trial. There is a surprise at the end. Am waiting for the next one. Thanks for all the entertainment.
Profile Image for Gary Webster.
339 reviews
February 25, 2021
I like this style

James’ style for legal thriller is appealing to me. The heroine is not perfect, there are legal issues, or mistakes she has to face. And yet James does it in such a compelling fashion. Usually it’s thrillers that cause me to be late for dinner, or up past my bed time. But these books draw me in and I have a difficult time finding a place to stop reading. The passion and tension in her characters is well developed. Dialogue is genuine and fits the story. So it’s on to book 3 of this series. Stay tuned!
Profile Image for Phillip III.
Author 50 books179 followers
May 28, 2022
Another thrilling novel by the ever-so-talented Robin James.

Loving the Mara Brent character - and the world around her. Her son Will melts my heart.

The legal drama in Price of Justice was far more dark and sinister than any other James novel -- although James definitely has herself a dark side -- this one made me cringe, and shudder more than once. The details were delivered in terse, crisp narrative, and dialogue -- but the impact of them was undeniable!

Phillip Tomasso,
author of the legal thriller ADVERSE IMPACT
Profile Image for Marsha.
1,063 reviews4 followers
July 13, 2025
The whole legal system of this town is clearly a mess! But Mara, the main character works with and through it all and just keeps rolling with the punches! She finds herself In the midst of a retrial of a case from 10 years ago that has suffered various Injustices from the corrupt previous system. Mara has to work through lies and Conspiracies related to this case, and it's fun to watch prosecutors and defense lawyers try to work through the convoluted case.
And watching her take control of her own personal situation On top of it is fulfilling.
Profile Image for Lynn.
84 reviews3 followers
November 18, 2021
I alternated between reading and listening to this book. Maybe if I hadn’t listened the classic amateur writing style wouldn’t have been so glaring but I was driven crazy by the author’s constant back and forth of “I said” “He said” “She said.” It was so annoying that it took a lot away from the flow of the story. I think we learned in freshman writing classes to avoid this repetition. Other than that I felt the story was a good legal suspense.
Profile Image for Maryellen Linder.
90 reviews
August 12, 2023
Order in the Court

I am an avid reader. Lately some of the books I have chosen did not hold my interest or were poorly written or just plain silly. I had loaded this book on my Kindle and once I got started I couldn't put it down. I really liked the twists and turns and the battles Mara had to fight. It wasn't the same old, same old. Great story and writing. Finally a good choice for me too.
627 reviews5 followers
January 12, 2024
Excellent read - so many threads done well - the trial - so much testimony turns out to be lies How did the 2 teens get on the brother's radar - they figured it out. She is good mom and I like how Will is portrayed. Jason, I still feel he may be more involved or have more knowledge of things - Abby he seems to know she will not be a problem anymore - is there more to it than that Good development of other characters - Kenya, Melody, her 2 cops I could not stop reading until the last page
Profile Image for Clifton Rankin.
148 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2024
Because Assistant Prosecutor Mara Brent’s former boss was found to be corrupt, a nine-year-old brutal murder case must be retried in Robin James’, “Price of Justice.” Because of past misconduct the accused’s confession is thrown out, leaving the outcome of the trial in jeopardy. At the same time Brent’s estranged husband’s mistress is being attacked by his political machine causing tension in his and Mara’s already struggling relationship. Classic Robin James’ thriller. (297 pages)
35 reviews
July 10, 2025
so Read up on Mara Brent’s new cases as she continues to fight for Justice

As we read there are problems in the Brent home front but more importantly let’s read what kind of problems Phil’s suicide might have caused in one of the Prosecutions cases plus read if they can overcome those issues and how deep does it lay? What involvement do the King brothers have. Just keep reading and see all the twists and turns there are.
Profile Image for David Goldstein.
311 reviews3 followers
September 27, 2020
I've read several Robin James novels, and I can say that each has been different, extremely well-written, a great story, and so worth the time, energy and suspense lived through. Not sure I can add to this, so I'm only gonna say I await more from this talented author, and tell you that should do yourself a favor and hop aboard the Robin James Train. Get ready to be hook, line and sinkered into her world.
Profile Image for Nan Christine  Borton-Smith.
564 reviews12 followers
October 31, 2020
Read it... You’ll be glad you did😀

Robin James,former practicing attorney turned author, keeps the series fresh and new. If you like legal thrillers and/or serial sets this series packs a punch.
I love the main character Mara Brent, she is multifaceted and smart.
Please Ms James keep them coming
Profile Image for Darcy Mae.
57 reviews1 follower
January 8, 2021
I really loved this book! I’m excited for her next one to come out. I felt like the first in the series really lacked much character development, but this one really won me over. Gosh, I wish I could start it over and read it without knowing the outcomes. There was a lot of heart in this book and I feel like Mara Brent is a character with a lot of potential.
Profile Image for Amy Walker.
107 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2021
No objection here

Price of Justice read largely like the transcripts from a court trial. There were smatterings of activities outside the court room but just teasers making you want more about the characters and their daily struggles and not just the facts. Still the case was enough to keep me engaged and want to continue with the series to watch Mara to continue to grow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews

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