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The smell of tobacco brings Sarah closer to the ghosts of her past…

It all started with a call.

Federal Prosecutor Sarah Cross knows she should have turned down detective Lee Black's request for help. When a respected politician from her hometown is found murdered, all clues point to the estranged, cheating husband. Until they don't.

Forced to revisit the demons of her past that she vowed never to touch again, Sarah is pushed back onto a path she has been running away from. Amidst a political scandal that threatens to uproot the county's legal department, she must erase her name from the list of a notorious mafia boss. And in a race against time, she has to save her daughter from the clutches of her childhood nightmare...

467 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2020

179 people are currently reading
61 people want to read

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Freya Atwood

64 books70 followers

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5 stars
182 (56%)
4 stars
104 (32%)
3 stars
32 (9%)
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5 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Tam.
2,179 reviews54 followers
August 25, 2020
Great, multi-faceted characters. Very interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. I felt every emotion. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last. Simply a GREAT read!
Profile Image for Sharon.
717 reviews7 followers
July 16, 2020
A very good start to a series. Sarah has been through some bad times. Now she is having marital problems and has a daughter to protect. Detective Lee Black has asked for her help in a mind-blowing murder case. She has had to deal with her own demons in the past. Will they get the best of her? Is she strong enough to fight them off? Will they catch the murderer? We have strong female leads, intrigue, mystery, suspense, courtroom drama. If you like thrillers, you will love this. This story will hold your attention from start to finish. Fleshed out characters, good plot construction, and well written.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
Profile Image for Sherry Sias.
660 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2020
Wow! Amazing!!

This was an amazing read by Freya Atwood! Very suspenseful. You learn about Sarah Cross during her murder investigation into a local politician. How her past made her into the person she is today. How you can overcome and be a strong person, despite your childhood. This gave me all the feels and chills. The revelations at the end. Definitely recommend this to everyone.
Profile Image for Arlena.
3,483 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2020
Title: Blood Trial: A Legal Thriller
Authors: Freya Atwood & Cobalt Fairy
Publisher: F. A. & C. F.
Series: Sarah Cross Legal Thriller Series Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Blood Trial" by Authors: Freya Atwood & Cobalt Fairy

My Speculation:

Was this a good start to this series: Sarah Cross 'Legal Thriller Book One in Blood Trial?' Yes, this was a thriller that will keep you turning the pages for more, as this story will hold your attention! Sarah Cross, a Federal Prosecutor, was one not to be played with as she teams up with Detective Lee Black in one 'mind-blowing murder case.' Sarah had a lot to deal with as her past that comes back to haunt her; she is also an alcoholic and having marriage problems didn't help. Be ready for a little bit of it all from: 'lead strong female, mystery, thriller, intrigue, suspense, love, hate, evil, compassion, guilt, twists and turns, along with a heck of a courtroom drama.' The author presented the reader with some well-developed characters in this well-written story. This Legal Thriller will definitely have you looking forward to the next book in the series.





Profile Image for Evelyn Dotson.
2,071 reviews17 followers
November 3, 2022
Sarah Cross is a high-profile attorney, a wife, and mother. She is dedicated to her job in the DA’s office. She works long and brutal hours. Her past hits her at different moments. It has caused her immense pain, PTSD (undiagnosed), alcoholism, nightmares, panic attacks, and more to this day. No one else truly knows what happened except her perpetrator, who is dead, and herself. Another successful attorney is murdered in her home. When her past is brought forth, she had a secret life, as well. Her husband is the top suspect, but there is so much more to his story. Sarah will involve herself with very dangerous men who works with another very dangerous man. More murders will occur that will be able to be tied into the one she is investigating. Along the way, she will discover things about her husband, that if known, could put him at risk. She is putting so much on the line to find answers…answers she will really not want to know in the end. For, she will discover her past was a lie to a degree…and what she thought was truth, will not come to slap her reality into focus. Will she find the true murderer? Will she be able to cope with the trauma and answers to her past? This is a very intense story with a twisted plot that will leave you in tears for the injustice done too many~
1,761 reviews12 followers
May 22, 2021
This is the 1st book in the series that I have read and it won't be my last.

In this story, Sarah is called to a murder scene in the early morning. While at the scene, she smells a different odor which cause her to feel faint. The prime suspect is this person's husband and Sarah's boss, the D.A., is pushing her to end the case quickly and find evidence supporting the husband's guilt, Sarah, along with the the Lt. assisting, follow all the clues and in the end she is not convinced the husband is guilty. In area where she visit, she also comes into contact with that same odor she observed at the murdered victims location.

Sarah is able to convince her boo that she needs additional time and that there is another person who should be considered in place of the husband. All of the evidence is gathered and the trial starts. Information brought out at the trial leads to an unexpected event.

To discover who the killer is, what the odor reminds Sarah of and what is the event that happens during the trial, then you must read this book. The ups and downs which Sarah goes through along with her family life come to the front.
Profile Image for DianaRaven.
1,321 reviews8 followers
May 25, 2022
BLIND TRIAL by Freya Atwood is the third installment in the Robin Lane Legal Thriller series. Complex characters with real human flaws make this story even more interesting. The suspense, turns and twists keep you turning pages to find the answers. I was drawn into the story from the first page and you will be too.

Robin Lane is a brilliant Chicago defense attorney that relocated back to her home town. Now her life is upside down -- One brother is dead and one brother arrested for his murder.  Robin is trying hard to defend her brother, but all the evidence points to her brother.

This book has a storyline filled with endless action, drama, and great court scenes, along with a twisted ending! I couldn’t put it down it was so good. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series!  The Mob, FBI?  I can hardly wait to see were Robin's story goes next.  

I did receive an ARC of this book from the author and the above is my freely give review.
72 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2020
Refreshing approach

This is the first book I have read by Freya Atwood and won't be the last. The characters are flawed and likeable easy to relate to. Sarah is the best and most successful prosecutor and Lee is a top detective. Blood Trial is mainly about Sarah, her life and her past. I really enjoyed the family dynamic. Many books I read do little more than mention a family and usually children are babies or toddlers. In Blood Trials, the reader is entertained by thirteen year old Victoria who is almost more parent than child and brings a touch of humor to the drama that begins to unfold between her parents. Also a court scene near the end of the book is detailed. I felt like I was in the courtroom watching the machinations of the lawyers. This is the first book in a series and I look forward to reading all of the others.
Author 4 books6 followers
November 4, 2020
Excellent characterization from Freya Atwood and Cobalt Fairy. I loved Vicky and Sarah. Their relationship is fascinating. Sarah calling Vicky pixie gives us an idea of how she sees her daughter. Carl's a jerk and I hate him. The chemistry between Sarah and Lee is more intense than the cases they solve. Although some of that may be because they haven't acted on it...yet. The romantic subplot doesn't detract from the story but does give much-needed levity and hope when everything else seems to be a dumpster-fire. Sarah's past stirs up trouble as it collides violently with her personal and professional lives.
266 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2022
Was justice served?

Sara is a prosecutor, the best at what she does, but she's carrying hard secrets that led her to a breakdown. She's barely recovering from alcoholism when she discovered her husband infidelity. Her past has come to haunt her but she has a rock to support her in lieutenant Black. Up and downs in a murder that inexorably led to her past. The killer was her brother who had abused her for six long years. He was a monster but he was made one by their own father. So, will his death brought up justice? Maybe to his latest victims, but what about them? Ready for the next thriller in this series.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews62 followers
September 18, 2020
Sarah Cross is a Federal Prosecutor--but does help local law enforcement on occasion. Something told her she should not take the job--but take it she did. It turned out to be her forever nightmare--ever since she was a young girl!

What transpires will throw you for a loop--it certainly did her! Many, many twists and turns as the truth about the murdered politician is uncovered.

The ending may bring tears to your eyes as Sarah hears a different take on her childhood and how and why it all happened the way it did.
119 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2020
Legal Thriller

Awesome story,hooked to the end.
Sarah and Lee make an awesome partnership and have you hooked with more than just a crime. The story is so real you feel like you are the invisible partner .I love that they each have flaws making them real hard nose characters. Life is not easy and our characters have a tough life just being who they are.
The story is has it all, good verse evil, love and hate, compassion,guilt and s I me laughs in between.
I highly recommend the book and give Freya 5 stars on her
Profile Image for Nadine.
224 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2020
Law and Order in Nevada

Enjoyed Sarah the District Attorney and Lee the police detective. I liked that it wasn't about back stabbing, dirty cops. It was about a murder or should I say a couple of murders, family and the behind the scenes of what made them the way they were in an interesting roundabout way without my losing interest by taking too long (like this sentence). I am also gladnthat it didn't end in a cliffhanger. I will however choose to read the next book in this series due to my interest in these characters.
Profile Image for Darcy Mae.
57 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2021
Eh. This book didn’t even have an ending... it made me click on a link to read an extended book- but it didn’t work... strange. Honestly, this was an easy and fun enough read. Not super thought provoking or developed, but the writing itself wasn’t awful. I’m interested enough to read the next book and see where the series goes. It doesn’t compare to Dugioni’s Tracy Crosswhite series or either of Robin James’s legal thriller series’s, but I’m willing to read at least one more because it’s like bubblegum.
281 reviews2 followers
December 26, 2021
If you haven't read one of Ms. Atwood's books, you are missing out

This was such a good book. I love courtroom drama. This story started with a murder, then built up to all the poosible suspects and ended in the courtroom with a surprise ending. Ms. Atwood does a great job of building her characters you really get to know them. The story flows and you can't help but feel involved. It's exciting and the end never let's you down. This is the second book of Freya Atwood's that I have read and I can't wait to start another. I am sure if you like mysteries you will love this.
Profile Image for Nan Christine  Borton-Smith.
564 reviews12 followers
July 23, 2022
Beginning if a great series.

Legal thrillers of all kinds is one of my favorite genres. This is an interesting storyline with plenty going on in the background. Loved it !
It was a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️read.
I save 5 star rating for those books that you’ll read again and again for me Pillars of the Earth, IT, The Notebook and many more books and genres. There are many great reads on Kindle and with self publishing, Paul Pinkerton for example there are those stories you revisit literally, physically or both.
Profile Image for Jacob Peled.
529 reviews11 followers
April 8, 2022
I did not like the main character. What in the world am I interested in your stories about her attempts to stop smoking cigarette , and the fact that she was an alcoholic.
What does it all contribute to the story. Then while investigating a murder case, It was getting to a point that looked more to science fiction when another character is revealed who is related to the murder case. After 35%, I abandoned the book.
263 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2020
Loved it

I didn't know what to expect but I'm glad i read the book. I loved how Sarah Cross was written as a strong independent female who can handle herself. I really enjoyed the way the book was written. If you love a great legal thriller, read this one. ( I wanted to write a longer description, but I don't want to give the book away).
60 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2020
Blood Tells

A woman is shot and killed in her home. It turns out she was having an affair with a supposedly dead man. The prosecutor in the case is an alcoholic with husband troubles of her own. Is she up to working the case ? After both she and her family have been threatened ? And just wait until you get to the major twist in this story - it will blow your mind !
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,634 reviews9 followers
December 19, 2021
Grueling gritty and a little bit traumatizing

Sarah Cross defends a man suspected of killing his politician wife, a wife who had a double life. During the pendency of the criminal prosecution, Sarah is haunted by flashbacks to her childhood, and of discovering her murdered mother’s remains.
Profile Image for Abbie .
614 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2022
Horrific acts

Traumatized children, torture, alcoholism, attempted murder and murder are all raked through the media in this novel. The crimes of the past fuel the present acts of violence. Fresh Atwood skillfully weaves the plot and makes the characters feel real. Definitely a great author!
124 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2022
A Great Legal Challenge

This is book 1 of 3 in the series.

Sarah Cross believes that the husband is not the killer and needs time to find a different suspect.

This story has many twists and turns as the adventure unfolds. You will want to read the next two books to see how it ends.

I really enjoyed this book! And I think you will also.
8 reviews1 follower
Read
August 11, 2020
A very very interesting writer. Contemporary thriller with a very complex and well written plot, wonderful characters. I liked the book a lot and I am very interested in the next books.
I wish this author a long and successful career.
R.M.
43 reviews
August 16, 2020
Sarah Cross and Lee Black sizzle

Blood Trial is suspenseful, with twists and turns throughout. The characters are well developed and very interesting. Surprises throughout kept me engaged. Well written and developed. Will read this author again.
1,997 reviews23 followers
August 26, 2020
Different style

The writing format was like one I never seen before. Separate paragraphs. Interesting. Took some getting used to, which took time to get into the momentum of the story.
14 reviews
August 27, 2020
Suspense at it's finest!

Couldn't put the book down. It kept my attention right to the end and I wanted more! Great character development and plot! Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Keitha Johnson.
78 reviews
September 3, 2020
Exciting and intriguing

Wow. I love this exciting story following Sarah. Such great twists and turns in the story keep you wanting more and more. I can’t wait for book 2. Thank you Freya for a great beginning to what will I believe be a wonderful series.
54 reviews1 follower
September 14, 2020
Awesome!

This book is awesome! Language is a little over the top but the story is remarkable. Very lifelike in so many ways. The biggest problem I had was reading the extended stories. I couldn't get either offer. 😞
27 reviews3 followers
January 12, 2022
Riveting!

The fast pace of the story heightens the unknown, the suspense and causes the reader (me in this case) to stay up very late into the evening. My first time reading Freda Atwood. It certainly won’t be my last.
539 reviews4 followers
June 8, 2022
Lot’s of Twists

Well written and held my attention. The only reason I couldn’t say Five Stars is because I want my stories to end!!! I don’t want to have to buy next book and the next to get closure🤷
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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