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Beyond Malice
Nora Royce, a sexy associate in a prestigious Los Angeles law firm, is accused of brutally murdering a partner's wife, and the legal community does not hesitate to throw her to the wolves.
With nowhere to turn, her only chance at a defense is with her estranged older sister, Amanda Cross. Amanda, armed with a tenacious spirit, no leads and no criminal defense experience, must defend her sister from what the D.A. claims is an open-and shut case. With the help of a handsome assistant-for-hire with a chip on his shoulder, this outgunned lawyer peels away the protective layers that cocoon the privileged few to reveal intentions that seem to be beyond reproach but are, in fact, beyond malice.
“Twisted with murder, intrigue, greed and romance with another shocking ending!”
With nowhere to turn, her only chance at a defense is with her estranged older sister, Amanda Cross. Amanda, armed with a tenacious spirit, no leads and no criminal defense experience, must defend her sister from what the D.A. claims is an open-and shut case. With the help of a handsome assistant-for-hire with a chip on his shoulder, this outgunned lawyer peels away the protective layers that cocoon the privileged few to reveal intentions that seem to be beyond reproach but are, in fact, beyond malice.
“Twisted with murder, intrigue, greed and romance with another shocking ending!”
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 1994
291 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Forster
48 books516 followersRebecca Forster began writing on a crazy dare and found her passion.
Now with over 40 books to her name, she is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling thriller author. Rebecca likes hands-on research and is a graduate of the DEA and ATF Citizens Academies. She is an avid court watcher, has taken numerous weapons courses, and even landed by tail hook on the USS Nimitz to make sure she has lived what she writes.
Rebecca is married to a Superior Court judge and is the mother of two grown sons. She resides in Southern California
Now with over 40 books to her name, she is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling thriller author. Rebecca likes hands-on research and is a graduate of the DEA and ATF Citizens Academies. She is an avid court watcher, has taken numerous weapons courses, and even landed by tail hook on the USS Nimitz to make sure she has lived what she writes.
Rebecca is married to a Superior Court judge and is the mother of two grown sons. She resides in Southern California
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 9, 2012
I have read other books by Rebecca Forster. I love her style, and the intrigue she puts into her characters and stories. But I will cry from the roof tops, Beyond Malice is one of the finest murder mysteries I have ever read!
We start with the premise. It is the year 1892 in San Francisco, Walter Dimsdale and Franklin Morris establish a Law Partnership of Dimsdale and Morris. In 1906 the offices were leveled by earthquake, and they moved down to Los Angeles. Mott was brought on with the death of Dimsdale, and today Dimsdale Morris and Mott still is the legal name of the company, run by four Senior Partners, Oliver Hedding, Don Forrester, Peter Sweeney and Lucas Mallory.
DM&M hosted three glorious days called 'Retreat' where every one of the Partners both Senior, Junior and Associates, some secretaries and paralegals, mingled with their spouses to be ‘seen.’
Nora Royce was a female lawyer being fast tracked to partner, her mentor being Lucas Mallory. Nora had it all, beauty and brains. She finished third in a class of 500 in Stanford, second in Harvard and had clerked for the Chief Justice of California’s Supreme Court. Nora Royce was probably the most hated employee through jealousy, that worked at DM&M.
Before the Ballroom doors were opened to announce dinner, the elevator doors opened and out stepped Ruth Mallory. All eyes were on her as they watched her fall, bleeding, trying to crawl to her husband Lucas. It was before him she took her last breath.
The cast grows as we meet Amanda Cross, nice to look at, nice to talk to, almost 40, divorced, a lawyer in Century City. She was sharing an office and trying to make it on her own. She had to take the bar twice to pass, had worked in the DA’s office and now was trying to eek out a living in her own practice. She cast no great dreams about herself, she felt she was mediocre and wanted to be known as the dependable one. Then the phone call came.
Nora Royce had been arrested for the murder of Ruth Mallory. She called the only one she could, when all turned away from her at the good company of Dimsdale. Morris and Mott. She called Amanda Cross, her sister.
The relationship between the two women is heartbreaking and just adds ‘more’ to this story. Amanda was 12 years older than Nora. I can relate as a sibling, when my parents had me, times were tougher than when my sister was born. I had homemade stuff, and my sister didn’t, and we were only 5 years apart. Well 12 years apart was like being in two different families.
Each girl actually was like an only child and never set up any kind of relationship except Amanda being tremendously jealous of Nora and all she got and achieved. There was Nora, feeling left behind by someone she wanted to know but didn’t. The saddest thing I think I read was Nora telling Amanda about their parents worrying about her, and Nora’s only wish was that they worried or talked about her when she wasn’t home. So sad. This trial will be the challenge of both of their lives.
Mark Fleming is introduced through a friend while the three share a table at lunch. He inserts foot in mouth reading a news article about Nora and doing a rant about her. After wearing the newspaper and a pepsi, he comes to Amanda and offers his services to help. He is a jack of all trades, not passing the bar and losing his fiancé the same day. She decided she did not want a loser and then he gave up trying. He has established himself in many areas doing a multitude of jobs that might be helpful.
One other player joins the team, Edward Ramsey. He worked for the firm and comes on board telling them he quit and can be of help. So now you know all the players, the scene is set. We don’t care if we solve the murder, all we have to do is cause reasonable doubt.
On a shoe string budget, with a ton of hutzpa, Amanda berating herself, her life, and her feeling of helplessness, still pushes forward. She is a bull dog, never taking no for an answer, even when the case is railroaded, the DA, her old boss, puts the trial on the the fast track with no delays or continuances allowed.
I could not put this book down. I tried to do things over the weekend and could get nothing accomplished, it was all the Book. Please read it, enjoy it, tell your friends about it…
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chairperson for the Paranormal Romance Guild
We start with the premise. It is the year 1892 in San Francisco, Walter Dimsdale and Franklin Morris establish a Law Partnership of Dimsdale and Morris. In 1906 the offices were leveled by earthquake, and they moved down to Los Angeles. Mott was brought on with the death of Dimsdale, and today Dimsdale Morris and Mott still is the legal name of the company, run by four Senior Partners, Oliver Hedding, Don Forrester, Peter Sweeney and Lucas Mallory.
DM&M hosted three glorious days called 'Retreat' where every one of the Partners both Senior, Junior and Associates, some secretaries and paralegals, mingled with their spouses to be ‘seen.’
Nora Royce was a female lawyer being fast tracked to partner, her mentor being Lucas Mallory. Nora had it all, beauty and brains. She finished third in a class of 500 in Stanford, second in Harvard and had clerked for the Chief Justice of California’s Supreme Court. Nora Royce was probably the most hated employee through jealousy, that worked at DM&M.
Before the Ballroom doors were opened to announce dinner, the elevator doors opened and out stepped Ruth Mallory. All eyes were on her as they watched her fall, bleeding, trying to crawl to her husband Lucas. It was before him she took her last breath.
The cast grows as we meet Amanda Cross, nice to look at, nice to talk to, almost 40, divorced, a lawyer in Century City. She was sharing an office and trying to make it on her own. She had to take the bar twice to pass, had worked in the DA’s office and now was trying to eek out a living in her own practice. She cast no great dreams about herself, she felt she was mediocre and wanted to be known as the dependable one. Then the phone call came.
Nora Royce had been arrested for the murder of Ruth Mallory. She called the only one she could, when all turned away from her at the good company of Dimsdale. Morris and Mott. She called Amanda Cross, her sister.
The relationship between the two women is heartbreaking and just adds ‘more’ to this story. Amanda was 12 years older than Nora. I can relate as a sibling, when my parents had me, times were tougher than when my sister was born. I had homemade stuff, and my sister didn’t, and we were only 5 years apart. Well 12 years apart was like being in two different families.
Each girl actually was like an only child and never set up any kind of relationship except Amanda being tremendously jealous of Nora and all she got and achieved. There was Nora, feeling left behind by someone she wanted to know but didn’t. The saddest thing I think I read was Nora telling Amanda about their parents worrying about her, and Nora’s only wish was that they worried or talked about her when she wasn’t home. So sad. This trial will be the challenge of both of their lives.
Mark Fleming is introduced through a friend while the three share a table at lunch. He inserts foot in mouth reading a news article about Nora and doing a rant about her. After wearing the newspaper and a pepsi, he comes to Amanda and offers his services to help. He is a jack of all trades, not passing the bar and losing his fiancé the same day. She decided she did not want a loser and then he gave up trying. He has established himself in many areas doing a multitude of jobs that might be helpful.
One other player joins the team, Edward Ramsey. He worked for the firm and comes on board telling them he quit and can be of help. So now you know all the players, the scene is set. We don’t care if we solve the murder, all we have to do is cause reasonable doubt.
On a shoe string budget, with a ton of hutzpa, Amanda berating herself, her life, and her feeling of helplessness, still pushes forward. She is a bull dog, never taking no for an answer, even when the case is railroaded, the DA, her old boss, puts the trial on the the fast track with no delays or continuances allowed.
I could not put this book down. I tried to do things over the weekend and could get nothing accomplished, it was all the Book. Please read it, enjoy it, tell your friends about it…
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chairperson for the Paranormal Romance Guild
September 7, 2010
This books starts out with an introduction of a “good old boys” legal firm where women are still the “little ladies” who are secretaries’ and second class citizens. When one of the partner’s wife is murdered; the mistress of a partner, the only female associate of the firm is arrested. Her sister, Amanda must step in to help her, but her legal skills are not quite up to par. This book started out good, and just got better as I read it. About half way through it I could not put it down until I finished it. The relationship between Amanda and Mark is so honest, at one point I wanted to reach through the book and slap Mark for Amanda. But then the next morning his gift for her melted my heart. I highly recommend this book. It will keep you wondering who did it, and rooting for Amanda to succeed.
June 5, 2016
A slow read until the last third where it, happily, improves. I nearly gave up but glad I kept going.
May 19, 2023
Beautifully
I’m not gonna lie I haven’t finished this book yet but I’m pretty sure it’s not going to take me long. I wanted to write a review before I could accidentally give anything away. There is nothing worse than reading a review from someone who then kinda gives away the ending.
This book is so full of description that it is easy to see the story in your mind. The characters described from their looks down to their characters and the rolls they play in this crime novel.
I’m reading this book because I have previously read Rebecca foresters work and I find her writing easy to follow and full of intrigue. I love how you don’t always know which way a story is going to go with her writing. I like to be surprised in reading crime novels. I don’t want to be taken the obvious route. Some familiarities are good or you wouldn’t go back to the same writer . However surprises are what can make or break a story. So far I’m still being surprised and I have no doubt this will go on to the end of the book as it has done with other books by this imaginative writer.
I don’t want to say too much about the story line because obviously folks will want to find that as they go along , but I love that this is based among the elite of the law firms . I loved the description at the beginning of the history of the law firm and how idealistic it was when it started and how although it is a respectable firm I think for me it is showing how just because something starts with huge morals doesn’t mean it stays that way when immoral people become involved. That’s where I’m thinking the story is kinda going. Maybe I’ll come and edit this review at the end of finishing the book if it’s possible.
So far it is interesting, intriguing and I’m hoping that it shows how the underdog can rise. But to be clear I don’t know if that’s the way the story is going it’s just where I hope it’s going. Whichever way it goes I’m pretty sure I’m going to be surprised with twists and turns in the story . To say it’s got me after the first few chapters is a positive in my book. Each character will come to life in your minds eye . It certainly is in mine.
May 16, 2023
Always root for the underdog.
It’s been years since attorney Amanda Cross has heard from her sister Nora. Nora was the successful sister, on the partnership tract of a high priced law firm. Amanda spends her days at the court house as the court appointed attorney for the downtrodden and indigent. So, after all this time, why was Nora calling her?
When she’s accused of the murder, Nora is deserted by the LA legal community. She has no choice but to turn to her sister. Suddenly, Amanda is competing with the power and money of the old boys club. She may not have their experience, but she’s determined to over turn every rock, expose every dirty secret. With only the assistance of her friend Mark as an investigator, Amanda is determined to prove her sister’s innocence.
Rebecca Forster has crafted a story full of intrigue and suspense. Suppositions are rampant and each page raises more questions. Using a large cast of characters, Ms. Forster skillfully guides the reader to where she wants them to go, then turns everything on its side with a surprise revelation. It’s a page turning novel that quickly sunk in its hooks and didn’t let go until the end.
Thank you to Rebecca Forster for a copy of #BeyondMalice. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s been years since attorney Amanda Cross has heard from her sister Nora. Nora was the successful sister, on the partnership tract of a high priced law firm. Amanda spends her days at the court house as the court appointed attorney for the downtrodden and indigent. So, after all this time, why was Nora calling her?
When she’s accused of the murder, Nora is deserted by the LA legal community. She has no choice but to turn to her sister. Suddenly, Amanda is competing with the power and money of the old boys club. She may not have their experience, but she’s determined to over turn every rock, expose every dirty secret. With only the assistance of her friend Mark as an investigator, Amanda is determined to prove her sister’s innocence.
Rebecca Forster has crafted a story full of intrigue and suspense. Suppositions are rampant and each page raises more questions. Using a large cast of characters, Ms. Forster skillfully guides the reader to where she wants them to go, then turns everything on its side with a surprise revelation. It’s a page turning novel that quickly sunk in its hooks and didn’t let go until the end.
Thank you to Rebecca Forster for a copy of #BeyondMalice. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 26, 2023
Upon completing my ARC of this fine work, my one single comment was WOW!!
This is a perfect example of an author who is on top of their game. Rebecca Forster has written a number of novels - I have read several of them and have yet to be disappointed. She sets herself an extremely high standard and delivers consistently.
I'm not in the habit of re-telling the story in my reviews - I rather present my opinions around my own reading experience with the work. This one ticks all the boxes : interesting and engaging characters, lovely descriptive work, brilliant dialogue, and a plot that offers bucketloads of intrigue, with unexpected twists aplenty. The author's prose is free-flowing and reads easily, making the reading experience thoroughly enjoyable, and she presents her tale in an authentic and credible manner, which can only be the result of many hours of hard work and exhaustive research.
This is a fine book indeed and I have no hesitation in awarding it five stars!!
This is a perfect example of an author who is on top of their game. Rebecca Forster has written a number of novels - I have read several of them and have yet to be disappointed. She sets herself an extremely high standard and delivers consistently.
I'm not in the habit of re-telling the story in my reviews - I rather present my opinions around my own reading experience with the work. This one ticks all the boxes : interesting and engaging characters, lovely descriptive work, brilliant dialogue, and a plot that offers bucketloads of intrigue, with unexpected twists aplenty. The author's prose is free-flowing and reads easily, making the reading experience thoroughly enjoyable, and she presents her tale in an authentic and credible manner, which can only be the result of many hours of hard work and exhaustive research.
This is a fine book indeed and I have no hesitation in awarding it five stars!!
February 25, 2023
What happens when two sisters, who are as different as night and day - complete opposites who don't share the same values, get caught up in a murder trial? In Beyond Malice, hard working, down-to-earth attorney Amanda Cross takes on the case of Nora Royce, her younger, more beautiful and privileged sister. Besides being an exciting legal thriller with twists and turns that keep you guessing, the story explores the relationship between two sisters who struggle with their ability to trust each other. Rebecca Forster fills her writing with vivid imagery and fully realized characters that come to life and give the reader the feeling of actually `being there'. Add to this the idea that the villain actually lives up to the book's title of being Beyond Malice and you have a page-turner you won't be able to put down. Highly recommended along with all of her other books.
May 28, 2023
I am a big fan of Rebecca Forster. I loved all the Witness books and grew to like the Finn O’Brien series as well. This one was quite different than her other books I’ve read. It was very slow to start with way too many characters – 13 introduced within the first 2 chapters! – so that none were able to be truly developed enough to make a connection with them. The accused was originally portrayed as strong, independent and self-assured. This was so different than what we actually came to witness; erratic behavior that was unexplained and seemingly very insecure and withdrawn. This was very confusing as it made no sense. The book seemed disconnected and that a lot of pieces of the story were missing. Fortunately after wading through over one third of the book, it did start to get interesting. For me, the ending was a surprise which I thought was clever.
April 6, 2023
Nora’s call was a surprise, they didn’t keep in touch, now hearing she was in jail.
Amanda thinking how her sister was smart, beautiful, police saying because
she was the husband’s mistress, guilty.
Nobody wanted to defend her because of where she worked.
Sisters so different, now they see how parents spoke of them,
anger came out, words that needed to be said. Amanda wasn’t trained
for this big media case, if she failed she’d be a mess with a sister in jail.
One look at her sister Nora, seeing she was desperate, could she say no.
It’s more then the case, it’s sisters seeing one another now as friends.
Given ARC for my voluntary review
Amanda thinking how her sister was smart, beautiful, police saying because
she was the husband’s mistress, guilty.
Nobody wanted to defend her because of where she worked.
Sisters so different, now they see how parents spoke of them,
anger came out, words that needed to be said. Amanda wasn’t trained
for this big media case, if she failed she’d be a mess with a sister in jail.
One look at her sister Nora, seeing she was desperate, could she say no.
It’s more then the case, it’s sisters seeing one another now as friends.
Given ARC for my voluntary review
July 2, 2023
I’ve read other books by this author and can honestly say this is one of my favorites. For those naysayers who didn’t like the main character, you must finish the book to appreciate the character development of Amanda Cross. As far as the other characters are concerned, keeping them all straight was difficult. I had to keep checking back to see who was who and where they fit into the picture. Not an easy task with an e-book.
The plot development was excellent and quickly led the reader to an unexpected, surprise ending. Beyond Malice is a page-turner and worth the read.
The plot development was excellent and quickly led the reader to an unexpected, surprise ending. Beyond Malice is a page-turner and worth the read.
June 5, 2017
Got better but hard to stick out
This book got better and a bit more fast-paced the last third but it was a bit of a struggle to get there. There were so many characters and so much background to cover that I struggled to develop any attachment to the main characters. I guessed the murderer pretty early on so no real twist in my mind. Overall just an okay read, but definitely not this author's best work.
This book got better and a bit more fast-paced the last third but it was a bit of a struggle to get there. There were so many characters and so much background to cover that I struggled to develop any attachment to the main characters. I guessed the murderer pretty early on so no real twist in my mind. Overall just an okay read, but definitely not this author's best work.
July 10, 2021
The first book I've read by Rebecca Feaster and it won't be my last. There is an intriguing mystery and very interesting characters. The relationship between the two sisters, Amanda and Nora, evolves from frosty or distant to an understanding. I am not sure that I see closeness in there future. Many of the characters are attorneys in a prominent law firm. They are the most despicable men. The twist at the end - I did not see coming. It's a very entertaining book.
April 26, 2023
Good read. I love the way Forster creates and brings to life her characters. She has an amazing way of writing legal dramas that just make love them. There were some slow parts to this book but nothing that would stop me from reading it. If you haven't read the Witness Series, you absolutely must give those a try!
May 1, 2023
This book held my attention from page 1.
I enjoyed the revealing of new facts as individuals were minded to reveal them. It all ended in a satisfying conclusion.
Do I want to believe that this scenario is possible outside fiction? No. Is it possible? Maybe. Most of the characters are not at all likeable, so I recommend you read it and decide for yourself!
I enjoyed the revealing of new facts as individuals were minded to reveal them. It all ended in a satisfying conclusion.
Do I want to believe that this scenario is possible outside fiction? No. Is it possible? Maybe. Most of the characters are not at all likeable, so I recommend you read it and decide for yourself!
May 5, 2018
The book was very slow at the beginning. It was not a page turner for me. As Amanda and Mark began to put the pieces together, the story was more exciting but not great.
I have read most of Rebecca Forster’s books and I was disappointed in Beyond Malice.
I have read most of Rebecca Forster’s books and I was disappointed in Beyond Malice.
May 13, 2021
Very good, entertaing
A legal thriller full of twists, surprising ending. It portraits lawyer's character faults and the worst of ambitions. How far a person can go to protect his company and everything he has worked for.
A legal thriller full of twists, surprising ending. It portraits lawyer's character faults and the worst of ambitions. How far a person can go to protect his company and everything he has worked for.
June 2, 2021
Disappointing
My first book by Forster might be my last. The writing was cumbersome; the characters were not likable; and the defense was shoddy (not knowing about Ruth’s divorce petition until midway through trial? Or who her divorce lawyer was? Not likely in the real world.)
My first book by Forster might be my last. The writing was cumbersome; the characters were not likable; and the defense was shoddy (not knowing about Ruth’s divorce petition until midway through trial? Or who her divorce lawyer was? Not likely in the real world.)
April 23, 2023
Another great book by Rebecca Forster holding you hostage until the end. Right back to the days of the good ‘ol boys keeping their wives in line all to the tune of doing as they please and at all cost. Definitely a must read for the suspense!
July 11, 2023
Rebecca has a unique writing style that keeps you wanting to read more and more. The way she uses adjectives to describe things is very different from other writers. Where she comes up with ideas I would like to know. I would love to meet her sometime
September 8, 2017
Excellent thriller!
Great story and tense plot that will keep you reading until the wee hours of the night before you leave it finished and you are satisfied. 😁
Great story and tense plot that will keep you reading until the wee hours of the night before you leave it finished and you are satisfied. 😁
March 9, 2020
It was a very great reading
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2021
Another great book I look forward to reading more of this authors books.
January 26, 2022
grear read
Rebecca’s done it again. If you are a fan of mystery, suspense and a romantic then this is the book for you. Kudos to the author.
Rebecca’s done it again. If you are a fan of mystery, suspense and a romantic then this is the book for you. Kudos to the author.
March 9, 2025
great read
Gripping and enjoyable reading, highly recommended, it’s the 2nd time I’ve read this as so good. Order your copy now
Gripping and enjoyable reading, highly recommended, it’s the 2nd time I’ve read this as so good. Order your copy now
May 4, 2025
Awesome
The book was well written and kept you guessing until the end. A fantastic read. Rebecca Forster does it again.
The book was well written and kept you guessing until the end. A fantastic read. Rebecca Forster does it again.
June 11, 2012
The law firm of Dimsdale, Morris and Mott has been doing business the same way since its establishment in San Francisco in the 1800's. A respectable firm, they now are located in Los Angeles and the current four senior partners run the firm with the same discretion and reserve expected of such a venerable establishment. There are two exceptions, they now allow female associates and once a year have a partner’s retreat where all the associates and most of the office staff are allowed to mingle with the senior partners for one weekend. This year the retreat is being held at the ritzy Regency Hotel in Beverly Hills, the founding partners would be turning in their graves if they knew.
During the last evening of the retreat, one of the senior partners’, Lucas Mallory's wife is murdered and a suspect is almost immediately arrested. The suspect is Nora Royce, one of the female associates with DM&M and considered a rising star and a favorite of all the partners.
Now considered an outcast by the entire legal community, Nora reaches out to the only attorney she thinks will help her, her sister Amanda Cross. Amanda has her own one person firm in Century City where she defends the cities downtrodden for a pittance of a fee.
Never close, now the two sisters must stick together to try to come up with a way to keep Nora out of prison. Aided by an independent legal aide/gofer/jack of all trades – Mark Fleming, Amanda takes on the case of her life to defend her sister and prove her own ability as an attorney.
Once again Ms. Forster gives us a legal thriller full of twists and turns and rich with characters that leap off the page. Each person, from the lead character to the smallest bit character is fleshed out and presented to the reader is such detail that by the end of the book, you feel as if you know them all.
Nora Royce is a tall, beautiful, confident, outspoken lady. She is a shark in the courtroom, lives in a beautiful condo, drives an expensive car and is hated by most of the female associates at DM&M. When we meet her she is full of life, disdainful of Amanda but knows she is her only hope. As her story unravels and the odds stack up against her, Nora seems to shrink right before our eyes. I have to agree with the associates, I don’t think she was a nice person.
Amanda is the opposite of Nora, she’s not beautiful – she might have been pretty at one time but now at 40 years old she is attractive. She is not successful; she has a small home, an old car and a small office suite she shares with the colorful owner of Maid for You, Consuelo Hernandez. Amanda is a competent attorney and at times feels overwhelmed by this case but valiantly shoulders through. She's not sure if Nora is innocent, but she is determined to give her the best defense she can.
Mark Fleming is a bit of a mystery at first, but as the story progresses we get his story. He is middle aged and wears his age well, he made it through law school but didn’t pass the bar exam, thus he is now a sort of legal mercenary for hire, just perfect for Amanda’s small firm. Sparks fly between Amanda and Mark from their first meeting and their interactions with each other were fun to watch.
We meet all four partners and their wives, each as different as day and night with only one thing in common, their complete and total loyalty to DM&M. These are not nice men and it’s obvious from the beginning that they are always going to present a united front.
Ms. Forster has the ability to take the reader on a journey full of twists and turns, passing out little bread crumbs along the way to lead one on only to quickly snatch them back and lead us down another path. I have accepted the challenge a number of times, each time thinking I have figured out the puzzle only to have Ms. Forster defeat me in the end. This time I was pretty sure I had figured out who had committed this horrible murder pretty early in the book. Ms. Forster was having none of that, and kept trying to pull me in another direction. I stuck to my guns. I’m proud to say, aha take that Ms. Forster, one for me, I got it right.
I highly recommend Beyond Malice to anyone who loves a true legal thriller; if you enjoy the chase, you will not be disappointed.
Reviewed as a Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Dual Review Team
During the last evening of the retreat, one of the senior partners’, Lucas Mallory's wife is murdered and a suspect is almost immediately arrested. The suspect is Nora Royce, one of the female associates with DM&M and considered a rising star and a favorite of all the partners.
Now considered an outcast by the entire legal community, Nora reaches out to the only attorney she thinks will help her, her sister Amanda Cross. Amanda has her own one person firm in Century City where she defends the cities downtrodden for a pittance of a fee.
Never close, now the two sisters must stick together to try to come up with a way to keep Nora out of prison. Aided by an independent legal aide/gofer/jack of all trades – Mark Fleming, Amanda takes on the case of her life to defend her sister and prove her own ability as an attorney.
Once again Ms. Forster gives us a legal thriller full of twists and turns and rich with characters that leap off the page. Each person, from the lead character to the smallest bit character is fleshed out and presented to the reader is such detail that by the end of the book, you feel as if you know them all.
Nora Royce is a tall, beautiful, confident, outspoken lady. She is a shark in the courtroom, lives in a beautiful condo, drives an expensive car and is hated by most of the female associates at DM&M. When we meet her she is full of life, disdainful of Amanda but knows she is her only hope. As her story unravels and the odds stack up against her, Nora seems to shrink right before our eyes. I have to agree with the associates, I don’t think she was a nice person.
Amanda is the opposite of Nora, she’s not beautiful – she might have been pretty at one time but now at 40 years old she is attractive. She is not successful; she has a small home, an old car and a small office suite she shares with the colorful owner of Maid for You, Consuelo Hernandez. Amanda is a competent attorney and at times feels overwhelmed by this case but valiantly shoulders through. She's not sure if Nora is innocent, but she is determined to give her the best defense she can.
Mark Fleming is a bit of a mystery at first, but as the story progresses we get his story. He is middle aged and wears his age well, he made it through law school but didn’t pass the bar exam, thus he is now a sort of legal mercenary for hire, just perfect for Amanda’s small firm. Sparks fly between Amanda and Mark from their first meeting and their interactions with each other were fun to watch.
We meet all four partners and their wives, each as different as day and night with only one thing in common, their complete and total loyalty to DM&M. These are not nice men and it’s obvious from the beginning that they are always going to present a united front.
Ms. Forster has the ability to take the reader on a journey full of twists and turns, passing out little bread crumbs along the way to lead one on only to quickly snatch them back and lead us down another path. I have accepted the challenge a number of times, each time thinking I have figured out the puzzle only to have Ms. Forster defeat me in the end. This time I was pretty sure I had figured out who had committed this horrible murder pretty early in the book. Ms. Forster was having none of that, and kept trying to pull me in another direction. I stuck to my guns. I’m proud to say, aha take that Ms. Forster, one for me, I got it right.
I highly recommend Beyond Malice to anyone who loves a true legal thriller; if you enjoy the chase, you will not be disappointed.
Reviewed as a Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Dual Review Team
February 24, 2021
I tried to give this novel five stars but I made a mistake and could not remove the four star rating. It definitely deserves five stars. The plot started out slowly but the moved along and I had a difficult time putting it down. There were lots of twists and turns and it was impossible to guess the ending. I really enjoyed this author.
August 12, 2020
I have read several of Ms. Forster's books, and generally I have found them to be quite good. This was a huge disappointment. There is action at the beginning and at the end separated by 200 pages of soap opera. The relationship between the two sisters was important and interesting, but not to the extent that it was rehashed throughout the book.
I am not a lawyer, but I find it hard to believe that an attorney who had insulted and browbeaten her client, to say nothing of her witnesses, would be able to get any information. Had it not been for Mark she would have gotten nothing from Kitty.
Additionally, it appeared that spacing between scenes was missing in the Kindle version. It took me a while to realize that a sudden change in orientation of the narrative was the result of a change of scene.
The Perry Mason style of the climax was absurd. Erle Stanley Gardner she is not.
I am not a lawyer, but I find it hard to believe that an attorney who had insulted and browbeaten her client, to say nothing of her witnesses, would be able to get any information. Had it not been for Mark she would have gotten nothing from Kitty.
Additionally, it appeared that spacing between scenes was missing in the Kindle version. It took me a while to realize that a sudden change in orientation of the narrative was the result of a change of scene.
The Perry Mason style of the climax was absurd. Erle Stanley Gardner she is not.
November 7, 2020
Extraordinary Read
Amanda must defend her sister in a murder trial. She is outgunned as the entire legal community is against them. The author paints vivid mental images with her words. Who done it? As the tale unfolded, I was unable to predict the culprit until the very end. I like the legal action, humor and romance. This is a gripping story of arrogance, betrayal, discovery, and love.
Amanda must defend her sister in a murder trial. She is outgunned as the entire legal community is against them. The author paints vivid mental images with her words. Who done it? As the tale unfolded, I was unable to predict the culprit until the very end. I like the legal action, humor and romance. This is a gripping story of arrogance, betrayal, discovery, and love.
March 4, 2014
Lawyers
I started reading Rebecca Forster's Witness series and couldn't wait for each new one to come out. Once I read all of those, I knew I had to read the rest of her books. Believe me this one didn't disappoint. Can't wait to read the next one.
I started reading Rebecca Forster's Witness series and couldn't wait for each new one to come out. Once I read all of those, I knew I had to read the rest of her books. Believe me this one didn't disappoint. Can't wait to read the next one.
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