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No secret stays buried forever.When a Denver judge is brutally slain, Detective Sarah Spillman inherits her biggest case yet. Discovered with the body is a your judgment is coming. Who would want to murder a judge whose reputation for integrity and fairness is well-known?No sooner do Sarah and her team delve into the case than a killer strikes again, the victim another judge. An identical note is found at the crime scene, however, no link appears to exist between the two judges. Sarah’s instincts tell her there is more to the murders than meets the eye.

But with so many possible leads and so little time, and with the public pressure they’re under, can she catch a killer before the killer dishes out his brand of judgment again?

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2021

1045 people are currently reading
57 people want to read

About the author

Renee Pawlish

113 books346 followers
From the time she was ten and tried to write her own detective series in the fashion of the Hardy Boys, Renée Pawlish has been developing her craft. Along with creative writing classes, Renée studied great writers like Dashiell Hammett, Rex Stout, Stephen King, Sue Grafton and many more. Once Renée graduated from college, she began her first novel. Now, all these years later, she has penned numerous books in a variety of genres.

Renée was born in California, but has lived most of her life in Colorado. When she's not hiking, cycling, or chasing ballplayers for autographs, she is writing mysteries and thrillers. She also has some middle grade novels waiting to be published.

Renée loves to travel and has visited numerous countries around the world. She has also spent many summer days at her parents' cabin in the hills outside of Boulder, which was the inspiration for the setting of Taylor Crossing in her novel Nephilim: Genesis of Evil.

The Reed Ferguson Mystery Series
This Doesn't Happen In The Movies
Reel Estate Rip-off

The Nephilim Trilogy
Nephilim Genesis of Evil
Books Two and Three soon to be released

The Noah Winter YA Adventure Series
The Emerald Quest

Take Five
A short story collection that includes a Reed Ferguson tale.

The Sallie House: Exposing the Beast Within
A non-fiction book about one of the most haunted houses in America.

To learn more you can follow her on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/reneepawlish....

on her blog:
http://tobecomeawriter.wordpress.com/

on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/reneepawlish

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5 stars
577 (66%)
4 stars
240 (27%)
3 stars
52 (5%)
2 stars
4 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
52 reviews
June 11, 2021
Renee Pawlish is a talented author who can write a good, clean mystery with plenty of twists and sidetracks to keep the reader guessing; and she does it without explicit language. I first met Detective Sarah Spillman in the Reed Ferguson mysteries and loved her. I am really glad she has her own series and have enjoyed witnessing the growth in her character as well as the other characters in her world. This investigation deals with finding a connection between murder victims and whether there is a relation to current or past events. And why on earth would a potential third victim refuse police protection? You will have to read the book to find out! I highly recommend this series and the Reed Ferguson mysteries, a lighter, more humorous collection.
Profile Image for Albert.
134 reviews1 follower
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June 9, 2021
I Judge this to be another hit for Renee Pawlish


This is another great addition to the Sarah Spillman series. This time the victims are high profile judges and Sarah and her team are under pressure to solve the case.

Renee Pawlish has produced a polished, well written detective novel for the umpteenth time. This is one of her best series. The character of Sarah Spillman has grown and evolved through the five novels so far. She has become more likable and interesting as the story has gone along.

I think anyone would enjoy this story. Highly recommended.
116 reviews
June 9, 2021
Deadly Judgement, a Sarah Spillman mystery with police procedural elements, is a solid addition to the series by Renee Pawlish.

The murders are piling up and they are high profile, bringing pressure on Sarah and her team to solve them quickly. Is there a connection between victims and if so, what is it? Digging through the few clues left at the scenes isn't helping solve the crimes.

Discover for yourself how the mystery is solved and why the Sarah Spillman series are a favorite read for many.
61 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2021
Riveting mystery that will keep you guessing! You'll be hooked before the first chapter is done. This is the 5th book in the Sarah Spillman series and they just keep getting better. Sarah is a no nonsense detective with the Denver PD. Someone is killing judges and time is running out to find the killer. Are the cases related? Read and find out! This book can stand alone, but each book in the series builds on the personalities of the characters and it is interesting to see the dynamics between Sarah and her team. I highly recommend this book and Pawlish's other series as well
50 reviews
June 28, 2021
A series worth investing your time......

I waited until I was 5 books in to the series to review. I have enjoyed the series and will continue as more are written. Hawkish writes well,very few if any editing errors and very good and accurate with her presentation of police procedures. Spellman and her partners are very believable and as you progress through the series you feel like you actually know them. Bottom line.... Read all the books and while you're waiting for the next book start the Webb and Ferguson series.
Profile Image for Betty.
161 reviews
June 9, 2021
Deadly Judgment is the latest novel in the Sarah Spillman mystery series by Renee Pawlish. The team has not one but two Denver judges who have been murdered. The only obvious connection between the murders is the threatening notes received by each judge. Lots of twists and turns as the team investigate. Another hit for Renee Pawlish. I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Get a copy to enjoy for a great summer read!!!
Profile Image for Scott Kalas.
536 reviews10 followers
November 28, 2021
A series I can stick with, I hope

My lack of brain cells were noted when I found out I’m like 6 books I’m guessing behind 😱

Thankfully it will be a streak of Goodreads.

I like the Spillman series, it’s clean but has a good number of characters too. Spillman is a good cop but not the I am woman here me now cop or what ever character some females have in books these days.

I like good women characters, not Rambo type characters and the same for men characters. Good is best.
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews12 followers
July 3, 2023
Suspense Filled Who Dunnit
This book is the 5th in a series of police procedurals that should be read in order. Each book is a complete mystery, but the background story evolves over time. In this episode, someone is picking off judges and the clock is ticking! I am enjoying this series of clean police procedurals that have no swearing, little violence, and no open-door sex. This story really kept my brain engaged! I have been binge-reading the series and the books just keep getting better!
Profile Image for Bev.
3,272 reviews98 followers
June 10, 2021
Sarah Spillman has her biggest case with the murders of high-power judges. There are odd notes left behind at each killing. Can she and her team figure out the who and the why in time to save any more judges? The answer will surprise you. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. Bravo Renee! Another great story in this series.
117 reviews
March 26, 2024
Best one so far

I've read all of them and this one gets a review. I put up with Diane crap waiting for more. This one finally fulfilled my expectations from the first books. I really didn't care if she ever liked her sister, I still don't like mine, but Harry was a different matter!!! Thanks for this!
332 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2021
A Fantastic Mystery

This is one of the best books I've read in years. I loved the characters and plot and never guessed the ending. Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Profile Image for Ellen.
224 reviews11 followers
August 3, 2021
Highly recommend!

Kept me reading, it was so well written it's hard to describe. Fantastic story, highly accurate, good characters, and an ending you will be quite surprised with....loved it and I pre-ordered the next book. Do yourself a favor, READ this book.
179 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2022
Cannot stop reading

This story is very compelling to keep reading. It develops in a way that makes you think about who's the guilty one. An enjoyable read that you don't want to put down.
Profile Image for Alice Vaughn.
130 reviews
May 10, 2022
Wonderful series!



This is fast paced well written book that continues showing Sarah's expertise at her job. Most detective work is super boring and repetitive but the good can decipher what really happens and solve their case.
24 reviews
December 18, 2022
Another great book in the Sarah Spillman series! Engaging and challenging from the start. Sarah and her team are driven and persistent and it pays off in a twist at the end. As the series continues more is revealed about the personal lives of the team. Great writing!
286 reviews3 followers
June 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this one especially the ending. I’ve read lots of cop/FBI female characters and they are always flawed in how they handle relationships, sometimes to the extreme. I appreciate the more tempered version here and Sarah’s self awareness and reflection and growth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
101 reviews
January 21, 2024
A truly great read

Interesting plot, great characters, police procedural that reads like it might have actually happened. The ending is filled with suspense and may need a wrap up in the next book.
Profile Image for Asia Robinson.
1 review
July 13, 2024
Obessed

I don’t leave a lot of reviews in books, but I have been obsessed with both Reed’s novels and Spillman. Very well written, and detailed without using a bunch of Jargon. Reed and Spillman have places in my heart!
Profile Image for Becky .
599 reviews16 followers
June 9, 2021
Pawlish has delivered another hit in the Sarah Spillman series. Well plotted and interesting. Some happy news in it too. One of my favorite series!
Profile Image for Renee Boomershine.
38 reviews
June 9, 2021
This is another great addition to the Sarah Spillman series. I love this character and this series of mysteries.
180 reviews
June 13, 2021
Good series

Like the other books in this series, this is a good read. There are enough twists and turns to keep it interesting.
76 reviews
June 19, 2021
Go Sarah & Team

Sarah and her team, yet again get results with teamwork, consistency, diligence and this book has plenty of twists and turns and a love story too.
219 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2021
I really enjoy this series. Sarah became even more "real" to me in this book. trying to figure out why someone was murdering judges was really a challenge for the team!
Profile Image for Marla.
583 reviews5 followers
November 18, 2021
This is the best book in this series so far! I can’t wait to start the next book!
Profile Image for taffykathiegmail.com.
578 reviews
January 16, 2022
Love will always be there

A story filled with fear for life. Can the killer find all those who put him behind bars. They will pay
1 review
February 15, 2022
Spill an mysteries

Always entertains, holding the readers attention. Hope that Detective Spillman continues her journey.
Good reading with lots of options before the ending.
Profile Image for Cheryl Killion.
19 reviews
June 17, 2022
I'm enjoying the Sarah Spillman mystery series. Love a good mystery/crime drama.
347 reviews
December 25, 2022
Detectivez

As you Bo detectives lives are not their own when there's been a murder nd Renee Hawkish has written an impressive book that will leave you turning the pages. Read!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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