The Advocate's Daughter

by Alex Finlay, Anthony Franze

It's not who you know, it's what you know about them . . .

Among Washington D.C. power players, everyone has something to hide, including Sean Serrat, a Supreme Court lawyer. Sean transformed his misspent youth into a model adulthood, and now has one of the most respected legal careers in the country. But just as he learns he's on the short list to be nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court, his daughter, Abby, a talented and dedicated law student, goes missing.

When Abby's lifeless body is discovered shoved into a shelf at the Supreme Court Library, Sean is wracked with grief. Does her murder have anything to do with the secret he's been keeping for years? He follows the footsteps of his daughter's last days and stumbles over secrets within his own family – as well as the lies of some of the most powerful people in the country. People who will stop at nothing to prevent Sean from exposing the truth . . .

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction, Suspense

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 10, 2021

About the author

ALEX FINLAY is the bestselling author of several acclaimed novels, including the 2026 instant national bestseller, THE ANNIVERSARY. His work regularly appears on best-of-the-year lists and has been translated into twenty-eight languages and sold around the world. Alex’s books have been optioned or in development for film and television, including his 2025 instant bestseller, PARENTS WEEKEND, which was recently acquired for adaptation to the screen. Alex lives in Washington, D.C.

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a legal thriller revolving around the Supreme Court, set in Washington DC, written by Alex Finlay writing as Anthony Franze some years previously. 44 year old Sean Serrat is happily married to Emily, with 3 children, talented law student Abby, 14 year old Ryan and 7 year old Jack. He has just left the office of the Solicitor General to work in the private law firm of Harrington and Caine, for family reasons and finances, with rumours and speculation that he is set to become a supreme court justice, which he does not believe, convinced Senator Mason James will be nominated instead. Sean carries a secret from when he was 14 year old in Japan, where his father was a serving General in the Air Force. It has haunted him throughout his life, and he has never talked about it to anyone, not even his wife.

Abby had been trying to get in touch with him to discuss some matter, and all efforts to contact her since then have come to nought, so he goes to her apartment, only to find it trashed. The past is about to raise its ugly head when Sean, with his friend, Deputy FBI Director Frank Pacini, find Abby's dead body in the Supreme Court library. Her black boyfriend, the smart law clerk Malik Montgomery, is charged with her murder, although the evidence is at best circumstantial. Sean initially believes the right man has been charged, but soon begins to harbour doubts, his grief leading him to act irrationally in his need to find out what happened to Abby. Sean is to find there was a lot he didn't know about Abby, is surprised to see Kenny again for the first time since Japan, in this story of murder and where everyone has secrets.

This is an enjoyable and entertaining legal thriller, full of information about legal Supreme Court procedures and history, and which I thought of as a 3 star read until the last quarter of the book when it became 4 stars for me. I recommend this novel of twists and turns to crime and mystery readers. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

[Auđur · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*

[Jazz Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sean is an appellant lawyer. After not hearing from his daughter he and his wife become nervous, Sean calls an FBI buddy to help him find her. So when her lifeless body is found Sean is on the hunt for answers. Only problem is the answers he is given don't satisfy him or his wife, so he continues his own investigation.

I have heard great things about this book and was so excited to read it I brought it right to the tope of my list, a legal thriller great! The story does have some great parts and I must say they were actually centred around the son and his side storyline. Sean on the other hand just wasn't great as a lead protagonist. When we find out his secret quite early on in the book I found it really difficult to connect or sympathise with him. Where as Emily his wife would of made such a better lead.

There are good elements of the book, the who done it part honestly I took a stab in the dark and guessed the correct murderer yet I had zero rationale as to why. I actually quite enjoyed the big reveal it has to be said. I also enjoyed some of the legal history (probably because I'm a law geek myself) it was really interesting learning about the Supreme Court.

It would of been great to of had flash backs throughout the story to learn what happened to Abby because of how brutal everything was I just felt we didn't get to learn all the details. Although something the author does exceptionally well is writes the prose in short chapters and manages to leave us on a cliff hanger at the end of most. Trying to find a point to stop for a nap was extremely tricky as I got to the end of the chapter and then wanted to know what the next chapter said straight away! It is very cleverly written that way.

The thriller elements of the book were sprinkled in throughout. I had quite a few omg moments that had me re reading the page as things seemed to come from no where. There were some moments I wanted more of and felt were rushed over. Jts clear the author has purposely made this a fast paced book, at times I wanted more or needed more. As although it is a fast paced book there are some chapters that are just lacking and slow. It's hard to explain .


I liked this book, I didn't love it but I would read other work by this author. I just kind of wish that our protagonist was Emily instead, but I do tend to read alot of female lead books (could be my unconscious bias). I found it was quite easy to get through and managed to finish within a a day. I don't think I will be recommending it but it's quite a niche area of interest. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 stars

Thanks to Netgalldy, Alex Finlay and Head of Zues publishers for the reviewers digital copy of the advocates daughter in exchange for my fair and honest opinions

[Mairi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good solid legal thriller centred around the Supreme Court. Entertaining enough to read in a single sitting with likeable characters and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing.

[Zoe Kindle Queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alex Finlay writing as Anthony Franze in this legal thriller, I have been reading all of Finlays back catalogue and this one based in and around the Supreme Court did not disappoint.

We follow Sean and his family after their daughter Abby is murdered, Sean discovers Abby had become aware of a thirty year old secret of Sean and some friends involved with the death of a shopkeeper when he was fifteen. Sean is convinced the police do not have the right suspect in custody and leaves no stone unturned in his quest for justice for his daughter

[Hitesh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sean, a fortunate individual with a loving wife and three children, found himself in a state of gratitude. His wife possessed immense potential as a Supreme Court Lawyer, while their daughter Abby was enthusiastically treading the same path in the field of law.

However, a distressing event unfolded when Abby went missing one day. Sean and his wife tirelessly searched for her, but their efforts proved fruitless. Initially, Sean speculated that Abby's absence was due to an overwhelming workload and academic commitments. Consequently, he decided to visit Abby's residence, only to be taken aback by its dilapidated state. Nonetheless, their quest to find Abby remained unsuccessful.

During his early years spent in Japan, Sean had engaged in activities that would forever haunt him, especially given his profession as a Supreme Court Lawyer. This gripping book managed to captivate my attention, providing intricate details about the Supreme Court and the nomination process in a manner that remains accessible to those unfamiliar with the subject matter, without oversimplifying it.

The story-line was compelling and full of surprising turns, although I must admit that certain parts left me slightly perplexed. Nevertheless, I consider it an good read overall. You may not miss anything, even if you skip this one.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. The ending was just okay for me. I was surprised the police chief was Juan's dad, but I didn't really care. It was a bit of a let down.
I wanted to learn more about who killed the girl that Chadwick was in prison for.
Also, there was a bit too much info about the US legal system.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started like a dry political drama and the first 50 pages were a bit of a slog. Then it spun into an enjoyable thriller murder mystery written by the author with clear knowledge of the US Supreme Court. Some scenes were a bit unbelievable but overall a good read.

[Lozz’s Random Reads McKenzie - Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loss, Revenge, Suspense, & Political Intrigue

Alex Finlay is an expert in drawing out the tension and drama in his stories.
Always excellently researched when it comes to their settings.


Mainly because he takes the time to flesh out all his characters no matter how small.

He also takes the time to give as insight into the human emotional psyche when dealing with grief and loss., and A hole politicians.


When tragedy strikes the family of Lawyer, Sean Serrat.
He finds it impossible to not find out the circumstances.
In doing so, Sean has to deal with the dark underbelly of Washington D.C. at the same time new nominations are call for the Supreme Court.

And nominees all go to great length to hide their past.

Two nominees pasts in particular, may have pushed Sean’s daughter, Abby, into the orbit of of two of these people.

One, involving Sean, and an incident that happened when he was fourteen, in Japan that starts this book off.

Another slow burning , page turning, suspenseful thriller from Alex, that just builds, and builds as we, the reader, become more, and more engaged with the goings on with the Serrat’s fight for justice for their daughter as they try and protect their two young boys.

Five stars

[Shikin Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Advocate’s Daughter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Living with 3 children and a beautiful wife with promising bright career as a Supreme Court Lawyer, did make Sean one of the luckiest person. Abby, his daughter also following his steps in pursuing Law.

However, Abby was missing one day, Sean and his wife trying to looking for Abby but they didn’t find it. At first, Sean thought that Abby might be buried under her workload and studies, so he did went to Abby’s house and surprised with the house ramshackle. But still they unable to find Abby.

They tried to trace Abby’s boyfriend Malik, however Malik’s claimed that he just sent Abby to the court library after having some arguments.

Well, Sean did something in his early age while staying in Japan. As one who working as Supreme Court Lawyer, having past in unacceptable and it will haunted you forever.

[Kay Cugini · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book very absorbing, it is really well written in that it is detailed about the Supreme Court and nomination process but in a way that makes it easy to follow if you are not familiar with the subject but it does not dumb it down.
The storyline is very good and twisty, but I have to admit there were parts I found a little confusing (Spoiler alert) am I missing something obvious about how Chipotle Man fitted in to it all? or was he just a pawn for set ups and blackmail? I also couldn't help feeling Abby's death took a back seat, I didnt feel the devastation to the family.
Overall a very good read, just lacked a little on those points for me.

[Meryn Creasman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this legal thriller! I didn’t know much about the story other than the basic description, so I really had no idea where the story was going! Sean, our main guy, is a Supreme Court lawyer. He has gone through his own life trauma as a young boy, but buried that deep inside. It comes back full force when his daughter goes missing shortly after he is put on the short list to be nominated to the Supreme Court. The story had lots of twists, but none that seemed out of place. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys legal thrillers!

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid thriller from the early stages of Alex Finlay's career.
I loved Every Last Fear, and when I learnt he had wrote legal thrillers, I couldn't request them quickly enough!
This book is centred around the Supreme Court, an area which I know a little, and Finlay clearly knows a lot! I have learnt a lot from this book, but this could be forgotten rather quickly.

[A.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd to read a book about the US Supreme Court when it is so much in the news at present. I can't say that Sean Serrat grabbed my sympathy as the main character: for a lawyer, he seemed to have little respect for the law when it came to himself and his family.

[Kizzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ik ben een fan zijn boeken die hij schrijft onder de naam Alex Finlay.

Dit boek gaat over een moord op een jonge vrouw in de omgeving van de hoogste gerechtelijk macht van USA. Voor mij een interessant uitgangspunt en volgens mij ook goed gerealiseerd!

[Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A legal thriller with the Supreme Court of the USA being the 'back drop'....an easy fast read.

[Mercy Sakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A possible Supreme Court Justice nominee, a daughter is murdered, secrets surface. Will his past come to light? Will Malik be jailed? Will James get his uppance? So many possu

[Pam Negoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars…good book

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading it under Anthony Franze

[Ilona · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5 listened to jul/aug 2024. Another thriller by Finlay/Franze. A father who is up for Supreme Court nomination daughter is killed. Does it relate to his past when he was involved in a murder. The whole family becomes involved

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed

[Fatima Naylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

[Autumn Ridenour · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Amy McCourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling mystery but dang, so many dumb decisions and actions from an otherwise smart and savvy MC. Still, I did not see that ending coming and was very invested in the storyline.

[Amy Moulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the twist and turns

[Georgia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.9

[Martha Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars. Excellent read. I haven’t read the first book in this series but that didn’t cause any issues (back stories, inside jokes…).