What do you think?
Rate this book
Riversedge Law Club #1
In Her Defense
IN HER DEFENSE is the first book of a new legal drama series from former BIGLAW insider turned award-winning-author, Amy Impellizzeri.
Ingrid DiLaurio lives in Riversedge, New York, four express train stops from Manhattan. Don't be fooled: With its tree-lined Main Street, and quaint ambiance, Riversedge is only impersonating a small town. While it’s a place small enough for everyone to know each other’s secrets, few do.
The town revolves around the prestigious Riversedge Law Club, where deals are made and cases are resolved and where Ingrid DiLaurio - a former lawyer turned nationally recognized podcast host - has never once been made to feel welcome. When Ingrid’s husband, Peter, is found dead, and Ingrid's former friend, Opal, is arrested as the prime suspect, the press quickly seizes on Opal's past as a single mom and stripper. Ingrid’s first priority is protecting herself and her son, Drake, along with her business, from salacious gossip. But when Opal finds herself in desperate need of a defense lawyer, she tells Ingrid she wants to call in a “favor,” and Ingrid reluctantly returns to the law for one last case.
As the trial unfolds, Ingrid realizes quickly that she has taken on more than she bargained for, including Opal’s dark past, a corrupt judge, a blackmailing prosecutor, another dead body, and a black tinted car that follows her everywhere. In the end, it's clear that both women know more than they are letting on about Peter's death, but who will tell the truth first?
And is the truth what anyone really wants to hear?
Ingrid DiLaurio lives in Riversedge, New York, four express train stops from Manhattan. Don't be fooled: With its tree-lined Main Street, and quaint ambiance, Riversedge is only impersonating a small town. While it’s a place small enough for everyone to know each other’s secrets, few do.
The town revolves around the prestigious Riversedge Law Club, where deals are made and cases are resolved and where Ingrid DiLaurio - a former lawyer turned nationally recognized podcast host - has never once been made to feel welcome. When Ingrid’s husband, Peter, is found dead, and Ingrid's former friend, Opal, is arrested as the prime suspect, the press quickly seizes on Opal's past as a single mom and stripper. Ingrid’s first priority is protecting herself and her son, Drake, along with her business, from salacious gossip. But when Opal finds herself in desperate need of a defense lawyer, she tells Ingrid she wants to call in a “favor,” and Ingrid reluctantly returns to the law for one last case.
As the trial unfolds, Ingrid realizes quickly that she has taken on more than she bargained for, including Opal’s dark past, a corrupt judge, a blackmailing prosecutor, another dead body, and a black tinted car that follows her everywhere. In the end, it's clear that both women know more than they are letting on about Peter's death, but who will tell the truth first?
And is the truth what anyone really wants to hear?
- GenresLegal ThrillerAudiobook
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2022
15 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Amy Impellizzeri
10 books267 followersAfter 13 years in the cutthroat world of corporate law, including a decade at the top Manhattan law firm, Skadden Arps, Amy left in 2009 to advocate for working women, eventually landing at a VC-backed start-up company, Hybrid Her (named by Forbes Woman as a top website for women in 2010 and 2011), while writing her first novel, Lemongrass Hope (Wyatt-MacKenzie, 10/8/14), and her first non-fiction book, Lawyer Interrupted, published by the American Bar Association in 2015.
Today Amy is an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction, a podcast host, and a frequently invited speaker in writing and transitioning lawyer circles. Her essays and articles have appeared in The Huffington Post, ABA’s Law Practice today, Writer's Digest, Scary Mommy, Grown & Flown, & Drunk Monkeys among more. She is a Tall Poppy Writer, a faculty member in Drexel University's MFA Program, and a past President of the Women's Fiction Writers Association.
For events and news, subscribe to www.amyimpellizzeri.com.
Today Amy is an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction, a podcast host, and a frequently invited speaker in writing and transitioning lawyer circles. Her essays and articles have appeared in The Huffington Post, ABA’s Law Practice today, Writer's Digest, Scary Mommy, Grown & Flown, & Drunk Monkeys among more. She is a Tall Poppy Writer, a faculty member in Drexel University's MFA Program, and a past President of the Women's Fiction Writers Association.
For events and news, subscribe to www.amyimpellizzeri.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 19, 2022
This book was absolutely fabulous. Such a hybrid of strong women fiction and a suspenseful law drama they will leave you on the end of your seat. From the flawed characters, to the intricate web of stories, to the setting this book had it all
The first installment of RIVERSEDGE LAW CLUB centers around Ingrid. Ingrid is a former high powered lawyer who walked away from the law before it could drain her. She is in a marriage that is not the most fulfilling but she has a son who she can devote her life to. A strong woman character who wants to do it all despite her upbringing. Ingrid just wants to prove to herself that she can live up to her mother. The second woman is Opal a troubled single mother with a past. Besides sons the same age Opal and Ingrid share another commonality - ingrid’s husband.
When that man ends up dead can Ingrid defend the woman who may have killed him? This book will make you think and make you want a positive outcome.
I really enjoyed it and am excited to see the new installments
I was lucky enough to be sent copy of this book directly from the author with the inscription “the whole truth and nothing but? You decide “.
Come out May 3. Don’t miss it
The first installment of RIVERSEDGE LAW CLUB centers around Ingrid. Ingrid is a former high powered lawyer who walked away from the law before it could drain her. She is in a marriage that is not the most fulfilling but she has a son who she can devote her life to. A strong woman character who wants to do it all despite her upbringing. Ingrid just wants to prove to herself that she can live up to her mother. The second woman is Opal a troubled single mother with a past. Besides sons the same age Opal and Ingrid share another commonality - ingrid’s husband.
When that man ends up dead can Ingrid defend the woman who may have killed him? This book will make you think and make you want a positive outcome.
I really enjoyed it and am excited to see the new installments
I was lucky enough to be sent copy of this book directly from the author with the inscription “the whole truth and nothing but? You decide “.
Come out May 3. Don’t miss it
May 3, 2022
In Her Defense is a gripping law drama with so many twists and turns and secrets that it was impossible to put down. When Opal is charged with the murder of her lover, she hires her former friend Ingrid to defend her; they are not only old friends, but the victim was not only Opal’s lover—he was also married to Ingrid. There are many layers and emotions to unpack beyond the crime itself. We also delve into the dark side of the law, with legal machinations around every corner. This is a poignant story about two women, mothers who do everything they can to save and shield their young sons, while trying to figure out where they themselves belong.
April 17, 2022
Wow!! Amy Impellizzeri, the author of “In Her Defense” (Riverside Law Club #1) has written a captivating, intense, and intriguing novel. This is the first in a “new legal drama”, and I certainly am looking forward to the next novel, and I would highly recommend this challenging drama. The genre for this book is Legal Thriller. What an amazing adventure and ride!! There are betrayals, danger, lies, secrets, murder/s, that had me biting my nails! I read this in one sitting and didn’t want to put this down.
What can I say about the characters? The author vividly describes her dramatic and colorful characters as complex and complicated. There really isn’t any black or white, just grey areas. Does anyone tell the truth, or is the truth too much to believe and handle? The characters are flawed. Amy Impellizzeri mentions “The Riverside Law Club” which is in this small town, and where some of the action takes place. It’s unbelievable to imagine the corruption, betrayal, and secrets.
Two of the protagonists, Ingrid and Opal have several things in common. One is their sons are the same age. Once they were friends, and now it really is hard to describe their relationship. When Opal is arrested as a suspect in Ingrid’s husband’s murder, Ingrid is asked by Opal to defend her. Neither can imagine the consequences. This is almost like a game of chess! This could easily be made into a movie!! I suggest that you read this!!
What can I say about the characters? The author vividly describes her dramatic and colorful characters as complex and complicated. There really isn’t any black or white, just grey areas. Does anyone tell the truth, or is the truth too much to believe and handle? The characters are flawed. Amy Impellizzeri mentions “The Riverside Law Club” which is in this small town, and where some of the action takes place. It’s unbelievable to imagine the corruption, betrayal, and secrets.
Two of the protagonists, Ingrid and Opal have several things in common. One is their sons are the same age. Once they were friends, and now it really is hard to describe their relationship. When Opal is arrested as a suspect in Ingrid’s husband’s murder, Ingrid is asked by Opal to defend her. Neither can imagine the consequences. This is almost like a game of chess! This could easily be made into a movie!! I suggest that you read this!!
May 5, 2022
A fascinating insight into a world where personal and professional boundaries cross, as Ingrid DiLaurio, and out-of-recent practice lawyer, steps back into the profession to defend Opal, her ex-friend and husband’s recent mistress, who is accused of his murder.
But Ingrid knows better, and she won’t let Opal go down for a crime she didn’t commit- at least not without putting up a fight, in spite of a corrupt judge and prosecutor, and a car that’s following her around.
Easy to read, and realistic. A page-turner with lots of twists, that lovers of the stories telling the dark side of women’s friendship, mysteries and legal suspense will especially appreciate.
But Ingrid knows better, and she won’t let Opal go down for a crime she didn’t commit- at least not without putting up a fight, in spite of a corrupt judge and prosecutor, and a car that’s following her around.
Easy to read, and realistic. A page-turner with lots of twists, that lovers of the stories telling the dark side of women’s friendship, mysteries and legal suspense will especially appreciate.
September 29, 2022
actual rating 4.5
It's been awhile since a legal thriller grabbed me and kept me this engaged throughout. I met Impellizzeri at a recent mystery convention and was intrigued by her story as a big-time attorney turned author. This book did not disappoint! Solid character development and rich plot twists.
It's been awhile since a legal thriller grabbed me and kept me this engaged throughout. I met Impellizzeri at a recent mystery convention and was intrigued by her story as a big-time attorney turned author. This book did not disappoint! Solid character development and rich plot twists.
May 3, 2022
Stunning, twisty, fun start to a legal series that is sure to be one of my favorites.
April 24, 2022
I want to start off by say thing I received arc paperback copy. In return for my honest thoughts and review. I want to say that I haven’t read anything from this author before. After reading this book I will definitely checking out more this author books. Enjoyed the two strong female characters in this book. I wasn’t bored or disappointed while reading this book. This book is unpredictable didn’t see certain things happening or what I thought happened. Then you turn a page realize what you thought was wrong. I highly recommend this book. Thank you to the author again for allowing me to read early copy. This book Release May 3, 2022
About Book:
Ingrid receives a phone that her husband has been murdered and they have the suspect in custody. Ingrid has no idea who would do such thing to her husband. Or does Ingrid know. Opal is a single mother who has made some bad decisions in her life. But she has been around a lot dangerous men. Now her past has come to haunt her. When she is picked up by the cops for Peter murder. How are Ingrid and Opal connected in this story. I highly recommend this read.
About Book:
Ingrid receives a phone that her husband has been murdered and they have the suspect in custody. Ingrid has no idea who would do such thing to her husband. Or does Ingrid know. Opal is a single mother who has made some bad decisions in her life. But she has been around a lot dangerous men. Now her past has come to haunt her. When she is picked up by the cops for Peter murder. How are Ingrid and Opal connected in this story. I highly recommend this read.
April 18, 2022
📚 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 📚
In Her Defense by Amy Impellizzeri
Coming out on 05/03/2022
📕📕📕📕📕 Rating
Thank you Amy for the signed arc. This is the first book in the Riversedge law club series.
I am a big fan of legal thrillers, and this book didn't disappoint. I was emotionally invested from start to finish. In her defense kinda reminded me of some of the best books written by John Grisham and Hank Philippi Ryan, where there are little inklings throughout the book that peaked my interest, while keeping the pacing perfect for this style of Thriller. For a book only coming in at 256 pages, this one sure packed a punch. This might be the first book I have ever read from Amy, but will certainly not be the last!!! In Her Defense definitely left a lasting impression in my brain that will stick with me for awhile. Pre-order your copy on Amazon today!!!
In Her Defense by Amy Impellizzeri
Coming out on 05/03/2022
📕📕📕📕📕 Rating
Thank you Amy for the signed arc. This is the first book in the Riversedge law club series.
I am a big fan of legal thrillers, and this book didn't disappoint. I was emotionally invested from start to finish. In her defense kinda reminded me of some of the best books written by John Grisham and Hank Philippi Ryan, where there are little inklings throughout the book that peaked my interest, while keeping the pacing perfect for this style of Thriller. For a book only coming in at 256 pages, this one sure packed a punch. This might be the first book I have ever read from Amy, but will certainly not be the last!!! In Her Defense definitely left a lasting impression in my brain that will stick with me for awhile. Pre-order your copy on Amazon today!!!
May 30, 2022
A book that is intriguing, intense, drama filled, with powerful, strong women. This book has characters that you will either fall for or despise. It is original, fascinating, attention grabbing and takes you through a plethora of emotions. This is the first book in Amy Impellizzeri's legal drama series. Based on this first book of the series I cannot wait for the next book to be available.
Ingrid's husband is found dead, she has no idea who might want to murder him, or does she? The police have a suspect in custody. Opal is a single mother accused of killing Peter but did she? Will Opal be found guilty of murder? How are Opal, Ingrid, and Peter connected? What secrets does each woman want to keep hidden? Get yourself a copy of this book to find the answers and be introduced to a wonderful writer's work. I highly recommend this book for any fan of legal dramas.
Ingrid's husband is found dead, she has no idea who might want to murder him, or does she? The police have a suspect in custody. Opal is a single mother accused of killing Peter but did she? Will Opal be found guilty of murder? How are Opal, Ingrid, and Peter connected? What secrets does each woman want to keep hidden? Get yourself a copy of this book to find the answers and be introduced to a wonderful writer's work. I highly recommend this book for any fan of legal dramas.
March 7, 2022
Whoa! This book was awesome! What a great read. The combined genres of legal drama and womans fiction really worked here. The complex web that connected the characters had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I did not want to put this one down! The premise of the book was certainly intriguing but the execution of it was what made this a win for me. Two otherwise ordinary woman, Opal and Ingrid, separated by tax brackets, each carrying secrets and sharing the same man. When said man is found dead, Opal is accused of his murder and requests the help of her former friend and lovers' wife Ingrid to defend her in court. The moral dilemma that Ingrid continues to face in this book truly kept my rapt attention. This was certainly a juicy read!
Thank you @Amyimpellizzeri for the gifted copy! This amazing read will be out on May 2, 2022!
Thank you @Amyimpellizzeri for the gifted copy! This amazing read will be out on May 2, 2022!
January 8, 2024
Opal Rowen has to tell her son CJ that Uncle Pete won't be coming around anymore. Why? Because he is dead, and Opal is the prime suspect. Pete was the husband of her former friend, Ingrid DiLaurio, who Opal retains as her lawyer, calling in a favor.
Ingrid doesn't think Opal is guilty, but is relieved that she, herself, isn't arrested.
As the case goes on, there are many things to complicate the case-the judge, the prosecutor, the nanny.
Interesting first book in a series about the Riversedge Law Club.
Ingrid doesn't think Opal is guilty, but is relieved that she, herself, isn't arrested.
As the case goes on, there are many things to complicate the case-the judge, the prosecutor, the nanny.
Interesting first book in a series about the Riversedge Law Club.
June 15, 2022
This is a story of two women who come to know their own truths through a journey filled with secrets, loss, danger, and betrayal. A legal thriller, In Her Defense, captivates from beginning to end. The sneak peak of book two at the end of the novel is torturous! I cannot wait to get my hands on it! Amy Impellizzeri’s words come off the page and paint a vivid picture in your head in the most perfect ways. Love! Love! Love!
March 8, 2023
I thought the plot was great, but I didn't like the protagonist. To me, she is cold, precise and judgmental. She is also courageous, but she is so opposite of the kind of person I get along with, I didn't enjoy time spent in her head. I think the author did a great job of portraying a character that gradually does learn to loosen up a bit, and the plot was clever, so I will be fair and give the novel four stars.
April 22, 2022
Amy Impellizzeri has wrote one heck of a thriller! The best thing is it’s series! This is a gripping book right outta the gate! A woman’s husband has been found dead, arrested for murder, desperate for help she will need to call in a favor. In the end is the truth anyone really wants to hear?!? Captivating, thrilling one of a kind story this will leave you like me wanting the next book asap!
June 12, 2022
Fun read. Former big firm lawyer who has been podcasting in order to have more time with her young son volunteers to return to the law to take on the criminal defense of her husband’s mistress, now accused of his murder. Why would she take this case on? Why would the accused want her lover’s wife as her defense attorney? I was reeled in to the end.
May 3, 2022
I was in from the first sentence! I adore Amy Impellizzeri's books, and IN HER DEFENSE surely is one hell of an impressive rollercoaster ride. Strong female leads, unlikely sisterhood, don't miss this!
June 1, 2022
So pleased to hear this is the first in a series! I love a good legal thriller, especially with strong female characters. Ingrid defends Opal, her husband’s mistress, after she is arrested for his murder.
August 1, 2022
If you’re looking for a quick read that brings some suspense, tackles marital/parent/women relational dynamics and offers 2nd chances whether you think they’re deserving or not, then pick up In her Defense. You will not be disappointed.
December 10, 2023
4.2 stars
In Her Defense is an unexpected found and I’m in awe. The story is simple but the plot and the emotional baggage are deep. This is a story that will have you look back and ponder long after finished.
In Her Defense is an unexpected found and I’m in awe. The story is simple but the plot and the emotional baggage are deep. This is a story that will have you look back and ponder long after finished.
March 24, 2022
Just finished reading In Her Defense by Amy Impellizzeri! LOVED IT!!! Amy weaves an incredible story with complex characters. I couldn't put it down. A definite must read!
July 1, 2022
Really looking forward to this continuing series.
July 7, 2022
I had not read a book like this one EVER! Great book that even weeks later has me recreating portions of it in my head.
July 24, 2022
Didn't care for the characters, and I have serious questions about some of the legal proceedings! Okay read.
July 30, 2022
Actual rating 3.5
August 11, 2022
2.5 stars. Finally wrapped it up. Not bad, but I didn't particularly like any of the characters. Really needed a proofreader.
February 25, 2023
This is more of a 2 and a half than a 3. It wasn’t the page turner I was expected and had a very slow pace.
Read
October 4, 2024Full review to follow
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews