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Your Word or Mine
WHO WILL YOU BELIEVE?
Ava Knight, a brilliant young prosecutor, always follows the rules. Until she meets Lily Hawthorne - a troubled fifteen-year-old, accused of stabbing charismatic hotel magnate Michael Osborne in cold blood.
From the outside, it seems a tragic, hopeless case. But Ava suspects something everyone else does not: MICHAEL OSBORNE IS LYING.
Because eighteen years ago, Ava was brutally assaulted. She identified her attacker; the case went to trial. But the jury let him go. His name? Michael Osborne
Back then, it was Michael's word against Ava's.
Now another girl's future hangs in the balance, how far will Ava go to be believed?
Ava Knight, a brilliant young prosecutor, always follows the rules. Until she meets Lily Hawthorne - a troubled fifteen-year-old, accused of stabbing charismatic hotel magnate Michael Osborne in cold blood.
From the outside, it seems a tragic, hopeless case. But Ava suspects something everyone else does not: MICHAEL OSBORNE IS LYING.
Because eighteen years ago, Ava was brutally assaulted. She identified her attacker; the case went to trial. But the jury let him go. His name? Michael Osborne
Back then, it was Michael's word against Ava's.
Now another girl's future hangs in the balance, how far will Ava go to be believed?
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2022
42 people are currently reading
4331 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
April 26, 2022
4.5 rounded up
Eighteen years ago she was Annabelle King, in the present day she is Ava Knight, a crown advocate (prosecutor) for the CPS. At the last minute she is asked to prosecute the case of 15-year-old Lily who is charged with a stabbing incident with the victim proving to be Michael Osborne, Ava’s nemesis. What follows takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride as Ava takes risks which deeply entangles her in the case.
Wow, what a powerful read this is as you lurch from heartbreaking sadness to shock and to such anger in this incredibly tense cat and mouse game. You think you’ve got a handle on it but the author has numerous surprises in this gripping and unpredictable read. You want to shout, applaud and weep with frustration in turn as the plot propels us from one twist to the next. The pace is perfectly pitched throughout and the plot is well thought out and very compelling. The tension on occasions is sky high, it’s hold your breathe in intensity and on several occasions I gasp in shock. The characterisation is excellent especially of Ava and Lily but they are all well drawn and easy to visualise though not all are likeable.
If you like legal based thrillers then this is one for you. A riveting and terrific read from beginning to end and one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Eighteen years ago she was Annabelle King, in the present day she is Ava Knight, a crown advocate (prosecutor) for the CPS. At the last minute she is asked to prosecute the case of 15-year-old Lily who is charged with a stabbing incident with the victim proving to be Michael Osborne, Ava’s nemesis. What follows takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride as Ava takes risks which deeply entangles her in the case.
Wow, what a powerful read this is as you lurch from heartbreaking sadness to shock and to such anger in this incredibly tense cat and mouse game. You think you’ve got a handle on it but the author has numerous surprises in this gripping and unpredictable read. You want to shout, applaud and weep with frustration in turn as the plot propels us from one twist to the next. The pace is perfectly pitched throughout and the plot is well thought out and very compelling. The tension on occasions is sky high, it’s hold your breathe in intensity and on several occasions I gasp in shock. The characterisation is excellent especially of Ava and Lily but they are all well drawn and easy to visualise though not all are likeable.
If you like legal based thrillers then this is one for you. A riveting and terrific read from beginning to end and one I highly recommend.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
September 5, 2022
5⭑
Your Word or Mine is the easiest 5⭑ rating I have given to a legal/psychological thriller book.
This book follows main character Ava, a young prosecutor who meets 15 year old Lily who has just been accused of stabbing the wealthy and highly respected photographer and hotel chain owner, Michael Osborne.
The evidence seems clear that Lily is guilty, but Ava is the only one who believes that Michael is lying. Because 18 years ago, Michael raped Ava when she was only 14 and the jury let him get away with it.
We follow Ava as she tries to stop Lily from giving a false guilty plea and to get justice for everything Michael has done to them both.
Things I liked;
- fast pacing
- multiple POV
- emotional AF
- short chapters
- courtroom drama
- unpredictable twists
- past and present story telling
- low key had me jumping out of my skin
I mean come on, what’s not to like?
The author did a fantastic job at making me feel every emotional possible for Ava and Lily. I felt angry, scared, shocked, happy, and sad. I truly felt I was experiencing what they were going through, with them! An author who can make me feel so much deserves a 5 star.
I do want to highlight that the themes of the book can be very triggering so please check TWs before you decide to read this book.
TW/CW - rape, sexual assault, suicide attempt, suicidal thoughts, pedophilia, self harm, panic attacks, grooming, stalking of a minor, drug use by a minor
Thank you Michael Joseph Penguin for sending me an early copy of Your Word or Mine in exchange for my honest review.
Your Word or Mine is the easiest 5⭑ rating I have given to a legal/psychological thriller book.
This book follows main character Ava, a young prosecutor who meets 15 year old Lily who has just been accused of stabbing the wealthy and highly respected photographer and hotel chain owner, Michael Osborne.
The evidence seems clear that Lily is guilty, but Ava is the only one who believes that Michael is lying. Because 18 years ago, Michael raped Ava when she was only 14 and the jury let him get away with it.
We follow Ava as she tries to stop Lily from giving a false guilty plea and to get justice for everything Michael has done to them both.
Things I liked;
- fast pacing
- multiple POV
- emotional AF
- short chapters
- courtroom drama
- unpredictable twists
- past and present story telling
- low key had me jumping out of my skin
I mean come on, what’s not to like?
The author did a fantastic job at making me feel every emotional possible for Ava and Lily. I felt angry, scared, shocked, happy, and sad. I truly felt I was experiencing what they were going through, with them! An author who can make me feel so much deserves a 5 star.
I do want to highlight that the themes of the book can be very triggering so please check TWs before you decide to read this book.
TW/CW - rape, sexual assault, suicide attempt, suicidal thoughts, pedophilia, self harm, panic attacks, grooming, stalking of a minor, drug use by a minor
Thank you Michael Joseph Penguin for sending me an early copy of Your Word or Mine in exchange for my honest review.
January 22, 2023
4.5 / 5 Stars!
This book is something else, I knew the first hundred pages reading that this is going to be a journey and I was completely shocked. The twists and bombshells of information dropped throughout the book which are strategically done created tidal waves of emotions. This book really tapped into all my emotions. Just when you think it’s going to all end, bam another bombshell of information. I just couldn’t tell how the book will end, who would be responsible and how it would play out. For once, I was truly clueless on how everything would play out.
At around 200 pages is where things turn up a notch, the stakes involved drastically increase, I was glued to the book, to the finish. The book is a easy coherent read, you’re exposed to two different perspectives, as well as an historical incident that plays alongside. As you progress through the book, more information is revealed, like a jigsaw puzzle and you’re trying to fit them all in, but there’s always a piece missing. For once I didn’t get lost in the timing of the perspectives, it all made sense.
To me the book was unpredictable. As someone who has recently got back into reading, the one thing I go by is if the plot is predictable and how it would end. If I could tell how it would go, I wouldn’t give a high rating. Unique storylines, twists and unpredictable plot is hard to find. This book has all
of that.
If you enjoy books showcasing legal procedures, court antics this is your go to book. After the discovery of the Eddie Flynn series by Steve Cavanagh, legal thrillers are my jam now!
Highly recommend the book, but it does have heavy SA references!
This book is something else, I knew the first hundred pages reading that this is going to be a journey and I was completely shocked. The twists and bombshells of information dropped throughout the book which are strategically done created tidal waves of emotions. This book really tapped into all my emotions. Just when you think it’s going to all end, bam another bombshell of information. I just couldn’t tell how the book will end, who would be responsible and how it would play out. For once, I was truly clueless on how everything would play out.
At around 200 pages is where things turn up a notch, the stakes involved drastically increase, I was glued to the book, to the finish. The book is a easy coherent read, you’re exposed to two different perspectives, as well as an historical incident that plays alongside. As you progress through the book, more information is revealed, like a jigsaw puzzle and you’re trying to fit them all in, but there’s always a piece missing. For once I didn’t get lost in the timing of the perspectives, it all made sense.
To me the book was unpredictable. As someone who has recently got back into reading, the one thing I go by is if the plot is predictable and how it would end. If I could tell how it would go, I wouldn’t give a high rating. Unique storylines, twists and unpredictable plot is hard to find. This book has all
of that.
If you enjoy books showcasing legal procedures, court antics this is your go to book. After the discovery of the Eddie Flynn series by Steve Cavanagh, legal thrillers are my jam now!
Highly recommend the book, but it does have heavy SA references!
August 22, 2022
4.5 stars rounded up
When fifteen year old Annabelle King was assaulted on her way home, she thought she had done everything right. But a vital piece of evidence meant that the jury let her attacker go.Eighteen years later, Annabelle King is now Ava Knight, a successful barrister who always follows the rules. But all that changes when, one day at court, she reads a familiar name in the file: Michael Osborne. But this time he is the victim of an attack, and in the dock is a young girl: Lily Hawthorne, who pleads guilty without hesitation. Ava is sure that Lily's plea is not the truth.
This is a gripping thriller with plenty of twists. Te characters are well developed, the plotline is compelling and cleverly crafted. The suspense builds with every turn of the page. The story is told in the present day and the past through flashbacks. The pace is perfectly set. There is parts that are a little far fetched. Filled with lies, deceit, secrets, revenge and betrayal, this well written story had me hooked from the first page. It's told from multiple points of view and had me on the edge of my seat on several occasions. This is the first book that I've read by the author, but it won't be my last.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #MichaelJoseph #PenguinRandomHouse and the author #LiaMiddleton for my ARC of #YourWordOrMine in exchange for an honest review.
When fifteen year old Annabelle King was assaulted on her way home, she thought she had done everything right. But a vital piece of evidence meant that the jury let her attacker go.Eighteen years later, Annabelle King is now Ava Knight, a successful barrister who always follows the rules. But all that changes when, one day at court, she reads a familiar name in the file: Michael Osborne. But this time he is the victim of an attack, and in the dock is a young girl: Lily Hawthorne, who pleads guilty without hesitation. Ava is sure that Lily's plea is not the truth.
This is a gripping thriller with plenty of twists. Te characters are well developed, the plotline is compelling and cleverly crafted. The suspense builds with every turn of the page. The story is told in the present day and the past through flashbacks. The pace is perfectly set. There is parts that are a little far fetched. Filled with lies, deceit, secrets, revenge and betrayal, this well written story had me hooked from the first page. It's told from multiple points of view and had me on the edge of my seat on several occasions. This is the first book that I've read by the author, but it won't be my last.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #MichaelJoseph #PenguinRandomHouse and the author #LiaMiddleton for my ARC of #YourWordOrMine in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2022
The premise of a conniving rapist who finally receives justice pulled me into the storyline. I was looking forward to reading a new to me author who is in actuality, a barrister and purchased a softcover copy from The Book Depository.
The courtroom scenes were believable, but implausible actions by the prosecutor away from her job prevented me from being fully invested. I’ve seen high praise for this one, but for me, it was just meh.
August 10, 2022
Oh my actual word this was an INCREDIBLE read, I absolutely loved it! This book put my emotions through the ringer, I was angry, shocked, sad, happy, frustrated, yelling out loud, and clapping proudly all throughout the course of this book. Any author that can encompass that many emotions into one book deserves an award. The pacing for this one was sheer perfection, the plot was realistic and compelling, the tension cut through me during many chapters and the characters? I LOVED them, Ava is an absolute badass.
If you like a good legal thriller that has you on the edge of your seat then you definitely need to add this one to your TBRs!
Thank you to Michael Joseph for sending me a proof in exchange for my honest review.
If you like a good legal thriller that has you on the edge of your seat then you definitely need to add this one to your TBRs!
Thank you to Michael Joseph for sending me a proof in exchange for my honest review.
December 31, 2023
This is my first book by Lia Middleton, and I've now downloaded her other books.
Your Word or Mine is a standalone psychological crime thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Ava Knight is a Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service and has worked tirelessly for the past 10 years to get where she is today.
She lives with her fiance, Will who she has been with for years.
18 years ago, when she was 14, she was raped by a stranger. Michael Osborne, a photographer, was charged but due to insufficient evidence, he was acquitted leaving Ava and her family destroyed and devastated.
When Ava is asked to cover a court case at the last minute for a young 15 year old year girl accused of ABH, she is horrified to see the "victim" is Michael Osborne.
What follows is a very dangerous game of cat and mouse as Ava is determined to prove he is the sadistic sexual predator she knows he is.
Absolutely addictive. Heart pounding and chilling.
Your Word or Mine is a standalone psychological crime thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Ava Knight is a Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service and has worked tirelessly for the past 10 years to get where she is today.
She lives with her fiance, Will who she has been with for years.
18 years ago, when she was 14, she was raped by a stranger. Michael Osborne, a photographer, was charged but due to insufficient evidence, he was acquitted leaving Ava and her family destroyed and devastated.
When Ava is asked to cover a court case at the last minute for a young 15 year old year girl accused of ABH, she is horrified to see the "victim" is Michael Osborne.
What follows is a very dangerous game of cat and mouse as Ava is determined to prove he is the sadistic sexual predator she knows he is.
Absolutely addictive. Heart pounding and chilling.
September 7, 2022
Your Word Or Mine penned by Lia Middleton had this reader guessing throughout the tale. Ava Knight is a young barrister for the Crime Prosecution Service. She is in court prosecuting teenager Lily Hawthorne, for the stabbing of a man. Ava recognises the victim as Michael Osbourne, the man who raped her when she was 14yo but was cleared in the subsequent trial.
Intricately plotted, I couldn't put this one down! The characterisation is terrific, all of the people having been well-formed. Highly addictive, the reader gets chapters from eighteen years ago interspersed with the present-day happenings. Some of the passages make for tough reading and the parts told from Lily's point of view are similarly shocking. With chilling undertones and a worthwhile denouement, this is a terrific pacy thriller. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Penguin Michael Joseph via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
Intricately plotted, I couldn't put this one down! The characterisation is terrific, all of the people having been well-formed. Highly addictive, the reader gets chapters from eighteen years ago interspersed with the present-day happenings. Some of the passages make for tough reading and the parts told from Lily's point of view are similarly shocking. With chilling undertones and a worthwhile denouement, this is a terrific pacy thriller. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Penguin Michael Joseph via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
April 13, 2022
Bloody hell talk about gripping! I found myself on the edge of my seat on more than one occasion as the main Character Ava puts herself in a fair amount of dangerous situations. The characters were all very well developed.
The storyline was so compelling, not always predictable and seriously fast paced. The second half of the story becomes ramped up and the characters become even more entwined in ways you probably wont expect. I devoured it! I couldn't even see a positive ending so when the book came to an end it was safe to say I was gobsmacked.
This is first book I've read by Lia Middleton but I can say it now won't be the last.
A well deserved 5 stars from me!
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguine Random House for the Gifted E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
The storyline was so compelling, not always predictable and seriously fast paced. The second half of the story becomes ramped up and the characters become even more entwined in ways you probably wont expect. I devoured it! I couldn't even see a positive ending so when the book came to an end it was safe to say I was gobsmacked.
This is first book I've read by Lia Middleton but I can say it now won't be the last.
A well deserved 5 stars from me!
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguine Random House for the Gifted E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2023
This was one of those books I should have just stopped reading. Ava had come back from an awful trauma and then when her path crossed with him again she just went down a path of the most bizarre choices. They made Micheal seem to be this super powerful villain who could see all and was unstoppable at continuing to victimize Ava. There was a young girl in the story who was a major part of the plot and then at the fourth part just disappeared with no closure to what happened to her. I thought that the story was leading up to a big ending of justice but it all fell flat for me and it was painful reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2024
4.25⭐️
Oooh this one’s good!!! I flew through this book SO fast because it was so addicting. The plot was amazing, the characters were intriguing, and the twists were delivered so well! I guessed a couple but didn’t see a couple others coming. The ending was also great. I think the book could’ve been shortened by a little bit but other than that, it was good!
Oooh this one’s good!!! I flew through this book SO fast because it was so addicting. The plot was amazing, the characters were intriguing, and the twists were delivered so well! I guessed a couple but didn’t see a couple others coming. The ending was also great. I think the book could’ve been shortened by a little bit but other than that, it was good!
November 30, 2023
Thrilling
September 7, 2024
Really enjoyed this book and found it easy to read. I did guess the twists but still thought it was good
January 8, 2025
3.5⭐️
March 8, 2025
Very meh… I guessed all the ‘twists’ which weren’t very twisty.
Well written and short chapters which I love but the story didn’t shock me like I was hoping it would.
Well written and short chapters which I love but the story didn’t shock me like I was hoping it would.
May 15, 2022
This originally felt so so similar to Anatomy of a Scandal, I wasn't sure it would offer anything new. But it did. Couple of twists (some I saw coming, some I didn't.)
Did find it a bit jumpy with timeline and point of view initially which felt unsettling but the second half of the book it came into its own and became quite powerful.
Did find it a bit jumpy with timeline and point of view initially which felt unsettling but the second half of the book it came into its own and became quite powerful.
August 15, 2022
Rating: 3.0/5
Early reviews of "Your Word or Mine" have been almost exclusively positive - and it isn't difficult to see why. It tells the story of Annabelle King, a teenager who was brutally assaulted. Although she took her attacker to court, a key piece of evidence was deemed inadmissible and the accused was acquitted. Eighteen years later, Annabelle has become Ava Knight, a successful barrister and finds her path once again crossing that of the man who walked free all those years ago. Even though she knows she should walk away from this new case, Ava cannot resist the temptation to become entangled in it.
Author, Lia Middleton, has followed the adage of "writing what you know" by setting this thriller in the world of criminal law, with which she is intimately familiar. The story is certainly engaging as well as entertaining and you would expect that the author's insider knowledge would ensure an overriding sense of realism ... but that is really where this novel comes up short.
Without going into detail and risking spoilers, "Your Word or Mine" requires a significant amount of suspension of disbelief in order to accept that Ava, an educated and professional woman, would behave in the manner, and pursue the course of action, that she does. Even allowing for dramatic licence, there are too many occasions when credulity is stretched too far and is hard to swallow.
Stylistically, I was not totally convinced either. The narrative is told from two viewpoints: Primarily that of Ava, but also that of Lily, the teenager involved in the current legal proceedings. The author opts to use the first person for both accounts, which is fair enough - but it does mean that there is a need to give each character a distinct and credible voice ... and I don't think Lia Middleton succeeds in that. I have no issue with the voice attributed to Ava, but there was no clear distinction between her voice and the one attributed to Lily - and in Lily's case it really didn't strike me as authentic.
Overall, although "Your Word or Mine" is an enjoyable read, it doesn't have the required level of believability that the best in class from this genre display.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Early reviews of "Your Word or Mine" have been almost exclusively positive - and it isn't difficult to see why. It tells the story of Annabelle King, a teenager who was brutally assaulted. Although she took her attacker to court, a key piece of evidence was deemed inadmissible and the accused was acquitted. Eighteen years later, Annabelle has become Ava Knight, a successful barrister and finds her path once again crossing that of the man who walked free all those years ago. Even though she knows she should walk away from this new case, Ava cannot resist the temptation to become entangled in it.
Author, Lia Middleton, has followed the adage of "writing what you know" by setting this thriller in the world of criminal law, with which she is intimately familiar. The story is certainly engaging as well as entertaining and you would expect that the author's insider knowledge would ensure an overriding sense of realism ... but that is really where this novel comes up short.
Without going into detail and risking spoilers, "Your Word or Mine" requires a significant amount of suspension of disbelief in order to accept that Ava, an educated and professional woman, would behave in the manner, and pursue the course of action, that she does. Even allowing for dramatic licence, there are too many occasions when credulity is stretched too far and is hard to swallow.
Stylistically, I was not totally convinced either. The narrative is told from two viewpoints: Primarily that of Ava, but also that of Lily, the teenager involved in the current legal proceedings. The author opts to use the first person for both accounts, which is fair enough - but it does mean that there is a need to give each character a distinct and credible voice ... and I don't think Lia Middleton succeeds in that. I have no issue with the voice attributed to Ava, but there was no clear distinction between her voice and the one attributed to Lily - and in Lily's case it really didn't strike me as authentic.
Overall, although "Your Word or Mine" is an enjoyable read, it doesn't have the required level of believability that the best in class from this genre display.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
August 28, 2025
DNF
I am just at the beginning of this book, but the sheer stupidity of Ava, as a legal professional, and the chances she takes - that has put me off reading the book at all. From the reviews it seems she does not stop as the story progresses. What a waste.
I am just at the beginning of this book, but the sheer stupidity of Ava, as a legal professional, and the chances she takes - that has put me off reading the book at all. From the reviews it seems she does not stop as the story progresses. What a waste.
April 13, 2022
Bloody hell talk about gripping! I found myself on the edge of my seat on more than one occasion as the main Character Ava puts herself in a fair amount of dangerous situations. The characters were all very well developed.
The storyline was so compelling, not always predictable and seriously fast paced. The second half of the story becomes ramped up and the characters become even more entwined in ways you probably wont expect. I devoured it! I couldn't even see a positive ending so when the book came to an end it was safe to say I was gobsmacked.
This is first book I've read by Lia Middleton but I can say it now won't be the last.
A well deserved 5 stars from me!
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguine Random House for the Gifted E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
The storyline was so compelling, not always predictable and seriously fast paced. The second half of the story becomes ramped up and the characters become even more entwined in ways you probably wont expect. I devoured it! I couldn't even see a positive ending so when the book came to an end it was safe to say I was gobsmacked.
This is first book I've read by Lia Middleton but I can say it now won't be the last.
A well deserved 5 stars from me!
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguine Random House for the Gifted E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2022
If you are only going to read one book this summer then make sure it's this one!! What a story!! This kept me completely hooked and just dragged me along for the ride. Its so fast paced with really clever and original twists that you absolutely do not see coming. Everything is just plottendout perfectly to make sure everything lines up and the that those lines blur and cross and honestly, this is just one of "thise" books!!! The characters are all really well written, and fully developed with their own complete personalities and histories. I can't speak highly enough about it, it was a complete pleasure from start to finish
August 11, 2022
Okay I genuinely don’t know where to start with my thoughts on this book. It ticked every single box for me in what I love about a book.
Anything that involves the Crown Prosecution Service - I’m all over it! I get really into things like that and I can hands down day I was massively impressed by this book!
Ava Knight is a brilliant character throughout, she had serious determination and wasn’t scared about things she put at risk.
It really had me on the edge of my seat, cliff hanger chapters that leave you wanting more, I was engrossed from the first page. If you love a book full of twists then this is the one to read. It ended with a wow and unexpected twist!
Loved every minute of reading this.
Anything that involves the Crown Prosecution Service - I’m all over it! I get really into things like that and I can hands down day I was massively impressed by this book!
Ava Knight is a brilliant character throughout, she had serious determination and wasn’t scared about things she put at risk.
It really had me on the edge of my seat, cliff hanger chapters that leave you wanting more, I was engrossed from the first page. If you love a book full of twists then this is the one to read. It ended with a wow and unexpected twist!
Loved every minute of reading this.
September 27, 2025
This book was difficult to read for lots of reasons. The main reason, that had me shaking my head several times, was Michael Osbourne.
It took a while for me to get into the book. However, it was worth it.
It took a while for me to get into the book. However, it was worth it.
October 27, 2025
‘Your Word or Mine’ is a gripping psychological thriller that hooked me from the first page. The plot is compelling, though a trigger warning for sexual assault as this is the main topic the book is based around. Lia Middleton’s writing is clear and engaging and I found myself constantly wanting to read on. It has a satisfying ending which I think is important for a thriller!
July 15, 2025
Every “twist” was predictable but it was so well written and I found the protagonist so compelling that I didn’t care
September 30, 2023
Another excellent read, lots if twists along the way 👍
September 15, 2022
This book is not a thriller but more a legal drama involving Ava/Belle and Lily against the man who,had assaulted them both. I couldn’t quite get past how Ava behaved as it seemed so unlikely for a legally trained person. Putting at risk the very outcome she was looking for. However if you can put up,with the subject matter it’s a good read
April 1, 2024
I felt empowered by part of the outcome although I did guess a couple of the twists - that said this could just be due to reading a few books similar. Overall a good read and didn’t guess the final. Would recommend :-)
April 10, 2022
Wow! What a book! This novel had me holding my breath at more than one point, my pulse racing as I turned the pages. The main character put herself in such dangerous situations I really couldn't see a positive conclusion.
Ava Knight hasn't always been her name. The events of one terrible evening led to her changing everything about herself, even her identity. But as terrible as those events were, Ava decided to channel her experiences into becoming a stronger person, someone who would fight for justice every single day. All within the rules of course, because if you break the rules that's when things go wrong.
That is until that same man who turned her life upside down, Michael Osborne, turns up in Ava's new world eighteen years later. In a courtroom where Ava wasn't even scheduled to be. In a twist of Fate she is called in as a substitute barrister to attend a plea hearing in the case of a teenage girl charged with stabbing Mr Osborne. Her gut feeling is that the young girl is under duress to plead guilty for reasons unknown. Ava makes it her business there and then to find out more so that Michael Osborne does not escape justice a second time.
From that moment on Ava breaks just about every rule in the book on both personal and professional levels. She puts herself in ever more precarious positions, lying to her friends and family about where she is and with whom, building a relationship with the one man she once vowed she never wanted to set eyes upon ever again. I did ask myself a couple of times whether a professional person would really risk everything they've ever worked for purely on the grounds that they had a suspicion that something wasn't right. I suppose none of us could say for certain unless we had gone through all that Ava and her family had experienced.
The characters are all expertly drawn, the plot is tightly woven and I was shocked by the eventual conclusion. Suffice to say it's not just Ava who is withholding the truth of who they are. I very much enjoyed this novel from start to finish. The author's background in the legal world shines through and gives the whole story so much more credibility. This is the first of Lia Middleton's books I've read but it won't be the last. She joins Imran Mahmood in the heady ranks of strong new voices in the world of the legal thriller genre.
An outstanding 5 stars from me.
Ava Knight hasn't always been her name. The events of one terrible evening led to her changing everything about herself, even her identity. But as terrible as those events were, Ava decided to channel her experiences into becoming a stronger person, someone who would fight for justice every single day. All within the rules of course, because if you break the rules that's when things go wrong.
That is until that same man who turned her life upside down, Michael Osborne, turns up in Ava's new world eighteen years later. In a courtroom where Ava wasn't even scheduled to be. In a twist of Fate she is called in as a substitute barrister to attend a plea hearing in the case of a teenage girl charged with stabbing Mr Osborne. Her gut feeling is that the young girl is under duress to plead guilty for reasons unknown. Ava makes it her business there and then to find out more so that Michael Osborne does not escape justice a second time.
From that moment on Ava breaks just about every rule in the book on both personal and professional levels. She puts herself in ever more precarious positions, lying to her friends and family about where she is and with whom, building a relationship with the one man she once vowed she never wanted to set eyes upon ever again. I did ask myself a couple of times whether a professional person would really risk everything they've ever worked for purely on the grounds that they had a suspicion that something wasn't right. I suppose none of us could say for certain unless we had gone through all that Ava and her family had experienced.
The characters are all expertly drawn, the plot is tightly woven and I was shocked by the eventual conclusion. Suffice to say it's not just Ava who is withholding the truth of who they are. I very much enjoyed this novel from start to finish. The author's background in the legal world shines through and gives the whole story so much more credibility. This is the first of Lia Middleton's books I've read but it won't be the last. She joins Imran Mahmood in the heady ranks of strong new voices in the world of the legal thriller genre.
An outstanding 5 stars from me.
March 13, 2022
I've heard great things about Lia Middleton's previous book so was very keen to read this one.
Ava Knight is a barrister, in court prosecuting a teenage girl Lily Hawthorne, for stabbing an older man. Ava instantly recognises the victim as Michael Osbourne, the man who raped her eighteen years old, but was cleared in the subsequent trial.
Ava becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth around Lily's case, even if it means breaking the rules and risking everything.
It is intricately plotted, with lots of strands, risks and twists throughout. I enjoyed the first half, but it's the second half where everything comes together, the level of involvement with the characters increases and the pace and tension really ramps up.
It had my heart racing one chapter then reading through the tears the next.
Very impressive and definitely recommended. Fans of Gillian McAllister and Kia Abdullah will love it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House
Ava Knight is a barrister, in court prosecuting a teenage girl Lily Hawthorne, for stabbing an older man. Ava instantly recognises the victim as Michael Osbourne, the man who raped her eighteen years old, but was cleared in the subsequent trial.
Ava becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth around Lily's case, even if it means breaking the rules and risking everything.
It is intricately plotted, with lots of strands, risks and twists throughout. I enjoyed the first half, but it's the second half where everything comes together, the level of involvement with the characters increases and the pace and tension really ramps up.
It had my heart racing one chapter then reading through the tears the next.
Very impressive and definitely recommended. Fans of Gillian McAllister and Kia Abdullah will love it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House
July 19, 2022
Your Word of Mine is the first book I've read by Lia Middleton. Other than a good synopsis I went in with no real expectations, more a hopefulness it would be a good thriller. My expectations were met and exceeded.
Initially I didn't know what to make of Ava/Belle other than feeling she had totally lost the plot and must be crazy. I never give spoilers with my reviews but will say this character must be a whole lot stronger than I ever could be! I found here quite likeable even though her actions (Especially earlier tin the book) seemed 'out there'. Other characters I had mixed feelings on, some good, some bad. But as with all books they are there to draw your own conclusions. I felt Lia (Author) made them feel very three-dimensional even if (Again) some of their actions were a little unbelievable.
The story is told from both past and present tenses, at times this could be a little confusing. Some chapters were short where many were a lot longer. As the book progressed (Especially after around the second half) the story came together more. With so many twists and turns, I liked trying to draw my own early conclusions and sometimes being right, but often wrong. Well written and one of those books like a car crash when you cannot look away. I breezed through this book wanting to know what would happen next,
A solid 4 star thriller, I did enjoy this one. At times it was a little uncomfortable to read, unsettling and stomach twisting. All good ingredients to a great thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC, as always this does not sway or change my feelings on a book. Highly recommend this one!!
Initially I didn't know what to make of Ava/Belle other than feeling she had totally lost the plot and must be crazy. I never give spoilers with my reviews but will say this character must be a whole lot stronger than I ever could be! I found here quite likeable even though her actions (Especially earlier tin the book) seemed 'out there'. Other characters I had mixed feelings on, some good, some bad. But as with all books they are there to draw your own conclusions. I felt Lia (Author) made them feel very three-dimensional even if (Again) some of their actions were a little unbelievable.
The story is told from both past and present tenses, at times this could be a little confusing. Some chapters were short where many were a lot longer. As the book progressed (Especially after around the second half) the story came together more. With so many twists and turns, I liked trying to draw my own early conclusions and sometimes being right, but often wrong. Well written and one of those books like a car crash when you cannot look away. I breezed through this book wanting to know what would happen next,
A solid 4 star thriller, I did enjoy this one. At times it was a little uncomfortable to read, unsettling and stomach twisting. All good ingredients to a great thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC, as always this does not sway or change my feelings on a book. Highly recommend this one!!
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