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The Innocent One: A Novel
He was a child who was accused of murder. Who did he become when he grew up? A gripping, thought-provoking thriller from the internationally bestselling author of Everything She Forgot.
Innocent?
Ten years have passed, but everyone remembers The Angel Killer. Sebastian Croll was just eleven years old when accused of murdering his playmate.
Criminal attorney Daniel Hunter helped prove Sebastian's innocence in a trial that gripped the nation—and now the past is being unearthed when he gets a call from his old client.
Or guilty?
Sebastian's university professor has been brutally murdered—and everyone who knew her is in the frame of suspicion. As Daniel steps in to represent Sebastian for a second time, news about the boy's past spreads like wildfire, instantly branding Sebastian as guilty.
With tensions around the country rising, can Daniel prove once again that Sebastian is the innocent one? Especially when he realizes that it's not just Sebastian who is in danger, but himself . . .
Innocent?
Ten years have passed, but everyone remembers The Angel Killer. Sebastian Croll was just eleven years old when accused of murdering his playmate.
Criminal attorney Daniel Hunter helped prove Sebastian's innocence in a trial that gripped the nation—and now the past is being unearthed when he gets a call from his old client.
Or guilty?
Sebastian's university professor has been brutally murdered—and everyone who knew her is in the frame of suspicion. As Daniel steps in to represent Sebastian for a second time, news about the boy's past spreads like wildfire, instantly branding Sebastian as guilty.
With tensions around the country rising, can Daniel prove once again that Sebastian is the innocent one? Especially when he realizes that it's not just Sebastian who is in danger, but himself . . .
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2022
429 people are currently reading
2050 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Ballantyne
9 books252 followersLisa Ballantyne was born in Armadale, West Lothian, Scotland and studied English literature at University of St Andrews. She lived and worked in China for many years and started writing seriously while she was there. She now lives in Glasgow.
The Guilty One published to critical and commercial acclaim in 2012. Redemption Road is Lisa's second novel.
The Guilty One published to critical and commercial acclaim in 2012. Redemption Road is Lisa's second novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
December 30, 2022
The entire reason I decided to pick up The Innocent One by Lisa Ballantyne is because I randomly saw it on Bookstagram and thought it sounded good so why not! Ballantyne is a new to me author, and I also wasn't aware of the fact that this is actually a follow-up to The Guilty One (which is also her debut). I am unsure if I will be going back to read the first book now as The Innocent One definitely gave me a major spoiler from that book. I did read that it talks more about Daniel’s past though and I might just pick it up based on that alone since he was an interesting and somewhat mysterious character. The moral of this story is if you plan to read The Innocent One, I would definitely pick up The Guilty One first. Be that as it may, I found this to be a really enjoyable read! It is a slow burn and while it does focus on Sebastian's case a little bit, it seemed to me that it was really more about Daniel and his relationship with his wife. However, there is still a little bit of a police procedural element and we do learn more about Daniel as an attorney as well.
I wouldn’t say I was surprised by TOO much in this book, but I loved the character-driven story, and I couldn’t help but feel bad for Daniel as he is put through a lot of crap for representing Sebastian. There were also some family dynamics happening that added even more interest to the story and mixed with the case was even a touch creepy at times. If you decide to pick this one up, I would recommend listening to the audiobook which is narrated by John Sackville. I thought he did a great job and he really brought Daniel’s character to life for me. Unfortunately, he is not the same narrator as the man who narrated The Guilty One so that might be a little odd if you listen to both in a row, but the other narrator is a good one and I’m sure it’s great as well. If you don’t mind the slightly predictable and enjoy stories that have a heavy focus on the main character’s life, I would recommend reading The Innocent One.
I wouldn’t say I was surprised by TOO much in this book, but I loved the character-driven story, and I couldn’t help but feel bad for Daniel as he is put through a lot of crap for representing Sebastian. There were also some family dynamics happening that added even more interest to the story and mixed with the case was even a touch creepy at times. If you decide to pick this one up, I would recommend listening to the audiobook which is narrated by John Sackville. I thought he did a great job and he really brought Daniel’s character to life for me. Unfortunately, he is not the same narrator as the man who narrated The Guilty One so that might be a little odd if you listen to both in a row, but the other narrator is a good one and I’m sure it’s great as well. If you don’t mind the slightly predictable and enjoy stories that have a heavy focus on the main character’s life, I would recommend reading The Innocent One.
April 17, 2023
As a child, Sebastian was tried for the murder of his friend. He was defended by solicitor Daniel and found not guilty. Now a young adult at university, one of his teachers has been brutally murdered and once again Sebastian calls on Daniel to represent him.
But was Sebastian really guilty of murder as a child and could he have struck again or is he that unlucky that twice he is looked at for murder?
The Innocent One is a twisty, captivating thriller/mystery that interweaves two storylines. One regarding the murders in which Sebastian may or may not have been involved and that of the falling apart life of solicitor Daniel.
The book is the sequel to The Guilty One which I didn’t realise until after I had finished this one, showing that this one works perfectly well as a standalone.
The two main characters weren’t particularly likeable but I didn’t hate them either, I just couldn’t warm to either of them, though I did feel a little sorry for Daniel with his marriage issues and the public not liking him representing Sebastian again who they have already deemed guilty.
Overall, The Innocent One was a quick and easy read. It was intense in parts and certainly suspenseful in others. It does have you wondering whether because someone has been tried for murder previously, even if they were found not guilty, when another murder occurs are you more likely to believe they did it because of their past. – Thought-provoking!
But was Sebastian really guilty of murder as a child and could he have struck again or is he that unlucky that twice he is looked at for murder?
The Innocent One is a twisty, captivating thriller/mystery that interweaves two storylines. One regarding the murders in which Sebastian may or may not have been involved and that of the falling apart life of solicitor Daniel.
The book is the sequel to The Guilty One which I didn’t realise until after I had finished this one, showing that this one works perfectly well as a standalone.
The two main characters weren’t particularly likeable but I didn’t hate them either, I just couldn’t warm to either of them, though I did feel a little sorry for Daniel with his marriage issues and the public not liking him representing Sebastian again who they have already deemed guilty.
Overall, The Innocent One was a quick and easy read. It was intense in parts and certainly suspenseful in others. It does have you wondering whether because someone has been tried for murder previously, even if they were found not guilty, when another murder occurs are you more likely to believe they did it because of their past. – Thought-provoking!
March 26, 2023
I didn't realise that this was a follow-up to 'The Guilty One', though the author perfectly recaps the events of that novel which means that this can be enjoyed on its own.
Obviously spoiling the events of the first book where criminal solicitor Daniel Hunter receives a call from Sebastian Croll, whom he defended as an eleven-year-old accused of murdering his playmate.
Now Sebastian's University professor has been brutally murdered and his worried that his history makes him a prime suspect.
The novel is told through Daniel's perspective and whilst it was easy to pick up on events, I think I would have cared for these characters more if I had read the first book.
We get to see Daniel dealing with personal issues, other cases and the implications of defending Sebastian again.
I felt the narrative lacked more focus on Sebastian, the notion of being accused of murder at both 11 and 21 could have made for a more fascinating insight read.
Obviously spoiling the events of the first book where criminal solicitor Daniel Hunter receives a call from Sebastian Croll, whom he defended as an eleven-year-old accused of murdering his playmate.
Now Sebastian's University professor has been brutally murdered and his worried that his history makes him a prime suspect.
The novel is told through Daniel's perspective and whilst it was easy to pick up on events, I think I would have cared for these characters more if I had read the first book.
We get to see Daniel dealing with personal issues, other cases and the implications of defending Sebastian again.
I felt the narrative lacked more focus on Sebastian, the notion of being accused of murder at both 11 and 21 could have made for a more fascinating insight read.
November 30, 2022
Ten years ago, Sebastian Croll was acquitted of murdering his playmate.
Today, he is a suspect in murdering his university professor.
Is Sebastian innocent or guilty?
Criminal attorney Daniel Hunter defended Sebastian ten years ago and will defend him again.
Surprisingly, the majority of this book focused on the background of the criminal attorney Daniel Hunter. (Huh?)
Although the book's premise was intriguing, I would have enjoyed the book much more had the primary focus been on Sebastian Croll and not on Daniel Hunter.
The book was well-written but had a slow start. The book picked up at the 60% mark but the ending was predictable.
"The Innocent One" is a standalone read that was written as a follow-up to "The Guilty One", a book that focused on Sebastian's first trial.
I listened to the audiobook read by John Sackville. This was my first Jack Sackville book and his narration was over-the-top.
3.5 stars.
Today, he is a suspect in murdering his university professor.
Is Sebastian innocent or guilty?
Criminal attorney Daniel Hunter defended Sebastian ten years ago and will defend him again.
Surprisingly, the majority of this book focused on the background of the criminal attorney Daniel Hunter. (Huh?)
Although the book's premise was intriguing, I would have enjoyed the book much more had the primary focus been on Sebastian Croll and not on Daniel Hunter.
The book was well-written but had a slow start. The book picked up at the 60% mark but the ending was predictable.
"The Innocent One" is a standalone read that was written as a follow-up to "The Guilty One", a book that focused on Sebastian's first trial.
I listened to the audiobook read by John Sackville. This was my first Jack Sackville book and his narration was over-the-top.
3.5 stars.
January 30, 2023
4 / 5
Reading this book, I didn’t know if it was going to be another slow paced, drama. I enjoyed reading this book and the pace of it, I didn’t mind the slow paced plot it was more that things within the story line kept occurring that it didn’t once bore me.
That being said the main plot does drag abit, filled with innocent filler scenes between Daniel and his wife. I found this an easy read, simple plot mixed with smaller plots in between. But if you’re looking for a book that focuses on the police procedural side or the case court attics this isn’t the book for you. At points it does get heavy, purely due to how heavy the character is, which you do feel for- this book does a good job tapping into the character emotions.
Overall I wouldn’t say it’s the greatest book I’ve read, but given the plot and story which is an innocent plot turned sour. The book is exactly what you get in the tin. I wasn’t disappointed with it, but felt satisfied after reading it.
Reading this book, I didn’t know if it was going to be another slow paced, drama. I enjoyed reading this book and the pace of it, I didn’t mind the slow paced plot it was more that things within the story line kept occurring that it didn’t once bore me.
That being said the main plot does drag abit, filled with innocent filler scenes between Daniel and his wife. I found this an easy read, simple plot mixed with smaller plots in between. But if you’re looking for a book that focuses on the police procedural side or the case court attics this isn’t the book for you. At points it does get heavy, purely due to how heavy the character is, which you do feel for- this book does a good job tapping into the character emotions.
Overall I wouldn’t say it’s the greatest book I’ve read, but given the plot and story which is an innocent plot turned sour. The book is exactly what you get in the tin. I wasn’t disappointed with it, but felt satisfied after reading it.
January 20, 2023
Daniel a criminal lawyer has been contacted by a former client that he had defended when he was a child. This boy is now wanted for questioning by the police in relationship to another crime.
This story was full of suspense and chilling in parts, it certainly gave me goosebumps.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This story was full of suspense and chilling in parts, it certainly gave me goosebumps.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2022
This is the follow up to ‘The Guilty One’ which I loved and have been eagerly waiting for since. I really enjoy the authors writing and this proved to be another excellent read.
Ten years years ago eleven year old Sebastian was accused of murdering his friend. Criminal solicitor Daniel Hunter helped prove Sebastian’s innocence in a trial that was followed by everyone. Now Sebastian’s university professor has been brutally murdered and there are no shortages of suspects. Sebastian approaches Daniel and asks him to represent him once again but once his past becomes common knowledge the fingers start pointing in his direction.
Daniel must once again clear Sebastian’s name but tensions are running high and people start to wonder if Sebastian is guilty after all.
This was another excellent read but not quite as good as ‘The Guilty One’.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Ten years years ago eleven year old Sebastian was accused of murdering his friend. Criminal solicitor Daniel Hunter helped prove Sebastian’s innocence in a trial that was followed by everyone. Now Sebastian’s university professor has been brutally murdered and there are no shortages of suspects. Sebastian approaches Daniel and asks him to represent him once again but once his past becomes common knowledge the fingers start pointing in his direction.
Daniel must once again clear Sebastian’s name but tensions are running high and people start to wonder if Sebastian is guilty after all.
This was another excellent read but not quite as good as ‘The Guilty One’.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2022
Daniel Hunter is a solicitor and ten years ago he defended Sebastian Croll who at eleven years old was accused of killing his best friend and he was found innocent. One night he gets a phone call from Sebastian saying he has been accused of murder again and he would like Daniel to defend him again.
Daniel has his own problems with his wife and child as they are leaving him. Plus protesters are haranguing him for defending a suspected child killer. This would have been a five star read but the story went awry and at times wandered into the unbelievable. Still a good read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Daniel has his own problems with his wife and child as they are leaving him. Plus protesters are haranguing him for defending a suspected child killer. This would have been a five star read but the story went awry and at times wandered into the unbelievable. Still a good read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
October 29, 2024
Sebastian war erst zarte 11 Jahre alt, als er wegen Mordes an einem anderen Jungen angeklagt und letztlich freigesprochen wurde. Heute, 10 Jahre später, ist aus dem Jungen ein charmanter, intelligenter Mann geworden. Als jedoch seine Professorin ermordet wird, fällt der Verdacht schnell wieder auf Sebastian. Erneut fragt er seinen Anwalt Daniel an, der ihn damals schon verteidigt hat.
Im Englischen gibt es bereits etliche Bücher der Autorin und tatsächlich ist "Der Unschuldige" sogar eine Fortsetzung. "The Guilty One" war damals das Debüt der Autorin und handelt eben von jenem Fall mit dem 11-jährigen Sebastian, der wegen Mordes an einem Nachbarsjungen angeklagt wurde. Leider scheint „Der Schuldige“ gar nicht mehr so einfach zu bekommen sein, außer gebraucht, so dass ich zunächst dachte, dieser Titel hier wäre ein Stand Alone. Man merkt, dass vor diesem Buch schon einiges passiert ist, sowohl vom Fall her, aber auch bei den Protagonisten. Hin und wieder werden einige Sachen eingestreut, so dass man sich ein grobes Bild machen kann. Vielen reicht das sicherlich, ich lese eigentlich trotzdem lieber nach Reihenfolge.
Vielleicht liegt es auch daran, dass die Protagonisten ein bisschen blass für mich geblieben sind. Einzig Anwalt Daniel lernen wir etwas besser kennen, so richtig warm geworden bin ich mit ihm allerdings nicht. Sebastian hat im Buch gar nicht so viel Raum eingenommen, wie ich laut Klappentext vermutet hätte.
Nichtsdestotrotz war der Plot ein sehr interessanter. Das Augenmerk lag tatsächlich eher auf der Arbeit des Anwalts, außerdem bekommen wir noch weitere kleinere Fälle am Rande mit. Ich mag ja so Einblicke in die Arbeit von Berufsgruppen und den Alltag von Strafverteidigern habe ich mir immer schon sehr interessant vorgestellt. Hinzu kommt, dass das juristische Prozedere in UK nochmal ganz anders ist als hier bei uns in Deutschland.
Insgesamt ein durchaus spannender, solider Thriller, der mehr um das Drumherum berichtet als über den Mord selbst. Daher also toll geeignet für Leser, die es sowieso nicht so brutal haben möchten. Zwar werden auch hier Morde beschrieben, man ist aber nicht unbedingt live dabei und bekommt es eher aus Erzählungen mit. Die beklemmende Stimmung hat erst relativ spät eingesetzt und ich hätte mir gewünscht, dass die Geschichte schon etwas eher an Fahrt aufgenommen hätte.
Im Englischen gibt es bereits etliche Bücher der Autorin und tatsächlich ist "Der Unschuldige" sogar eine Fortsetzung. "The Guilty One" war damals das Debüt der Autorin und handelt eben von jenem Fall mit dem 11-jährigen Sebastian, der wegen Mordes an einem Nachbarsjungen angeklagt wurde. Leider scheint „Der Schuldige“ gar nicht mehr so einfach zu bekommen sein, außer gebraucht, so dass ich zunächst dachte, dieser Titel hier wäre ein Stand Alone. Man merkt, dass vor diesem Buch schon einiges passiert ist, sowohl vom Fall her, aber auch bei den Protagonisten. Hin und wieder werden einige Sachen eingestreut, so dass man sich ein grobes Bild machen kann. Vielen reicht das sicherlich, ich lese eigentlich trotzdem lieber nach Reihenfolge.
Vielleicht liegt es auch daran, dass die Protagonisten ein bisschen blass für mich geblieben sind. Einzig Anwalt Daniel lernen wir etwas besser kennen, so richtig warm geworden bin ich mit ihm allerdings nicht. Sebastian hat im Buch gar nicht so viel Raum eingenommen, wie ich laut Klappentext vermutet hätte.
Nichtsdestotrotz war der Plot ein sehr interessanter. Das Augenmerk lag tatsächlich eher auf der Arbeit des Anwalts, außerdem bekommen wir noch weitere kleinere Fälle am Rande mit. Ich mag ja so Einblicke in die Arbeit von Berufsgruppen und den Alltag von Strafverteidigern habe ich mir immer schon sehr interessant vorgestellt. Hinzu kommt, dass das juristische Prozedere in UK nochmal ganz anders ist als hier bei uns in Deutschland.
Insgesamt ein durchaus spannender, solider Thriller, der mehr um das Drumherum berichtet als über den Mord selbst. Daher also toll geeignet für Leser, die es sowieso nicht so brutal haben möchten. Zwar werden auch hier Morde beschrieben, man ist aber nicht unbedingt live dabei und bekommt es eher aus Erzählungen mit. Die beklemmende Stimmung hat erst relativ spät eingesetzt und ich hätte mir gewünscht, dass die Geschichte schon etwas eher an Fahrt aufgenommen hätte.
December 7, 2022
Having been gripped by The Guilty One when it was published in 2012, I was excited to see what would come next for Daniel and Sebastian. After all children accused of murder at the tender age of 11 are mercifully rare. Was Sebastian able to put his past behind him? And what about his solicitor Daniel, how did he move forward having been in the eye of the storm?
I am pleased to confirm that this sequel is every bit as gripping. Daniel is once again called on by Sebastian who is now a self-assured 21-year-old student. Daniel is married with a child but the relationship is faltering meaniing the dynamic is wildly different from 10 years ago.
There are twists and turns aplenty, but nothing ridiculous which meant that this ready could stay firmly within the storyline. Fantastic characters with an eye for the everyday details of life as well as the big plotlines, this is a brilliant read.
I am pleased to confirm that this sequel is every bit as gripping. Daniel is once again called on by Sebastian who is now a self-assured 21-year-old student. Daniel is married with a child but the relationship is faltering meaniing the dynamic is wildly different from 10 years ago.
There are twists and turns aplenty, but nothing ridiculous which meant that this ready could stay firmly within the storyline. Fantastic characters with an eye for the everyday details of life as well as the big plotlines, this is a brilliant read.
October 27, 2024
Tässä oli mun mielestä aiheena nii paljo potentiaalia ja sitte loppujenlopuks kirja jäi vähä laimeaks. Meinasin jo puolivälissä kirjaa lopettaa kokonaan kesken, mutta puristin sen sitte kuitenki loppuun.
August 14, 2022
Daniel, a lawyer, is contacted by a former client who he successfully represented as a child in a notorious murder case. Now an adult, Sebastian is connected to another murder - of his university professor - and wants Daniel to represent him. But is Sebastian really as innocent as he claims? Certainly, the ever-judgmental public don't think so, when they get wind of his identity.
This was a good read, if perhaps a bit lacking in mystery - I felt there were no real surprises, after a while. We see almost everything through Daniel's eyes and I liked his character, struggling to make peace with a difficult childhood to try and achieve a successful family life with his barrister wife and young son. Generally, that's not going too well for him over the course of this book.
I don't think this is my favourite book by this author - as I said, it felt a bit lacking in intrigue and mystery - but I enjoyed it very much nevertheless.
This was a good read, if perhaps a bit lacking in mystery - I felt there were no real surprises, after a while. We see almost everything through Daniel's eyes and I liked his character, struggling to make peace with a difficult childhood to try and achieve a successful family life with his barrister wife and young son. Generally, that's not going too well for him over the course of this book.
I don't think this is my favourite book by this author - as I said, it felt a bit lacking in intrigue and mystery - but I enjoyed it very much nevertheless.
February 21, 2023
This book was soooo slow. I had a really hard time wanting to open it to finish reading it. The idea was great. I felt a little lost on the backstory of the main character. Maybe I missed it. Sebastion’s character was fine, but I wish we saw a little more of his POV. The last 2 chapters did make my heart race faster so I am glad I got a physical reaction to some of the book! Overall, not good nor was it bad. It just simply was an okay book for me.
February 3, 2023
Far longer than it should have been
May 29, 2024
This book was bloody awful. Slow and boring and I really just didn’t see the point of it🤣
July 11, 2023
Skotlantilaisen Lisa Ballantynen psykologinen trilleri Riittävä epäilys kertoi henkilöstä, joka oli ollut 11v. lapsena syytettynä pienemmän lapsen surmasta, ja joka joutui nyt aikuisiässä murhasyytteeseen. Tämä oikeustrilleri syventyi myös siihen, miten media reagoi kyseiseen murhaan. Entäs sitten ihmiset, jotka kävivät myös syytetyn asianajajan kimppuun.
Kirjan kertojana toimi Daniel Hunter, joka oli syytetyn asianajaja. Hän oli saanut syytetyn vapaaksi murhasyytteestä, silloin kun syytetty oli lapsi. Tuosta ajasta oli kulunut kymmenen vuotta. Syytetty oli nyt 21-vuotias opiskelija, ja hänen tuutorinsa oli murhattu.
Lisa Ballantyne taitaa jännityksen kertomisen. Tämä koukutti ja lopulta pelotti. Danielista ja hänen perheestään ehti kirjan kuvioissa tulla tuttuja. Pelkäsin todella paljon, mitä murhaaja tekee heille, tai tuleeko muita murhia. Tämän kirjan murhaaja oli oikeasti psykopaatti, jolta puuttui empatiakyky kokonaan. Joku voisi sanoa, että olosuhteet tekevät psykopaatin. Ehkä nekin vaikuttivat tämän tarinan rikollisen mieleen jollakin kierolla tavalla.
Kirjan kertojana toimi Daniel Hunter, joka oli syytetyn asianajaja. Hän oli saanut syytetyn vapaaksi murhasyytteestä, silloin kun syytetty oli lapsi. Tuosta ajasta oli kulunut kymmenen vuotta. Syytetty oli nyt 21-vuotias opiskelija, ja hänen tuutorinsa oli murhattu.
Lisa Ballantyne taitaa jännityksen kertomisen. Tämä koukutti ja lopulta pelotti. Danielista ja hänen perheestään ehti kirjan kuvioissa tulla tuttuja. Pelkäsin todella paljon, mitä murhaaja tekee heille, tai tuleeko muita murhia. Tämän kirjan murhaaja oli oikeasti psykopaatti, jolta puuttui empatiakyky kokonaan. Joku voisi sanoa, että olosuhteet tekevät psykopaatin. Ehkä nekin vaikuttivat tämän tarinan rikollisen mieleen jollakin kierolla tavalla.
December 2, 2022
Thrilling
April 3, 2023
Disturbing. “Where does the violence go?”
January 29, 2023
MY RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
READ IF YOU LIKE:
👩🏻⚖️ Solicitor MCs
⏰ Multiple timelines
👀 Untrustworthy characters
🔪 Domestic dramas
☁️ THOUGHTS:
When I started this, I didn’t realise it was a sequel to THE GUILTY ONE and I’m now intrigued as to if I’ve missed anything, having not read the first book. Either way, the plot flowed and read well as a stand-alone.
I’d say this was more domestic drama than thriller, as I found there to be more of a focus on the MC’s personal life than the mystery. The premise of the plot really appealed to me, but the lack of big twists or gasp out loud moments left me feeling disappointed and although I love a book with lots going on, THE INNOCENT ONE had so many little subplots that didn’t add anything to the book.
Despite this, I read this book super quickly in just over a couple of days, so although it wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read, it was a fast and easy read.
DISCLAIMER: I was provided an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest thoughts - all opinions are my own.
READ IF YOU LIKE:
👩🏻⚖️ Solicitor MCs
⏰ Multiple timelines
👀 Untrustworthy characters
🔪 Domestic dramas
☁️ THOUGHTS:
When I started this, I didn’t realise it was a sequel to THE GUILTY ONE and I’m now intrigued as to if I’ve missed anything, having not read the first book. Either way, the plot flowed and read well as a stand-alone.
I’d say this was more domestic drama than thriller, as I found there to be more of a focus on the MC’s personal life than the mystery. The premise of the plot really appealed to me, but the lack of big twists or gasp out loud moments left me feeling disappointed and although I love a book with lots going on, THE INNOCENT ONE had so many little subplots that didn’t add anything to the book.
Despite this, I read this book super quickly in just over a couple of days, so although it wasn’t the best book I’ve ever read, it was a fast and easy read.
DISCLAIMER: I was provided an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest thoughts - all opinions are my own.
January 19, 2023
10 years after Daniel successfully defended 11-year-old Sebastian Croll on murder charges, he is contacted again because Sebastian is a suspect in the murder of his classics professor. Sebastian is worried that his background (ostensibly sealed) will make him a higher priority suspect and he wants his trusty solicitor by his side. Daniel agrees to represent him despite being in a rough patch with his wife and 7-year-old son - and still in the process of trying to understand his own troubled childhood.
Relatively predictable plotline. Most enjoyable was watching Daniel try to repair his marriage - we are rooting for you, Daniel!
Relatively predictable plotline. Most enjoyable was watching Daniel try to repair his marriage - we are rooting for you, Daniel!
January 11, 2024
An average read for me. There wasn't much to this story to be honest, and it read more like a family drama, than a mystery / thriller. There was so much potential with this one but the author chose to go in a direction that I didn't expect, and chose to focus more on the personal life of Daniel (the solicitor) and so it didn't appeal to me all that much.
August 7, 2022
This was quite the easy read, and when I say that, it's never negative.
I sat down for a few hours and flew through the book, and it entertained me.
I liked the main character Daniel, and would happily read any more books he was in.
Enjoyable.
I sat down for a few hours and flew through the book, and it entertained me.
I liked the main character Daniel, and would happily read any more books he was in.
Enjoyable.
February 13, 2023
This book really put me inn the mind of Lisa Scottoline Fifteen Minutes Ago inn certain ways . But it was a great book to read I really enjoy the character Daniel he was always on top of things and his determination was the best . I would highly recommend this book 📚 💜
September 8, 2025
2.5 stars
Better than the first one but so predictable, I was shocked when the things I was expecting actually happened because I was like no way the thing that’s heavily implied from the start would actually be how this goes.
Better than the first one but so predictable, I was shocked when the things I was expecting actually happened because I was like no way the thing that’s heavily implied from the start would actually be how this goes.
June 29, 2023
You had to read The Guilty One to understand this book.
That said, having read the first book, I don’t understand why Daniel took this new Sebastian case. The excuse given was not convincing.
That said, having read the first book, I don’t understand why Daniel took this new Sebastian case. The excuse given was not convincing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
I loved The Guilty One , I couldn’t put it down
The sequel is even better
It’s one heck of an awesome story
I sat up all night reading it
No spoilers, because that’s not fair, but you really do HAVE to read these two books
The sequel is even better
It’s one heck of an awesome story
I sat up all night reading it
No spoilers, because that’s not fair, but you really do HAVE to read these two books
January 12, 2023
Fast paced. 4.5
August 23, 2024
Not the worst book but some parts of it were killing my inner law student
January 31, 2025
Follow up to an earlier novel, The Guilty one, but I read this as a stand alone, which was fine as there are plenty of references to enable you to understand what happened previously.
This was a good crime/ thriller with some degree of suspense and mystery. I was not surprised by the eventual outcome but I enjoyed it all the same.
3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
This was a good crime/ thriller with some degree of suspense and mystery. I was not surprised by the eventual outcome but I enjoyed it all the same.
3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
August 11, 2024
Gripping
Lisa Ballantyne can tell a good story. This book gripped me from beginning to end. Full of twists and unexpected turns. There were parts where I literally held my breath. A satisfactory conclusion. I shall be trying another book by Lisa Ballantyne.
Lisa Ballantyne can tell a good story. This book gripped me from beginning to end. Full of twists and unexpected turns. There were parts where I literally held my breath. A satisfactory conclusion. I shall be trying another book by Lisa Ballantyne.
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