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Mara Brent Legal Thriller #6
Vow of Justice
A small-town sheriff is found murdered in a Dollar Kart parking lot. A relentless prosecutor vows to bring his killer to justice.
Sheriff Bill Clancy humbly served the citizens of Maumee County for three decades. He wanted nothing more than to finish his term and retire to the woods he called home. When he’s found shot to death behind the wheel of his own car, every cop in the county is out for blood.
The weight of justice falls squarely on Prosecutor Mara Brent’s shoulders when an arrest is quickly made. With an election just a few months away, all eyes are on her. There’s no room for error.
The man accused is a nobody. A drifter without a dime to his name. There’s a mountain of physical evidence tying him to the crime, but no obvious motive. Even without one, the case seems open and shut. But when a high-powered defense attorney with ties to Mara’s past comes forward to defend the killer, she suspects a conspiracy.
Is the accused just a patsy? Was Sheriff Clancy’s assassination part of a larger scheme that could ruin Mara’s career? Or was Clancy hiding an even bigger secret that could shake the foundation of the police department he vowed to serve?
And just when Mara thinks victory is in sight, a courtroom bombshell threatens to spiral the town into chaos.
Vow of Justice is the compelling sixth book in the Mara Brent legal thriller series. If you like political intrigue, conspiracy theories, edge-of-your-seat courtroom drama, and plot twists you’ll never guess, then scroll up to one-click Robin James’s latest book.
Sheriff Bill Clancy humbly served the citizens of Maumee County for three decades. He wanted nothing more than to finish his term and retire to the woods he called home. When he’s found shot to death behind the wheel of his own car, every cop in the county is out for blood.
The weight of justice falls squarely on Prosecutor Mara Brent’s shoulders when an arrest is quickly made. With an election just a few months away, all eyes are on her. There’s no room for error.
The man accused is a nobody. A drifter without a dime to his name. There’s a mountain of physical evidence tying him to the crime, but no obvious motive. Even without one, the case seems open and shut. But when a high-powered defense attorney with ties to Mara’s past comes forward to defend the killer, she suspects a conspiracy.
Is the accused just a patsy? Was Sheriff Clancy’s assassination part of a larger scheme that could ruin Mara’s career? Or was Clancy hiding an even bigger secret that could shake the foundation of the police department he vowed to serve?
And just when Mara thinks victory is in sight, a courtroom bombshell threatens to spiral the town into chaos.
Vow of Justice is the compelling sixth book in the Mara Brent legal thriller series. If you like political intrigue, conspiracy theories, edge-of-your-seat courtroom drama, and plot twists you’ll never guess, then scroll up to one-click Robin James’s latest book.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2022
About the author
Robin James
29 books494 followersRobin James is an attorney and former law professor. She's worked on a wide range of civil, criminal and family law cases in her twenty-year legal career. She also spent over a decade as supervising attorney for a Michigan legal clinic assisting thousands of people who could not otherwise afford access to justice.
Robin now lives on a lake in southern Michigan with her husband, two children, and one lazy dog. Her favorite, pure Michigan writing spot is stretched out on the back of a pontoon watching the faster boats go by.
Join Robin James's Legal Thriller Newsletter to get updates on her latest releases and author news. http://robinjamesbooks.com/newsletter
Robin now lives on a lake in southern Michigan with her husband, two children, and one lazy dog. Her favorite, pure Michigan writing spot is stretched out on the back of a pontoon watching the faster boats go by.
Join Robin James's Legal Thriller Newsletter to get updates on her latest releases and author news. http://robinjamesbooks.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 17, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and read it in one day because I just couldn’t put it down.
I must admit that before I found this author I really did not read too many courtroom drama novels, but each time I know that Robin James has new release I’m right there to get it
So, to say this, the best courtroom drama I've ever read and one of the best murder mysteries I've read lies within the pages of Vow of Justice by Robin James,
This might be just a teeny bit of a lie, due to the fact that all of Mrs. James courtroom drama are the best I've ever read
Happy Reading Everyone, I’ll see you on the other side
November 13, 2023
Another good read that kept me going into the wee hours, on a work night…
May 1, 2024
5.0 stars. WHOA! Shocking twist! Yep, she's done it again. The author just blew me away once more near the end. Amazing. And that cliffhanger ending? I'm soooo glad book 7 is just a download away to get my answer.
December 27, 2022
I thought that this was a pretty good “ who done it “. However, the way that Mara learned about Mrs Clancy’s tattoos seemed feeble. A bathroom voyeur !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2022
Always a great read!
So, I really enjoy this series. The only reason I gave it four stars is because I figured out the plot very early on. I like it when I get stumped. But, with that said, the characters are well defined in their roles and there is never useless fodder to fill up pages! Love that!
So, I really enjoy this series. The only reason I gave it four stars is because I figured out the plot very early on. I like it when I get stumped. But, with that said, the characters are well defined in their roles and there is never useless fodder to fill up pages! Love that!
December 8, 2022
Another thoroughly enjoyable courtroom drama from Robin James.
With her ex-husband's corruption verdict in and amid the turmoil of Maumee County Prosecutor Kenya Spalding's political fight for her job, Mara Brent is tasked with leading the prosecution on a murder that has hit the County Sheriff's office hard. Pitted against her is old college friend, Alexandrer Nash, a competitive student who always fell just one point behind Brent and still feels the sting. With Nash muddying the waters, trying to distract the jury from the overwhelming evidence against his client, and Brent's apparently still powerful ex- husband seemingly pulling strings, Brent has an uphill fight to keep the jury focused on the truth and get justice served.
When the truth does come out, as always it's a shocker. As always, James has given us a terrific thriller: slick and well paced with lots of tension and drama and an ending you'll never see coming. My only criticism - the novel ends on a mean cliffhanger. Can't recommend this enough & can't wait for the next book.
With her ex-husband's corruption verdict in and amid the turmoil of Maumee County Prosecutor Kenya Spalding's political fight for her job, Mara Brent is tasked with leading the prosecution on a murder that has hit the County Sheriff's office hard. Pitted against her is old college friend, Alexandrer Nash, a competitive student who always fell just one point behind Brent and still feels the sting. With Nash muddying the waters, trying to distract the jury from the overwhelming evidence against his client, and Brent's apparently still powerful ex- husband seemingly pulling strings, Brent has an uphill fight to keep the jury focused on the truth and get justice served.
When the truth does come out, as always it's a shocker. As always, James has given us a terrific thriller: slick and well paced with lots of tension and drama and an ending you'll never see coming. My only criticism - the novel ends on a mean cliffhanger. Can't recommend this enough & can't wait for the next book.
December 27, 2022
She did it again!
I've missed Robin James. She was one of the first authors who got me hooked on reading again. This book was fast paced and full of surprises. Can't wait for Book 7. I know it has to be coming. No way she'd leave us hanging.
I've missed Robin James. She was one of the first authors who got me hooked on reading again. This book was fast paced and full of surprises. Can't wait for Book 7. I know it has to be coming. No way she'd leave us hanging.
December 11, 2022
Mara does it again❣️
Vow of Justice is the next book in the Mara Brent series and is another truly spectacular judicial thriller by Robin. I had a sneaky suspicion I knew who might be involved while reading and it was good to see I picked up on most of the clues to come to this conclusion…however, the way Robin writes this story there really is only clarity as you get closer to the end, she’s just THAT GOOD😍
I’m excited to see what happens next with Mara and her crew and I’m hoping we will get to know Mercy a little better as well in the future, perhaps🤷♀️
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review and recommendation❤️
Vow of Justice is the next book in the Mara Brent series and is another truly spectacular judicial thriller by Robin. I had a sneaky suspicion I knew who might be involved while reading and it was good to see I picked up on most of the clues to come to this conclusion…however, the way Robin writes this story there really is only clarity as you get closer to the end, she’s just THAT GOOD😍
I’m excited to see what happens next with Mara and her crew and I’m hoping we will get to know Mercy a little better as well in the future, perhaps🤷♀️
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review and recommendation❤️
December 24, 2022
Wow!
Just wow, I could not put this book down! I thoroughly enjoy this series but I do believe this may be my favorite! Excellent story and characters. Anxiously awaiting the next one!
Just wow, I could not put this book down! I thoroughly enjoy this series but I do believe this may be my favorite! Excellent story and characters. Anxiously awaiting the next one!
December 21, 2022
Robin James never fails to thoroughly entertain with her plots, characters and gripping courtroom drama. I just confess that I only gave this book a 4.5 rating in deference to the character she eliminated who I really liked. For most of the book we knew who and how, but why wasn't revealed until almost the end.
December 29, 2022
Another Very Good One
Engaging, interesting, and exciting (As courtroom thrillers go)! Great storyline and continuing character development as the Brent family dynamics carry on, as well as the bit of a cliffhanger regarding the prosecutor's office goes! Looking forward to more.
Engaging, interesting, and exciting (As courtroom thrillers go)! Great storyline and continuing character development as the Brent family dynamics carry on, as well as the bit of a cliffhanger regarding the prosecutor's office goes! Looking forward to more.
March 31, 2024
Great story, Mara Brent's life was turned upside down when her ex husband was convicted and sentenced to prison for violation of the RICO act. Besides trying to help her son cope with it, a brutal murder was committed which shook the town upside down. The author understands the politics of Law and the problems that women have to deal with in a Male Dominated profession
December 25, 2022
An extra star for that ending alone
I'm mildly disappointed in myself that I didn't see it coming, but man, the fact alone and me being legit caught off-guard was enough for this story to earn that 4th star out of me when I was more or less settled on just three. Well played, Robin James. Well played. I love when, even if I think I've got a story mapped out, I'm thrown for a loop. Good times.
It's great to back in Mara Brent's world again. While I still am much fonder of Cass Leary's stories, it doesn't mean I don't find my entertainment on the prosecutorial side of things. I definitely love the way this thing started, which brings us straight into the final moments of Mara's ex's trial. It definitely was the refresher of certain events I needed, since I don't remember all the details of the previous entry. Except Jason. Dude's a jerk. Still.
For this go around, we learn that the Sheriff has been murdered and that his alleged killer is someone with an unknown motive as well as methods. The evidence to convict is seemingly SO solid, especially given what is shared by the star witness, but Mara being Mara, she can't QUITE shake the feeling of something feeling terribly amiss. And heck, as a reader, I felt it too. There was a time a two where I in my non-lawyer mind picked up on facts that were seemingly missed by the attorney. I was like "Mara! SURELY you know what's coming!"
In a sense, it was easy to see where this story was going because of things being laid out in the manner that they were, but it doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the journey, the characters, and the courtroom drama. And as I mentioned before, the whole third act was SUPER fun in all its final touches to the journey of this case, and I definitely loved that. And as per usual as well, the pace of this thing was quick and not bogged down, which is a big reason why I love Robin James's style.
It was a pleasure to dabble in a legal thriller again after a seemingly long break. Now I shall await Cass Leary's next adventure.
Click here for my random commentary.
I'm mildly disappointed in myself that I didn't see it coming, but man, the fact alone and me being legit caught off-guard was enough for this story to earn that 4th star out of me when I was more or less settled on just three. Well played, Robin James. Well played. I love when, even if I think I've got a story mapped out, I'm thrown for a loop. Good times.
It's great to back in Mara Brent's world again. While I still am much fonder of Cass Leary's stories, it doesn't mean I don't find my entertainment on the prosecutorial side of things. I definitely love the way this thing started, which brings us straight into the final moments of Mara's ex's trial. It definitely was the refresher of certain events I needed, since I don't remember all the details of the previous entry. Except Jason. Dude's a jerk. Still.
For this go around, we learn that the Sheriff has been murdered and that his alleged killer is someone with an unknown motive as well as methods. The evidence to convict is seemingly SO solid, especially given what is shared by the star witness, but Mara being Mara, she can't QUITE shake the feeling of something feeling terribly amiss. And heck, as a reader, I felt it too. There was a time a two where I in my non-lawyer mind picked up on facts that were seemingly missed by the attorney. I was like "Mara! SURELY you know what's coming!"
In a sense, it was easy to see where this story was going because of things being laid out in the manner that they were, but it doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the journey, the characters, and the courtroom drama. And as I mentioned before, the whole third act was SUPER fun in all its final touches to the journey of this case, and I definitely loved that. And as per usual as well, the pace of this thing was quick and not bogged down, which is a big reason why I love Robin James's style.
It was a pleasure to dabble in a legal thriller again after a seemingly long break. Now I shall await Cass Leary's next adventure.
Click here for my random commentary.
June 15, 2026
I picked up A Vow of Justice by Robin James without realizing it was part of a series — oops! — but that didn’t matter one bit. I thoroughly enjoyed every page.
The story follows Mara Brent as she leads the prosecution in a high-stakes murder case that has rocked the County Sheriff’s office. With her ex-husband’s corruption verdict still fresh and Prosecutor Kenya Spalding fighting to keep her job amid political turmoil, Mara already has her hands full. Opposing her is Alexander Nash, an old college rival who always finished just one point behind her and still carries that grudge. Nash pulls every trick to distract the jury from the overwhelming evidence, while Mara’s powerful ex-husband seems to be pulling strings from the shadows. It’s an uphill battle to keep the focus on truth and justice.
As always, Robin James delivers a slick, well-paced thriller packed with tension, drama, and characters that leap off the page. The twists are sharp, and the ending is a total shocker you won’t see coming.
My only real complaint is that it ends on a brutal cliffhanger — but it absolutely worked because now I’m desperate for the next book!
The story follows Mara Brent as she leads the prosecution in a high-stakes murder case that has rocked the County Sheriff’s office. With her ex-husband’s corruption verdict still fresh and Prosecutor Kenya Spalding fighting to keep her job amid political turmoil, Mara already has her hands full. Opposing her is Alexander Nash, an old college rival who always finished just one point behind her and still carries that grudge. Nash pulls every trick to distract the jury from the overwhelming evidence, while Mara’s powerful ex-husband seems to be pulling strings from the shadows. It’s an uphill battle to keep the focus on truth and justice.
As always, Robin James delivers a slick, well-paced thriller packed with tension, drama, and characters that leap off the page. The twists are sharp, and the ending is a total shocker you won’t see coming.
My only real complaint is that it ends on a brutal cliffhanger — but it absolutely worked because now I’m desperate for the next book!
April 7, 2024
This may be my favorite of the Mara Brent Books. It was nonstop from the first page. It is open and shut until it isn't. The ending was a complete surprise - though I would have chosen a better guy to be the fall guy. It is a 4 because I had hoped we were done with Jason. He has been convicted so I feel like the 'mechanics' or whatever would move on to someone not in jail - what can he do for them? Plus Maumee County is small - why do these powerful political forces even care about it - that storyline is getting old. Plus everyone is so tense and ready to explode all the time - with Gus's seniority he should be able to sit in a courtroom chair and give evidence But the storyline itselve was very good
April 15, 2023
Surprising twist at the end ...
Made the book come together.
Lots of winding plots to follow some issues not finalized, but enough happened that made reading the book worthwhile.
Glad there was not as much obsession about her disabled son possibly partly because of the boy's progress, but that is an improvement over some of her earlier work.
The courtroom again seems to be where this lawyer lives to be.
Made the book come together.
Lots of winding plots to follow some issues not finalized, but enough happened that made reading the book worthwhile.
Glad there was not as much obsession about her disabled son possibly partly because of the boy's progress, but that is an improvement over some of her earlier work.
The courtroom again seems to be where this lawyer lives to be.
October 21, 2023
Review of Vow of Justice
Great story, Mara Brent's life was turned upside down when her ex husband was convicted and sentenced to prison for violation of the RICO act. Besides trying to help her son cope with it, a brutal murder was committed which shook the town upside down. The author understands the politics of Law and the problems that women have to deal with in a Male Dominated profession
Great story, Mara Brent's life was turned upside down when her ex husband was convicted and sentenced to prison for violation of the RICO act. Besides trying to help her son cope with it, a brutal murder was committed which shook the town upside down. The author understands the politics of Law and the problems that women have to deal with in a Male Dominated profession
November 9, 2024
I have really enjoyed Robin James’ “Mara Brent Series,” because the heroine is a prosecutor instead of a defense lawyer like most “legal thrillers.” This one, however, was not as enjoyable to me. I can’t put my finger on it completely: the plot is interesting, the characterization is sound, and the ending is not what the reader expects, but something just didn’t “feel” right. (I know, I know; I sound like Jane Austen.) (344 pages)
January 12, 2026
Who shot the sheriff?
Mara prosecutes a young man for the murder of the local sheriff. The sheriff’s body is found in the parking lot of a local store but it was obvious he had not been shot in his car. Sheriff Clancy had received a phone call that made him leave his home in the early morning hours to meet someone, but who? Another Unputdownable book with a surprising twist at the end! Highly recommend.
Mara prosecutes a young man for the murder of the local sheriff. The sheriff’s body is found in the parking lot of a local store but it was obvious he had not been shot in his car. Sheriff Clancy had received a phone call that made him leave his home in the early morning hours to meet someone, but who? Another Unputdownable book with a surprising twist at the end! Highly recommend.
February 9, 2023
Oh No!!!
Another great Robin James book. Definitely a big twist that I DID NOT see coming. I’m a little disappointed the way the last paragraph ended. I will definitely be looking forward to the next book to see who is Mara’s boss.
Anything Robin James writes I read. Definitely recommend her series.
Another great Robin James book. Definitely a big twist that I DID NOT see coming. I’m a little disappointed the way the last paragraph ended. I will definitely be looking forward to the next book to see who is Mara’s boss.
Anything Robin James writes I read. Definitely recommend her series.
March 17, 2023
Vow of Justice
Another good addition to the series. I knew the why of the mystery from the very beginning so no twists or turns for me. It did end on a kind of cliffhanger which was annoying. I’m not the biggest fan of all the drama with the ex-husband. That ruins a little enjoyment from the book as it’s just annoying. I think a comment I’ve made over the last couple of books.
Another good addition to the series. I knew the why of the mystery from the very beginning so no twists or turns for me. It did end on a kind of cliffhanger which was annoying. I’m not the biggest fan of all the drama with the ex-husband. That ruins a little enjoyment from the book as it’s just annoying. I think a comment I’ve made over the last couple of books.
October 11, 2023
So many errors
The stories are great, but the editing/proofreading is terrible. Plot errors, wrong character referred to in dialogue, grammar and punctuation and spelling errors in abundance! After reading six books (yes the stories are good) I've spent gobs of time sending in corrections to the publisher.
The stories are great, but the editing/proofreading is terrible. Plot errors, wrong character referred to in dialogue, grammar and punctuation and spelling errors in abundance! After reading six books (yes the stories are good) I've spent gobs of time sending in corrections to the publisher.
January 6, 2025
I started this series after reading the Cass Leary series by the same author. Whereas Cass was a defender, Mara is a prosecutor and the flip side of the coin was a great way to differentiate between the two series. I loved Mara as a character and she was so strong, both professionally and personally, and boy did she need it. Another great series. I'm hoping this one is as long as Cass's.
July 11, 2025
The sheriff gets killed. Cruz must replace him as acting sheriff. Jason goes to prison and turns out to be a rat fink. He seemed so nice initially. Mara has to prosecute the sheriff’s killer. Her fellow student from law school is hired to defend the killer and he is willing to use some unscrupulous methods. It all comes down to a glimpse of a tattoo on the widow in the women’s restroom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2023
Great book to spend your time with
This is another great book from Robin. She has a great knack of keeping you interested to the very end and I can't wait for her next book to come out.
This is another great book from Robin. She has a great knack of keeping you interested to the very end and I can't wait for her next book to come out.
January 27, 2023
What a wild ride...
Please don't let this "thriller" get by you!!! You'll never guess who the real villain is until the closing moments of a grueling hard found trial in this small and closed mouth town!!
Please don't let this "thriller" get by you!!! You'll never guess who the real villain is until the closing moments of a grueling hard found trial in this small and closed mouth town!!
July 31, 2023
2nd Time of Reading
Well, I've just read books 1 - 6 in this series back to back for the second time and I have to say they were well worth it. It truly is an excellent series, each and every book is as good as the last. Plenty more of Mara Brent please Robin James.
Well, I've just read books 1 - 6 in this series back to back for the second time and I have to say they were well worth it. It truly is an excellent series, each and every book is as good as the last. Plenty more of Mara Brent please Robin James.
August 8, 2023
Vow of Justice
This is a great thriller. I absolutely loved it. I could not put this book down. I can't wait for the next book to come out. Although. It won't be out till Dec. To long to wait. I highly recommend this book and series.
This is a great thriller. I absolutely loved it. I could not put this book down. I can't wait for the next book to come out. Although. It won't be out till Dec. To long to wait. I highly recommend this book and series.
April 26, 2024
Absolutely love a Robin Jamea court case.
Absolutel idol would be Mara Brent, one amazing strong and never keep up attitude , who protects the ones she loves. This crosses over when she is also in court. Can't wait to go grab the next book in the series.
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Absolutel idol would be Mara Brent, one amazing strong and never keep up attitude , who protects the ones she loves. This crosses over when she is also in court. Can't wait to go grab the next book in the series.
5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 5, 2024
Exceptional Series
Started reading this series a week ago and I am up to Book 6. These books are written so well that all the ending keep you in suspense waiting for the next set of turns to come at you.
Started reading this series a week ago and I am up to Book 6. These books are written so well that all the ending keep you in suspense waiting for the next set of turns to come at you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews