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Mary Storm #2
Last Witness
After running away from her hometown, Emily Hart has decided to return. Twenty years is a long time. And she finds that the hard way once she revisits her past once again. As she catches up with life, a new, shocking case has shocked the city.
Her high school sweetheart, a changed man, is accused of a terrible and cruel murder. And Emily is the only one who can defend him, before it’s too late…
Her high school sweetheart, a changed man, is accused of a terrible and cruel murder. And Emily is the only one who can defend him, before it’s too late…
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
581 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
May 19, 2022
This short little book was written better than some of the longer crime books I have read. The whole thing was very interesting.
June 5, 2023
Not a bad book at all. I like a court room/mystery. A very short book of about 115 pages but it seemed longer! A couple of major typos and one infuriating habit the author had of writing about a witness being in court on the stand being cross-examined, and without any explanation her client sitting at her table breaks into the dialogue! Frustrating because I was wondering who was in the conversation. It only happed 2-3 times but it took me ages to piece the situation together. A bad mistake but quite a good book. Looking forward to trying another Ellis Keler book soon. Recommended.
June 8, 2022
Terrific quick read
The story is quick, to the point and packs in all the details for a great story. It's a fast read and we'll worth it. There is a very real side to each character, as if you know them like your next door friends. The movement to the peak moments moves right on and ends upbeat and looking to the next chapter...
The story is quick, to the point and packs in all the details for a great story. It's a fast read and we'll worth it. There is a very real side to each character, as if you know them like your next door friends. The movement to the peak moments moves right on and ends upbeat and looking to the next chapter...
May 12, 2022
This short novel has all the ingredients that larger novels have. It is a gripping tale of a man who is wrongly accused of murder.
Emily left her hometown 20 years before and has just returned. She is now a lawyer and the only one who can help her one time boyfriend prove his innocence. She goes to extraordinary lengths to get at the truth! But get at it she does-at almost the last possible moment!
I enjoyed this novel so much that I have already downloaded the second in this series.
Emily left her hometown 20 years before and has just returned. She is now a lawyer and the only one who can help her one time boyfriend prove his innocence. She goes to extraordinary lengths to get at the truth! But get at it she does-at almost the last possible moment!
I enjoyed this novel so much that I have already downloaded the second in this series.
June 18, 2022
You never know!
Good story. I never considered who really was the guilty one. Emily didn't have a good defense for Robert, but I believed in his innocence, so I was rooting for Emily all along.
Good story. I never considered who really was the guilty one. Emily didn't have a good defense for Robert, but I believed in his innocence, so I was rooting for Emily all along.
December 23, 2023
There are clearly reviews happening for two different books here, not sure what that is about. The book I read was the Emily one, and two hours of my life that I will never get back. I can’t believe anyone read the first two paragraphs and agreed to publish it.
October 30, 2022
Who are the characters?
The premise of this book had some promise but never got there. Same with characters.. Nicknames “My Nona” and “Babe” were especially annoying as well as Mama and Papa, so much so that any interest in the book (for me) was lost. I did eventually finish as I kept hoping the plot and characters would grow. Never happened. It was a big disappointment and I gave no desire to read any more in series.
The premise of this book had some promise but never got there. Same with characters.. Nicknames “My Nona” and “Babe” were especially annoying as well as Mama and Papa, so much so that any interest in the book (for me) was lost. I did eventually finish as I kept hoping the plot and characters would grow. Never happened. It was a big disappointment and I gave no desire to read any more in series.
April 6, 2022
Title: Last Witness
Author: Ellis Keler
Publisher: E. K.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Last Witness" by Ellis Keler
My Assessment:
This was my first time reading from this author, and it will not be my last. Indeed this mystery crime story kept my interest, turning the pages to see what was coming next.
It seems like Emily Hart had been gone from her hometown of Linkwater for over twenty-some years due to her brother's death. Her parents couldn't forgive her for the accident that had taken Bobby's life—yes, blaming Emily! But Emily decides it's time to visit Linkwater, but there is a friend...an ex-boyfriend from high school who was in trouble needing a lawyer. This is where Emily comes into play, being a lawyer and willing to help Robert Dawson in this horrible situation of being accused of murdering his parents. There was no way the Robert she knew could have done this...so will Emily be able to get him out of this mess that the prosecutor thought had killed his parents? The reader will have to pick up 'Last Witness' to see how well this author brings it all out.
Then be prepared for 2nd part of the series!... Prisoner of Justice, and I can't wait to read it!
Author: Ellis Keler
Publisher: E. K.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Last Witness" by Ellis Keler
My Assessment:
This was my first time reading from this author, and it will not be my last. Indeed this mystery crime story kept my interest, turning the pages to see what was coming next.
It seems like Emily Hart had been gone from her hometown of Linkwater for over twenty-some years due to her brother's death. Her parents couldn't forgive her for the accident that had taken Bobby's life—yes, blaming Emily! But Emily decides it's time to visit Linkwater, but there is a friend...an ex-boyfriend from high school who was in trouble needing a lawyer. This is where Emily comes into play, being a lawyer and willing to help Robert Dawson in this horrible situation of being accused of murdering his parents. There was no way the Robert she knew could have done this...so will Emily be able to get him out of this mess that the prosecutor thought had killed his parents? The reader will have to pick up 'Last Witness' to see how well this author brings it all out.
Then be prepared for 2nd part of the series!... Prisoner of Justice, and I can't wait to read it!
April 1, 2022
Freya Atwood recommend this author and I am glad that I took her advice.
This story begins with Emily returning to her hometown after being away for 20 years. Emily has gone to the police station to see her friend Jessica, a police officer. While there, the police are bringing a suspect that Emily believes that she knows. Later, after finding out Robert, an old boyfriend, was arrested for the murder of his parents. Emily became his lawyer and started looking into the case. As time got nearer to the trial, Emily did have a lot that would set him free. As the trial went on and the prosecution finished its' case, Emily still didn't know how it would turn out since she still didn't have evidence proving Robert's innonence. Emily finished up with the last defense witness when she told the court that she had another witness. Emily made arrangements to discuss the testimony with the new witness that night. As a result of that meeting, everything all fell into place.
To learn what this last witness revealed and how it led to Robert's release, you will need to read this book. The ending will answer all of the questions you might have.
This story begins with Emily returning to her hometown after being away for 20 years. Emily has gone to the police station to see her friend Jessica, a police officer. While there, the police are bringing a suspect that Emily believes that she knows. Later, after finding out Robert, an old boyfriend, was arrested for the murder of his parents. Emily became his lawyer and started looking into the case. As time got nearer to the trial, Emily did have a lot that would set him free. As the trial went on and the prosecution finished its' case, Emily still didn't know how it would turn out since she still didn't have evidence proving Robert's innonence. Emily finished up with the last defense witness when she told the court that she had another witness. Emily made arrangements to discuss the testimony with the new witness that night. As a result of that meeting, everything all fell into place.
To learn what this last witness revealed and how it led to Robert's release, you will need to read this book. The ending will answer all of the questions you might have.
November 6, 2024
This is a very short book, only 120 pages. Emily Hart and Robert Dawson were sweethearts in high school. They broke up, and Emily was deeply hurt. Years later Emily moves back to her home town, she is now a lawyer. She doesn’t have a good relationship with her parents; they blame her for her brother’s death, as she was driving the car that crashed and killed him. This is also the reason she left all those years ago. Roberts parents are found murdered, and Robert was found holding his mother and the murder weapon. Emily was called in to represent Robert in court. With very little evidence to go on, and lots of circumstantial evidence against him, Emily must prove his innocence.
I didn't like how short the book was, and how quickly the case ended.
I didn't like how short the book was, and how quickly the case ended.
September 2, 2024
Just, NO. I don't even know where to start. This was bad, abysmally bad. Numerous grammatical errors and typos; pronoun inconsistency; the "plot twist" was predictable. The legal process is severely misrepresented (objections made not on evidence, evidence coming up for the first time in the trial, etc.). Not a whole lot of story, just jumped from plot point to plot point with no explanation. And, the defendant drives a "Ford Subaru"...?? There does not seem to have been any research of the legal process (outside of maybe watching fictional crime shows) and no proofreading or editing. Poor, poor writing. I regret having read this.
June 14, 2022
Least prepared & least competent defense lawyer ever. She didn’t even know what evidence & witnesses would be at trial. So much for the required disclosure by each side. Quickest trial on record. She makes reference to the parents being in the morgue. Robert was in jail not prison while awaiting trial. Little towns don’t have prisons to hold the accused in even though they may be called prisoners. The storyline was not bad but Pierce’s not realistic. I’ll read the author’s next book before I make a final decision.
June 4, 2022
Better Than Other Books I’ve Read Recently
… and, sorry — THAT headline is not a ringing endorsement, and for a good reason — the writing of this tale leaves a bit to be desired. The Author puts it all together, and has a mostly believable story — but it’s just not pieced together well. And, some parts of this book are just too easily thrown together — it seems like the writing is more to get the information into the story rather than it making the most sense …
… and, sorry — THAT headline is not a ringing endorsement, and for a good reason — the writing of this tale leaves a bit to be desired. The Author puts it all together, and has a mostly believable story — but it’s just not pieced together well. And, some parts of this book are just too easily thrown together — it seems like the writing is more to get the information into the story rather than it making the most sense …
July 22, 2022
It's s short story
I'm used to reading mysteries that are much more detailed.
I thought this was by another Author because the cover looks similar.
It was a good quick read.
Lots of small town sentiments that were a little hard to keep reading.
Not too many twist and turns.
You may like it, but I really am not comfortable recommending it.
It is a short story so pick it up. You can finish it in one or two readings.
Happy reading!
I'm used to reading mysteries that are much more detailed.
I thought this was by another Author because the cover looks similar.
It was a good quick read.
Lots of small town sentiments that were a little hard to keep reading.
Not too many twist and turns.
You may like it, but I really am not comfortable recommending it.
It is a short story so pick it up. You can finish it in one or two readings.
Happy reading!
May 26, 2024
They/Them
To be honest, this novel felt to me like it was the Readers Digest version. Legal and judicial procedures seemed to be abbreviated, and conversations felt incomplete. The basic storyline was fine and if elaborated could have fleshed this out to an actual thriller. One more rewrite or proofread could have eliminated a number of unwieldy pronouns and errors, like the Ford Subaru of the defendant.
To be honest, this novel felt to me like it was the Readers Digest version. Legal and judicial procedures seemed to be abbreviated, and conversations felt incomplete. The basic storyline was fine and if elaborated could have fleshed this out to an actual thriller. One more rewrite or proofread could have eliminated a number of unwieldy pronouns and errors, like the Ford Subaru of the defendant.
May 13, 2022
Last Witness
Good book. The story of a women who comes back to her hometown after a 20 years. She is a lawyer and has to defend her first love when he is accused of murdering his parents. The actual person who committed the murder is very predictable. However, the characters and story are well written.
Good book. The story of a women who comes back to her hometown after a 20 years. She is a lawyer and has to defend her first love when he is accused of murdering his parents. The actual person who committed the murder is very predictable. However, the characters and story are well written.
May 24, 2022
After a break-up with her boyfriend, Emily Hart returns to the place where she grew up. She hopes to mend her relationship with her parents so they can have a normal life. She starts a new job as a criminal lawyer and her first case is trying to prove the innocence of her high school sweetheart.
This will keep you on the edge of your seat. I read it in one sitting.
This will keep you on the edge of your seat. I read it in one sitting.
June 9, 2022
Proofreading needed
The premise of the story though simple held possibilities in the beginning. However, there were numerous grammatical errors including and most annoying using the plural form of possessive pronouns when referring to a singular person. It was billed as a short story but still could have presented a modicum of depth. I won’t be reading any more in this series.
The premise of the story though simple held possibilities in the beginning. However, there were numerous grammatical errors including and most annoying using the plural form of possessive pronouns when referring to a singular person. It was billed as a short story but still could have presented a modicum of depth. I won’t be reading any more in this series.
June 15, 2022
Compulsive and gripping! Suspenseful, addictive and complex! A very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters. The suspense builds at just the right pace as the story unfolds. Will keep you swiping the pages furiously. Worthy of your TBR list.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from in order to read and provide a voluntary and honest review, should I choose to do so.
July 4, 2022
Emily Hart has returned to the small town she grew up in. Seems that little has changed in the twenty years she was gone. But when her old high school boyfriend is arrested for hilling his parents, she can't sit by and not help. Plus, she has her own demons to face in this town. A fast read that has everything you would want with no unnecessary fillers.
December 14, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! The ending was a shocking surprise. U know the defendant is innocent but have no clue who dunnit until the shocking end. I loved the drama. The small competent lawyer, Emily against the prosecution who has piles of evidence. I loved the characters, the original plot, great storyline. I’ve come to really love this author and look forward to reading more of her books!
December 15, 2022
Enjoyable quick read. The pace was pretty good because the story was short and it did keep me guessing as to who the real culprit was while the outcome was well thought through and told. It’s not always easy to provide depth to such a storyline which is told in a short way but the author dies well with this. I will look out for more by this author.
October 5, 2023
For fans of Daniel Hurst here's a "legal thriller" for those who aren't fans (like me) this was a one star thrill shrill. Short, simple, quick, easy to comprehend like a 8th grader book. It was free on stuff your kindle so I just deleted it.
It was quick. Super easy. Easy to figure out. Drama wasn't the best. Thrill wasn't the best. Characters were eh. Plot was ok.
Eh not my cup of tea
It was quick. Super easy. Easy to figure out. Drama wasn't the best. Thrill wasn't the best. Characters were eh. Plot was ok.
Eh not my cup of tea
November 30, 2023
Pretty good book. A couple of major typos and one infuriating habit the author had of writing about a witness being in court on the stand being cross-examined, and without any explanation her client sitting at her table breaks into the dialogue! It only happed 2-3 times. A bad mistake but quite a good book. Looking forward to trying another Ellis Keler book soon. Recommended.
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August 4, 2024free ebook
quick read
she was a teen and driving and to avoid a deer crashed and her 15 yr old brother died
her parents blamed her
she moved, became a lawyer
moved back
her hs boyfriend was arrested for murdering both his parents
she knew he was innocent and defended him
she found out it was his x girlfriend, she was arrested and he was let go
quick read
she was a teen and driving and to avoid a deer crashed and her 15 yr old brother died
her parents blamed her
she moved, became a lawyer
moved back
her hs boyfriend was arrested for murdering both his parents
she knew he was innocent and defended him
she found out it was his x girlfriend, she was arrested and he was let go
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2022
Last Witnes
This was a real attention getter from the very beginning.
I read several chapters and went to bed, 30 minutes later I was
Reading the book! Finally finished it. You just can't put it down!!
This was a real attention getter from the very beginning.
I read several chapters and went to bed, 30 minutes later I was
Reading the book! Finally finished it. You just can't put it down!!
June 14, 2022
A strong lawyer goes home...years later to pick up what's left.
Emily goes home, where she's not wanted. She comes home to find a high school boyfriend arrested...for murder. A page turner in and out of the courtroom.
Emily goes home, where she's not wanted. She comes home to find a high school boyfriend arrested...for murder. A page turner in and out of the courtroom.
June 16, 2022
Great story, poor ending.
Apart from the annoying jumping from past to present tense the story was enjoyable and gripping. The climax built nicely, but just as you get to the climax it flips with a disappointing and predictable ending which appeared to be rushed.
Apart from the annoying jumping from past to present tense the story was enjoyable and gripping. The climax built nicely, but just as you get to the climax it flips with a disappointing and predictable ending which appeared to be rushed.
September 5, 2022
Author's profile says she's a lawyer. She enters the case for an ex-boyfriend defendant, unrepre
sented? and somehow there's already a jury. I wasn't impressed up to that point' where I bailed out. nothing at all positive about this one.
sented? and somehow there's already a jury. I wasn't impressed up to that point' where I bailed out. nothing at all positive about this one.
September 19, 2023
The book is very short, so I couldn't fully get into the story. And it needs a good editor, because there were a few typos and errors. But most of the story took place in the courtroom, hence the extra star :-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews