Twice a Victim

by Ralph Dellapiana

Accused murderer Kala Tausinga has barely survived an abusive marriage and is so frightened of her husband Afa’s wrath, she’ll risk life in prison rather than testify against him.
Public defender Frank Bravo will need to call on all his experience to try to clear Kala, but Afa isn’t going down without a fight.
Victim advocate Mia Montes risks her own career to help Kala. But even if she’s found innocent, Kala may never be free of the man who now wants her dead, so Mia calls on The Sisterhood, a secret band of vigilante women for help.
With the jury in deliberation, the clock is ticking. Will Kala walk free, and if so, will Mia and The Sisterhood be able to keep her from becoming a victim once again?

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2022

Reviews

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope this is a start of a new series.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the characters, hope this is first in a series

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

[Doug Yonce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent start to what could be an addictive series. Realistic characters and plot keep the reader involved and interested. I received an advanced copy of this book from New and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.

[Joyce Scarbrough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gripping, emotional read! Loved all the legal details and procedurals. Looking forward to reading more by this author!

[Amy Broome · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as a Goodreads Giveaways. I enjoy courtroom procedurals, and this book does focus on the inner workings of the courtroom rather well. In this story, you can visibly see how it is being set up as a series to find unconventional justice for abused women. Lawyer Frank Bravo and his co-counsel, Mary play the primary roles here, with Mia - the victim advocate playing a supporting role. How it will pivot to Mia taking more focus remains a question mark because I feel Frank and Mary are better developed as characters.

The premise is promising, and I look forward to seeing how it will develop - the strength was in the writing of the courtroom/lawyer scenes. The external scenes felt a bit rushed and not quite as strong, which could have been the intention to mimic the feeling of an expedited trial, but it felt a bit less plotted.

The book was a really quick read for me - 2 days - where i was trying to squeeze in another chapter, while calculating if I'd be able to function on less sleep.

[Dana]

DNF. I got halfway through this book but just can’t slog through anymore. This theme of a “sisterhood” that seeks revenge is not new but could be interesting with better dialogue and less distraction. Some of the conversations just seem so random, like Frank and Mary having a boring discussion about their dating lives. The lengthy descriptions about things like the process of jury selection seem like “filler”. I do appreciate the Goodreads giveaway by The but there are too many good books out there and I feel like this one is a waste of time.

[T.P. Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twice a Victim is an intense, compelling legal thriller with characters that seem like real people. The author did a fantastic job of evoking imagery and emotion and the courtroom scenes make you feel like you’re actually watching a trial. Frank and Mia were smart, tough and admirable. And poor Kala. My heart broke for her. I hope to read more from Ralph Dellapiana. I loved everything about this novel and I highly recommend it.

[Julie Kleckner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to a series

Suspenseful legal drama. The best part was the background on The Sisterhood, I can't wait to see what they are up to in future books. Nice to see strong powerful women looking out for other women in trouble.

[Mary Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gutwrenching

This story made my skin crawl and my heart race. The injustice Kala withstood was unbelievable, yet it happens. I have a much deeper understanding about our judicial. If I ever needed help, I'd definitely hire Frank Bravo and Mary!

[Sue Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspenseful

I kept forgetting it was fiction. It was difficult to read due to the accuracy of the situation, but I couldn't put it down.

[Jessica Zoll · Rating 1 out of 5]

I truly think this is the worst book I have ever read. Horribly written, incredibly inaccurate, and just juvenile.