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Jersey Girl #3

Witness for the Persecution

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Movie premiers, murder charges, and celebrity shenanigans? It's all in a day's work for New Jersey prosecutor turned LA family lawyer Sandy Moss. Former New Jersey prosecutor Sandy Moss moved to a prestigious Los Angeles law firm to make a new start as a family lawyer. So it seems a little unfair that Seaton, Taylor have created a criminal law division specifically for her. Just because she's successfully defended two murder trials, it doesn't mean she likes them! But when abrasive Hollywood movie director Robert Reeves is accused of murdering a stuntman on set, Sandy finds she can't say no when he demands her help. Robert might be an unpleasant, egotistical liar, but something tells Sandy that he's innocent--even if no one else can see it. At least this time, she reassures herself, her charismatic, adorable, and oh so annoying TV star boyfriend Patrick McNabb isn't involved in the case. He isn't ... right? The third in the fast-paced, funny, legal mystery series starring pitch-perfect heroine Sandy Moss, who "could give Perry Mason a run for his money" ( Kirkus Reviews ), is a great pick for fans of cozy mysteries, legal dramas, and anyone who likes to laugh!

1 pages, Audio CD

Published May 31, 2022

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About the author

E.J. Copperman

45 books842 followers
Librarian note: E.J. Copperman is the pen name for author Jeff Cohen

E.J. Copperman is a mysterious figure, or has a mysterious figure, or writes figuratively in mysteries. In any event, a New Jersey native, E.J. has written for such publications as The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, American Baby and USA Weekend. Night of the Living Deed is the first E.J. Copperman novel. It will be followed in 2011 by An Uninvited Ghost, the second in the Haunted Guesthouse mystery series.

E.J., having worked as a newspaper reporter, teacher, magazine editor, and screenwriter, writes stories that combine humor and mystery with just the right amount of spooky supernatural happenings and a large doses of Jersey attitude.

Sound like we’re being evasive? Well, the fact is that E.J. Copperman is the pseudonym of a well-known mystery novelist, now embarking on a new type of story that includes some elements of the supernatural as well as a fair number of laughs. And the Copperman novels will have a different attitude, a different setting and completely different characters than anything that has come before, so E.J. really is a new author.

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5 stars
86 (37%)
4 stars
84 (36%)
3 stars
47 (20%)
2 stars
9 (3%)
1 star
5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Val (pagespoursandpups).
353 reviews119 followers
April 4, 2022
I would characterize this book as a fun and witty romp in a not so serious legal investigation and murder trial.

The female characters in this Jersey Girl Legal Mystery series are witty, light-hearted, sassy, street-smart and tenacious. I love the friendship between Sandy and Angie and I definitely think everyone needs a friend like Angie. Sandy's boyfriend, Patrick, is a Hollywood actor and this story involves the death of a stuntman on set during the filming of a movie. The death is determined to be a murder, and the director, a very unlikeable and self-important man, Robert Reeves is arrested and will stand trial for the murder. Based on her past success defending Patrick, she is sought out by Reeves to defend him.

Sandy's biggest hurdles are: getting information out of Reeves, getting Reeves to commit to meetings with her, getting Reeves to understand the severity of the charges against him, getting around and through Hollywood gossip and staying out of the limelight herself. As a paralegal, there were many instances where I thought, "okay, that is just not how it works", but even in thinking that, this cozy mystery was full of action, jokes, hilarious observations and interesting characters. So even though I would not consider this one totally accurate, I would consider it totally enjoyable.

This is the third in the series (I keep reading out of order these days) and even though I haven't read the first 2, this stand-alone was just fine as an introduction to the series. It does make me want to backtrack to read 1 and 2 in the series in order to get more backstory on the main characters. I definitely recommend this one to readers who are more concerned with enjoying a story than breaking it apart and analyzing it. Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the ARC to read and review. Pub date: 4/5/22.
Profile Image for Maria.
3,295 reviews102 followers
March 4, 2022
I love the setting of Los Angeles, the entertainment industry, and the behind-the-scenes of the legal profession. Sandy and her team are more than competent at their job and the cases are front and center in this series, which is a little different for cozies where the amateur sleuth tends to abandon their job to investigate. I enjoy the humorous banter throughout the book and look forward to more in this series. Bonus for mentioning Drexel University (that's two books this year!!!)

I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Bridget.
2,789 reviews134 followers
April 12, 2022
Witness for the Persecution is the third tale in the Jersey Girl Legal mystery series and another outing for Sandy Moss, a family lawyer. The instalment boasts a swiftly moving pace, a narrative that never lets up and it's populated with witty banter. The vivid cast of characters adds lots of interest and the dynamite mystery is great too. A terrifically good romp with plenty of comical moments.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Severn House via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
6,012 reviews69 followers
April 14, 2022
Sandy Moss left New Jersey for California, wanting to get away from the criminal law that was her main focus. But the family law firm she joined set up a criminal division for Sandy, and the director of her film star-boyfriend's latest film wants her help to beat a murder rap. Robert Reeves is a major jerk, there's no doubt of that, and Sandy's not sure he's telling her the truth--about anything. To add to the undesirable nature of the case, someone wants her to give it up--to the extent of kidnapping her and her best pal Angie. But even jerks deserve a defense, and even when a seemingly damning video turns up, Sandy has a sneaking feeling that Reeves did not commit the murder. Suspenseful and funny.
Profile Image for Kimberly #Audiofile.
2,569 reviews29 followers
February 13, 2023
3.5 star listen
I enjoyed this story
I’m still not sure if this mmc with our mmc
Interesting dynamics
Profile Image for Kathleen.
732 reviews
March 16, 2023
Excellent legal cozy with a major surprise at the end. The main character, Sandy, is very funny with some hilarious snarky commentary. Her cadre of supporting friends, in particular her "security detail," are well-drawn characters that add to the story.

Quite a bit of the last section of the book takes place is in a courtroom but it is interesting to see facts become clear and to see the inner machinations of a good defense lawyer. Then there is the big reveal on the red carpet afterwards…
Profile Image for Gail C..
347 reviews
February 25, 2022
Sandy Moss, Attorney with her New Jersey tendencies in terms of approaching situations got tired of prosecuting criminals and moved to Los Angeles to practice family law. While she changed her focus for practicing law, she retained her typical, according to her, New Jersey approach to situations. She thinks it’s the perfect setup for surviving in the high pressure environment of tinseltown.

Witness for the Persecution by E. J. Copperman is the third in his series featuring Sandy and her friend, Angie who moved out to help Sandy stay grounded. Rounding out the recurring characters is Patric McNabb, Hollywood star and Sandy’s constant boyfriend. Patrick met her during a trial where she was pressed into work as a defense attorney and now thinks she is the most brilliant attorney who ever tried a case. On top of that, he has declared his undying love for her and in this novel their relationship has advanced to the point where he is hoping she will move in with him. Sandy is reluctant, primarily because in the past, Patrick has hotly pursued any number of women, then quickly bored of them once he had their attention. She has acknowledged she loves Patrick, and doesn’t want to give in to his request, only to have him leave her stranded.

In addition to her work as a family attorney, Sandy has developed a reputation as a defense attorney and her new law firm has decided to establish a small section for providing defense in that arena and making Sandy head of it. While she protests that fact, her boss points out that in truth, Sandy loves the work. Therefore, when a director Patrick has done some work with is accused of murdering the stunt man on his current film, he is referred to Sandy and she is pressed into taking the case.

As Sandy begins to research the case, she learns Patrick is tangentially associated with this case, having had a small part in the current film. He swears he was not there on the day the stunt man died, and will not be called to testify in the case. It also slips out that he’s the one who has referred the director to Sandy for representation. All these reasons combine to push Sandy into accepting the case.

Like the first two books in the series, this one is a light-hearted romp, with Sandy being placed in some difficult positions and being extricated from them either by her own smart mouth, Angie’s unique style and decision to become Sandy’s personal security guard, and later, when things seem to get more series Judy is hired as a professional bodyguard. This is the second appearance of Judy in the series, and while she is a minor character, she is so well drawn that she adds tremendous depth to the story.

Other characters who round out the book and are well created include the director, who is so obnoxious it’s not hard to understand why someone would want to frame him for murder. He is attached to two women, wife number one, who he keeps in the background because she isn’t glamorous nor young enough to add to his credentials, according to him; and wife number two, a young,attractive woman who accompanies him to premieres and otherwise seems to be intellectually limited. Finally, there is Detective Trask, who is primarily the strong silent, “just the facts ma’am”, police officer Sandy has encountered before. Her nature is to try and create ripples in his rigid persona, and also try to figure out what his opinion of her is.

Because these secondary characters have appeared in previous books in the series, there are some relationships that have developed prior to this book. Readers who like to read series books will probably enjoy reading the books in order. However, the mystery itself is completed within this novel and, as such, the book can be read as a stand alone.

While the mystery is enjoyable, there is one clue that gets overlooked in a way that may cause the reader to wonder why it wasn’t more fully investigated. Readers who are trying to solve the puzzle may find themselves wondering why more questions aren’t asked or, indeed, may see the hole created by this clue and wonder why it hasn’t been more fully examined.

For those who have read the first two books in the series, this will be an enjoyable addition to the story and they will likely enjoy reading about how Sandy and friend’s lives progress. For those new to the series, they may decide it would be more enjoyable to begin with the first book and read the books in the order in which they were written.

I would like to thank Severn House and NetGalley for an advance reader copy of this book for review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Profile Image for S.J. Higbee.
Author 15 books44 followers
April 9, 2022
I have a fondness for murder mysteries, but these days I’m also looking for books that are lighter in tone. The two requirements don’t tend to marry up all that often – but with Witness for the Persecution Sandy’s very funny first-person narrative on all that is happening in her life makes this murder mystery huge fun. Copperman manages to achieve the ongoing humour without diminishing the seriousness of the death, which I also appreciated and is another indication that this author is an experienced wordsmith who knows what they’re doing.

I enjoyed the interesting aspect of this one – that Sandy’s client, who is at risk of going to jail for a very long time – is someone that she thoroughly dislikes. It adds an interesting dimension to the story, especially as all the evidence seems to point in his direction. As with Inherit the Shoes, the actual whodunit is well crafted, with plenty of twisty surprises and red herrings aplenty along the way. I had worked out who the actual perpetrator was well before the denouement – but that didn’t matter too much. Because there is still the issue of whether Sandy can convince the jury that Horrible Robert (as I ended up labelling him) is innocent.

I also thoroughly enjoyed reading the glitches in Sandy’s relationship with the gorgeous Patrick McNabb. What happens when you become increasingly convinced that the love of your life is more interested in the chase, than settling down to a regular live-in relationship? Sandy’s thoughts on the romance in her life are both poignant and funny, though well leavened by the strong support she has from best friend Angie, who moved to L.A. to be with her. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed jumping back into Sandy’s world and would highly recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a dash of humour with their courtroom dramas. While I obtained an arc of Witness for the Persecution from the publishers via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
9/10
Profile Image for Jean-Luc.
362 reviews9 followers
May 2, 2022
The suspicious death of a stuntman on a movie set is a the center of Copperman's latest hilarious whodunit, a Jersey Girl Mystery full of legal mayhem and lots of verbal pyrotechnics!

Once again East Coast pragmatism collides with SoCal outrageousness in this highly entertaining romp where Sandy, my favorite fictional lawyer from the Garden State, painstakingly tries to
prove to the Californian justice system that her client, an obnoxious film director, didn't explicitly planned the murder of one of his stunt performers...

This new installment is a definitive hoot! Laughing out loud from start to finish with a large cast of kooky characters & an adrenaline-fueled plot that kept me in stiches for a few hours. The perfect antidote to the ugly gloominess so prevalent around our dysfunctional planet Earth nowadays...

A delightful novel that really deserves to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!
I simply can't wait for Sandy's next crazy legal adventure under the cerulean sky of Los Angeles
Profile Image for Emily.
591 reviews7 followers
April 15, 2022
A fun mystery about an LA defense attorney transplanted from New Jersey. Sandy Moss is 2 for 2 in the newly minted criminal law department of her family law firm when she is hired to represent obnoxious director Robert Reeves. He is charged with murdering a stunt man he intensely disliked. Since Sandy is improbably dating a famous film star, and because the case against Reeves is weak from the outset, I admit that I was thinking this story might be disappointing. But, it was entertaining. The way Sandy goes about preparing for trial, the people she interviews, the image of a day in the life of an action movie, her use of experts, the judge and more were well written. I'm not a criminal lawyer, but I am a lawyer and I hate when trials are not fairly realistic. There is an odd side story that seemed just bizarre but it is wrapped up. The solution is pretty obvious but not so certain that you are bored. There is a lot of humor. All in all a solid 3.5 stars rounded up.
11.6k reviews203 followers
March 20, 2022
Sandy can't get away from criminal defense even though she moved to Los Angeles to practice family law. She's got a boyfriend- Patrick- who is an actor and he thinks she's like the best attorney in the world so he refers director Robert Reeves to her when he's accused of murdering a stuntman on the set of his latest movie. Reeves is arrogant and obnoxious but he's not a murderer, is he? Sandy uses her legal smarts and her New Jersey smarts both to solve this one. But what to do about Patrick? He's asked her to up their relationship but she's worried about his romantic history. No spoilers from me. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. I've been a fan of this series- it's funny, the characters are good, and I like the Hollywood setting. Newcomers will enjoy it just fine as a standalone and then, like me, be eagerly awaiting the next one.
374 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2022
I picked this up by random at the library's new book section and was very happy I did. Sandy Moss, formerly from New Jersey, is in Los Angeles working as a private attorney in a family law firm, and dating a Hollywood star. She handles hopeless murder trials as a sideline. The tone is light-hearted, the story well-scripted, and entertaining dialogue. There are some good courtroom scenes and some memorable characters, along with a few who don't quite click. Sandy is an amusing narrator and we get to see the case and clues unfold from her perspective. Her personal life takes up a fair amount of text and it's humorous. I identified the actual murderer fairly quickly though the full scope of those working against Sandy is impossible to figure out. I plan on reading one of the earlier books in this series.
5 reviews
April 26, 2026
It's not that this book was bad. I simply didn't like the writing style. Now, I didn't finish this book, but from what I read, here's my two sense:
1. I didn't like the first person present tense. There's something off about it to me. It doesn't matter how well the author writes, I just don't think this tense typically works.
2. Half the sentences teetered on the edge of run on territory. While I admit that long sentences don't have to be run ons, a lot of the sentences in this book just went on and on. I think this is because of the ideas inserted in parenthesis midway through the sentences, which when read in my head just left too many clauses in one go.
3. Plot-wise, the book seemed pretty good (at least from what I'd read). I really think that someone will like this book so long as they appreciate the writing style.

Well, that's it:) I wish I loved this book.
Profile Image for Karen.
2,133 reviews47 followers
August 25, 2022
This series just cracks me up, not as funny as Stephanie Plum, but very entertaining.

This is a transplanted New Jersey lawyer operating out of Los Angeles. I spent time in Los Angeles after grad school and found my take on the population there to be eerily similar to Sandy Moss's. I also worked in two law firms as a librarian, records manager. This firm is much nicer.

A murder trial does happen here and we see an inside look at a Hollywood set and the red carpet of an opening night as well as a courtroom full circle to the verdict.

This is a quick read and very entertaining.

I won a contest for a free print copy, and have to say that the book format is lovely, with the dust jacket printed on the book boards and a spine that does not crack.



Profile Image for Christine.
1,358 reviews21 followers
February 2, 2022
This series is a new one for me, but I plan to look for the others in the series. Jersey lawyer Sandy Moss is transplanted to California in the hopes of leaving criminal law behind. Unfortunately she finds herself defending an arrogant, full of himself director accused of murdering a stuntman during a movie shoot. Sandy's boyfriend movie star Patrick McNabb encourages her to take the case., but she soon discovers her client is a habitual liar, although he just might be innocent. The cast of characters ranges from the BFF, the simpering assistant, a plain Jane ex-wife (or is she) and the hot new wife. Laugh out loud funny.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC
690 reviews7 followers
June 7, 2022
Attorney Sandy Moss left New Jersey for Los Angeles. Although she is a family lawyer, she has proven to be an astute and successful criminal defense attorney as well. So, it’s no surprise that when an abrasive movie director is charged with murder, Sandy can’t say no.

Witness for the Persecution is the third book in this series by E.J. Copperman and it doesn’t disappoint. It is a fast-paced, humorous mystery with a good plot, quirky characters, and engaging dialogue. It’s perfect entertainment for a lazy summer afternoon.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.
Profile Image for Crystal Toller.
1,181 reviews10 followers
July 11, 2022
Legal Myster Series

This is the third book in the Jersey Girl Legal Mystery Series. Sandy Moss has moved to LA from New Jersey to do family law but keeps getting hired for criminal cases. In this book, she is hired by a director who has been charged with killing a stuntman on his film. How Sandy investigates his case and discovers the true story make for a great read. Although the book is really focused on Sandry Moss, the protagonist of the book, my favorite character is Sandy's best friend, Angie who moves to LA to be Sandy's support person. I have really enjoyed this series and am eagerly waiting for the next book to learn more about Sandy's and her posse.
1,031 reviews9 followers
February 2, 2023
Haven't read the two previous books in this series but I am confused about calling it Jersey Girl because other than the fact that the main character grew up in New Jersey and left there fairly recently I didn't see much at all about this fact. Didn't seem terribly relevant to the plot of her as a lawyer who is hired to defend a producer who may have murdered a stunt man. Not particularly fond of reading (or watching on TV) stories about law cases or lawyers except Scottiline's books which are more about the mystery solving etc than the actual trials.
Profile Image for Ryan Hoffman.
1,215 reviews2 followers
September 22, 2023
This is the third in a witty legal cozy mystery series, with a main character, Sandy Moss, that gave prosecuting murder cases in Jersey, To handling celebrity divorces in Los Angeles, whos boyfriend Patrick McNabb,a TV cop/action star, wants to be a real PI instead of playing one. Of course, after settling two big murder cases, the members of her firm specialized a criminal law division for her. Her current big case, involves the director of her boyfriends new role Accused of killing a stunt man. It a very entertaining read and a real treat.
Profile Image for Annarella.
14.3k reviews166 followers
April 3, 2022
An excellent addition to this excellent series: a gripping and compelling mystery that kept me turning pages.
I was happy to catch up wit the cast of characters, had a lot of fun, and the solid mystery kept me guessing.
i think this is the best story so far and this series improves with each new instalment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Profile Image for Heather.
1,113 reviews
January 12, 2022
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Severn House and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

The third in the series didn’t fail to entertain. As a fan of the previous two, I had high expectations. My expectations were met and exceeded. E. J. Cooperman has a way with the characters and story, you’ll be immersed in the story. I look forward to reading more.
622 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2022
I found this book to be boring. The characters were boring. The main character, Sandy Moss and her best friend Angie relocate to Hollywood from New Jersey. Considering that and that this book is part of a Jersey Girl Legal series, they have none of the attitude, swagger, sauciness of a real Jersey girl. I think I had read something else by this other and wasn't impressed.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,978 reviews15 followers
March 6, 2023
Absolutely adore this series. It is campy and just entertaining. I think Sandy and the crew play well off each other and the court room scenes belong on a sitcom. Actually - this could totally be a sitcom. (Some cozy mysteries are turned into Hallmark mysteries - this definitely fits better as an NBC sitcom).
Profile Image for Connie Hatch.
55 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2023
Excellent book in the style from the delightful creations from EJ Copperman that we become a custom to. Twist and turns, Mystery and intrigue. All in the wonderful fashion of narration and dialogue that make you smile while reading. I love this author and this book is another of the delightful creations from EJ Copperman.
Profile Image for Sue.
Author 1 book30 followers
September 22, 2022
Not my style. The main character, a lawyer turned unwilling investigator was not very convincing. Can not imagine a top professional lawyer ‘proposing’ to her boyfriend publicly in a courtroom only because she had him under oath in the witness stand. Please.
Profile Image for Chaitra.
4,737 reviews
November 21, 2025
I prefer Copperman's haunted guesthouse series, but since I've read all of those and there's no more coming, this will do as a second choice. It's not bad at all, and it makes courtroom shenanigans that are not my cup of tea enjoyable.

Profile Image for Dave.
1,049 reviews
April 10, 2026
Another fun book in this series.
Sandy Moss is defending a pompous Film Director, accused of killing a stuntman on the film he was directing. A film that her Actor boyfriend is starring in...
Good characters, good story.
Profile Image for Hannah F.
409 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2022
SO boring i barely got to chapter 3 before I quit .
confused where the witty and funny is?
all I see is an arrogant annoying lead character ..and her dumb boyfriend .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews