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Ashley Montgomery #5
Unexpected Defense
She swore to uphold justice. But at what cost?
Living in a prime location for wind energy, the locals in the small town of Brine, Iowa, find themselves locked in a vicious battle with a wealthy oil company that is buying struggling farm properties to put up windmills. Half the town is for the windmill projects, the other half will stop at nothing to keep the iron giants out of their skyline. When the conflict turns violent, a murder shakes the town and leaves expert public defender Ashley Montgomery with a trial on her hands that is both criminal and political.
Meanwhile, Ashley is in the process of applying for a judgeship, a political position, while tasked with building a rock-solid defense for her client who is charged with murdering a neighbor that had leased property for the construction of windmills. The more Ashley digs, the more ties she finds between her client, his alleged victim, and the Texas Oil company, forcing her to make a decision between her ethics as an attorney and her dreams of becoming a judge.
Desperate to find a balance between her ambitions and her client's needs, Ashley is faced with a near impossible task with conflicts of interest that run far deeper than she ever imagined.
Can Ashley navigate this turbulent case and come out on top? Or will she need to burn some bridges in the name of justice?
Living in a prime location for wind energy, the locals in the small town of Brine, Iowa, find themselves locked in a vicious battle with a wealthy oil company that is buying struggling farm properties to put up windmills. Half the town is for the windmill projects, the other half will stop at nothing to keep the iron giants out of their skyline. When the conflict turns violent, a murder shakes the town and leaves expert public defender Ashley Montgomery with a trial on her hands that is both criminal and political.
Meanwhile, Ashley is in the process of applying for a judgeship, a political position, while tasked with building a rock-solid defense for her client who is charged with murdering a neighbor that had leased property for the construction of windmills. The more Ashley digs, the more ties she finds between her client, his alleged victim, and the Texas Oil company, forcing her to make a decision between her ethics as an attorney and her dreams of becoming a judge.
Desperate to find a balance between her ambitions and her client's needs, Ashley is faced with a near impossible task with conflicts of interest that run far deeper than she ever imagined.
Can Ashley navigate this turbulent case and come out on top? Or will she need to burn some bridges in the name of justice?
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2023
About the author
Laura Snider
19 books166 followersLaura Snider is a practicing lawyer in Iowa. She graduated from Drake Law School in 2009 and spent most of her career as a Public Defender. Throughout her legal career, she has been involved in all levels of crimes from petty thefts to murders. These days she is working part-time as a prosecutor and spends the remainder of her time writing stories and creating characters.
Laura lives in Iowa with her husband, three children, two dogs, and two very mischievous cats.
Laura lives in Iowa with her husband, three children, two dogs, and two very mischievous cats.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 28, 2023
Unexpected Defense
by Laura Snider
Pub Date 07 Mar 2023
Severn River Publishing
Mystery & Thrillers
I am reviewing a copy of Unexpected Defense through Severn River Publishing and Netgalley:
She swore to uphold Justice! But what is it going to cost?
The Locals in the n the small town of Brine, Iowa, live in a prime, location for wind energy. They soon find themselves locked in a vicious battle with a wealthy oil company who is buying struggling farm properties to put up windmills. Half the town is for the windmill projects, the other half will stop at nothing to keep the iron giants out of their skyline. When the conflict turns violent, a murder shakes the town and leaves expert public defender Ashley Montgomery with a trial on her hands that is both criminal and political.
Ashley is in the process of applying for a judgeship, a political position, while tasked with building a rock solid defense for her client who is charged with murdering a neighbor that had leased property for the construction of windmills. The deeper Ashley digs, the more ties she finds between her client, his alleged victim, and the Texas Oil company, forcing her to make a decision between her ethics as an attorney and her dreams of becoming a judge.
Ashley is desperate to find a balance between her ambitions and her client's needs. She is faced with a near impossible task with conflicts of interest that run far deeper than she ever imagined.
Will Ashley be able to navigate this turbulent case and come out on top? Or will she need to burn some bridges in the name of justice?
I give Unexpected Defense five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Laura Snider
Pub Date 07 Mar 2023
Severn River Publishing
Mystery & Thrillers
I am reviewing a copy of Unexpected Defense through Severn River Publishing and Netgalley:
She swore to uphold Justice! But what is it going to cost?
The Locals in the n the small town of Brine, Iowa, live in a prime, location for wind energy. They soon find themselves locked in a vicious battle with a wealthy oil company who is buying struggling farm properties to put up windmills. Half the town is for the windmill projects, the other half will stop at nothing to keep the iron giants out of their skyline. When the conflict turns violent, a murder shakes the town and leaves expert public defender Ashley Montgomery with a trial on her hands that is both criminal and political.
Ashley is in the process of applying for a judgeship, a political position, while tasked with building a rock solid defense for her client who is charged with murdering a neighbor that had leased property for the construction of windmills. The deeper Ashley digs, the more ties she finds between her client, his alleged victim, and the Texas Oil company, forcing her to make a decision between her ethics as an attorney and her dreams of becoming a judge.
Ashley is desperate to find a balance between her ambitions and her client's needs. She is faced with a near impossible task with conflicts of interest that run far deeper than she ever imagined.
Will Ashley be able to navigate this turbulent case and come out on top? Or will she need to burn some bridges in the name of justice?
I give Unexpected Defense five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
July 1, 2023
“Unexpected Defense” by Laura Snider is the fifth book in the Ashley Montgomery legal series and has the highest stakes of any of the books. The high stakes money from the local meth dealer in book three “Unforgivable Acts” is chump change when compared to the extremely rich oil company who are buying struggling Iowa farms to put up wind turbines. “Unexpected Defense” is a novel about a small town in Iowa who is divided over a wind energy project proposed by a wealthy company who brings jobs but also conflict to fictional town of Brine Iowa. When the conflict turns violent, public defender Ashley Montgomery is tasked with defending a man who is mysteriously accused of murdering his neighbor as well as having leased his land to the company; Ashley digs deeper into the case, and uncovers ties between her accused client, the victim, and the wealthy oil company. The twists and mystery force her to make a difficult decision between legal ethical concerns and her ambitions of judgeship.
“Unexpected Defense” is a fictional story but the story felt very connected to the ugliness that happened in Crawford County Iowa when families were split up and friendships were broken up over half a dozen would-be wind projects. The main character Ashley Montgomery has come a long way from publicly defending small-time criminals and investigating murders to being faced with a near impossible task of high stake renewable energy civics with extreme conflicts of interest. The wind turbine controversies that challenge a county ordinance that regulates the turbines by locals quickly escalates as Ashley Montgomery and the readers learn of how the company is trying to buy land with an unscrupulous employee. The strong friendship between Ashley and her private investigator friend, Katie, is renewed as the mystery of the means deepens of how the wealthy company is acquiring Iowa land so fast. Trying to tell farmers that nowhere on a deed does it tell you, that you have control over your horizon and your view, is a very difficult task for any lawyer but Ashley Montgomery navigates the reader through the very real story of when an outside conglomerate begins constructing iron giants that touch Iowa skies. “Unexpected Defense” has a theme that is simply recognized for the very reflective and accurate politics of how developers try to build trust in communities and the politics that soon follow. When the characters are debating whether wind turbines are eyesores or not, it feels really authentic and believable to the anti-renewable energy backlash that has swept across the state of Iowa. “Unexpected Defense” takes the Ashley Montgomery series into a deeper, political thriller that I highly enjoyed and I immensely recommend.
“Unexpected Defense” is a fictional story but the story felt very connected to the ugliness that happened in Crawford County Iowa when families were split up and friendships were broken up over half a dozen would-be wind projects. The main character Ashley Montgomery has come a long way from publicly defending small-time criminals and investigating murders to being faced with a near impossible task of high stake renewable energy civics with extreme conflicts of interest. The wind turbine controversies that challenge a county ordinance that regulates the turbines by locals quickly escalates as Ashley Montgomery and the readers learn of how the company is trying to buy land with an unscrupulous employee. The strong friendship between Ashley and her private investigator friend, Katie, is renewed as the mystery of the means deepens of how the wealthy company is acquiring Iowa land so fast. Trying to tell farmers that nowhere on a deed does it tell you, that you have control over your horizon and your view, is a very difficult task for any lawyer but Ashley Montgomery navigates the reader through the very real story of when an outside conglomerate begins constructing iron giants that touch Iowa skies. “Unexpected Defense” has a theme that is simply recognized for the very reflective and accurate politics of how developers try to build trust in communities and the politics that soon follow. When the characters are debating whether wind turbines are eyesores or not, it feels really authentic and believable to the anti-renewable energy backlash that has swept across the state of Iowa. “Unexpected Defense” takes the Ashley Montgomery series into a deeper, political thriller that I highly enjoyed and I immensely recommend.
February 20, 2023
This is a series of legal thrillers with Ashley, a public defender in a smallish town as the main character. I have loved Ashley since book one and this one did not disappoint. Ashley is a strong, independent and resilient woman fighting for what she believes in.
I love this series. The author gets right into the next dilemma - starting with a verdict coming in and then flipping back to work up to how we got to that point. In this story, Lucas has been accused of killing his neighbour. This author does an incredible job of creating situations where you put yourself in the characters place and they really make you think. I had all the internal conflicts reading this story. This is a fast paced read which alternates perspectives between Ashley and her investigator/friend Katie. I feel like it helps to create a fuller picture of the story. I love knowing I can pick up any book in this series and I know I won't be able to put it down.
If you love legal thrillers, you need to check this series out.
Note: These series can be read as standalones but you get a lot more out of the story if you read in order.
Thank you to Severn River Publishing for providing me with a free copy in exchange for a honest review.
I love this series. The author gets right into the next dilemma - starting with a verdict coming in and then flipping back to work up to how we got to that point. In this story, Lucas has been accused of killing his neighbour. This author does an incredible job of creating situations where you put yourself in the characters place and they really make you think. I had all the internal conflicts reading this story. This is a fast paced read which alternates perspectives between Ashley and her investigator/friend Katie. I feel like it helps to create a fuller picture of the story. I love knowing I can pick up any book in this series and I know I won't be able to put it down.
If you love legal thrillers, you need to check this series out.
Note: These series can be read as standalones but you get a lot more out of the story if you read in order.
Thank you to Severn River Publishing for providing me with a free copy in exchange for a honest review.
March 1, 2023
I received an ARC from "Severn Publishing" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Katie receiving a call from Katie in the early morning regarding an Investigation related to her client, Lucas, who is charged with murder. Katie is currently leading a health team. Ashley wants her to take on the case. Katie later has her father drop by and discovers that he wants to form a private investigation firm with Katie. Katie has been feeling that she needed a change and with this opportunity she could get back to what she liked to do. Because of this, Katie agreed to help Ashley.
Ashley receives the information from the Prosecutor's office and it looks like it is an open and shut case. Katie begins her hunt for information and as the trial is approaching, she is not having a lot of luck. At the same time that this is going on, there is a realtor whose actions have split the town politically. Ashley has no real defense figured out, but as the trial nears a conclusion, Katie supplies information that just might be the answer.
To discover what the realtor's actions consisted of, what additional opportunity Ashley was chasing and how the trial ends up, then you need to read this book.
The story begins with Katie receiving a call from Katie in the early morning regarding an Investigation related to her client, Lucas, who is charged with murder. Katie is currently leading a health team. Ashley wants her to take on the case. Katie later has her father drop by and discovers that he wants to form a private investigation firm with Katie. Katie has been feeling that she needed a change and with this opportunity she could get back to what she liked to do. Because of this, Katie agreed to help Ashley.
Ashley receives the information from the Prosecutor's office and it looks like it is an open and shut case. Katie begins her hunt for information and as the trial is approaching, she is not having a lot of luck. At the same time that this is going on, there is a realtor whose actions have split the town politically. Ashley has no real defense figured out, but as the trial nears a conclusion, Katie supplies information that just might be the answer.
To discover what the realtor's actions consisted of, what additional opportunity Ashley was chasing and how the trial ends up, then you need to read this book.
January 26, 2023
Unexpected Defense by Laura Snider was a good courtroom drama. Ashley is in the process of applying for a judgeship while building a rock-solid defense for her client, who is charged with murdering a neighbor that had leased property for the construction of windmills. The more Ashley digs, the more ties she finds between her client, his alleged victim, and the Texas Oil company, forcing her to decide between her attorney ethics and her dreams of becoming a judge.
Ashley is faced with a near-impossible task with conflicts of interest that run far deeper than she ever imagined.
Such a good plot with engaging and well-developed characters. It did get a little slow in parts, but overall, it was entertaining and a good courtroom drama.
I would be interested to read more about these characters and more books from this author. I give this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
#NetGalley @SvrnRvrPublish
Ashley is faced with a near-impossible task with conflicts of interest that run far deeper than she ever imagined.
Such a good plot with engaging and well-developed characters. It did get a little slow in parts, but overall, it was entertaining and a good courtroom drama.
I would be interested to read more about these characters and more books from this author. I give this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
#NetGalley @SvrnRvrPublish
May 26, 2025
Another brilliant booking the Ashley Montgomery series. These books seem to go so fast as I really can't put them down!
This book follows Ashley representing an alleged murderer, who killed his neighbor due to a land dispute. Additionally the town is split over the amount of windmills that the oil companies are putting on farm land they are leasing.
Is there more to this? Are the farmers being manipulated somehow?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The balance between Katie and Ashley's perspective is brilliant (We may need a Katie spin-off series) I enjoyed the reveals of the bits of information Katie had found throughout her investigation, but we found it out during the trial itself along with Charles.
Matthew's character was written perfectly and I kind of hope we see him in the future again perhaps his misdeeds catching up to him!
I've already started book 6 can't get enough of these.
This book follows Ashley representing an alleged murderer, who killed his neighbor due to a land dispute. Additionally the town is split over the amount of windmills that the oil companies are putting on farm land they are leasing.
Is there more to this? Are the farmers being manipulated somehow?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The balance between Katie and Ashley's perspective is brilliant (We may need a Katie spin-off series) I enjoyed the reveals of the bits of information Katie had found throughout her investigation, but we found it out during the trial itself along with Charles.
Matthew's character was written perfectly and I kind of hope we see him in the future again perhaps his misdeeds catching up to him!
I've already started book 6 can't get enough of these.
March 7, 2023
Ashley, an overworked, short staffed, public defender is trying to decide if she should put in her application for the soon to be vacated judge position. How to juggle her workload, and still do the best job possible while gaining votes for the position. Time really becomes in short supply when a local person, Lucas, is charged with the murder of his neighbour. Violence it is totally out of character for him, but there was some conflict due to the construction of windmills.
Katie, a former cop, now heads up the local health team, is feeling restless and missing her days of investigating for Ashley when an unexpected opportunity allows her to just do that again.
Together they investigate, and try to make sense of all the twists and turns.
Another great book in this series, you should have no trouble reading this book on its own, but I would suggest you read them all.
Katie, a former cop, now heads up the local health team, is feeling restless and missing her days of investigating for Ashley when an unexpected opportunity allows her to just do that again.
Together they investigate, and try to make sense of all the twists and turns.
Another great book in this series, you should have no trouble reading this book on its own, but I would suggest you read them all.
April 25, 2023
A series that continues to improve
We’re back in Brine County, Iowa, and Public Defender Ashley Montgomery, once more working alongside her best friend Katie Mickey. The County is divided as a Texas based realtor is buying land to site wind turbines. Ashley is defending a young farmer accused of murdering his neighbour over the siting of turbines allegedly reneging on a promise not to. At the same time Ashley, with mixed feelings, is proceeding through the process of succeeding Judge Ahronson as District Judge. This novel has much more court procedure than its predecessors but is none the worse for it. I would recommend reading the series in order to fully understand some of the personal dynamics. This is one of the better small town rural America legal series, and is well worth following from the beginning.
We’re back in Brine County, Iowa, and Public Defender Ashley Montgomery, once more working alongside her best friend Katie Mickey. The County is divided as a Texas based realtor is buying land to site wind turbines. Ashley is defending a young farmer accused of murdering his neighbour over the siting of turbines allegedly reneging on a promise not to. At the same time Ashley, with mixed feelings, is proceeding through the process of succeeding Judge Ahronson as District Judge. This novel has much more court procedure than its predecessors but is none the worse for it. I would recommend reading the series in order to fully understand some of the personal dynamics. This is one of the better small town rural America legal series, and is well worth following from the beginning.
January 25, 2023
Unexpected Defence is the 5th book in the Ashley Montgomery book.
The title really says it all.
What an ending.
Ashley is assigned to represent a case of a neighbor killing his neighbor over a broken land purchase agreement.
Pro's:
A solid story with developed characters
and an intriguing plotline.
Con's:
This one was mostly a courtroom setting so there wasn't as much suspense in this one as in the previous stories.
There was a bit of gratuitous profanity in this one, but only a couple of instances, so it really didn't distract from the story.
I'd like to thank Severn River Publishing and the author for allowing me to read this Advanced Reader's Copy
The title really says it all.
What an ending.
Ashley is assigned to represent a case of a neighbor killing his neighbor over a broken land purchase agreement.
Pro's:
A solid story with developed characters
and an intriguing plotline.
Con's:
This one was mostly a courtroom setting so there wasn't as much suspense in this one as in the previous stories.
There was a bit of gratuitous profanity in this one, but only a couple of instances, so it really didn't distract from the story.
I'd like to thank Severn River Publishing and the author for allowing me to read this Advanced Reader's Copy
February 27, 2023
Engrossing legal thriller!
The small town of Brine, Iowa is already divided over a large windmill project that some view as a financial windfall and others as the desecration of their environment and farming heritage. Public Defender, Ashley Montgomery, is undertaking what may well be the most challenging case of her career; the murder of a windmill proponent by a windmill opponent where all evidence points to her client and there seemingly is no defense.
This is a well-written legal thriller. It is the first book I have read in this series but it won’t be the last. It is packed with suspense and intrigue. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
The small town of Brine, Iowa is already divided over a large windmill project that some view as a financial windfall and others as the desecration of their environment and farming heritage. Public Defender, Ashley Montgomery, is undertaking what may well be the most challenging case of her career; the murder of a windmill proponent by a windmill opponent where all evidence points to her client and there seemingly is no defense.
This is a well-written legal thriller. It is the first book I have read in this series but it won’t be the last. It is packed with suspense and intrigue. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
March 8, 2023
This legal thriller is part of the Ashley Montgomery series. Each book can be read as a standalone but in my opinion any series is better if it’s read from the beginning. Ashley is a great character! She’s strong, independent, resilient and is a strong advocate for her clients and the law. The legal and courtroom aspects of the series are always interesting. The storyline is well developed and holds your attention. This was a very good book, but I did feel that there were instances where there was too much repetition of information that had already been presented, which caused the flow of the story to drag a bit.
March 8, 2023
I love the Ashley Montgomery series. I am so happy that Katie and Ashley are working together again. They make a great team. This is an action packed legal thriller that kept me turning the pages to see how Ashley would free her client. With her usual tenacity and Kati's excellent investigative skills, the twist that turns the case on it's head was inspired. I never expected it. While this is a series, each book can be read as a standalone. Some of the characters overlap in each book. I would highly recommend it. I received an advance copy of this book via Severn River Publishing and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
March 6, 2023
A cold blooded criminal
Laura Snider makes legal thrillers entertaining and enthralling. I like the main characters Ashley and Katie. When her neighbour who leased his property to another neighbour is accused of murdering him, Ashley and Katie do all in their power to find out the truth. Was the murder committed because of a breach of trust? Will Ashley and Katie be able to counter corrupt politicians and property sharks? A suspenseful legal battle which had me rooting for Ashley and Katie.
Laura Snider makes legal thrillers entertaining and enthralling. I like the main characters Ashley and Katie. When her neighbour who leased his property to another neighbour is accused of murdering him, Ashley and Katie do all in their power to find out the truth. Was the murder committed because of a breach of trust? Will Ashley and Katie be able to counter corrupt politicians and property sharks? A suspenseful legal battle which had me rooting for Ashley and Katie.
March 1, 2024
I forgot how much I loved Ashley and Katie!
My husband is a public defender, so I love reading this series because as much as I know his job can be stressful, I don't always understand and this series helps me see a glimpse into what he deals with regularly.
I love that this series is fast paced with short chapters! This one was so interesting because I also have zero knowledge of windmills and I loved the shock that the trial ended up taking.
This series can be read as standalones, but you get a lot more out of the character's stories if you read in order.
My husband is a public defender, so I love reading this series because as much as I know his job can be stressful, I don't always understand and this series helps me see a glimpse into what he deals with regularly.
I love that this series is fast paced with short chapters! This one was so interesting because I also have zero knowledge of windmills and I loved the shock that the trial ended up taking.
This series can be read as standalones, but you get a lot more out of the character's stories if you read in order.
January 28, 2023
Ashley was a public defender, young and a woman. So it seemed like every word she spoke was a challenge. She was appointed to defend Lucas, he spoke few words, what was behind this. All she had to go on was murder and windmills. The more she dug into it, she realized asking for a judgeship maybe at stake if she lost. Good courtroom drama, readers will enjoy
Given ARC by SRP publisher for my voluntary review.
Given ARC by SRP publisher for my voluntary review.
July 3, 2023
I liked seeing Ashley and Katie working together again! I enjoy reading the story from both perspectives as they gather evidence and insight into what actually happened with their client, and seeing how Ashley figures out her defence.
This story was a little sad, I felt for Lucas. I did like seeing how it all unraveled, though, and each different witness and the wind farms and how it all tied together. I look forward to what's next!
This story was a little sad, I felt for Lucas. I did like seeing how it all unraveled, though, and each different witness and the wind farms and how it all tied together. I look forward to what's next!
March 4, 2023
This book is about Ashley, a public defender taking on a case where a local man shot and killed his neighbor. Together with her friend and investigator Katie she tries to solve the case.
I really enjoyed this legal triller! It was a quick and clever read and I kept turning the pages to find out what really happened! There are already quite a few books with Ashley and Katie as the main characters that I will definitely pick up.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to #netgalley and Severn River Publishing!
I really enjoyed this legal triller! It was a quick and clever read and I kept turning the pages to find out what really happened! There are already quite a few books with Ashley and Katie as the main characters that I will definitely pick up.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to #netgalley and Severn River Publishing!
March 6, 2023
Five stars is not enough for this book. The author has quickly become one of my favorites in this genre. This book as well as the others in the series are extremely well written and engaging. The storyline and characters believable. The book grabbed me from page one & kept my attention until the end. Perfect title for the book; expect the unexpected. I look forward to the next one.
March 8, 2023
Another great read from Laura Snider. This time Ashley defends a local man accused of murdering his neighbor. I think this series improves with each book as we learn more about the characters. Highly recommended! I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
March 5, 2023
Holy cow. This isn't my typical genre to read, but I couldn't put it down! I read it in one sitting and every page had me wanting more. I was not expecting the twist in the trial, and the ending was perfect!
March 6, 2023
A town divided over the placement of windmills. Money and power help to corrupt. Ashley is a defense lawyer applying for a judgeship, but politics will play a part. She is defending a murder suspect. An unusual defense. A page turning legal thriller.
March 28, 2023
An Unexpected Defense by Laura Snider was an excellent read especially for those who enjoy legal thrillers. The storyline is full of details and a parallel storyline of ambition adds just enough to keep the plot from dragging. Four stars!
March 11, 2023
Another amazing story with Ashley. She’s a Public Defender that knows her job. Plenty of action, intrigue to keep you gripped. Well written, definitely needs to be binge read.
April 13, 2023
Excellent Story! I love this series from Ms. Snider. I look forward to reading more stories in this series.
November 3, 2023
Justice
I liked Ashley's defense .I am getting to know the characters. They are interesting. It makes you want to read all of her books.
I liked Ashley's defense .I am getting to know the characters. They are interesting. It makes you want to read all of her books.
Read
October 18, 2025The stories keep getting better
Anyone who loves legal thrillers will enjoy this book, as well as the previous 4. Laura continues to keep us hooked on the characters.
Anyone who loves legal thrillers will enjoy this book, as well as the previous 4. Laura continues to keep us hooked on the characters.
January 30, 2026
Unexpected Defense
Another great book in this series which is another case solved under the great characters... Hope you enjoy reading this series
Another great book in this series which is another case solved under the great characters... Hope you enjoy reading this series
May 17, 2023
An action-packed legal thriller filled with plenty of unexpected twists.
Unexpected Defense the fifth Ashely Montgomery thriller finds an old team rejoined, a new opportunity for an estranges family, a town divided by a single issue and a realtor who refuses to accept no as the final answer, not to mention a brutal murder. Having read the first four books, this installment in the series digs deeper into Ashley’s professional life and her angst at having to keep her moral compass when faced with near overwhelming external influences. Can Ashley give her client the best defense when her attention is split between a judicial opportunity and the murder case? Without a topnotch investigator can she get the information she needs to mount a solid defense? If these questions sound like something you want to know, get a copy of Unexpected Defense, and settle in for a wild ride. I received an Advance Reader Copy from the Publisher and chose to provide this review.
Update 5/16/2023
Recently I received a review copy of the audiobook Unexpected Defense from the publisher. My original review covers what I thought from my reading of the book, so this update is focused on Anne Marie Damman’s narration. While Ann Marie is new to this series, I have listened to her narration of several other books. Once again, she brings each of the characters to life and her excellent storytelling techniques made it a pleasure to listen to a book that I had read three months ago. Even though my reading was recent, and my memory of the story was fresh, I noticed I was on edge as I listened to the story throughout due to Ann Marie’s narration.
Unexpected Defense the fifth Ashely Montgomery thriller finds an old team rejoined, a new opportunity for an estranges family, a town divided by a single issue and a realtor who refuses to accept no as the final answer, not to mention a brutal murder. Having read the first four books, this installment in the series digs deeper into Ashley’s professional life and her angst at having to keep her moral compass when faced with near overwhelming external influences. Can Ashley give her client the best defense when her attention is split between a judicial opportunity and the murder case? Without a topnotch investigator can she get the information she needs to mount a solid defense? If these questions sound like something you want to know, get a copy of Unexpected Defense, and settle in for a wild ride. I received an Advance Reader Copy from the Publisher and chose to provide this review.
Update 5/16/2023
Recently I received a review copy of the audiobook Unexpected Defense from the publisher. My original review covers what I thought from my reading of the book, so this update is focused on Anne Marie Damman’s narration. While Ann Marie is new to this series, I have listened to her narration of several other books. Once again, she brings each of the characters to life and her excellent storytelling techniques made it a pleasure to listen to a book that I had read three months ago. Even though my reading was recent, and my memory of the story was fresh, I noticed I was on edge as I listened to the story throughout due to Ann Marie’s narration.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews