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Kali O'Brien #4
Witness for the Defense
Lawyer Kali O'Brien's seemingly routine adoption case takes a disturbing turn when controversial radio host Bram Weaver, claiming to be the father of the baby being adopted by Kali's clients, initiates a custody battle and is later murdered. Reprint.
429 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 30, 2016
I honestly did not see the end coming I was kept in suspense as to who the killer was until the end. This was a very suspenseful thrilling exciting listen that keeps you guessing to the outcome. I will be very surprised if you can guess it. I also found it to be very emotional with the life of a baby is left in the balance as to who will become its parents. One man no one likes comes up dead leaving so many people to point the finger at. One woman must put all the pieces together why another holds on for justice as the race is on to find the true killer and what their reason for the killing was. This is a top head line story could the accursed be guilty or is someone else to blame. First you must look at his friends there is something fishy going on there. You will meet his ex’s and a few surprises along the way as the days go by still leaving you wondering who is guilty. The author gives you a story inside a story of a woman and man who feel guilty for their past love as lives are taken with no answers. As they renew their relationship not knowing what step to take. The ending will come as a big surprise shocking you as all the answer are given to all your questions. I never saw it coming….
A couple comes to see Kali about adopting a baby that isn’t born yet. These are famous people who have a girl living with them that will give them her baby. You would think this is all clear and straight up but the author weaves some mystery here leaving you wondering what will happen. Kali doesn’t feel comfortable helping as she finds out new things. She is in too deep now to walk away as Steven comes back into her life leaving her feeling uneasy. Things are going well the Harper’s give so much to the unborn babies mother helping her anyway they can going so far as to move her in. Everything is going great, the baby is born, the papers signed finally the end is near until a man comes forward saying he is the baby’s father. No one but No one wants this evil man to take charge of this innocent baby. One person is very serious about him not getting his hand on her they went as far as killing him. All evidence points to Ms. Harper. All the clues at the scene can tie her to the crime but there is not enough DNA to prove it. Leaving Kali with not much to go on she must piece this puzzle together before and innocent women is sent to jail or is she innocent? What you will find here will surprise you as the author throws in a surprise to keep you guessing, and then some more that will leave you spinning looking first at one and then another.
The narrator really brings this story to life she puts so much of herself into it from the emotions to the excitement, mystery and thrills. She paints a very vivid picture you have no trouble picturing in your mind as she takes you through each step right down to the ending that will blow your mind. Her character voices are outstanding you have no trouble feeling what each character feels with each emotion laid right out for you. Ms. Piller hits each tone right on the money from the fear, tears, sorrow, sadness, happiness right down to the feeling of lost. Her male voices are just as good as her female ones with the males being strong, powerful, lost, fear, degrading and downright mean to her female ones that show fear, sorrow, hate, and confusion as she takes you on a spellbound journey of finding a killer and giving justice. There were no background noises or any place where the volume is higher or lower than any other places in the audio just a clear, crisp listen that keeps you hanging on as she takes you through a compelling listen. If any breaks were taken you could not tell. Ms. Piller puts her heart and soul into this audio pulling the listener in taking you through to a very surprising ending. I did not find anything about her performance that I did not like. She did a wonderful outstanding job. I can’t wait to listen to more of her work.
The ending is very happy and sad at the same time leaving with your mouth hung open saying WOW. I have to wonder if I was in the same shoe what I would have done. I can’t say I didn’t like it or even that I did like it. What I can say is it left me feeling so sorry for a few and so happy for some others. The author put a lot of thought and time into planning this story as she twist and turns her way through the complex story. She throws in a few surprises along the way from the babies really father who is a very nasty man who doesn’t like women leaving you wondering why he would want to keep this baby girl. Just when you think you have a handle on it the author throws a new twist in leaving you with your mouth hanging open. So many people have reason to want this radio talk show host dead from women group to his ex’s even the baby’s mother can’t stand him. Heck I can’t even stand him and would be happy to end his life if someone hadn’t done it for me. So many people to point the finger at so few clues as to whom the real killer is. What the author brings to the read is thrills, excitement, sorrow, mystery, lose, love, needs, wants and justice. For me this was a very emotional listen that really tore at my heartstring for so many reasons. I hope you will pick this audio or book up I am sure you will find it as compelling as I did.
A couple comes to see Kali about adopting a baby that isn’t born yet. These are famous people who have a girl living with them that will give them her baby. You would think this is all clear and straight up but the author weaves some mystery here leaving you wondering what will happen. Kali doesn’t feel comfortable helping as she finds out new things. She is in too deep now to walk away as Steven comes back into her life leaving her feeling uneasy. Things are going well the Harper’s give so much to the unborn babies mother helping her anyway they can going so far as to move her in. Everything is going great, the baby is born, the papers signed finally the end is near until a man comes forward saying he is the baby’s father. No one but No one wants this evil man to take charge of this innocent baby. One person is very serious about him not getting his hand on her they went as far as killing him. All evidence points to Ms. Harper. All the clues at the scene can tie her to the crime but there is not enough DNA to prove it. Leaving Kali with not much to go on she must piece this puzzle together before and innocent women is sent to jail or is she innocent? What you will find here will surprise you as the author throws in a surprise to keep you guessing, and then some more that will leave you spinning looking first at one and then another.
The narrator really brings this story to life she puts so much of herself into it from the emotions to the excitement, mystery and thrills. She paints a very vivid picture you have no trouble picturing in your mind as she takes you through each step right down to the ending that will blow your mind. Her character voices are outstanding you have no trouble feeling what each character feels with each emotion laid right out for you. Ms. Piller hits each tone right on the money from the fear, tears, sorrow, sadness, happiness right down to the feeling of lost. Her male voices are just as good as her female ones with the males being strong, powerful, lost, fear, degrading and downright mean to her female ones that show fear, sorrow, hate, and confusion as she takes you on a spellbound journey of finding a killer and giving justice. There were no background noises or any place where the volume is higher or lower than any other places in the audio just a clear, crisp listen that keeps you hanging on as she takes you through a compelling listen. If any breaks were taken you could not tell. Ms. Piller puts her heart and soul into this audio pulling the listener in taking you through to a very surprising ending. I did not find anything about her performance that I did not like. She did a wonderful outstanding job. I can’t wait to listen to more of her work.
The ending is very happy and sad at the same time leaving with your mouth hung open saying WOW. I have to wonder if I was in the same shoe what I would have done. I can’t say I didn’t like it or even that I did like it. What I can say is it left me feeling so sorry for a few and so happy for some others. The author put a lot of thought and time into planning this story as she twist and turns her way through the complex story. She throws in a few surprises along the way from the babies really father who is a very nasty man who doesn’t like women leaving you wondering why he would want to keep this baby girl. Just when you think you have a handle on it the author throws a new twist in leaving you with your mouth hanging open. So many people have reason to want this radio talk show host dead from women group to his ex’s even the baby’s mother can’t stand him. Heck I can’t even stand him and would be happy to end his life if someone hadn’t done it for me. So many people to point the finger at so few clues as to whom the real killer is. What the author brings to the read is thrills, excitement, sorrow, mystery, lose, love, needs, wants and justice. For me this was a very emotional listen that really tore at my heartstring for so many reasons. I hope you will pick this audio or book up I am sure you will find it as compelling as I did.
May 6, 2021
Kali O'Brien has a history with Steven. When Steven's sister Terri is accused of murder Kali takes on the role of her lawyer. Terri and her husband have adopted Melissa Burke's child. When the paternity of the child is questioned the adoption may be revoked. Melissa tries to lie about the father but the truth comes out that an anti female, loud mouth radio talk show host is the real father. When he's murdered Terri is the prime suspect as she accosted him after the trial and threatened to kill him. It's Kali's job to find the real killer and get Terri out of jail. Bram Weaver has made a lot of enemies but he also has supporters so Kali has her work cut out for her. As she works with Steven to prove Terri's innocence their relationship starts to grow back together. This story is more about the trial and finding proof than it is about Kali and any relationships though. We get to see Kali as a lawyer doing everything she can to clear Steven's sister.
September 1, 2017
** Review of Audio Format **
Decent
When Kali says yes to a simple adoption case, she has no idea that it will drag her back into the life of Steven Cross. The adoption soon turns sour and Steven's sister is accused of the murder. Kali agrees to represent Terry Harper against her better judgment.
I was kept interested and enjoyed a lot of this book. There were some areas where there could have been more foreshadowing and the wrap up could have definitely been done better but for the most part it was a good legal thriller.
The narration was done well by Cindy Piller. I enjoyed her male and female voices and her delivery was above average. I did listen on 1.5 speed.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! and am leaving honest feedback about the quality of the material.
Decent
When Kali says yes to a simple adoption case, she has no idea that it will drag her back into the life of Steven Cross. The adoption soon turns sour and Steven's sister is accused of the murder. Kali agrees to represent Terry Harper against her better judgment.
I was kept interested and enjoyed a lot of this book. There were some areas where there could have been more foreshadowing and the wrap up could have definitely been done better but for the most part it was a good legal thriller.
The narration was done well by Cindy Piller. I enjoyed her male and female voices and her delivery was above average. I did listen on 1.5 speed.
I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! and am leaving honest feedback about the quality of the material.
April 2, 2021
Fantastic! The trial and the crime were unexpected. I didn’t figure out “who did it”! That’s a good thing. Child adoption and murder of “biological” father.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2016
3.5 stars
Even though this is the 4th book in the series, you do not need to read the other books to enjoy this story.
What should be a simple adoption case turns into a murder mystery legal drama of who did it. Enjoyable and entertaining story.
I thought I had it all figured out pretty early into the story. I was wrong. Did not see that ending coming. That doesn't happen to often. While there is some suspense and drama it is pretty mild. Not overly graphic or gruesome. Really good plot that keeps you guessing.
This is my first Jonnie Jacobs book and I need to go back and read the rest.
This is the first time I have listened to Cindy Piller narrate a book. She did a great job. She has a nice pleasant voice, easy on the ears. Although there is not really any difference between her male and female voices. This makes it difficult at times to tell who is speaking right away. Would definitely listen to her again.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com
Even though this is the 4th book in the series, you do not need to read the other books to enjoy this story.
What should be a simple adoption case turns into a murder mystery legal drama of who did it. Enjoyable and entertaining story.
I thought I had it all figured out pretty early into the story. I was wrong. Did not see that ending coming. That doesn't happen to often. While there is some suspense and drama it is pretty mild. Not overly graphic or gruesome. Really good plot that keeps you guessing.
This is my first Jonnie Jacobs book and I need to go back and read the rest.
This is the first time I have listened to Cindy Piller narrate a book. She did a great job. She has a nice pleasant voice, easy on the ears. Although there is not really any difference between her male and female voices. This makes it difficult at times to tell who is speaking right away. Would definitely listen to her again.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com
December 1, 2007
Jonnie Jacobs' writing has gotten significantly more sophisticated since her first Kate Austen mystery more than a decade ago. With multiple plot turns, layered characters, and vivid descriptions, Witness for the Defense definitely holds its own. There are some issues with plotting (would a wealthy couple with money to burn really opt for a defense lawyer no one has ever heard of, and who handles adoptions as well as criminal defense? Is it a little too unlikely that several plot lines would be tied together so neatly?), but overall, the book kept me guessing on several fronts until the end. The final revelations were more than a little bit out of left field, but I'm willing to overlook them in favor of Jacobs' clear, compelling writing.
September 25, 2016
the woman lawyer who moved back to oakland after living in her dads house in the small town after he died and her boyfriend got back with his wife. this time a friend wanted her to handle their adoption of a baby. they knew the mom. the mom had someone else sign the papers as the dad, then the man thinking he was the dad showed up wanting his daughter. someone killed the man, and the adoptive mom was thrown in jail. but she didnt kill him, her brother did. the lawyer was involved with the brother before, but his wife and child were killed in a hit and run while he was having a affair with her. they never found out who did it till now, so he killed the man and got himself blown up by cops while doing it
this is part of a series and im going to read the next one now!
this is part of a series and im going to read the next one now!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2014
Looking forward to reading more Kali O'Brien mysteries
I really enjoyed this book. I thought I had predicted the ending fairly early on and it turned out that for all my smugness Jacobs had tricked me with a surprising conclusion I never saw coming. It isn't easy to pull one over on a seasoned mystery reader. Jacobs can tell a story!
I have no criticism about this book. I would bet money that each book in this series will be better than the next.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought I had predicted the ending fairly early on and it turned out that for all my smugness Jacobs had tricked me with a surprising conclusion I never saw coming. It isn't easy to pull one over on a seasoned mystery reader. Jacobs can tell a story!
I have no criticism about this book. I would bet money that each book in this series will be better than the next.
May 22, 2016
“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.”
A suspenseful action packed legal thriller that keeps the listener on edge to see what will happen next, With the exception of some dull courtroom scenes. I can do my "happy dance" for predicting the killer, but other surprises played "gotcha" with me.
The narration was well done. The characters were excellently portrayed.
A suspenseful action packed legal thriller that keeps the listener on edge to see what will happen next, With the exception of some dull courtroom scenes. I can do my "happy dance" for predicting the killer, but other surprises played "gotcha" with me.
The narration was well done. The characters were excellently portrayed.
April 22, 2014
Great legal thriller for fans of this genre. A very compelling plot with a satisfying ending. I actually did not figure out the who dun it. I am a huge fan of Kali O'Brien and plan to read more of these mysteries.
December 10, 2011
I liked it
November 20, 2014
Not gritty enough. The courtroom scenes are quite boring no excitement or anticipation to hold the reader's interest
September 19, 2012
Book - hard cover from neighbor
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews