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Witness #2
Silent Witness
Josie Baylor-Bates has a full plate caring for a troubled teen, but it's about to get fuller when her ex-cop lover, Archer, is accused of murdering his disabled stepson - a son Josie never knew he had. When Timothy Wren died at California's oldest amusement park it appeared to be a tragic accident. But now Timothy's biological father and the district attorney are out for blood. Is this a criminal action with merit, a vendetta or is there a big cash settlement in the offing?
For Josie the stakes are higher - it's personal. Racing against time to prove someone is framing Archer, her faith in him is tested by his honesty regarding his feelings about his stepson. Finally, she finds the truth lies with not in Archer's words but with a long-forgotten silent witness.
"This story was inspired when I heard a stepfather talking about rights and responsibilities. It seemed his honest feelings about his stepchildren were rewarded with legal action and vilification. I wondered what would happen to a person who told the truth even though the truth seemed heartless. Is it better to make a promise and not live up to it or be upfront about our too-human limitations?" Rebecca Forster
"Fast-paced with a chilling conclusion." - D.W. Buffa
For Josie the stakes are higher - it's personal. Racing against time to prove someone is framing Archer, her faith in him is tested by his honesty regarding his feelings about his stepson. Finally, she finds the truth lies with not in Archer's words but with a long-forgotten silent witness.
"This story was inspired when I heard a stepfather talking about rights and responsibilities. It seemed his honest feelings about his stepchildren were rewarded with legal action and vilification. I wondered what would happen to a person who told the truth even though the truth seemed heartless. Is it better to make a promise and not live up to it or be upfront about our too-human limitations?" Rebecca Forster
"Fast-paced with a chilling conclusion." - D.W. Buffa
285 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 2005
1134 people are currently reading
1259 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Forster
48 books516 followersRebecca Forster began writing on a crazy dare and found her passion.
Now with over 40 books to her name, she is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling thriller author. Rebecca likes hands-on research and is a graduate of the DEA and ATF Citizens Academies. She is an avid court watcher, has taken numerous weapons courses, and even landed by tail hook on the USS Nimitz to make sure she has lived what she writes.
Rebecca is married to a Superior Court judge and is the mother of two grown sons. She resides in Southern California
Now with over 40 books to her name, she is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling thriller author. Rebecca likes hands-on research and is a graduate of the DEA and ATF Citizens Academies. She is an avid court watcher, has taken numerous weapons courses, and even landed by tail hook on the USS Nimitz to make sure she has lived what she writes.
Rebecca is married to a Superior Court judge and is the mother of two grown sons. She resides in Southern California
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
September 21, 2012
Now two books into the series, I have become a fan of Rebecca Forster and Josie Bates. Forster continues in Silent Witness to develop the characters from Hostile Witness (Josie, Archer, Hannah) while adding Jude Getts, who I suspect from the attention given him will not be forgotten in future stories.
Forster has total command of her appropriately complicated plot. There is tension, surprise, disappointment, the opportunity to root, and the opportunity to hate. No character is perfectly good or evil. A series of powerful and worthy motivations gone wrong give pause for reflection if you can keep yourself from plowing ahead as fast as possible into the unfolding plot.
A legal thriller needs to allow the reader to follow the investigative leads, to see patterns emerge from tiny threads of information, to feel the frustration when the answers don't immediately coalesce. Silent Witness has all of that, and also goes beyond the genre to explore the life choices and resulting consequences of both female and male characters.
None of these life choices is forever. I suspect Forster has the talent and the curiosity to take her characters much further along their paths without becoming repetitive, the downfall of many series. The next book awaits.
Forster has total command of her appropriately complicated plot. There is tension, surprise, disappointment, the opportunity to root, and the opportunity to hate. No character is perfectly good or evil. A series of powerful and worthy motivations gone wrong give pause for reflection if you can keep yourself from plowing ahead as fast as possible into the unfolding plot.
A legal thriller needs to allow the reader to follow the investigative leads, to see patterns emerge from tiny threads of information, to feel the frustration when the answers don't immediately coalesce. Silent Witness has all of that, and also goes beyond the genre to explore the life choices and resulting consequences of both female and male characters.
None of these life choices is forever. I suspect Forster has the talent and the curiosity to take her characters much further along their paths without becoming repetitive, the downfall of many series. The next book awaits.
April 3, 2018
Although I still enjoy the characterization and the setting of the Josie Baylor-Bates books, I thought the overall atmosphere of Silent Witness was gloomy and depressing. Indeed, this is 2nd book in the series, and after the first book which dealt with serious issues like self-mutilation, OCD and depression, I was expecting another angle, or at least, another premise for this legal thriller. Unfortunately, this was more of the same; again we are confronted with selfish, desperate and manipulative parents, and young people who suffer from it. I will not go into more detail on that aspect.
Furthermore, I was puzzled and confused by Archer’s attitude – Archer's essence was depicted as a calm, reasonable and intuitive man, in book 1, establishing his persona. Here we see the opposite. Yes, he was hurting badly and couldn't understand why he was being accused, but that doesn’t mean he has to lose all his good sense, certainly not if he's the guy that the author depicted in book one. Another thing that didn’t jibe with me was that in first book, it was explained that Archer owned the building, having various tenants who paid him rent. So how consistent is that with the picture we get in this 2nd installment that Archer has to take small P.I. jobs to make ends meet, photographing cheating spouses? For me that’s a mistake I can’t overlook, or at least, (the author) should explain the changes in circumstances.
The only light in this book was Josie meeting civil action lawyer, Jude Getts. I absolutely liked Getts’ attitude; it was business, and he did it with elegance and humor, and underneath it all, with sensitivity. Another plus point, was Hannah, the teenager from book one, who’s getting better while living with Josie, which isn’t so evident, after all.
Despite the rewarding confrontation and resolution at the end, I am still a bit reluctant to read the next book, so I will give this series a rest, Honestly, I can’t stomach more gloom and doom for the moment, and I'm tired of that self reflection that leads nowhere.
My rating vacillates between 2.5 and 3.
Furthermore, I was puzzled and confused by Archer’s attitude – Archer's essence was depicted as a calm, reasonable and intuitive man, in book 1, establishing his persona. Here we see the opposite. Yes, he was hurting badly and couldn't understand why he was being accused, but that doesn’t mean he has to lose all his good sense, certainly not if he's the guy that the author depicted in book one. Another thing that didn’t jibe with me was that in first book, it was explained that Archer owned the building, having various tenants who paid him rent. So how consistent is that with the picture we get in this 2nd installment that Archer has to take small P.I. jobs to make ends meet, photographing cheating spouses? For me that’s a mistake I can’t overlook, or at least, (the author) should explain the changes in circumstances.
The only light in this book was Josie meeting civil action lawyer, Jude Getts. I absolutely liked Getts’ attitude; it was business, and he did it with elegance and humor, and underneath it all, with sensitivity. Another plus point, was Hannah, the teenager from book one, who’s getting better while living with Josie, which isn’t so evident, after all.
Despite the rewarding confrontation and resolution at the end, I am still a bit reluctant to read the next book, so I will give this series a rest, Honestly, I can’t stomach more gloom and doom for the moment, and I'm tired of that self reflection that leads nowhere.
My rating vacillates between 2.5 and 3.
March 15, 2014
This e-book is the second legal thriller in Rebecca Foster’s Witness series. Our heroine, Josie Baylor Bates was previously a hotshot lawyer, who moved to the Californian coastline and a small law-firm in an effort to escape the stresses of dealing with high profile cases. However, she is now left with the responsibility of looking after a teenager with multiple problems, and to make matters worse she is again embroiled in a high profile case when her lover, an ex-policeman, is charged with murdering his stepson Tim. Josie knew that Archer had been married, and his wife had died of cancer, but she had no idea he had had a stepson. However, Josie decides to defend him. As the book develops the relationship between Josie and Archer comes under strain as Josie finds out other things about Archer and starts to have doubts regarding his guilt or innocence.
I really enjoyed this e-book, but it’s my view it is important to read the first book in the series (Hostile Witness) first as it sets up the relationships with the main characters, especially the relationship between her and Archer. It is difficult to say any more than that about the story without giving away any spoilers.
I found this book highly entertaining, very well paced and well researched with some twists and turns. It was also very easy to read and as stated above, it picks up where the previous e-book left off.
The question is will I be reading the third e-book in the series? The answer to that is yes. If like me, you enjoy legal thrillers, I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy this one. However, as previously stated, start with the first one ‘Hostile Witness.’
I really enjoyed this e-book, but it’s my view it is important to read the first book in the series (Hostile Witness) first as it sets up the relationships with the main characters, especially the relationship between her and Archer. It is difficult to say any more than that about the story without giving away any spoilers.
I found this book highly entertaining, very well paced and well researched with some twists and turns. It was also very easy to read and as stated above, it picks up where the previous e-book left off.
The question is will I be reading the third e-book in the series? The answer to that is yes. If like me, you enjoy legal thrillers, I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy this one. However, as previously stated, start with the first one ‘Hostile Witness.’
May 8, 2013
Things seemed to be going well for Archer and Josie after her big trial. She took Hannah into her home and though Archer wasn't thrilled with it, he was adjusting. Out of the blue, Archer is arrested for the murder of his step-son. To say Josie is thrown for a loop is an understatement. She hadn't known about the boy or the death. Now she was trying to defend him and understand the situation. It's almost too much for Josie to deal with. Can she defend Archer and remain his lover?
This is a fantastic book. Rebecca Forster weaves such a wonderful story you get lost from page one. I found the story well written and plotted out. The characters defined and relate-able. This is one of the best legal thrillers you'll ever find. Forster has a way of making you feel as though you are right there with the characters every step of the way. You'll love these books.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it kept my attention until the end.
This is a fantastic book. Rebecca Forster weaves such a wonderful story you get lost from page one. I found the story well written and plotted out. The characters defined and relate-able. This is one of the best legal thrillers you'll ever find. Forster has a way of making you feel as though you are right there with the characters every step of the way. You'll love these books.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it kept my attention until the end.
September 21, 2019
Worrying.
A very interesting read. At times I felt frustrated for Josie, with so much going on around her, but she got there.
A very interesting read. At times I felt frustrated for Josie, with so much going on around her, but she got there.
January 13, 2019
I really this series.
April 4, 2019
Filled with a web of emotions and fear as Josie is put in a position of defending her lover.
April 6, 2019
I really liked first book in the series enough to immediately get the second - which was even more enjoyable because I already "knew" the characters. While I had a fairly good guess of the final outcome, there were some surprises I did not see coming. Well done! Well written. Very enjoyable, page-turning read. I'll be getting the next book in the series for sure!
July 12, 2011
Los Angeles author, Rebecca Forster, has created yet another well-crafted legal thriller in `Silent Witness - (The Witness Series).
This title is the second of three in The Witness Series. Protagonist, Josie Baylor-Bates is still living at beachside Hermosa Beach and is now guardian to troubled teen, Hannah Sheraton, introduced to readers in the series' first title: Hostile Witness. Hannah's presence is creating tension in the relationship between Archer and Josie when the novel opens, but this issue fades in significance when Archer is charged with the murder of his step-son and Josie steps in to defend him.
What's interesting about `Silent Witness' is how Forster balances the telling of a typical legal drama with an exploration of the emotional vulnerabilities of the story's main characters, Josie and Archer. The character of Hannah takes a necessary backseat in this title and at first, I wasn't comfortable with that - I wanted her to have a more significant role after getting to know her so well in Forster's `Hostile'. But, by the time I finished the novel I felt the author had portrayed the relationship between Josie and Hannah realistically, given the circumstances of the storyline.
Like `Hostile Witness', there are some interesting minor characters in this novel. For example, the character of plaintiffs' attorney, Jude Getts, is believable and created with appropriate depth to act as a foil to that of the character of Archer, allowing Forster (and her readers) to explore the stress of Archer's imprisonment on his and Josie's relationship.
Overall, the plot of this novel is well constructed. The orientation quickly draws readers in and events lead logically to an unexpected conclusion. However, I felt the ending came too quickly, even though the denouement is fully explained. There were also occasional formatting issues, but these did not detract from an otherwise highly enjoyable read.
Well worth downloading if you enjoy character-driven dramas.
This title is the second of three in The Witness Series. Protagonist, Josie Baylor-Bates is still living at beachside Hermosa Beach and is now guardian to troubled teen, Hannah Sheraton, introduced to readers in the series' first title: Hostile Witness. Hannah's presence is creating tension in the relationship between Archer and Josie when the novel opens, but this issue fades in significance when Archer is charged with the murder of his step-son and Josie steps in to defend him.
What's interesting about `Silent Witness' is how Forster balances the telling of a typical legal drama with an exploration of the emotional vulnerabilities of the story's main characters, Josie and Archer. The character of Hannah takes a necessary backseat in this title and at first, I wasn't comfortable with that - I wanted her to have a more significant role after getting to know her so well in Forster's `Hostile'. But, by the time I finished the novel I felt the author had portrayed the relationship between Josie and Hannah realistically, given the circumstances of the storyline.
Like `Hostile Witness', there are some interesting minor characters in this novel. For example, the character of plaintiffs' attorney, Jude Getts, is believable and created with appropriate depth to act as a foil to that of the character of Archer, allowing Forster (and her readers) to explore the stress of Archer's imprisonment on his and Josie's relationship.
Overall, the plot of this novel is well constructed. The orientation quickly draws readers in and events lead logically to an unexpected conclusion. However, I felt the ending came too quickly, even though the denouement is fully explained. There were also occasional formatting issues, but these did not detract from an otherwise highly enjoyable read.
Well worth downloading if you enjoy character-driven dramas.
August 4, 2015
This second book in the series was as engaging as the first even though it had a much darker tone than that one as the main character’s lover, Archer, is accused of killing his handicapped stepson several years earlier.
Forster still hasn’t given Archer a first name, something I found distancing for one of the primary characters in these books. And we still aren’t sure how Josie and Archer became lovers. As in the first book, she doesn’t reveal how it happened, just that it is.
The main character, Josie, doubting Archer’s innocence is very realistic. And his reluctance to ‘come clean’ about things relating to the boy’s death increases her doubts and hampers her efforts to exonerate him. I would have liked to see Josie believe a little more thoroughly in Archer.
There were a lot of behind the scenes machinations going on throughout the book. Some made sense and tied into the main plot. Others seemed to just be thrown in to add to its complexity.
Forster played fair with readers, revealing all but one clue over the course of the story, so that readers could ‘solve’ the mystery along with Josie. And even that final ‘nail in the coffin’ clue was hinted at earlier in the book.
So good job, Rebecca Forster. I’ll be back for more.
Forster still hasn’t given Archer a first name, something I found distancing for one of the primary characters in these books. And we still aren’t sure how Josie and Archer became lovers. As in the first book, she doesn’t reveal how it happened, just that it is.
The main character, Josie, doubting Archer’s innocence is very realistic. And his reluctance to ‘come clean’ about things relating to the boy’s death increases her doubts and hampers her efforts to exonerate him. I would have liked to see Josie believe a little more thoroughly in Archer.
There were a lot of behind the scenes machinations going on throughout the book. Some made sense and tied into the main plot. Others seemed to just be thrown in to add to its complexity.
Forster played fair with readers, revealing all but one clue over the course of the story, so that readers could ‘solve’ the mystery along with Josie. And even that final ‘nail in the coffin’ clue was hinted at earlier in the book.
So good job, Rebecca Forster. I’ll be back for more.
July 21, 2012
This series keeps getting better and better with each novel and has reminded me why I fell in love with the genre of books in the first place. Rebecca Forster goes into such great character detail that you feel like you are right there with Josie trying to help save Archer from spending the rest of his life in jail for a murder he didn't commit, for the murder of his step-son that she didn't know he had.This book might just have you asking yourself how well do you really know your significant other?? Is it better to know everything and everyone that was in their life prior to you or is ignorance really bliss?
Happy Reading
Happy Reading
March 15, 2012
If I ever find myself on trial, I am calling Josie Baylor-Bates from Rebecca Forster's Witness series to defend me. Ms. Forster is a genius and her character development is impeccable and you will find yourself reeling between tears and cheers throughout the whole book. The hours of research jump off the page at you and it is obvious that she knows her stuff! Just save yourself the trouble and get the whole series because if you read one, you'll read them all. "6 out of 5 STARS"
January 18, 2016
More train/bus reading. OK-ish, but didn't pass the Agatha Christie test. In other words: I could figure out at the 25% mark whodunnit, even if the characters in-novel remained clueless. Unlike the first novel, it was super obvious what had happened.
February 24, 2019
Interesting premise... hard to judge people who have children with significant disabilities.
February 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this book but it left a lot of questions unanswered. Then it errors that almost threw me out of the story. Some words spelled the wrong way was the main problem. After reading this story I wonder why Josie was interested in having a relationship with Archer. A person who is so shallow and self asbored that he is only concerned about his self.
Then I wonder if Josie is really able to fully take care of Hannah and her needs. Readers see in the first few chapters that Josie forgot about Hannah. She forgot she was responsible for Hannah. What will happen if Hannah really needs Josie and she is not there?
I was very surprised this book did not end up with second book syndrome. It is so hard for some authors to keep the suspense, thrill and interest in the second book in a series. Some authors are not able to keep the readers interest and the throw it all out there story line that keeps readers wanting more. I am happy to state this book is as good if not better than the first.
Then I wonder if Josie is really able to fully take care of Hannah and her needs. Readers see in the first few chapters that Josie forgot about Hannah. She forgot she was responsible for Hannah. What will happen if Hannah really needs Josie and she is not there?
I was very surprised this book did not end up with second book syndrome. It is so hard for some authors to keep the suspense, thrill and interest in the second book in a series. Some authors are not able to keep the readers interest and the throw it all out there story line that keeps readers wanting more. I am happy to state this book is as good if not better than the first.
December 16, 2023
Glad I'm reading this series in order
First, if you're thinking of reading this book but haven't read the first in the series ("Hostile Witness"), don't. Reading this book before that one will give too much away; I was glad I'm pretty compulsive about reading a series in order because it turned out to be a good thing with the Josie Baylor-Bates series by Rebecca Forster.
That said, this is a fabulous book, and this review won't be too much different than the one I wrote for "Hostile Witness." The book moves carefully, building gradually, the author leaving clues you're sure will be important later only to forget them until -- ping!-- they're re-introduced at a key moment. You'll wonder if your hunches are correct or if you're being led astray through Forster's accomplished plotting and even better writing.
I especially loved that the central crime occurred in an amusement park. I worked my way through college putting in thousands of hours at an Ohio amusement park and learned enough about the operation of the park to come at Forster's set-up with pretty jaded eyes. I weighed her descriptions of what happens in the book against what I know to be true in parks like the one described. For each theory I formed an explanation was delivered: evidence Forster did her research and used it well.
Josie is a superb main character, and it's nice to see another side to Archer in this book. Forster's forte is characterization to be sure, so it's fair to say she's probably the most literary legal thriller writer I've read. All good!
First, if you're thinking of reading this book but haven't read the first in the series ("Hostile Witness"), don't. Reading this book before that one will give too much away; I was glad I'm pretty compulsive about reading a series in order because it turned out to be a good thing with the Josie Baylor-Bates series by Rebecca Forster.
That said, this is a fabulous book, and this review won't be too much different than the one I wrote for "Hostile Witness." The book moves carefully, building gradually, the author leaving clues you're sure will be important later only to forget them until -- ping!-- they're re-introduced at a key moment. You'll wonder if your hunches are correct or if you're being led astray through Forster's accomplished plotting and even better writing.
I especially loved that the central crime occurred in an amusement park. I worked my way through college putting in thousands of hours at an Ohio amusement park and learned enough about the operation of the park to come at Forster's set-up with pretty jaded eyes. I weighed her descriptions of what happens in the book against what I know to be true in parks like the one described. For each theory I formed an explanation was delivered: evidence Forster did her research and used it well.
Josie is a superb main character, and it's nice to see another side to Archer in this book. Forster's forte is characterization to be sure, so it's fair to say she's probably the most literary legal thriller writer I've read. All good!
March 17, 2020
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Letto e recensito da Iaia
Josie Baylor-Bates, avvocato, deve difendere il suo compagno Archer, ex poliziotto, accusato di aver ucciso due anni prima il proprio figliastro. Oltre a rimanere frastornata per essere venuta a conoscenza di una cosa così importante, deve anche fare pressioni su se stessa per essere la professionista lucida per procedere come si deve all'incarico che deve sostenere.
Non sarà facile. L'autrice rende il legal thriller molto interessante, ma ho trovato che questo libro è molto diverso dal precedente. E' più lento, più introspettivo per l'avvocato, visto che ci sono momenti in cui Josie ha dubbi sull'innocenza di Archer, e si rianima parecchio a tre quarti dell'intera vicenda rendendo il tutto più affascinante perché vengono a galla…. Scopritelo voi.
Comunque un bel "giallo".
La serie composta da sette libri e una novella, prende il nome di Witness, Testimone ostile è il primo, al momento in Italia a cura della timeCRIME sono stati tradotti e pubblicati solo due, attendiamo buone, nuove notizie!!!
#1 Hostile Witness - Testimone ostile - recensione
#1,5 Hannah's diary: A Spotlight Novella
#2 Silent Witness - Testimone silenzioso
#3 Privileged Witness
#4 Expert Witness
#5 Eyewitness
#6 Forgotten Wittness
#7 Dark Witness
Letto e recensito da Iaia
Josie Baylor-Bates, avvocato, deve difendere il suo compagno Archer, ex poliziotto, accusato di aver ucciso due anni prima il proprio figliastro. Oltre a rimanere frastornata per essere venuta a conoscenza di una cosa così importante, deve anche fare pressioni su se stessa per essere la professionista lucida per procedere come si deve all'incarico che deve sostenere.
Non sarà facile. L'autrice rende il legal thriller molto interessante, ma ho trovato che questo libro è molto diverso dal precedente. E' più lento, più introspettivo per l'avvocato, visto che ci sono momenti in cui Josie ha dubbi sull'innocenza di Archer, e si rianima parecchio a tre quarti dell'intera vicenda rendendo il tutto più affascinante perché vengono a galla…. Scopritelo voi.
Comunque un bel "giallo".
La serie composta da sette libri e una novella, prende il nome di Witness, Testimone ostile è il primo, al momento in Italia a cura della timeCRIME sono stati tradotti e pubblicati solo due, attendiamo buone, nuove notizie!!!
#1 Hostile Witness - Testimone ostile - recensione
#1,5 Hannah's diary: A Spotlight Novella
#2 Silent Witness - Testimone silenzioso
#3 Privileged Witness
#4 Expert Witness
#5 Eyewitness
#6 Forgotten Wittness
#7 Dark Witness
January 23, 2020
As a long time fan of courtroom drama, I'm a big fan of Forster's legal thriller style. Silent Witness picks up right where the first book, Hostile Witness left off.
Like any great series, the author builds on the character arcs of the first book (I've never been a fan of one-off plot lines, where you fall in love with a character and then they're gone in the next installment). Josie has adopted a character from the previous book, Hannah, and the two are building upon the unlikely relationship they formed in Book 1. But this endearing mother/daughter dynamic isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Josie, although razor sharp in the courtroom, is a victim of her own obsessional and ambitious tendencies, and it makes for an often rocky relationship between the two.
Meanwhile, Josie is juggling her love for her boyfriend, accused of murder, and her legal instincts telling her he might not be as innocent as she thinks--or hopes. As usual, Forster weaves an excellent character tale. Watching Josie navigate the twists and turns of her own relationships and loyalties is as interesting as her dogged pursuit of the clues.
Josie is a smart, ambitious lawyer, but her closeness to the defendant makes for an ever more daunting case. The ending will surprise you.
Like any great series, the author builds on the character arcs of the first book (I've never been a fan of one-off plot lines, where you fall in love with a character and then they're gone in the next installment). Josie has adopted a character from the previous book, Hannah, and the two are building upon the unlikely relationship they formed in Book 1. But this endearing mother/daughter dynamic isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Josie, although razor sharp in the courtroom, is a victim of her own obsessional and ambitious tendencies, and it makes for an often rocky relationship between the two.
Meanwhile, Josie is juggling her love for her boyfriend, accused of murder, and her legal instincts telling her he might not be as innocent as she thinks--or hopes. As usual, Forster weaves an excellent character tale. Watching Josie navigate the twists and turns of her own relationships and loyalties is as interesting as her dogged pursuit of the clues.
Josie is a smart, ambitious lawyer, but her closeness to the defendant makes for an ever more daunting case. The ending will surprise you.
July 22, 2018
This is the 2nd in the series about Josie Bates, who is a criminal attorney..This case might be too close to home for her..Her boyfriend, Archer, has been arrested for the murder of his stepson who Josie didn't even know about.
If you read the first book, you know that Archer has been married to Lexi, who died from cancer. He was just getting over her and now he is accused of murdering her son who was disabled. Her son, Tim, was on a amusement ride with both Lexi and Archer. Now, they say they have evidence that Archer, unbuckled Tim's restraint and pushed him off the ride, thus falling to his death.
Josie wants to believe the best of Archer, but she does find in talking to others, that Archer really never liked Tim and resented that Lexi was dying and all her strength was given to Tim. So, is Archer really guilty of murder? Will taking this case prove to be too much to Josie.
I did figure out the ending, but it was an enjoyable read and one I liked very much.
If you read the first book, you know that Archer has been married to Lexi, who died from cancer. He was just getting over her and now he is accused of murdering her son who was disabled. Her son, Tim, was on a amusement ride with both Lexi and Archer. Now, they say they have evidence that Archer, unbuckled Tim's restraint and pushed him off the ride, thus falling to his death.
Josie wants to believe the best of Archer, but she does find in talking to others, that Archer really never liked Tim and resented that Lexi was dying and all her strength was given to Tim. So, is Archer really guilty of murder? Will taking this case prove to be too much to Josie.
I did figure out the ending, but it was an enjoyable read and one I liked very much.
April 26, 2019
I like this book better than the first book. When Archer is arrested for the murder of his step son, that Josie knew nothing about, she steps up to be his lawyer. Archer had loved his first wife, Lexie whose son was disabled, but Archer had no emotional connection to the boy. The boy lived in a care home as he was often uncontrollable. Lexie's ex husband would have nothing to do with the boy. The ex husband had filed a wrongful death against the amusement park where his son fell from a ride which brought the death to the attention of the police. Josie teams up with another lawyer, the ex husband lawyer to prove Archer was not involved in the death. Good story, much less angst than the first book.
Want to read
January 28, 2021From Follett: Josie Bates has a full plate caring for a troubled teen, but it's about to get fuller when her ex-cop lover, Archer, is accused of murdering his disabled stepson - a son Josie never knew he had. When Timothy Wren died at California's oldest amusement park it appeared to be a tragic accident. But now Timothy's biological father and the district attorney are out for blood. Is this a criminal action with merit, a vendetta, or a shakedown? For Josie the stakes are personal. Racing against time to prove someone is framing Archer, her faith in him is tested by his honesty regarding his feelings about his stepson. Finally, she finds the truth lies not in Archer's words but with a long-forgotten silent witness.
May 28, 2021
Great plot
I have found a new favorite series. As Jocie tries to stay out of dramatic legal cases, the most heart wrenching cases find her. Archer finds himself charged with the murder of his long dead step-son, Timothy. Joci steps up to do battle, trying desperately to keep faith in her lover as his emotions and desperation whirl out of control when he's charged with the murder of Timothy Wren. Joci must sift through the relationship that Archer had with his deceased wife and step-son to find the truth about Timothy's death. Years have past since the deaths and Lexi's ex husband, Colin Wren, seeks vengence on Archer, believing that he is the man responsible for his son's death.
I have found a new favorite series. As Jocie tries to stay out of dramatic legal cases, the most heart wrenching cases find her. Archer finds himself charged with the murder of his long dead step-son, Timothy. Joci steps up to do battle, trying desperately to keep faith in her lover as his emotions and desperation whirl out of control when he's charged with the murder of Timothy Wren. Joci must sift through the relationship that Archer had with his deceased wife and step-son to find the truth about Timothy's death. Years have past since the deaths and Lexi's ex husband, Colin Wren, seeks vengence on Archer, believing that he is the man responsible for his son's death.
January 13, 2019
Feels good having discovered a new author. I'd confidently put Rebecca Forster up there next to Grisham, Gimenez, and Mitzner any day.
Silent Witness brings back the cast from the first book in the series. Josie, Hannah and Archer.
This time Archer is in trouble. He's been arrested for the murder of his dead wife's disabled son.
Josie doesn't want to believe he is guilty of such a horrible, heartless crime.
But when all the evidence points in one direction . . . doubt begins to set in.
Archer only has Josie on his side, but he doesn't want her help.
Phillip Tomasso
Author of the crime novel YOU CHOOSE
Silent Witness brings back the cast from the first book in the series. Josie, Hannah and Archer.
This time Archer is in trouble. He's been arrested for the murder of his dead wife's disabled son.
Josie doesn't want to believe he is guilty of such a horrible, heartless crime.
But when all the evidence points in one direction . . . doubt begins to set in.
Archer only has Josie on his side, but he doesn't want her help.
Phillip Tomasso
Author of the crime novel YOU CHOOSE
October 28, 2019
It had been quite a while since I read a "Witness" book, but immediately fell back into the world of Josie and Hannah and Archer. Archer is accused of murdering his disabled stepson. Josie takes on the case, torn between being a lover and a lawyer, and teams up with Jude who represents the stepson's father. The story is fast-moving and interesting, with a complicated plot with intricate threads. The characters are layered and complex, and I cared about what happened to them. The best touch - the inclusion of a secondary character named Wilson whose description was handled very well.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries, particularly legal mysteries.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries, particularly legal mysteries.
May 21, 2017
Just like the first book in this series, I was really invested in the characters and fully engaged in the story. I listened to the audio and the time flew by, which is exactly the point. This didn't effect my rating, but I'm super disappointed the rest of this series isn't available as audio. I love to read, but unfortunately I don't have time to sit down and read but when I'm in the car, at the store, walking the dog, doing housework, cooking etc. I'm usually listening to a book. Please make the rest available as audio!!!!
July 23, 2018
This was my first Rebecca Forster book recommended by my sister and I thank her for doing so. A man is accused of murder of his fiance's retarded son. Though the book is a bit slow in the first half but then the pace picks up. Some personal details of characters could have been avoided and instead the crucial part of the investigation should have been in a dialogue form to tighten the grip. Though I guessed the suspense after about 75 percent of the book still it was enjoyable and kept me engrossed till the end.
July 4, 2023
only my second book, and I a already captivated and hooked by Ms Forster
only my second book and I already hooked. Rebecca weaves the story so well, letting out subtle hints at times for reader to formulate a suspicion, and very smoothly takes the reader through a change in direction. very carefully plotted, finely researched, with great play of emotions, she takes you to the conclusion. above all her English is flows so charmingly, and she has great command of expression and choices of words.
only my second book and I already hooked. Rebecca weaves the story so well, letting out subtle hints at times for reader to formulate a suspicion, and very smoothly takes the reader through a change in direction. very carefully plotted, finely researched, with great play of emotions, she takes you to the conclusion. above all her English is flows so charmingly, and she has great command of expression and choices of words.
April 6, 2025
Very Talented Author
Ms Forster is a very good story teller. Her characters are extremely believable. How she as a woman can create male characters' thinking correctly, is impressive. She must be very observant! You might think you might guess where the story ends...but noope! She has skills that suggest comparisons with the great John Steinbeck for whom I would reserve a five star rating . A true rarity. I will read all of her writings and as I finish each one I find I already miss it as a read. Can't say enough about this writer. Enjoy!
Ms Forster is a very good story teller. Her characters are extremely believable. How she as a woman can create male characters' thinking correctly, is impressive. She must be very observant! You might think you might guess where the story ends...but noope! She has skills that suggest comparisons with the great John Steinbeck for whom I would reserve a five star rating . A true rarity. I will read all of her writings and as I finish each one I find I already miss it as a read. Can't say enough about this writer. Enjoy!
September 8, 2017
I love legal thrillers. I rated this one 3 stars because I think the characters need to be developed a little more - Archer came across as pretty unloveable, Hannah felt kind of forced in to this plot. Also the use of metaphors was a little too much - not every feeling needs to be expressed this way. On the good side, I look forward to reading the next book in this series and would recommend it to my friends.
February 21, 2020
Rebecca Forster again gives us a serious story where Josie Baylor-Bates is now charged with defending her friend, Archer, against the charge of murdering a retarded child. A deep tale populated with well-developed characters of all stripes, good, bad, generous, corrupt, evil. I didn't want to put this one down until I learned its resolution, and the surprising twist at the end made the entire trip worthwhile.
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