A young attorney is defending her client in a racially charged felony case -- but in a town of old money and hidden secrets, her first trial may be her last in this #1 New York Times bestselling legal thriller.
Ruby Bozarth, a newcomer to Rosedale, Mississippi, is also fresh to the State Bar -- and to the docket of Circuit Judge Baylor, who taps Ruby as defense counsel.
The murder of a woman from one of the town's oldest families has Rosedale's upper crust howling for blood, and the prosecutor is counting on Ruby's inexperience to help him deliver a swift conviction. Ruby's client is a college football star who has returned home after a career-ending injury, and she is determined to build a defense that will stick. She finds help in unexpected quarters from Suzanne, a hard-charging attorney armed to the teeth, and Shorty, a diner cook who knows more than he lets on.
Ruby never belonged to the country club set, but once she nearly married into it. As news breaks of a second murder, Ruby's ex-fiancé shows up on her doorstep -- a Southern gentleman in need of a savior. As lurid, intertwining investigations unfold, no one in Rosedale can be trusted, especially the twelve men and women impaneled on the jury. They may be hiding the most incendiary secret of all.
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"After reading about Alex over the years, one tends to care for the guy and his family. this one term at the heart strings and makes one anxious to see family victorious in conquering evil."
— Kate (4 out of 5 stars)
“New to both Rosedale, Mississippi, and the Mississippi Bar, Ruby Bozarth is tasked with defending an African America college football star accused of murdering a woman from one of Rosedale’s most prominent families. Because she’s a newbie, the judge thinks he can ram through a conviction, but Ruby relies on tough attorney Suzanne and diner cook Shorty (who’s got secrets) as she faces a jury with secrets of their own.”
— Library Journal" Enjoyed the book. Juror 3 felt like a book I WANTED TO DIG INTO. A big city atmosphere in rural America. Made me happy through Out the book. I’m a root for the underdog guy. Mike "
— Michael S Bradshaw, 12/22/2018" Very good book. Always enjoy Payterson. Good vocal "
— Gloria , 10/18/2018James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Effing Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Princess Diana, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson, and received an Edgar Award, nine Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Nancy Campbell Allen is the author of more than a dozen novels, including Beauty and the Clockwork Beast and Kiss of the Spindle. She has been a speaker at numerous writing conferences and events. She has a degree in elementary education and is the mother of three children.
Megan Tusing is an actress, known for The Beginning and the End, The Share, and Odd Jobs. She has a bachelor’s degree in theatre from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.