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Izzy McNeil Mystery #4
Claim of Innocence
Forbidden relationships are the most tempting. And the most dangerous.
It was a crime of passion—or so the police say. Valerie Solara has been charged with poisoning her best friend. The prosecution claims she's always been secretly attracted to Amanda's husband…and with Amanda gone, she planned to make her move.
Attorney Izzy McNeil left the legal world a year ago, but a friend's request pulls her into the murder trial. Izzy knows how passion can turn your life upside down. She thought she had it once with her ex-fiancé, Sam. Now she wonders if that's all she has in common with her criminally gorgeous younger boyfriend, Theo.
It's Izzy's job to present the facts that will exonerate her client—whether or not she's innocent. But when she suspects Valerie is hiding something, she begins investigating—and uncovers a web of secret passions and dark motives, where seemingly innocent relationships can prove poisonous…
It was a crime of passion—or so the police say. Valerie Solara has been charged with poisoning her best friend. The prosecution claims she's always been secretly attracted to Amanda's husband…and with Amanda gone, she planned to make her move.
Attorney Izzy McNeil left the legal world a year ago, but a friend's request pulls her into the murder trial. Izzy knows how passion can turn your life upside down. She thought she had it once with her ex-fiancé, Sam. Now she wonders if that's all she has in common with her criminally gorgeous younger boyfriend, Theo.
It's Izzy's job to present the facts that will exonerate her client—whether or not she's innocent. But when she suspects Valerie is hiding something, she begins investigating—and uncovers a web of secret passions and dark motives, where seemingly innocent relationships can prove poisonous…
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
19 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Laura Caldwell
32 books165 followersLaura Caldwell is a Chicago-based lawyer turned novelist. Her first book, Burning the Map, was selected by Barnes & Noble.com as one of The Best of 2002. Following that, A Clean Slate received a starred review from Booklist. The release of The Year of Living Famously and The Night I Got Lucky prompted Booklist to declare, “Caldwell is one of the most talented and inventive...writers around.”
Laura began publishing thrillers and suspense novels in 2005. Her debut mystery, Look Closely, received critical acclaim and The Chicago Sun-Times called The Rome Affair “Caldwell’s most exciting book yet…a summer must-read.” The Rome Affair, which centers around a Chicago society couple riding a roller coaster of infidelity, blackmail and murder, pulled Laura into a real-life, highly-profiled murder trial involving a 19-year old suspect forced into a confession and wrongfully jailed for a crime he did not commit. Laura became one of the attorneys who represented the suspect pro bono, resulting in a not-guilty verdict.
Laura's newest is an international thriller, The Good Liar. Bestselling author Ken Bruen calls it "a massive achievement." Publisher's Weekly lauds it as "a taut, enjoyable thriller." And New York Times bestselling author James Rollins said, "THE GOOD LIAR strikes like an assassin's bullet: sudden, swift, precise, deadly. Here is a taut international thriller certain to keep readers breathless and awake until the wee hours of the morning. Not to be missed." Her work has been translated into ten languages and published in over twenty countries.
Before beginning her writing career, Laura was a trial attorney, specializing in medical malpractice defense and entertainment law. She is published in the legal field and is currently an Adjunct Professor of Law at her alma mater, Loyola University Chicago, where she teaches Advanced Writing for Litigation. She recently received the St. Robert Bellarmine award for distinguished contributions to the profession and the Loyola School of Law. In the summer of 2008, she will be teaching International Criminal Law at Loyola's campus in Rome, Italy.
Laura is also a freelance magazine writer. Her work has been published in Chicago Magazine, Woman's Own, The Young Lawyer, Lake Magazine, Australia Woman's Weekly, Shore Magazine and others. Her work can also be seen in Everything I Needed to Know About Being A Girl I Learned From Judy Blume (Pocket Books, 2007), It's A Wonderful Lie: Truth About Life In Your Twenties (Warner, 2006), Girl's Night In II (Red Dress Ink, 2006) Flirting With Pride & Prejudice (BenBella Books, 2005) and Welcome to Wisteria Lane: On America's Favorite Desperate Housewives (BenBella Books, 2006).
Laura began publishing thrillers and suspense novels in 2005. Her debut mystery, Look Closely, received critical acclaim and The Chicago Sun-Times called The Rome Affair “Caldwell’s most exciting book yet…a summer must-read.” The Rome Affair, which centers around a Chicago society couple riding a roller coaster of infidelity, blackmail and murder, pulled Laura into a real-life, highly-profiled murder trial involving a 19-year old suspect forced into a confession and wrongfully jailed for a crime he did not commit. Laura became one of the attorneys who represented the suspect pro bono, resulting in a not-guilty verdict.
Laura's newest is an international thriller, The Good Liar. Bestselling author Ken Bruen calls it "a massive achievement." Publisher's Weekly lauds it as "a taut, enjoyable thriller." And New York Times bestselling author James Rollins said, "THE GOOD LIAR strikes like an assassin's bullet: sudden, swift, precise, deadly. Here is a taut international thriller certain to keep readers breathless and awake until the wee hours of the morning. Not to be missed." Her work has been translated into ten languages and published in over twenty countries.
Before beginning her writing career, Laura was a trial attorney, specializing in medical malpractice defense and entertainment law. She is published in the legal field and is currently an Adjunct Professor of Law at her alma mater, Loyola University Chicago, where she teaches Advanced Writing for Litigation. She recently received the St. Robert Bellarmine award for distinguished contributions to the profession and the Loyola School of Law. In the summer of 2008, she will be teaching International Criminal Law at Loyola's campus in Rome, Italy.
Laura is also a freelance magazine writer. Her work has been published in Chicago Magazine, Woman's Own, The Young Lawyer, Lake Magazine, Australia Woman's Weekly, Shore Magazine and others. Her work can also be seen in Everything I Needed to Know About Being A Girl I Learned From Judy Blume (Pocket Books, 2007), It's A Wonderful Lie: Truth About Life In Your Twenties (Warner, 2006), Girl's Night In II (Red Dress Ink, 2006) Flirting With Pride & Prejudice (BenBella Books, 2005) and Welcome to Wisteria Lane: On America's Favorite Desperate Housewives (BenBella Books, 2006).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 20, 2019
Izzy McNeil is growing on me. I really enjoyed this addition to the series.
October 29, 2017
Another solid entry into this series. I love her style of writing and some of the really smart things the characters say about relationships. Some of the scenarios are a bit contrived, but the action moves quickly and I’m invested enough at this point that this is a minor thing!
July 26, 2011
This book is deceptive, it is a slow story and creeps along and makes you care about what's going on. It a tangled web the plot of this story but intriguing to the max. It is like a giant puzzle with a who done it thrown in. Everyone life is changing for different reasons and boy was the end satisfying. I will admit that at one point my skin was crawling as I thought the Zavy was going to walk away, but it all came together skilfully. This book is a masterpiece and a shining example of what a crime drama should be.
December 31, 2011
I really enjoyed this one and I hope more will follow to this interesting idea. This story would make a very interesting movie for sure. All the characters, twists and turns and the author keeps you interested at all times.
May 18, 2012
Laura Caldwell just keeps getting better! I loved this book and all the extra twists and turns. Even if I hadn't meet her and loved her down to earth personality I would still say this is an awesome read!
September 21, 2012
intense drama and great read
April 14, 2012
Setting – Chicago – court rooms, bedrooms, bars.
Themes – love and change, friendship, law
Characters –
Maggie Bristol – good defense attorney, working for her grandfather. Good friend to Izzy.
Martin Bristol – 70+ years old, well known defense attorney. Initiated taking over the case pro bono of Valerie. He began his career as a prosecutor, and sat third chair on Valerie’s father’s murder trial – where her father was convicted of killing a 15 year old neighbor. Martin didn’t feel there was enough evidence, but as junior he was threatened with dismissal if he didn’t do as told. He witnessed her father’s execution, and it has stayed with him – especially as he felt more and more he was innocent. He sees Valerie’s case as an opportunity to redeem himself – though he takes ill at the beginning of the trial.
Ellie Whelan & Tania Castle – prosecuting attorneys – single minded
Valerie Solara – client – on trial for the murder of her best friend, Amanda Miller by poisoning, supposedly because of unrequited love for her husband. Has college aged daughter, Layla.
Amanda Miller – victim – two surviving daughters (9 & 13). Part of a longstanding threesome, Valerie, herself, and _____. Married 10 years earlier to a man – as much for how he treated her as for how he treated her daughters.
Xavier (Zavy) Jefferson Miller – husband, loving step father. Once investigated, no record of him prior to his meeting Amanda – until digging deeper find out he had been arrested of child molestation twice - warrant outstanding for one of them. He is carrying on an affair with Amanda’s daughter – though curried her favor when she was younger, did not have sex with her until she was 18 and at college.
Layla – seduced by Zavy. She has only told her mother she is seeing an older man.
Sam Hollings – Izzy’s former fiancé – he thinks he wants Izzy back, even though he is engaged to his high school sweetheart.
Theo – (we are never told his last name) – sex on a stick. Izzy’s current boyfriend. 22 years old (8 years younger than Izzy). Co-owner of a successful software programming business.
Detective Vaughn – apparently a thorn in Izzy’s side in earlier books, when she was a ‘person of interest’ in her fiancé’s disappearance & later her friend’s death. He was overbearing and had her guilty without cause. He is 1st witness in Valerie’s case – and actually apologizes to Izzy after his testimony.
Spencer Calloway – her stepfather – struggling with his role with his wife (Izzy’s mother) as his wife changes after discovery that her 1st husband is alive (Izzy’s father). A good guy, their anchor for many years… but what now?
Victoria McNeil Calloway – suffered bouts of depression & moodiness throughout Izzy’s childhood, and found solace in Spencer when he came into their lives. When she finds out her 1st husband is alive (he’d been an undercover agent) she gains confidence – she had never fully believed he was dead – saw him occasionally in crowds – and as it could not be true, slipped into the moodiness/depression. Now she sees herself differently – she was right… and she is growing into a confident, active woman.
Father McNeil – came back from the dead in an earlier book, when the syndicate boss he was targeting for much of his career was targeting Izzy. He has been watching over Izzy, following her, throughout her life. He is at loose ends… invisible was his strength as an agent, and he still feels invisible. At her mother’s prompting, Izzy reaches out to him… getting him involved with PI John Mayburn and having them investigate the people in her case.
Lucy DeSanto – Izzy’s friend. Mother. A previous book finds out her husband a bad guy. Started a relationship with John Mayburn (Izzy’s part time boss – a PI)… but now she wants space. She joins Izzy and Theo and his younger friends – and hooks up for a while with one of them.
Plot –
Mystery / murder trial. When Martin takes ill, Maggie asks Izzy to take cochair. Izzy was a very successful lawyer in a civil law agency, but gave that up a year earlier… She’s ready to get back into law. She contrasts some of the differences of civil law vs criminal – the main one being that in criminal law the truth does not matter – only presenting the best defense – and punching holes in the prosecutor’s case.
Zavy likes young women. His thinking has evolved to ‘courting’ them when they are underage (early teens) with attention and gifts, and guiding them into a sexual relationship with them when they are of age. He has so ‘seduced’ Valerie’s daughter. And 8 months before Amanda’s death, at a party at her house, Valerie caught Zavy peeking into her daughter’s bedroom, while masturbating (through his pants). She tells Amanda (and 2nd friend)… and at first Amanda doesn’t believe it, but then she catalogues her husband’s behavior, and then catches him in his office masturbating to a video of having sex with Valerie’s daughter. Then Valerie and Amanda, hands tied because her daughter is of age, but fearful of what he will do to her daughters, decide to kill him. They poison one of the dishes (apparently common to have a spicier version of a dish for her)… but Zavy figures out what they are doing, and trades the dishes, killing his wife. His step daughters are with an aunt during the trial, but he is making plans for their return, with gifts already on their beds. He continues liaisons with Valerie’s daughter. Her daughter doesn’t believe in Mom’s guilt.
Izzy brings different elements into the case, gathering more information than the Bristol’s did, encouraging Valerie’s confidences. Her father tells her the Valerie is guilty, and to look at the daughter – something is up with her. During the case, they show reasonable doubt by showing that the police did not investigate all involved… and the strongest is that the ‘poison lady’ that prosecutor says gave them the details of the poison, testifies that she did not. Valerie is found not guilty… the lawyers and PI’s know of Layla’s and Zavy’s relationship and of his priors. And Valerie finally confides the full truth with them… and they share it with Layla – who struggles with the truth of Zavy – but then makes the call to turn him into the police (for the outstanding warrant, and ultimately for the murder).
Relationships –
Spence and Victoria – as Victoria gains her confidence, goes to therapy, is balanced and not moody; and Spence struggles to figure out his new place in her life… and she waits him out, reassuring him that she loves him… and they come out okay on the other side.
Lucy and John – (friend and PI) – in love – but Lucy pulls back. She isn’t ready to enter another serious relationship.. John is devastated – and in conversation with Izzy, and Izzy says he needs to wait her out, he is willing. Lucy ‘hooks up’ with one of Theo’s friends – but when he doesn’t know what a suffragette is or who ____ is, she decides the sex doesn’t stand up alone – and she takes some time to be alone (with her kids)… and ends up asking John over for breakfast – not a serious relationship, but opening the door a crack.
Izzy and Sam – Sam is pulling Izzy into his reevaluation of things. He had disappeared 2 months before their wedding… he shows up (with a reasonable explanation having to do with an older, rich friend of both of theirs)… they try to reestablish their relationship, but something’s missing…. Izzy is now with Theo and Sam is with his high school sweetheart – But both are missing their Izzy and Sam times, both want it back (Sam more than Izzy), they reconnect – she gets to express some of her anger about when he was gone… they talk like they used to… they almost have sex… they relegate the past to the past (her more than he)…
Izzy and Theo – sex is great. And there is more to Theo than sex… Theo is looking for more than sex… Izzy starts to confide in him… first about her case, and later about Sam (except for almost having sex)… and Theo handles it all sensitively. ahhhh
Themes – love and change, friendship, law
Characters –
Maggie Bristol – good defense attorney, working for her grandfather. Good friend to Izzy.
Martin Bristol – 70+ years old, well known defense attorney. Initiated taking over the case pro bono of Valerie. He began his career as a prosecutor, and sat third chair on Valerie’s father’s murder trial – where her father was convicted of killing a 15 year old neighbor. Martin didn’t feel there was enough evidence, but as junior he was threatened with dismissal if he didn’t do as told. He witnessed her father’s execution, and it has stayed with him – especially as he felt more and more he was innocent. He sees Valerie’s case as an opportunity to redeem himself – though he takes ill at the beginning of the trial.
Ellie Whelan & Tania Castle – prosecuting attorneys – single minded
Valerie Solara – client – on trial for the murder of her best friend, Amanda Miller by poisoning, supposedly because of unrequited love for her husband. Has college aged daughter, Layla.
Amanda Miller – victim – two surviving daughters (9 & 13). Part of a longstanding threesome, Valerie, herself, and _____. Married 10 years earlier to a man – as much for how he treated her as for how he treated her daughters.
Xavier (Zavy) Jefferson Miller – husband, loving step father. Once investigated, no record of him prior to his meeting Amanda – until digging deeper find out he had been arrested of child molestation twice - warrant outstanding for one of them. He is carrying on an affair with Amanda’s daughter – though curried her favor when she was younger, did not have sex with her until she was 18 and at college.
Layla – seduced by Zavy. She has only told her mother she is seeing an older man.
Sam Hollings – Izzy’s former fiancé – he thinks he wants Izzy back, even though he is engaged to his high school sweetheart.
Theo – (we are never told his last name) – sex on a stick. Izzy’s current boyfriend. 22 years old (8 years younger than Izzy). Co-owner of a successful software programming business.
Detective Vaughn – apparently a thorn in Izzy’s side in earlier books, when she was a ‘person of interest’ in her fiancé’s disappearance & later her friend’s death. He was overbearing and had her guilty without cause. He is 1st witness in Valerie’s case – and actually apologizes to Izzy after his testimony.
Spencer Calloway – her stepfather – struggling with his role with his wife (Izzy’s mother) as his wife changes after discovery that her 1st husband is alive (Izzy’s father). A good guy, their anchor for many years… but what now?
Victoria McNeil Calloway – suffered bouts of depression & moodiness throughout Izzy’s childhood, and found solace in Spencer when he came into their lives. When she finds out her 1st husband is alive (he’d been an undercover agent) she gains confidence – she had never fully believed he was dead – saw him occasionally in crowds – and as it could not be true, slipped into the moodiness/depression. Now she sees herself differently – she was right… and she is growing into a confident, active woman.
Father McNeil – came back from the dead in an earlier book, when the syndicate boss he was targeting for much of his career was targeting Izzy. He has been watching over Izzy, following her, throughout her life. He is at loose ends… invisible was his strength as an agent, and he still feels invisible. At her mother’s prompting, Izzy reaches out to him… getting him involved with PI John Mayburn and having them investigate the people in her case.
Lucy DeSanto – Izzy’s friend. Mother. A previous book finds out her husband a bad guy. Started a relationship with John Mayburn (Izzy’s part time boss – a PI)… but now she wants space. She joins Izzy and Theo and his younger friends – and hooks up for a while with one of them.
Plot –
Mystery / murder trial. When Martin takes ill, Maggie asks Izzy to take cochair. Izzy was a very successful lawyer in a civil law agency, but gave that up a year earlier… She’s ready to get back into law. She contrasts some of the differences of civil law vs criminal – the main one being that in criminal law the truth does not matter – only presenting the best defense – and punching holes in the prosecutor’s case.
Zavy likes young women. His thinking has evolved to ‘courting’ them when they are underage (early teens) with attention and gifts, and guiding them into a sexual relationship with them when they are of age. He has so ‘seduced’ Valerie’s daughter. And 8 months before Amanda’s death, at a party at her house, Valerie caught Zavy peeking into her daughter’s bedroom, while masturbating (through his pants). She tells Amanda (and 2nd friend)… and at first Amanda doesn’t believe it, but then she catalogues her husband’s behavior, and then catches him in his office masturbating to a video of having sex with Valerie’s daughter. Then Valerie and Amanda, hands tied because her daughter is of age, but fearful of what he will do to her daughters, decide to kill him. They poison one of the dishes (apparently common to have a spicier version of a dish for her)… but Zavy figures out what they are doing, and trades the dishes, killing his wife. His step daughters are with an aunt during the trial, but he is making plans for their return, with gifts already on their beds. He continues liaisons with Valerie’s daughter. Her daughter doesn’t believe in Mom’s guilt.
Izzy brings different elements into the case, gathering more information than the Bristol’s did, encouraging Valerie’s confidences. Her father tells her the Valerie is guilty, and to look at the daughter – something is up with her. During the case, they show reasonable doubt by showing that the police did not investigate all involved… and the strongest is that the ‘poison lady’ that prosecutor says gave them the details of the poison, testifies that she did not. Valerie is found not guilty… the lawyers and PI’s know of Layla’s and Zavy’s relationship and of his priors. And Valerie finally confides the full truth with them… and they share it with Layla – who struggles with the truth of Zavy – but then makes the call to turn him into the police (for the outstanding warrant, and ultimately for the murder).
Relationships –
Spence and Victoria – as Victoria gains her confidence, goes to therapy, is balanced and not moody; and Spence struggles to figure out his new place in her life… and she waits him out, reassuring him that she loves him… and they come out okay on the other side.
Lucy and John – (friend and PI) – in love – but Lucy pulls back. She isn’t ready to enter another serious relationship.. John is devastated – and in conversation with Izzy, and Izzy says he needs to wait her out, he is willing. Lucy ‘hooks up’ with one of Theo’s friends – but when he doesn’t know what a suffragette is or who ____ is, she decides the sex doesn’t stand up alone – and she takes some time to be alone (with her kids)… and ends up asking John over for breakfast – not a serious relationship, but opening the door a crack.
Izzy and Sam – Sam is pulling Izzy into his reevaluation of things. He had disappeared 2 months before their wedding… he shows up (with a reasonable explanation having to do with an older, rich friend of both of theirs)… they try to reestablish their relationship, but something’s missing…. Izzy is now with Theo and Sam is with his high school sweetheart – But both are missing their Izzy and Sam times, both want it back (Sam more than Izzy), they reconnect – she gets to express some of her anger about when he was gone… they talk like they used to… they almost have sex… they relegate the past to the past (her more than he)…
Izzy and Theo – sex is great. And there is more to Theo than sex… Theo is looking for more than sex… Izzy starts to confide in him… first about her case, and later about Sam (except for almost having sex)… and Theo handles it all sensitively. ahhhh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2025
The mystery was interesting and the how-done-it was just as intriguing as the who-done-it. I listened to the audiobook and found the narrator’s mispronunciation of the legal term “voir dir” and the word “segue” annoying and distracting.
February 4, 2021
I’m always a big fan of lawyer drama and this author was new to me. She did a masterful job of portraying Izzy as a lawyer unused to criminal law, her angst over the former boyfriend and the current one, Theo. The trial was exciting and I found the twist at the end a definite plus. This author did very well and the bonus is she’s written more books and I already have one!
August 19, 2011
Izzy McMeil has returned to the world of Law after having left it a year ago. When her friend, Maggie, calls her and urgently tells her she needs her help on a case, she rushes to her aide. When she meets up with Maggie, it's to find out she needs Izzy's help with a criminal case involving a woman who's been accused of murdering her best friend. So Izzy, who's only tried civil cases, signs up to help Maggie co-defend their client.
Just as Izzy's about to jump, feet first, into the case, her ex-fiance Sam calls her. He's gotten engagement, but he'll break the engagement if Izzy will take him back. After all she's been through with Sam, she wonders if she can try to reclaim what was lost a year ago with Sam's disappearance or if she future really lies with her much younger, but extremely hot boyfriend Theo.
On top of all this, Izzy's trying to figure out what kind of relationship to carve out with the father she's assumed was dead for most of her life.
***SPOILER ALERTS***
You've been warned. I'm going to delve into plot lines here, so if you like this series and don't want to know....STOP!
Here's my problem with this book.
Legal aspect: I know enough about law to keep myself out of trouble, but the items below just seemed troubling.
*Would a lawyer, who's been gone from practicing law for one year, and only tried civil cases prior suddenly step up and agree to taking on a murder case? And if they took on the murder case, wouldn't they pretty much be working in the background and watching the lead attorney so they could learn the ropes? For God's sake, Izzy didn't even know that certain arguments were allowed in a criminal case when they weren't in a civil. C'mon! If I were Valerie I'd be completely horrified at my choice of legal team!
*Would lawyers really standing in their client's kitchen and allow that client's child to falsely accuse someone of a crime the client just admitted to committing? I know about double jeopardy so Valerie couldn't be retried. But honest to God to just let that slide?
The whole thing with Zavy bugged me. Sure, he had been convicted of statutory rape in Louisiana, but he hadn't broken the law during his marriage to Amanda. He may have started having an affair with Layla immediately after she turned 18, but having that affair and assuming he's going after his step-daughters (even though he was) grounds for 2 woman deciding they were going to poison him and kill him? Why not just divorce him?
The Sam Storyline: I haven't read the other 3 books, but I got the gist of their story from what was in this one. So I'm left wondering. Why wasn't this storyline wrapped up? Sam told her he probably wouldn't wait for her if she needed time. Seemed to me, she had the answer she was looking for (especially since she couldn't really say if she'd wait for Sam). So I'm not sure why the property storyline was left hanging and why he was still texting her 3 months later.
Theo: Is the man around just for sex? It seemed like she just figured out that perhaps this guy had a brain in his head and could have a real conversation with her, rather than lying there and looking pretty. Pretty is nice, but it seemed she kept discounting him as a sounding board because he wasn't Sam. Why they hell are you with him then?
The storyline is easy to follow, even if you haven't read the previous books. If your one that can read a story without getting hung up on some of these little nuances, you'll have no issue with the book.
2.75 Cocktails
Just as Izzy's about to jump, feet first, into the case, her ex-fiance Sam calls her. He's gotten engagement, but he'll break the engagement if Izzy will take him back. After all she's been through with Sam, she wonders if she can try to reclaim what was lost a year ago with Sam's disappearance or if she future really lies with her much younger, but extremely hot boyfriend Theo.
On top of all this, Izzy's trying to figure out what kind of relationship to carve out with the father she's assumed was dead for most of her life.
***SPOILER ALERTS***
You've been warned. I'm going to delve into plot lines here, so if you like this series and don't want to know....STOP!
Here's my problem with this book.
Legal aspect: I know enough about law to keep myself out of trouble, but the items below just seemed troubling.
*Would a lawyer, who's been gone from practicing law for one year, and only tried civil cases prior suddenly step up and agree to taking on a murder case? And if they took on the murder case, wouldn't they pretty much be working in the background and watching the lead attorney so they could learn the ropes? For God's sake, Izzy didn't even know that certain arguments were allowed in a criminal case when they weren't in a civil. C'mon! If I were Valerie I'd be completely horrified at my choice of legal team!
*Would lawyers really standing in their client's kitchen and allow that client's child to falsely accuse someone of a crime the client just admitted to committing? I know about double jeopardy so Valerie couldn't be retried. But honest to God to just let that slide?
The whole thing with Zavy bugged me. Sure, he had been convicted of statutory rape in Louisiana, but he hadn't broken the law during his marriage to Amanda. He may have started having an affair with Layla immediately after she turned 18, but having that affair and assuming he's going after his step-daughters (even though he was) grounds for 2 woman deciding they were going to poison him and kill him? Why not just divorce him?
The Sam Storyline: I haven't read the other 3 books, but I got the gist of their story from what was in this one. So I'm left wondering. Why wasn't this storyline wrapped up? Sam told her he probably wouldn't wait for her if she needed time. Seemed to me, she had the answer she was looking for (especially since she couldn't really say if she'd wait for Sam). So I'm not sure why the property storyline was left hanging and why he was still texting her 3 months later.
Theo: Is the man around just for sex? It seemed like she just figured out that perhaps this guy had a brain in his head and could have a real conversation with her, rather than lying there and looking pretty. Pretty is nice, but it seemed she kept discounting him as a sounding board because he wasn't Sam. Why they hell are you with him then?
The storyline is easy to follow, even if you haven't read the previous books. If your one that can read a story without getting hung up on some of these little nuances, you'll have no issue with the book.
2.75 Cocktails
October 4, 2011
I love a good legal mystery and if the mystery comes with a hero or heroine that I really like and it has a good personal drama and/or romance thrown in, I am there. Claim of Innocence by Laura Caldwell delivered. It is a solid legal mystery with strong characters and addictive writing.
This was my first novel by Ms. Caldwell and she did not disappoint. Despite Claim of Innocence being the fourth installment of the Izzy McNeil series, and the first that I have read, I was easily able to pick up the book and delve in. And did I!
Claim of Innocence is a fast read, if for no other reason than you will find yourself as tenacious as Izzy is during the course of the book, flipping the pages and keeping that light on late into the evening to find resolution to both the legal case at issue and Izzy's personal life. In this regard, Claim of Innocence is unique because Izzy is both a main character driving a major plotline as well as being a secondary character to the legal drama.
I was pleased to discover that the mystery surrounding Valerie Solara was not quickly telegraphed from the beginning and had enough twists and turns to keep things humming. Valerie wasn't an easy to character to decipher, either by myself or by Izzy, and such questions were like an addictive drug, keeping me coming back for more.
I enjoyed Izzy because she seemed real. She works hard, she (stubbornly) rides a Vespa and she's torn between the present and what she could have in her future dependent upon her past. She's also a devoted friend to Maggie, who brings her into the legal fray of the questions surrounding Valerie Solara. I liked that Izzy really dug into Valerie and her life to find answers to her questions and that she did not commit, in this reader's opinion, the cardinal sin of committing foolhardy and dangerous actions in order to move a plot forward. You won't find any of that in Ms. Caldwell's book.
What you will find is an engrossing, if relatively light, end of summer read that is low-cal on the violence, with a generous side of sexual situations and a very rich and fattening hearty storyline. Ms. Caldwell's writing is quick and fast paced; at no time will you find this story sluggish or slow to get moving. She drops the reader into the action from the first page and will keep you hanging on until the last sentence. I found myself thinking that this book would be a fantastic airplane read because it's such an obsessive read, you will be disappointed if your flight is actually on time, requiring you to put the book down.
I was happy with the overall tone and direction of the story and closed the book hoping that I would have further legal exploits with Izzy and company. I would not hesitate to recommend Claim of Innocence to readers who enjoy a good legal drama, a good mystery and/or a book with romantic angst as a neat little subplot. Job well done, Ms. Caldwell.
Review Copyright © Psychotic State Book Reviews
http://www.psychoticstate.net
This was my first novel by Ms. Caldwell and she did not disappoint. Despite Claim of Innocence being the fourth installment of the Izzy McNeil series, and the first that I have read, I was easily able to pick up the book and delve in. And did I!
Claim of Innocence is a fast read, if for no other reason than you will find yourself as tenacious as Izzy is during the course of the book, flipping the pages and keeping that light on late into the evening to find resolution to both the legal case at issue and Izzy's personal life. In this regard, Claim of Innocence is unique because Izzy is both a main character driving a major plotline as well as being a secondary character to the legal drama.
I was pleased to discover that the mystery surrounding Valerie Solara was not quickly telegraphed from the beginning and had enough twists and turns to keep things humming. Valerie wasn't an easy to character to decipher, either by myself or by Izzy, and such questions were like an addictive drug, keeping me coming back for more.
I enjoyed Izzy because she seemed real. She works hard, she (stubbornly) rides a Vespa and she's torn between the present and what she could have in her future dependent upon her past. She's also a devoted friend to Maggie, who brings her into the legal fray of the questions surrounding Valerie Solara. I liked that Izzy really dug into Valerie and her life to find answers to her questions and that she did not commit, in this reader's opinion, the cardinal sin of committing foolhardy and dangerous actions in order to move a plot forward. You won't find any of that in Ms. Caldwell's book.
What you will find is an engrossing, if relatively light, end of summer read that is low-cal on the violence, with a generous side of sexual situations and a very rich and fattening hearty storyline. Ms. Caldwell's writing is quick and fast paced; at no time will you find this story sluggish or slow to get moving. She drops the reader into the action from the first page and will keep you hanging on until the last sentence. I found myself thinking that this book would be a fantastic airplane read because it's such an obsessive read, you will be disappointed if your flight is actually on time, requiring you to put the book down.
I was happy with the overall tone and direction of the story and closed the book hoping that I would have further legal exploits with Izzy and company. I would not hesitate to recommend Claim of Innocence to readers who enjoy a good legal drama, a good mystery and/or a book with romantic angst as a neat little subplot. Job well done, Ms. Caldwell.
Review Copyright © Psychotic State Book Reviews
http://www.psychoticstate.net
September 5, 2011
Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...
A mixture of a trial in criminal court and the trials in Izzy O’Neil’s personal life creates a feeling of “Is anyone really innocent?”.
Izzy, a lawyer once again working, finds criminal court different from civil court where she had worked before. Like her personal life, her professional life has taken a new road. She likes the change and the challenge, yet, she is reluctant to turn loose the past connections. As the reader travels the bumpy, uncertain, and often unsettling road with Izzy, expecting the unexpected becomes the norm.
A bevy of characters play important roles. Some are red herrings but they help add a touch of mystery to the plot, while others range from not-very-nice to the super yummy Theo.
The reticent Valerie Solara, accused of murdering her best friend Amanda Miller, is a mystery woman doing little to help her own defense.
Izzy, with her need-to-know attitude, soon uncovers subplots galore that keep the reader hopping from Amanda’s husband Zavy’s unknown past to Valerie’s daughter Layla’s secret life, to Amanda’s twelve and nine year old girls, and even to the back story of Valerie. Then there is the nanny Sylvia Zowinski, with a rap sheet, and the disgruntled neighbor Dr. St. John who had yelling matches with Amanda. My goodness, they do keep the reader guessing. Izzy’s searching for something to create reasonable doubt stirred up a hornets’ nest.
Martin and Maggie Bristol, criminal defense lawyer who asked Izzy to work with them have stories of their own, but nothing like the “life and times” of Izzy. She has a sexy, smart boyfriend Theo, ten years her junior, who revs up the heartbeat on a regular bases, while the reentrance of her old lover Sam creates conflicts that keep Izzy off-kilter much of the time. She sometimes wonders if she really knows either one of the men. Her ever-changing world is forcing her to do some tough growing up.
The humor seen in Izzy’s friend Lucy’s venture into the world of younger men dates is fun and enlightening, while the patience and love seen in the once renegade private investigator Mayburn is an affirmation of true love.
Izzy’s mother, step-father and her father (long-believed dead) create a unique subplot and add to the theme that life is ever-changing.
Laura Caldwell weaves together a kaleidoscope of a tale that shows that many areas of life must be dealt with as profession and personal needs overlap and intermingle. Her chapters associated with killing confused and distracted from the otherwise fast-paced story. However, they faded in the background as the many characters propelled events along to a somewhat unusual, but satisfying happy-ever-after—not just for Izzy but for many others also.
A Claim of Innocence captivates—good entertainment!
A mixture of a trial in criminal court and the trials in Izzy O’Neil’s personal life creates a feeling of “Is anyone really innocent?”.
Izzy, a lawyer once again working, finds criminal court different from civil court where she had worked before. Like her personal life, her professional life has taken a new road. She likes the change and the challenge, yet, she is reluctant to turn loose the past connections. As the reader travels the bumpy, uncertain, and often unsettling road with Izzy, expecting the unexpected becomes the norm.
A bevy of characters play important roles. Some are red herrings but they help add a touch of mystery to the plot, while others range from not-very-nice to the super yummy Theo.
The reticent Valerie Solara, accused of murdering her best friend Amanda Miller, is a mystery woman doing little to help her own defense.
Izzy, with her need-to-know attitude, soon uncovers subplots galore that keep the reader hopping from Amanda’s husband Zavy’s unknown past to Valerie’s daughter Layla’s secret life, to Amanda’s twelve and nine year old girls, and even to the back story of Valerie. Then there is the nanny Sylvia Zowinski, with a rap sheet, and the disgruntled neighbor Dr. St. John who had yelling matches with Amanda. My goodness, they do keep the reader guessing. Izzy’s searching for something to create reasonable doubt stirred up a hornets’ nest.
Martin and Maggie Bristol, criminal defense lawyer who asked Izzy to work with them have stories of their own, but nothing like the “life and times” of Izzy. She has a sexy, smart boyfriend Theo, ten years her junior, who revs up the heartbeat on a regular bases, while the reentrance of her old lover Sam creates conflicts that keep Izzy off-kilter much of the time. She sometimes wonders if she really knows either one of the men. Her ever-changing world is forcing her to do some tough growing up.
The humor seen in Izzy’s friend Lucy’s venture into the world of younger men dates is fun and enlightening, while the patience and love seen in the once renegade private investigator Mayburn is an affirmation of true love.
Izzy’s mother, step-father and her father (long-believed dead) create a unique subplot and add to the theme that life is ever-changing.
Laura Caldwell weaves together a kaleidoscope of a tale that shows that many areas of life must be dealt with as profession and personal needs overlap and intermingle. Her chapters associated with killing confused and distracted from the otherwise fast-paced story. However, they faded in the background as the many characters propelled events along to a somewhat unusual, but satisfying happy-ever-after—not just for Izzy but for many others also.
A Claim of Innocence captivates—good entertainment!
September 7, 2011
I was a twenty-five pages or so into this book and wondering why I felt I'd been dropped into the middle of something... and then I realized that I had been dropped into the middle of a series and the publicist failed to mention that before I agreed to review this. I am not a fan of reading books out of order when it comes to a series, and although the prior books weren't necessary to the plot, I still felt like I wasn't getting as much out of the personal relationships between the characters as I would had I read the previous three. Also, there are some big things that have occurred for all of the characters that I now am spoiled over by having read the fourth book first. That aside, this will obviously be a review of this book as a standalone novel.
If I didn't get the full measure of character interactions, I hoped that I could at least appreciate it for the plot. Alas, as soon as the defendant Valerie was introduced, I pretty much knew what had happened in the case but I thought there might be some good plot twists thrown in. Unfortunately, all of those had to do with the character's personal lives which I couldn't seem to invest in due to the fact that I never got to know them very well.
Ms. Caldwell's writing jumped around a lot as it changed points of view in a rather halting manner. Much of the personal interaction seemed superfluous, again perhaps because it's this is mid-series. I had no interest in Izzy's problems with her love life... or her co-council Meg's lack of problems. Ms. Caldwell's writing is based on her personal experience, which is unique, but I'm not sure wether that helped or hindered the story. The courtroom scenes were extremely dull. It also seemed odd that Izzy was given so much responsibility in this case when she has never worked in criminal law before. I understand that she has a history with the defense attorney, but it her involvement felt random. The Innocence Project also seemed to be extraneous and neither added or detracted from the story. It almost made me wish she'd chosen to tell the story of the cold case over the current one. I also felt there was a slight legal loophole at the end of the book that was glossed over and oversimplified.
On the whole, I certainly would not recommend this book as a stand alone novel. However, perhaps it's another story if you are already invested in the characters, and like Ms. Caldwell's writing style. I for one, will not be reading any more of this series, and perhaps no more from Ms. Caldwell.
http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/...
If I didn't get the full measure of character interactions, I hoped that I could at least appreciate it for the plot. Alas, as soon as the defendant Valerie was introduced, I pretty much knew what had happened in the case but I thought there might be some good plot twists thrown in. Unfortunately, all of those had to do with the character's personal lives which I couldn't seem to invest in due to the fact that I never got to know them very well.
Ms. Caldwell's writing jumped around a lot as it changed points of view in a rather halting manner. Much of the personal interaction seemed superfluous, again perhaps because it's this is mid-series. I had no interest in Izzy's problems with her love life... or her co-council Meg's lack of problems. Ms. Caldwell's writing is based on her personal experience, which is unique, but I'm not sure wether that helped or hindered the story. The courtroom scenes were extremely dull. It also seemed odd that Izzy was given so much responsibility in this case when she has never worked in criminal law before. I understand that she has a history with the defense attorney, but it her involvement felt random. The Innocence Project also seemed to be extraneous and neither added or detracted from the story. It almost made me wish she'd chosen to tell the story of the cold case over the current one. I also felt there was a slight legal loophole at the end of the book that was glossed over and oversimplified.
On the whole, I certainly would not recommend this book as a stand alone novel. However, perhaps it's another story if you are already invested in the characters, and like Ms. Caldwell's writing style. I for one, will not be reading any more of this series, and perhaps no more from Ms. Caldwell.
http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/...
September 20, 2011
Attorney Izzy McNeil thought she had left the legal world behind her until called in on a case by a friend and fellow attorney needing help on a difficult case. For Valerie Solara the charges of murdering her best friend must be faced. She hopes her attorneys can figure things out in time without her revealing too much. Protecting her daughter is more important than being free. As it would be for most of us. Protecting our children comes first. Protecting them from predators like Amanda’s husband Zavy who now is left to care for two daughters now that his wife is dead from poison. What would you do to protect your daughters from a man like this?
The exciting twists and turns in Claim of Innocence kept me glued to the pages and wanting to finish this book to see what really happened. We always hope the bad guys get what’s coming to them,but figuring out who the bad guy is can be difficult when the facts are short coming. A really good intense mystery like Claim of Innocence is what gets me going to the bookstore over and over. Laura Caldwell has captured the attention of mom’s,attorneys,and mystery lovers alike. I give it a solid 4 stars for it’s excitement! Laura Caldwell has her books published in over 22 countries and translated into more than 13 languages so you know her writing is fantastic!
Laura Caldwell,a former trial lawyer,is currently a professor and Distinguished Scholar in Residence at Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Her first book, Burning the Map,was selected by Barnes &Noble.com as one of The Best of 2002. The release of A Clean Slate, The Year of Living Famously and The Night I Got Lucky prompted Booklist to declare,“Caldwell is one of the most talented and inventive…writers around.” Her mysteries, Look Closely and The Rome Affair,received critical acclaim,and her international thriller, The Good Liar,was called “a massive achievement.”
CLAIM OF INNOCENCE
LAURA CALDWELL
$7.99 U.S./$8.99 CAN.
ISBN-13:978-0-7783-2932-9
July 2, 2013
Izzy hasn't practiced law in quite a while, but with the call of help from her best friend, Maggie Bristol, Izzy was back in the courtroom. Maggie is defending Valerie Solara, a woman accused of poisoning her best friend. Valerie swears she is innocent, but Izzy feels she is hiding something.
Maggie's father, Martin, is the lead on the case but is feeling poorly. He decides to rest at home now that Izzy is on the case. Izzy wants to know if Valerie is innocent or guilty but Maggie states it doesn't matter, they have reasonable doubt. However, it matters to Izzy so she implores the help of a friend and her father to investigate and see what clues turn up.
Meanwhile, Izzy's old flame comes back. Sam left her a while ago on the verge of their wedding with no explanation. Now he's back and freshly engaged, but implores Izzy that he won't marry if she doesn't want him to. Izzy already has hot Theo in her bed, but wonders if Sam is the love of her life. Such a quandary and matters of the heart though have to take backstage until her client is judged by a jury of her peers.
As Izzy's investigation deepens and the prosecutor's witnesses fail to give the defendant a break, Izzy decides to visit with Martin, who is all too quiet lately and immersed in law books. His story, along with what Valerie finally reveals, may be just what they need to get Valerie released, until Valerie refuses to implicate someone. Her refusal could be her execution. With Izzy's love life, Valerie's sealed lips, Martin's secrets and a thrilling court-room drama, Claim of Innocence is a lip-biting suspense that will leave you guessing until the gripping climax. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Caldwell puts another spin in the testimony and it's back to the drawing board. Captivating, solid and full of eccentric and magnetic characters, Claim of Innocence is a must read for any mystery suspense fan!!
Maggie's father, Martin, is the lead on the case but is feeling poorly. He decides to rest at home now that Izzy is on the case. Izzy wants to know if Valerie is innocent or guilty but Maggie states it doesn't matter, they have reasonable doubt. However, it matters to Izzy so she implores the help of a friend and her father to investigate and see what clues turn up.
Meanwhile, Izzy's old flame comes back. Sam left her a while ago on the verge of their wedding with no explanation. Now he's back and freshly engaged, but implores Izzy that he won't marry if she doesn't want him to. Izzy already has hot Theo in her bed, but wonders if Sam is the love of her life. Such a quandary and matters of the heart though have to take backstage until her client is judged by a jury of her peers.
As Izzy's investigation deepens and the prosecutor's witnesses fail to give the defendant a break, Izzy decides to visit with Martin, who is all too quiet lately and immersed in law books. His story, along with what Valerie finally reveals, may be just what they need to get Valerie released, until Valerie refuses to implicate someone. Her refusal could be her execution. With Izzy's love life, Valerie's sealed lips, Martin's secrets and a thrilling court-room drama, Claim of Innocence is a lip-biting suspense that will leave you guessing until the gripping climax. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Caldwell puts another spin in the testimony and it's back to the drawing board. Captivating, solid and full of eccentric and magnetic characters, Claim of Innocence is a must read for any mystery suspense fan!!
February 20, 2017
Will look for more of her series
January 1, 2012
A woman is on trial for murdering her best friend and Izzy McNeil has been drafted in to help with the case. But she is a woman who likes answers and facts and starts delving into who did do this murder and what is Valerie the woman on trial hiding.
I didnt realise this was a second in the series for the character of Izzy McNeil.
And to be honest it did throw me. There are a lot of references to what happened in the previous book and as someone who hadn't read the previous book I got confused in the beginning. So I don't really recommend this as a stand alone read.
Saying that however, though I did like this.
The court case and lawyer slang etc etc was actually very interesting and I found myself getting caught up in all of the "Objections!" and "Sustained!" The scenes were very well written and they completely drew me in and held my interest.
The rest of the case was interesting as well, finding how the whos, hows and whys. I did make a small guess and was correct, but it was purely a guess and it wasn't obvious in my opinion.
The only real part to this I did not like besides all the references to the previous book, was the relationship between Izzy and Sam. I just didn't get why she wouldn't get over things, he didn't actually seem to do anything wrong and maybe its just me, but I dont get the younger boyfriend thing. But in the same instance he is newly engaged to someone but proclaiming his love for her still. It was all very complicated but UNinteresting. I think the story could have done without it tbh, as it didnt really add anything in my opinion.
I am not sure I would read another one in this series if there is to be another one, but I would read more from this author in the future.
I actually would mark this as 3.5 stars if I could
Read and reviewed courtesy of netgalley.
I didnt realise this was a second in the series for the character of Izzy McNeil.
And to be honest it did throw me. There are a lot of references to what happened in the previous book and as someone who hadn't read the previous book I got confused in the beginning. So I don't really recommend this as a stand alone read.
Saying that however, though I did like this.
The court case and lawyer slang etc etc was actually very interesting and I found myself getting caught up in all of the "Objections!" and "Sustained!" The scenes were very well written and they completely drew me in and held my interest.
The rest of the case was interesting as well, finding how the whos, hows and whys. I did make a small guess and was correct, but it was purely a guess and it wasn't obvious in my opinion.
The only real part to this I did not like besides all the references to the previous book, was the relationship between Izzy and Sam. I just didn't get why she wouldn't get over things, he didn't actually seem to do anything wrong and maybe its just me, but I dont get the younger boyfriend thing. But in the same instance he is newly engaged to someone but proclaiming his love for her still. It was all very complicated but UNinteresting. I think the story could have done without it tbh, as it didnt really add anything in my opinion.
I am not sure I would read another one in this series if there is to be another one, but I would read more from this author in the future.
I actually would mark this as 3.5 stars if I could
Read and reviewed courtesy of netgalley.
August 14, 2011
A good story, “Claim of Innocence” was that, a very well-told tale of a courtroom murder trial and a lawyer rediscovering herself on many professional and personal levels. It had all of the layers: an edgy job, deep friendships, complicated family matters, and messy romances. Along with all of that, it had those few tidbits, more strings I would say, thrown continually at the reader, the hints of what is tying all of the plot lines together, what was really going on. All of these elements together created the solid suspense that moved the story forward.
This novel had a lot of characters, and while told mainly in first person point of view of the main character, Izzy MacNeil, there was a great depth to each of them. As a reader, I felt involved with each personality surrounding Izzy to some degree, invested in each of them, even if it was to finally see them get what they had coming. As well, there were a few characters that the author made me really think about, whether to feel sorry for them or hate them, as Izzy was tugged by the same feelings. I became more and more aware of what a volatile and slippery thing justice can be.
There were times, given the frequent changes in settings and brief changes in point of view, when the questions seemed to outweigh the answers. But, it only made me want to read faster…made the story that much better. With many twists and turns and a few surprises waiting at the end, this story is especially worth the read for court case, suspense fans.
This novel had a lot of characters, and while told mainly in first person point of view of the main character, Izzy MacNeil, there was a great depth to each of them. As a reader, I felt involved with each personality surrounding Izzy to some degree, invested in each of them, even if it was to finally see them get what they had coming. As well, there were a few characters that the author made me really think about, whether to feel sorry for them or hate them, as Izzy was tugged by the same feelings. I became more and more aware of what a volatile and slippery thing justice can be.
There were times, given the frequent changes in settings and brief changes in point of view, when the questions seemed to outweigh the answers. But, it only made me want to read faster…made the story that much better. With many twists and turns and a few surprises waiting at the end, this story is especially worth the read for court case, suspense fans.
August 23, 2011
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: August 23, 2011 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Mira
Author’s Website: www.lauracaldwell.com
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes
Series Best Read In Order: YES
Steam Level: Warm
Overall, this wasn’t actually the type of story I typically seek out. While the mystery was incredible — tons of nuances and hints to pick up on, as well as some very lovely unexpected twists — I wasn’t happy with the romance aspect. There’s a love triangle, Izzy’s mom and stepfather are having problems, and the romance just plain wasn’t my cup of tea. Plus, the shifting POV was incredibly disorienting in the beginning, which took a lot away from the reading experience.
That said, I did enjoy reading it. As I said, the mystery itself made the book worth reading, and it is for that reason that I’m giving it a very solid 3.5/5 Stars, despite the disappointing romantic aspect.
Expected Release Date: August 23, 2011 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: Mira
Author’s Website: www.lauracaldwell.com
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes
Series Best Read In Order: YES
Steam Level: Warm
Overall, this wasn’t actually the type of story I typically seek out. While the mystery was incredible — tons of nuances and hints to pick up on, as well as some very lovely unexpected twists — I wasn’t happy with the romance aspect. There’s a love triangle, Izzy’s mom and stepfather are having problems, and the romance just plain wasn’t my cup of tea. Plus, the shifting POV was incredibly disorienting in the beginning, which took a lot away from the reading experience.
That said, I did enjoy reading it. As I said, the mystery itself made the book worth reading, and it is for that reason that I’m giving it a very solid 3.5/5 Stars, despite the disappointing romantic aspect.
March 8, 2014
Narrated by: Nancy Liem
Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins
Series: Izzy McNeil, Book 4
Publisher's Summary
Forbidden relationships are the most tempting. And the most dangerous.
It was a crime of passion—or so the police say. Valerie Solara has been charged with poisoning her best friend. The prosecution claims she's always been secretly attracted to Amanda's husband… and with Amanda gone, she planned to make her move.
Attorney Izzy McNeil left the legal world a year ago, but a friend's request pulls her into the murder trial. Izzy knows how passion can turn your life upside down. She thought she had it once with her ex-fiancé, Sam. Now she wonders if that's all she has in common with her criminally gorgeous younger boyfriend, Theo.
It's Izzy's job to present the facts that will exonerate her client—whether or not she's innocent. But when she suspects Valerie is hiding something, she begins investigating—and uncovers a web of secret passions and dark motives, where seemingly innocent relationships can prove poisonous....
Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins
Series: Izzy McNeil, Book 4
Publisher's Summary
Forbidden relationships are the most tempting. And the most dangerous.
It was a crime of passion—or so the police say. Valerie Solara has been charged with poisoning her best friend. The prosecution claims she's always been secretly attracted to Amanda's husband… and with Amanda gone, she planned to make her move.
Attorney Izzy McNeil left the legal world a year ago, but a friend's request pulls her into the murder trial. Izzy knows how passion can turn your life upside down. She thought she had it once with her ex-fiancé, Sam. Now she wonders if that's all she has in common with her criminally gorgeous younger boyfriend, Theo.
It's Izzy's job to present the facts that will exonerate her client—whether or not she's innocent. But when she suspects Valerie is hiding something, she begins investigating—and uncovers a web of secret passions and dark motives, where seemingly innocent relationships can prove poisonous....
July 26, 2011
This is a solid legal mystery and marks the return of Caldwell's
protagonist Izzy McNeil to the legal arena. Izzy had been on a bit of
a hiatus when it comes to practicing law but is drawn back in and is
acting for the defense in a criminal trial for the first time. Her
friend is about to go to trial in defense of a woman accused of
poisoning her best friend. Though Izzy hasn't done criminal defense
she agrees to help with the case. She is having a tough time because
it bothers her that she doesn't know if the defendant is guilty or
not. As an attorney it shouldn't be a factor in her work, but as a
human she wants to know. As she delves into the mystery she finds
that the answers are more complicated then she could have guessed.
protagonist Izzy McNeil to the legal arena. Izzy had been on a bit of
a hiatus when it comes to practicing law but is drawn back in and is
acting for the defense in a criminal trial for the first time. Her
friend is about to go to trial in defense of a woman accused of
poisoning her best friend. Though Izzy hasn't done criminal defense
she agrees to help with the case. She is having a tough time because
it bothers her that she doesn't know if the defendant is guilty or
not. As an attorney it shouldn't be a factor in her work, but as a
human she wants to know. As she delves into the mystery she finds
that the answers are more complicated then she could have guessed.
January 2, 2012
I sort of jumped the gun on this one after seeing Laura Caldwell's name as the author. I must sheepishly admit I haven't read the previous Izzy McNeil books, so I was more than a little lost at any references to past events and developments. But the suspense and mystery more than made up for my confusion.
Once you think you've got it all figured out, Laura Caldwell comes with a new turn events that upsets everything you thought you knew and has you starting all over again. There are so many characters, it just adds to the spice of the story and keeps you turning pages. A new Izzy book is due to be released soon, and you can be sure that I'll be reading the back list before I pick up the next one!
Once you think you've got it all figured out, Laura Caldwell comes with a new turn events that upsets everything you thought you knew and has you starting all over again. There are so many characters, it just adds to the spice of the story and keeps you turning pages. A new Izzy book is due to be released soon, and you can be sure that I'll be reading the back list before I pick up the next one!
July 16, 2016
In Claim of Innocence, Izzy McNeil is drawn back into practicing law by a colleague who is defending a woman accused of poisoning her best friend. But no case is ever black and white. Now Izzy is in a race to find the truth behind Amanda's murder. Who is Valerie so desperate to protect that she's willing to give up her freedom?
I'd never read any of the other books in the Izzy McNeil Series, but I didn't feel like I missed a lot. I enjoyed the interplay between characters and while some of the puzzle pieces fell into place early on, there was so much more to come that kept me intrigued. I would recommend reading this series - from the beginning, too!
Izzy McNeil Series: Red Hot Lies (1), Red Blooded Murder (2), Red, White & Dead (3), Claim of Innocence (4), Question of Trust (5)
I'd never read any of the other books in the Izzy McNeil Series, but I didn't feel like I missed a lot. I enjoyed the interplay between characters and while some of the puzzle pieces fell into place early on, there was so much more to come that kept me intrigued. I would recommend reading this series - from the beginning, too!
Izzy McNeil Series: Red Hot Lies (1), Red Blooded Murder (2), Red, White & Dead (3), Claim of Innocence (4), Question of Trust (5)
November 11, 2013
This is book #4 in Caldwell's Izzy McNeil series. I have thoroughly enjoyed all four! Izzy has been away from her law career for about a year when this book begins. She is still in a bit of confusion in her personal life. When her friend, Maggie, needs help with a criminal case, Izzy agrees to co-chair, even though criminal cases are not her usual forte.
An interesting case develops involving Valerie's being accused of murdering her best friend. The interesting twists in the plot keep you reading until the unexpected ending.
As usual, Caldwell's Chicago setting is accurate and you can tell that she is definitely familiar with the area. I love books that use my home locale!
An interesting case develops involving Valerie's being accused of murdering her best friend. The interesting twists in the plot keep you reading until the unexpected ending.
As usual, Caldwell's Chicago setting is accurate and you can tell that she is definitely familiar with the area. I love books that use my home locale!
December 8, 2013
At first I was thinking I'd give this three stars because I hadn't read the other books in the series and it seems like they are very relevant to this story. But then I realized it's my fault I haven't read them, not the author's, and she actually does do a good job of filling in the back story from the previous books. I didn't feel lost from not having read the others. But the information she gave about the events from the other books really made me want to read them. I enjoyed this one a lot. There's a nice mix of mystery, courtroom drama and the main character's personal life. I sort of thought she was being a little immature and stupid for some of the book, but she redeems herself in the end. Now I'm going to add the first book of this series to my wish list.
January 13, 2012
I picked this book up not realizing it was the 4th book in a series so I think I might have liked the book a lot better had I read the previous books and built a bond with the characters. I felt like most the way through the book they spent a lot of time with the characters and their conflict outside of the legal realm of the book. For instance the struggles between the ex-fiancee and current boyfriend and the relationship between the character and her split parents. The legal portion of the book was very good and left me guessing until the very end.
November 27, 2011
I enjoyed the book. It kept me interested and was a nice story. It wasn't a book that kept me hopping though. The story was good. I have just read some extremely different books lately that have kept me on my toes and in suspense that I had to rate it average. It still was a great book to read. Rita
October 11, 2015
I dunno, I gave this book four stars because it was an ok read. I enjoyed the characters and the story seemed to move smoothly along. I kinda got annoyed when Izzy kept bringing up Sam. It was enough is enough already. Move on or get together. Other than that I thought that this was an ok read. Not my favorite book, but if you like courtroom dramas this is a book for you.
June 28, 2015
I really enjoyed this series and look forward to the others. There is just something that got me hooked on Izzy and I do miss her. I wish I read the books closer together, but when I started reading it feel into place.
October 18, 2011
I really like these Izzy McNeil lawyer mysteries and I'm not typically a court room drama kind of reader. There's definitely a female angle to these that appeals to me. This is the fourth book in the series and I think it might be my favorite - it kept me up late at night reading.
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