The Witness

by Alexandra Wilson

The remarkable debut novel by prominent young mixed-race barrister Alexandra Wilson is a moving, twisty legal thriller for the 21st century.SHE SAW IT ALL BUT SHE CAN NEVER TELL A young black man is arrested for murder. The case against him is strong - a mum and a teacher saw him standing over a body in a park, a knife still in hand. But his up-and-coming barrister Rosa knows how people prejudge, but most of all, she suspects something is amiss. This boy comes from her neighbourhood. From a good family. So she begins to dig...As Rosa discovers secret upon terrible secret, she moves closer to finding a testimony that could win the case - or bring the whole establishment down on her.
The Witness is a frightening thriller about how we judge guilt, about the strength of a young woman, and is the start of a groundbreaking new series.

Genres: Thriller, Crime, Fiction

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2024

Reviews

[Wal.li · Rating 4 out of 5]

Das Messer

In einem Londoner Park wird ein weißer Krankenpfleger erstochen. Mehre Mensch geben an, die Tat beobachtet zu haben. Der junge Schwarze Emmett Hamilton wird an der Seite des Opfers buchstäblich mit blutigen Händen aufgegriffen und verhaftet. Die junge Anwältin Rosa Higgins bekommt von dem Solicitor Craig Rowlins den Auftrag, den jungen Mann zu vertreten. Wenn Rosa denkt, weil sie selbst schwarz ist, würde sie schnell einen Zugang zu ihrem Mandanten finden, hat sie sich allerdings getäuscht. Außer der Beteuerung, er habe die Tat nicht begangen, sagt Emmett nicht viel. Und viele Indizien sprechen gegen ihn.

Wird das System einen fairen Prozess erlauben? Wird ein Weißer umgebracht und ein Schwarzer neben ihm aufgefunden, kommt dann unweigerlich der Gedanke auf, das muss der Mörder sein? Man bekommt fast den Eindruck. Wenn es dann auch noch Zeugen gibt, scheint die Sache gelaufen. Emmett wird angeklagt und in Untersuchungshaft genommen. Er bleibt jedoch bei seiner Aussage, dass er kein Mörder ist. Rosa hat es mit der Verteidigung nicht ganz leicht. Obwohl Emmett eher schweigsam ist, glaubt sie ihm, dass er keinen Menschen töten würde. Sie macht sich deshalb auf den Weg, mehr über die Ereignisse an dem fraglichen Tag herauszufinden.

Die Autorin ist selbst Juristin und Anwältin, sie weiß dementsprechend, wovon sie schreibt. Ihre Sachkenntnis sticht aus ihren Worten hervor. Die Anwältin Rosa kommt selbst aus einfachen Verhältnissen, sie kann sich in Emmett hineinführen. Als Leser fällt einem das etwas schwerer. Dennoch erkennt man, dass es Vorverurteilungen gibt und nach und nach verspürt man den Wunsch, Rosa möge etwas finden, womit sie Emmett helfen kann. Immer größer wird auch die Spannung, schließlich läuft das Verfahren und die Zeit für Emmett wird knapp. Neben ihrer Tätigkeit als Anwältin ist Rosa Mercedes Higgins auch Tochter, Enkelin und Schwester. Dieser private Rahmen macht sie authentisch und sympathisch. Man selbst zweifelt manchmal an der Gerechtigkeit im Rechtssystem, doch die Hoffnung, dass es Gerechtigkeit geben kann, versiegt nie ganz.

Beim Anblick des Covers bekommt man sowohl einen guten Eindruck von der britischen Welt der Gerichte als auch eine kleine Vorstellung von der Anwältin Rosa.

[Mickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A white man is murdered in broad daylight in the middle of a busy park. Witnesses claim it was the young mixed-race boy who stabbed him. He was found covered in blood, but Emmett maintains his innocence. Yes, he was there. Yes, he had been involved. But no, he hadn't murdered anyone. He offers no more explanation than that. Rosa, a barrister, also mixed race, vows to prove his innocence. But the evidence is all pointing towards him.being guilty. She needs to find the truth before it's too late.

I was a little unsure about reading this book, as I'm not usually a fan of legal thrillers. But I actually really enjoyed this one. It was fast-paced and extremely well written. The racial side of this sends a powerful message to the reader and really draws you in.
It's definitely made me rethink my stance on legal thrillers. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Karen Chong · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 / 5.0

An ok book, I found that near the ending of the trial the plot was convoluted and twisted that it become increasingly difficult to follow. I like my legal thrillers, I have not read much of UK legal thrillers but too much happened at the end compared to the slow start it almost felt like reading a complete different book. I am slightly mixed about this book purely due to how slow the plot takes to pick up. It’s alright, but if you were to ask me in two weeks about this book it wouldn’t stand out!

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone looking for a hard hitting, twisty legal thriller - look no further.

This was a really impressive novel from Alexandra Wilson which tells the story of Emmett, a young mixed-race boy arrested and charged with the murder of a white man in a local park.

Emmett maintains his innocence however admits he was there in the park, and can offer no explanation as to why.

Being a young mixed race woman, his barrister, Rosa, is determined to ensure a not guilty verdict however with a client unwilling to divulge any information, she is really up against it.

As well as being a sharp legal thriller, there is a clear racial message coming through this book which is incredibly powerful. I definitely found myself frustrated with Emmett's continued defiant silence in the face of life imprisonment however I think that speaks more to my own ignorance of the issues facing young men of colour.

A really impressive novel and I would really enjoy seeing this turned into a series featuring Rosa as she navigates the legal system.

Thanks to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK, Sphere for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a mixed bag, especially considering it's the author's first novel. Personally, I found the excessive use of purple prose quite tiresome; the lengthy descriptions, such as those of a car park, felt unnecessary and slowed down the pacing significantly. Additionally, the use of eye dialect to portray the granny was hard to read and detracted from enjoying it. The main character was also difficult to connect with. All this made me consider stopping several times.

However, the book did start to get interesting once the trial began, showcasing the authors potential in crafting engaging courtroom drama. Overall, I would rate it 2.5 stars.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
Rosa is a young black barrister from a working class background who must defend Emmett, a black boy who has been arrested for the murder of a white man. The plot surrounds a murder case involving three young black boys. With themes of race and illegal immigrants, the story is an eye-opener as to how black people, especially men, are treated within the criminal justice system. The courtroom scenes and witness accounts were tense!

Alexandra Wilson gives the reader an all-rounded criminal legal experience from point of arrest, police questioning, court room scenes, life in the prison cells, right up to trial and how jurors are selected. It’s more a display of how the legal system works and its nuances, rather than an explosive plot, but the storyline is still very thrilling!

Rosa’s character is flawed, which I love in a main character. She has family and relationship issues and is trying to be the best in her legal career. I didn’t agree with some of her decisions but her character is still super relatable. Even though she has a prestigious career as a Barrister, I found her character to be realistic and humbling and her career progression from legal aid cases to major media headline court cases is top tier.

What I loved most about this story was the diversity of voices 🙌🏾 especially Rosa’s loveable Jamaican Grandmother. Her chapters are a great reminder of the value and importance of family. No matter how busy work can get.

This story could be the start of a series that delves further into Rosa’s different criminal cases, her personal life, especially the relationship she has with her incarcerated mother and as a guardian of her younger brother. There could be so much more to this great story.

LOVED THIS ONE ❤️

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosa is a barrister fighting the prejudice of being a young black woman from a working class background, all of which has left her with debt and a chip on her shoulder. When she hears of a stabbing in a park close to her tower block home she is intrigued and then surprised when she receives instructions to lead the defence of Emmett, the accused. Emmett, like Rosa, lives with his grandmother and sees education as a way out but now he is charged with stabbing a white nurse and the two witnesses are a mother and a teacher. Rosa is determined to help Emmett but she needs a different witness to support her case.
There is so much to like about this book and it is clear that the writer is passionate about this book on a personal level. My biggest issue is that there is a lot of extraneous fluff in the the first half - gratuitous sex etc - and the book only really comes to life in the second half. The eponymous witness is actually quite underwritten, with a compelling motive. However, taken as a whole this is a really good first novel. The plot is clever, the politics worn on the sleeve but all the better for that.

[Karin Elsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spannend, sehr spannend
Schon das Titelbild mit der Gerichtsperücke versetzt uns in die Atmosphäre des Romans. Am Anfang steht eine Schlägerei zwischen Jugendlichen, die für einen der Teilnehmer tödlich endet. die anderen Teilnehmer an der Prügelei laufen weg, zurück bleibt Emmet, der versucht dem Opfer noch zu helfen. Das Opfer ist weiß, Emmet ist schwarz. Sofort ist für alle klar, nur und allein Emmet kann der Mörder sein. Emmets Pflichtverteidigerin, Rosa Mercedes Higgins, gehört auch zu den colored people. Sie spürt instinktiv, da stimmt etwas nicht und beginnt selbst mit den Ermittlungen, schon weil Emmet jede Aussage zum Mordfall verweigert.

Der flüssige Schreibstil, die angenehm kurzen Kapitel halten die Spannung auf konstant hohen Level auch wenn ab und zu kleine Absacker drohen. Die Spannung bleibt bis zum Schluss auch deswegen erhalten, weil an unerwarteten Stellen plötzlich Wendungen ins Spiel kommen, die das Geschehen in ein anderes Licht tauchen.

Die Darsteller kommen sehr sympathisch und lebensecht rüber. Die Rechtsanwältin, ihre Großmutter, ihr kleiner Bruder, aber auch Emmet, der vermeintliche und schon vorverurteilte Mörder.
Grandios fand ich, wie Higgins vor Gericht einem anderen Delinquenten bis zum Prozess das Gefängnis ersparte, indem sie in den altehrwürdigen Mauern des Gerichtssaals ihr Handy zum Einsatz brachte.

Das Buch gewährt interessante Einblicke in das britische Justizsystem und deckt den immanenten Rassismus darin auf. Obwohl, ob die deutsche Justiz und ihre Behörden zu 100% frei von jedweden Rassismus oder Vorurteilen sind, wage ich in Frage zu stellen, zumindest sehr zaghaft.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Witness is about a young black man that has been arrested for murger. The case against him is strong, a mum and a teacher saw him standing over a body in a park, a knife still in his hand..
But his up and coming barrister Rosa know how people prejudge, but most of all she suspects something is arise This boy comes form her neighborhood. From a good family, So she begins to dig. As Rosa discovers secret upon terrible secret, she moves closer to finding a testimony that could win the case or bring the whole establishment down on her.
This is a hard hitting legal thriller that looks at race within the justice system.
The book starts a little slow but stick with it it gets better. I enjoyed this book and it was insightful look into the justice system/legal system, covering various issues.
Thank you NetGalley, Alexandra Wilson (Author) and Little, Brown Book Group for the opportunity to receive an ARC for an honest review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NetGalley
#AlexandraWilson
#TheWitness
#LittleBrownBookGroup

[Pamela Sewell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodreads Giveaway. Rosa is a new barrister in the court system. When a young man is arrested after being found standing over a body in a park she is given his case. Instinctively Rosa knows everything is not as it seems and people always prejudge especially people of color. As Rose digs she finds secrets and hidden motivations. I am not a big fan of legal thrillers and I find the differences between the American and British court systems to be a little harder to follow. The strength of this novel was in the characters. Rose being of mixed race feels she has to be better than her peers to fit in. Emmett, the accused also of mixed race stands firmly on his integrity and innocence. Both main characters rely on the support and encouragement of their families adding human interest to the narrative. The underlying theme of the novel is racial distrust and how it impacts all aspects of modern society. A thought provoking read.

[Priscilla Obie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Witness by Alexandra Wilson was an enjoyable read, but it didn’t quite live up to its potential. While the premise was promising, the plot felt underdeveloped and lacked the suspense and thrills I was expecting. The story never fully built the tension needed to make it truly gripping. That said, the insight into Rosa’s personal life was a highlight and added depth to her character, making her feel authentic and relatable. Overall, it’s a respectable debut novel, I’m interested to see what Wilson does next.

[Charlystante · Rating 2 out of 5]

Die feindliche Zeugin
Ich habe das Buch mit dem Titel nicht gefunden.


Ich weiß jetzt was es bedeutet im englischen Rechtssystem als feindliche Zeugin bezeichnet zu werden.
Von dem "Thriller" bin ich enttäuscht. Der Fall selber ist interessant aber nicht außergewöhnlich.
Ein junger Schwarzer wird wegen Mord an einem Weißen angeklagt und obwohl er behauptet nicht der Täter zu sein, gibt er seiner Anwältin keine weiteren Hinweise zum Tathergang. Warum er so mauert, und damit die Höchststrafe in Kauf nehmen würde, erschließt sich mir nicht.
Auch zu allen anderen Personen fand ich keinen Zugang. Sie werden nur oberflächlich beschrieben, hätten aber mehr Herz verdient.
Ich habe den Eindruck, das Buch wurde zügig auf das Ende ( etwas dramatisch ) hingeschrieben.

[J Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, well written book that kept me hooked throughout. Will definitely keep an eye out for future books by this author.

[Anna Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

A legal thriller that follows Rosa, the defence lawyer in a murder trial. I really enjoyed ‘The Witness’ throughout and there was a great twist at the end.

[Courtney Jones]

2.5⭐️ it was lack luster for me. I thought that it was going to some kind of mental thriller bit it wasn’t at all. I am disappointed

[BookByBook karenreadslotsofbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Witness revolves around Rosa, an up-and-coming barrister, who has been assigned a high profile murder case. In addition to stressing over the spotlight that will be put on this case, the crime was committed in the not-so-nice-side-of-the-tracks neighborhood where she lives with her grandmother and much younger brother. From the start, Rosa is committed to providing the 18 year old black man that has been charged and presumed guilty by many, the best defense possible. Rosa is open to believing this tight-lipped young man in custody may actually be innocent. The plot is driven by Rosa's pursuit of justice despite the lack of helpful evidence.
The story unfolds slowly in a detailed and procedural manner. The "witness" isn't introduced until 71% of the way into the story. At this point, the pace quickens and the courtroom drama becomes more tense and suspenseful. This quote from the book sums up the inner battle taxing Rosa as she follows and respects the court systems in place while simultaneously fighting for her client's freedom. "The justice system, she'd learned, wasn't really focused on obtaining the truth or finding out what really happened; it was just all about what could or couldn't be proved."
Thank you to Mobius Books and NetGalley for the digital copy of The Witness by Alexandra Wilson.

[Svenja · Rating 5 out of 5]

In einem Park in East London wird im Herbst 2023 Thomas Dove, ein weißer Krankenpfleger, erstochen. Der Schwarze Jugendliche Emmett kniete neben Thomas, sein Pullover ist blutgetränkt und es gibt Zeug*innen, die ihn mit dem Messer in der Hand über dem Opfer haben stehen sehen, weshalb Emmett des Mordes beschuldigt wird und bis zum Prozessbeginn in Untersuchungshaft kommt.
Rosa Mercedes Higgins, eine junge Schwarze Anwältin, die am Anfang ihrer Karriere steht, wird von Solicitor Craig mit Emmetts Verteidigung beauftragt. Sie selbst ist bei ihrer Nana aufgewachsen, kommt aus derselben Gegend wie Emmett und glaubt ihm, wenn er beharrt, unschuldig zu sein und Thomas Dove nicht erstochen zu haben. Da Emmett jedoch über alles Weitere schweigt, liegt es an Rosa, bis zum Prozessauftakt Beweise zu finden, die seine Unschuld beweisen.

Was ich an "Die feindliche Zeugin" am interessantesten fand, ist, dass die Autorin Alexandra Wilson selbst als Anwältin tätig ist und in Form des Thrillers sehr viele Vorgänge und Abläufe des britischen Justizsystems darstellt. Ihr Schreibstil ist flüssig, prägnant und leicht, weshalb sich das Buch sehr schnell lesen lässt. Meinen Lesefluss beeinflusst hat in jedem Fall auch die Spannung, die sich im Laufe des Buches immer mehr aufbaut. Ich habe mich gefragt, weshalb Emmett schweigt, weshalb er Rosa nicht vertraut und natürlich gebangt, ob sie es schafft, Beweise für seine Unschuld zu finden. Was das Privatleben von Rosa angeht, konnte ich einiges nicht nachvollziehen, fand jedoch auch hier - wie im Gerichtssaal - die Schilderungen sehr eingängig und plastisch dargestellt. So habe ich einen Eindruck von ihrem Aufwachsen und dem ständigen Kampf gewonnen.
Alexandra Wilson hat nicht nur einen spannenden Justizthriller mit überraschenden Wendungen geschrieben, sondern thematisiert Rassismus, Vorverurteilung und Polizeiversagen im Buch.

Für mich auf jeden Fall ein empfehlenswertes Buch, das ich an einem Wochenende durchgelesen habe.

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a promising new series by Alexandra Wilson, a hard hitting and thought provoking London based legal thriller that focuses much needed attention on the law enforcement and judicial system, pinpointing how it fails the black community generally, and the specific issues of race as experienced by young black men. Oxbridge educated Mercedes 'Rosa' Higgins is a mixed race barrister swamped by a white male dominated profession, well connected confident men from privileged circles operating the patriarchal 'old boys network', untouched by the insecurities and fears that plague Rosa.

Rosa has the additional pressures of her family, her mother is in prison, she and her yonnger brother, Toby, live with their beloved strong, patois speaking Nana, with serious health issues, she has a often uneasy relationship with the posh white Tristran, and barely sees friends like Orissa. Rosa finds herself in a high profile case of murder with its racial overtones, her client the young mixed race Emmett Hamilton, accused of knifing white victim, respectable nurse Thomas Dove, who garners a lot of public sympathy and support. However, Emmett is far from forthcoming about what happened, or his friends who had run away from the crime scene, leaving him behind. As Rosa tries to do her very best to help an Emmett who ends up on trial at the Old Bailey, the strains of her life threaten to overwhelm her.

Wilson gives us a glimpse of Emmett's inner turmoil and quandry, why he does not protest his innocence more vociferously, giving more details of what occurred in the park that fateful day, plus we get an insight into his experiences on remand, and the developments in his character during this period. A lonely Rosa shows incredible strength of character as she goes out on a limb for Emmett on what almost to the end looks to be a lost cause, it is her dogged determination that unearths an unexpected and reluctant witness. There are well plotted twists and turns in this engaging legal thriller, not perfect as there are some pacing issues and too much detail on some occasions, but otherwise a gripping read with its surprising conclusions. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

[Paula Sterling-Stead · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced legal thriller with a twist that came out of nowhere.
The plot surrounds a murder case involving three young black boys. The victim is a white male nurse, Thomas Dovey. The two darker boys are eliminated but the lighter boy Emmett Hamilton is seen cradling Thomas, as he lies dying and is immediately arrested for his murder. His fingerprints are all over the knife. and there are two eyewitnesses claiming to have seen the whole fight. Emmett's attorney drafts in the help of a bright mixed race barrister Rosa, whose grandmother used to clean house for him.
Right from the start Rosa believes their client is innocent and literally jumps through hoops to prove it even if it means that her priorities are sometimes misplaced. Her grandmother has cancer, her mother in prison and she must care for her younger brother Toby in the absence of any male presence.
The case is not made any easier either as Emmett is unwilling to give his account of what really happened or name his friends who were present that night in the park. Why we will find out but only at the end.
Wilson tackles some interesting issues, illegal immigration, racism and the legal system. For me however her skill lay in giving credible voices to her characters. Who could not fall in love with "Nana" the typical Jamaican matriarch and Mo's naivety that he has friends despite regularly ending up in the prison hospital wing.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this excellent first in the series. Loved it!

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

There’s a lot of hype about this book but it’s really very poor. The dialogue is not natural, and the descriptions overworked…the moon stood alone like a single cactus in the desert…Emmett’s skin hung loosely like sheets on a washing line…Rosa’s eyes shone light polished marbles. The prose doesn’t flow and there’s a lot of padding. There are overlong descriptions of rooms or what people are wearing as well as whole scenes which are quite irrelevant, such as the obligatory sex scenes which serve no purpose. It feels like an attempt to make a very lightweight story into a more acceptable length.
Ms Wilson is a barrister and as such you would expect authenticity in the courtroom scenes. However, there is an element of farce with the judge shouting « this is not your show » or « this is a courtroom not a playground ».
Finally, the proof -reading or editing was well below par. There are contradictory descriptions of Nana’s height and a very confusing timeline in the trial when Friday’s proceedings finish at the end of chapter 56 for Friday to start again in the first paragraph of chapter 57. Blocks of flats in London have lifts not elevators.
I am surprised at the number of 4 and 5 stars given to this book as well as the blurb on the cover describing Rosa discovering secret upon terrible secret. Perhaps I had a different copy?

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline

Took me a little while to be get fully immersed but once I was in there was no getting me out till the end. Excellent writing.

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Witness - The most authentic, twisty legal thriller, from the barrister author of In Black and White by Alexandra Wilson is a compelling legal/ courtroom thriller that stares straight into the face of social steretypes and confronts them like a brick through a plate glass window

The case seems open and shut. A murder in a park, a young black man, a knife in his hand, must be the culprit according to two witnesses, it's an easy case to close. Or is it? Rosa is a Barrister who will not submit to the easy conclusion and defies all conventions to identify what really happened, and put herself in the firing line doing so

The writing style is dynamic, well-paced. A narrative helix that entwines the mind and leads all nodes to a belter of a a finale

Thrilling and fulfilling, absolutely loved this book

Thank you to NetGalley Little, Brown Book Group UK | Sphere and Alexandra Wilson for this excellent ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

[Bianca Tönjes · Rating 5 out of 5]

  "Die feindliche Zeugin" von Alexandra Wilson ist ein spannender Thriller mit überraschenden Wendungen. Die Geschichte spielt in London. Bei einer Prügelei zwischen Weißen und Schwarzen wird ein weißer Mann mit einem Messer getötet. Als Hauptverdächtiger wird ein schwarzer Jugendlicher festgenommen. 

Der Schreibstil ist sehr flüssig und spannend. Man kann das Buch kaum weglegen. Eine interessante Geschichte bis zum Schluss. Der Leser fiebert mit den einzelnen Charakteren mit und versucht den wahren Täter zu finden. Es gibt unzählige Geheimnisse, die im Laufe der Geschichte aufgeklärt werden.  Die Protagonistin Rosa ist die Verteidigerin von Emmett, dem Hauptverdächtigen. Sie ist ebenfalls schwarz und kommt aus der gleichen Gegend wie Emmett. Sie steckt viel Herzblut und Leidenschaft in die Verteidigung. Eine sehr facettenreiche und pfiffige Frau, die meine persönliche Heldin ist. Eine sehr empfehlenswerte Geschichte für alle Fans von Thrillern und Krimis.

[doppel gaenger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tolle Idee, Spannung erst am Ende

Der Titel ‚die feindliche Zeugin‘ verspricht tatsächlich mehr Justizthriller, als er am Ende ist. Emmett, ein Schwarzer Jugendlicher, wird des Mordes an einem Weißen verdächtigt. Die junge Anwältin Rosa vertritt ihn vor Gericht. Und dies ist im Buch auch die Haupthandlung. Man erfährt viel über das britische Rechtssystem, allerdings bleiben alle Charaktere sehr oberflächlich beschrieben. Man fühlt sich keinem von ihnen nahe und es dauerte lange, bis ich in die Geschichte reingekommen bin. Dabei nehmen nebensächliche Handlungen (kaputte Strumpfhosen, ihre Affäre, …) auch einigen Raum ein und Rosa scheint auch nicht sehr überzeugend. Dabei kann ich mir jedoch gut vorstellen, dass die Geschichte näher an der Wahrheit dran ist, als dass sie fiktiv ist.
Im letzten Drittel nimmt die Geschichte an Fahrt auf und es wird dann doch spannend.
Eine bedeutende Geschichte, die jedoch für mich kein Justizthriller ist.

[Nicola Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first thought about this book as I finished is that the tagline on the cover makes a lot more of part of the story than the actual book does which seemed a bit strange. I kept waiting for a big reveal but the reveal when it happened was quite low key. I liked the representation of the barrister Rosa as someone with a similar background to the young man she was representing and it felt real that there was some connection. The author tried hard to get across the sense of absolute fear Emmett was feeling but I'm not sure it came across as strongly as it could have done. The relationship with Nana and Toby and how it became overshadowed by the case seemed plausible and it will be interesting to see how her homelife develops in the next book. I will definitely read more by this author as I think the books will become stronger and she clearly knows the legal system well.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

With many thanks to Netgalley for this free arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Not usually my genre,but having read a couple of really good books by Lia Middleton I really fancied the premise of this one and another delve into the legal world. Slow to start as we get to grips with the characters and Rosa’s background. I liked the character of Rosa but I did find Nana a complete distraction and skimmed most of the scenes with her as I struggled with the way the author had written her speech. The tension and pace really starts to ramp up once the court case gets going and the latter part of the book had me on the edge of my seat. Good twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. This could develop quite nicely into a series of books. A well written, thought out debut

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A black female barrister has been appointed to represent a young black man accused of murder. Slowly, slowly Rosa unravels the truth, but not without her own family dramas. Life is tough for this young woman; her dedication to her client never fails despite his uncooperative behaviour. Great characters, especially Rosa and Emmett the accused, and a very credible story, make for a compulsive read. I so enjoyed this novel that I will now have on my list to read Alexandra’s earlier book In Black and White.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in return for an independent review.

[Hannah Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this but I don't think the books description mirrors the actual feel of this book. I enjoyed the trial elements, and you could tell it was written by somebody who understands the proceedings but I didn't feel sucked it by the story. I struggled a little with the dialect used for the grandmother, I had to re read a few of her sentences to try and make sure I'd understood what she had said, and some I gave up on entirely. But overall, it was a good story, and someone who reads more crime stories might have rated it higher.

Thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group for the eARC.

[Amanda ChocolatePages · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good legal thriller.
A young boy Emmett has been charged with murdering a white boy. There are 2 witnesses, who claim they saw him do it. But he denies it all.
Young defence lawyer Rosa is the one whose Emmett's future depends on.
Did he do it? How will Rosa defend a boy who won't talk?

I really like legal thrillers. This one seemed to me to have all the accurate details of the jury, how lawyers work and does it really matter what they believe?

I didn't really get a sense of knowing many of the other characters except for Rosa and Emmett. But this book has great potential to be a series where the side characters could play bigger parts.

I hope there will be a book 2

[Greville Waterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed her fascinating and shocking memoir "In Black and White" so this was a natural progression for Alexandra Wilson and I thoroughly enjoyed a more than decent first go at a legal thriller that burst into life at the end with a well plotted denouement.

Her description of life as botha black barrister and a black defendant with the incidents of unconscious and indeed conscious bias that they faced rang three from her experience and I think this could turn into an excellent series after such a promising beginning.