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INNOCENT AGAIN: A LEGAL THRILLER
Author’s Note
Innocent Again is my twelfth novel, and while it’s my first legal thriller, I am blessed to be married to a career trial attorney. My wife Karen has served as a public defender, private defense attorney, and a prosecutor during her long and esteemed career. She reads every word I write in all my books. As a result, all of the legal matters that ended up in this novel were assiduously vetted by someone who is intimately familiar with the law and its practical application.
SD
She was framed for murder. Three times.
Rebecca Moreland has a picture-perfect life—until the day it shatters. When someone close to her is murdered, all evidence points to Becky. Convicted and imprisoned, she refuses to accept defeat. With nothing but her wits, she uncovers the truth, exposes the real killer, and wins her freedom.
Then it happens again. Another murder. Another wrongful accusation. This time, she clears her name before the bars can close around her.
But the third time is different. The love of her life is dead, and the case against her is airtight. Sentenced to life in prison, Becky has no way out—until a new inmate arrives with a secret that changes everything.
INNOCENT AGAIN is a gripping legal thriller of betrayal, resilience, and the fight for justice. But beyond the courtroom battles and prison walls lies a deeper truth—sometimes, the hardest fight isn’t proving innocence, but learning to forgive.
SD
She was framed for murder. Three times.
Rebecca Moreland has a picture-perfect life—until the day it shatters. When someone close to her is murdered, all evidence points to Becky. Convicted and imprisoned, she refuses to accept defeat. With nothing but her wits, she uncovers the truth, exposes the real killer, and wins her freedom.
Then it happens again. Another murder. Another wrongful accusation. This time, she clears her name before the bars can close around her.
But the third time is different. The love of her life is dead, and the case against her is airtight. Sentenced to life in prison, Becky has no way out—until a new inmate arrives with a secret that changes everything.
INNOCENT AGAIN is a gripping legal thriller of betrayal, resilience, and the fight for justice. But beyond the courtroom battles and prison walls lies a deeper truth—sometimes, the hardest fight isn’t proving innocence, but learning to forgive.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2025
99 people are currently reading
10135 people want to read
About the author
Steven Decker
24 books3,671 followersSteven Decker is the author of many novels, including the bestselling Time Chain series and Child of Another Kind. His love of writing was born on the day he threw a spitball at one of his 5th-grade classmates. Rather than punish him, his wise old teacher, Mrs. Brewer, called Steven to the front of the class and handed him a book of poetry. She quietly instructed him to memorize “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” by Robert Frost and informed him that he would be reciting the poem in front of the class the following day. Mrs. Brewer hit a home run.
Inspired by Frost’s ability to paint a picture and generate deep emotion with the written word, Steven fell in love with reading, writing, and storytelling. As an 8th grader, he read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy, for fun. It wasn’t a homework assignment. As a student at the University of Virginia, he was thrilled at the prospect of writing a thesis as the culmination of his undergraduate studies. While traveling the world for work, Steven kept writing, and his experiences around the globe have influenced his novels in many ways.
When living in Appalachia while writing his first novel, Steven studied and practiced the art of storytelling. Since that time, he always edits his books by reading them aloud to himself. Novels are a story and need to sound like one. Fiction readers want to escape from their everyday lives when they read a novel. Thus the true job of a novelist is to imagine special things, sometimes even spectacular things, then write about them in a way that inspires the reader to go there, too, leaving the ordinary behind.
Steven lives and writes in both Arizona and Connecticut and travels throughout the world looking for new ideas and settings for his books. He enjoys spending time with Karen and Mr. Wilson, the beagle, walking in the countryside, and being with his family.
Inspired by Frost’s ability to paint a picture and generate deep emotion with the written word, Steven fell in love with reading, writing, and storytelling. As an 8th grader, he read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy, for fun. It wasn’t a homework assignment. As a student at the University of Virginia, he was thrilled at the prospect of writing a thesis as the culmination of his undergraduate studies. While traveling the world for work, Steven kept writing, and his experiences around the globe have influenced his novels in many ways.
When living in Appalachia while writing his first novel, Steven studied and practiced the art of storytelling. Since that time, he always edits his books by reading them aloud to himself. Novels are a story and need to sound like one. Fiction readers want to escape from their everyday lives when they read a novel. Thus the true job of a novelist is to imagine special things, sometimes even spectacular things, then write about them in a way that inspires the reader to go there, too, leaving the ordinary behind.
Steven lives and writes in both Arizona and Connecticut and travels throughout the world looking for new ideas and settings for his books. He enjoys spending time with Karen and Mr. Wilson, the beagle, walking in the countryside, and being with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 29, 2025
I explored another masterpiece by Steven Decker.
Innocent Again is a gripping legal mystery that follows Rebecca Moreland, aka Becky, a woman wrongly accused of her husband's murder. The story grabs you with vivid descriptions and a strong storyline that would make an excellent drama. Becky's husband ran a business with his friend Rick, and as the case unfolds, Becky listens closely to what others say and slowly uncovers the truth — all while being held convicted.
Readers would explore detailed courtroom drama, mystery, and emotional betrayal, especially from her parents. One betrayal or allegation after another adds more suspense to the plot and grabs the reader's attention.
The story is intricately written with enough details to hook the suspense and make the readers predict "What next?". I liked the honesty and rawness in Becky's character, as it acts as a connection point. Her resilience against all the odds and fight for herself is truly inspiring.
I have been a fan of the author's work, and I enjoyed this thoroughly. It's a "read in one go" type of book.
Innocent Again is a gripping legal mystery that follows Rebecca Moreland, aka Becky, a woman wrongly accused of her husband's murder. The story grabs you with vivid descriptions and a strong storyline that would make an excellent drama. Becky's husband ran a business with his friend Rick, and as the case unfolds, Becky listens closely to what others say and slowly uncovers the truth — all while being held convicted.
Readers would explore detailed courtroom drama, mystery, and emotional betrayal, especially from her parents. One betrayal or allegation after another adds more suspense to the plot and grabs the reader's attention.
The story is intricately written with enough details to hook the suspense and make the readers predict "What next?". I liked the honesty and rawness in Becky's character, as it acts as a connection point. Her resilience against all the odds and fight for herself is truly inspiring.
I have been a fan of the author's work, and I enjoyed this thoroughly. It's a "read in one go" type of book.
March 29, 2025
Another Decker novel? Yes, please!
With determination and perseverance, justice can find a way. Becky is an interestingly willful main character who works diligently to survive both heartache and a broken legal system. Becky seems like she’s always in the crosshairs, and she still finds hope she can prove she’s not what others claim she is. Despite the tumultuous journey, she keeps on the path to redeem and ultimately rediscover herself.
I’ve read a good amount of Decker books at this point, and I’m never disappointed. Decker’s ability to craft compelling characters and throw them into fantastic scenarios just for us to see how the characters respond is unwavering. This is an excellent addition to Decker’s catalog; I’d definitely recommend it.
With determination and perseverance, justice can find a way. Becky is an interestingly willful main character who works diligently to survive both heartache and a broken legal system. Becky seems like she’s always in the crosshairs, and she still finds hope she can prove she’s not what others claim she is. Despite the tumultuous journey, she keeps on the path to redeem and ultimately rediscover herself.
I’ve read a good amount of Decker books at this point, and I’m never disappointed. Decker’s ability to craft compelling characters and throw them into fantastic scenarios just for us to see how the characters respond is unwavering. This is an excellent addition to Decker’s catalog; I’d definitely recommend it.
April 25, 2025
Becky is rich and beautiful. She doesn’t have to struggle with mortgage or student loan payments. She doesn’t even have to make a career, enjoying the benefits of well-off parents and a successful husband.
Becky would have been blissfully happy had an unsavoury discovery about her husband having an affair not spoiled her charmed existence. She would have probably lived with the bitterness scratching at the back of her mind and marring her marital eldorado a little for years. Still, since the spouse admitted his guilt and promised not to hurt her again, Becky’s perfect life wouldn’t have suffered from his mishap too dramatically.
Yet, something happens that pushes her husband’s infidelity not even to the background but outside the scope of things that matter. Something unbelievable. And, at first sight, irreversible.
Becky gets accused of murder. And if that isn’t outrageous enough, the jury issues a daunting verdict – guilty! – and the young woman, used to a privileged and mostly carefree life, finds herself locked in prison. Surrounded by people who can, want, and will hurt her – unless she is quick enough to outsmart them.
Truth to be told, Becky isn’t the most likeable of heroines. Still, I found myself admiring her nerve, gumption, and courage. Thrown into the hostile environment – and what environment can be more hostile than jail? – she doesn’t freeze with fear, curl up in a ball and sit in her cell waiting to be abused and molested. Far from it! Not waiting for something horrible to happen and not dwelling on the cruel blows fate has been too generous at dealing her, Becky seeks ways to, first, make her life in prison tolerable, and second, prove her innocence and find the real killer.
I’ve read other Steven Decker books, and although this is his first thriller, “Innocent Again” shares some of his trademark features I’ve grown to appreciate. The story is fast-paced and the pages turn themselves. The plot is packed with action, and every chapter brings a new revelation. You can’t stop reading before you find out how the book ends.
This author’s books are rich with details that make the narrative multi-dimensional and immersive. Whether you are getting ready to land on an unfamiliar planet or travel our beautiful Earth from the US to the ancient Great Wall of China and all the way to the distant shores of Australia or sit in the courtroom, listening to the lawyers and prosecutors deliver their speeches dotted with legal terms, you feel a part of the scene. The author makes you plunge into the story, and after reaching the end, you emerge as if disembarking the spaceship or exiting the grim gates of a correctional institution.
It might seem that fate was too cruel to Becky, putting her through too many hardships and making her suffer too many losses. But long after I finished reading the book, the thought that tough things either break us or make us better versions of ourselves kept lingering in my mind.
Becky would have been blissfully happy had an unsavoury discovery about her husband having an affair not spoiled her charmed existence. She would have probably lived with the bitterness scratching at the back of her mind and marring her marital eldorado a little for years. Still, since the spouse admitted his guilt and promised not to hurt her again, Becky’s perfect life wouldn’t have suffered from his mishap too dramatically.
Yet, something happens that pushes her husband’s infidelity not even to the background but outside the scope of things that matter. Something unbelievable. And, at first sight, irreversible.
Becky gets accused of murder. And if that isn’t outrageous enough, the jury issues a daunting verdict – guilty! – and the young woman, used to a privileged and mostly carefree life, finds herself locked in prison. Surrounded by people who can, want, and will hurt her – unless she is quick enough to outsmart them.
Truth to be told, Becky isn’t the most likeable of heroines. Still, I found myself admiring her nerve, gumption, and courage. Thrown into the hostile environment – and what environment can be more hostile than jail? – she doesn’t freeze with fear, curl up in a ball and sit in her cell waiting to be abused and molested. Far from it! Not waiting for something horrible to happen and not dwelling on the cruel blows fate has been too generous at dealing her, Becky seeks ways to, first, make her life in prison tolerable, and second, prove her innocence and find the real killer.
I’ve read other Steven Decker books, and although this is his first thriller, “Innocent Again” shares some of his trademark features I’ve grown to appreciate. The story is fast-paced and the pages turn themselves. The plot is packed with action, and every chapter brings a new revelation. You can’t stop reading before you find out how the book ends.
This author’s books are rich with details that make the narrative multi-dimensional and immersive. Whether you are getting ready to land on an unfamiliar planet or travel our beautiful Earth from the US to the ancient Great Wall of China and all the way to the distant shores of Australia or sit in the courtroom, listening to the lawyers and prosecutors deliver their speeches dotted with legal terms, you feel a part of the scene. The author makes you plunge into the story, and after reaching the end, you emerge as if disembarking the spaceship or exiting the grim gates of a correctional institution.
It might seem that fate was too cruel to Becky, putting her through too many hardships and making her suffer too many losses. But long after I finished reading the book, the thought that tough things either break us or make us better versions of ourselves kept lingering in my mind.
March 21, 2025
‘Inevitably, some wounds leave deep scars’ – The importance of resilience!
Connecticut author Steven Decker is a world explorer - for business, for sport (he has been a traveling triathlete), and for the pleasure of examining and appreciating other cultures. He has published sixteen novels to date – including DISTANT FINISH, PROJECTOR FOR SALE, ANOTHER KIND SAGA, the TIME CHAIN series, ONE MORE LIFE TO LIVE, WALKING INTO DREAMS, SHADOW IN PURSUIT, and now INNOCENT AGAIN – the fourth volume of his series THE SECOND CHANCE. Decker aptly describes the themes of this series: ‘The Second Chance Novel series explores the transformative power of redemption and the human spirit’s relentless drive to overcome adversity…a gripping journey through which characters rise from their darkest moments, fighting through adverse circumstances to experience triumphant highs.’
In keeping with his series theme, Decker opens this superb novel in a courtroom in Arizona, in 2004, as Rebecca hears a jury’s verdict of ‘guilty’ to a murder she did not commit. And that is just the beginning, as the distilled action attests: ‘‘Rebecca Moreland has a picture-perfect life—until the day it shatters. When someone close to her is murdered, all evidence points to Becky. Convicted and imprisoned, she refuses to accept defeat. With nothing but her wits, she uncovers the truth, exposes the real killer, and wins her freedom. Then it happens again. Another murder. Another wrongful accusation. This time, she clears her name before the bars can close around her. But the third time is different. The love of her life is dead, and the case against her is airtight. Sentenced to life in prison, Becky has no way out—until a new inmate arrives with a secret that changes everything.’
Decker’s successful novel about the importance of resilience soars in a novel that is airborne from page one to the final paragraphs. INNOCENT AGAIN is a book for all ages, and a promising cinematic consideration…Highly recommended.
Connecticut author Steven Decker is a world explorer - for business, for sport (he has been a traveling triathlete), and for the pleasure of examining and appreciating other cultures. He has published sixteen novels to date – including DISTANT FINISH, PROJECTOR FOR SALE, ANOTHER KIND SAGA, the TIME CHAIN series, ONE MORE LIFE TO LIVE, WALKING INTO DREAMS, SHADOW IN PURSUIT, and now INNOCENT AGAIN – the fourth volume of his series THE SECOND CHANCE. Decker aptly describes the themes of this series: ‘The Second Chance Novel series explores the transformative power of redemption and the human spirit’s relentless drive to overcome adversity…a gripping journey through which characters rise from their darkest moments, fighting through adverse circumstances to experience triumphant highs.’
In keeping with his series theme, Decker opens this superb novel in a courtroom in Arizona, in 2004, as Rebecca hears a jury’s verdict of ‘guilty’ to a murder she did not commit. And that is just the beginning, as the distilled action attests: ‘‘Rebecca Moreland has a picture-perfect life—until the day it shatters. When someone close to her is murdered, all evidence points to Becky. Convicted and imprisoned, she refuses to accept defeat. With nothing but her wits, she uncovers the truth, exposes the real killer, and wins her freedom. Then it happens again. Another murder. Another wrongful accusation. This time, she clears her name before the bars can close around her. But the third time is different. The love of her life is dead, and the case against her is airtight. Sentenced to life in prison, Becky has no way out—until a new inmate arrives with a secret that changes everything.’
Decker’s successful novel about the importance of resilience soars in a novel that is airborne from page one to the final paragraphs. INNOCENT AGAIN is a book for all ages, and a promising cinematic consideration…Highly recommended.
March 31, 2025
How many times can someone be wrongly accused of murder before they break? That’s the question at the heart of INNOCENT AGAIN by Steven Decker, a legal thriller that grips you from the very first page and never lets go.
Rebecca Moreland has already been through hell twice. Framed, convicted, and then miraculously exonerated not once, but twice, she refuses to be a victim. But when the third murder happens, and this time, it’s the man she loves who is dead, even she starts to wonder if there’s any way out.
Becky is the kind of protagonist you root for—smart, relentless, and unwilling to accept the fate the world keeps trying to force on her. Decker does an incredible job of making her struggles feel personal, not just in the courtroom but in the raw emotions that come with being betrayed, isolated, and forced to fight for her own name over and over again.
The legal twists in INNOCENT AGAIN are razor-sharp, and the tension in the courtroom scenes is thick enough to cut with a knife. But what makes this book stand out isn’t just the legal drama—it’s the emotional depth. This isn’t just about proving innocence; it’s about trust, resilience, and how much a person can endure before they finally break. When a new inmate shows up with information that could change everything, the question isn’t just whether Becky will be free again but whether she’ll ever be whole again.|
You might like to check out more similar books here.
Rebecca Moreland has already been through hell twice. Framed, convicted, and then miraculously exonerated not once, but twice, she refuses to be a victim. But when the third murder happens, and this time, it’s the man she loves who is dead, even she starts to wonder if there’s any way out.
Becky is the kind of protagonist you root for—smart, relentless, and unwilling to accept the fate the world keeps trying to force on her. Decker does an incredible job of making her struggles feel personal, not just in the courtroom but in the raw emotions that come with being betrayed, isolated, and forced to fight for her own name over and over again.
The legal twists in INNOCENT AGAIN are razor-sharp, and the tension in the courtroom scenes is thick enough to cut with a knife. But what makes this book stand out isn’t just the legal drama—it’s the emotional depth. This isn’t just about proving innocence; it’s about trust, resilience, and how much a person can endure before they finally break. When a new inmate shows up with information that could change everything, the question isn’t just whether Becky will be free again but whether she’ll ever be whole again.|
You might like to check out more similar books here.
March 21, 2025
Innocent Again by Steven Decker
What an awesome read, would love to see this as a movie.
The author is so very descriptive with details, you can follow along as Becky is charged with her spouses murder.
He and his business friend, Rick ran the company, each doing their own job.
Becky listens to a lot of things other tell her and figures out who it was that killed him. She confronts him from the insides of the prison she is housed at....
Love hearing about the canals, walking trails and so much more about the location and attractions.
Her lawyer moves and doesn't like the things she is being told about the circumstances and just wants Becky to stay out of the way.
Love how she is exonerated, and how she carries on with her life. She lives the prestigious area of Phoenix and hated that her parents never came to visit her nor did they think she was innocent.
She has them help her out while she goes to NYC to study to be an investigative reporter.
Hate that she was called back home early....
So many mysteries and court trails and procedures follow in the next court case against her.....
Clues she hunts for others are handed to her on a silver platter in the least likely places.
Would love to read more from this author in this series. each book is a standalone but in a series as well.
Book ends with excerpt with another story from the author.
What an awesome read, would love to see this as a movie.
The author is so very descriptive with details, you can follow along as Becky is charged with her spouses murder.
He and his business friend, Rick ran the company, each doing their own job.
Becky listens to a lot of things other tell her and figures out who it was that killed him. She confronts him from the insides of the prison she is housed at....
Love hearing about the canals, walking trails and so much more about the location and attractions.
Her lawyer moves and doesn't like the things she is being told about the circumstances and just wants Becky to stay out of the way.
Love how she is exonerated, and how she carries on with her life. She lives the prestigious area of Phoenix and hated that her parents never came to visit her nor did they think she was innocent.
She has them help her out while she goes to NYC to study to be an investigative reporter.
Hate that she was called back home early....
So many mysteries and court trails and procedures follow in the next court case against her.....
Clues she hunts for others are handed to her on a silver platter in the least likely places.
Would love to read more from this author in this series. each book is a standalone but in a series as well.
Book ends with excerpt with another story from the author.
March 25, 2025
My latest read, "Innocent Again" by Steven Decker, is a powerful and gripping story about justice, trust, and starting over.
The central character, Rebecca Moreland, has been wrongly accused thrice and is now trying to rebuild after a difficult chapter. The first two times were difficult, but she could come of it. The third time was more challenging as she was alleged to have killed her partner.
As the story unfolds, readers are taken through the legal battle, emotional hardships, and the journey of reclaiming one's life.
The author's writing is honest and easy to connect with. Rebecca's struggles and strengths are portrayed realistically. The story moves at a good pace, with interesting turns that keep the reader gripped. While it includes courtroom drama, the book also dives into the personal impact of false accusations on one's identity, relationships, and sense of hope.
What makes this book stand out is its emotional honesty and depth. It pushes readers to think about truth, forgiveness, and how difficult yet brave it is to start again.
The central character, Rebecca Moreland, has been wrongly accused thrice and is now trying to rebuild after a difficult chapter. The first two times were difficult, but she could come of it. The third time was more challenging as she was alleged to have killed her partner.
As the story unfolds, readers are taken through the legal battle, emotional hardships, and the journey of reclaiming one's life.
The author's writing is honest and easy to connect with. Rebecca's struggles and strengths are portrayed realistically. The story moves at a good pace, with interesting turns that keep the reader gripped. While it includes courtroom drama, the book also dives into the personal impact of false accusations on one's identity, relationships, and sense of hope.
What makes this book stand out is its emotional honesty and depth. It pushes readers to think about truth, forgiveness, and how difficult yet brave it is to start again.
March 25, 2025
Innocent Again by Steven Decker is an engaging legal thriller that dives into the life of Rebecca Moreland, who finds herself engulfed in despair after the murder of someone close. To make matters worse, she is wrongfully convicted. Coming from a privileged background, the harsh realities of prison life hit hard, but the true danger lies in the fact that the real killer has a twisted sense of justice and won’t stop until they've made their point. As the plot thickens with a third murder framing her once more, Rebecca's hope hangs in the balance.
If you’re not familiar with Steven Decker's work, you're missing out! His novels have a unique flair that always keeps you guessing until the very end. Innocent Again: A Legal Thriller was outstanding, with an ending that genuinely surprised me. The final chapter was truly the cherry on top. This book and its author are sure to make a lasting impact on readers.
If you’re not familiar with Steven Decker's work, you're missing out! His novels have a unique flair that always keeps you guessing until the very end. Innocent Again: A Legal Thriller was outstanding, with an ending that genuinely surprised me. The final chapter was truly the cherry on top. This book and its author are sure to make a lasting impact on readers.
June 8, 2025
Innocent Again by Steven Decker is a psychological thriller about a woman's wrongful incarceration. Becky has had a rough time— her felandering husband was found dead with traces of poison in his scotch the night he died. Becky is found guilty and is immediately booked. It isn't until her suspicions fall on an old friend that Becky realises she could have a chance at freedom again, but she'll have to be very discreet or she could lose everything— forever this time.
The plot was well-thought-out and Steven's narrative style was engaging. Becky's resilience and determination in finding justice truly made her stand out for me, I was rooting for her all the way through. Greed is one's ultimate downfall and can destroy lives which Innocent so clearly depicts. I recommend Innocent Again to fans of legal thrillers.
The plot was well-thought-out and Steven's narrative style was engaging. Becky's resilience and determination in finding justice truly made her stand out for me, I was rooting for her all the way through. Greed is one's ultimate downfall and can destroy lives which Innocent so clearly depicts. I recommend Innocent Again to fans of legal thrillers.
April 13, 2025
Although this is Decker’s first legal thriller, he absolutely hit it out of the park. You’re drawn in from the first page, and you’ll find it hard to set this down. The pacing is fairly quick, and the complex characters will feel like people you’ve known for ages by the end. I loved the courtroom drama scenes, it felt like watching a movie more than reading a book. Becky is such a resilient character, and I had to admire her perseverance and determination even in the face of overwhelming odds. I will say, I wasn’t quite expecting how attached to Becky I would get. Decker did an excellent job, and I can’t recommend this enough for anyone who enjoys legal thrillers that will stick with you for a bit after you close the final page.
April 22, 2025
Steven Decker’s Innocent Again is a well-written legal thriller with a believable female protagonist. Becky Moreland is wrongly convicted of murder, forcing her from a cushy life into a harsh prison reality. The opening scenes are highly detailed, and you feel you are there with Becky, or Becks, as she experiences her new existence. The book has it all from courtroom drama to a vivid backstory. You get a sense that this book is more than just a thriller, it is about resilience and staying strong. If you enjoy a fast-paced legal drama, this book is perfect for you.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews