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Exonerated
The Police Department of Schenectady, New York has handled its fair share of run-of-the-mill crimes. The brutal murder of a cop's sister, however, is no ordinary crime—especially where there is little evidence to go by. With emotions running high and the pressure mounting to solve the case, the investigation hones in on a young, uneducated, blue-collar worker who used to date the victim.
Fueled by his own ambitions, the District Attorney prosecutes the case with vigor, confident he will prevail. Until, that is, a renowned criminal defense lawyer steps in to represent the defendant.
Did the defendant actually do it? No one can be too sure.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS:
Understated mystery concentrating on a morally ambiguous legal process--and riveting throughout. -Kirkus Reviews
An absorbing legal procedural that shines a bright light on the egos and strategic maneuverings behind a high-profile homicide. -BestThrillers.com
5 OUT OF 5 STARS from READERS' FAVORITE
It is actually one of the best murder mysteries I've ever read...Rarely have I seen characters, plot, and setting so meticulously woven together to tell a haunting tale. S.A. Dymond is definitely a name to watch in the murder mystery genre.
___________________
...a brilliantly clever crime thriller...When I thought I had it all figured out, WHAM!!!! The ending blew me away.
___________________
...will leave you gasping in surprise. A must read!
___________________
...a first-class police procedural and gripping legal thriller all at once, and it's one of those books you just can't put down until you get to the last page.
Fueled by his own ambitions, the District Attorney prosecutes the case with vigor, confident he will prevail. Until, that is, a renowned criminal defense lawyer steps in to represent the defendant.
Did the defendant actually do it? No one can be too sure.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS:
Understated mystery concentrating on a morally ambiguous legal process--and riveting throughout. -Kirkus Reviews
An absorbing legal procedural that shines a bright light on the egos and strategic maneuverings behind a high-profile homicide. -BestThrillers.com
5 OUT OF 5 STARS from READERS' FAVORITE
It is actually one of the best murder mysteries I've ever read...Rarely have I seen characters, plot, and setting so meticulously woven together to tell a haunting tale. S.A. Dymond is definitely a name to watch in the murder mystery genre.
___________________
...a brilliantly clever crime thriller...When I thought I had it all figured out, WHAM!!!! The ending blew me away.
___________________
...will leave you gasping in surprise. A must read!
___________________
...a first-class police procedural and gripping legal thriller all at once, and it's one of those books you just can't put down until you get to the last page.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2016
About the author
S.A. Dymond
3 books17 followersS.A. Dymond is a practicing appellate attorney, focusing predominantly on the representation of victims inflicted with terminal cancer. Exonerated - his first novel - evolved from his prior experience handling appeals in both the civil and criminal realms. Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, he now lives in the New York City area with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 7, 2016
An absorbing legal procedural that shines a bright light on the egos and strategic maneuverings behind a high-profile homicide.
When the sister of a local cop is brutally murdered, the entire community of Schenectady, New York feels as if it has lost one of its own. By the time the mayor calls District Attorney Franklin Dorey to stress the importance of a speedy conviction, the DA – who imagines himself as mayor in the near future – is already well on his way prosecuting the most likely suspect.
Check out the rest of my review at BestThrillers.com
When the sister of a local cop is brutally murdered, the entire community of Schenectady, New York feels as if it has lost one of its own. By the time the mayor calls District Attorney Franklin Dorey to stress the importance of a speedy conviction, the DA – who imagines himself as mayor in the near future – is already well on his way prosecuting the most likely suspect.
Check out the rest of my review at BestThrillers.com
July 22, 2018
Exonerated is a very well written murder mystery by S.A. Dymond. It is actually one of the best murder mysteries I’ve ever read. In this age of so many crime dramas on Television, shows like the various CSI series, Criminal Minds and Cold Case, a book has to have something special to compete. What Exonerated has is a great portrayal of small-town American life and a vivid description of the characters of that town under pressure when one of their own is killed. This is a murder mystery so I don’t want to give away too much but I think it’s safe to tell you that the victim is the daughter and sister of policemen and this matters a lot. Her brother Ed is the one most wounded by her death.
I have occasionally come across the name Schenectady, New York in my reading but now I feel I know this city and its people intimately. S.A. Dymond has a talent for portraying the quirks and foibles of small-town characters as well as their nobility and courage. He starts with the murder itself, then through the investigation shows us the victim, the police force, and the town itself. It can be depressing at times but it always reads as accurate and truthful. If you love a good murder mystery and love reading about life in small-town USA, then you should buy this book. Rarely have I seen characters, plot, and setting so meticulously woven together to tell a haunting tale. S.A. Dymond is definitely a name to watch in the murder mystery genre.
I have occasionally come across the name Schenectady, New York in my reading but now I feel I know this city and its people intimately. S.A. Dymond has a talent for portraying the quirks and foibles of small-town characters as well as their nobility and courage. He starts with the murder itself, then through the investigation shows us the victim, the police force, and the town itself. It can be depressing at times but it always reads as accurate and truthful. If you love a good murder mystery and love reading about life in small-town USA, then you should buy this book. Rarely have I seen characters, plot, and setting so meticulously woven together to tell a haunting tale. S.A. Dymond is definitely a name to watch in the murder mystery genre.
September 28, 2021
Simply captivating!! Could not put it down - Lost lots of sleep but it was well worth it! One of the BEST legal thrillers I have ever read! Cannot wait for the next novel by S. A. Dymond! Brilliant!!!
October 19, 2020
2.5
Not impressed, it doesn't flow right and the way they have no respect for the victim, won't be reading any more books by the author
Not impressed, it doesn't flow right and the way they have no respect for the victim, won't be reading any more books by the author
February 22, 2017
Quick paced mystery with a great twist at the end. Glad I won it from goodreads.
September 23, 2016
In crafting this book, I set out to write a murder mystery/legal thriller that was different from the rest. One that didn't follow the typical pattern or have the typical ending. I thought my legal experience - which traverses the intricacies of both criminal and civil law - placed me in a unique position to devise a plot that was unmatched in its legal ingenuity and complexity, but still maintained a seamless and easy-to-read quality. I'm curious to know if you think I've achieved that. I hope you give it a shot and let me know what you think.
September 28, 2016
Great read keeps you guessing
This is a page turner for sure, keeps you guessing what's going to happen next. Glad I chose this book
This is a page turner for sure, keeps you guessing what's going to happen next. Glad I chose this book
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews