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Justice #3
Secret Justice
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author DIANE CAPRI Returns! For fans of Lee Child, John Grisham, Jack Reacher and Michael Connelly.
Tampa's free-spirited Judge Wilhelmina Carson returns in the third installment of this well-loved series. During Tampa's annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival, murder chases Judge Willa's beloved secretary into a world of corruption, bank fraud, and art theft while Willa's dad, Jim Harper, suffers hell of his own making. Just as Willa is recovering from the shock of meeting her father's new trophy wife, her secretary Margaret Wheaton becomes mysteriously involved with a nefarious jeweler. When both Margaret's husband and the jeweler end up dead, Margaret is the number one suspect. Judge Willa sets out to prove Margaret innocent and takes the reader on a ride through Tampa's month-long pirate party, with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end: whodunnit?
Tampa's free-spirited Judge Wilhelmina Carson returns in the third installment of this well-loved series. During Tampa's annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival, murder chases Judge Willa's beloved secretary into a world of corruption, bank fraud, and art theft while Willa's dad, Jim Harper, suffers hell of his own making. Just as Willa is recovering from the shock of meeting her father's new trophy wife, her secretary Margaret Wheaton becomes mysteriously involved with a nefarious jeweler. When both Margaret's husband and the jeweler end up dead, Margaret is the number one suspect. Judge Willa sets out to prove Margaret innocent and takes the reader on a ride through Tampa's month-long pirate party, with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end: whodunnit?
324 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2011
196 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Diane Capri
200 books762 followersBestselling author Diane Capri is a recovering lawyer. She’s a snowbird who divides her time between Florida and Michigan. An active member of Mystery Writers of America, Author’s Guild, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime, she loves to hear from readers and is hard at work on her next novel.
Connect with her online:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/@DianeCapri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diane-...
Here’s the Long version, if you’re looking for more info:
#1 Amazon Bestselling Author Diane Capri’s work is what the #1 worldwide publishing phenomenon Lee Child calls “Full of thrills and tension, but smart and human, too.” Margaret Maron, Edgar, Anthony, Agatha and Macavity Award-winning MWA Past President, says: “Expertise shines on every page.” And Library Journal raves: “….offers tense legal drama with courtroom overtones, twisty plots, and loads of atmosphere. Recommended.”
Diane’s new Jess Kimball series kicked off with Fatal Distraction, opening as the #3 Bestselling Legal Thriller, behind John Grisham. Diane’s new Hunt for Jack Reacher series began with Don’t Know Jack, which garnered #1 Bestseller spots on Mystery, Hard-boiled Mystery, Police Procedural, Women Sleuths, and Legal Thriller lists both in the U.S. and U.K. Don’t Know Jack was followed by two bestselling short stories in the Hunt for Jack Reacher series, Jack in a Box and Jack and Kill. Diane’s Judge Wilhelmina Carson mysteries were praised by Romantic Times and garnered the coveted “Top Pick.” Diane’s savvy, spunky character, attorney Jennifer Lane, stars in her own romantic suspense series, which kicks off with Annabelle’s Attack.
Diane is the past Executive Vice President of International Thriller Writers, past member of the Board of the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, and active in Sisters in Crime and other writing organizations. She comes to writing after a successful legal career and is married to her college sweetheart. She loves her nomadic snowbird existence preferring perpetual summer migrating from Florida to Michigan each year.
Diane says she writes mystery and suspense for the same reason she reads: to find out what happens, why people do what they do, and how to bring justice to an unjust world.Her books are translated in twenty territories. Diane loves to hear from readers. Contact her at: DianeCapri.com/Contact to receive notice of new releases, subscribe to Diane’s blog, or simply connect with her.
Connect with her online:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/@DianeCapri
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diane-...
Here’s the Long version, if you’re looking for more info:
#1 Amazon Bestselling Author Diane Capri’s work is what the #1 worldwide publishing phenomenon Lee Child calls “Full of thrills and tension, but smart and human, too.” Margaret Maron, Edgar, Anthony, Agatha and Macavity Award-winning MWA Past President, says: “Expertise shines on every page.” And Library Journal raves: “….offers tense legal drama with courtroom overtones, twisty plots, and loads of atmosphere. Recommended.”
Diane’s new Jess Kimball series kicked off with Fatal Distraction, opening as the #3 Bestselling Legal Thriller, behind John Grisham. Diane’s new Hunt for Jack Reacher series began with Don’t Know Jack, which garnered #1 Bestseller spots on Mystery, Hard-boiled Mystery, Police Procedural, Women Sleuths, and Legal Thriller lists both in the U.S. and U.K. Don’t Know Jack was followed by two bestselling short stories in the Hunt for Jack Reacher series, Jack in a Box and Jack and Kill. Diane’s Judge Wilhelmina Carson mysteries were praised by Romantic Times and garnered the coveted “Top Pick.” Diane’s savvy, spunky character, attorney Jennifer Lane, stars in her own romantic suspense series, which kicks off with Annabelle’s Attack.
Diane is the past Executive Vice President of International Thriller Writers, past member of the Board of the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, and active in Sisters in Crime and other writing organizations. She comes to writing after a successful legal career and is married to her college sweetheart. She loves her nomadic snowbird existence preferring perpetual summer migrating from Florida to Michigan each year.
Diane says she writes mystery and suspense for the same reason she reads: to find out what happens, why people do what they do, and how to bring justice to an unjust world.Her books are translated in twenty territories. Diane loves to hear from readers. Contact her at: DianeCapri.com/Contact to receive notice of new releases, subscribe to Diane’s blog, or simply connect with her.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 7, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked the main characters and the suspense. There were several things going on yet they were all brought together in the end. I loved the setting and the involvement of the festival to the story. I don't know if this is a continuing series but will check other books by the author.
January 21, 2026
Mixed feelings about this one. The writing is good, the main character is interesting and being judge gives opportunity for a variety of stories on different topics. The plot ft this book is pretty mundane. A person of a certain age is found dead and not willing to accept the verdict of a coroner, the judge investigates. Being in Florida I'd like to say there's some international intrigue or smuggling involved, but alas. That we get mostly is the mores of living in Florida and a collection of local relationships that are mostly inconsequential to the story.
I've read several of Ms' Capri's "Hunt for Reacher" series and I've enjoyed those. This is my first "Willa Carson" book and only the 3rd in the series. I suspect they got better over time, she had acquired quite a following over the years. If you're interested maybe start with a more recent one
I've read several of Ms' Capri's "Hunt for Reacher" series and I've enjoyed those. This is my first "Willa Carson" book and only the 3rd in the series. I suspect they got better over time, she had acquired quite a following over the years. If you're interested maybe start with a more recent one
March 26, 2017
Diane Capri's Judge Willa series just keeps getting better and better. With a recurring cast of characters who are totally realistic and 100% human, it is a pleasure to read and hard to put down in order to take care of one's responsibilities. It's easy to start thinking of Judge Willa and her husband George as old friends who you can't wait to get caught up with in each new book! Thank you, Diane, for your wonderful books. I love them❣❣
December 2, 2020
Wow
This one hits close person to Willa. Margaret was his secretary and friend and she was being accused of killing her husband and another man. But her father and his new wife showed up also.
This one hits close person to Willa. Margaret was his secretary and friend and she was being accused of killing her husband and another man. But her father and his new wife showed up also.
October 7, 2021
This is another fantastic book by Diane Capri. It’s the third book in the Justice series. I suggest you read the books in the order they’re written. If you don’t, you’ll miss a lot of fun and information. Enjoy!
May 1, 2022
A very intriguing thriller.
The author has written a very intriguing and entertaining story of murder and the deception that took place in an attempt to cover it up. Very enjoyable reading.
The author has written a very intriguing and entertaining story of murder and the deception that took place in an attempt to cover it up. Very enjoyable reading.
October 3, 2021
Great characters that build as you move through the twists and turns in this book.
September 25, 2015
ebook library
Gasparilla celebration in Tampa January February March. Willa's husband George's Ilsland castle is a restaurant used for one group in the celbrations. Margaret Wheaton is Willa soon to be retired secretary and attended the first evening event with her husband Ron Wheaton who is dying from a dehabitaling disease ALS. He is found dead on the Veranda out back by Willa's father who adopted her age 5 new very young wife. (Jim Harper an insurance fraud investigator)
This is the third book in the Hunt for Justice Series. Judge Wilhelmina Carson lives with her husband George on Plant Key Island in Florida. As in each book of the series, Wilhelmina “Willa” Carson uses her knowledge and power as a Judge to investigate crimes. This is often against the rules, and could be considered obstruction of justice, which could impeach her from her life appointment to the bench.
Oscar the rogue.fraudster jeweller and ex husband of Margaret of many years ago is found in the early hours after the float parade. He had many enemies,and pending court cases. Oscar was previously Martin and involved with the young banker's son in fraud. To cover up and for the bank to get insurance he fakes his death. Margaret has to adopt the baby that she was pregnant with. Oscar/Martin discovers Margaret and knows whe will inherite thus he murders Ron by injecting insulin then he woos Margaret back. But both Ron and Willa intervent including Oscar getting murdered by the now older banker's wife. Oscar had many enemies. The resturant and home of George and Willa is called Minaret, the home of Willa and George and their restaurant. Willa is a local Judge who starts to investigate the cases on her docket when they start to tie into people she knows and loves. I found it funny that George and Willa do a "breaking and entering" on a home while driving a Bentley. I also found it odd that one of their friend would spend 90 million dollars on jewelry to resell without getting an appraisal – seriously? Willa again, as in Due Justice, confronts her suspect and tries to get a confession, instead of turning her information over to the local authorities.
This book introduces us to Willa’s step-father and his new bride which gives Willa some drama and grief. Willa’s character has always seemed to be self-centered. Willa’s soul-mother Kate only shows up at the end of this book and has a surprise of her own. This is a good book to read, I hope you enjoy it.
During Tampa's annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival, murder chases Judge Willa Carson's beloved secretary into a world of secrets, corruption, bank fraud, and art theft.
Margaret Wheaton becomes mysteriously involved with a smarmy jeweler. When Margaret's husband is killed in Willa's home and the jeweler ends up dead, too, Margaret is the number one suspect. Judge Willa sets out to prove Margaret innocent, dodging killers throughout Tampa's month-long pirate attack until she discovers secret justice.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2015
This is the third book in the Hunt for Justice Series. Judge Wilhelmina Carson lives with her husband George on Plant Key Island in Florida. As in each book of the series, Wilhelmina “Willa” Carson uses her knowledge and power as a Judge to investigate crimes. This is often against the rules, and could be considered obstruction of justice, which could impeach her from her life appointment to the bench.
During the Gasparilla celebration in Tampa a dead body is found and this man had many enemies, and a man with no enemies and a terminal illness is found dead at Minaret, the home of Willa and George and their restaurant. Willa is a local Judge who starts to investigate the cases on her docket when they start to tie into people she knows and loves. I found it funny that George and Willa do a “breaking and entering” on a home while driving a Bentley. I also found it odd that one of their friend would spend 90 million dollars on jewelry to resell without getting an appraisal – seriously? Willa again, as in Due Justice, confronts her suspect and tries to get a confession, instead of turning her information over to the local authorities.
Diane Capri has an easy to read writing style, often with a great deal of detail that slows down the plot. There are twists in this story, but I was not on the edge of my seat to see what would happen next. There is no foul language or sex scenes. This book is a stand alone book and you do not need to read Due Justice or Twisted Justice first to understand the characters or story line. This book introduces us to Willa’s step-father and his new bride which gives Willa some drama and grief. Willa’s character has always seemed to be self-centered. Willa’s soul-mother Kate only shows up at the end of this book and has a surprise of her own. This is a good book to read, I hope you enjoy it. I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
During the Gasparilla celebration in Tampa a dead body is found and this man had many enemies, and a man with no enemies and a terminal illness is found dead at Minaret, the home of Willa and George and their restaurant. Willa is a local Judge who starts to investigate the cases on her docket when they start to tie into people she knows and loves. I found it funny that George and Willa do a “breaking and entering” on a home while driving a Bentley. I also found it odd that one of their friend would spend 90 million dollars on jewelry to resell without getting an appraisal – seriously? Willa again, as in Due Justice, confronts her suspect and tries to get a confession, instead of turning her information over to the local authorities.
Diane Capri has an easy to read writing style, often with a great deal of detail that slows down the plot. There are twists in this story, but I was not on the edge of my seat to see what would happen next. There is no foul language or sex scenes. This book is a stand alone book and you do not need to read Due Justice or Twisted Justice first to understand the characters or story line. This book introduces us to Willa’s step-father and his new bride which gives Willa some drama and grief. Willa’s character has always seemed to be self-centered. Willa’s soul-mother Kate only shows up at the end of this book and has a surprise of her own. This is a good book to read, I hope you enjoy it. I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2012
This is book is from my Kindle subscription series. It's a very engaging mystery, seen through the eyes of a Judge, Willa Harper. Willa's executive secretary Margaret's husband dies at a party thrown by Willa and her husband George. It looks like murder. Margaret is a prime suspect. What I enjoyed about this read, was experiencing the mystery from the point of view of a judge, who is limited in how she can research or be involved in a case. The pace is not as fast as most mysteries, but that may be because the main character narrator is rather self reflective -- she journals to get clarity. However this in no way hindered my enjoyment.
August 5, 2015
Judge Willa Carson finds her father at the front door with his new "trophy wife". Willa has trouble adjusting to his new wife but tries to come to terms with it.
While dealing with this upset and all that is Gasparilla in Tampa in February, Willa's secretary, Margaret, becomes the prime suspect when Margaret's husband and then a not so scrupulous jeweler she knows both die within days of each other. Willa works hard to untangle the mess and find the killer.
While dealing with this upset and all that is Gasparilla in Tampa in February, Willa's secretary, Margaret, becomes the prime suspect when Margaret's husband and then a not so scrupulous jeweler she knows both die within days of each other. Willa works hard to untangle the mess and find the killer.
July 25, 2014
Intriguing
A well constructed story with a couple of curveballs to keep you thinking. Justice from the feminine perspective puts a strange new perspective on mundane legal proceedings. Willa as an officer of the court takes an inexcusable number of liberties, which entertain but challenge veracity.
A well constructed story with a couple of curveballs to keep you thinking. Justice from the feminine perspective puts a strange new perspective on mundane legal proceedings. Willa as an officer of the court takes an inexcusable number of liberties, which entertain but challenge veracity.
April 5, 2015
This time it is Gasparilla in Tampa, Florida where Judge Willa's stepfather has remarried, after 20 years, a woman younger than she is, who is also PREGNANT! Surprise, surprise! THere are several murders, among them the husband of her friend Margaret, who suffered from ALS. It could have been a heart attack--but it wasn't. Add in fake jewelry and a long ago faked death.
February 22, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I love the Judge Willa books, and this was just as good as the others I have read. Charactarization is flawless as is plot development. Capri shows what it takes to be one of the best novelists out there - on par with Evanovich, Forsyth, Clancy and others of that calibre.
July 10, 2015
Another page turner through the eyes of Judge Willa Carson. Diane Capri keeps you turning the pages with twists and turns. Involves her beloved secretary who she thought she knew so well. I love reading from the point of view of a Judge and the description of the surroundings. Lots of surprises Can't wait to read the next one in this great series.
April 25, 2015
I don't know why it has the title it has, as I read it as Secret Justice, not Harper's Hell. Not a bad book. Didn't know who did it until close to the end. Total surprise for one of the killings and not really an explanation.
June 30, 2015
An interesting story of fraud, blackmail and murder in a Florida town involving Willa Carson's secretary. The descriptions of the surroundings and scenery in this story made me feel as if I were there.
August 9, 2015
In Secret Justice Diane Capri has hit her stride in The Willa Carson novels. I love Willa Carson, and I love the fact that Tampa Bay seems like one of her characters in these books. Even on vacation in northern Michigan I made time to get into the book every day.
July 7, 2014
Funny and easy read.
April 19, 2015
I really liked this book, getting more Willa background and another good who-dunnit.
April 27, 2015
My first Diane Capri book, but it won't be my last. Very good who done it with a surprising twist or two (or three) at the end.
July 27, 2015
Great read!
As always, Diane Capri has produced another great story. It was attention holing until the end. I look forward to more.
As always, Diane Capri has produced another great story. It was attention holing until the end. I look forward to more.
May 26, 2016
Disappointing, I'm going to give up on this series.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews