Mara’s personal and professional lives collide in her latest murder case. This time, the path to justice could reveal a dark family secret those close to her would do anything to protect.
Path of Justice is the suspense-filled fifth book in the Mara Brent Legal Thriller Series. If you're looking for a real page-turner with plot twists you'll never see coming and a gritty, tough-as-nails heroine, this series delivers.
Robin James is an attorney and former law professor. She's worked on a wide range of civil, criminal and family law cases in her twenty-year legal career. She also spent over a decade as supervising attorney for a Michigan legal clinic assisting thousands of people who could not otherwise afford access to justice.
Robin now lives on a lake in southern Michigan with her husband, two children, and one lazy dog. Her favorite, pure Michigan writing spot is stretched out on the back of a pontoon watching the faster boats go by.
Absolutely riveting and kept me awake until the wee hours. And damn you Jason…you are such an ass - with a capital A. You are so deserving of what’s coming for you next….Good riddance.
I totally forgot Robin James had a new book coming out for Mara Brent, so imagine my delight when I saw it randomly displayed for me on my Kindle. You best believe I gobbled it down right away. And I'm glad I did because this little 5th entry ended up being my first 5-star rated book in the Mara Brent series. I was hoping it was gonna happen eventually and was so excited that it did. I was 100% invested in literally EVERYTHING going on here, and I couldn't imagine NOT giving it 5-stars for keeping me on my toes the way it did.
The two plot lines are both interesting and stressful, both of which involve legal battles for Mara Brent. For one thing, she's got her sights set on convicting a handsomely charming and well-known political figure for the brutal rape of a girl named Neveah, a young 20-year-old who seems to have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Will folks believe a young girl instead of a well-spoken politician who used to be a mayor? That's the conundrum. Fighting against politicians proves a sticky situation for Mara, even WITH the seemingly damning evidence.
And to make matters worse, Mara's also facing a whole other dramatic deal in her own life: a legal battle against her ex-husband Jason for custody over their 11-year-old son. It was a battle she didn't expect, and good grief, the STRESS this plot point put me in was no frickin' joke. I totally felt for Mara; her distress over possibly losing her son just oozed from the pages. Frickin' Jason. That wretched man might as well be a damn villain in this book. I don't remember finding him too detestable in the previous books, but...well...things change. Dude's an ass all the way this go around and you can't help but hate the guy right along with Mara.
There was so much to love this go around. Loved LOVED that I got to have an extended cameo from Jeannie Mills from the Cass Leary series, who is lending her legal expertise to Mara. That tiny old lady is as snarky and feisty as ever and I adore her. Loved getting to know the usual characters as well, something that happened naturally since a good portion of this book is spent in Mara's personal life. Loved the tension, the stress, the twists, the turns. This book was just so depressing in its own little ways and it's so weird to say how much I loved that. But hey, if that's what it took to get the 5-star rating out of me, then so be it. And now, given its cliffhanger-ish ending, I eagerly await the next one. Though ugh, looks like I gotta wait till late 2023. *groan*
Yet another scorching legal thriller from a writer who rarely fails to live up to expectations.
Mara Brent is fighting on two fronts: as prosecutor she is trying the case of one-term mayor, Dennis Sizemore, a charismatic local politician seeking re- election who is accused of brutally raping a young law student. She is also fighting her ex-husband, Congressman Jason Brent, who has broken all their custody agreements and now wants full custody of their son.
The novel is the typical well-written, fast but well-paced thriller that one would expect from James. Facing murder, blackmail and threats to her own life, Brent follows all the twists, turns and demands on her integrity to the not entirely unexpected but nevertheless shocking conclusion.
There's not a character out of place; the plot is slick, convincing and it is such a page turner that I couldn't put it down, finishing it in one night. I just love James' novels and this one does not disappoint. Particularly liked the crossover with Cass Leary novels: be good to see more of that. I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy in return for an honest review and I can honestly say that I loved it. James is on top form with this novel and I can hardly wait for what comes next in Mara Brent's story
5.0 stars. OMG! OMG! OMG! 🤯 Totally not what I thought was going to happen. Sooooo grateful there are 7 books out so far in this series. It would totally suck to have to wait for the next book after finishing this one. Can't say enough about how much I love this series. On to book 6. 🤗
Wow what a ride. That was very unexpected how the story took so many turns. I loved that she remained the same strong willing characters that will do everything right to get the killer and she believes in justice. And the personal drama always puts me on the edge because I feel like these characters are my friends now and I’m frustrated and upset as they are. But also hopeful that everything will be solved in the end, might not be soon or what everyone expects but I know it will be great. And that’s why I love when I find books like this that will make me stop and think about life and decisions and what ifs. I can’t remember being so addicted to a series like I am with this one so you can imagine how much I will recommend it
WOW!! What a story. If you like lawyer books written by a lawyer who knows how to write, I suggest you read this book. Not only does the lawyer character seek justice for her clients, she also has a personal issue to sort out. Can't wait for the author's next book.
The Mara Brent series is one of my must-reads and this book is a solid addition to the series. I loved that Jeanie from the Cass Leary series has a part in this story. My only “complaint” is a technical one: Neveah’s father tells Mara that her name is “Heaven spelled backwards” but if so then her name should be spelled Nevaeh.
Great read. Love the strong female characters, the loving relationship between mother and son and the compassion shown by law enforcement. Can't wait to read the next book with Mara and her team.
Path of Justice is book five in the Mara Brent Legal Thriller series and is absolutely sensational❣️Mara is on the path for justice in more than one way….she’s fighting an uphill battle in a rape trial but also trying to fight for her son against her ex-husband and let me tell you….nothing can prepare you for the twists and turns in this one….I honestly can say other than a few tidbits, I had no clue what was about to hit me😱
I’m soooooo excited to see what adventure Mara takes me on next🤩 I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️
I love Mara!!! I seriously could not put this book down and when I had too I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I can’t WAIT for the next book to come out. Not sure what I will read in the mean time…
Whew. The personal stuff in this was really weighing me down and frustrating but there’s always a reason. I was not surprised by some of these revelations. I think the signs have been there all along but Mara refused to look. I almost quit the whole series towards the end when I thought Mara made a different decision than she had. I’m looking forward to the next book!
Always enjoy a book by Robin James. This is the 5th in the series about Mara Brent. Mara is a lawyer and is handling a rape case. A very high profile one. It is the Mayor of town. Mara knows that this is going to be a hard case to prove, as it is his word against her client.
While going through this trial, she is also fighting for custody of her child, Will. Her husband, Jason, is a politician and has hired a well known lawyer to fight to take Will away from her.
The book has got courtroom drama, and a real mystery to be solved. Mara is in for the fight of her life.
The author has outdone herself with this book. She crafted a very intriguing story with so many twists and turns that will make you dizzy! You won't figure out the ending. It's like every piece of the story is written on tiny pieces of paper, thrown up in the air, and skillfully pieced together with the papers facing up to make the ending all fit together. You won't see the end coming!
I quit reading Daniel S books when the pattern became too obvious. The same with Patterson. This was a new author and Facebook made the books look enticing. I read #1 and enjoyed it. Started #2 thinking I knew what was coming…number 3 was very good, but it couldn’t possibly improve with number 4. Ha! Fooled me. However I cannot start number 5 until bedtime or I’ll get nothing done.
If only there were county attorneys (D.A.) that would try as hard as Mara to get the truth about a case. That is how we all know these are fictional. Mara certainly depends on Kat, Will’s aunt, to stay in her corner against Mara’s ex husband, Jason who is also Kat’s brother. Will Mara lose Will to Jason? Looking forward to next book for sure!
Robin did it again! She gave another roller coaster, page turning, riveting novel starring Mara Brent! I couldn't put it down. Mara balances work, home, Will, her clients and gives her all! She doesn't back down. She doesn't give up, even if she could lose it all.
Again can’t say enough about Robin James. I have to say I was getting frustrated with Mara and her husband’s relationship, but absolutely love how she has combined her Mara Brent and Cass Leary series together. What a great idea. Definitely hate when I get to the end of a series, you have to wait and see if another comes out or is this really the end. Keep on reading.😉
The joys of a really great series is that each book draws you inexorably deeper. That’s what the Mara Brent Justice Series did with me. The downside is not having the patience to wait for the next book to be published. I can’t believe I have to wait til next year to read more!
I couldn't put this one down. Read it almost straight through. It goes to show how even professionals have personal lives too and how complicated things can get when the two world combine. Tough decisions Madre in this book and i constantly wanted to know what's gonna happen next.
Probably the most enjoyable Mara Brent thriller yet! I don’t usually write reviews because I don’t like regurgitating what went on in the book. I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed it and am so looking forward to reading the next one. I know how I would like it to go, I’ll just have to see what curves Robin James throws at Mara in the next one. Keep up the great writing! Paul
I started this series after reading the Cass Leary series by the same author. Whereas Cass was a defender, Mara is a prosecutor and the flip side of the coin was a great way to differentiate between the two series. I loved Mara as a character and she was so strong, both professionally and personally, and boy did she need it. Another great series. I'm hoping this one is as long as Cass's.
Great Series The Mara Brent series thus far, has been captivating, never repetitive with characters you grow to know. I believe this is my first written review-but every book has held me captive. The perfect marriage of legal/domestic thrillers;I dare you you to see if you can stop at book 1, enjoy!
I love Robin James. In the world of today,in 2025, when the ethical and moral ideals I believe in are questionable by the highest ranking government officials, Ms. James still believes in justice. I am shocked and disappointed that Jason, Mara’s ex-husband is more than just a guy that had an affair and destroyed his marriage. We will see…
Child custody fight plus a secret ring of traffickers
Intense emotions flow in all dimensions. I especially like the 11 year old Will who survives in spite of the adults in his life. So many people seem willing to compromise their integrity and ethics. I continue to read this series of legal thrillers.