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Sisterhood #4
The Jury
New York Times bestselling author Fern Michaels pens the fourth novel in her Sisterhood series, delivering a fast-paced, satisfying story about female friends who dish out their own brand of justice. This time, their target is an abusive, high-profile Washington powerbroker husband of one of their own. Original.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2005
1891 people are currently reading
3805 people want to read
About the author
Fern Michaels
431 books6,584 followersFern Michaels isn’t a person. I’m not sure she’s an entity either since an entity is something with separate existence. Fern Michaels® is what I DO. Me, Mary Ruth Kuczkir. Growing up in Hastings, Pennsylvania, I was called Ruth. I became Mary when I entered the business world where first names were the order of the day. To this day, family and friends call me Dink, a name my father gave me when I was born because according to him I was ‘a dinky little thing’ weighing in at four and a half pounds. However, I answer to Fern since people are more comfortable with a name they can pronounce.
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
As they say, the past is prologue. I grew up, got a job, got married, had five kids. When my youngest went off to Kindergarten, my husband told me to get off my ass and get a job. Those were his exact words. I didn’t know how to do anything except be a wife and mother. I was also a voracious reader having cut my teeth on The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, Cherry Ames and the like. The library was a magical place for me. It still is to this day. Rather than face the outside world with no skills, I decided to write a book. For some reason that didn’t intimidate me. As my husband said at the time, stupid is as stupid does. Guess what, I don’t have that husband any more. Guess what else! I wrote 99 books, most of them New York Times Best Sellers.
Moving right along here . . . Several years ago I left Ballantine Books, parted company with my agent, sold my house in New Jersey that I had lived in all my married life and in 1993 moved to South Carolina. I figured if I was going to go through trauma let it be all at one time. It was a breeze. The kids were all on their own at that point. The dump was a 300 year old plantation house that is listed in the National Registry that I remodeled. Today it is beyond belief as are the gardens and the equally old Angel Oaks that drip Spanish moss. Unfortunately, I could not get my ghost to relocate. This ghost has been documented by previous owners. Mary Margaret as we call her, is “a friendly”. She is also mischievous. It took me two weeks to figure out that she didn’t like my coffee cups. They would slide off the table or counter or else they’d break in the dishwasher. I bought red checkered ones. All are intact as of this writing. She moves pillows from one room to the other and she stops all the clocks in the house at 9:10 in the a.m. at least once a week. When the Azaleas are in bloom, and only then, I find blooms on my night stand. I have this glorious front porch and during the warm months I see my swing moving early in the morning when the air is still and again late in the day. She doesn’t spook the dogs. I always know when she’s around because the five of them line up and look like they’re at a tennis match. As of this writing we’re co-habiting nicely.
Most writers love what they do and I’m no exception. I love it when I get a germ of an idea and get it down on paper. I love breathing life into my characters. I love writing about women who persevere and prevail because that’s what I had to do to get to this point in time. It’s another way of saying it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, what matters is where you’re going and how you get there. The day I finally prevailed was the day I was inducted into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame. For me it was an awesome day and there are no words to describe it.
I’ve been telling stories and scribbling for 37 years. I hope I can continue for another 37 years. It wasn’t easy during some of those years. As I said, I had to persevere. My old Polish grandmother said something to me when I was little that I never forgot. She said when God is good to you, you have to give back. For a while I didn’t know how to do that. When I finally figured it out I set up The Fern Michaels® Foundation.
READ FERN MICHAELS' FULL BIOGRAPHY HERE: http://www.fernmichaels.com/biography/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 364 reviews
March 26, 2022
Entertaining! There is foul language and violence in case a reader is sensitive to that.
June 4, 2022
When the Sisterhood’s plans for a mission get put on hold, they start to look for another. They find it with Paula Woodley. Paula has suffered years of abuse from her husband and when she is brought to Myra’s estate broken and near death, the Sisterhood can’t ignore it. The main issue: her husband is a Washington bigwig. The reaction from the Sisterhood is unanimous: Challenge accepted.
This is the first book in this amazing series that had me nervous for the group. I was really afraid that something was going to go wrong and they would be caught or hurt. The plan comes together piece by piece and they make it work. My goodness did they make that man pay. It was almost (almost) hard to read.
Nikki makes a dangerous decision regarding Jack and it ends up working out for her and him. He had some issues of his own in this book and I think he finally understands why the girls do what they do.
There are two extremely sad moments in this story. Incidents that Nikki, Myra and the others have to work through while continuing to plan their revenge. The ending has a heartwarming moment for all the sisters that brought a tear to my eye.
This is the first book in this amazing series that had me nervous for the group. I was really afraid that something was going to go wrong and they would be caught or hurt. The plan comes together piece by piece and they make it work. My goodness did they make that man pay. It was almost (almost) hard to read.
Nikki makes a dangerous decision regarding Jack and it ends up working out for her and him. He had some issues of his own in this book and I think he finally understands why the girls do what they do.
There are two extremely sad moments in this story. Incidents that Nikki, Myra and the others have to work through while continuing to plan their revenge. The ending has a heartwarming moment for all the sisters that brought a tear to my eye.
November 21, 2012
What happens when those in high places use their power to abuse their family, thinking they can get away with their crimes just because of who they are? That is the basic essence of "The Jury." I was intrigued by the write-up on the back of the book, however when I started reading it wasn't until half-way through the story that Paula Woodley, the victim, showed up and the real meat and potatoes of the novel started to piece together. Until then, I was tempted, numerous times, to just put the book down.
Would I recommend The Jury as a must read - no. I finished it more out of curiosity than because of the story. Having said that, though, I did enjoy the justice that was inflicted on the perpetrator. Would I read another of Fern Michaels's Sisterhood novels - not likely.
Would I recommend The Jury as a must read - no. I finished it more out of curiosity than because of the story. Having said that, though, I did enjoy the justice that was inflicted on the perpetrator. Would I read another of Fern Michaels's Sisterhood novels - not likely.
February 4, 2012
this book was so disjointed. you spend half the book or more reading about the horse problem and THEN it switches to the wife abuse. Sometime before that you also have a problem with a lawyer.....it was like 3 stories in one and 2 were never finished. I've read other books by FM but seriously this one stunk.
January 21, 2010
Okay, I've read Fern Michaels before and I was disappointed by this book. The story was all over the place and the book was so short. I really feel she didn't give enough time to really play out all the characters and background to make this a good book.
May 23, 2018
Just too much. Theres too much going on in this story. It jumped from one situation to another without resolving some of them. It's Nikki's turn to exact out her revenge but before she makes a selection, she has a mental situation that causes her to take a sabbatical. On her return, it appears that all heck has broke loose.
I like that these women are determined to exact vengeance for the crimes committed against them. They support one another and will take each other's secret to their grave. These women understand what they're doing and know that if caught, they will be prosecuted. They are a family that isn't blood relatives but a family all the same.
The plot was overdone. It started with horses then moved to a judge and an attorney, and ended with a domestic violence situation. There were 2 sets of vengeance and they were truly malicious and dangerous activities.
I like that these women are determined to exact vengeance for the crimes committed against them. They support one another and will take each other's secret to their grave. These women understand what they're doing and know that if caught, they will be prosecuted. They are a family that isn't blood relatives but a family all the same.
The plot was overdone. It started with horses then moved to a judge and an attorney, and ended with a domestic violence situation. There were 2 sets of vengeance and they were truly malicious and dangerous activities.
February 25, 2013
Fern Michael's Sisterhood series continues to grow more annoying and ridiculous with each book. The Jury is the worst yet.
These stories are corny, far-fetched and at this point, I'm not sure if I will see the series through.
I can understand desperately wanting to see justice served, but these women take their revenge too far. I am often appalled at what they do in carrying out their (sometimes violent) missions.
To top it all off, I am becoming more and more apathetic towards the characters in these novels. As it stands now, I'm not even sure I care what happens in the end!
These stories are corny, far-fetched and at this point, I'm not sure if I will see the series through.
I can understand desperately wanting to see justice served, but these women take their revenge too far. I am often appalled at what they do in carrying out their (sometimes violent) missions.
To top it all off, I am becoming more and more apathetic towards the characters in these novels. As it stands now, I'm not even sure I care what happens in the end!
August 11, 2021
After a drunk driver runs over her daughter and escapes the consequences, Myra Rutledge sets up a group of women to take revenge outside the law. In this book, Nikki, her adopted daughter, takes revenge against a high-powered abusive husband.
This was a confusing book. There are two major revenge schemes, that of the horses and of the NSA, and they are cobbled together rather unconvincingly. I wished the author picked one and stuck to it. I was glad that Jack was finally let in on the secret, though I think the gold shields have outlived their purpose.
This was a confusing book. There are two major revenge schemes, that of the horses and of the NSA, and they are cobbled together rather unconvincingly. I wished the author picked one and stuck to it. I was glad that Jack was finally let in on the secret, though I think the gold shields have outlived their purpose.
November 9, 2014
This is like an ongoing soapie that snares you in because it is simple and interesting. This book did not have as much development of characters as previously and had a touch of romance to soften the revenge being undertaken.
March 18, 2014
Once again...nothing good to say. However, I am ashamed to admit that I seem to be aggravatingly addicted.
The narrator is alright as far as the main characters voice goes, but when she pulls in characters such as Myra, Charles, Jack, etc....she's totally unbearable to listen to.
Remember that monotone voice from the TTS function...that would be much more suitable here.
Character developments are way off the realm of description. For example try to picture a tough, female semi-truck driver. We all have those preconceived notions of such a person....well...when was the last time you looked at a tough female semi-truck driver and thoughtless....Brittany Spears??? Seriously? Uma Thurman maybe from Kill Bill, but NOT Brittany Spears!
And a Chinese lady by the name of Yoko,,,,I can't get past imagining Yoko Ono (although Japanese), in this roll.
I missed the part on 2 new character developments, still not sure where they came from and why, but surprise!!! Here they are.
Stupid, guilty, chic lit pleasure that I apparently like, and love to leave comments about!
The narrator is alright as far as the main characters voice goes, but when she pulls in characters such as Myra, Charles, Jack, etc....she's totally unbearable to listen to.
Remember that monotone voice from the TTS function...that would be much more suitable here.
Character developments are way off the realm of description. For example try to picture a tough, female semi-truck driver. We all have those preconceived notions of such a person....well...when was the last time you looked at a tough female semi-truck driver and thoughtless....Brittany Spears??? Seriously? Uma Thurman maybe from Kill Bill, but NOT Brittany Spears!
And a Chinese lady by the name of Yoko,,,,I can't get past imagining Yoko Ono (although Japanese), in this roll.
I missed the part on 2 new character developments, still not sure where they came from and why, but surprise!!! Here they are.
Stupid, guilty, chic lit pleasure that I apparently like, and love to leave comments about!
October 10, 2017
I just love this series! A group of women taking no crap from people who have wronged them.
January 16, 2019
**This review is for the audiobook on Audible.**
Truthfully, there isn't much I can say about Fern Michaels' Sisterhood series that I haven't already said in my past reviews, except that if you haven't started it yet, you are really missing out! In fact, I'm surprised this hasn't been made into a television series or movie. So much happens in each of these books - I cannot believe I am only finished with book 4. You definitely will want to start with book 1, rather than in the middle of the series so you can understand how and why these women joined forces to become a sisterhood of revenge. These are the only Fern Michaels' books I have read/listened to, but if her other books are this good, I'll be raving about those ones, too, soon enough!
I have only listened to the audiobooks, and while I'm sure reading this series is enjoyable, I cannot imagine it being as good as the audio. Narrator Laural Merlington is outstanding! Her voices, consistency, and the way she brings the text to life, make her 100% in my book. I love everything about her performance. I'm always in disbelief that there is really only one narrator. She makes me feel like I am right there with the women, as a member of their sisterhood!
The Jury: Revenge of the Sisterhood, Book 4 by Fern Michaels, narrated by Laural Merlington is well worth the credit on Audible. In fact, I have already purchased the next three audiobooks in this series and plan to download book 5 right after I post this review. I give this one a rating of 4-4.3 stars. If you like women's fiction, lots of action, and enjoy seeing the bad guy finally get what he deserves, this is the series for you! Until next time...happy listening! :-)
Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful.
Truthfully, there isn't much I can say about Fern Michaels' Sisterhood series that I haven't already said in my past reviews, except that if you haven't started it yet, you are really missing out! In fact, I'm surprised this hasn't been made into a television series or movie. So much happens in each of these books - I cannot believe I am only finished with book 4. You definitely will want to start with book 1, rather than in the middle of the series so you can understand how and why these women joined forces to become a sisterhood of revenge. These are the only Fern Michaels' books I have read/listened to, but if her other books are this good, I'll be raving about those ones, too, soon enough!
I have only listened to the audiobooks, and while I'm sure reading this series is enjoyable, I cannot imagine it being as good as the audio. Narrator Laural Merlington is outstanding! Her voices, consistency, and the way she brings the text to life, make her 100% in my book. I love everything about her performance. I'm always in disbelief that there is really only one narrator. She makes me feel like I am right there with the women, as a member of their sisterhood!
The Jury: Revenge of the Sisterhood, Book 4 by Fern Michaels, narrated by Laural Merlington is well worth the credit on Audible. In fact, I have already purchased the next three audiobooks in this series and plan to download book 5 right after I post this review. I give this one a rating of 4-4.3 stars. If you like women's fiction, lots of action, and enjoy seeing the bad guy finally get what he deserves, this is the series for you! Until next time...happy listening! :-)
Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful.
January 18, 2021
I'm not sure about the title of this novel although I can think of some possibilities. Although Nikki and Jack are both lawyers, they have yet to be in a courtroom setting for very long. In this novel, the sisterhood decides to avenge a badly beaten woman who is the wife of a national leader. There is a fair amount of action in the plot to keep the reader's attention. It is another good novel that provides a good escape for a few hours.
October 22, 2024
This was at times sad, mind boggling, over the top and gruesome. I loved it all, but the idea of what these girls do sometimes gives me shivers. It's Nikki's turn for justice, but things go awry and the mission gets out on the sidelines due to another more pressing matter if a wife beater. There are a few different commingling storylines and I can't wait to read the next one. Very easy and fast reads. This series is like candy and I just eat them right up!
October 8, 2011
Fourth in the Sisterhood vengeance and suspense series revolving around a group of women vigilantes seeking their own brand of justice for the wrongs done to or against them.
The Story
It's Nikki's turn for vengeance and she's thoroughly confused. She's sure that the ladies expect her to want retaliation against Jack Emery for trying to find evidence against them and that's not what she wants. In fact, she wants just the opposite. And isn't that going to throw a spanner in the mix!
Luckily, she finds a better target against the Barringtons, their lawyer, and the very-conflicted judge in the case. Then they find another target...
My Take
This was an odd one. Michaels waffled all over the place. First it's Nikki's turn up to bat. So everyone takes a four-month vacation. Nik is assuming she's supposed to go after Jack but chooses to take on the Barringtons and her newly-fired employee along with the judge instead but in reality they go after the wife-beating high politico instead.
The Good Bits
I do like that Jack finally gets what it is that Nikki and company are doing. It's too bad it had to happen the way it did, but it does do the job and force the emotional aspect into him.
I do like the loyalty of Nikki's fellow lawyers in the firm. It's this loyalty—between lawyers and the mostly loyal friendship of the ladies along with the true justice being meted out—that I keep reading this series in spite of Michaels' writing.
The Cover
We're back to the hand and the flower for a cover. Again, the hand is rough with a nice manicure but it seems more age-roughened than work. It's an open palm holding a red rose against a softened purple and black background. As for the title, The Jury, well, the jury is out in every sense of the word.
The Story
It's Nikki's turn for vengeance and she's thoroughly confused. She's sure that the ladies expect her to want retaliation against Jack Emery for trying to find evidence against them and that's not what she wants. In fact, she wants just the opposite. And isn't that going to throw a spanner in the mix!
Luckily, she finds a better target against the Barringtons, their lawyer, and the very-conflicted judge in the case. Then they find another target...
My Take
This was an odd one. Michaels waffled all over the place. First it's Nikki's turn up to bat. So everyone takes a four-month vacation. Nik is assuming she's supposed to go after Jack but chooses to take on the Barringtons and her newly-fired employee along with the judge instead but in reality they go after the wife-beating high politico instead.
The Good Bits
I do like that Jack finally gets what it is that Nikki and company are doing. It's too bad it had to happen the way it did, but it does do the job and force the emotional aspect into him.
I do like the loyalty of Nikki's fellow lawyers in the firm. It's this loyalty—between lawyers and the mostly loyal friendship of the ladies along with the true justice being meted out—that I keep reading this series in spite of Michaels' writing.
The Cover
We're back to the hand and the flower for a cover. Again, the hand is rough with a nice manicure but it seems more age-roughened than work. It's an open palm holding a red rose against a softened purple and black background. As for the title, The Jury, well, the jury is out in every sense of the word.
November 3, 2016
Setting: Pinewood; Washington DC
Theme:
Justice; protection; trust/love;
Characters:
Nikki Quinn: she goes on a ‘forced’ vacation for 3 months on a reclusive island, and returns home to her turn for revenge… though she not outright wronged as the others; she has no desire to go after Jack, and initially takes up cause against Myra’s horse raising neighbors – the Barringtons – who neglect their horses, allowing 8 to die; she takes on a new hire in her law firm, who defended the Barringtons; but when they disappear, she goes after NSA Woodley, who beat his wife; and after confronting Banks (her hire who took the wrong case), and socking her in the nose – she is shook up, and calls Jack, stunned – and Jack immediately comes to be with her… and she finally confides all to him… and they reconnect – though she doesn’t tell the others yet;
Myra Rutledge and Charles: outraged by the Barringtons, and are watching over – feeding their horses at the fence;
Paula Woodley: ex Olympic gymnast, married to the US president’s NSA; and she has been beaten many, many times… her sister calls Maddy in Nikki’s office, who checks up on her, and finds her almost dead… and Maddy takes her to Pinewood, where a call to Charles gets a private ambulance and attendants to come for her, to take her to safety and healing; we don’t really meet her, but she supports their efforts against her husband with information about his routine, the house security, etc.
National Security Advisor Woodley – college friend to the president; he has beat and subdued his wife for years, with no one questioning him;
Alison Banks: fake lawyer – taking on a dead person’s credentials; she joins Nikki’s law firm… and in Nikki’s absence, she takes on the Barringtons as clients, though told not to… and gets them freed, blaming an unnamed, absentee horse caretaker; when Nikki returns, and finds out what she did – she tears up her contract and fires her – confiscating her computer and files… sockying her when she argued; she threatens lawsuits, but disappears… and Charles finds out that the real Alison Banks died;
Barringtons: con people; buy expensive horses for resale… along with lessor ones, that they neglect; they disappear also;
Judge Cornelia ‘Nellie’ Banks: Myra’s long time friend; she loses her pregnant daughter in a car accident;
Kathryn, Myra, Alexis, Isabelle: on the sidelines, delivering justice…
Julie: dies of heart failure – an AIDs treatment side effect;
Ted Robinson: newspaper reporter; jack confides in him, and he takes up the banner – investigating Myra and Charles; once Jack makes up with Nikki, he tries to discourage Ted – but Ted has his teeth in it… and he is subject to the president’s red team – beaten… and his spleen is removed because of the damage they did… but he keeps investigating;
Summary:
Jack and Nikki are happy when together… jack questions a bit his compromising of values, but is too happy to do otherwise; when he knows Nikki is striking against Woodley, he does his best to watch out for her; not sure why they are keeping it a secret;
Jack uses the attack against Woodley to draw the red team to his house, where he has masked friends waiting… and they beat the red team guys – one so bad his spleen needs to be removed… and somehow they do so without retaliation (at least not in this book)
The women get Woodley alone in his house – and show him the xrays of the many injuries he inflicted on his wife… and they beat him to duplicate much of the damage… hmmmm
And Julie dies… and the book ends with them going to Switzerland to pay their respects.
And next book is Isabelle’s turn…
Theme:
Justice; protection; trust/love;
Characters:
Nikki Quinn: she goes on a ‘forced’ vacation for 3 months on a reclusive island, and returns home to her turn for revenge… though she not outright wronged as the others; she has no desire to go after Jack, and initially takes up cause against Myra’s horse raising neighbors – the Barringtons – who neglect their horses, allowing 8 to die; she takes on a new hire in her law firm, who defended the Barringtons; but when they disappear, she goes after NSA Woodley, who beat his wife; and after confronting Banks (her hire who took the wrong case), and socking her in the nose – she is shook up, and calls Jack, stunned – and Jack immediately comes to be with her… and she finally confides all to him… and they reconnect – though she doesn’t tell the others yet;
Myra Rutledge and Charles: outraged by the Barringtons, and are watching over – feeding their horses at the fence;
Paula Woodley: ex Olympic gymnast, married to the US president’s NSA; and she has been beaten many, many times… her sister calls Maddy in Nikki’s office, who checks up on her, and finds her almost dead… and Maddy takes her to Pinewood, where a call to Charles gets a private ambulance and attendants to come for her, to take her to safety and healing; we don’t really meet her, but she supports their efforts against her husband with information about his routine, the house security, etc.
National Security Advisor Woodley – college friend to the president; he has beat and subdued his wife for years, with no one questioning him;
Alison Banks: fake lawyer – taking on a dead person’s credentials; she joins Nikki’s law firm… and in Nikki’s absence, she takes on the Barringtons as clients, though told not to… and gets them freed, blaming an unnamed, absentee horse caretaker; when Nikki returns, and finds out what she did – she tears up her contract and fires her – confiscating her computer and files… sockying her when she argued; she threatens lawsuits, but disappears… and Charles finds out that the real Alison Banks died;
Barringtons: con people; buy expensive horses for resale… along with lessor ones, that they neglect; they disappear also;
Judge Cornelia ‘Nellie’ Banks: Myra’s long time friend; she loses her pregnant daughter in a car accident;
Kathryn, Myra, Alexis, Isabelle: on the sidelines, delivering justice…
Julie: dies of heart failure – an AIDs treatment side effect;
Ted Robinson: newspaper reporter; jack confides in him, and he takes up the banner – investigating Myra and Charles; once Jack makes up with Nikki, he tries to discourage Ted – but Ted has his teeth in it… and he is subject to the president’s red team – beaten… and his spleen is removed because of the damage they did… but he keeps investigating;
Summary:
Jack and Nikki are happy when together… jack questions a bit his compromising of values, but is too happy to do otherwise; when he knows Nikki is striking against Woodley, he does his best to watch out for her; not sure why they are keeping it a secret;
Jack uses the attack against Woodley to draw the red team to his house, where he has masked friends waiting… and they beat the red team guys – one so bad his spleen needs to be removed… and somehow they do so without retaliation (at least not in this book)
The women get Woodley alone in his house – and show him the xrays of the many injuries he inflicted on his wife… and they beat him to duplicate much of the damage… hmmmm
And Julie dies… and the book ends with them going to Switzerland to pay their respects.
And next book is Isabelle’s turn…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2014
Sisterhood #4
At the end of book #3 Nikki's name was chosen. After everything that happened Nikki just needs a break. What can go wrong if Nikki spends a month or three on an Island incommunicado? Well Myra stubbles upon neglected horses and reports it, and things sotra go down hill. So half the book is about that and of course brings them into the Sisterhoods spotlight.
The other half is a surprise visitor that deperatly needs their, the Sisterhoods, help. Pauly Woodley was brought out to the farm nearly beaten to death at the hands of her high profile husband. Mr. Abusive husband is none other than the NSA (National Security Advisor) and best-friends with the current President. Suffice to say the girls have their work cut out for them when they take on this case. Ever hear that phrase, "An eye for an eye"?
Besides that you get some good times and some sad times again. I won't spoil anything by telling you who or what happens, but I will say this, the Sisterhood looses one advisary but gains another.
I give this 3.5 stars. I almost gave a whole 4 but I don't really know why but I didn't enjoy this as much as previous ones. Still love the characters, like the bit ol' romance thrown in, the payback was alright, and we even got a new name drawn.
At the end of book #3 Nikki's name was chosen. After everything that happened Nikki just needs a break. What can go wrong if Nikki spends a month or three on an Island incommunicado? Well Myra stubbles upon neglected horses and reports it, and things sotra go down hill. So half the book is about that and of course brings them into the Sisterhoods spotlight.
The other half is a surprise visitor that deperatly needs their, the Sisterhoods, help. Pauly Woodley was brought out to the farm nearly beaten to death at the hands of her high profile husband. Mr. Abusive husband is none other than the NSA (National Security Advisor) and best-friends with the current President. Suffice to say the girls have their work cut out for them when they take on this case. Ever hear that phrase, "An eye for an eye"?
Besides that you get some good times and some sad times again. I won't spoil anything by telling you who or what happens, but I will say this, the Sisterhood looses one advisary but gains another.
I give this 3.5 stars. I almost gave a whole 4 but I don't really know why but I didn't enjoy this as much as previous ones. Still love the characters, like the bit ol' romance thrown in, the payback was alright, and we even got a new name drawn.
January 5, 2010
Ok...The first book and second book was good but this book was just plain stupid. Nikki has got to be the weakest and stupidest woman ever. All she does is cry about how she's still in love with Jack and whine about choices and blah blah. Then magically after everything Jack made her and her gaggle of friends go through they forgive each other after a magical pocus of sex and all is well. I don't even get the "revenge" theme anymore. There is no revenge until the last three or four chapters. The writing is bad and I don't even know why I'm bothering to read the next book.
October 2, 2011
This is one of the most stupid books I've read. The story was all over the place - the original problem these "ladies" were supposed to solve was dropped in the middle of the book and never solved.
I also think that while the idea of getting justice for those who can't get it on their own seems appealing, I think these "ladies" go way too far and the boyfriend, reporter, etc wouldn't really go along with all this.
I also think that while the idea of getting justice for those who can't get it on their own seems appealing, I think these "ladies" go way too far and the boyfriend, reporter, etc wouldn't really go along with all this.
April 11, 2019
Just Average
I have read the previous books in the series and enjoyed them. However, I was expecting more from this book. I couldn’t feel a connection with the characters, and can find nothing to like about Jack. It seemed as if the book was written just to have it written. I won’t be continuing with the series.
I have read the previous books in the series and enjoyed them. However, I was expecting more from this book. I couldn’t feel a connection with the characters, and can find nothing to like about Jack. It seemed as if the book was written just to have it written. I won’t be continuing with the series.
June 2, 2011
Not worth the paper it is printed on--read only if you are in a jail cell and have no measurable IQ/
March 16, 2016
Probably my least favorite so far in the series, but I will keep reading on!
March 11, 2024
The Jury by Fern Michaels
Sisterhood #4
related series Men of the Sisterhood
+266-page Kindle Ebook ends on 259
Genre: Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Featuring: Author's Bibliography, Washington, D. C.; Virginia, The In Case You're Jumpin' In Recap, Lawyers, Wealthy Socialite, Injustices, Revenge Plot, Animal Abuse, Horse, Assault, Vigilantes Women's Club, Politics, Corruption, Sneak Peak for 19 Yellow Moon Road - Sisterhood #33
Rating as a movie: R for adult content including violence
Songs for the soundtrack: Breaking Up Is Hard To Do by Neil Sedaka
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️¾⚖️
My thoughts: 🔖Page 11 of 266 three pages into Chapter One - First of all how many times are they going to use Jack Emery, shouldn't he just be Jack? This plot is weak all over, this feels like a filler book.
🔖66 Eight - So many issues. Why was Nikki's name in the pot since Barbara was also her mission, why would they expect her to go after Jack? So they pretty much fabricate a new mission for her and it's riddled with holes, but I'll take it.
This one was all over the place with targets changing multiple times and Nikki talking too much. The middle was good, the shaky start was why I couldn't give it the full 4 stars.
Recommend to others: Yes. It's good and I'm torn between irreverence and fascination.
Sisterhood
1. Weekend Warriors (2003)
2. Payback (2004)
3. Vendetta (2005)
4. The Jury (2005)
5. Sweet Revenge (2006)
6. Lethal Justice (2006)
7. Free Fall (2007)
8. Hide and Seek (2007)
9. Hokus Pokus (2007)
10. Fast Track (2008)
11. Collateral Damage (2008)
12. Final Justice (2008)
13. Under the Radar (2009)
14. Razor Sharp (2009)
15. Vanishing Act (2009)
16. Deadly Deals (2009)
17. Game Over (2010)
18. Cross Roads (2010)
19. Deja Vu (2010)
20. Home Free (2011)
21. Gotcha! (2012)
22. Blindsided (2013)
23. Kiss and Tell (2014)
24. Eyes Only (2014)
25. In Plain Sight (2015)
26. Point Blank (2015)
26.5. And the Angels Sing (2015)
aka Wishes for Christmas
27. Crash and Burn (2016)
Sisterhood Series: Books 14-15 (2017)
28. Need to Know (2017)
29. Safe and Sound (2018)
30. Cut and Run (2019)
31. Truth and Justice (2020)
32. Bitter Pill (2020)
33. 19 Yellow Moon Road (2021)
A Golden Tree (2021)
34. Tick Tock (2022)
35. Rock Bottom (2023)
36. Backwater Justice (2024)
Sisterhood #4
related series Men of the Sisterhood
+266-page Kindle Ebook ends on 259
Genre: Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Featuring: Author's Bibliography, Washington, D. C.; Virginia, The In Case You're Jumpin' In Recap, Lawyers, Wealthy Socialite, Injustices, Revenge Plot, Animal Abuse, Horse, Assault, Vigilantes Women's Club, Politics, Corruption, Sneak Peak for 19 Yellow Moon Road - Sisterhood #33
Rating as a movie: R for adult content including violence
Songs for the soundtrack: Breaking Up Is Hard To Do by Neil Sedaka
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️¾⚖️
My thoughts: 🔖Page 11 of 266 three pages into Chapter One - First of all how many times are they going to use Jack Emery, shouldn't he just be Jack? This plot is weak all over, this feels like a filler book.
🔖66 Eight - So many issues. Why was Nikki's name in the pot since Barbara was also her mission, why would they expect her to go after Jack? So they pretty much fabricate a new mission for her and it's riddled with holes, but I'll take it.
This one was all over the place with targets changing multiple times and Nikki talking too much. The middle was good, the shaky start was why I couldn't give it the full 4 stars.
Recommend to others: Yes. It's good and I'm torn between irreverence and fascination.
Sisterhood
1. Weekend Warriors (2003)
2. Payback (2004)
3. Vendetta (2005)
4. The Jury (2005)
5. Sweet Revenge (2006)
6. Lethal Justice (2006)
7. Free Fall (2007)
8. Hide and Seek (2007)
9. Hokus Pokus (2007)
10. Fast Track (2008)
11. Collateral Damage (2008)
12. Final Justice (2008)
13. Under the Radar (2009)
14. Razor Sharp (2009)
15. Vanishing Act (2009)
16. Deadly Deals (2009)
17. Game Over (2010)
18. Cross Roads (2010)
19. Deja Vu (2010)
20. Home Free (2011)
21. Gotcha! (2012)
22. Blindsided (2013)
23. Kiss and Tell (2014)
24. Eyes Only (2014)
25. In Plain Sight (2015)
26. Point Blank (2015)
26.5. And the Angels Sing (2015)
aka Wishes for Christmas
27. Crash and Burn (2016)
Sisterhood Series: Books 14-15 (2017)
28. Need to Know (2017)
29. Safe and Sound (2018)
30. Cut and Run (2019)
31. Truth and Justice (2020)
32. Bitter Pill (2020)
33. 19 Yellow Moon Road (2021)
A Golden Tree (2021)
34. Tick Tock (2022)
35. Rock Bottom (2023)
36. Backwater Justice (2024)
December 19, 2023
SPOILERS!!
I have a love-hate relationship with this series of books. I freely admit it. Books 4 and five are not available in any of the libraries of which I'm a patron, and so I had to pay for them. Clearly, I wanted to read the books since money was involved :-).
These books continue to be completely unreasonable in their logic and human behavior, and yet I love the characters, and they contain enjoyable stories.
My complaints about this particular book : first, the book starts with Nikki whining about how everyone else in the sisterhood has an injustice to avenge, and she has nothing. That is ridiculous. The sisterhood was started because she and her adopted mother wanted to avenge the death of her sister and best friend Barbara. Second, Nikki, who is supposed to be so virtuous, and Lily White, sells out the sisterhood -- that would be all of her friends plus her mother. Why? Because her self image has taken a hit and she needs a role in the hay to make herself feel better. So she sells out the entire group to the district attorney, who has been hounding them for years, trying to put them in prison.
Third, (actually, this is not a complaint, but I would like to include it) I was right in my last review. Violence, whether you are on the giving end of it or the receiving end of it, changes you. At least the books were honest about that. Nikki gets mad at one of her employees and literally beats her up and breaks her nose. It was getting ridiculous that there was no change in violence in their private lives.
As always, please forgive the misspellings and punctuation errors. I use dictation to write these and don't always have time to go back and correct them. Thank you.
I have a love-hate relationship with this series of books. I freely admit it. Books 4 and five are not available in any of the libraries of which I'm a patron, and so I had to pay for them. Clearly, I wanted to read the books since money was involved :-).
These books continue to be completely unreasonable in their logic and human behavior, and yet I love the characters, and they contain enjoyable stories.
My complaints about this particular book : first, the book starts with Nikki whining about how everyone else in the sisterhood has an injustice to avenge, and she has nothing. That is ridiculous. The sisterhood was started because she and her adopted mother wanted to avenge the death of her sister and best friend Barbara. Second, Nikki, who is supposed to be so virtuous, and Lily White, sells out the sisterhood -- that would be all of her friends plus her mother. Why? Because her self image has taken a hit and she needs a role in the hay to make herself feel better. So she sells out the entire group to the district attorney, who has been hounding them for years, trying to put them in prison.
Third, (actually, this is not a complaint, but I would like to include it) I was right in my last review. Violence, whether you are on the giving end of it or the receiving end of it, changes you. At least the books were honest about that. Nikki gets mad at one of her employees and literally beats her up and breaks her nose. It was getting ridiculous that there was no change in violence in their private lives.
As always, please forgive the misspellings and punctuation errors. I use dictation to write these and don't always have time to go back and correct them. Thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2023
Disappointed in the turn of characters - promoting emotionally abusive relationship.
The series depicts an obviously over dramatic example of women taking back their power, but this fourth novel was disappointing. One of the main characters, Nikki, and intelligent, strategic thinker who acts as legal counsel for this group, the “vigilante” Sisterhood, is diminished in “The Jury”. It’s understood that everything is depicted in an over the top fashion in this series. It is realistic to depict a highly educated, professional individual as falling in to a relationship where emotional abuse occurs. In this novel, the Nikki character is portrayed as accepting of the torment her former love puts her through. Her partner in one breath says that he hates her, and he’ll gladly do everything in his power to destroy her, and in the next, while not apologetic, he gushes his love, desire and acceptance of her. Stereotypically Nikki swoons and all the conflict he has put her through is forgiven.
It seems at odds that the author portrays the group’s strident approach to dealing with a physically abusive partner, but emotion and psychological abuse is romanticized as a loving couple who have found one another again. Maybe this dynamic was introduced to give the reader pause and question why non visible abuse is more easily tolerated while we typically draw a line in the sand where physical abuse is concerned.
It certainly provides enough fodder for a discussion group. Unfortunately this reader finds that it weakens the premise depicted in the progression of this series.
The series depicts an obviously over dramatic example of women taking back their power, but this fourth novel was disappointing. One of the main characters, Nikki, and intelligent, strategic thinker who acts as legal counsel for this group, the “vigilante” Sisterhood, is diminished in “The Jury”. It’s understood that everything is depicted in an over the top fashion in this series. It is realistic to depict a highly educated, professional individual as falling in to a relationship where emotional abuse occurs. In this novel, the Nikki character is portrayed as accepting of the torment her former love puts her through. Her partner in one breath says that he hates her, and he’ll gladly do everything in his power to destroy her, and in the next, while not apologetic, he gushes his love, desire and acceptance of her. Stereotypically Nikki swoons and all the conflict he has put her through is forgiven.
It seems at odds that the author portrays the group’s strident approach to dealing with a physically abusive partner, but emotion and psychological abuse is romanticized as a loving couple who have found one another again. Maybe this dynamic was introduced to give the reader pause and question why non visible abuse is more easily tolerated while we typically draw a line in the sand where physical abuse is concerned.
It certainly provides enough fodder for a discussion group. Unfortunately this reader finds that it weakens the premise depicted in the progression of this series.
May 23, 2025
Ok, I forgot just how awesome this series is. Well. I knew it, I just forgot HOW MUCH it was awesome. I've ripped through 4 books in 36 hours. My groceries came and I put away the cold stuff and went back to reading. Sooooo glad I am retired so I can read 24/7 if I want to.
OK.
This book is pretty convoluted and it is a difficult caper to do, and this is a one-off. It isn't one of the Sisters that is seeking retribution. This is Paula's story, an abused women who has lived a horrific life as the wife of a high official in the President's Cabinet. [This series takes place in the area around the US Capital.] This guy has actually broken every bone in his wife's body, she has run out of hospitals and names to get medical, and this time Paula has figured she was going to die, so she lay down on the couch and waited. Her out of town sister, frantic when she hasn't been able to reach her for days, calls her friend [a lawyer in Nikki's law firm] and asks her to do a wellness check, who finds her. And we are off full tilt to make things right.
After Charles calls in his connections, picks up Paula and gets her the extreme medical help she needs, the Sisters meet in the War Room. They take the case and Charles begins the research process.
Meanwhile, back in the city, Jack [Nikki's one and only love] continues his suspicians that the Ladies are up to something. So this is a close one. He finds out that SOMETHING is going on, and buddys up with Ted [Big Time Reporter] and the ladies realize that this is going to be super difficult to do the deed, so to speak.
The Plot Thickens!!
OK.
This book is pretty convoluted and it is a difficult caper to do, and this is a one-off. It isn't one of the Sisters that is seeking retribution. This is Paula's story, an abused women who has lived a horrific life as the wife of a high official in the President's Cabinet. [This series takes place in the area around the US Capital.] This guy has actually broken every bone in his wife's body, she has run out of hospitals and names to get medical, and this time Paula has figured she was going to die, so she lay down on the couch and waited. Her out of town sister, frantic when she hasn't been able to reach her for days, calls her friend [a lawyer in Nikki's law firm] and asks her to do a wellness check, who finds her. And we are off full tilt to make things right.
After Charles calls in his connections, picks up Paula and gets her the extreme medical help she needs, the Sisters meet in the War Room. They take the case and Charles begins the research process.
Meanwhile, back in the city, Jack [Nikki's one and only love] continues his suspicians that the Ladies are up to something. So this is a close one. He finds out that SOMETHING is going on, and buddys up with Ted [Big Time Reporter] and the ladies realize that this is going to be super difficult to do the deed, so to speak.
The Plot Thickens!!
February 10, 2021
The Jury
One review I read says exactly what I feel “I don’t know why I keep reading these books”
I skipped #3 because several reviews said it was brutal, and it was referred to in this book and it was vicious, so I’m glad I didn’t read it. Again there were many editorial errors. Eg: Nikki went off to “the island” to recover from all that had happened so they delayed the next mission, Charles said they would reconvene September 1. At the end of September, Nikki was still on the island getting ready to return. According to the timeline it said it was two days from Halloween, so they actually exacted their revenge on Halloween yet no one was around! No trick or treaters etc.
I love series because you get to know the characters and love them, but quite honestly, with each passing book I’m liking them less, and less, as they are mean and brutal. Blows my mind that they talk about God, then talk to “the spirit” of Barbara and plan revenge.
I also found this “revenge” over the top in fantasy. The fact that they broke into the home of the National Security Advisor, best friend of the president and brutally beat him, then Jack got the three “gold shield” men of the President to come to his and Nikki’s house, and had them beaten so badly they all had to have their spleens removed, in retaliation for them beating Ted and his spleen had to be removed. And they all got away with it. The friendships and love talked about in between just aren’t enough to balance the meanness and brutal revenge for me.
One review I read says exactly what I feel “I don’t know why I keep reading these books”
I skipped #3 because several reviews said it was brutal, and it was referred to in this book and it was vicious, so I’m glad I didn’t read it. Again there were many editorial errors. Eg: Nikki went off to “the island” to recover from all that had happened so they delayed the next mission, Charles said they would reconvene September 1. At the end of September, Nikki was still on the island getting ready to return. According to the timeline it said it was two days from Halloween, so they actually exacted their revenge on Halloween yet no one was around! No trick or treaters etc.
I love series because you get to know the characters and love them, but quite honestly, with each passing book I’m liking them less, and less, as they are mean and brutal. Blows my mind that they talk about God, then talk to “the spirit” of Barbara and plan revenge.
I also found this “revenge” over the top in fantasy. The fact that they broke into the home of the National Security Advisor, best friend of the president and brutally beat him, then Jack got the three “gold shield” men of the President to come to his and Nikki’s house, and had them beaten so badly they all had to have their spleens removed, in retaliation for them beating Ted and his spleen had to be removed. And they all got away with it. The friendships and love talked about in between just aren’t enough to balance the meanness and brutal revenge for me.
January 24, 2023
It was Nikki's turn and I didn't really know she had something that needed to be justified. Then while she was away trying to rest because she had a breakdown. Their neighbors who owned horses were caught in a legal situation. When Nikki get's home she confides in Jack of all people. I mean I knew they still loved each other, but dear gravy. He was out to get the sisterhood and Charles for that matter.
While they are dealing with what to do with their neighbors, one of Nikki's employees brings a battered wife. So that issue takes a back burner and they all decided to deal with the husband. Only problem, is that the husband is NSA! yeah.....
The sisterhood does their magic, comes up with a plan and Charles helps like always.
They manage to whisk away the battered wife to where no one can find her. They set their plan in motion and JACK is there! Yeah he really can be a thorn in the side.
He sits outside, well hides outside and makes sure the ladies don't get in any trouble. For instance, he calls the police on his ex partner. Can you believe that?
The ladies dish out their punishment to the husband who is an abuser. They make him realize WOMAN did that to him and even though he is NSA, they can do it again.
I am still waiting to see how Jack fits in now after he knows all. It might be in the next book? IDK but if they don't take him out like others have asked if they needed, then he needs to be part of the sisterhood.
While they are dealing with what to do with their neighbors, one of Nikki's employees brings a battered wife. So that issue takes a back burner and they all decided to deal with the husband. Only problem, is that the husband is NSA! yeah.....
The sisterhood does their magic, comes up with a plan and Charles helps like always.
They manage to whisk away the battered wife to where no one can find her. They set their plan in motion and JACK is there! Yeah he really can be a thorn in the side.
He sits outside, well hides outside and makes sure the ladies don't get in any trouble. For instance, he calls the police on his ex partner. Can you believe that?
The ladies dish out their punishment to the husband who is an abuser. They make him realize WOMAN did that to him and even though he is NSA, they can do it again.
I am still waiting to see how Jack fits in now after he knows all. It might be in the next book? IDK but if they don't take him out like others have asked if they needed, then he needs to be part of the sisterhood.
November 19, 2023
Very strange book with several seemingly unrelated plots going on. It's the first one I've read in this series which may contribute to why it was hard for me to follow. I couldn't figure out the connection between the horse story, the corrupt lawyer story and the revenge wife abuser story? Also, so unrealistic it was almost funny, to think a group of women could pull off what they did on a NSA, (really, NO security around him?) in addition to the fact that what they did was immoral and illegal and even more brutal than what caused their revenge in the first place! Maybe that was the point of the story? Ok, and what about the more than one person in the story who die and what was their connection or contribution to the story? I was totally confused and would definitely not read more of the series.
November 20, 2023
I don't give away spoilers in my reviews.
This is another book in the series of The Sisterhood and it's so action-packed. I love all of the Sisterhood characters and Charles and Jack. They make up a great group of powerful people seeking justice.
This book focuses on Nikki since it's her turn to pick a case for the Sisterhood. I don't give away spoilers so I don't want to mention more than the back page blurb does. A woman married to a top level security advisor is abused by him. The Sisterhood steps in to help her seek justice.
I really love the settings of Myra's home, the War Room and all of the details included. I like reading about the meals they make, the tension during the operation, etc.
This is such a fantastic series and I am really looking forward to reading Isabelle's story next.
This is another book in the series of The Sisterhood and it's so action-packed. I love all of the Sisterhood characters and Charles and Jack. They make up a great group of powerful people seeking justice.
This book focuses on Nikki since it's her turn to pick a case for the Sisterhood. I don't give away spoilers so I don't want to mention more than the back page blurb does. A woman married to a top level security advisor is abused by him. The Sisterhood steps in to help her seek justice.
I really love the settings of Myra's home, the War Room and all of the details included. I like reading about the meals they make, the tension during the operation, etc.
This is such a fantastic series and I am really looking forward to reading Isabelle's story next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 364 reviews