I was first introduced to Phillip Margolin’s legal thrillers with last year’s An Insignificant Case. That novel—about an unlikely duo, a quirky artist and a struggling lawyer—pulled me into a courtroom drama so gripping that I was left hungry for more. Lucky for me, Margolin’s publisher graciously provided the audiobook of his latest release, False Witness. It’s another stellar legal mystery that hooked me from the start.
Defense attorney Karen Wyatt has built her reputation on getting clients out of impossible situations. It’s all part of the job, after all. But she never expected that exposing a corrupt police force would land her behind bars herself. After being framed on bogus drug charges, imprisoned, and disbarred, Wyatt eventually clears her name and wins back the right to practice law. Still, one question remains. Who was truly behind the setup?
As she digs for answers with the help of her private investigator, Morris, Wyatt takes on a new case, one that might be even more dangerous. Her client has been accused of a brutal murder, but the evidence doesn’t quite add up. Was he framed, too? Balancing her personal vendetta with her professional duty, Wyatt finds herself entangled in two mysteries that will have her questioning everything she's ever believed about justice and truth.
With False Witness, Phillip Margolin delivers a compelling legal thriller packed with corruption, conspiracy, wrongful convictions, and even a surprising touch of the extraterrestrial. The story moves briskly, propelled by tight plotting and a large but clearly drawn cast of characters. Thérèse Plummer’s narration brings warmth and texture to every scene, grounding the twists in emotional reality. Morris may steal the spotlight at times, but this is firmly Wyatt’s story—and it’s refreshing to see Margolin spotlight a female lead in a genre so often dominated by men. False Witness is smart, fast-paced, and endlessly entertaining. It's the kind of legal thriller that proves that Margolin is one of the best in the business.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2025, 89)
This sounds like a great legal thriller! And I'm really intrigued by the "surprising touch of the extraterrestrial". I'm adding this to my list. Great review!
ReplyDeleteIt brings an "is it real or imagined" aspect to the story that was really fun.
DeleteLegal thrillers aren't something a gravitate toward normally, but I've got several family members who adore them! I might need to pick this up to see if it can be added to my potential gifts list in the future.
ReplyDeleteIf they're fans of Grisham, they'll like this too.
DeleteIt's been a long time since I've read a really good legal thriller. Both of his books sound really good. I think I need to check them out.
ReplyDeleteI've been impressed with both. Highly recommend!
DeleteQuite the glowing review. Not a genre I really read, but it makes me sad that it's a notable thing to have a female lead.
ReplyDeleteIt's gotten better in recent years, but it was refreshing that it wasn't the usual "woman trying to prove herself against the men" storyline. She's already established, and that was great!
DeleteSecond review of this one I am seeing. It has been some time since I read a legal thriller
ReplyDeleteI say you give it a go!
DeleteThis story sounds exciting for me!
ReplyDeleteIt is!
Delete"and even a surprising touch of the extraterrestrial"
ReplyDeleteOooh. That piqued my curiosity. And kudos to the author for putting a female lawyer front and center!
Right? I love a story that dares to ask the question haha
DeleteYes! This was a fun, fast-paced crime procedural with likable characters! I hope we get more with Karen in the future!
ReplyDeleteOoh I'd love this to become a series!
DeleteI like watching legal thrillers but don't usually read them.
ReplyDeleteThese are worth a read if you're interested in dipping your toe back into the genre.
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