Sunday, March 18, 2012

Hostile Witness ~ Rebecca Forster

There is a reason for books being rated 5 stars; As opinionated as I am, I could find no reason to disagree.

"Some secrets aren't uncovered. They are unleashed..."

The national bestselling author is back with a gripping legal thriller of a brilliant lawyer caught between her client, a powerful family's hidden legacy, and the truth...

Josie Baylor-Bates returns to the practice of criminal defense when her friend's sixteen-year-old daughter, Hannah, is arrested for the brutal slaying of her step-grandfather - a California Supreme Court justice. Although all evidence points to Hannah's guilt, her family's disturbing relations may play a more significant role than anyone could guess. As Josie unravels a circle of secrets, she discovers a shocking truth that could save her client - or destroy them all... Amazon

Unleashed ~ allow something to have full effect - to allow something, especially something previously held in check, to have its full effect.

Unleashed is a very good word to describe the events that unfold in this book and I enjoyed every. minute. of. it! 

Josie, the main character, is very robust. I really felt like I got to know her. Josie is kind and compassionate, but she is also passionate and set on following her heart. She is also still a little bruised from her childhood, but then again, perhaps it is our bruises that cause us to have more compassion and understanding for others. Perhaps that is part of passion. I love her courage and the way she trusts her gut even when near everything else seems to point in the opposite direction at times, and everyone else just goes with the flow. Josie is certainly no cliche.

We all make mistakes. We all fall off the proverbial horse at times. It takes courage to get on and ride again. Guts - and Josie's got it. Having courage certainly doesn't mean that we don't feel the fear of falling off again - what if the same thing happens again; what if I fail again? - Often (or perhaps usually) trying to get on and ride again is the only way to overcome - facing your fear.

I also fell in love with Hannah - our victim - in more ways than one. In the beginning it is a little difficult to wrap your mind around her. Initially I had mixed feelings, but as the story unfolds more and more of it starts to make sense and my heart breaks for her - for the life she got that she didn't choose.

Hannah's character is very well portrayed. She keeps you guessing. Would she have, could she have done what they are accusing her of? Forster keeps you guessing until eventually it would seem that it could have just about been any number of people for any number of reasons. I loved the guessing game - that is certainly what kept me turning the pages.

Beyond the obvious Forster also touches on several other tough issues about life: growing up too quickly, loyalty, forgiveness, leaving the past behind and new beginnings, facing hard truths, and choosing who you want to be regardless of what others have done to you - choices and excuses. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I give it five starts - it deserves every single one! If you enjoy mystery, thriller and suspense, then you'll certainly enjoy this one! Get your copy here

P.S. Throughout the book the emerald green eyes are mentioned repeatedly... how did the cover designer miss that important detail? (Unless of course the cover is Josie... then again, her eyes are blue...)

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