When I started writing years ago, I thought because I was an attorney publishers would want me to write legal suspense. At the time, they were interested in other books from me, so I spent several years writing World War II novels and a host of others. Then the tide changed.

When I started writing Beyond Justice, the book was a little different from the others because editors were asking me for a legal proposal. I knew I had to find an idea with Beyond Justice that could carry me through that space of time.

I was very deliberate about working toward that idea.

I quickly had the idea that the series would focus on a group of friends that became close in law school. Each book allowed a different woman to step forward as heroine, and because I set the books in Alexandria, Virginia, I had immense flexibility about what they could do with their law degree. Each book wouldn’t have to be a courtroom driven drama.

But I still needed the hook for Beyond Justice. What would be the quest that Hayden, the first heroine embarks on? What would motivate her to change throughout the course of the book?

It started with a headline. The United States was experiencing a flood of unaccompanied minor illegal aliens. I began to wonder what that experience was like for the children and young adults. What did we do with them once they entered the country and were caught. Then I saw the photo of the Syrian refuge toddler who drowned while fleeing with his family. Combined, these different stories made me think. What would it take to make a mother believe that her child was better off taking the horrific risks both journeys involved to reach the freedom offered by another country. And what if a child died while in custody of the United States at a detention facility? Those questions became the genesis of Beyond Justice. 

I added in a feisty heroine, a strong hero, and layers of problems. The result is a book I hope you will enjoy reading.

Be sure to click here to read the first five chapters of Beyond Justice: Beyond Justice_FINAL

“The author’s expertise shines through and adds a tremendous amount of credibility to the story. Danger, adventure and intrigue pour from every chapter.”

RT BOOK REVIEWS, 4 stars

“…a relatable and fascinating story…Remarkably akin to today’s news headlines…a legal thriller that is intricately written to keep readers on edge.”

CBA Market

“With its menacing mood, crisp dialog, and quick pace, Putman’s action-packed legal thriller highlights a complex political scene. Starring a determined female attorney who will stop at nothing to resolve her case, this title will please fans of Joel C. Rosenberg and John Grisham.”

LIBRARY JOURNAL

As part of this look back at the Hidden Justice book, I’m giving away the books in the series. Be sure to use the form below to enter.

Hayden McCarthy is on track to become the youngest partner in her prestigious D.C. law firm . . . if the case she’s just been handed doesn’t destroy her first.

Hayden McCarthy knows firsthand the pain when justice is not served. It’s why she became an attorney and why she’s so driven in her career. When she’s assigned a wrongful death case against the government, she isn’t sure if it’s the lucky break she needs to secure a partnership—or an attempt to make sure she never gets there.

Further complicating matters is Andrew, her roommate’s distractingly attractive cousin. But Andrew’s father is a Congressman, and Hayden’s currently taking on the government. Could the timing be any worse?

The longer she keeps the case active, the higher the stakes become. Unknown enemies seem determined to kill the case—or her. Logic and self-preservation would indicate she should close the case. But how can she, when justice is still just beyond her reach?

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