When I envisioned the Hidden Justice series, I knew that each of the women in the cohort of four would get their own story, but I didn’t know exactly what those stories would be. Hayden’s Beyond Justice became based on juvenile immigration issues. Then I turned to Emilie, Hayden’s roommate and started thinking about issues I’m passionate about and would resonate with who she is. I was sitting in Siena at our apartment (I was teaching there for Purdue) and saw a headline about a domestic violence situation in Houston and my mind began to spin what ifs. Emilie’s story Imperfect Justice was born.
Because of my work with a local domestic violence shelter, this is an issue that is near and dear to my heart. Add in experiences walking a friend and relative through similar situations, and I know how real domestic violence is and also firmly believe we need more empathy and understanding.
Add in two compelling leads and I love this story. Emilie Wesley is an attorney and part-time journalist who’s lost her superpower of words. Reid Billings is alone and wondering if he wants to stay that way.
Be sure to read to the end to enter the giveaway!
The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can’t be talking about her client . . . can they?
To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams killed her daughter and then was shot by police. Attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story: Kaylene would never hurt anyone and was looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive relationship. Her death shakes Emilie’s belief that she can make a difference for women in violent marriages. Self-doubt
plagues her as she struggles to continue her work in the wake of the tragedy.
Reid Billings thought he knew his sister—right up until he learned how she died. He discovers a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would support an uncle instead of the father in a custody case, but Kaylene’s letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.
Thrown together in the race to save Kaylene’s surviving daughter, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. If they can hang on to hope together, can they save a young girl—and find a future for themselves in the process?
Romantic Times gave the book 4 stars:
The second book in Putman’s Hidden Justice series is intricately plotted and thoroughly engrossing.
Library Journal gave it a starred review:
… deftly handles the issue of domestic violence…The dual
story lines of Kaylene’s murder and Emilie’s stalker combine to make a frightening yet compulsive reading experience.
And I love this from Randy Singer:
This is the way legal thrillers are meant to be—compelling, intelligent and deeply satisfying.
As part of this look back at the Hidden Justice series, I’m hosting a giveaway of each book in the series. Winners will have their choice. Be sure to participate!