Book Review: Deadly Proof

7 Sep

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistleblower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistleblower’s allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer.

Determined not to make the same mistakes, he’s intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything — even murder — to keep the case from going to trial.

Rachel Dylan writes Christian fiction including legal romantic suspense. Rachel has practiced law for over a decade and enjoys weaving together legal and suspenseful stories. The Atlanta Justice Series which features strong, female attorneys in Atlanta kicks off with Deadly Proof. Lynette Eason described Deadly Proof as “a legal thriller that will keep you turning pages late into the night”. In addition, Rachel writes the Danger in the Deep South including Lethal Action and Devoted Defender which appeals to fans of edge of your seat romantic suspense. Rachel also writes the Windy Ridge series including Trial & Tribulations and Fatal Accusation. These legal thrillers with elements of spiritual warfare are great for fans who enjoy books by Peretti or Dekker. Trial & Tribulations was a Selah finalist in 2016. Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband and five furkids — two dogs and three cats. Rachel loves to connect with readers. You can find Rachel at http://www.racheldylan.com.

My Impressions:

Rachel Dylan’s newest novel, Deadly Proof, the first book in the Atlanta Justice series, kept me guessing. And that’s is quite an accomplishment!  You see, my favorite all time genre is suspense, and I read tons of it. But one drawback is that I often figure out just whodunit even before the characters do. 😉 But I had no idea who the real bad guys were. Murder, dirty corporate tricks, and sabotage are just a few things that made the pages fly. Kudos to Dylan and the fabulous start to what promises to be a great series.

Kate Sullivan is a legal eagle for a plaintiffs’ law firm in Midtown Atlanta. She has a big case against a pharmaceutical company that will take all of her know-how and expertise. But threats from the other side and sabotage from within her law firm make it especially difficult and dangerous. Luckily she has ex-Army Ranger Landon Jones on her side investigating and providing protection  . . . and the promise of a sweet romance for this career-oriented and high-powered attorney.

Rachel Dylan is an attorney herself and her background in both litigation and corporate law makes Deadly Proof a credible read. There’s plenty of courtroom detail to keep things interesting, but she keeps it easy to understand. I loved the ins and outs of document research, depositions, and legal strategy. Main characters Kate and Landon are experts in their fields, yet are real and relatable. They have struggles, doubts and issues that everyone faces at one time in their lives. Flawed, yet ultimately faith-filled, their lives ring true. The novel’s fast pace and twisting plot will, as I stated above, keep you guessing. The stakes are high for both the legal case and the characters’ lives. There are bad guys and bad guys, if you know what I mean. The setting is Atlanta, a location I am very familiar with. It was fun to visit well-known locations with the characters. A strong faith message of God’s control over everything runs throughout the book. Some characters relay heavily on God, others are seekers, and still others are just not interested — also very true to life.

Dylan is not new to the writing life. She has a number of Love Inspired titles and two Indie published series. Her experience shows. Deadly Proof is well-written with characters you will love and care about. And if you are a fan of romantic/legal suspense, it is a perfect choice for you.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

(Thanks to Bethany House and the author for an complimentary ARC. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

 

 

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