Synopsis

Wade Darling stands accused of killing his wife and teenage children as they slept before burning the family home to the ground. 

When the case lands on barrister Neve Harper’s desk, she knows it could be the career making case she’s been waiting for. But only if she can prove Wade’s innocence. 

A matter of days before the case, as Neve is travelling home for the night, she is approached by a man. He tells her she must lose this case or the secret about her own husband’s disappearance will be revealed.

Failing that, he will kill everyone she cares about until she follows orders.

Neve must make a choice – betray every principle she has ever had by putting a potentially innocent man in prison, or risk putting those she loves in mortal danger.

Review

As someone who fully intended to become a barrister after her law degree, I absolutely love legal thrillers. Naturally, we have to have a flawed female lawyer taking centre stage and in Conviction we have an excellent one.

Although happy to defend a potential murderer, Neve has a high sense of morality and justice. And yet, as we learn more about her past, we discover that she has a lot to hide.

Neve is a great character: bold, daring and fiercely protective of those she loves. Caught up in a game of underworld criminals, murderers and her own murky past, we see her poise and professionalism start to spiral out of control. Her sleepwalking is fascinating, providing a scary yet convenient element to the story that asks readers to consider how criminal intention is measured in such a case…

Wade is a calm and collected criminal, but is also a broken innocent man. It’s hard to read him and his characterisation is impeccable.

The high drama scenes are believable and quite chilling, whilst the courtroom drama is well-written, intense and provides a sense of calm amongst the action.

The ending is satisfactory, providing a fitting conclusion for everyone involved. This is my second book by Jordan and his writing, pace and plots get better and better – I look forward to the next book.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster for my proof copy. Opinions my own.

Other books by Jack Jordan: Do No Harm