First published 2002
Attorney Paul Madriani takes on the defense of scientist David Crone, accused of murdering his former colleague Kalista, a young Black woman. The case proves treacherous from the start. Crone previously conducted controversial research examining DNA differences between racial groups, making the trial a powder keg. Madriani must navigate carefully as he builds his defense strategy. The case takes an unexpected turn when another of Kalista's colleagues suddenly commits suicide, leaving behind a confession that catches Madriani's attention. Something about the confession doesn't sit right with the experienced lawyer. As he digs deeper, complications multiply and grow more complex. Madriani finds himself questioning everything about the case as he works toward what proves to be a striking conclusion.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, legal-thriller
Vibes: dark, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, unreliable-narrator
Setting: United States
Period: 21st-century
320 pages · Paperback · Meulenhoff
Content warnings: racism