coolreads# Conviction @definitelybooks

Conviction
Author: Jack Jordan
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781398505711

AS an ambitious lawyer, 38-year-old Neve Harper has been handed a controversial murder case which has made the headlines. Her new client, Wade Darling has been accused of killing his wife and children, and then burning down the family home, injuring himself in the process. But Wade professes his innocence, claiming a mystery man killed them all instead before leaving him to die in the fire.

As this is a last minute case for her, Neve has very little time to prepare for the upcoming court appearances. Since this is not a straightforward defence, Neve is faced with a moral dilemma.

Meanwhile, Neve has a backstory of her own with a dark secret that if exposed, would destroy her. A London crime boss knows that grim secret of hers and uses it to manipulate the result of the murder trial. This secret makes Neve vulnerable to the ultimatum she has received about going forth with the case. She is told to drop the case or her dark secret will be revealed.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, it seems that Neve doesn’t have many options. At times, her decisions and actions appear rather unwise and irrational.

As for Wade, he appears a pathetic figure and for most parts, the readers have to guess about whether he is guilty or innocent.

Presented in three parts, focusing on different aspects of the case, including the Defence and the Prosecution, Conviction is a thrilling and dramatic read with the unveiling of some deceitful characters and a sinister violent edge which will keep the readers on the edge as well. Many will be kept guessing whether Neve will throw the trial to save herself and her loved ones, especially her stepdaughter, as well as feeling fearful for the consequences if she does not.

Neve is one character who can get sympathy and support from many readers, especially when she starts sharing her conflicted emotions and fears that were later made clear. Even Wade, as awful as his alleged crimes are, also manages to garner some sympathy after certain disclosures are made.

There are two mysteries woven together in this book. Part legal drama, part Hitchockian noir thriller, Conviction sees Neve defending a man accused of familicide while at the same time, an investigation remains open on her own missing husband. It is a compelling plot which the author skilfully manipulates, with vivid characters and plenty of surprises. Gruesome details, tense stand-offs, and courtroom revelations stay with you long after you have closed the book.

Pacy, engrossing, packed with threats and complex double crossing, Conviction will certainly have the readers wondering what would they have behaved if they were caught in a similar situation. An intriguing read.