The Holdout

A really clever crime procedural, focusing more on the legal system and trial than on the usual police work. Graham Moore is a screenwriter, and that kind of comes across in the writing style. This novel has a kind of ‘made for a movie adaption' feel to it. This is not necessarily a bad thing. The characters are well developed and the twisty nature of the plot is a joy to follow.

This focus on the legal and judicial setting is clever as it moves the discussion onto some of the major flaws in the justice system. The fact that you can be encouraged to plead guilty to things you didn't do to make it easier to deny the bigger charges is definitely a weird one, but you increasingly here similar stories in real crime. It also takes a close look at the jury system and exposes some of the flaws there.

I picked this up as a break from my usual reading matter (I mostly read fantasy) and devoured the book in pretty much one sitting, finishing the whole thing in the space of a day. If that is not a solid recommendation, I don't know what is!

3.5 stars.
this felt like a modern take on the classic “whodunnit” Agatha Christie-type story - her stories are even brought up a few times. personally, I liked how tied to the justice system and juries this was but those who do not like courtroom dramas will probably not like that aspect. I liked the several discussions of racial issues within the criminal justice system, especially that Maya's white knight personality was called out (made me a little uncomfy that the author is white but I think it was still handled well). usually someone trying to investigate a crime they have no business investigating bothers me, but I think because Maya does have some sort of legal/criminal knowledge it didn't bug me as much. I also liked that I didn't really get much opportunity to guess who was actually responsible for both crimes.
I thought this was going to be more focused on the true crime documentary which I really would have liked but sadly it wasn't. the middle became a little tedious and boring. the ending felt a little rushed and almost unsatisfying, even though all questions are answered. overall, this was a pretty fun mystery but it didn't do anything new or crazy.

4.5 Rounded to 5

I haven't read a legal thriller in a while. This was my BOTM pick in February of 2020 and because of a challenge on Instagram to read our BOTM backlist I finally picked this one up. I'm glad I did.

This is a fast-paced whodunit that I hard a hard time putting down. I even stayed up past my bedtime for this one and then preceded to finish it the next morning after. Yes, it had me that invested.

I have never read this author before and I love the writing style, format, story....just all of it. I definitely need to go find other books by this author and maybe not wait 2 years to read them.