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.

I loved this book.

The story begins in the present day, ten years on from the original trial where 12 members of the public decided the fate of Bobby Nock and acquitted him for the murder of school girl Jessica Silver. This caused an uproar in the community and no juror's life was the same after the trial.

Ten years on, Rick , one of the jury, now believes he holds important information/evidence to prove that they gave the wrong verdict and they let a killer walk free. He calls all the jury back together to feature in a television documentary and to reveal his news. However, on the night they arrive at the hotel Rick is found murdered. Maya, believes she is being framed for his murder and desperately seeks to find out the truth of what new evidence Rick had, whether Bobby Nock was guilty of killing Jessica and who killed Rick.

Maya, the holdout in the trial, was a strong female lead character with so much guts and enthusiasm. You couldn't help but route for her in tracking down Bobby and clearing her own name from Rick's murder. I actually thought that all the female characters in this novel were strong, fiery women which I adored. The male characters, on the other hand, were flawed and in my opinion, seemed to required sympathy from the reader rather than holding their own within the story.

There was a lot going on in this book with the different story lines, characters, crimes and lines of inquiry. However, it never felt disjointed; the story flowed brilliantly and was very well written. What I particularly loved was hearing the Bobby Nock trial unfold through the different viewpoints of each of the jury. The courtroom drama made this book stand out for me. The themes of race and prejudices within society are brought together through the complexities and injustices surrounding the legal system which was extremely thought-provoking.

I thought the ending was very fitting and cleverly thought out. This book did not disappoint. It was my most anticipated read of 2020 and I have to say it completely lived up to it. If you love crime and thriller novels you will love this legal thriller which has to be on your list this year. I read it in 3 days which is unheard of when juggling work and family life. I just had to pick it up at every opportunity, it is that addictive.