Excerpt from best-seller Defending Jacob

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I recently finished William Landay’s New York Times bestseller Defending Jacob. Wow. My only hesitation in a wholehearted recommendation of Defending Jacob is the frequent use of the f-bomb. Sensitive readers, stay away from this one.

If you are a fan of courtroom procedurals, police procedurals, and psychological thrillers, Defending Jacob deserves a place on your shelf. Well-developed characters with real, complex relationships, plenty of tension, and a couple of twists that will take your breath away.

You may think you know what is coming, but you don’t! If you are tired of tropes, Defending Jacob will hit the spot!

‘You’re staring.’
‘You’re my wife. I’m allowed to stare.’
‘Is that the rule?’
‘Yes. Stare, leer, ogle, anything I want. Trust me. I’m a lawyer.’

William Landay, Defending Jacob

Andy Barber has been an assistant district attorney for two decades. He is respected. Admired in the courtroom. Happy at home with the loves of his life, his wife, Laurie, and teenage son, Jacob.

Then Andy’s quiet suburb is stunned by a shocking crime: a young boy stabbed to death in a leafy park. And an even greater shock: The accused is Andy’s own son—shy, awkward, mysterious Jacob.

Andy believes in Jacob’s innocence. Any parent would. But the pressure mounts. Damning evidence. Doubt. A faltering marriage. The neighbors’ contempt. A murder trial that threatens to obliterate Andy’s family.

It is the ultimate test for any parent: How far would you go to protect your child? It is a test of devotion. A test of how well a parent can know a child. For Andy Barber, a man with an iron will and a dark secret, it is a test of guilt and innocence in the deepest sense.

How far would you go?

P.D. Workman Authorpreneur

P.D. Workman is a USA Today Bestselling author and multi-award winner, renowned for her prolific output of over 100 published works that span various genres. With a knack for crafting page-turners, Workman captivates readers with everything from cozy mysteries like the Auntie Clem's Bakery series to gripping young adult and suspense novels. Her stories resonate deeply as she masterfully weaves sensitive themes—such as childhood trauma, mental illness, and addiction—into compelling narratives that evoke a powerful emotional response. Readers are drawn to her unique voice and empathetic portrayal of complex issues. With each new release, fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling blend of thought-provoking storytelling and relatable characters that define P.D. Workman’s brand as an author of unforgettable page-turners—gripping tales that leave a lasting impact long after the last page is turned.

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Mystery and suspense fiction Young adult crime thrillers Character-driven storytelling Cozy Mysteries Mental health and trauma in fiction Resilience and personal growth themes Indie publishing Writing craft and novel development Obsidian for writers and authors Forensic and medical thriller research Social issues in contemporary fiction Psychological thrillers Traditional mysteries Police procedural mysteries Characters with disabilities

fuonlyknew

May 17, 2016 at 8:09 pm

This one crossed my path recently. I’m thinking I need to read it now!

My TT from The Fireman

Nise' (Under the Boardwalk)

May 17, 2016 at 7:50 pm

I listened on audio and it was awesome.

alilovesbooks

May 17, 2016 at 3:51 pm

Ooh sounds like a great story and I have absolutely no issues with the f bomb 🙂

Beth F

May 17, 2016 at 11:27 am

This was such a good book. The audiobook is supposed to be excellent, so I’ve often thought of reread.

P.D. Workman
May 17, 2016 at 12:00 pm

I listened to the audiobook, and it was well done.

laurelrainsnow

May 17, 2016 at 9:48 am

I have been noticing this book, and its apparent similarity to another book kept me from picking it up. But after reading your excerpts and the blurb, I can see that this is one I’d enjoy. Thanks for sharing. Here’s mine: “CLOUDS IN MY COFFEE”