Briley Lester, a hardworking young attorney at a prestigious Chicago law firm, is stunned when the senior partners assign her to a high-profile murder trial. Erin Tomassi, wife of rising political star Jeffrey Tomassi, allegedly killed her diabetic husband by administering an overdose of insulin as he slept. Her prints are on a syringe; she was an abused spouse, which gives her motive; and she and Jeffrey appear to have been the only people in the house that night, based on DNA evidence. Antonio Tomassi, Jeffrey's influential and powerful father, is convinced that Erin did it, so he suggests that the law firm not use their top resources for Erin's defense. Still, he wants to make sure that the trial is by the book to eliminate any loopholes that might allow her to go free. Thus Briley gets the case dumped in her lap, with little support other than a paralegal and a law librarian.

Since Erin had taken a sleeping medication that night, Briley suggests a "sleepwalking" defense -- Erin was technically asleep and not responsible for her actions. From the case built against her, it's one of the only viable options. But Erin refuses, steadfastly claiming her innocence and saying that if she were acquitted in this manner, everyone -- including the vengeful Antonio Tomassi - - would still blame her for Jeffrey's death. At first frustrated by Erin's stubbornness, as Briley gets to know more about her client, she begins to believe the woman truly is innocent. But how will she convince a jury when all the evidence points toward Erin's guilt?

This legal thriller follows a court case from the initial arrest through the reading of the verdict, seen through the eyes of various participants but mainly from Briley's insider perspective. The solution to the mystery of Jeffrey's death may seem a bit far-fetched to some readers, but I felt the author laid the groundwork well to make it seem plausible, and it raises some interesting questions. The relationship between Briley and her boyfriend, Tim, seemed a bit weak -- I enjoyed her interactions with a police detective more. Also, the book is written in the present tense, which personally I find a little distracting. Although to Ms. Hunt's credit, it really didn't bother me after the first few pages. I'd recommend this for readers who like a good mystery as well as those who enjoy courtroom dramas.

Book Summary