Title: Murder at Black Oaks

Author: Phillip Margolin

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Publication Date: November 8, 2022

Rating: 4 out of 5

Phillip Margolin's latest legal thriller is his attempt at closed room murder mystery in the vein of Agatha Christie's Ten Little Indians. As a closed room murder it is a little disappointing. Only 20% of the book is in the closed room. But that mystery is devious and intriguing.

Once again the heroine is Robin Lockwood as the defense attorney hired to right a wrong and free an innocent man convicted years ago. This ties in with the opening part of the book that goes back in time to an earlier pair of crimes. The plot moves forward but with too many interweaved crimes, both from the past and the present. I counted three murders that Lockwood solves, but I prefer Margolin's books that are more focused. Nevertheless, this kept me guessing most of the way and has me eager for the next installment of the Lockwood files. 

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an advance review copy for free;  I am leaving this honest review voluntarily. 

 

Title: What Have We Done

Author: Alex Finlay

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Publication Date: March 7, 2023

Rating: 4 out of 5

Alex Finlay's latest thriller focuses on the impact of an event, kept secret but not forgotten, on the lives of 5 teenagers. 25 years ago, these 5 parentless teens living in Savior House, a place as depressing and dismal as it should be inspiring, commit an unthinkable act that will define their future lives. 

The book bounces back and forth between the past and the present, slowly revealing what the act was and why it happened. Meanwhile, in the present the past catches up to them as their lives are in danger from an unknown enemy.

I found the story compelling, although I was a little disappointed that it took two-thirds of the story before the three main protagonists were reunited. At that point, they could collectively ask, "What have we done". There are plenty if twists to keep you reading to the very last page. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an advance review copy for free;  I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.