Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Rachel Dylan’s new mystery series will have readers holding their breath and biting their nails as they fly through the pages trying to find out what will be the conclusion to this thriller.

After receiving Rachel Dylan’s novella Incriminating Evidence for Christmas from a family member, I was hooked on her writing style. And when Deadly Proof was offered to me for review I was really excited to read it. Ms. Dylan has a way of writing that not only brings you alongside her characters, she makes you feel you ARE the character – this is your life. For this reason I’m attaching a warning to other readers: Do not start this book before bed or you will not end up sleeping until you finish! It was honestly that well written and developed. I don’t give 5 stars easily so when I find a book that meets my strict criteria I will most certainly tell others about it. Ms. Dylan begins her story with a Big Pharma case that is in the beginning stages of litigation and waiting for the assignment of plaintiff lawyers/lead counsel. Mason Pharmaceutical Corporation has been accused by a multitude of persons and estates as willfully producing a migraine headache relieving drug called Celix that causes brain tumors. Kate Sullivan is a partner at the Warren McGee law firm and is on the short list for the lead counsel position for the executive plaintiffs representing the victims of Celix and MPC. Although she is aware of the importance of this case for her career, she is more focused on getting justice for the victims and their families. But when an MPC informant is killed after sharing information with Kate about the case, Kate realizes there is more going on than just a cover up of harmful side effects. She hires PI Landon James to help her sort out all the possible data she’s been given and to provide security if needed. As Kate begins to delve deeper into the case, more and more suspicious documents are concealed and only by an order from the judge does Kate have a chance to uncover them all. Opposing counsel for MPC is Kate’s friend from law school Ethan Black, who works for the same firm Kate did before changing to plaintiff law. Ethan is confident that MPC did not release Celix knowing the harmful side effects and believes that he can win the litigation in favor of MPC. But as the case continues to unfold, Ethan will start questioning whether he’s been kept in the dark about the goings-on at MPC. Kate finds herself the target of several personal attacks and attempts to sabotage her case, leaving her with no other choice than to allow Landon to create a constant level of security. Knowing she is in the right and there is a major amount of cover up happening within MPC, Kate seeks to find a link between the main drug Celix and another MPC drug Acreda (a drug that treats brain tumors), set to be released soon. When she is anonymously sent copies of emails between MPCs head scientists showing a direct link between Celix and Acreda, she is determined to show in court that MPC knowingly released Celix with the brain tumor side effects so that they could then release Acreda to treat the tumors, making money both times. But someone at MPC is just as determined as Kate to keep that information under wraps, going so far as to intimidate, murder and kidnap. Its up to Kate and Landon to find out who is behind all this evil before someone else gets hurt. I can’t in good conscience reveal the outcome of the book as I want others to experience this wonderful story for themselves. I loved that Ms. Dylan uses real, everyday issues that people struggle with to make her characters relatable. Kate has issues with confidence and trust that she keeps hidden well behind her “court face” and will have to realize that she will need help in this fight for justice if she is to win. Landon has much in his past that has hardened his heart and devastated his faith; and it will be Kate’s careful, persistent pushing that will cause him to seek God and His will again. Together they will both learn that trusting God for the best outcome and safety is the only way to live. And they will also learn that love doesn’t wait for life to be neat and tidy, it comes in the tough times when you can see what really matters in life. I am most certainly going to purchase a hard copy of this book for my shelves and for my friends, it will a great gift for those I know that enjoy a good, solid case and characters. I’m also going to be looking for Ms. Dylan’s past writings to catch up on as well as looking forward to future installments of this series. Well done, Ms. Dylan! Keep up the excellent work.

I received this E-book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review.

I did enjoy this book. Started out with a lot of legal info but did get better

When Kate becomes the lead counsel for a case against a Big Pharm company MPC which has
allegedly been making migraine drugs causing brain tumours, she becomes involved in very dangerous situations and several mysteries. Who has killed the scientist who was going to be a witness in her case? Why are leading documents in the case going missing? When she starts getting physically attacked, she is forced to get security and finds herself attracted to Landon, who has his own security firm. But Kate is so busy, her budding romance almost seems like another problem, especially when Landon isn’t a Christian like her…

Ethan, MPC’s leading defence lawyer, is a friend of Kate’s but is he willing to let ambition make him cross the line into unethical behaviour? At the very least, he wants to take advantage of her idealism and he knows that she does everything by the book. He is put under great pressure by MPC.
This is an exciting story which keeps one reading as Kate attempts to get to the truth of the case and keep one step ahead of Ethan and MPC. I also enjoyed the romance. However, the story sometimes got rather technical for a lay reader, I felt, and it also seemed contrived at times. I also thought that the ending was far-fetched until I read an article in The Australian which made me think again! Who knows what is going on behind the scenes these days?


I enjoyed this legal thriller and I am interested in reading more by Rachel Dylan.

http://suspensesisters.blogspot.com/2017/09/feed-your-addiction-by-elizabeth-goddard.html

I just finished reading Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan. Rachel is a new-to-me author even though we share the same publisher in HQ Love Inspired Suspense. She’s an attorney who has practiced law for over a decade and by the details in her stories, you know she knows what she’s talking about. Let me just add, her stories are edge-of-your-seat romantic legal thrillers.



Deadly Proof is her debut novel with Bethany House Publishers and the first book in the Atlanta Justice series. The premise intrigued me so I picked up the book and started reading, and I was hooked. I read for a while every evening after my own writing and work is done. Once I started Deadly Proof, I looked forward to my reading time so I could get back into the twists and turns of this legal thriller.


I’m not going to give much away here. There’s nothing I hate worse than spoilers in reviews or even knowing small things about the plot. In fact, I don’t often read the back cover blurb if it gives too much away. So I’ll simply say that Rachel has weaved an intriguing high stakes, legal plotline with the right amount of romance to keeping you hooked in the story.

Here's the back cover copy:

Riveting New Series Offers Legal Suspense with a Romantic Twist

In the biggest case of her career, attorney Kate Sullivan is tapped as lead counsel to take on Mason Pharmaceutical because of a corporate cover-up related to its newest drug. After a whistleblower dies, Kate knows the stakes are much higher than her other lawsuits.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James is still haunted by mistakes made while serving overseas. Trying to forget the past, he is hired by Kate to look into the whistleblower's allegation and soon suspects that the company may be engaging in a dangerous game for profit. He also soon finds himself falling for this passionate and earnest young lawyer.

Determined not to make the same mistakes, he's intent on keeping Kate safe, but as the case deepens, it appears someone is willing to risk everything--even murder--to keep the case from going to trial.

You don’t want to miss this one.
Want a chance to win a copy of Deadly Proof? I’m interviewing Rachel on the Suspense Sisters blog, October 13th, so stop by again and you’ll get your chance.


But if you're like me and can’t wait to get your hands on a copy? Here’s the KINDLE link. That should get your going.

Deadly Proof was okay, but all the legalese was a bit dry as the book progressed. (So many acronyms in the first few chapters!) The characters do manage the language well, and this is a fast read. Kate and Landon’s romance isn’t as integral to the story as I would’ve liked, though. It’s basically a legal thriller with faith and a dash of romance that suddenly culminates in a proposal.

I was with the story until I started watching the % progress at the bottom of my e-reader screen. I was getting closer and closer to the end of the book and some kind of resolution, but Kate was still mired in trial prep and discovery. Then wham! Everything’s resolved and tra-la-la, happy ending. The ending wasn’t as satisfactory as I’d hoped, sadly.

"Deadly Proof" by Rachel Dylan

Rachel Dylan has written a fast paced legal thriller that keeps the reader on their toes. Just when it looks like the storyline is heading in one direction and a period of calm is arriving, something is thrown into the picture that has the novel twisting and turning in a brand new direction.

Lawyer Kate Sullivan has been elected as lead prosecutor in a multi-million dollar case against a large pharmaceutical company. One of her friends, Ethan Black, is the lead defense attorney for MDS.

Kate is a calm by the book lawyer. She is also extremely smart and tenacious and works hard to fight for her client. She seeks justice and fairness for those she represents, not money for the firm.

On the other hand, Ethan is a tougher player, willing to role the dice and skirt just this side of the law, something his client encourages. And he plays to win and bring as much money into the firm, and thus himself, as possible.

As they move closer toward trial, Kate and Ethan clash on and off. Ethan makes some choices that are questioned by one of his associates. Kate is having to have her safety watched 24/7 as someone does not want her to try the case.

Rachel Dylan brings a varied cast of characters together, each with varied personalities, faults, beliefs, and interests. They are relatable and realistic. Some you will like more than others. But they are all captivating and bring a great deal to the novel.

The storyline is one that is ripped from the headlines more often than not. While it is not based on an actual Big Pharma company, it is written quite accurately as one would read in the paper. Except here, the reader is taken inside the company and is able to meet or observe individuals within the company at different employee levels and who have different viewpoints and experiences.

While this is a quick and engaging read, one I read straight through, when Rachel Dylan hits her stride, she keeps going from beginning to end.

Rating: 4.4
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

++ I received a paperback copy of this novel via Celebrate Lit

A Legal Thriller with an Intertwined Romance

Mason Pharmaceutical Company (MPC) is being sued by numerous plaintiffs. Their drug, Celix , taken by migraine sufferers, allegedly causes brain tumors. Kate Sullivan, a rising star in the Atlanta legal community, wants to be chief counsel on the combined cases. She achieves her wish, but is thrown into a dangerous situation.

One of the chief scientists at MPC, Ellie Proctor, contacts her about possible problems with the testing of the drug. Kate hires a professional investigator, Landon James, to find whether Ellie can be trusted. When the scientist is murdered, Kate and Landon are thrown into a deadly struggle to keep Kate safe.

The plot in this book is fast paced and keeps you wondering how the case will be resolved. For me the best part was seeing the detailed workings of a big law firm preparing for a civil case. It was very realistic. I was a little disappointed in the conclusion. I thought it was a little too violent for the pace of the novel.

Kate is a character you can relate to. She is consumed by her job and sincerely wants the best for her clients. Landon is likewise a good character. He’s pursued by his demons from his time as an Army Ranger in Iraq, but he wants to keep Kate safe and gradually he begins to fall in love with her. It’s not easy for these two serious people to finally admit to the feelings they have for each other.

This book is Christian fiction, but Kate’s belief fits well into the story and is not overpowering. If you enjoy a good thriller without sex and little violence, you’ll like this book.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.

This book is such a wonderful fast-paced legal thriller. It kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what was going to happen next. Kate Sullivan is a partner in the plaintiff's firm of Warren McGee, and has been working on a case involving a pharmaceutical company (MPC) that manufactured a migraine pill that causes brain tumors in patients. MPC will go to any lengths to come out on top of this case, up to and including murder. I enjoyed this book so much I was actually reading parts of it to my husband, who also got involved in it. I can't remember the last time I read such an exciting thriller.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley.

This a a quick, mostly fun, legal thriller with a little romance added in. The story is pretty good, a little predictable, however the ending for the bad guys is a little surprising. I liked the characters and the backstory the author provided for them.
There is an honesty about the heroine that I did appreciate, as well with some of the other main characters. It is well written and moves along briskly. For the most part, it was a story and good resolutions for the characters.
For me personally, the religious component was off putting. I guess I didn't read the description well enough when I read this book. I do not share the faith and thought the constant referral to God, etc was off putting.

I'd love to read more by this author if that aspect of her writing could be eliminated- clearly she is talented.

I love this author's books and Deadly Proof was no exceptions. This book is very well written with a great plot that kept me guessing. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

"Litigation is always ugly. That was the truth of the matter."

Kate Sullivan, plaintiff's attorney, is pursing a case against Big Pharma -- Mason Pharmaceutical Corporation -- on behalf of clients harmed by a drug for migraines named Celix. Her opposing counsel, a former fellow law student and good friend, Ethan Black, is firmly convinced that she is tilting windmills. When people begin dying, the stakes rise higher and Kate herself is in danger. She finds the smoking gun and suddenly it's life and death. Who is friend and who is foe?

OK. While the legal maneuvers were quite interesting to me, the rest of the book was not. Kate is portarayed as almost saint-like and the manufactured ridiculous instantaneous romance was way over the top. The incessant religious meandering was also annoying (OK I confess -- I didn't know this was in the "Christian" genre when I requested it and would not have had I known. I just skipped those parts and it was a huge chunk of the book. It's not that I'm not religious, it's just that I don't find this to be integral to the narrative and it could have easily been left out to create a tighter story.)
If this is to be a series, I'd suggest leaving a lot of that OUT.

I'm currently really into legal thrillers and suspense from a personal perspective and I liked hearing the trial prep details and the references to filing the case and the motions. In learning mode, I quickly got the impression that the author knew her stuff about that aspect and did find that interesting. The plot is entirely predictable and the characters are paper thin, but I got what I wanted from it overall.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bethany House for the e-book ARC to read and review. I thought this was intriguing, but it is not a book that rivals some of the more accomplished authors. As realistic as the legal side was, the romance, etc. was completely off-putting. As far as authenticity of law drama, I'm not entirely sure as the main character here was on the side of "right" and it was obvious.

Deadly Proof is a great book! Full of danger and suspense and blossoming romance. This is the first book I have read by Rachel Dylan and I am looking forward to more books in this series.

Kate is a successful attorney working on an important case and hires Landon James as an investigator. Then a source from the pharmaceutical company is discovered dead they suspect she was murdered and he becomes her protector. As Kate and Landon draw closer she helps Landon discover that God has not left him even after what he went through when he was in the military.

If you like medical and legal dramas this book was an action packed one.

I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review. All opinions were my own.

Attorney Kate Sullivan is set to work on a case that could make or break her career. She is chosen as lead counsel in a corporate cover-up lawsuit against Mason Pharmaceuticals. She hopes to get justice for victims whose lives were ruined by the company’s dangerous migraine drug. Things get even more serious after a whistleblower is found dead. Kate hires private investigator Landon James to do a bit of digging, as she is convinced there is more going on than meets the eye with Mason Pharmaceuticals. Her beliefs are further reinforced when attacks on her life increase as the trial date draws near. Landon prays he is able to keep her safe. Is someone on her own team sabotaging her? Who is willing to kill to keep the case from going to trial?

If you enjoy a legal thriller with a side of romance, then this is a book you want to check out. It is the first in Dylan’s new series, Atlanta Justice. The author’s background as an attorney adds authenticity to the story. Kate is a courageous and determined heroine. Sharp dialogue, realistic details, and a fast pace combine in this page turner.


Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I was not required to leave a positive review.

This was a very well written Christian suspense romance. The characters in this story are both facing difficulties in their lives when they meet, this leads to them questioning whether or not they should think about a relationship. This book is full of suspense, with many different twists and turns. Thank you NetGalley and Rachel Dylan for allowing me to read this book and offer a honest review.

Kate Sullivan has been chosen to be the Lead Counsel on a lawsuit that has been filed against a huge pharmaceutical company, Mason Pharmaceutical Corporation (MPC). Her plaintiff is the estate of Melinda Wyman, a 16 year old, who suffered from migraines. She was prescribed the drug, Celix, which eventually caused a brain tumor that ended her life. The Defendants' attorney, is Ethan Black, from the prestigious law firm, Peters & Gomez. This case is difficult for both attorneys, because they are good friends as well. Because of the magnitude of this suit, Kate decides to hire a Private Investigator, Landon James, who who is investigating other witnesses. There is murder, corruption, life's threatened, and documents missing. Will Kate be able to get this Big Pharma company to take responsibility for the death of others only this young girl, but many others who took this drug? Who is responsible for the murders? Where did the documents vanish to? What will this PI find out? Will Kate and Ethan's friendship survive this lawsuit? The plot is really great. The characters are very well developed and the reader can relate to their emotional roller coaster. I enjoyed the intrigue and mystery of this book. I couldn't put this book down. What a great book!!

Get ready for a high octane, exciting roller coaster
type journey into a tangled web of clues, mystery,
murder, deceit, intrigue, secrets, kidnapping and
much more suspense!!!
The story combines romantic suspense and a well
written legal thriller into one that the reader will
want to read in one sitting.
Kate Sullivan, a trial lawyer has just been chosen
as the lead council in a huge case against Mason
Pharmaceutical Company regarding their release
of dangerous, life threatening drugs. With information
from a whistleblower, she is determined to prove
their liability. But at what cost?????
Landon James is a former Army Ranger who has
turned private investigator. He is recommended to
Kate to help her investigate the whistleblowers
claims. But as danger lurks closer and closer to
Kate his job changes to protecting her.
These two main characters are two bold, problem
solving but flawed persons with hauntings from their
past.
They are well developed characters sharing undeniable
chemistry. They find themselves involved in
an unpredictable plot.
The story was plotted out flawlessly. There were sub
plots within the main plot and lots of twists and turns.
A real page turner!!!
I volunteered to read Deadly Proof. Thanks to the
author and publisher for the opportunity via Net Gallery.
My opinion is my own.

Tapped as lead counsel in a corporate cover-up lawsuit against Mason Pharmaceutical, Kate Sullivan knows this case could make her career. What really drives her, though, is getting justice for the victims whose lives were ruined by the company's dangerous new drug. But when a whistleblower turns up dead, it paints a target on the back of everyone involved.

Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James steps in to handle security for Kate. He's still haunted by mistakes in his past and is determined never to let something like that happen again. But it soon appears someone is willing to do anything--even commit murder--to keep the case from going to trial.

As danger closes in, Landon can't help but admire Kate's courage and resolve--but will her determination not to back down become too great of a risk?

The one thing I like about this book was the focus on the lawyer side of things, rather than the detective or police officer side of things. That was a refreshing take on the Christian romantic suspense. But overall, this book fell far short for me. I found the story line predictable and the romance elements rather sappy. While this book may fall into the sweet spot for some, I will not be picking up any more books in this series.

I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing in exchange for my review

I was really looking forward to this book but it was a big let down I was hoping that there would be strong characters and the story would flow but for me it didn't. I could not be bothered to read the book all the way through because I have better things to do. A big let down.

Rachel Dylan never ceases to amaze me with her writing. This legal thriller had it all, mystery, action and even falling in love. The legal part of the story is very interesting and takes you inside of how a case progresses. A great story that is hard to put down.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, legal thriller to add to your TBR list, Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan should be right at the top of your stack! This book is packed with legal intrigue, swirling emotions and strong faith.
In the midst of the biggest trial of her career, danger stalks attorney Kate Sullivan. As the attacks against her escalate from tire slashing to physical threats, can she keep her cool long enough to get justice for her clients in a clash against Big Pharma? Mason Pharmaceuticals’ newest drug has ruined too many lives to let them continue unchecked but can Kate find proof of corporate wrong-doing as the company stone-walls her investigation? When a corporate whistle-blower is found murdered, Kate’s world begins to spiral out of her control. No one involved is willing to talk. How can she find the truth?
Landon James, former Army Ranger, is now working private investigation. When Kate brings him on to help with her case, he immediately sees that she needs more than an investigator. She needs protection, too. As he steps into the role of security consultant and works to uncover something Kate can use as she prepares for her hearing, he sees Kate’s integrity and strong sense of ethics and is attracted to her strong faith. Her beauty doesn’t hurt, either. Haunted by a mistake he made in the midst of war, Landon feels unworthy of anyone’s love and most especially God’s love. Can he begin to see God as Kate sees Him – ever present, ever caring – and take the small steps toward God that his heart needs in order to heal? Can he keep Kate safe when it appears that someone out there is willing to harm her in order to win the case?
Wow! I was so impressed as I read this book with Ms. Dylan’s knowledge of the legal system. I learned more about corporate law than I ever realized was there, from both the plaintiff side of the aisle and the defendant side. The strategies were intricate, some stealthy but always intriguing. The book sent me on a roller-coaster of emotions. I read a LOT of suspense and I felt that this one ranks right up there with some of the best I’ve read. The “twist” at the end completely surprised me (and that’s ALL I’m going to say about it!) I’m looking forward with great anticipation to Book 2! I wonder if Ms. Dylan will be telling Mia’s story, Sophie’s story, Cooper’s story, Noah’s story or even Ethan’s story? OR, maybe she’s bringing in someone altogether new! Can’t wait to see!