‘Vindication’ had an intriguing premise, but when I started reading the book, I wasn’t completely sure if I’d like it. But when I finished the novel, I realized I loved it. So much so, I’m tempted to go back and read every one of the Matt Royal books.

First, what I liked.

My first impression was that the book is gorgeously written. The style is lyrical, with each word seamlessly flowing into the next. Apart from being incredibly easy on the eyes, this made it very easy for me to construct the scenes at reading pace.

The characters too are incredibly well-developed, but perhaps that is because this is the latest in a long series of books featuring most, if not all, of these characters.

I make it a habit to delve into a book without any substantial knowledge of what the book is about. This is a double-edged sword. It sometimes makes for breathlessly entertaining reading, but it can also lead to bitter disappointment if the book is poorly written.

I’m happy to report that this book falls into the former category.

This whodunit is developed in a sublime manner, with all sorts of clues to let the reader form his or her own theory as to who the killer might be.

At the 30% mark, it seemed fairly obvious to me who the killer was, and I must confess I thought it was lazy writing if I was able to deduce the killer’s identity so early in the book. But I read on, and I’m glad I did.

Initially, I was curious about how the author would establish the identity. But as the story progressed, I realized I could be wrong. That someone else might be the killer.

Turns out I was right and wrong at the same time. While my guess as to the killer’s identity is spot on, someone else, someone unexpected, is the master of puppets.

The legal side of the story (Matt Royal is, after all, a first-rate lawyer) is done in a very reader-friendly manner. There is no heavy-handed exposition peppered with incomprehensible legalese. On the rare occasion that calls for a legal term to be used, it is duly explained by the author so the readers are able to keep up with the story without any interruptions.

There are books that drag endlessly, and there are books that feel too short despite a sizeable story.

‘Vindication’ is the latter. At 320 pages, it never feels boring. It is not heavy in the middle. That’s a good thing.

Now, what I didn’t like.

One of the few things I didn’t really buy were the point of view chapters where JD was concerned, and Matt Royal’s separation anxiety.

The abrupt shift from first person to third is jarring, and many passages feel superfluous, as the author often treads upon areas which were already covered from the protagonist’s POV.

Then there’s Matt’s constant pining for JD whenever she is not around. For an accomplished and retired lawyer, it makes him sound incredibly juvenile and not keeping in with the character.

Now that that’s out of the way, I’ll conclude by saying ‘Vindication’ is a breezy legal thriller that I will definitely recommend as we get closer to the publication date.

I found parts of this book really excellent, I liked the characters and the writing, in parts, flowed really well. Unfortunately, it just didn't hook me, and I found myself flicking through it at points.
I'd definitely suggest giving it a go, as, when it's good it's very good.

Brilliant book a must read go ahead treat yourself.

My thanks to the publisher for allowing me to review this book.
Interesting story line spread over a few decades. Completely different than any previous courtroom book I have read an I am pleased to award it five stars.

Laid back retired Lawyer Matt Royal is asked by his policewoman girlfriend JD to defend her Aunt Esther against a murder charge. Esther has been accused of murdering Olivia, a friend of a friend, who has published a best selling novel which appears to have been plagiarised from a plot written by Esther. As a result of this circumstance Esther is the main suspect as far as the police are concerned when Olivia is found dead.

I found Matt to be a likeable interesting character, despite the fact that he cultivates and actively tries to lead a beach bum lifestyle, he is also very focused and driven when he steps back into the lawyer role. The description of his relationship with JD is very well done, one comment I liked is "I think when it comes to women we love, we men are essentially chickens"

It was interesting to read about Matt's mindset leading up to the trial, and the glimpses you get of how his legally trained mind builds up a defense for Esther.
This is the first time I have read a book from this series and by this author, but I will certainly delve into the other Matt Royal books. This one was thoroughly enjoyable.
Thanks to Netgalley and Ocean View Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The start of the book felt very forced with an unnecessary use of obscure words. Once the stage moved to the courtroom the writing style picked up drastically as though the author found comfortable in that setting (which isn't surprising as Mr Griffin is a certified trial lawyer). A tale of revenge set over time. This is the eleventh book in the Matt Royal series where Matt has been called back into the courtroom to defend his girlfriends aunt where she is on trial for murder. It isn't a bad story and enjoyable but does not stand out as a great story.

This is a part of a series and the best thing about it is Matt, the protagonist - I found the crime and the trail to figure it out highly unlikely - the settings are well set out, and the chemistry between husband and police wife are nicely done - but i was not convinced ... it is also told in a very dry fashion. Reported. The small town atmosphere worked out well - but the unlikely crimes etc were over-laden for me.

Matt Royal is retired but then when your girl friend's aunt is accused of murder you have to see what you can do to help her. Aunt Esther lives in the Villages in Florida where everyone has a party at a minutes' notice. She is accused of killing an author who she feels stole her book she wrote. Olivia Lathom has published the book as her own. Esther gave the book to a friend of Olivia's who lives in the Villages without her knowing. A gun Esther has was used to shoot the author so it is looking bad for Esther. The way Matt goes about his investigation is interesting in how he gets ready for the trial. Well worth the read.