Fast-Paced Suspense with Likable Characters

As someone who loves a good mystery, I’m always on the lookout for a good suspense novel and I found just what I was looking for in Rachel Dylan’s newest book Lone Witness, the second book it the Atlanta Justice series.

Lone Witness tells the story of Sophie Dawson, a prosecutor in the city of Atlanta. After presenting closing arguments against a crooked CEO, she wanted to get started on her newest case in the white-collar crimes unit. Though the crimes may be different from the general trial division, what drove Sophie didn’t change. She wanted to seek justice for those who had been victimized. After putting in a long day at work, Sophie wanted to run in to the Quick-Stop for a snack on her way home. That one little decision would impact her in ways she couldn’t have imagined. Instead of being the prosecutor, she would be the lone eye witness against a gang member who brutally murdered two people.

What I liked about Lone Witness, was not only the courtroom drama, suspense and mystery, but also the characters. They had interesting careers and were decent, likable people that I came to care about. Rachel challenges the reader not to automatically categorize a character (defense attorney) as good or bad or assume you know their motives. This book has some surprising twists and turns and it was interesting trying to figure out who done it. I appreciated that the character’s Christian faith was woven into the story.

Not only did I find a good book to read in Lone Witness, but I found an author, Rachel Dylan, whose work I liked and is new to me. I look forward to going back and reading her earlier work and future novels.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read Lone Witness in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Lone Witness by Rachel Dylan, is book 2 in the Atlanta Justice series from Bethany House. This legal thriller is full of multiple plot lines to keep the reader engaged and guessing about which danger is going to be faced next. Sophie Dawson has been promoted to a senior assistant district attorney in the White Collar Crimes Unit of Fulton County. She is busy working on her first case in her new division, a local bank employee is accused of cheating customers, and she is determined to get justice for those people who lost their savings. Working late, she decides that she has to stop to get some snacks for her drive home so she stops at a familiar convenience store. She is a witness to a double homicide and she is the only person that can make a positive ID on the person who committed the crime.

The crime was committed by the younger brother of a powerful gang leader, and Juan Wade is determined that his younger brother is not going to be prosecuted for this crime. Sophie is now in great danger because she is the lone witness that can identify Juan Wade’s brother. Sophie’s father is concerned about her safety and hires a bodyguard, Cooper Knight, a co-owner for a private security firm and someone who Sophie has met in the past. At first Cooper keeps a very low profile, but as the danger rises for Sophie, he must make his presence known and some hard decisions need to be made about how to handle her day-to-day activities and even where she is going to have to live for an extended period of time in order to stay safe and sound.

As new threats on Sophie’s life come to light, it is no longer clear whether Juan Wade is the only person involved and the security firm has to consider if her role as a witness, or her job as a senior assistant DA is the ultimate danger. The character development for the main characters, as well as the secondary characters is fascinating. The reader gets an in-depth view into the different roles in the legal world and what it takes to play the politics and the dangers of decisions on how a case is going to play out. Lone Witness is a legal thriller that will keep you reading, and constantly re-thinking who is behind the various plot lines and who can be trusted. A great read with characters that you come to really care about.

Sophie Dawson is a tough Assistant District Attorney. She knows what it is like to go after justice against criminals. What she doesn’t know is how it feels to sit in the witness seat with the prosecution’s entire case hinging on her testimony. As the only eye witness to a double homicide, Sophie has a lot riding on her shoulders. Can she continue to do her job, while she runs from the target her testimony has put squarely on her back?
Recently transferred to the White Collar Crime Unit, Sophie has just begun investigating the most recent case of fraud. She’s sure she has her man, but, as she continues to investigate, pressure mounts to settle out of court. When her digging turns up dirt beyond what she was expecting to find, can she convince her boss that something else is going on?
As the danger escalates, it becomes very apparent that Sophie needs help. Cooper Knight works in private security, and is hired by Sophie’s dad to keep her safe. Working together, can they find the missing link to blow Sophie’s case wide open, without putting her in the crosshairs of killers?
This is book 2 in Rachel Dylan’s Atlanta Justice series. I thought Lone Witness was even better than Deadly Proof, and that one was stellar. Lone Witness had more twists and turns, and I never knew where the next threat was coming from. I love that Rachel Dylan is a lawyer herself, according to her bio, so she knows the intricacies of the courtroom that most of us have never seen. The characters are strong – especially the women in both of these books. The men are no slouches either. All work for Justice in Atlanta, in some way.
I will say, there are a few characters that I can hardly wait to see what she’s going to do with them in the next book. The defense attorney comes to mind, as does the guest prosecutor. I also can’t wait to see who the third friend ends up with.
Lovers of the romantic suspense genre NEED to pick this one up! It was a fast-paced, twisting, screamer of a story. Prepare to bite your nails and stay up WAY too late! While this is book 2 in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel. Although, since both books were so good, I’d hate to see you miss out by skipping Deadly Proof altogether. I absolutely recommend this one!

I think this is my favorite book by this author yet! Lone Witness allowed me to peek into what it is really like to be a lawyer, albeit with some extraordinary circumstances thrown in! From digging through documentation to being in a courtroom setting, from witness prep to dealing with ruthless clients, this book had it all.

I really liked these main characters and the complicated emotional journey they were on. Not only did Sophie and Cooper have to work to stay alive when Sophie ended up targeted, but they also had some intense feelings growing for each other at the same time.

This story was very interesting, had a great romantic thread, and kept me eagerly turning pages till the very end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Lone Witness
What would be a horrific way to end your day? Witnessing a robbery where two people are murdered. If you are a prosecutor, it can pose different issues.
Attempts on Sophie Dawson’s life brings Cooper Knight in on his white horse to protect her since a target is on her back. Sparks fly between them as she is a a very independent person.
Another tension filled story that has you feel as if you are in a maze. You think you are on the right path only to have a wall pop up and you look for another way. Keeps you turning it page after page until you reach the end. A late night read as I had to know who did it.
Very well done!

MY THOUGHTS:
If you love suspenseful, on the edge of your seat mysteries then you will want to read this ASAP! Everything that Sophie does and anywhere she goes, you will be on edge on what may or may not happen. She isn't sure who she can trust and neither will you.
She just wants to put the bad guys away as prosecutor yet finds herself as a star witness against a criminal with ties to a drug cartel. Will she make it to testify or will they get to her before she can?
PLEASE READ THE BOOK!
Oh, and make sure you have plenty of time cause "Ya ain't gonna want to put it down."

Blessings,
Karen
Rating: 5*
I received this book as a gift and all opinions are my own.

Senior ADA Sophie Dawson is prosecuting a large bank while sitting on the witness stand for a double homicide trial. But which case is putting her life on the line?

There are a few players to keep track of and the ones I thought were the bad guys weren’t always the villains I imagined them to be. The investigation, preparation for trial, and courtroom scenes are what pushed the story forward, drawing me into the pages.

Both Sophie and Cooper Knight—the bodyguard Sophie’s dad hires to protect her after she witnesses a murder—have real-life issues they must work through before they can make a go at a relationship. Rachel Dylan doesn’t shy away from hard topics like grief, panic, or abuse. There is a lot of avoiding the attraction between these two, but when lives are at stake, they are forced to face the truth.

Dylan’s experience in law shines through the pages of Lone Witness, putting readers in the courtroom as well as behind the scenes in preparing for a case. The question of who is behind the danger surrounding Sophie adds to the intensity of another great read in the Atlanta Justice series.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A true can't put down sit on the edge of your seat. This was such an awesome read that had so many twists and turns that really kept me guessing to the very end. I never would have suspected the person who was on the wrong side of the law. The characters were well developed. This is book 2 in the series but it can stand alone by itself.

The prosecutor never expected to become the star/only witness to murder. Wow, action, suspense and a little romance. This story had that look over your shoulder, what's coming next element! If you like fast paced action, get your attention type books... you will like this one!
I was gifted a copy and my review is voluntary.

Wow. Lone Witness, book 2 of the Atlanta Justice Series continues to be an incredible and entertaining series. Sophie and Cooper our heroine and hero are fun to get to know. They have pasts both have to walk through in order to trust each other. The twists and turns in this story are amazing.

Lone Witness 050218 Finished 040418
Five Stars
Where Does our Help Come From?
Rachel Dylan’s extraordinary writing and legal knowledge are showcased in Lone Witness, second in her Atlanta Justice series. The character buildup, the circumstances each faces, and the faith with which they respond are written with empathy and sensitivity. It gives insight on just how dangerous the positions that some of our finest unsung heroes face, whether prosecutors, police officers, or even witnesses to egregious crimes.
Sophie Dawson is a Senior ADA, recently promoted and moved to the White Collar Crimes division. Her new case requires much research, and she just gave closing arguments for another. After a long day, she goes into the Quick Stop for some snacks. She hears a loud dispute at the register, turns, and sees first one shooting inside and another outside. Both victims are dead, and she gets the plate number on the getaway vehicle. Unfortunately, the man she id’s in a lineup is Ricky Wade, younger brother of Juan Wade, head of one of Atlanta’s most powerful gangs. No pressure there…
The politically-minded DA offers a young ADA to help Sophie with her new case and for her to mentor. Monica seems intelligent, inquisitive, and willing to do whatever needed. The deeper they look into the thousands of bank documents, Sophie sees a hornet’s nest that could implicate the bank and the former bank employee of money laundering on top of current charges. If so, that could cost the bank its reputation and the DA, his political career.
Sophie’s father can easily afford the best for her safety. Without telling her, he hires Cooper, a former Atlanta cop, now a business partner of the fiancé of one of Sophie’s best friends. Cooper spent two years in the gang unit, and is highly qualified to protect her. When she learns he is watching her, she is not happy, but allows him to stay well into the background. Events escalate quickly, and she is whisked away to a safe house. The problem is, there is no proof it was the gang boss ordering a hit, or if she is in the crosshairs of someone else. An ADA tends to make enemies in any case she tries.
Sophie and her friends Kate and Mia are the kind of ladies I would want to be around. They love their work, are honest, intelligent, wise, and good at their jobs. They are loyal friends and contribute to their community. Sophie and Cooper are very well defined, and other characters as necessary for their roles. Most are very likable, and some absolutely stunned this reader by the end of the novel.
The author has finely executed this complex novel. I kept trying to figure out who the bad guy was, and why, but in the end, only a tiny fraction of my solution was true. There are multiple mysteries, incredible suspense, and long, terrifying moments resulting from plot twists and turns! As I was reading, I thought: These situations could be very real. One’s faith would surely be put to the test! Thankfully this is a Christian thriller, with folks who aren’t perfect but model courage gained only through faith. The potential for romance, while not primary to the plot, offers how each of consider the other person. I was dumbfounded at much of the ending, at times pleasantly so. I highly recommend this exciting legal thriller to those who enjoy well-written Christian novels that include faith, intrigue, likable characters, and romance.
From a grateful heart: I received an e-arc from the author and NetGalley, and this is my honest review. A review was not required.

Lone Witness by Rachel Dylan is the second novel in the series. I enjoyed the storyline of the prosecutor, Sophie in the role of witness. Rachel always creates a sweet chemistry between her characters and showcases the role of great friends in our life. She also creates characters that have struggles that make them more human and readers can relate to.
Sophie is a prosecutor who witnesses a gang related murder and ends up being the star witness for the trial. In addition, she is working as a prosecutor on an embezzlement case.
Her dad hires a body guard when the threats start. As the threats on her life start escalating she goes into a safe house. I enjoyed the scenes with her dad and the backstory of how close they were as a result of her mom dying. Sophie still struggles with the loss of having a mom.
I was pleased to see that although Sophie was a strong female she was smart enough to not make bad decisions when her life was in danger.
Cooper is the co-owner of the security firm. He becomes her body guard and later engages his co-workers/friends to assist with both of Sophie’s cases to assist in keeping her safe.
The parallel storylines added even more suspense since you were not really sure who was behind each attack.
Rachel’s experience as a lawyer shines through in the details of the storyline. The prepping of Sophie as a witness and seeing how hard it is to be cross examined even for a prosecutor was informative and interesting.
I highly recommend Lone Witness if you like suspense and sweet romance.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

Book two in the Atlanta Justice series is just as thrilling as the first!

When Prosecutor Sophie Dawson becomes the only witness to a murder, she is determined to seek justice. It soon becomes clear that the person she must identify as the killer has heavy ties to a gang leader. Knowing the gang will stop at nothing to keep Sophie silent, Cooper Knight is hired to provide her full time protection. Cooper and Sophie both feel a growing attraction towards each other, but they know they must stay focused on seeing justice served and staying alive.

I very much enjoyed the suspense and plot twist in this book. The characters feel so real with real life struggles and heartache from the past. Rachel Dylan is definitely an author to put on the MUST READ list!

* I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

I thought this was a wonderfully written legal thriller with some twists to make it it even more interesting. Great character development and storyline. A page turner. I received a complimentary copy and I reviewed voluntarily.

I enjoyed this novel of legal procedure. It was slow paced and definitely character driven. The main character, Sophie, is a prosecutor with the county district attorney's office in the Atlanta area. She's just begun working in the white collar crime unit and has a big case involving possible fraud by a bank employee. On her way home late one evening, she stops at a convenience store and witnesses a double murder. The plot concentrates on how Sophie does as a witness in one case and as a prosecutor in another. Someone tries to scare Sophie off one of the cases. A bit of romance enters in when Sophie's dad hires the handsome Cooper as her bodyguard.

We readers gain some insight into the world of prosecution and the hard work required to present a case. We also experience some of the interaction between attorneys and the politics involved in working for the county. We also feel the frustration that comes with the impediments to seeing justice done.

This is definitely a character driven novel. There is a bit of suspense here and there but not enough to call this novel one of suspense. Much of the novel deals with the thoughts of Sophie and Cooper as they realize the attraction between them and the obstacles to a potential romance.

I like that Sophie and Cooper rely on their faith when the situation gets tense. There are some twists in the plot but I felt the ending was just a little too easy. Nonetheless, the novel is an enjoyable one. It is the second in a series and you can read my review of the first one, Deadly Proof.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I don’t want to give away any of the plot of thie intriguing storyline. This legal suspense novel is quite a page-turner. The emphasis in this story is the courtroom drama, but there’s some sort of action taking place all through the story. The characters are believeable and relatable. There’s a little bit of romance thrown in, too, but it’s not the main theme of the story. After reading this book, Rachel Dylan is now on my list of favorite authors. Mystery and suspense readers, you will love this one.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion about this book.

Sophie Dawson is a prosecutor who is great at her job and does everything she can to uphold the law. That way of life is seriously challenged when she is the only witness to a double homicide. As pieces of the case start to unravel, will Sophie have what it takes to bring the murderer to justice?
Cooper Knight is hired by Sophie’s father to protect her, without her knowledge, when someone starts target her. She doesn’t want his assistance, but he knows how much danger Sophie is in. As they spend more and more time together, they seem to have a lot more in common than just the case.
This book is action-packed and full of twists and turns. Perfect for those who love reading Christian romantic suspense! I received this book through NetGalley from the author. All opinions are my own.

Rachel Dylan has hit another homer with Lone Witness. Lone Witness is a well written legal suspense and a great addition to the Atlanta Justice series. I was pulled immediately into the many twists and turns of the plot. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy a good suspense.

Prosecutor Sophie Dawson's first job in the White Collar division of the Fulton County D.A.'s office is to build a case against a local bank employee who may be cheating clients. But when circumstances beyond her control leave her as the only witness to a double homicide involving a vengeful gang, her world is turned upside down.

Former Atlanta police officer turned private security guard Cooper Knight is hired to ensure that Sophie is kept safe. But as threats escalate, they don't know who they can trust.

Sophie is determined not to back down, but her bank case gets more complicated by the day, and the gang will stop at nothing to keep her from testifying. Sophie wants to take a stand for what's right--but can Cooper, who is determined not to be distracted by their growing attraction, keep her safe so that she can finish her pursuit for justice?

I really enjoyed the book. Sophie is tough as nails when it comes to wanting to persecute those who break the law. Cooper will do all he can to protect those he'd hired to protect. It gets personal with Sophie and he doesn't like that at all. He has vowed never to get married. This isn't an edge of your seat thriller. But still a good mystery. I had some of it figured out before the end. But still a good book.

I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Sophia loves her job, but it seems she ended up in the wrong place and the wrong time or maybe the right time. Now it seems someone has it in for her. Cooper enjoys protecting those who need it, but when he gets a call to protect someone he knows this now just got personal and he needs to keep everything professional he just needs to convince Sophia that nothing more can come of this. Can they get to the bottom of the truth before it's to late?

Every time I get my hands on one of Rachel's books I am never disappointed. This book was the same way it had me on the edge of my seat and I had a hard time putting it down. I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed how no matter what Sophie face she doesn't give up on her faith she holds it close and it truly comes off the pages. I loved Copper, Noah, and Landon and how they a friendship that no matter what they have each other back. At first, I was concerned because there were quite a few characters and sometimes it makes it hard and to follow but that was not the case at all it was easy to follow and completely flowed. If you have never read any of Rachel's book grab this series you will not be disappointed. This book is a good clean read with lots of adventure. Lone Witness reminds me of Dee Henderson's O'Malley Family Series, I really can't wait for more.