Happy pub week! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was an easy five stars for me. You will like this book if you enjoy:

- dirty lawyers and cops
- conspiracies
- many twists and turns- none too drastic, but more like waves of twists.
- a surprisingly pleasant ending

Legal Thriller Done Right

"The Intern" by Michele Campbell is a spine-tingling, thought-provoking legal thriller that will keep you at the edge of your seat from beginning to end. If reading could be a full-time job, delving into well-crafted thrillers like this one would make it a dream come true. Michele Campbell has masterfully woven a gripping narrative that's impossible to put down, and I owe my discovery of this gem to NetGalley, which introduced me to the talented author.

My journey through this enthralling tale was made even more immersive by the outstanding narration in the audiobook version. The skillful narrator breathed life into the two main characters, making them not just voices but individuals we genuinely care about. It's a testament to the audiobook's quality that I couldn't stop listening, driven by an insatiable desire to uncover the mysteries and secrets lurking in every corner of the story.

Campbell's genius lies in her ability to balance character development and plot pacing flawlessly. The heart of the novel beats strongly through its main protagonists, Madison Rivera and Judge Kathryn Conroy. Madison, a determined Harvard Law student, lands her dream summer internship working for the esteemed Judge Conroy. However, her dreams collide with harsh reality when her brother, Danny, is arrested on federal drug charges, and Judge Conroy is assigned to his case. The weight of Madison's ambitions and familial loyalty intertwine as she endeavors to help her brother and unveil the truth behind his vehement claims of innocence. Madison's character arc is a compelling exploration of the relentless pursuit of justice and the sacrifices one must make in that pursuit.

Kathryn Conroy's perspective, on the other hand, offers readers a glimpse into her dark past, marked by poverty, adversity, and the difficult choices she made to rise to her esteemed position. It's a testament to Campbell's storytelling prowess that Kathryn's character is just as engaging and relatable as Madison's. The contrast and synergy between these two characters drive the narrative forward, creating a mesmerizing dynamic.

"The Intern" doesn't rely on implausible plot twists or senseless explanations to maintain its intrigue. Instead, it weaves a web of revelations that are both shocking and entirely plausible within the context of the story. The author ensures that every twist and turn is rooted in the characters' motivations and actions, resulting in a deeply satisfying and well-executed conclusion.

In conclusion, Michele Campbell's "The Intern" is a remarkable legal thriller that skillfully navigates the realms of ambition, justice, and family loyalty. The dual perspectives of Madison and Kathryn provide a rich and multifaceted narrative that keeps readers engaged and invested. With a well-constructed plot, believable revelations, and a satisfying resolution, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to experience this gripping tale.

This is an arc from Netgalley so thank you for the opportunity to read this book. This book was really good! It was about a Harvard Law Student who went to Intern for a judge she admired so much. For awhile I thought I knew what was going on and it was so perfectly plotted out. I absolutely LOVED the ending! Had me smiling.

This is a book I would highly recommend to others who love thrillers or crime stories.

This was a twisty legal thriller with strong John Grisham vibes and perfect for fans of the show How to get away with murder. I really enjoyed it, especially on audio narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review. This was my first book by the author and I'll definitely be checking out their backlist!

I had hoped The Intern would grab my attention., but it felt more like an assignment. The plot was predictable. A bit of a dissapointment

There’s a lot going on in this story and it’s told from two points of views over different timelines, which might make it confusing, but it all comes together nicely in the end. It’s fast paced and fascinating, exploring a legal system that is easily influenced by a few power players. There are some decisions made by the characters that will leave you shaking your head but overall, an action-packed, exciting read.

The Intern by Michelle Campbell is a Great mystery thriller.
Madison gets the internship for Judge Kathryn Conroy, someone who she has looked up to. But there are secrets that both are keeping from each other. The story kept me wanting to see how everything played out. It’s read in a dual timeline in which we learn about Judge Kathryn‘s past and upbringing.
I enjoyed reading The Intern and would recommend to others.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC in return for an honest review.

THIS WAS VERY ENTERTAINING!

A fairly fast-paced, dual POV Crime Thriller about Harvard law student Madison and federal judge Kathryn. While the story started out a little slow... by 30%, things really picked up and went from there. Having Kathryn's POV def helped move the story along and helped us to better understand her motivations.

Filled with so any secrets, lies, twists, and turns - this was just a fun and easy-to-listen-to thriller!

Rating: 3.5 stars

3.5 ⭐️

Told in multiple perspectives this storyline kept me interested. However, I overall felt it was a bit predictable midway through it. The ending needed more.

This psychological / legal thriller was fun and entertaining and kept me engaged while listening to the audiobook. Madison, a Harvard Law student, is asked to apply for an internship in Judge Kathy Conroy’s chambers. Madison’s brother, who has had trouble with the law in the past, was set up and is accused of trafficking drugs. His case is assigned to Judge Conroy. Madison is quickly accepted after a quick interview where there are many similarities between Conroy and herself but only after telling the lie that she is an only child. Things start to go weird and take a turn for the worse when Judge Conroy asks Madison to house sit and take care of her cat while she is gone and when Madison’s brother goes missing from jail. I loved the back stories of Judge Conroy which explains the reasoning behind her actions. The writing was fast-paced and easy to follow along. The cat and mouse storyline was fun, although parts of it were predictable. The two MCs were both smart, strong women that were both greatly flawed. I really enjoyed the unlikable villains in the story, and they were consistent in their characters. I wish the ending had a little more umph to it, but otherwise I thought this was a great read.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both an audio and digital ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Michele Campbell and wonderfully narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen - 4.5 stars!

Madison is a Harvard Law student, completely driven to be the best. When she is offered a coveted position as an intern working for her favorite professor, Judge Kathryn Conroy, she is over the moon. But her younger brother, Danny, has been arrested and the judge on his case is none other than Judge Conroy. Things become chummy with Madison and Kathryn, when she invites her for dinner and then to petsit at her home when she has to go out of town. Both women are keeping secrets - just exactly what is going on?

Told in alternate POV between both Madison and Kathryn, we see how both women have struggled to overcome their pasts. Family loyalty, the cost of favors, and the drive for success all factor in, and it's a tense read trying to figure out all the twists and turns. I'm a big fan of Michele Campbell's and thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Harvard Law student Madison Rivera can't believe her luck when she's asked to intern for her hero, Judge Kathryn Conroy... but little does she know, she's about to get roped into a world of corruption and violence.

This was a propulsive, bingeable, fast paced thriller and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Though I had figured out the direction it was heading early on, there were a couple twists that surprised me. Overall, a solid read that I finished in less than 24 hours. I definitely recommend!

The audio narrator did a good job, but her voice is not my favorite. It sounds a bit unnatural and nasally at times. At first it was really bothersome, but after awhile I got used to it. I don't think I'd actively seek out books she's narrated, but I wouldn't avoid them either.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for my gifted copy.❤️

When Madison Rivera accepts the internship of her lifetime, she never expected that she would be living with Jude Convoy and part of an FBI setup.
Good, easy read. Narrator did a great job bringing the story to life! Recommend for those who enjoy the genre.

*I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for my honest review

Michele Campbell (fav author) returns following The Wife Who Knew Too Much with her latest stellar legal, political, crime thriller, THE INTERN—a young, ambitious law school intern gets caught up in a web of deceit and danger between her brother, a judge, the FBI, law, legalities, organized crime, and the mafia in this fast-paced game of cat and mouse edge of your seat suspense—from class, ambition, family, blackmail, and murder.

I am a massive fan of the author, having read all her books, and with THE INTERN, she DAZZLES —one of my favorites!

Meet the main characters:
Madison Rivera - Harvard Law student
Kathryn Conroy - A Federal Judge
Danny Rivera - Madison's younger brother arrested for drug possession

Madison is taking a Harvard class from (professor) Judge Kathryn, her idol since she was a prosecutor and spoke for her class years ago. She is why she got into law as her inspiration.

Madison is delighted when she is encouraged to apply for the intern position with Judge Kathryn Convoy (her dream job).

The plot thickens when she learns Danny, her brother, has been arrested on a drug charge, and the Judge presiding is Convoy. Danny thinks Convoy is a corrupt judge. Madison cannot believe this. He is forced to plead guilty and is innocent. He thinks the Judge and his crooked attorney are up to no good. The mother is upset and turns to Madison for help.

So, to get the job, Madison pretends she is an only child, and Danny is not mentioned. He cannot possibly be right. She is in awe of Kathryn—she has it all. The stunning townhome, the clothes, the looks, prestige, influence, and power. But does she have it ALL?

Can Madison gather inside information about Danny's case through working with the Judge that may help Danny? She feels caught in the middle.

However, the deeper into the novel, Madison learns Kathryn has dark secrets. She suspects she and her brother are pawns in a bigger, more sinister game of an organized crime ring. Is the Judge in on it, or is she caught up in the dangerous web of deceit and lies like herself? How high does this go?

Who can she trust? Is Madison being set up as well as her brother?

From POV:
Part One: Madison
Part Two: Kathryn
Part Three: Madison
Part Four: Kathryn
Part Five: The End Game

Campbell ratchets up the suspense and tension in this intense cat-and-mouse dangerous game that keeps you on the edge of your seat in this captivating, heart-pounding thriller!

It is flawlessly executed, perfectly paced, and plotted with well-developed characters you sympathize with (Madison and Kathryn). Some you will despise. The past catches up with you; there is a payday when there is a deal with the devil.

THE INTERN is action-packed, multi-layered, complex and explosive! I cannot recommend it enough. I loved the ending! A huge fan of legal thrillers, readers who enjoy John Grisham, Lisa Scottoline, Lisa Gardner, and John Lescroart will appreciate this outstanding legal crime thriller.

As always, Michelle Campbell is at the TOP OF HER GAME! Each of her books is unique and satisfying.

AUDIOBOOK & DIGITAL: I had the privilege of reading the e-book and listening to the audiobook narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen for an award-winning, engaging performance for all voices.

Many thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartins Press for providing me with a digital reviewer copy and #MacmillanAudio for an early listening copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I also purchased the hardcover copy for my home library. #SMPInfluencers

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars +
Pub Date: Oct 3, 2023
October 2023 Must-Read Books

3.5 Stars

The Intern is a dual perspective and compelling narrative that delves into the depths of class struggle, and the enigmatic world of the judicial system. The story follows Madison Rivera, a brilliant Harvard law student, whose life becomes entangled with that of the charismatic Judge Kathryn Conroy. The Intern also offers Kathryn’s perspective, which helped to fill in the gaps that were left out in Madison’s narrative.

This story did a great job at keeping me interested as it was very fast-paced and I couldn’t stop listening to it. I needed to see how it ended for everyone involved. I will say that although some things may have been predictable, there were still elements of surprise that I really appreciated. My fiancé would occasionally listen to it in the car with me and he quickly became hooked as well. I loved how the story explored the complexities of human relationship and all the lies/secrets that were continuously uncovered.

The only thing I will say is that I found some of the narrative repetitive, especially when hearing it again from a different perspective.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio ARC.

Sarah Mollo-Christensen read this story exquisitely.

I enjoyed this book during a much needed vacation. It made my getting lost during a drive very pleasant.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Another great book by Michele Campbell. Madison is attending Harvard Law School and one of her professor's, Katherine who also happens to be a well known Judge, encourages her to apply to be her Intern. During the interview process Kathrine and Madison find that they have very similar lives and hit it off. Madison tells a white lie and says she is an only child to try and be more like Kathrine. This white lie will become very serious and Madison needs to come clean with Katherine or risk being fired and charged with falsifying documents. As soon as Madison makes plans to reveal the truth, she finds out that her brother Danny has been arrested and sent to jail for a crime he claims he did not do and the presiding Judge was none other than Katherine. How can she come clean now especially when things in Katherine's life seem to out of control as well. I really enjoyed this book, it was fast paces and the story line was great. Lots of twists and turns and I look forward to more books from Michele. Enjoy!!!

This book was a great read! I felt it started a little slow, but once everything got rolling, I had a really hard time turning off my audiobook. I will definitely be recommending this and other Michele Campbell books to my fellow mystery/thriller lovers!

*4.25 stars

Thank you @stmartinspress @macmillan.audio for a copy of The Intern. This is my first book from Campbell and I loved how the story unfolded. Madison lands an internship with her mentor, Judge Kathryn and keeps a secret to keep her internship. As she starts working for the Judge she learns some things about the Judge. The story kept me entertained and so many twists in the story.

Wow! Not at all what I expected! But it was a very pleasant surprise!

Maddie is a young Harvard Law Student. She is doing well in classes and all is going according to plan…and then her younger brother gets arrested. And her Mom depends on her to help him! So she’s now a wreck.

Kathryn is one of her professors, as well as a Judge. She is well respected, and Maddie looks up to her, so when she hears that she’s looking for an intern, well…she jumps on the chance.

Maddie’s ex warns her to stay away from the Judge, as he feels she’s mixed up in some shady business.

And then the **** hits the fan! Maddie’s brother Danny goes missing…while he’s IN JAIL! No one can find him! And the plot thickens…

Maddie realizes that she too is now mixed up in some of these scandals…and is scared for her life!

A lot of crazy, scary characters…and ones that make you really think about ‘the system’… can it really be trusted?

This one will pull you in and not let you go until the very last page!

4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 5!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for the ARC of the audiobook which is due to be released on October 3rd.

#TheIntern by #MicheleCampbell.
Also, the narrator was excellent! #SarahMolloChristensen

PS- If you like my review,please feel free to like and follow me on Goodreads, and/or on Instagram: #BookReviews_with__emsr.