Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Red Verdict by James Comey

I’ve followed this series religiously, so this went straight to the top of my TBR. The author delivered another assured and timely legal thriller, and Red Verdict is one of the strongest instalments yet.

Nora is on top form, supported by a formidable and well honed team who rise to even the most daunting challenges. When a high profile killing with clear Russian hallmarks pulls them into a complex investigation, the case quickly widens into a high stakes clash involving espionage, corporate power and global influence. The author’sinsider knowledge gives the procedural detail real authority, while the pacing keeps the tension tight throughout.

What really stood out was the way the novel reflects on how external forces can infiltrate governments and world powers, blurring the lines between justice, politics and control. It feels timely, unsettling and entirely plausible. The character work remains a real strength, grounding the bigger geopolitical themes in strong relationships and moral conviction.

A sharp, intelligent and compelling addition to a series I continue to love. An easy five stars.

This is another excellent book in the Nora Carleton series. I had to read it straight away.
In this book an defense company executive is murdered by Novichok, a Russian nerve agent, but it looks like they killed the wrong man, and there is still a traitor in the company. With the help of the FBI Russia SVR section, a couple of great new characters, Nora and her team gather the evidence and take the case to trial. It's really interesting in the world of spycraft and politics, and in the management of the case, and I loved the trial. Despite the serious subject matter, there is a lot of humour in the dialogue - Benny is so funny. I really enjoyed spending time with Nora and her team and her family.
Highly recommended.

James Comey has hit the ball out of the park in this his fourth book in the Nora Carleton series of legal thrillers.

The plot is horribly plausible and topical featuring murder by Novichock, and a highly placed traitor revealing classified secrets to the Russians relating to drone technology.

As normal given the author’s back there is much toing and froing and jockeying for post between the various departments responsible for national security but where the book scores highest for me is in the forensic but fascinating description of the trial of the alleged traitor.

As normal there’s much witty repartee between Nora and the immortal Benny and the book was a delight to read.

Highly recommended.

In the opening chapter Edgar gets poisoned by the red pepper flakes brought by a water he has not seen before. This certainly drew me in.
Then there was the character of Nora, which was particularly well drawn.
Then there was the story , which was excellent.
After being hooked in the opening chapter I was drawn into the plot, which was gripping.
Highly recommended.

Nora Carleton returns in a powerful legal thriller involving espionage and betrayal. The Assistant US Attorney works with the FBI following the murder of an industrialist though to be passing secrets. But the story isn't as it first seems.

Nora and her team have their hands tied by national security laws, making the case difficult to prosecute. Working in secret they skirt the edges of the intelligence community to make their case. It's all difficult, full of tension and horribly real.

Red Verdict is a gripping tale from an author who knows the territory well, and the result is an excellent read.

This was my first experience reading James Comey, and Red Verdict proved to be a strong and engaging introduction.

This is an enjoyable, well-crafted legal thriller that feels grounded in authenticity. The story blends legal procedure, crime, and espionage in a way that feels both timely and credible, offering insight into the real-world challenges of counterintelligence, prosecution, and the complex interplay between justice, politics, and global influence.

The procedural detail is clearly informed, lending weight to the investigation and courtroom scenes without overwhelming the narrative. The pacing is steady and purposeful, and the focus on teamwork, jurisdictional tension, and methodical case building mirrors what other readers have praised as one of the author’s strengths.

While established fans of the series will likely appreciate returning characters more deeply, the novel works well as a standalone and remains accessible to new readers. Overall, Red Verdict is a smart, compelling legal thriller that prioritises realism and substance over spectacle, and I would happily continue with future installments in this series.

<strong>I’ll admit it... I didn’t go into <em>Red Verdict</em> with especially high expectations. But I came away genuinely impressed.</strong>

Thank you to NetGalley and <strong>James Comey</strong> for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As this was my first book by James Comey, it took me a little while to find my footing. The early chapters lean into world-building, particularly around the maze of U.S. and Russian intelligence agencies. There are plenty of acronyms, but Comey does a great job explaining them clearly and giving background on the various intelligence communities. That foundation ultimately strengthens the tension as the story progresses.

Once I settled in, the story really took off. What begins as a measured political and intelligence-driven thriller gradually transforms into gripping courtroom drama, and that shift worked brilliantly for me. The investigative threads tighten, the stakes escalate, and suddenly the pages start flying. I read this over two days, which says everything about how invested I became. It’s the kind of book you’re happy to dive straight back into.

Even though this is the fourth installment in the series, it stands alone remarkably well. I never felt lost or behind, which can often be a concern when jumping into a series midstream. That said, I’m now planning to go back and pick up the earlier books.

The character development was a highlight. The relationship between Nora and her teenage daughter Sophie adds emotional depth that grounds the geopolitical tension in something personal and relatable. Benny—her stepdad—was another standout, especially in how he supports both the investigation and the trial. Those family dynamics gave the story warmth and balance alongside the espionage plot.

I also appreciated the subtle (and occasionally pointed) pokes at government bureaucracy. They felt authentic without being heavy-handed... likely a reflection of the author’s firsthand experience.

<strong>Overall, I was thoroughly entertained and pleasantly surprised.</strong> <em>Red Verdict</em> builds deliberately, then delivers intrigue, momentum, and a satisfying courtroom crescendo. If you enjoy political thrillers layered with intelligence detail and fun character interplay, this one is well worth your time.

<em>#RedVerdict #NetGalley</em>