A compelling courtroom drama, detailing the inner workings of a marriage when a spouse is accused of a heinous rape. Whether wife, husband, or victim is the innocent party here, attorney Kate Woodcroft has vowed to find the truth. Well written.

This was rather disappointing. The topic is timely and I liked the plot and twists and resolution, but I feel like most of the first half of the book could have been edited out, as well as bits of the second half. I was looking for something with more of a sense of urgency in the pace and this was too drawn out, with too much telling rather than showing things happening.

I'm afraid that the way this book is marketed will leave readers disappointed. The title, the cover, the blurb and the classification as mystery/suspense were what drew me to this book. In reality, it is a thought provoking analysis of the nuances and gray areas we run into when it comes to sex, consent, and the truth. I don't regret reading it, because it has caused me to reflect on what each of these mean to me, and what they mean in present society. However, there is very little plot, and the revelations that are meant to be shocking, just aren't. There are no twists. When the supposed big secret is revealed, it is a letdown. The end is anticlimactic, but I found myself wanting to have a discussion with other readers about the characters, their motivations, and what constitutes consent. This book has potential, ie for a book club selection, but not as suspense fiction.

When you marry a person, you think you know who they are. Sure, we all have our pasts, but those pasts make us into the people we are today. Sophie and James Whitehouse have known each other for a long time. They met and dated in college, went their separate ways and then met and dated again and eventually got married. They started a family had two beautiful children and James embarked on a political career with his long time friend who is now the Prime Minister.

James comes home one night with some devastating news for Sophie, he has cheated on her and the news will be all over the papers in the morning. He claims this is the one and only time this has happened during their marriage, but when more news breaks a few weeks later, Sophie begins to question everything she has ever known about her husband. Will she be able to stay with him after all of this? Will she ever be able to trust him again?

Thank you to NetGalley, Emily Bestler/Atria Books and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I was very excited to read this book. The premise of the story had me hooked from the start. Cheating husband with secrets...I wanted to know what those secrets were and how his family would handle them. Unfortunately this story fell flat for me. It was easy to guess what the twist in the story was although it may not have been obvious the character behind the twist. Once the biggest reveal was made the secret was never exposed in a way I would have like for it to have been. I was waiting for the bomb to drop which was why I kept reading. It was more like a BB Gun went off instead.

I give this 3 stars for the overall story was interesting and it kept me reading, but in the end, I was disappointed.

Yay, another book worth the hype!! I am so happy that I enjoyed Anatomy of a Scandal as much as most readers seem to, because a lot of books that received this much attention have ended up being a bit disappointing for me lately. This was not only very timely in its subject matter, but it was so character driven, which I loved! Also, the writing was really good, definitely a cut above the typical psychological thriller. I don't want to say much about the plot for fear of spoiling it for anyone, but I was hooked from start to finish. Sarah Vaughan has found herself another fan. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

Despite numerous starts, I could not engage with this story. I found the lead character so pathetic, I didn't even care what happened to her.

Fast paced, mind twisting. Great debut and a fun read!

Anatomy of a Scandal is a very timely courtroom drama. Just a warning, there is going to be a minor spoiler here. I don’t think I can help it.

Handsome, charming James, a Junior Home Office Minister, is accused of rape by an ex-lover. Sophie is his wife who believes, at least at first, that he could never have done such a heinous thing. Kate is the lawyer determined to prove him guilty beyond a shadow of a doubt- and she doesn’t have any doubt.

The story flowed well. It’s not a nail-biting thriller, but it’s tense and emotion-filled. We see James and Sophie in their college days, along with their friends. We know what they were like then and who they became. We learn that some things change, and others don’t.

It’s a story that sucks you in, but I’m not sure I really enjoyed it. First, there’s never any doubt for the reader about James guilt, just whether the jury will believe him or not. He’s a loving father, a loyal friend, but not a “good guy”. So, while in theory the book circles around the idea of consent, of he says/she says, of no one knows what happens behind closed doors, really we do know. None of the main characters was likeable to me. James, obviously, is manipulative and egotistical. Sophie was self-absorbed as a young adult and even though she knows James’ secrets, and there’s at least one biggie, she still deludes herself into believing him and then, when she knows the truth, she stays. Kate has her own back story, which does lend an interesting twist to her prosecution, but she is at the very least acting unethically. I’ll grant you, I understand her reasons, but I still can’t quite sympathize with her.

Sex, power, and scandal are always attention-grabbing, in fiction and real-life. It’s a good book for discussion, I think. It mirrors events that happen every day, on college campuses, in offices, in everyday life, but shouldn’t.

I was so bored reading this book. The characters were uninteresting. I hated James character the most with is trying to justify his affair. I just didn't care about any of them enough to get past 15%.

Well, I love me a courtroom drama and this definitely fits the bill! This was so interesting and I ate it up quickly. There was drama, secrets, lies, everything I like in a thriller.

Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book - all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a terrific read, that was incredibly poignant and thought provoking around the conversation of consent.

James is a loving husband and father, a charismatic politician moving swiftly up the ranks until he finds himself accused of a horrific crime. Sophie, his wife, college sweetheart, and mother of his children, is determined to stand by him, to hold her family together through this crisis that is rocking them to their foundations as a family.

Kate is the lawyer who will prosecute the case; tough, determined and focused on seeing justice handed out to those guilty of the crimes they commit. She is convinced of James' guilt and confident in her ability to ensure he pays the price.

But who really knows the truth of what happened? Who can be sure of James' innocence or guilt? Soon Sophie finds herself doubting the man she has spent her life loving, and wondering how badly she may have misjudged the man she married.

I really enjoyed this as a story, and found myself moving through it quickly. I loved the twists, that kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. I will, however, say I found the style of writing somewhat distracting from the story itself - Sarah Vaughan uses an almost excessive amount of description in her writing, and I found that to pull me out of the story from time to time, as I would lose track of where the chapter was meant to be taking the story. However, once I settled into the book, I found it easier to keep pace.

Overall, this was a great read, and one that I think will be popular with book clubs, as this dishes out so many meaty topics to discuss.

I enjoyed Kate's storyline but as the narratives switched, my attention lessened. What started off as a page-turner turned into a disappointment. Since most of us don't want to read about a deplorable person getting away with unspeakable acts. There wasn't enough of a satisfying ending for me.

DNF. This novel was way to slow for me. I am also not a big fan of the legal procedural, I definitely like the action packed crime dramas. I gave it my standard 30 pages or 3 chapters until I gave up. The topic of this novel is all over the news right not. Do the privileged get away with more? In the end who knows. But this was not the topic or book for me.

If anyone believes that I need to read further into this novel before giving up on it please let me know. I hate leaving novels unfinished. If (more like when) I make it through this novel I will update this review.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and author, through NetGalley, in exchanged for a fair and honest review.

I have this book ready to begin! Anatomy Of A Scandal by Sarah Vaughan caught my eye thanks to an interesting and mysterious premise. The potential for jaw-dropping revelations in this novel are many! This book is getting rave reviews and when I see words like “clever” and “dark” and “compelling” and the plot is so timely with the current “me too” movement we see.

Here’s what you need to know:

Sophie’s husband James is a loving father, a handsome man, a charismatic and successful public figure. And yet he stands accused of a terrible crime. Sophie is convinced he is innocent and desperate to protect her precious family from the lies that threaten to rip them apart.

Kate is the lawyer hired to prosecute the case: an experienced professional who knows that the law is all about winning the argument. And yet Kate seeks the truth at all times. She is certain James is guilty and is determined he will pay for his crimes.

Who is right about James? Sophie or Kate? And is either of them informed by anything more than instinct and personal experience? Despite her privileged upbringing, Sophie is well aware that her beautiful life is not inviolable. She has known it since she and James were first lovers, at Oxford, and she witnessed how easily pleasure could tip into tragedy.

Most people would prefer not to try to understand what passes between a man and a woman when they are alone: alone in bed, alone in an embrace, alone in an elevator… Or alone in the moonlit courtyard of an Oxford college, where a girl once stood before a boy, heart pounding with excitement, then fear. Sophie never understood why her tutorial partner Holly left Oxford so abruptly. What would she think, if she knew the truth?

The privileged past of James sounds so familiar - like I've read about the type in many a piece of Brit Lit. While he and his story were not intriguing at all, I did enjoy reading the points of view of Sophie, Holly and Kate, The courtroom scenarios were best!

ANATOMY OF A SCANDAL BY SARAH VAUGHAN BOOK REVIEW
Right off the bat, Anatomy of a Scandal hooked me. We meet James. He’s a fancy, privileged political figure who is accused of a heinous act. Can’t you just hear the “dun dun” of Law & Order: SVU in the background?

Before James, we meet Kate, the prosecuting attorney. Kate is tough as nails. Not in a Nancy Grace type of way, but in a Sarah Paulson/Marcia Clark American Crime Story: The People vs. OJ Simpson type of way. Kate has a quiet, skilled & professional demeanor. She means business. Kate wants to convict James & achieve justice for his accuser, Olivia.

Then, there is James’s wife, Sophie. She is living her life & bam!- her husband is accused of sexual assault. If she doesn’t support him through the trial, it will obviously affect the jury & public opinion. But, she has to trust her gut. Should she trust her husband? Looking back, she starts to re-examine their life & she starts to question things.
THE VERDICT
I was Really Into This book. Fans of Law & Order will love it! The entire story played like a movie in my head & I love that! While this isn’t a fast-paced, supercharged thriller, it is a well-written novel that is pieced together expertly by Sarah Vaughan. The suspense slowly builds & before you know it, a rapid boil is occurring. It is intense. Readers who enjoy Tana French, Ragnar Jónasson & Wendy Walker are sure to enjoy Anatomy of a Scandal as well.

Special thanks to Sarah Vaughan, Atria/Emily Bestler Books & NetGalley for providing my copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.

A very compelling, clever, somewhat scandalous drama! I could not put this book down once I started. It's very well paced (fast) and timely as it covers fictional events that unfortunately many women (and men) can relate to: rape. This story could be ripped from any current newspaper headline. I very much enjoyed how the chapters were told from different character perspectives, really allowing you to try and understand all sides. A+

Kate Woodcroft is a hardened prosecutor with a willingness to take on difficult cases. And by "difficult" cases, she means she is willing to take on sexual predators. She doesn't shy away, instead choosing to be a bulldog for justice against men who use women. So when the case against James Whitehouse comes across her desk, she has to take it on. 

Whitehouse is a politician, a member of the House of Commons and longtime friend of the Prime Minister himself. His background includes everything it's supposed to--school, sports, exclusive clubs with kids from equally prosperous families, and all the right degrees, including the one from Oxford. It was at Oxford where he first met Sophie, a smart, young rower who captured him with her confidence and intelligence. 

But Oxford was a long time ago. James and Sophie have now been married for many years. They have two kids, and James's career is on an upward trajectory. Until his career trajectory collides with that of Kate's. That's when the real story begins. That's when the truth can come out. 

James Whitehouse had a secret affair with one of his staff, a woman who thought she was in love. And then she got dumped. And then she hooked up with Whitehouse one more time. Only she says that she didn't consent. 

Which means it's Kate's chance to take center stage and try her case against the minister. He says one thing. She says another. Who is telling the truth? Lives could be destroyed by this one case, and it's up to Sophie and Kate to decide what they want, to make the smart choices, to suss out the secrets, and to seize the power to live their lives despite the selfish choices of the men they know. 

Anatomy of a Scandal is a powerful story of two women who find themselves in challenging situations because of men's choices. It's incredibly timely and beautifully written, with all the twists and turns you expect. Author Sarah Vaughn has masterfully woven a story of two women with different backgrounds, different lives, but touched by the same scandal. Both Sophie and Kate have strong voices in this novel, with their stories coming together in surprising ways. Anatomy of a Scandal is not to be missed. And read it with a friend. You'll want to have someone you can talk to about this one! 



Galleys for Anatomy of a Scandal were provided by Atria Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.

I was unable to finish this book, not because it wasn't written well, but because thrillers went from being something I really wanted to read more of to me realizing that thrillers are the last thing I need to be reading right now.

From what I did read of the book, I think there are many people who will enjoy it! It is one that I would pick up for my best friend who loves thrillers (which is why I was trying to read more of them).

I completely captivated, intrigued, and fascinated, with this fast-paced intelligent, timely and relevant novel.

James Whitehouse is a member of the Parliament, and until he was charged with
rape —( at the point of penetration, did James understand that Olivia Clarissa Lytton did not consent to sex?), he was a junior minister in the government. He is married to Sophie whom he has two children with.

James admits his adultery to Sophie ‘before’ the story breaks out to the public. His affair was only sex - an affair which only lasted 5 months - it was his only time he cheated in their twelve years of marriage ( well not counting all the times he cheated back in college when they were an item). The sex he had with Olivia meant ‘nothing’....and HE ended it! HOW BIG of HIM!
And why does James TELL HIS WIFE THAT HE’s a cheating scum-bag? ONLY ONE REASON: HE GOT CAUGHT! His high- profile goody-two-shoes-reputation is at risk. AND THAT’S BEFORE BEING ACCUSED OF RAPE.
James already showed his character-colors very early in this novel. The marriage started off with major red flags. WHY DO WOMEN THINK SO LITTLE OF THEMSELVES TO ‘EXCUSE’ SEXUAL CHEATING?

I THINK I LOVE AUTHOR SARAH VAUGHAN! Awesome novel! Women ought to being getting fired up - not reading this like ho-hum-ho-hum....heard this before. This novel has many thought- provoking opportunities!!!
Much to be furious about: HAVEN’T WOMEN HAD ENOUGH OF MEN BEING SEXUAL SLIM horny boy VULTURES?

MEN.......MOVE OVER....
........Women are going to be kicking you in the balls harder than you’ve ever experienced— the old school B.S. isn’t going to fly forever —-WOMEN ARE FINDING THEIR VOICE - EXPRESSING THEIR POWER - and they don’t give a damn how hotsie-totsie good looking and charming ‘he’ is. THE TIME HAS COME TO PUT AN END TO ‘Boy’s-will-be-boys’.....GAME OVER!!!

THIS NOVEL opens a window into the sexual battles between men and women. It’s clear men have had the upper hand through history...but maybe -maybe - books like these empower both men and women to come together - respect each other with equal dignity ...and drop the power games. ( unless of course it’s ‘clearly’ an adult consented game).

Olivia Lytton was James parliamentary researcher. They had a consensual relationship- embarked on an affair. Olivia believed she was in love with him. James ended the relationship- told her he needed to be with his family.
Yet—- a week after their affair, they had sexual intercourse once again- in a lift off the committee corridor in the heart of the House of Commons. There is no dispute that this event took place — both sides acknowledge it.
What *is* the dispute is the nature of it.
WAS THIS, IN FACT, RAPE....or as the defense will submit, AN ACT OF PASSION, A FRENZIED BOUT OF LOVEMAKING by two individuals caught up in the moment?

We will hear evidence from both sides!!! Other than the Judge Luckhurst’s need to “adjourn” when ‘he’ gets uncomfortable in his courtroom when things get intense — prosecuting barrister, Kate Woodcroft and defense barrister, Angela Regan each assert, maneuver, disclose, argue, dismiss, and convince their side aimed toward the jury. Is James innocent or guilty?

“Rape, like domestic violence, happens across our classes, could happen to each and everyone of us”.

Cautionary story includes.......
Anatomy of Secrets.....
Anatomy of the Wealthy and privileged.....
Anatomy of Arrogant- callous-elite spineless power hungry narcissists
Anatomy of Political sex scandal....
Anatomy of a British Courtroom drama....
Anatomy of of a marriage....
Anatomy of Scrutinize Old Memories- and how they are never forgotten.
Anatomy of ‘he said/she said’ suspense.....
“ANATOMY OF A SCANDAL”.....IS IT ABOUT JUSTICE OR WINNING?

Terrific book club discussion pick!!!

Thank You Netgalley, Atria Books, and Sarah Vaughan