I am generally not a legal-thriller kind of reader, but this book's synopsis drew me in. While it was a fast-paced read and an interesting story, for me there were too many characters and too many details for me to enjoy the book 100%. I like for the author to paint a detailed picture, but these lines became too blurred for my taste.
Thank you to Phillip Margolin, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Robin Lockwood is a terrific attorney with an interesting background and a lot on her plate. Perhaps too much. She's involved in a civil law suit by a rape victim and then is assigned a pro bono case involving murder. Either of these two would be enough for a junior attorney let alone a novel but Margolin manages to twine the stories together in a way that will keep you guessing. There are several other murders which Robin finds herself investigating (seriously, this was a time for law enforcement officers) because they are connected to her case. While there are a lot of threads, this never gets too complex to follow. It's well written and a good read for fans of legal thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

The Perfect Alibi by Phillip Margolin is the second book in his Robin Lockwood series. Though this novel is part of a series with the same the primary character, it reads as a standalone.

Robin Lockwood, former MMA fighter, is now a partner in the law firm, Barrister, Berman & Lockwood. She’s currently litigating two important cases that are causing her to question herself and her chosen career. Robin also involves herself in a case possibly related to one of hers that’s being handled by another lawyer, so she has a full plate.

This is only the second book that I’ve read by bestselling author, Phillip Margolin, but I’m impressed. Robin is a well-developed female protagonist. The plot is intricate with perfectly timed twists. This is an expertly conceived legal thriller. The only downside may be the abundance of characters, but this didn’t affect my reading or understanding of the story.

The Perfect Alibi is an excellent legal thriller and I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. This is the perfect book for those looking for a smart read.

My thanks to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books and Phillip Hargolin for an ARC ebook copy to review. As always, an honest review from me.

Like:
- The premise reminds me of an episode of Law and Order SVU
- Short chapters: makes it easy to put down the book
- Heavily features DNA, science and other tech — while these are not a new phenomenon, the book keeps it fresh and interesting
- The drama, deception, lying and greed makes for an intense book

Love: -

Dislike:
- There’s almost too much drama - which almost makes me ambivalent to the supposed to be “riveting revelations”
- Didn’t keep my focus well (To be fair: I was tired while reading some of the book, but that wasn’t the entire reason for difficulty focusing.)
- The story bounced from one mystery to the next very quickly - not a fan of this

Wish that:
- It lived up to the hype I’d created in my head

Overall, another mystery/thriller that was enjoyable but left me a little disappointed.

The Perfect Alibi by Phillip Margolin is the second book of the legal thriller Robin Lockwood series. In the first book of the series readers were introduced to Robin who was just beginning as an assistant to a legendary attorney and now she is back tackling her own cases.

In this second installment of the series Robin meets with a young girl who is looking to bring about a case on her rapist. She and a friend had attended a party and while flirting on thing led to another and then the young man would not stop as she struggled and fought.

As Robin dives into her first case she finds another on her desk that also needs her attention. But as the defendant in the first is in prison another attack happens which may show his innocence but as Robin digs further she begins to untangle clues that may link both cases.

The Perfect Alibi was another great addition to this series from Phillip Margolin. The series is rather fast paced as it follows along from the beginning of a case, the investigation and court room appearances all of which keep the pages turning as the twists and turns come. Will definitely be looking forward to more to come in this thrilling legal series.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I'm usually a lover of legal thrillers and was excited to start this one. It begins with a young woman accusing a college football star of raping her. What quickly follows is a series of seemingly unrelated murders and court cases that all become intertwined by the end. This is a very fast-paced book and many will love it. I did not. I found there to be way too many characters. I had a hard time remembering who each person was and what their role was. In my opinion there were too may side stories going on and the ending I found not believable and rushed. I enjoys books that are written from a characters point of view; this one was written from everyone's point of view and I found the characters development to be lacking and many relationships seems contrived and superficial. If you like interesting legal situations and a very fast-paced read you may like this one. Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A legal thriller from Phillip Margolin, who I have enjoyed reading for many years. This one was the second book in the series about Robin Lockwood. I initially didn't know that and have not read The Third Victim. This book read just fine as a stand alone. I did not have trouble following the story or characters. I did think there were a lot of characters and because they were all involved in the law, it took a bit to get them all sorted out. The sides of the legal table seemed fluid in this one. The plot was gripping and I read the book very quickly. His style is easy to read. The mystery was complex and I didn't have it all figured out until it was spelled out for me. Robin Lockwood is an likable character and the cast of people around her are diverse and engaging. I am definitely going to read the first book in this series. I would recommend this book to someone looking for a light, quick read in the thriller genre.

This is a fast paced, plot driven legal drama that kept me quickly turning pages to see what would happen next.

At the start of the novel, a college student named Randi accuses a popular college football player of raping her at a party. It seems like it will be a case of his word against hers - and there are extenuating circumstances that make it hard to know what to believe. However - it turns out that’s really only the start of what’s going on in this story.

There are many twists and turns and I felt like sometimes it got a little bogged down in the side stories. I also think the character development and relationships could have been given more detail so we would feel more invested.

I would recommend this if you are interested in a book that brings up some interesting legal dilemmas and brings you along for a rollercoaster ride in a quick read. I would enjoy reading this as a plane read or a beach book - looking ahead to summer!

Thanks to Netgalley and St Martina’s Press/Minotaur for the advance reading copy provided in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It had multiple stories that came together in the end in an interesting way. I didn’t guess the end which is my way to determine the value of the mystery. Read this book. It’s a good one.
#NetGalley

The Perfect Alibi – Phillip Margolin

I was fortunate to receive this book as an Advance Reader Copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an objective review.

Robin Lockwood, attorney for Barrister, Berman & Lockwood is coming into the office to start her day when she’s met by Maxine & Randi Stark, a mother and daughter who wish to sue the daughter Randi’s rapist.

As Robin sits with Randi to obtain information, a story emerges of a young woman who goes to a frat party and dances with the young man in question, before she is led into a bedroom, where the alleged rape occurs, the tail end of which is discovered by Randi’s friend, Annie Roche. When Annie finds Blaine Hastings on top of her Randi, with her friend yelling ‘get off me’, she screams, causing the rapist to flee. Annie then took her friend to the hospital where DNA evidence irrefutably links Blaine to the crime, and he’s arrested. Despite his denials, and after an angry outburst in court, he is convicted – and he threatens his lawyer as he’s lead out of the courtroom.

Then, shortly thereafter, another young woman is raped, and inexplicably a rape kit also finds DNA that is linked to Blaine. But Blaine remains in jail and couldn’t possibly have committed this act. Blaine’s new lawyer then petitions the court for his release until the error can be explained, and Robyn’s team searches for an explanation. Meanwhile, a freed Blaine goes missing, and his victim, Randi, fears for her safety.

Then, an attorney is found dead in his office, and another is missing – from the firm that represented Blaine in his initial rape case. Are they connected? Or is there something else going on entirely?

I really love a good legal thriller and this one has all the elements I’ve come to expect – a compelling case, a likeable attorney, and enough mystery and intrigue that make putting it down next to impossible until the final page is turned! A fabulous new must-read from Phillip Margolin!!

This is the first Phillip Margolin bok I've read, and probably the last. Flat characters, wooden dialogue, and uninspired prose. The plot did engage me enough to keep reading, but I wouldn't recommend this.

Margolin’s newest novel was an engrossing read from start to finish. This book will keep you on your toes with the many different characters and cases that had you trying to figure out just how, or even if they were connected. While entertaining, the big twist seemed completely implausible, but worked well with the rest of the story. A fun court room romp!

Oh my Gosh The Perfect Alibi is so good I almost wanted to break my own rules and give this more than 5 stars.

Robin Lockwood fighter turned lawyer has been hired to sue Blaine Hastings Jr. on behalf of Randi. Blaine is a star football player for the Oregon Ducks and has allegedly raped Randi with whom he has a connection to from high school. Blain is quickly found to be guilty of this crime, but suddenly released as another woman has come forward having been raped and the same DNA from Randi’s rape is also found on this women. How is this possible?

Then there is the Voss Family being followed by a man. Mr. Voss is a recent stroke victim that had life altering implications. Likely caused by a prescription from pharmaceutical company Norcross. Mrs. Voss alerts the police to the man’s presence, but will it be too late.

There is also the case of multiple lawyers turning up dead. What connection do they all have?

Philip Margolin has written a wonderful page turner. It has more than enough twists and turns to leave one guessing. I have read many who have been in reading slumps and I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to break the funk or anyone who wants a good legal mystery.

I loved it!

Readers who enjoy legal thrillers with multiple cases and lots of twists and turn should enjoy this one. I did like it but also felt that the plot was rushed. I wanted more in-depth with the characters and events. I see that this is the only second in series starring Robin Lockwood, a young lawyer who is a former MMA fighter. I hope that further books in the series show more about who Robin is, besides that she is quick to jump in a fight. I also felt that female rape victim in the book could have been written with deeper characterization.

Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author Philip Margolin for an advanced electronic review copy.

The Perfect Alibi by Phillip Margolin is the second entry in the Robin Lockwood series. I have not read the previous book, however, the back story was adequately explained. Robin Lockwood is a former MMA fighter turned lawyer. She takes on a civil case for Randi Stark, a college student who claims she was raped by Blaine Hastings, Jr. Blaine is a wealthy football star at the local university. He claims his innocence but DNA proves otherwise. Who is telling the truth? What is the truth? This case is just one of many storylines in this book. There are multiple characters and stories going on here. It was at times confusing but by the middle of the book I had everyone sorted out. The chapters are short and this was a quick, entertaining read. Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.75*

I have been a long time fan of Phillip Margolin. I believe I have read every book he has released! I am always guaranteed for a great light legal thriller that will keep me guessing.
He has done it again!

Robin Lockwood is a partner in a law firm in Oregon. She is able to handle all kinds of cases, from death row trials to civil law suits and everything in between. And in the course of this book you will see it all!

The only issue I had with this book was a it felt like it somewhat lacked focus.
There are so many characters and story-lines that I found myself re-reading pages just to keep everything straight!
With so many moving parts that you will need to stay on your toes to keep up!
That said, Philip Margolin continues to deliver fabulous legal thrillers that I always look forward to ever year! I’m now patiently waiting for his next...

A buddy read with Susanne!❄️

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Phillip Margolin for an ARC to read and review.

The Perfect Alibi

The Perfect Alibi is a robust and suspenseful legal mystery with a dynamic female protagonist.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

SUMMARY
A young woman accuses a prominent local college athlete of rape. Convicted with the help of DNA evidence the athlete swears his innocence and threaten both his lawyer and his accuser as he is sent to prison. Then there is another rape and the DNA shows the same person committed both rapes. An impossibility since the man convicted of the first rape was in prison at the time of the second one. Now the convicted athlete joined by a new lawyer, is granted a new trial and bail. Shortly thereafter, his original lawyer disappears and the lawyer’s partner is murdered.

Robin Lockwood is a young lawyer with a small law firm hired to represent the young rape victim in a civil lawsuit against the rapist. The victim is convinced the rapist is stalking her and trying to intimidate her. At the same time another of Lockwood’s client’s is up on a murder charge, one that should be dismissed as self-defense, but the D. A. is determined to bring the case to trial. Lockwood now has to mastermind two impossible cases, trying to find the hidden truths between each of them.

REVIEW
There is so much going on in THE PERFECT ALIBI it may make your head spin. I’m not sure anyone really has the perfect alibi in this one. There are so many attorneys, victims and bad guys, it’s hard to keep them all straight. But it’s definitely worth the read. Robin Lockwood’s character as the protagonist was captivating. She is a smart, strong, and confident woman attorney, who can take care of herself. She had me when she easily took down a twenty-something up- and-coming mixed martial arts fighter who she sparred with at her boxing ring.

THE PERFECT ALIBI is suspenseful and skillfully crafted. The robust story contains multiple rapes, assaults, threats, lies, infidelity, drug deals and at least three murders. Not sure how much more you can fit into one book, but it all comes together in the end. Best selling author Phillip Margolin practiced criminal defense law from 1972 until 1996, when he became a full time author of legal thrillers. He has written over 25 novels.

Thanks to Netgalley, Phillip Margolin and Minotaur for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Publisher Minotaur
Published March 5, 2018
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

This was my first read from author Margolin. I'm late to the party, obviously, as he has boocoodles of books out there. This was crafted cleverly. He keeps you guessing as to how and what actually happened here.

Young defense attorney Robin Lockwood is a tough cookie, literally. She is an accomplished MMA cage fighter and can defend herself quite nicely, thank you very much, as well as her clients. She's the kind of lawyer one would want in their corner, when needed. I was impressed with her strength of character and sensitivity to a rape victim whose case she decides to take on. I found the DNA facts fascinating in relationship to rape cases. This novel goes off however, in other directions as other cases are brought in. I for one did not find them distracting, they seem to flow along without being intrusive to the focal point of the novel and the loose ends are brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading more of Margolin's works. I thank St. Martins Press and Net Galley for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

This was my first Phillip Margolin book and to be honest in the beginning I struggled with it. But as the book carried on I got more into it. I enjoyed it but I wouldn't put it amongst the list of my best books that I've read. It's an enjoyable read but I wouldn't classify it as a keep-you-up-turning-the-pages kind of book. A big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for giving me a chance to read the ARC in exchange of my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Perfect Alibi features a very interesting lead character, young lawyer Robin Lockwood, a smart and tough young woman making a name for herself as a defense lawyer who will go the extra step for her clients. In this book, she’s involved, directly or indirectly with several cases that each, it in their own way, give us defendants who have what may be the perfect alibi. Some turn out to be genuine, and others might be well crafted lies.
I have read many of the author’s books, and I like his plots and style. This book was an enjoyable read in that regard, but this novel lacks cohesion. Each plot thread is interesting and well told, and it’s as though the author couldn’t justify an entire book for each plot, so he “gave” each case to Lockwood and tells the stories through her. There really isn’t a “hidden secret” connecting the cases, just the fact that Lockwood is involved with all of them. Some are connected, a couple with an unforeseen connection dropped in at the end, but not all.
It’s enjoyable, well written and a quick read, and if you’re OK that all the stories are resolved, just not as one big interconnected case, then you’ll enjoy this book.