This book caught my eye as having been written by the former Chief Justice of Canada. With that background, I figured the author knew a lot about the Justice system and was eager to see if she could use that knowledge to draft an exciting legal thriller.
I will doubt no more.
The story follows Defense Attorney Jilly Truitt as she accepts a case that seems impossible to win. A woman has been charged with murdering her mother who wanted to die because of a painful fight with cancer. All evidence, including the woman’s mental health, points at the suspect, yet her denial and Jilly’s gut tells her that there is something wrong here.
It is a story of betrayal, family secrets, and hard truths. A good portion of the book takes place in the courtroom and you cannot turn the pages fast enough. With other dangerous happenings in the background, the reader will be staying up late to finish this one. I will be searching for the first Jilly Truitt story, Full Disclosure, in the near future. Ms. McLauchlin had a new fan.
Thank you to NetGallery, Berverly McLauchin and Simon & Schuster Canada for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

3.5 rounded up.

I enjoyed this second instalment of Jilly Truitt’s story.

The writing was definitely more developed than in Full Disclosure. I enjoyed Full Disclosure last year, but the court room scenes outshone the rest of the novel for me, and the pacing felt a little stilted at times.

In this novel, my enjoyment was much more balanced throughout the novel.

I couldn’t put the novel down and I read it pretty fast.

The whole novel is riveting for both what the author tells us, and what she doesn’t.

The pace was good.

The focus was on Jilly’s case, of course, and the law, and our system of justice.

It’s thrilling to read the Courtroom scenes, knowing they are written from the perspective of the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.

The non-Courtroom scenes read like a film noir. They’re dark. They’re a little sterile, but the sterility works for me. Characters are in rushed circumstances, all cylinders firing, seemingly on the verge of running out of gas at any moment. In other words, sterility, or numbness, it reads so true.

I didn’t 100% guess where the twists and turns in the novel would take us, which I liked. The clues were there, but it wasn’t offensively obvious.

As a lawyer myself, it was so validating to read about the struggle to balance work and life, to practice a social profession that requires so much secrecy, so much mis-trust, and therefore can feel so isolating. The author really nailed how this can feel.

Especially interesting was knowing that the author was Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada at the time that Court overturned the Canadian laws which banned physician assisted suicide, leading to Canada’s current Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) laws, laws which are discussed in the novel.

If you’re interested in Courtroom drama, definitely read this. I’ve been in Court for criminal matters, and this is how it feels. It highlights how high the stakes can be for people, the skill and sacrifice required of lawyers, judges, experts, police, and clerks of the Court, all to keep the wheels of justice turning. This novel also raises great questions about the weaknesses in our justice systems, like how money and privilege factor into justice, how fallible we are as human beings.

I hope we get to read more of Jilly Truitt’s story, and I hope we don’t have to wait too long to do so.

Thank you to NetGalley, the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, and Simon and Schuster for providing me with an ARC in advance of the September 14, 2021 publication date so that I may provide my fair and honest review.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of Beverly McLaughlin’s “Denial” to read in exchange for an unbiased review.

The second novel featuring Defense Lawyer Jilly Truitt begins with her recruitment to take on an unwinnable case: the wife of a once-prominent lawyer stands accused of murdering her ill and elderly mother, who had been denied the option to end her life under provisions of Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying law (MAID). The Crown's case is solid, the defendant's refusal to agree to a plea bargain has led to the withdrawal of two previous counsellors, and the trial will begin in mere weeks. Jilly doesn't need this case - with her reputation she can choose her clients. Yet there's something here that compels her to believe Vera Quentin's assertion of innocence, a feeling that Vera isn't simply in Denial. Thus we find ourselves drawn along as she and her associates search for the truth - or the reasonable doubt - that will ensure justice is served.

The courtroom drama is tightly presented, suspenseful, and balanced effectively with investigative and strategic developments. I found the arc of Jilly's personal life to be less engaging and at times a distraction from the main plot, rather than an accompaniment.

A great Canadian court drama taking place in Vancouver, surrounding the "right to die with dignity". The protagonist, Jilly Truit, legal counsel is faced with an unwinnable case against a daughter accused of the murder of her mother. I enjoyed the slow build of the plot, wondering in anticipation of where the story was going. Enjoyed it thoroughly.

This was a contemporary themed legal thriller / mystery that kept me engrossed and interested.
This was first rate from an author who knows the legal world!

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Rating: 4.5 / 5

**Received ARC from Netgalley for honest review.**

Wow. Now THIS is how to write a proper mystery crime novel!

Centering around defense attorney Jilly Truitt, the story takes place in Vancouver, Canada--so yay, Canadian law, which I can actually understand! Jilly's been hired by Joseph Quentin to defend his wife, Vera, from a charge of second-degree murder by the state and prosecutor, Cy Kenge. Apparently, Vera is accused of murdering her mother, Olivia, after months of pressure by Olivia to help her die--an unofficial MAID (medical assistance in dying), since Olivia doesn't qualify for it officially under the law.

The easiest way out would be to take Kenge's plea bargain, and therefore Vera will only have to go to prison for 1-2 year; however, Vera stoutly denies the charge, and so they move on with the trial, which, if Vera is found guilty, would result in ten years in prison for her. At first, it seems to be Jilly's job to convince Vera to take the plea bargain, but when Vera continues in her denial, Jilly's job then becomes to poke holes in Kenge's case that Vera committed the crime "beyond a reasonable doubt".

Reading through this, I got great vibes for all of the law films I enjoy--most particularly 12 Angry Men (1957), especially since "beyond a reasonable doubt" is really emphasized and Jilly has to do the same kind of digging for evidence and ask the same questions that the jurors in the film do. It's all really great when you get those kinds of vibes from a crime novel!

All throughout, I confess that I had no idea what had actually happened to Olivia, though, like Jilly, I 100% believed that Vera wasn't guilty. The author definitely throws some twists your way that you will not see coming though, and also seamlessly connects the two ongoing plots by the end of the novel--that of Vera's trial, and that of how Jilly is being targeted by a former client of hers who's an underworld criminal. (By the way, I did suspect that the two plots must be related in some way because otherwise why would the author include the second one, but since I didn't understand just how, it was still refreshing to encounter that twist as well.)

I really really REALLY loved reading through all the courtroom scenes. I got the sense that either this author has done her research or she's been through the procedure herself, because she writes about the questioning, the legalities, and just about everything like she's an expert at it. It made for a really engaging read and is just good writing as well in knowing one's subject matter. Applause to Ms. McLachlin for that, to be sure!

The ending, for me at least, was a bit of a trainwreck ending as well, but it was such a mini-trainwreck that I decided to let it pass for five stars and only deducted .5 marks for it. Like...in itself, it's not convincing and it's got holes in it, but since the novel itself is just written so well and flows so well, for once I won't deduct a rating for it just for the ending.

Overall though, really enjoyed this read and, shockingly, I was actually impressed by it. Believe me when I say this: this does NOT happen often for me to be impressed with a book, and especially not one of this genre when the majority that I've read were written, published, and "praised" for the "twists and turns" rather than for the quality of the writing.

But this book HAS impressed me, so you, dear reader, can assume that it's got both a great plot, great twists, and great writing. Definitely recommended!

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Beverley McLachlin, and Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Having served a long and illustrious career in the Canadian legal field, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, Beverley McLachlin, has not been resting on her laurels in retirement. Rather, she’s come up with some amazing legal thrillers that keep the reader flipping pages to get to the core of the case. Jilly Truitt is an established lawyer, getting her practice in order and can finally choose her clients, rather than take whatever scraps are tossed her way. When an acquaintance asks that she take on the case of his wife, Jilly is sceptical. Vera Quentin is accused of killing her mother with a legal dose of morphine, though she denies the charges. Two previous defence attorneys have quit and the judge is not likely to grant another continuance. Jilly reluctantly agrees to the case, which opens many issues, both with the legal preparation and the law towards assisted suicide in Canada. The further Jilly explores, the more twists the case provides, which only fuels her to get to the truth. Another stunning piece by McLachlin, whose fiction writing is as riveting as the judgements delivered from the bench.

After a rocky few years, Jilly Truitt is finally making a name for herself in Vancouver’s criminal defence community. She’s established herself as a gritty lawyer with nothing holding her back. When she is approached by Joseph Quentin, she is intrigued, particularly because the man is a no-nonsense legal mind who has been dealing with some family issues of late. Quentin’s wife, Vera, is on trial the the murder of her mother, Olivia Stanton. While Vera denies this, she also refuses to take a plea being offered by the Crown’s Attorney, Cy Kenge. Jilly really does not want the case, particularly since two other attorneys quit in the lead-up to trial, but there’s something here.

Jilly agrees to meet with Vera and is persuaded after their frank conversation. While Olivia Stanton felt strongly about her right to die, having suffered from cancer and being in constant pain, Vera has outwardly refused to take such measures. Still, on the night of Olivia’s death, Vera was the only other person in the house. Jilly must find a crack in the story that the Crown is presenting and show that Vera’s adamant behaviour is her own defence. However, Vera has issues of her own, including mental health, which creates a sense of denying the truth on occasion.

While working the case, Jilly has been doing some pro bono work and helps a young woman who is fleeing human trafficking. However, not all of Vancouver’s criminal element feel so fondly about Jilly, meaning that there are many who would have painted a target on her back. Still, Jilly cannot let that deter her from doing good work, either in the courtroom or for those who need help as victims of horrible crimes.

When Jilly finds a new angle to approach in the case, she rushes forward, learning that Olivia may have been making some significant changes to her estate before dying. Could this has fuelled someone to take drastic action to stop things in their tracks? It’s only when the case goes to trial that Jilly is handed a significant set-up, as additional secrets about Vera’s life come to the surface and truths paint a new picture about what might have happened that night.

Working every perspective and trying not to enter any traps set by Cy Kenge, Jilly works her legal magic and tries to stay the course, even as personal tragedy befalls her in the middle of presenting her case. Vera Quentin may be espousing her innocence, but the facts left to the jury are nowhere nearly as clear cut. Denial of the truth could be the one weakness Jilly and Vera must overcome before this ends. A stunning thriller that will keep the reader hooked until the very end.

Having followed the career of Beverley McLachlin for many years, I was excited to see that she was able to make the shift from Chief Justice of Canada to a published author. Not only that, but her writing is gripping and riveting, something that not all lawyers and judges can do when moving into the world of fiction. McLachlin spins a tale with a great Canadian flavour and keeps the reader turning pages with ease. I can only hope that there are more Jilly Truitt thrillers to come before long.

Jilly Truitt remains a wonderful protagonist in this piece. She builds on her past from the series debut and grows quite nicely in this piece. Working to carve a niche for herself in Vancouver’s busy legal community is surely not easy, but she has done it with ease and flair, something that shows throughout the book. Her gritty determination shines through, as does her desire to protect any client for whom she works. There are moments of weakness for her, as depicted in a subplot of the book, but she comes out determined to set things straight, as best she can.

McLachlin uses strong supporting characters throughout the piece to keep the story moving and complement Jilly effectively. There are angles of the story that depict legal issues in Canada, familial squabbles, and even personal interactions, all of which are effectively covered through the numerous characters introduced throughout. McLachlin has paved the way for a wonderful novel and builds on her stellar debut piece with both new and returning characters sure to impress the reader.

I have long loved a good legal thriller, but find it hard to find ones set outside the big domains of the US and UK. McLachlin has done well to present the Canadian angle, which differs from both without being too off the wall. The narrative flowed well and keeps the reader enthralled throughout, using strong characters and a paced plot that gains momentum as the story builds. A mix of chapter lengths serve to fuel the story, teasing the reader at times while also pulling them in for a legal or personal exploration at times. I found myself reading and not wanting to stop, which is not always an easy feat. However, there was something about this book. Some bemoan that McLachlin ought to have stayed with her courtroom work, but I am sure it is only that they did not take the time to allow the story to really sink in. I cannot wait for more!

Kudos, Madam McLachlin (not sure what title I ought to use), for another wonderful piece. I cannot wait to see what Jilly Truitt will discover next and how that will add to the greatness of this blossoming series.

I loved that this novel took place in British Columbia. Canada. Such a great legal thriller with an end you will never guess. "Denial" is a great novel by Beverley McLachlin.

If you’re a fan of crime and legal thrillers you will enjoy this book. The characters are relatable and the story lines have just the right amount of twists and turns. It’s a gripping book you’ll find hard to put down.

I was unable to really enjoy this book. I found it slow moving for me and I found myself distracted while reading it. I was hoping for a more fast paced court room book. Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me to review this book for my honest opinion.

Denial is aptly titled but where is the denial real. Who is guilty and what are they actually guilty of. Denial will have you riveted to your seat as. you devour it. While you may see some of it coming you won't believe how it comes out of left field. Beverley doesn't disappoint in the sequel to Full Disclosure. An excellent read. I loved it.

A well executed courtroom drama. I wasn’t aware that there was a previous book to Denial but I will look for it now. I was held captivated by jilly and want to continue with her story as well. The families dynamic held my attention and the twists at the end were unexpected. Looking forward to reading more from Beverley McLachlin.

Thank you NetGalley for this arc

This book is written in a very factual manner. The storyline was good, although predictable. There was little character development and it was difficult to care about the characters due to the factual manner in which they were portrayed..

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

So I did like the courtroom story and the trial. I thought it was well done.

I didn't realize that there was a previous book before I read this one. That said, I felt the re-introduction of Mike was unnecessary and I didn't find the side plot to be relevant, or even needed. The main storyline would have been enough.

I wasn't a fan of the characters. I thought Jilly was pretentious, and I actually found the writing in itself to be pretentious.

I was not a fan of this book, and I will probably not read any more by this author.

I loved this book! The further adventures of Jilly had me going for the 2nd time. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it's predecessor Full Disclosure. The cast of characters and the heroine are ones I would like to know even better. This book was one I couldn't wait to finish reading, yet wanted to linger in the story longer. I found myself thinking about it many times during the day. I love Jilly Truitt and hope her story continues. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like tense courtroom drama and characters you can come to love or hate.

3.5/5 stars!

I was super excited to obtain a copy of this digital ARC, but that increased when I realized it is written by a Chief Justice of Canada, who also happens to be the first woman in that position!

I am always interested in reading legal thrillers, mostly because I don’t come across them very often… but when I do, it’s always a good read. Also, who doesn’t love a book set in Canada?

<b>Denial</b> is told in the views of defense attorney Jilly Truitt. She is defending a suspect, Vera Quentin, in the murder of Vera’s mother, Olivia Stanton. It is really interesting following Jilly along as she builds her defense case, as there are many secrets to uncover. There are a few side plots that could have really made this novel exceptional; however, I felt these side plots weren’t exploited or even explored, and ultimately fell flat.

The personal and family dynamics found in this novel appear to be centered on the concepts: denial, betrayal, grieving, acceptance, and renewal of self. It also demonstrates the longstanding thoughts of ‘don’t air your dirty laundry in public’ as a family unit.

I was truly surprised by the ending of this novel as I didn’t really see it coming. Some of the tying up of loose ends in the plot lines felt rushed. There were some spelling or incorrect name or word use, ex: stating Vera Quentin instead of Olivia Stanton, but all were minor and am sure will be corrected prior to publishing!

All in all, a decent read. I will be keeping an eye out for more of McLachlin’s work!

<i>I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Simon & Schuster Canada, for this advanced digital copy and the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own. Upon publishing of this novel, I will also be posting my review to Amazon Canada.</i>

Denial is the second fiction novel about Jilly Truitt, a defence attorney in Vancouver. As a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, the author weaves an interesting courtroom drama about a woman accused of killing her mother to ease her suffering. The novel raises many fascinating and topical issues such as medical assistance in dying (MAID), mental illness, and female exploitation.

In addition to the interesting plot, the novel was written in an easy to read style and the various storylines did come together satisfactorily at the end. I did, however, find the pace a bit slow in the middle. I enjoyed the author’s further development of Jilly (first introduced in Full Disclosure) and hope that there is a third novel in the series. Very enjoyable novel! Denial is out on September 14.

Thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada and Netgalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

My first legal thriller & it was a great read. To me it felt like a Kathy Reichs Bones story. Strong female protagonist, life endangered by the work she’s doing, personal life issues. But with a legal instead of anthropological bent. I’m not complaining about the similarity, just making an observation. Again, great read, well drawn characters & a very good twisty plot.

I thoroughly enjoyed this suspense novel. The addition of an excerpt of an interview featuring Beverley McLachlin and John Grisham is a nice bonus.

Jilly Truitt feels compelled to represent Vera Quentin who is accused of murdering her dying mother Olivia Stanton. Vera adamantly denies doing this but a trial is underway despite all of the background activities that have been going on for the past two years.

Jilly's other case representing Danny Mau, who has ties to the mob, leads to a hit being put out on her life. Jilly also finds herself involved in the rescue of a young woman escaping a human trafficking ring.

The details of the investigation and trial kept me turning pages. The characters are well-developed and easy to bond with.

I did find the outcome from the Danny hit predictable and saddening when it happened.

I hope there will be a third Jilly novel in the near future.