A new series that is a somewhat off shoot of the Tracey Crosswhite series, this features a young attorney who is forced back into her family's practice after some issues in the prosecutor's office. Still trying to recover from the blow while trying to prove herself to her family, Keera ends up with a high profile defendant, accused of killing his wife. The question is whether it is too much for her and if she can handle the stress, while of course facing her nemesis from the prosecutor's office. Oh, and the references back and forth to a chess game were excellent! This author does a great job of setting up a situation, developing deep characters, and plotting engaging storylines that transcend just one book. Not only does the reader worry about the conclusion of the individual book they are reading, but they are also thinking about what is to come next for the characters. This is why I am always on the look our for a new book/series from Mr. Dugoni.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Amazon Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the first in a series by one of my very favorite authors, Robert Dugoni. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Keera Duggan enjoyed her time as a Seattle prosecutor, until a romantic relationship with a senior colleague ended badly. She returned to her family's failing criminal defense law firm to work for her father, an alcoholic. Hoping to restore her family's reputation and her career, she is retained by Vince LaRussa, an investment advisor accused of murdering his wealthy wife. The prosecutor on the case is none other than Keira's former lover, anxious to see her fail.

Keera was a former chess prodigy, and she uses that talent to help her client, always thinking out of the box and one step ahead. While I don't know anything about chess, Keera plays a game in this book as well, and it was a good analogy for her real life games. This was a great mix of police procedural, courtroom and family drama, and I raced through it. The characters are smart, strong, flawed, conflicted. I'm not sure Dugoni has ever written a book I haven't loved, and this was no exception. I saved this one from my backlist and am ready to start #2 in this series - Beyond Reasonable Doubt. A great start to this new series - highly recommended!

This turned out to be an unexpectedly wonderful legal thriller. I was completely invested in the story from the start and I finished it in just two days.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Defence attorney Keera Duggan is prepared to play. But is she a pawn in a master's deadly match?

Wow!That was an awesome courtroom thriller. Between the family dynamics and a truly epic plot (read totally unguessable), I was completely hooked. The character development was top notch with the characters that are relatable and fully fleshed out especially Keera who is fierce, dogged and sharp. Even though I don't know how to play chess, I loved how the game was integrated into the book, making it more interesting.

This is one of the oldest ARCs on my Netgalley TBR and I am glad I finally read it. I loved the author's note at the end. Highly recommended if you like a courtroom drama with police procedurals and tender family moments.

Thank you @netgalley and @thomasandmercer for the ARC.

Definitely Worth Your Consideration!

Without describing its plot (which can be read about in the book description above,), Her Deadly Game by Robert Dugan is definitely worth your reading attention if you like books in the legal/mystery genre.

The reasons for my enjoyment are as follows: (1) the combined murder investigation and courtroom drama will keep you turning the pages at a fast pace to find out what happens next; (2) the characters are interesting, well-developed and, though flawed, believable; (3) the plot is complex (though not confusing) with a good amount of twists and turns, and (4) it’s ending, while not totally surprising to me, is realistic and satisfying.

#Her Deadly Game #Net Galley

In " Her Deadly Game" by Robert Dugoni we meet Keera Duggan defense attorney who wants to make it out of her family's shadow and make it on her own. But her new case turns out not to be what she bargained for, She will have to make some tough decisions that could make or break not just her reputation but those close to her.

A great start to a new series with some exciting characters. I cannot wait to see what Keera is up to next.

I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

Over the years I have enjoyed Robert Dugoni's books---they were my COVID companion. This latest series is no different, and even incorporates some characters from another favorite series of his.

Keera is a member of her family law firm, after leaving the prosecutor's office. She is not entirely thrilled about it, but when an opportunity to defend a high profile case comes along, she grabs it. As the investigation and case proceeds, it becomes clear that not everything is what it appears to be, and she begins to wonder if she's made a mistake.

I really enjoyed this novel, and while there were some points I was able to predict, there were others I was not. If you are a Robert Dugoni fan, you won't be disappointed in this novel!

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book was slightly different to my usual read however this did not affect my reader experience! Well paced, likeable characters, easy to follow

4.5 stars!

This was good! There were a lot of complicated parts of the story that ended up weaving together and making for a very fun story. I also didn't realize that I would like a courtroom procedural novel, but it was very interesting and intriguing. Add in interesting family dynamics and it was a good time!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Despite my usual aversion to legal thrillers, I found myself drawn to reading one of the author's books out of fear of missing out. In hindsight, I should have exercised more restraint, however my curiosity got the better of me, and I impulsively requested this one. I struggled to stay engaged with the legal drama and by the time I reached the 75% mark, I set the book aside, unable to muster the motivation to continue. So this is a case of me not connecting to the story rather than the story itself.

I love Robert Dugoni’s Tracy Crosswhite series so when I saw this new series, I knew I had to read it. I really enjoyed it. I had no idea if Vince LaRusso was guilty or not guilty for a good portion of the novel. I really liked Keera and her family. I thought the verdict and then final ending was very satisfying.

Robert Duggoni has an impressive list of works that hit the spot always and "Her Deadly Game" can be added to the list as well. This is the start of a new series featuring lawyer Keera Duggan.

Keera who previously worked for the Prosecutor's office, is pushed into leaving the job after an abusive relationship with her boss. With no other recourse, she joins her father's firm as a defense attorney. Her home has always been strife with tensions and chaos owing to her dad's alcoholism and she is afraid she might be on the same path too.

When a high profile murder case provides her the perfect opportunity to prove her mettle and make a name for herself, she instantly takes it up. Will she be able to do it? Or is she going to fall on her face?

I loved how Keera has been written, particularly her inner conflicts owing to her personal and professional lives. The other characters have all been written very nicely too; they all have been given a lot of depth and space. The majority of the story happens in the courtroom and Duggoni was still able to make it a captivating story .

I love how the series has been set up and would love to see where these characters are going to be moving forward.

"Her Deadly Game" by Robert Dugoni is a riveting legal thriller that had me hooked from the very first page. As a fan of Dugoni's previous works, I was eagerly anticipating this new series featuring defense attorney Keera Duggan, and I'm pleased to say it did not disappoint.

Keera Duggan is a compelling protagonist with a complex backstory that adds depth to her character. After a tumultuous experience as a prosecutor in Seattle, she finds herself back at her family's failing criminal defense law firm, determined to rebuild their reputation and her own career. When she is retained by Vince LaRussa, an investment adviser accused of murdering his wealthy wife, Keera sees it as her chance to prove herself in the big leagues.

What follows is a gripping and twisty legal battle, as Keera and her team uncover layers of deception and intrigue surrounding the case. Dugoni expertly ratchets up the tension, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The courtroom scenes are meticulously crafted, with sharp dialogue and unexpected revelations that kept me on the edge of my seat.

One of the strengths of "Her Deadly Game" is its intricate plotting and well-developed characters. Vince LaRussa is a compelling and enigmatic figure, and as Keera delves deeper into his past, she discovers shocking truths that challenge her perception of the case. The dynamic between Keera and her family adds an extra layer of complexity to the story, as she grapples with her loyalty to her client, her family's legacy, and her own future.

Overall, "Her Deadly Game" is a masterfully crafted thriller that will keep readers guessing until the very end. With its engaging plot, compelling characters, and twists and turns aplenty, it's a must-read for fans of the genre. I eagerly await the next installment in the Keera Duggan series and highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping legal thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer/Amazon Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy of "Her Deadly Game" in exchange for my honest review.

Her Deadly Game is the first book in the Keera Duggan series by Robert Dugoni. I'm excited to know that there will be more books in this series as I thoroughly enjoyed this legal thriller! Keera Duggan was a prosecutor in Seattle until she made a mistake of falling for a senior lawyer in that firm.. After that mistake and the fallout from it, Keera has switched sides and now works as a defense attorney in her family's law firm. Keera is now working for her father and alongside her 2 sisters.

Vince LaRussa is an investment adviser who comes home from a speaking engagement to find his wife dead in the kitchen. Vince's wife was in a wheelchair and she was shot in the back of the head. Vince had installed cameras outside for his wife's security and 2 people visited the house while Vince was away. He calls 911 and the police come to investigate the crime. There was no breaking and entering found so the killer must've been let in. Vince calls Keera's law firm hoping to get her father, Paddy. He hasn't been arrested as of yet, but he feels like he should get an attorney just in case. Keera is on call and responds by heading to the police station. She meets with Vince, gets the story about what happened, and advises him not to speak to anyone without her present.

As Keera and her team at the law firm investigate the evidence it becomes clear that this is not a cut and dry case. What is Vince hiding? Is he really innocent? Why was his wife looking into his background and work? Why was his wife visited by her family's lawyer the night she was killed? Vince says they had a good marriage, but is that true? This is a fantastic legal thriller that will keep you guessing until the end. There are many twists along the way that will keep you turning the pages late into the night. I rate Her Deadly Game 5 stars with my highest recommendation. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer/Amazon Publishing for an advanced copy of Her Deadly Game in exchange for a fair review. #HerDeadlyGame

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book.

This was good and I am going to watch for more Keera Duggan stories!!

Keera Duggan was destined to become a lawyer, but she thought she would be a prosecutor, rather than follow in her father's steps as a defense attorney. But a few personal problems in the public prosecutor's office lead her to her father's firm Duggan and Associates, she is eager to sink her teeth into a big trial. Unaware how badly the firm needs to win a big one, too, after the years of erratic behavior caused by the alcoholism of her father, the firm's founder and celebrated attorney Patrick "Patsy" Duggan.

So when a high-profile murder almost literally lands in her lap, Keera is eager to work it. Patsy agrees to sit second chair and the entire firm, mostly made up of her two sisters, jumps in. It doesn't help that the prosecutor is Keera's former boss and lover who is out to get her for leaving his office.

The client is accused of murdering his wife, but has a good alibi for the evening in question, probably not leaving enough time unaccounted for to have been able to accomplish the act. But, maybe? And suddenly, Keera is getting emails from a person using the name "Jack Worthing", who seems to know a LOT about her client, Vince LaRussa and his previous life.

Who is Jack Worthing? Obviously, a character in the play "The Importance of Being Earnest", but is there more to it than that?

The intertwined story of the trial and the chess match Keera is playing via email is very interesting and even if you don't know chess you catch on that the two mirror each other in many ways.

I love Robert Dugoni, and was so excited for a new series from him!

Part legal thriller and part police procedural, this novel has it all. I am not a typical fan of these two genres, but I made an exception for this novel. I am glad I did as it felt like a great start to a new series, and I will definitely be looking out for the next one. The beginning was slow, but picks up about halfway through. The chess references lost me at times as I know nothing about the game. The characters are relatable, as are the family dynamics.

I want to thank Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an ARC of this book.

This was requested when I first found out about NetGalley and I had requested so many ARCs that I could not get to all of them before they were archived. I really wanted to get to this one, as it seemed interesting. If I can find this somewhere for a reasonable price, I will try to get it! I am giving this book three stars, as I don't want to give it a good or bad rating, since I did not get to it and we have to leave a star rating.

I love this author’s work, so I grabbed this novel with the speed of the light, all ready for an engrossing human story that is also an excellent mystery. The first one I got, the latter...not so much.
I love the heroine and her family (mostly her brilliant, alcoholic lawyer father) a lot. They are messy and real, with believable (and dysfunctional) dynamics one can believe to. They fight as a wolfpack, together, while they might be hurt together as well.
The mystery of death of a disabled woman possibly murdered by her husband is good - but not brilliant, I’d say. Mr Dugoni had done that angle before, and better, I must say.
But. This is only one mystery in the series, I hope. As I am willing to follow this family a LOT further!

Keera Duggan was an up-and-coming prosecutor until a romantic relationship with a colleague ended badly. Now she is preparing to make a name for herself as a defense attorney against that colleague. Is she ready? She better be as a man's life is at stake.

If you enjoy courtroom dramas then this is definitely a book you will want to read. I had trouble putting it down.

I've read a couple of books in Robert Dugoni's Charles Jenkins series. It is a spy thriller which is my absolute favorite genre when done well. Her Deadly Game is the first book in the Keera Duggan series. I wasn't really sure what I was getting into as legal thrillers can take a few different tactics.

I really liked the characters. Keera is the daughter of a famous (or perhaps infamous is the better term) Seattle defense attorney. He also happens to be an alcoholic which has left family relationships strained. But Patrick Duggan and Associates is a family business and Keera is determined to be just as good as a defense attorney as her father. In addition to Keera, her two sisters work at the firm and her mother often brings food to the late-night trial prep sessions.

The writing was just as good as I expected it to be based on the previous Dugoni books I've read. I'm not a chess player and I feared that the game Keera is playing, and which serves as an analogy to trying a case, would lose me. But enough explanation is given to follow the analogy (if not the game). I appreciated how deftly Dugoni wrote the explanation of chess moves. It could very well have been presented in an abrupt way but it felt natural.

I feel the primary plot was Keera's court appearance while the actual murder is a secondary plot. I did want to know if the accused actually did it, but more so, I wanted to see Keera triumph.

If you are looking for a great book to curl up with for a long evening of reading, then this is definitely a book you will want to get.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Friday, Oct. 13 - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2023/10/her-deadly-game-by-robert-dugoni-review.html

I’ve read several of Robert Dugoni’s books. I’ve found them to be very enjoyable, so when I see one that looks interesting, I don’t hesitate to get it.
If you like stories that keep your attention, go for it!