This book is the latest and the Robin Lockwood series.
She's an ex fighter turned lawyer. She's smart, she's fearless, she takes no sh!t. She's a female protagonist we all want to be.
As usual, she has another complicated case, with lots of twists and turns - this one connects to her early law school days earning money as a MMA fighter. The Finch family was killed but were they killed by Robin's former opponent Mandy Kerrigan... doubtful, it turns out there were people with reasons to kill everyone in the Finch family just lurking on the periphery before Mandy's altercation with Ryan Finch. As Robin tries to make sense of the case before her, she comes to realise that the Finches had many enemies.
Robin Lockwood isn't the only great character in this series. Strong characters what this story is built around and the people working with Robin show great resolve and flavour the story effectively. This is one of those books that I can actually picture like a movie or tv crime series (miniseries ?).
Since this is a legal thriller the biggest part oft he book spans the time of the jury trial and it is expertly written too keep the reader captivated, I had to keep listening/ reading.
The books are quick reads, and you're gonna love all the characters.
I loved listening to Therese Plummer's fantastic narration - it worked so well with this suspenseful story.
I highly recommend this series.

The Writing is Seamless, Descriptive, and Enjoyable to Read

SUMMARY
In Betrayal, attorney Robin Lockwood defends her old MMA-fighting nemesis, Mandy Kerrigan, for murder. Mandy is arrested for killing the prominent Finch family. Mandy had been seen by a neighbor banging on their front door only fifteen minutes before the four bodies were found dead inside.

The teenage son Ryan Finch had sold Mandy some non-detectable performance-enhancing drugs. But after her MMA fight that night, the drugs had been detected in Mandy’s system. Mandy’s career is now over, and she is furious. She had already brutally attacked Ryan earlier that afternoon on a public street with many witnesses.

Now, Mandy must rely on Robin to put up a good fight, with little evidence supporting her innocence.

REVIEW
Robin Lockwood is a strong, intriguing, and intelligent character. She carries the story, is hard to forget, and is a pleasure to read about. This is Phillip Margolin's seventh book in the Robin Lockwood series, and they just keep getting better.

Betrayal is brilliantly plotted and weaves a suspenseful tale that Robin expertly plays out in the courtroom. The writing is seamless, descriptive, and simply enjoyable to read. I listened to the Betrayal audiobook, narrated by Therese Plummer. Her voice, pacing, and tone were excellent.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Publisher Minotaur Books
Published November 7, 2023
Narrated. Therese Plummer
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

Since legal thrillers are near the top of my list of favorites, that puts Margolin toward the top, too. I’ve read five of the seven Robin Lockwood books and enjoyed them all.

Robin was once an MMA fighter heading toward the top, but after being matched with Mandy Kerrigan, she realized that law school might be a better course to follow. So ten years ago, she focused on her career as a lawyer in Portland. That decision paid off since she is now a very successful criminal defense attorney.

Who would have guessed 10 years ago that the two fighters, Lockwood and Kerrigan, would again find themselves together? But this time the stakes are much higher.

This audiobook held my attention and the narrator, Thérèse Plummer, did a nice job of bringing the story to life.

Of course, there is a mystery to work through and a jury to convince. Margolin, as the author, nudges Robin to think and grow as she works through her latest case as well as her personal life.

My Concerns
While the bad guys in this book didn’t fall into a category that I usually like to read about, the story was fine, though not always believable. “However, let’s be honest”, she said with a chuckle, “I have not a clue what is believable regarding these bad guys.”

Final Thoughts
While this probably wasn’t my favorite book, it still offered a very interesting story. If you’re looking for a good series, definitely pick up the Robin Lockwood series by Phillip Margolin.

Team Lockwood taking names and kicking ass once again! I love this series and love "getting to know" the characters! I can't wait to see how Robin's new relationship progresses and hope she can find love again in her life! It's going to add some fun-to-read complications to their work-life balance! Can't wait for the next installment! Write fast, Phillip Margolin!

BETRAYAL by Phillip Margolin is the next Robin Lockwood mystery read by Thérèse Plummer of whom I am a big fan!

I am really enjoying these Robin Lockwood stories! She is a former MMA fighter and that gives some serious badass points. I am not a badass. A serious look with my grandma sunglasses is as tough as I get, but I love to live vicariously through the written ones!

Robin is working as a defense lawyer when her old nemesis from back in the day needs her help. The case is an entangled one with Russian mobsters, drug deals, and Robin's first new relationship since her husband's death is with the new DA.

This was a story with a lot of layers. I kept wondering how it would all tie together, but I let go of my own weak sleuthing and let Margolin take me along. Plummer has a voice that seems perfect for this character as well as easily changing for others that makes it a smooth listening experience. That helped the process of being led in this story!

I do enjoy a good mystery/detective story, and I have grown to like Robin as a character. I won't surprise anyone by saying I didn't need the romance scenes, but I'll get over it. The action was definitely the center of this one and I enjoyed it!

Thank you to @netgalley & @macmillan.audio from @minotaur_books for this quick audiobook read! Publishing on November 7th, this should be a great option for detective fans!

This was phenomenal in my opinion!!
Betrayal by Phillip Margolin.

I have not read this author before, but I will definitely be looking for more from him!

Robin Lockwood is an attorney now...but many years ago, when she was in college, she was also a rising MMA boxing star! And, the match that ended her career was against a certified winner named Mandy Kerrigan. She was a tough, hard core fighter who was very established at the time. And Robin was a youngster, who was asked to step up and fight when the original fighter broke her ankle. Robin was demolished and ended up in the hospital with a concussion.

Now, we open up the book with a quadruple murder...and the teacher who was going to speak to his student's parents...running away from the home after discovering their bodies.
To add to the mess, Mandy had just had a fight with the son, who is a drug dealer, and was one of the 4 killed. Mandy, now getting older and more tired, turned to drugs for a quick fix when she was having a hard time. And, she was promised that these drugs would NOT show up in her system (for the fight)...and yet they did.
And it seems like every single person who was killed had at least one enemy!!!

We also open up with a young guy with a gambling problem...who is in way over his head...and is presented with a way to get out of debt... not a good choice, but he was young and stupid. And so he gets involved in a scheme that involves Russian Mobsters!

There are a lot of characters, but i did not have a problem keeping track of them.
I did have a hard time keeping my heart rate in check as everything began to unfold. And, when you finally get to the last quarter of the book...well, you're likely to experience the same thing!

Heart pounding, breath holding, can't read it all fast enough kind-of-book!

Absolutely loved this one from start to finish!! (Except of course the gory details of the murders...)

Thanks to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which will be released tomorrow, November 7th. Another one you should run to get, not walk!

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

#Betrayal by #PhillipMargolin. Narrated beautifully by #TheresePlummer.

See all my upcoming reads on my Instagram blog at #BookReviews_with_emsr

Happy Reading!! 📚📖

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my early review copy of this audiobook!

This was a 4 star read for me. I enjoyed the mystery! I did not realize this was in a series, so it took me a bit to gain a good understanding of the characters, but I imagine that would be improved if I had read the earlier books. The plot picks up quickly in the book and moves at a great pace that will keep you listening! I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a murder mystery, courtroom drama, or episodes of Law and Order.

The audio narrator did a great job and I would listen to other books in this series on audio.

This was my first book by the author, and the 7th book in this particular series.
I listened to the audiobook and it was a great listening experience. I love mysteries and watching a case from the time of the crime, to the trial sentencing. There was a lot happening in this story - mob bosses, multiple murders, police procedural and criminal court proceedings. All of this made me feel I was watching an episode of Law & order, one of my favorite shows.
The narration was great. The narrator made each character sound fresh and unique! I like the upbeat tone of her voice throughout the book!
Overall, a solid read!!

This book was great! I think the narrator did a great job. I will say the speed at which the trial ran - was very unrealistic. However, this book kept my attention and had me staying up late to
Listen.

I just reviewed Betrayal by Phillip Margolin. #NetGalley
Thank you for the free audio version. A great twisty murder mystery, what I really enjoyed was the multiple story lines that did come together in the end. Not too many as to be confusing but enough to keep me wondering. Definitely worth a read! Characters are well developed and relatable.

I really enjoyed this book even though I guessed who murderer was fairly early. I did not realize that this was part of a series so I will have to go back and read the previous books as I enjoyed the authors writing style.

First Thoughts: Badass women are inspiring
Mood While Reading: Angsty
Song: Eminem- Lose Yourself

Phillip Margolin's latest novel, Betrayal was a quick listen thanks to Macmillan Audio! When I requested the title, I was unaware it was the 7th in the series, but to be honest, I don't think my reader enjoyment was impacted at all. It could be read as a standalone.

Robin Lockwood is a defense attorney, but year's ago, she was an MMA fighter. Her latest case has teaming up to defend one of the last people she ever imagined taking up for- Mandy Kerrigan, her MMA rival. This case is filled with red herrings and Robin has to proceed cautiously to build Mandy's defense.

I had never read a novel by Phillip Margolin, but this won't be my last. I was intrigued by the characters and oh my goodness this book is filled with morally corrupt and morally gray characters! I took a shine to Robin and her complex nature. If you're a fan of suspenseful legal thrillers, this is a good read.

This was an amazing courtroom thriller audiobook! At first, I had a little trouble differentiating the characters at first, but as the story progressed, it was a lot easier to follow. I am glad I chose to listen to the audiobook, rather than read this particular one. The courtroom scenes were awesome and the narrator did such a good job making the characters have different voices. This story had some great twists & turns. Didn't realize that this book was #7 in a series. I hadn't read any of the previous books before this, so maybe that is why I was a little confused in areas. I will be purchasing the physical book and re-reading once it is released so I can really follow it all. Great story line and writing. Thank you Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the ARC!!

Robin Lockwood is an attorney and former MMA fighter. Robin has the biggest challenge of her career when she defends a former opponent who is accused of killing an entire family and Robin is trying to save her from the death penalty. Robin just started dating Tom and he is the DA on the case, which makes it even more interesting. Will Robin be able to save her former rival? Will this put a damper on Robin and Tomś relationship?

While this is the 7th in the series, I had not read the first 6 and I enjoyed it just the same. Phillip Margolin does a great job of bringing the reader into the courtroom and the characters are well developed. This was my first Margolin read and I will be reading more of his books!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.*

This is the first Phillip Margolin book I have read, and only when I added it to my TBR did I realize this is one of a series. I'm not sure I liked it enough to seek out the series but for a one-off, I did enjoy the detective/lawyer procedural style of the story.

I found the names of the characters and the details of the story to be a little old-fashioned and clearly written by a man. But, all in all a good one. I was not surprised by the twist but I thought it was at least a good twist.

*with thanks to NetGalley for the Audio ARC in exchange for this honest review.

In “Betrayal” by Philip Margolin, the audiobook introduces us to Robin, a lawyer determined to prove her client’s innocence in a gripping legal drama. The audiobook benefits from a commendable narrator, whose delivery engages the listener throughout the story.

While the audiobook does have its merits, my overall experience was somewhat mixed. The swearing felt excessive, which at times distracted from the plot. The story, while intriguing, felt rather average in terms of its twists and turns.

One of the strengths of “Betrayal” lies in its exploration of the legal world and the quest for justice, which is a theme that legal thriller enthusiasts may appreciate.

I haven't read all the books in the series yet but the ones I have read are fantastic. The characters have depth and the plots are gripping. I would say this series is a medium boiled mystery, not graphic or crude, but the subject matter can be sensitive.

I enjoy stories where the defense attorney investigates and not only gets their client off, but solves the crimes as well.

This installment had multiple layers. There were so many twists that you really weren't sure "who dunnit". I did have my suspicions early on and I was right but it didn't take away from the story.

The narrator is one of my favorites.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for allowing me to listen to an ARC audio of this book.
I've been following the doings of Robin Lockwood since Phillip Margolin first introduced us to her a number of books ago. She'd been an MMA fighter, then quite, gone to law school, and become an Attorney. In one of the books, her fiancé was murdered saving Robin's life.

In this book, we learn more about her years fighting in the ring and her final fight when she lost big time to Mandy Kerrigan. She immediately knew she wasn't meant to go on as a fighter and she quit. Now Mandy, many years later, is down on her luck, took performance-enhancing drugs to get an edge in a fight, and failed her drug test at the end of the fight. Then the mother of the man who sold her the drugs is murdered and Mandy is convicted. Mandy comes to Robin for help.

There are so many threads in this book. The Russian mob is involved and the mother/attorney represented them, the son sold drugs to help his father who made the drugs because he was fired from his job for gambling and has no money, etc, etc. Everyone has a reason to kill the mother/attorney. As if that wasn't enough, Robin starts a relationship with the prosecuting attorney though she sets a boundary of no contact during the trial. Two highly principled attorneys--almost an oxymoron!

I treat these books as fun. Reality is stretched many times but it doesn't matter because the books are fun.

Not great literature but a fun ride for mystery/thriller fans.

The overall story is very sad. A whole family was slaughtered over the betrayal of a child. While I wish I could say that this only happens in books we definitely know that vicious betrayal of a child happens far too often. The most terrifying thrillers are the ones that are plausible, and this one is definitely plausible.

I love the character of Robin. She is smart and strong and her ethics never wavered. An MMA fighter and lawyer is not a common combo and it painted Robin as a badass who isn't afraid to fight for herself or others.

The court proceedings drug on a bit, but I have found very few books that can paint court room proceedings in an exciting manner because they simply are not entertaining. I do not know how realistic it is for the defense to be questioning people after a conviction has already been made, but it made for an interesting twist.

I'm not sure if Robin Lockwood has more tales to explore, but I am happy to explore with her.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my copy of this audiobook

Get a fishing net ready, there are so many red herrings in this book, you don’t know which ones to keep and what to get rid of! The book starts off with a bang. There’s the Russian mafia, car accident insurance scams, drug dealers and a quadruple murder.
This is a series about Robin Lockwood, a former MMA fighter turned attorney. She is defending her former nemesis in a murder trial. I enjoyed the quick pace of the book and I liked the multiple story lines. I will definitely check out more of Philip Margolin’s books.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.