Member Reviews

Keera Dugan has her hands full with this murder mystery. Not only is she resentful of this woman she must defend but her dad, once the premier trial lawyer, is drinking again and Keera is dealing with a plethora of memories of times good and bad with him and the issues of what is to become of him. Keera has had some successes of her own, but this one challenges her common sense and her knowledge of the accused. This is the second in the series of Keera Dugan mysteries and one of the best. Fans of Robert Dugoni will not want to miss this one. Thanks to #RobertDugoni#NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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Robert Dugoni is one of those rare beings: an author who can write brilliantly across multiple genres. From crime procedurals and spy thrillers to literary and historical fiction, his books never fail to impress. And with this Keera Duggan series, he has added another string to his maestro’s bow: that of the legal thriller.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt is the second book featuring the Duggan family law firm, with a case that sees Keera take over the mantle of her alcoholic father Patsy, the ‘Irish Brawler’, to defend a childhood friend charged with murder.

What makes the case so challenging (for Keera) and intriguing (for the reader) is that there’s no love lost between Keera and Jenna, who is a compulsive liar with sociopathic traits. Keera has serious doubts about her innocence but chooses to defend her anyway, a conflict that Dugoni mines brilliantly.

The procedural elements of the plot, as Keera and PI Frank Rossi undertake their own investigation, are satisfyingly detailed and labyrinthine in scope, but it’s the courtroom battle itself that had me on the edge of my seat.

As a former child chess prodigy, Keera has a brilliantly strategic mind and can always see two or three steps ahead: the possible outcomes of one move versus the implications of another. Watching the prosecution trying to outmanoeuvre her while tying themselves up in knots is the stuff of the best courtroom dramas.

The question of Jenna’s guilt remains shrouded in uncertainty until the dying minutes of the trial, leaving open the possibility that Keera, with her superior advocacy skills, may end up helping a murderer go free. It honestly couldn’t have been more suspenseful.

I loved that Dugoni uses the opportunity of this second book to further develop the complex relationship between Patsy and Keera, the youngest by a large gap of the Duggan siblings, as well as the broader family dynamic. Characters are as important to me as plot and vital if I’m to get invested in a series. Suffice to say, this one has me hooked.

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Keera is on vacation when she gets a call from her sister to come into the office. Begrudgingly she goes only to find out they have been hired to defend Jenna Bernstein, a disgraced wunderkind CEO of a controversial biotech company, who is accused of murdering her former partner and lover. Keera doesn't want to take the case. She has known Jenna since they were children and she believes she is a sociopath. She lies about everything and Keera isn't sure if she wants to work with her. Patsy convinces her it is their job to provide a defense, so she agrees with the stipulation that Jenna can't lie to her. The main evidence is the story from the victim's daughter, and some camera footage that shows Jenna in the area at the time of his death, but again, it is circumstantial. Five years earlier Keera's father defended Jenna in a murder trial and she was acquitted, but many believe that she was the killer, but there wasn't enough evidence. Is she a double murderer?

Once again, Keera has to put all her skills to work to find enough information to create reasonable doubt. Jenna is not a very nice person. She has defrauded investors, maybe killed someone, lived with her partner while having affairs with others, and lying is second nature to her. We learn about her and Keera's relationship while teenagers, and I have to give Keera credit for taking on her case. Keera and her investigators begin asking questions and interviewing people to find out what others think happened and what kind of relationship Jenna had with the victim and his daughter. Keera has excellent intuition and reasoning and is able to put together a plausible story. The only thing is, Jenna has to be willing to play along and tell the truth. Will Keera get Jenna off on another murder charge? Is there enough Reasonable Doubt? With several twists, the story plays out with unsuspecting results. If you enjoy a good legal fiction story, then I recommend you pick up Beyond Reasonable Doubt in whichever format you prefer.

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Thank you NetGalley for my ARC!
I have enjoyed every single book I have read from Robert Dugoni, and this is no different. The legal thrillers with the background, the build up, and the climaxes continue to impress me.

My main criticism is it is obvious to me, as I have mentioned in previous reviews, that Dugoni is on Amazon's payroll with Thomas & Mercer publishing, as simple things like "Alexa" are worked into the narrative. I think such distractions deter from the power of the story and what Mr. Dugoni has created.

For that, I have given 4 rather than 5 stars.

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Keera's job as a criminal defense attorney is to ensure her defendant's constitutional guarantees are respected. It must be challenging to defend someone you dislike or believe is guilty. This is the situation Keera finds herself in as she defends Jenna Bernstein, a disgraced wunderkind CEO of a controversial biotech company, who is accused of murdering her former partner and lover. It requires a lot of skill to outsmart a sociopath.

Dugoni is an expert in courtrooms and legal stories. The writing is excellent, well-planned, and books hard to put down. An excellent read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Robert Dugoni for an ARC of 'Beyond Reasonable Doubt'.

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Beyond Reasonable Doubt is the second book in the Keera Duggan series. I read the first in the series and was very happy to be given the opportunity to read the second.

Keera Duggan is a former prosecutor and now works and has been working in her father's firm. Her father is a famous defense attorney with a reputation as the 'Irish Brawler'. Keera's father might be famous for his skills as an attorney, but he is also an alcoholic which has caused the form to be struggling.

While on a staycation, Keera gets a call to come to the office with no details from her sister Maggie. Once she arrives, she sees that a new client and her parents are in the conference room with her father. Jenna Bernstein disgraced and previously tried unsuccessfully for murder is about to be charged once again for another murder. 'Patsy' wants Keera to defend her., but she is not sure that she wants to mount a defense for the former childhood bully.

Keera agrees to think it over until 'Patsy' relapses and goes into rehab. Now, Keera will have to do this alone without her father's wise counsel. The more she delves into the murder, the more concerned she is about Jenna being honest with her and being able to provide a proper defense she can live with.

Keera and her father have been playing chess since she was young. She uses the strategies from the game he has taught her while hearing his voice comparing the two. Will Keera be successful ensuring Jenna gets the justice she deserves.

This was a fantastic story. Dugoni is a master storyteller. He expertly weaves a tale drawing the reader in and not letting go until the riveting conclusion. I have to admit, I had my suspicions and was rewarded in the end. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I hope this series is a long one. There are plenty of crazy things to keep us in the courtroom with Keera.

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While this could be read as a standalone, you'd miss some important background information regarding Keera's relationship with her father if you skip the first book. I had read the first book several months prior to starting this one and quickly remembered most of the key information from it. Robert Dugoni's books are typically five star reads for me, but Beyond Reasonable Doubt felt a little slower in pace than some of his other thrillers.

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Keera, after winning her first significant case, she reluctantly takes on another when her childhood frenemy and rival reappears. Despite being acquitted of murder the first time, Jenna is accused again when a second whistleblower and former lover turns up dead. Keera, haunted by her past, doubts her innocence. However, as she delves deeper into the investigation, the truth begins to unravel.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and couldn’t resist reading this continuation. Keera’s feisty, stubborn, and loving makes her a compelling protagonist, and I couldn’t help but root for her. The exploration of family dynamics adds depth and emotional resonance to the story. I eagerly anticipate the third installment in this captivating series.

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Quando vi que esse livro era um thriller de tribunal, fiquei com os dois pés atrás, normalmente essas histórias são bem paradas, mas não é o que acontece por aqui...

Tudo começa quando a Keera Dugan é chamada as pressas pelo seu Pai, e bem no meio das suas férias, mas ela não tem como recusar, e segue para o escritório, chegando lá ela vai dar de cara com a última pessoa que ela imagino Jenna Bernstein, uma figura não muito querida do seu passado, as duas meio que cresceram juntas, e sempre que a Jenna estava por perto algo ruim acontecia !

Dessa vez, ela esta envolvida em mais um assassinato, digo mais um porque o Pai da Keera já livrou ela de um, e agora ela volta correndo pedindo socorro, e vai sobrar para a Keera resolver esse caso.

E a gente vai acompanhar tudo, tim tim por tim tim, e a cada nova revelação mais confuso e complexo essa caso fica.

Acontece que a nossa querida Jenna, é a principal suspeita da morte de um dos seus investidores, sim ela tinha uma Start-up voltada para a cura do Mal de Parkinson, e o mais interessante é que no outro caso, a pessoa que foi assassina também fazia parte da empresa !

A cada capitulo novo mais suspeita ela fica, até que a Keera resolve deixar o juri com uma pequena dúvida, e vai ser isso que vai salvar a pela da Jenna pelo menos nesse caso !

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I love a good courtroom drama and this didn’t disappoint. This story had many twist and turns but it was very repetitive at times. Once the courtroom stuff started it was great and I would highly recommend.

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4.5 stars
Great court room mystery drama. (I love the court room questioning. )
I would have given a 5 star but the first 75% of the book disappointed me. It was slow a repetitive. First Keera (attorney) would interview someone and in the next chapter Frank Rossi (detective) would interview the same person and ask the same questions.
But once the court room part started the story started to bloom. Many twists a turns.
Dugoni is one of my favorite authors. He makes interesting characters that you relate to and care about. The stories always keep you guessing or on the edge of your seat.
And usually you will be sad that you have reach the last page. And hope for a sequel.
That's how I felt about this one. I hope to see more of Keera Duggan stories.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review

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I think I may have found a new favorite author! I loved this book I devoured it in one day!
After a difficult case all Keera whose a lawyer is dreaming about is some time off her staycation, She’s even told the office not to call her - but that lasts all of one day!!
While on a run she is called and said to go into the office asap. Upon arriving She finds that her father whom she works for in their family law practice, wants her to defend Jenna Bernstein who is being accused of killing her former partner and lover. Jenna is claiming innocence. Keera has know Jenna since her childhood, and they didn’t get along. Jenna was manipulative and always lying and would do anything to get her way. Not happy she reluctantly agrees but being a master chess player as well she is planning on staying one step ahead of Jenna. As the investigation gets underway and disturbing questions arise, Keera puts her trust in a client who swears nothing but the truth. If this is all just another devious game, Keera might be working to set a murderer free.

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Wow, this was a wild one! And I loved it! This was my 2nd book by Robert Dugoni and it will not be my last! I am adding all his books to my TBR AND adding him to my always-read list! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book in this series! Keera kicks some serious ass.

#BeyondReasonableDoubtKeeraDugganBand2
#NetGalley

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I think Robert Dugoni's books get better and better. Beyond Reasonable Doubt, featuring Keera Duggan in her second outing is captivating, thrilling and so well-written. I can't wait for Dugoni's next book! Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an advance copy.

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Brilliant and gripping from start to finish! I loved it as much as the first book and this is one series I can easily recommend.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Thomas and Mercer and the author for the digital ARC of the book.

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After their big trial win in the Vince LaRussa trial, Patrick Duggan & Associates finds itself swamped with new clients. In order to stay afloat, they need more than just their small cases. When Jenna Bernstein is accused of murdering her business partner, she turns to her childhood friend, Keera Duggan. She isn't excited about taking on the case, but does it regardless.

Both the characters and the plot are rich and enjoyable. I love Dugoni's description of the courtroom scenes. As a legal thriller lover, this is one of my new favorites and I will absolutely recommend it to everyone!!

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The second book in the Keera Duggan legal thriller series, Beyond Reasonable Doubt, is without a doubt better than the first book. The book has suspense, family drama and will keep you guessing until the end. I absolutely love every book by Dugoni, they are always my go to read.
I can’t recommend this one enough!!
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my ARC

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What a great read. Robert Dugoni has delivered yet another gripping story that keeps you turning the pages.
Would definitely recommend

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Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book.

I really enjoy Robert Dugoni's book and this one is no exception. I look forward to others of his!

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Keera Duggan is a defense attorney. Her latest case is defending a childhood friend accused of murder.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt is the second book in the Keera Duggan series. This book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend starting with the first book in the series.

Keera is intelligent and intuitive. She isn’t excited to be about her latest case, since she does not like the woman she is defending. While Keera believes her client to be a sociopath, she also believes that she is innocent of the murder she is being accused of. This makes for a clever and tense plot.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt is a fast-paced, dramatic, and intriguing legal thriller.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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