Toxic people leave toxic footprints wherever they go.

Keera Duggan should know. Great legal mind and daughter of another great legal mind, Patsy Duggan, her father. Keera had been pulled from her much deserved vacation by Duggan & Associates. It's a family affair with all members on deck. Patsy, the Irish Brawler, had been known for his legal prowess, but the bottle sometimes called his name too often.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt deals with someone that Keera knows up front and personal since she was a girl. Jenna Bernstein, CEO of Ponce de Leon Restorative Tech, has been charged with the murder of her lover/business partner. Sirus Kohl, the victim, was found dead on the floor of his livingroom by his daughter, Adria. Sirus was turning State's evidence against Jenna who was pilfering money from the investors. Who but Jenna wanted him dead?

Robert Dugoni is not known for presenting cut and dry cases to his readers. This one has teeth. Ol' Jenna was represented by Keera's father, Patsy, for the murder of Erik Wei, chief scientist for PDRT. Patsy was able to get her releasedwithout charges five years earlier. Keera knows the real Jenna from childhood. She's not so sure of her so-called innocence. Representing her falls into the hands of Keera when Patsy falls ill.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt has plenty of chills and spills in the run-up with Detective Frank Rossi of the Seattle PD and J.P. Harrison covering investigation for this legal team. But the trophy goes to Keera Duggan for her courtroom skills and analytical behavior. This is a tough case that delivers in aces.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to the talented Robert Dugoni for the opportunity.

This was a fun book. I read it in nearly one sitting on an airplane, and enjoyed it. Trying to keep it fairly spoiler free, I was somewhat suspicious of what I thought happened pretty early in the book, and by about halfway through I was fairly sure. I kept waiting for the big twist to drop, but then things worked out basically how I thought they would, so that's the reason for 4 stars instead of 5. Enjoyed it though, engaging characters and good pace. Thanks for the ARC!

Beyond reasonable doubt by Robert Dugoni was expertly written. It is the second in the Keera Duggan series.

This is my first book by this author and I was thoroughly entertained. There are brilliant characters, a riveting plot and exceptional courtroom drama. What more could a girl ask for?

Would definitely recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an unbiased review.

4 Stars

Thanks to Netgalley for an early copy! I love Dugoni’s books so this was a must read for me. I must say I enjoyed the first book in the series much better however, this was entertaining as well. I really enjoyed the family dynamic in the first book and was disappointed to see Patsey less involved in book 2. I also had a hard time with the plot of the defendant as it reminded me a lot of the Theranos company. Maybe for me, that kind of ruined it because I couldn’t get that person out of my head while reading it. I will keep on reading and if you’re a fan of the first book, the second will be almost as entertaining. Would recommend!

BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT was a great follow up to the first Keera Duggan book, full of suspense and twists, and a compelling storyline. Really enjoy the structure of these stories and how the narrative moves seamlessly into the courtroom. A fantastic series and looking forward to the next!

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT.

The second installment of the Keera Duggan series didn’t quite reach the same levels of mystery and suspense as the first book, Her Deadly Game, but was a great read regardless.

Going into this book, I was worried that it was going to be too similar to the first novel. And certainly, some aspects carry over but it still felt fresh and exciting.

The first chapter of this book is intense and really gets to the crux of being a defense lawyer. It sets the stage for Keera’s moral dilemma about whether to defend clients that she suspects are guilty. The conversations that she has with her father are so important, especially in a genre that is filled with cops, detectives, prosecutors, etc. It’s great to see the other side of it.

I loved the courtroom scenes which felt like the perfect balance of realism (with a bit of suspension of disbelief) and drama.

The actual murder mystery itself was a bit of a letdown, especially because the identity of the killer was pretty obvious. The big plot twists towards the end were mostly around answering why someone committed murder instead of who.

Just like the first book, I really enjoyed the family dynamics, especially between Keera and her sisters. The frustration and pettiness between Keera and her older sister Maggie was so realistic and human.

The only part that absolutely grinds my gears is the section on giving “grace” to one's parents (or loved ones more generally). The idea that we need to cover for chronic drunk drivers who have already been given an unbelievable amount of leniency is just wild to me.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt
book two
by Robert Dugoni
Pub Date: October 22, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
A master manipulator accused of murder. An attorney sworn to defend her. Keera Duggan returns in a riveting novel of suspense by New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni.
Recently I was led to this author and I have loved his books. I was glued to the pages and marveled at Dugoni's writing and plot. Just when I thought I had things figured out, Dugoni threw in another perfectly timed twist. I loved the courtroom scenes, the mystery, the twists, and the reveals in this book. I also enjoyed watching Keera prove herself once again to be a worthy and intelligent lawyer who is no longer standing in her father's shadow.

Fans of Dugoni's other series and stand-alone books will love this book as will fans of courtroom dramas and mystery thrillers. Dugoni knows how to set the stage, create tension, drama and intrigue. This was such a well thought out book and I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
5

I enjoyed reading this law and order type of book. Part of it focuses on the detectives investigating a murder and part, the main part on the lawyer , strong, smart woman, who is defending a client accused of murder for the second time. The client is a woman from her past who tormented her and other classmates. A liar, a sociopath, maybe a psychopath as well. Her motivation for taking the case, was explained but it didn't ring as true for me as I would have liked. I would have like more of their past and current cat and mouse between them. the trial stuff was interesting, her family issues were interesting and overall it was good. I have read others by him and will continue to read his books.

Another great read from Dugoni! With characters you come to know and like..along with the extra turns this author always adds to his books, so you never guess what the outcome is going to be. Along with all his others, I recommend this book!

I have not encountered a Robert Dugoni book that I haven't devoured. Beyond Reasonable Doubt was no different!!
Beyond Reasonable Doubt is the second book in Dugoni's Keera Duggan series and finds Keera tasked with the job of representing her childhood "friend" former CEO Jenna Bernstein. Keera is hesitant for many reasons one being the fact this is not Jenna's first brush with the law.
I found the book to be utterly captivating. I loved the views into Keera and Jenna's past. The courtroom scenes were, as they always are in Dugoni's book, phenomenal. On a side note, I'm still holding out for Keera and Frank to find a way to move past being in "opposite sides". I'm looking forward to the continuation of the series.

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas and Mercer, and Robert Dugoni for the advance copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Robert Dugoni writes some great books! I haven't read them all, but The Extraordinary life of Sam Hell, The World Played Chess and Silent Sisters (Charles Jenkins, #3) were all 5 star books in my opinion. So when a Robert Dugoni book becomes available as an advance read book, I am quick to request it. I hadn't read the first book in the Keera Duggan series. I can see where reading the first book might have been a bit more insightful when reading Book 2; but I really didn't feel like I was that much in the dark.

In Beyond Reasonable Doubt Keera is on "stay"cation and trying to get some R&R when she is called into the office ... and the potential client turns out to be a childhood "friend" of Keera's. (Although the friend has had some not so friendly tendencies; I know someone with such tendencies and it gave me some chills and insight as I read.)

A very enjoyable book! Highly recommended!

Publication date is Oct 22, 2024; approx 380 pages.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer publishing for approving my request to read the advance read copy of Beyond Reasonable Doubt in exchange for an honest review. Enjoy!

With friends like these...

Keera has been tasked with defending her former childhood friend, Jenna Bernstein. Jenna stands accused of murdering her former partner and lover, But Keera does NOT want to defend Jenna. Not with the history they have. Keera's mantra is "Where Jenna goes, trouble follows". Sigh. So much for Keera's staycation.

How I love Mr. Dugoni's books! I've been a fan of his Tracy Crosswhite series from the beginning, and I am already hooked on this Keera Dugan series. Nothing makes me happier than good courtroom drama!

As the book wove through mysteries, twists, and revelations, I found myself unable to guess any of them correctly!

Beyond Reasonable Doubt can be read as a standalone.

BIG thanks to both #ThomasAndMercer and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of#BeyondReasonableDoubt! This book is #2 in the #KeeraDugganSeries, and it has an expected publication date of October 22, 2024.

#RobertDugoni #CourtroomDrama

A delightful book. It was funny ,serious and very entertaining. Lee Goldberg is one of my favorite authors when I want a mystery book to hunker down with. Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this very good book

“Beyond Reasonable Doubt” is the second novel in the Keera Duggan series by top author Robert Dugoni. This author is a master of writing excellent series and I am losing track of the amount of them I already eagerly wait for next instalment. This is a masterfully written legal thriller that draws the reader in from the very start. Jenna Bernstein is a disgraced biotech CEO, who is accused of murdering her former partner and lover. Jenna in despair turns to Seattle attorney Keera Duggan, who is not only a brilliant chess player known for her strategic court manoeuvres but also Jenna’s childhood friend.

Robert Dugoni is so competent at weaving intricate and compelling plots and in this one skilfully weaves together past and present in developing the tension with the well developed characters. Keera Duggan has history with Jenna and this adds another layer to the story with the friendship, conflicts and general mistrust.

Packed with twists and turns, that kept me guessing and turning the pages at double quick speed. The circumstantial evidence against Jenna creates questions that arise during the investigation raising Keera’s uncertainty. But her determination to uncover the truth, despite the personal and professional risks, showcases her strength and resilience as she displays her professionalism.

I especially enjoy the courtroom scenes which I found realistic and gripping.

Well-developed characters, not just Keera but also the supporting ones. Really enjoyed the interactions between Keera and her father which for me added another layer to this excellent novel. This is an exciting legal thriller that explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice. An excellent blend of legal drama, psychological tension, and personal conflict that is compelling and held me to the end.

I really enjoy legal thrillers so this was almost a sure winner for me. Also enjoy the writing of author Robert Dugoni so it was win win for me. Robert Dugoni is a top drawer author who produces well plotted stories with excellent characters.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

wow.. the legal part of this book was brilliantly written!! one of the best i’ve ever read!!

the first half of the book was dragged. the author took way too long to build a case against Jenna. but the second half of the book was great. all the court scenes were very interesting.

i really really liked Keera's character. she was bold and sharp and loved how she was making chess references (love that game!).

as for the twist, there were none. i think everyone could see where the book was going. i think this book was more about putting a Sociopath in their place. To show that they are not really that smart and they too can face the consequences of their actions! because of this, the ending was satisfying!!!

thanks to the publishers for the e-arc!

Dugoni hits another one out of the park. Thos book kept me up all night reading. I loved the characters, the storyline and the secrets. Robert Dugoni is one of my go to authors and never disappoints. You won't be either if you read this book. 4 stars

Keera’s father taught her to play chess and play very well. She uses many of the techniques as a defense attorney when she accepts the defense of Jenna Bernstein.

Jenna will never tell the truth when a lie will do. She declares her innocence, however, when her business partner is found murdered. “…any kind of SODDI defense—some other dude did it.”

As always with Dugoni’s complex plots, it won’t be easy to get to the bottom of the disturbing premise. Jenna is a deeply unlikable character. Keera comes off as smart, quick-witted, and street smart savvy. She was taught by the best, her dad, the “Irish Brawler.”

Of course, it is a legal thriller and as always I love those courtroom scenes, the jousting, the timing, and the liberal use of the nuances of the law—so like chess moves—with an eye on plays down the line.

As the book weaves the way through the mysteries, twists, and revelations, the storyline moves smoothly into the conclusion. Any reader who enjoys legal thrillers will certainly appreciate the Dugoni writing style. It’s gripping, entertaining, and well paced. 4.5 stars

When Jenna Bernstein, the former CEO of a biotech company under fire for illegal activities, is accused of killing her former business partner turned lover, she turns to her childhood friend Keera Duggan to defend her.
This wasn’t Jenna’s first brush with the law. Keera’s father successfully defended her five years earlier when she was charged with the death of her company’s chief scientist. As a child, Jenna was known for her sociopathic tendencies, and growing up with her had been a troublesome and sometimes dangerous experience for Keera. Despite it all, Keera took the case reluctantly, knowing that when dealing with Jenna, there could be trouble ahead for her.
As the investigation progressed, Jenna’s suspicious activities surrounding the murder were uncovered, making her a primary suspect. Jenna continued to insist she was innocent, and Keera wanted to believe her, but given Jenna's troublesome background, Keera feared that she might be defending a murderer.
It is an edge-of-the-seat thriller that will keep you turning the pages until the shocking ending. Dugoni never disappoints.

This was my second Dugoni book and it just happened to be the second in a series! Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy!

I now will add his other books to my TBR. Dugoni’s books are fast paced, full of character development and twisty enough to keep you guessing.
I enjoy his law thrillers and can’t wait for the next one!

In "Beyond Reasonable Doubt" (Keera Duggan #2) by Robert Dugoni we are brought back in the life of defense lawyer Keera Duggan. Keera is
hired to represent her childhood nemesis, Jenna Bernstein, after Jenna is accused of killing her former business partner and lover. This will not be an easy task by any means, but Keera is used to thinking several moves ahead, thanks to her father and love of chess.

Great second book in the series with some twists you did not see coming. Fingers still crossed for her and Rossi. I received an advanced copy of this book and this my honest opinion.