I haven’t read an exciting legal thriller since I picked up Th1rte3n by Steve Cavanagh. This changed when I read Beyond Reasonable Doubt by Robert Dugoni! It was such a propulsive and gripping courtroom thriller that instantly transported me to another world! I loved the POVs of the legal counsel of the defendant and that of the investigating detectives. I didn’t have any issues reading this as standalone but because I got invested quickly into the lives of Keera and even her dad Patsy, I now want to read the first book! I’ve actually downloaded book 1 already lol! This was cleverly written with twists and reveals that are worth burning the midnight oil for!

Beyond Reasonable Doubt is the second book in the Keera Duggan series by award-winning, best-selling American author, Robert Dugoni. When his alcoholism finally forces him to step back from the front line at Duggan and Associates lawyers, Patsy Duggan’s youngest daughter Keera becomes the face of the company’s trial appearances. Called back in from a well-earned break, Keera is chagrined to learn that the reason is Jenna Bernstein, whose former lover, biotech entrepreneur, Sirus Kohl, has been murdered.

Five years earlier, Jenna was tired for the murder of Erik Wei, a scientist who had threatened to expose her biotech start-up as marketing a product that could not perform as advertised. Erik had been shot dead, and Patsy Duggan had managed to get her acquitted. Fearing she will again be charged, she wants a repeat performance.

But Keera knows Jenna well, has watched her perform, and knows her to be a manipulative liar. A witness later describes Jenna as “a spoiled, narcissistic bitch who, when she doesn’t get her way, attacks” and Keera doesn’t disagree. Will she take the case?

Prosecutor Walker Thompson is still feeling the sting of the loss when Jenna was acquitted, certain that a murderer had been set free, so he sees this as a chance to redeem his reputation. Seattle Police detective, Frank Rossi is quickly on the scene after Kohl’s daughter, Adria discovers his body, and he and his partner try to investigate all angles, knowing Keera Duggan, truly her father’s daughter, will have something clever up her sleeve if she takes the case.

Keera and her investigator, former SPD cop, JP Harrison, do some thorough research of their own: Keera knows that they can’t rely on Jenna to be truthful unless it suits her. After all, Keera has a strong motive and her movements on the night of the murder aren’t helpful: she’s the prime suspect.

Dugoni once again gives the reader an excellent crime drama, cleverly plotted with superb courtroom scenes and a brilliant twist. This is a gripping read and more of this cast will be eagerly anticipated.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer.

Like every other book I read by author Robert Dugoni, I really enjoyed this book. It was a judicial legal thriller much like Michael Connelly's books. I thought the Keera character were riveting and were well written. The investigation was well written as Dugoni is a master storyteller. I was get on the edge of my seat the entire ride. Thank you Thomas and Mercer Publishing for my advanced reader copy of this excellent book.

This book was absolutely phenomenal! It had a law and order vibe to it with the legal aspect and unravel led very well. The case of the main character defending someone for a murder that she knows is a liar upped the ante.This was a game of cat and mouse and a well written legal thriller.

BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT is the second Keera Duggan legal thriller series book. In the first book, Her deadly game, we were introduced to the master chess player and Seattle attorney Keera Duggan, who is now tasked with representing her childhood nemesis Jenna Bernstein after Jenna is accused of killing her former business partner and lover. This will not be an easy task since Jenna is a manipulative and frighteningly controlling sociopath. Still, Keera is used to thinking several moves ahead and using all her skills in court.

It was fun to learn about the legal aspect of the story through Keera’s point-of-view, as well as investigational aspects through Seattle detective Frank Rossi. I highly recommend this excellent legal thriller with a compelling plot, full of suspense, well-developed characters, family and courtroom drama. It is written in a style that draws you in and keeps you rapidly turning the pages, ensuring there's never a dull moment!

I extend my heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. I also want to express my gratitude to Robert Dugoni for yet another gripping story. His storytelling prowess never fails to captivate, and he remains one of my favorite authors.

This was another book I read in a matter of hours last night and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Robert Dugoni is such a quality author, I cannot remember reding a book of his I did not enjoy.

Reading the blurb, I was not sure that the ‘controversial biotech world’ was going to be something I would enjoy reading about, but I was very wrong. I should not have doubted the ability of the author to draw me in regardless of this.

Jenna Berstein, the disgraced CEO of the biotech company has been convicted of murdering her former partner and enlists attorney Keera Duggan to help defend her. A few years earlier Jenna was represented by Keera’s father when she was tried for murdering her company’s chief scientist who was threatening to tell the public about corporate fraud that was occurring.

This time around is Jenna telling the truth or is she still manipulating those around her for her own gain, her freedom.

An excellent read that will grip you from the beginning and there is nothing like a great legal drama to have you turning the pages at an incredibly fast pace. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.

I feel that I'm one of Robert Dugoni's biggest fans. I started with the Tracey Crosswhite series and binged on all the books in that series. I wait anxiously every year for a new edition to come out to the series. Just love all the characters. Then I read The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell and wept like a baby. It is in my top 20 books of all time. As each new book comes out, I gobble them up. His writing never disappoints. When I received permission to read an advance copy of the latest in the Keera Duggan series, I couldn't have been more thrilled with the opportunity.

I wish that I had gone back to book 1 to refresh some of my memories of the cast of characters (or more specifically the plot of the case) as it has been 18 months since that book came out and I couldn't remember the meat and potatoes of the story. I felt that there was a good deal of mention about the previous case and what had transpired but being a voracious reader like me, I just couldn't grab on to the details again. So I do recommend reading the first book first and shortly before reading the second book. With that said, this cast of characters has earned a special place in my heart. Keera's father, JP the investigator, even some of the extended family all have a role in this story. The mystery of who did what wasn't too hard to figure out and the person on trial isn't very likable so you are left not sure who to root for. With that said, it is great to see how Keera was pressed to take on a case she didn't wan to defend and rising to the challenge.

The first book was a 5 star rating, second book is 3.75 (I'll round up to be generous) and so I'll anxiously await the next installment of this series. Hopefully it won't take as long between these books!

Robert Dugoni's Tracy Crosswhite series is one of my favorites! When he came out with the Keera Dugan series, I did not hesitate to start it.

'Beyond Reasonable Doubt' is book 2 of the Keera Dugan series and was a very enjoyable read. There were twists and turns that kept me on my toes. I was impressed and fascinated reading this story from both the prosecution and defense point-of-views. Dugoni explained all of the intricacies of a case, while keeping my attention.

Keera Dugan is a former Seattle prosecutor who now works for her father's law firm. 'Beyond Reasonable Doubt' takes us through her 2nd big case at the firm. Unfortunately the defendant, Jenna, is a former family friend that Keera does not have fond memories of. Jenna was being charged with first degree murder for the 2nd time in 3 years. The first time, Keera's father successfully defended Jenna and Jenna hoped he would do so again. To her dismay, Keera would be the one representing her this time.

Throughout the book we see Keera develop her own defense style and her morals guide her to do the right thing. She represented her client in the best possible way without cheating the justice system. I was very happy with her methods and the end result.

Robert Dugoni did a great job navigating a reader through the mind of a defense attorney. I can't wait for the next one!

Keera Duggan is a former prosecutor who works as a criminal defense attorney for her family’s law firm. In “Beyond Reasonable Doubt,” a legal thriller by Robert Dugoni, Keera agrees to defend Jenna Bernstein, who is accused of murdering her business associate and lover, Sirus Kohl. Jenna used to be the CEO of Ponce de León Restorative Technology (PDRT), a now discredited biotech company in Seattle, Washington. Its alleged mission was to market its product, the Link, that was supposed to improve the condition of gravely ill people, revitalize defective organs, and even cure deadly diseases. Sirus, the COO and CFO of PDRT, provided a large portion of the financing that kept the business afloat.

Keera detests Jenna, with whom she grew up. Jenna has long been a pathological liar and bully who made Keera’s life miserable in their younger days. In addition, there is sound, albeit circumstantial evidence that Jenna had the motive, means, and opportunity to kill Sirus. So why is Keera willing to defend someone she loathes? Keera’s dad, Patsy, is an alcoholic who had been a top-flight attorney, but he can no longer handle the stress of a high-profile trial. He encourages his daughter to assist Jenna for the sake of the woman’s parents, and also to help Keera rid herself of the bitterness that she has long felt towards Jenna.

This novel’s most unappealing characters are Jenna, Sirus, and his daughter and general counsel, Adria, all of whom are venal, selfish, and vindictive. To successfully follow the plot, readers will need to keep track of technical details involving cell phone records, security footage, convoluted and contradictory testimony, and details about the toxic workplace that Jenna, Sirus, and Adria created. Ultimately, Keera, with substantial support from her capable private investigator, JP Harrison, pursues an unorthodox courtroom strategy that raises eyebrows, but is necessary to ensure that justice is served. “Beyond Reasonable Doubt” holds our attention, but it is difficult to care about Jenna’s fate, since she has so few redeeming features.

Robert Dugoni plus murder and a legal thriller ? Always 100% yes for this girl. Dugoni remains one of the best legal thriller writers bringing Keera Duggan back in this twist filled follow up.

Keera is confronted with a bully from her past and the reader is on this journey of growth with her. She is asked to represent Jenna Bernstein (the childhood bully) when she has been accused of murder.

Personal battles and a legal fight in the courtroom for the ages keeps the pages turning in a boom you should not miss. Even after book ends I know I will keep rooting for Keera!

The long-awaited 2nd book in this series did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the character development and how the author addressed the difficult decision Keera had to make. I really liked the analysis into how childhood bullying affected this decision as an adult. I found the family dynamics to be compelling as well. The treatment of the topic of alcoholism was genuine and created an interesting and realistic take on the topic. I enjoyed this read very much and hope there will be another in the series!

Thank you @mbc_books @amazonpublishing for a gifted copy!

🔹 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 🔹
Dugoni hits it out of the ballpark with the second story in the Keera Duggan series! He builds up suspense and intrigue in his plot so well, which had me hanging on every word and up reading late!

I’ve been a fan of Dugoni’s books for a few years and this one is a favorite! Keera Duggan is a smart defense attorney at her family’s law firm, a prodigy to her attorney father who could battle with the best. Duggan gets the chance to defend a childhood family friend in a murder charge, where the case seems open and shut for the prosecution. However, this lady is a skilled liar and can’t be trusted, so Duggan has to weight if she even wants to take the case.

Along with the legal aspects, we have family problems and dynamics that are complicated. There’s a subtle romance subplot as well, that isn’t really developed but hints throughout that something is brewing.

We get to see another POV in Keera’s former colleague Frank, who is a detective investigating the case. It was fun to see both sides in this story.

I can’t wait to see the future books in this series! Dugoni writes a strong smart FMC like no other, who seems very accurately portrayed in her role. It gave me everything I needed in this style of story!

⚖️ 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
🔹 Police Procedurals
⚖️ Legal Suspense Thrillers
🔹 Courtroom Dramas
⚖️ Strong FMC Attorney

Robert Dugoni is at the top of his game as he returns from Her Deadly Game (5 Stars) with his popular Keera Duggan #2 in BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT—Old friends and old suspicions rise to the surface as Keera dazzles in this latest masterpiece legal thriller!

About...

Keera is back better than ever to deal with a master manipulator accused of murder.

Jenna Bernstein, a disgraced CEO of a controversial biotech company, is accused of murdering her former partner and lover. She turns to Seattle attorney Keera Duggan to defend her.

As we discovered from the previous book, Keera is a master chess player who brings her intuitive moves into court. She knows her childhood friend and knows trouble is not far behind —a controlling sociopath.

Five years earlier, her father defended her when she was charged with the killing of her company's chief scientist (whistleblower), who threatened to go public with allegations of corporate fraud. Keera knows Jenna too well.

Keera is reluctantly pulled into the case, having to cancel her vacation to take over for her father, Patsy (whose firm is struggling financially), while she takes over the trial.

Keera digs deeper, with assistance from private investigator JP Harrison, and she uncovers startling information that could change the entire trajectory of the case. Is Jenna once again playing a dangerous game?

Is she innocent this time? Is this another devious game from a master manipulator? Is her client a murderer?

My thoughts...

BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT is enthralling! The author captivates you from the first page to the last with a game of cat-and-mouse, and as in the past book, Keera is sharp, intelligent, and intuitive! She is quick-witted, street-smart, and savvy.

Keera's connection between chess and her courtroom moves is not just a personal quirk. It's a strategic advantage when she's up against a schemer and the possible murderer she is defending. Her ability to think several steps ahead, just like in a game of chess, often gives her the upper hand in the courtroom.

From the riveting and intense courtroom scenes and cop procedurals to Keera's personal life, her dad's struggles with alcoholism, and the complex family bonds, Detective Frank Rossi adds another layer of depth. We could possibly be getting a love connection here in the next installment, adding to the rich character-driven narrative.

Dugoni, a pro with his background as an attorney & author, expertly builds suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat in this character and plot-driven brilliant legal thriller!

BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT can be read as a standalone; however, I highly recommend reading Her Deadly Game first. In the first book, we learn about Keera's past, her struggles, and her journey to becoming the sharp, intelligent, and intuitive attorney she is in this book. It's a great way to understand and appreciate her character fully.

I eagerly anticipate the next installment to see what comes next in Keera's journey!

Recs...

It is a must-read legal thriller series for fans of the author and those of David Baldacci, John Hart, and Michael Connelly.

Audiobook...

I read the book and listened to the audiobook performed by one of my favorite narrators, Saskia Maarleveld, for a captivating, knock-out performance!

Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Brilliance Audio for an ARC and ALC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 22, 2024
Oct Newsletter
Oct 2024 Must-Read Books

Beyond Reasonable Doubt is a smart, well-crafted legal thriller by Robert Dugoni. It is #2 in the Keera Duggan series, but can definitely be read as a stand-alone novel.
Working in the family law firm, Keera is learning much from her well-known father Patsy Duggan. When he becomes unable to take on the defense of an infamous former client, Jenna Bernstein, Keera must step in to handle the case. One huge complication: Jenna is her former childhood friend, at whose hands Keera suffered from the mean girl’s manipulative actions. Needless to say, Keera struggles with putting the past behind while trying to mount a successful defense for her unreliable, sociopathic client.
The strength of this story is the strong plot line around the investigation and courtroom drama, as well as the moral dilemmas and family relationships Keera must navigate. The characters are strong—either likeable or despicable! There are warm family moments, among the sisters and especially between Keera and Patsy, who is struggling with alcoholism and recovery. This is a very relatable tribe.
With echoes of the Elizabeth Holmes/Theranos case, this thriller has tech innovation and deception as well as a great murder mystery! The author is a strong storyteller and I look forward to his next novel!

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.

This book grabbed me from the first page. The story is reminiscent of one recently in the news: female wunderkind heads up company to save the world, has a mighty fall when the product is proven to be a hoax. In this case, Leah Bernstein, said wunderkind, is also accused of murdering her partner who was allegedly on the verge is revealing her misdeeds, and testifying in a case that would put her in jail for awhile. Leah asks Keera Duggan to be her defense attorney. Keera has history with Leah; they grew up together and to put it mildly, Keera is not a fan. To add interest and complexity to the story, Keera's father Patsy defended Leah in a previous murder trial, in which was not "proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt" and hence was not convicted. But Patsy is older now with has health troubles, and not up to the grueling task of providing a defense to anyone. Keera is on her own with this one, and skillfully plans a defense for a client she dislikes, distrusts and wouldn't mind seeing in jail. In typical Robert Dugoni style, misdirections abound, the victim is not completely sympathetic, the client is a piece of work, and the remaining cast of characters are not there to make Keera's life easier! This is one you won't want to put down until you are finished...and even then, you'll be hoping for more. A great read! I'd give it 10 stars if I could.

Thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second in a new series by this author, and I very much enjoyed the first one - and the second one did not disappoint. It can be read as a stand-alone, but reading this book will impel you to read the first as well, I promise. It's another gripping legal thriller/police procedural that keeps you engrossed to the end. After "meeting" Keera in the first book of the series, this deepens the back story of her relationship with her family, particularly her defense attorney father. And what a great premise, having Keera defend her childhood nemesis, who cannot be trusted. Keera's ability to think one or more steps ahead stands her in good stead, and again the story shows the ambivalence of living with the gray shading between the black and white of life. I can't wait for the next in this series!

Another captivating and fast paced procedural/legal thriller from Robert Dugoni! I think it's safe to say I'm a big fan of RD's books and characters. This is the second book in the Keera Duggan series, and it did not disappoint!

Keera is an easy character to admire. She works hard to prove herself at her family's law firm as a former prosecutor turned defense attorney. From the first chapter, we find that Keera is still struggling with this shift. I think the author did a great job of putting us in Keera's mind set- how do you defend someone you aren't sure is worthy of defense? That is something Keera struggles with the entire book. I really enjoyed how RD navigated Keera working through questioning her client and determining for herself what she was and was not comfortable with. This book really leaned heavily into Keera learning how to be the best defense attorney she could be, especially with her father unable to help guide her through this trial. I loved seeing Keera excel on her own, and I think this sets up some great future cases!

I did miss some of the family dynamics in this book and would love to have learned more about Keera's personal life. But I think this book did its job is growing Keera as a lawyer and sets the stage for her getting together her personal life in future books.

If you are a procedural/legal thriller reader, you will definitely not want to miss this one! It's a page turner for sure! Make sure you grab it today on KU (available as an e-read and audiobook)!

I am really loving this series! Complex characters and compelling mystery kept me up way past bedtime. I didn't figure this one out before the reveal. This author never fails to deliver a story that grips you and sucks you into the pages!

Beyond Reasonable Doubt is book two in the Keera Duggan series by Robert Dugoni is a riveting legal thriller that had me hooked from the very first page.
This is a masterfully crafted thriller that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
With its engaging plot, compelling characters, and twists and turns I was engaged from the beginning.

Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Amazon Publishing, Brilliance Publishing for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest book by the wonderful Robert Dugoni, and the second in the Keera Duggan series, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Saskia Maarleveld – 5 stars!

Jenna Bernstein, disgraced CEO of a controversial biotech company, is accused of murdering her former partner and lover. Three years early, Keera Dugan’s father successfully defended Jenna when she was tried for killing the company’s chief medical scientist who threatened to go public with allegations of corporate fraud. Jenna now wants Keera to defend her against the latest allegations, but Jenna and Keera have a history since childhood, and Keera knows that trouble follows Jenna.

Dugoni has done it again, written a gripping police procedural/legal thriller that kept me guessing until the end. I really like Keera’s character – smart, confident, driven, flawed – and how she interacts with people both professionally and in her family life, especially with her dad. This book has Keera defending her childhood nemesis, and she doesn’t trust Jenna to be honest with her. But with so much on the line, the two must rely on each other. Keera’s chess prowess once again comes into play as she must think one step ahead. The ending was perfect and I can’t wait for more in this series!