Beyond Reasonable Doubt by Robert Dugoni is the second book of the Keera Duggan series. A twisty legal thriller, Dugoni weaves the story together by following Keera, the defense attorney, while some parts follow Frank Rossi, one of the detectives assigned to the case.

I really enjoy the strong female lead characters that Robert Dugoni writes. He also writes the Tracey Crosswhite series, a police detective series. Across both series, the women are very capable in their fields and respected. Keera and Tracey both feel very real to me and I’m happy to see that Keera’s story has expanded into a series instead of being a standalone. The obstacles they face professionally feel quite relatable as a female and I love rooting for them to prevail.

I like that the writing allows you to grasp the story from multiple angles. Starting with a flashback, it then expands into both the perspectives of the defense attorney and one of the detectives. I wish there was a bit more backstory and development of Frank Rossi, but I appreciate that his character doesn’t overwhelm Keera’s character.

The trial portion of the book had me on the edge of my seat and I read most of it in one sitting. It was fantastic and absolutely the best part of the book for me. The history that Keera had with the defendant when they were younger gave the story depth. The resolution did leave me wanting a bit more clarity though, so that did lower my overall rating a bit. Although this is not one of my favorite Robert Dugoni books, it is definitely worth the read.

Keera Duggan deserves a break after the tough case she just cracked and won (read 'Her Deadly Game'). But her staycation will have to wait because she's called back into the office to hear about a new situation involving long-time clients and family friends and their daughter, Jenna, Keera's childhood nemesis. There's been a murder, the second one involving Jenna's tech company, and what little circumstantial evidence there is points to Jenna as the murder, again. Can Keera cut through Jenna's crap and get to the truth? Is she actually guilty this time? Was she last time? If not, can they uncover the real killer? Or will Keera have to rely on reasonable doubt, again, to keep Jenna out of prison?

When it comes to courtrooms and legal drama, Dugoni knows his stuff. I didn't feel as much tension in this story as I do in most of his other books. But events and discoveries and interpersonal issues keep things moving along to a satisfying conclusion. I look forward to Keera's next case.

Definitely a book for library purchase. Thanks to #netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC.

Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Keera Duggan has switched from prosecutor to defense attorney after her father had to step back from taking cases due to a drinking problem. A former childhood "friend" of hers, Jenna, is suspected of killing her former lover and business partner and Keera takes the case even though she never really liked Jenna and isn't at all sure that she is innocent.

4.5 stars.

This was my first Robert Dugoni novel and I don't know how that can be. This was a really well written legal courtroom drama, which is a genre I really enjoy. I didn't read the first in the series but I think I will circle back before #3 comes out, because I will definitely be reading it.

Jenna Bernstein, a disgraced biotech CEO, is accused of murdering her former partner and lover, Sirius Kohl. She turns to Keera Duggan, a former prosecutor-turned-defense attorney, for help. Keera, reluctantly taking the case due to her firm’s financial struggles, faces a moral dilemma—Jenna, her childhood friend, has a history of manipulation and sociopathic tendencies. With damning evidence piling up and Jenna’s history of deceit, Keera must decide if she’s defending an innocent woman or helping a murderer escape justice.

Robert Dugoni, known for his gripping legal thrillers, once again delivers a captivating story. *Beyond Reasonable Doubt* keeps the reader hooked with its fast-paced investigation, courtroom drama, and moral ambiguity. The complexity of the characters, particularly Keera's internal conflict, makes the story especially engrossing.

What makes this novel stand out is Dugoni's ability to blend legal intrigue with personal stakes. Keera’s strained family dynamics, her father’s battle with alcoholism, and the potential romance with Detective Frank Rossi add depth to the narrative without detracting from the main plot. Dugoni also explores the dark side of corporate culture, drawing parallels to real-world scandals, which makes Jenna’s story even more compelling.

In short, *Beyond Reasonable Doubt* is a must-read for fans of legal thrillers. Whether you’re new to the series or returning, this book delivers on suspense, character development, and moral complexity. Dugoni proves once again why he’s a master of the genre.

The Keera Duggon Series does not disappoint! This title will appeal to all patrons, not just mystery lovers! Can not wait for the next installment!

Keera Duggan and her legal prowess is back.
In ‘Beyond Reasonable Doubt’ Keera Duggan is hired to defend her childhood friend Jenna Bernstein, the CEO of a biomedical startup, kind of like an Elizabeth Holmes type of character, from her second murder charge in as many years. Problem for Keera is, she knows exactly who Jenna is after having had a such a tumultuous friendship with her as young girls. She knows Jenna is extremely capable of murder. It’s up to Keera and her team at Duggan & Associates to make sure Jenna receives the best defence possible while also getting to the truth.
‘Beyond Reasonable Doubt’ has a smart, well constructed plot and interesting characters. A great read for fans of legal courtroom books. If your anything like me you’ll be rooting for Keera to come up with a way to best her childhood nemesis at her own game.
A classic Robert Dugoni book, you won’t be disappointed. 4 stars

Beyond a simple legal thriller
Keera Duggan’s law partner and father Patsy Duggan once successfully defended Jenna Bernstein on a charge of murdering the chief scientist at her high-tech firm, but now a former partner in the firm has been murdered, and again Jenna has been charged with the crime. If Jenna did not kill her former partner, who else might be a reasonable suspect? As Keera develops her case, she delves into the complicated relationships, professional and personal, in the biotech company and also revisits her own troubled relationship with Jenna Bernstein, whom she knew when they were growing up.
Legal thrillers are one of my favorite entertainment genres, and Dugoni scores highly on that scale, but the reason I grab his books with special excitement is that they offer even more for my enjoyment. There are many features of the writing that are especially well done.
First of all, Dugoni does not create characters; he introduces us to human beings. For example, we first meet Seattle detective Frank Rossi, who had worked with Keera when she was a prosecutor in the Seattle DA’s office, as he is driving up to the scene of the murder. He “mentally prepared for what awaited him. He would never allow arriving at a suspected homicide to become routine. If it ever did, he’d retire, and at just thirty-eight, he hoped he had many more work years ahead.” It was a good introduction, and it also made me think a bit about what it must be like to have his job! On a lighter level, it is enjoyable to see Keera, a chess prodigy, indulge in chess-style thinking as she approaches her work.
There are many nice aspects to the way the story is told. Frank Rossi working on the state’s own case, and it is fun to read about him considering the same aspects as Keera but from the prosecution’s side. In addition to Keera’s chess-style thinking affecting her legal work, there are other nice comparisons and analogies . One I especially enjoyed was Keera’s listening to classical music (via Alexa) and her feeling that the composition of a classical work was much like the composition of a good opening and closing argument.
Much as I enjoy these features in Dugoni’s writing, I did get a bit impatient that the character development, family history, and case preparation took up the first two-thirds of the book, I and was eager to get on with the trial. Once it began, though, Keera and her clever legal maneuvers did not let me down. Neither did Robert Dugoni. I look forward to reading about Keera’s next case!
I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer.

Trouble always seems to follow Jenna Bernstein. She's accused of killing her former business and romantic partner and seeks legal support from the Duggan family. After all, Patsy successfully defended her three years ago when she was on trial for a different murder of someone in the company.

But when Patsy needs to step away from cases, Keera takes lead - and she has a personal childhood history with Jenna. She feels she knows who she is & what she's become and fears how far Jenna would go to manipulate situations to get what she wants. As Keera works to defend her client, she has to work to get answers from someone she doesn't trust all while wondering if she's going to set a murderer free.

Loved this second installment with Keera Duggan! Again the back and forth between the public defenders, detectives, and defense is fascinating. Thank you to netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me access to an advanced eb00k copy!

I am usually not one for courtroom dramas. But it had Robert Dugoni’s name on it, so here we are. He’s really a go-to author who keeps things moving. There’s never a dull moment, even the showdown between Keera Duggan and the DA.

Keera is a master chess player. She is tasked with defending Jenna Bernstein; someone she hated in her childhood. The charge, murder of her fellow executive/lover. A charge for which she has stood trial for before. The story is very similar to the Elizabeth Holmes/Theranos situation – if you threw in a couple of murders. Bernstein is young and started a company that will revolutionize the medical field. But does it work?

Keera used to work in the DA’s office but set up shop in the family law firm that her father started. Her father, Patsy, is another great character. He is a brilliant defense attorney nicknamed “The Irish Brawler.” But he is also an alcoholic. He and Keera have a special relationship fueled by their mutual love of chess. He’s a realistic combination of weak and strong.

Like I said, I don’t usually do courtroom novels. But this one is so cleverly done and fast-paced. I kept reading longer than I intended because I wanted to figure it out. (I didn’t, by the way.) Plus, Dugoni is so good at making scenes feel real by adding small details. This is a very good book that will keep you guessing. Looking forward to number three in the series.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt (Book #2 of the Keera Duggan series) by Robert Dugoni is a captivating and fast paced legal thriller about manipulation and control.

Keera is on vacation, or rather staycation, when she gets a call from her office informing her she needs to come in right away. What she finds upon her arrival is not what she was expecting. Jenna Bernstein is in need of representation by her family’s law practice, Duggan & Associates, for the murder of her former business partner. But this isn’t the first time she has been accused of murder.

Keera and Jenna have a childhood history together, not of which Keera is particularly fond of. Jenna was a manipulative liar when they were kids and has not changed as an adult. Keera has agreed to take her case and defend her the only way she knows how.. with the truth. But how do you defend someone you believe to be a sociopath?

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

It's no secret that Robert Dugoni has a place on my list of favorite thriller authors, and I've been making my way through his backlist in between new releases. I really enjoyed the first Keera Duggan book, so I was excited to be meeting up with her again in this sequel. I'm not sure why I don't read more legal thrillers, because I tend to really enjoy them when I do pick them up... Robert Dugoni's writing never disappoints, and his books seem to have just the right balance of crime and banter. Beyond Reasonable Doubt is no exception, and I had such a great time reading it!

While technically Beyond Reasonable Doubt is mostly legal thriller, it is in fact more of an hybrid as there are also parts that are more detective/crime thriller (detective Rossi’s POV). Not that I’m complaining of course with that being my favorite subgenre, and I liked what it added to the plot. The switch between detective Rossi’s POV and lawyer Keera Duggan’s POV makes the switches between legal and detective more fluid, and I enjoyed spending time with both. I do have to say that the pace was a bit slow in the first part, and there were certain things that became a bit repetitive... Especially everything related to Jenna and her background.

There are plently of secrets and twists to keep you busy along the way, although I have to say that I was a bit disappointed that I guessed the truth about the identity of the killer quite easily. There were other things I didn’t see coming though, and I still enjoyed the journey itself and especially the trial. I think the second part is without doubt the strongest; the trial itself is so well described and Keera's strategy very clever. I loved the chess references, although they aren't that present as in the first book... Keera is once again the star of the show despite Detective Frank Rossi's POV, although I liked what he added to the plot. There is a personal connection for Keera with this case, and it provided more insight in her character as a result.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt turned out to be another solid and engaging legal thriller that especially shines in the second part which focuses on the trial itself. If you like the genre, I can definitely recommend reading this series!

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Robert Dugoni, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Robert Dugoni returns with one of his newer series, where Keera Duggan serves as a gritty lawyer set to help those who need it most in Seattle. When she discovers her family firm has taken on quite the client, Keera js a tad ill at ease. Jenna Bernstein is a disgraced CEO of a biotech company, accused of murdering her partner. The case is troubling on many levels, including a personal one, as Keera tries to find a way out of helping. But, with a father whom she adores, Keera is soon defending Jenna and taking the case to court in hopes of saving her client. A great addition to Dugoni’s work and a stellar novel for the curious reader.

After narrowly escaping jail for murder a few years ago, Jenna Bernstein is back in the news. The disgraced CEO of a controversial biotech company had been on trial for killing one of her science advisors, but now it is her partner and former lover she is accused of killing. When she approaches the firm that helped her before, Jenna’s met with one of Seattle’s great legal minds, Patsy Duggan. However, the Irish Brawler is trying to stay clean from drink and his family law firm has another lawyer who might be able to help even more. Keera Duggan is called back from her holiday to help, though she is blindsided when she arrives and sees Jenna waiting for her. Their past comes bubbling up and Keera does not like the feeling.

While trying to put their differences aside, Keera and Jenna work swiftly, with Patsy in the middle, to cobble together a story about the victim. Jenna does not deny she was in the area, but is clear that she is innocent. The facts begin piling up and the police are gathering evidence, all of which is showing just how brazen Jenna has been in the past and how she will stop at nothing to protect her company. With the US Attorney breathing down her neck on another case, Jenna is determined to dodge the bullet and keep out of the spotlight.

As Keera tries to make her case airtight, she cannot help but remember the past she and Jenna shared. Their animosity was palpable, as they grew up, but even Keera knows that justice is something everyone ought to have. However, Jenna presents in a troubling manner, as though she is sociopathic and on the path to being completely disconnected to those around her. With the evidence piling up against her, Jenna will have to rely on Keera to save her. What’s the piece of evidence they need and will Keera be able to extract it at the right time? Dugoni fashions this great thriller against the backdrop of a fast-paced courtroom drama. Perfect for those who have enjoyed much of the author’s work in the past.

The writing of Robert Dugoni has always been of interest to me. His great storytelling abilities is matched with a strong narrative base that keeps the reader interested from the outset. As the story gains momentum, Dugoni uses a mix of chapter lengths to provide a pace that pulls the reader into the middle. Gritty action and banter seals the deal and soon there is no hope the for reader to escape. Characters emerge and provide needed depth to keep the reader curious. Returning characters offer development to advance their own storylines. While only the second book in the series, the plot is well-paced and pulls things together, providing surprises and backstory when needed to leave the reader wondering what Keera, Patsy, and even Jenna will do when faced with the reality before them. This is a series I am eager to see grow and Dugoni has his work cut out for him.

Kudos, Mr Dugoni, for once again pulling the reader into the middle of your masterful writing.

Some people just can’t seem stay out of trouble!🤦🏻‍♀️

Keera Duggan is back in book two of this new budding thriller series by Robert Dugoni.

Keera is called back into the family’s law office from her long needed staycation. Jenna, A previous client and former classmate of Keera’s, seeks her council as the police are accusing her of murder.

And this isn’t the first time Jenna has been in deep trouble with the law. Jenna already dodged a murder rap thanks to the brilliant legal work of Keera’s father.

But now it’s Keera’s turn to work her magic for a woman she had hoped she would never cross paths with again.

I love Keera’s character and though she may not enjoy the mandatory dinners with her family, I would love to pull up a chair to their dinner table. So much so that I really was hoping for a bit more depth into the family drama. As well as Keera's personal life...Perhaps in the next installment?

Overall, another great addition to this series with great courtroom action. Looking forward to more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer

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

This legal thriller is definitely a page turner, and although it's part of a series, as a first time reader to this author, it didn't affect my enjoyment of the story.
Full of suspense, courtroom drama, and shocking twists, this novel keeps readers guessing until the very end. Perfect for fans of crime and legal thrillers!

Robert Dugoni is a “go-to’ for me. I love the Tracy Crosswhite series and was excited to see a new series.

I read the first Keeera Duggan book and loved it. It was an amazing legal thriller with some family angst and chess references thrown in. The family dynamics are all a part of the story.

In this book, Keera gets to defend a childhood nemesis, and this character is very easy to dislike. The mystery is well crafted, and I did not figure it out until right before the big reveal. Seeing how Keera defends her client while still getting overall justice done was outstanding.

Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Robert Dugoni for the eARC.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published October 22, 2025.

This is the third book I’ve read by this author , and this is the second in the Keera Duggan series. It’s a solid legal thriller but I enjoyed the first one in the series a bit more.

T’s always fun to hate a character and Jenna Bernstein was easy to hate.

4.5 Stars ⭐️

I am not sure why I tend to forget how much I enjoy Mr. Dugoni's books in between book drops- regardless of whichever of the different series that he has currently out - but they are always such a pleasant surprise. He has not disappointed me yet.

This is the second book in a new series that introduced us to the Duggan clan out of Seattle. The patriarch Patsy Duggan, a famous defense attorney with the nickname of The Irish Bawler -he very successful, but unfortunately Patsy has been battling an alcohol problem for most of his life and it has severely impacted not only his life, but the life of his family. They have a really great Irish family - I think there are 5 adult siblings, with 3 of the girls working with him in his law firm. The youngest Keera, is taking over the trial cases and Patsy is stepping back. And Keera, well, she is an EXCELLENT attorney.

After some very unusual events, one of Keera's childhood friends - Jenna Bernstein - (well, that is actually up for debate - let's just say they went to school together) and she had been accused of murder 5 years ago. Patsy got her acquitted then and now, 5 years later, there is another murder of Jenna's former lover and partner in a billion dollar business and she is again charged with murder one.

There are so many layers to this story. Keera is dealing with her feelings toward Jenna based on her lifetime of experiences with her. Keera is afraid that Jenna is a sociopath, possibly a psychopath and she is hesitant to take the case. Add in the fact that the firm is still in the red, Patsy is not very stable in his latest sobriety attempt, and the case makes Keera think that Jenna planned this with the thought of using Patsy again to try to get her off. She is a master manipulator.

The story takes us through the case as it unfolds and we begin to see some of the history between the girls. Add to this that there are many moving parts to this story, and it is actually a VERY interesting case. The thing that I LOVED the most with this book was that I figured out some of the issues, but was still surprised at the end. I have said it before and I will say it again.....I LOVE being surprised by a book. I LOVE it when I do not figure out everything before the "big reveal" and this book kept me intrigued and anxious until the very end.

So, another winner from Mr.Dugoni - but honestly, I'm beginning to just expect winners from him.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone. This book with be out for publication on Oct 22 2024.

Robert Dugoni always delivers! Beyond Reasonable Doubt is a solid mystery using long-ago childhood struggles and chess strategy to solve not one but two murders. There is a likely suspect. Representing her takes Keera Dugan’s brilliant mind replaying those childhood traumas and lessons-learned from her alcoholic, but successful lawyer, father to bring the story to its twisty, stunning conclusion.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt is a well written gripping thriller that captures your attention from first to last page.

Keera's vacation is cancelled when Duggan & Associates are asked once again to represent Jenna Bernstein CEO of a innovative Tech company.

The first trail Patsy, her dad, much to everyone's surprise got Jenna off a murder charge.

Once again the charge is murder but this time its her ex-lover and partner in business.

Patsy is dealing with his own demons and Keera takes on the case .

She knows all about Jenna who is manipulative, pathological liar and not to be trusted.

Keera is fierce in and out of court and a phenomenal strategizer .

Robert Dugoni is a master of twists and turns that keep the reader saying just one more chapter.

I highly recommend Beyond Reasonable Doubt ( it can be read as a stand alone) and any book written by Robert Dugoni.

I will be first in line to see who Keera defends next.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the privilege of reading and reviewing Beyond Reasonable Doubt.