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.

Dugoni is one of the brightest and best crime fiction writers of our time! He delivers a pulse-pounding mystery thriller with this endeavor.

It’s packed with detail and attitude, this is a not to be missed reading. Beyond Reasonable Doubt is filled with rich characterization and exceptional drama.

Courtroom dialogue at its best, with a neat closing argument! Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the amazing early copy.

4.5 stars, rounded up
Robert Dugoni uses the Elizabeth Holmes case of a young biotech wonderkind found guilty of fraud as the basis for his new legal procedural, Beyond Reasonable Doubt. It’s a fascinating, well thought out plot and fans of this genre will want to seek this one out pronto.
Jenna has already been found not guilty of one murder after the chief scientist at her start up company was killed. In fact, it was Keera’s father who represented her. But now, five years later, her main investor and 48% owner of the company, not to mention her ex-lover, is killed the day before he was to cut a plea agreement with the prosecution in the company’s fraud case. She again expects Patsy to represent her. But since he’s no longer doing trial cases, Keera would have to be her primary lawyer.
Dugoni quickly gets the ball rolling here and I was immediately drawn in. I loved the premise that Jenna, a woman Keera knew since school, is not someone she trusts. Far from it, she thinks she’s a sociopath. It’s the classic case of defense attorneys not always getting to represent folks they think are innocent. In an interesting plot point, much of Keera’s maneuvering is not against the prosecution but her own client. Keera is a strong main character and one I can’t help but root for. I love when an author can really tie me in knots. I wanted Keera to win but did I really want Jenna to get off? The ending covers all the bases perfectly.
This is a fast paced, tautly written plot. It felt very realistic, especially the courtroom scenes. I appreciated that Dugoni found a way to allow the reader to see both the defense’s and prosecution’s investigations. I didn’t want to put the book down. I will continue to read anything Dugoni writes!
My thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance copy of this book.

BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT, written by Robert Dugoni, is a good read. Five years ago Jenna, CEO of the Ponce de León Restorative Tech (PDRT) biotech company, must decide whether or not to inform investors about holding back the release of a product until its flaws can be fixed. Erik Wei threatens to tell the truth about the product and is killed. Jenna, having been tried for Erik’s murder, is exonerated thanks to Patsy Duggan’s defense. Did Jenna get away with murder?

Keera Duggan takes over for Patsy and defends Jenna in a new murder trial. After establishing Keera Duggan’s character as a Seattle-based attorney, Robert Dugoni writes a mystery/thriller that puts Jenna Bernstein and Keera Duggan in the spotlight. Keera’s father, Patsy Duggan, has instilled in his daughter the belief that trials don’t necessarily determine the truth but only what the evidence supports. As a result, especially with her past experiences dealing with Jenna, Keera has to manage her conscience in order to represent Jenna. Is Jenna attempting to get away with the murder of Sirus Kohl? Does Keera enable her do this?

The dialogue flows easily in this novel, and the plot moves along at a good pace. The prologue is appreciated as it gives the background needed to understand the underpinnings of the current story. The depth of this tale is immense. I look forward to reading the next book in the Keera Duggan series. Thank you, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT.

This is a great legal thriller from start to finish, with a few twists along the way. Definitely a 5* can’t put down book. This author can always be counted on to deliver a good story. It is part of a series but could be read as a stand alone. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

This is the second in Robert Dugoni's great legal thriller series featuring the able chess player, Keera Duggan, daughter of the well known Irish Brawler, part of the family run firm of Duggan and Associates, with her sisters, Maggie and Ella. With her father's alcohol addiction, it is Keera, defence lawyer, who is now at the forefront, with her remarkable abilities to strategise, utilising her chess background to come up with intuitive, startling solutions to help win for her clients. Keera is on a much needed staycation, something her family takes little notice of, as she is called in and learns they have a potentially lucrative client likely to be facing murder charges.

However, there is a snag, Jenna Bernstein, someone Keera knows all too well from her childhood, a liar, devious and manipulative sociopath she intensely dislikes, who as CEO of Ponce de Leon Restorative Technology, her father had successfully defended from a previous charge of murdering the company's chief science officer, Erik Wei, using what in legal terms is referred to as the Svengali defence. He got her off, as Jenna pointed the finger at her older lover, with responsibilities in running the company, Sirus Kohl, stating he had kept her in the dark as she made claims for the business that could not be substantiated. Jenna is now set for going on trial for his murder, he had intended to testify and provide documentation that could have led to her facing prison.

Keera is not keen on representing Jenna, but takes on board her father's advice that she'd learn more about herself defending the most difficult cases, rather than the easy cases. Keera is helped by the firm's smart, ex-cop, black PI, JP Harrison, but would she be guilty of freeing a killer if she successfully defends Jenna? This is an intricately plotted and dark crime read, with twists and turns that kept me gripped, desperate to learn how it all ends. Fans of the author are likely to love this, as would other readers who enjoy the crime, mystery, and thriller genres. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

Title: Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Author: Robert Dugoni
Series: Keera Duggan Book 2
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Pub Date: October 22, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pages: 384

Background info from Book1 ~ Keera Duggan's father is a famous defense attorney with his own firm Patrick (aka Patsy) Duggan & Associates.
Keera had a solid reputation as a Seattle prosecutor, until her romantic relationship with Miller Ambrose also a prosecutor ended. She then joined her father’s firm

Additionally Keera is a former Chess prodigy and loved to strategize which has helped her in her law career. She only plays online on. She considers not just what her opponent will do next but also the two or three moves which may follow. Her opponent is the “Dark Knight” and his chess moves can be applied to strategies in this case. She knows the “Dark Knight” is her dad.

In this story, Keera’s dad asks her to work with Jenna Bernstein who is accused of killing her former business partner and lover. Keera knows Jenna all too well. She also knows where Jenna goes, trouble follows.
This is my eighth author, Robert Dugoni novel, I have read most of the novels in the Tracy Crosswhite series and always enjoyed them. This is second in the Keera Duggan series. Book #1 " Her Deadly Game" earned my 5 stars!! Yes! Dugoni is one of my fav authors.
I am a fan of good courtroom drama and Keera had me cheering the entire time even though I had no clue of her plan.
Certainly hope there is a Book #3
Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this granted me the pleasure of reading this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October 22, 2024.

I went back and read the first book in this series before starting this and could not wait to start it. Keera Duggan is a great character. The Duggan family is great and storylines interesting
This is a series i will follow without fail
Dugoni has another winner

After stumbling over a book by this new to me author I just had to read this second book too. I just had to. The first one was Her Deadly Game, Book one in the Keera Guggan Series, published by Thomas & Mercer.
A masterfully grafted story, enticing storyline, characters so very easy to connect with, in short an incredible, literally unputdownable read. Suspenseful, slow paced with great love to detail I was more than intrigued and loved this second book just like the first one. A fantastic book, I highly, highly recommend it.