A True Verdict is a legal thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It follows Ellison Ricard a black man who is wheelchair bound (injured in a civil rights demonstration year back). He is suing MediMiracle Corporation for civil rights violations. Ellison worked as a data research analyst for the pharmaceutical company. He discovered that their drug Sophrosyne caused more lethal side effects in African Americans then any others. Ellison argues he was wrongfully terminated to keep this data hidden and because of his race.

For majority of the book, we are following the jury as they deliberate. In the beginning it is very interesting since jury members are different ages and races and different life experiences. Unfortunately for me, it seemed to become caddy and mostly bickering instead of actual debating the facts.

The ending for me was a little unexpected, and I did enjoy that twist. Overall this was a 3.5 star read for me, but for someone who really enjoys legal thrillers, I think this is a good one for you.

My thanks to Blackstone Publishing, The Author, Robert Rotstein, as well as NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of A True Verdict.

#ATrueVerdict #NetGalley

I loved the format of this book – it was so unique! The use of transcripts and multiple characters really brought the plot to life.

The story unfolds through the perspectives of jurors, the judge, a podcaster, and many others, creating a well rounded and dynamic cast. Each character added depth and complexity to the narrative.

I found myself constantly wavering about who I wanted to prevail, and the shocking final twist completely caught me off guard.

If you’re a fan of true crime or intrigued by the drama of jury duty, this book is a must-read.

(enclosed link to blog post will go live on publishing day.)

3.5 Stars. A True Verdict is a suspenseful legal thriller with its end impossible to predict. Its format was unusual for me. Most of the book revolves around the jury with added trial transcripts. The case seems straightforward. A disabled Black man in a wheelchair, Ellison Ricard (injured years before in a civil rights demonstration), is suing MediMiracle corporation for civil rights violations. He worked as a data research analyst for the pharmaceutical company, discovering their drug Sophrosyne caused more lethal side effects in Blacks. He contends he was wrongfully fired to keep this data hidden and because of his race. A defendant for the drug company is its charismatic, business-like CEO, Peyton Burke.

There is tension and some hostility among jury members, as they cannot agree on anything. It looks as if they will never reach a consensus. They vary in age, work, life experiences and attitude. There are accusations of racism, ageism, elitism, misogyny, and cultural stereotyping. There is a rivalry to gain the leadership role, so their opinions will dominate. Others feel less intelligent and too timid to speak up. Members are not above complaining to the judge about the behaviour of jury members. In this stressful atmosphere, they must hurry to reach a consensus.

As the trial nears its end, a video shows MediMiracale's leading members speaking and acting inappropriately. This may cause them to lose jury votes, but it is minor compared to the facts revealed about E. Ricard, which are bound to produce shock and controversy. The verdict is unexpected.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this twisty and intense ARC, which will be published on January 14, 2025. Recommended for readers who enjoy a legal thriller with many twists.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Robert Rotstein, and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

I have enjoyed many novels by Robert Rotstein in the past and hoped to do so once again. A legal thriller of this type can only help to get the blood pumping and keep the reader in the middle of the mix. In a civil case, Ellison Ricard is bringing him employer to court for his dismissal. While he feels that he was fired for speaking out about a troubling medication, MediMiracle blames his poor attitude and disruptive behaviour. In a novel told through the eyes of the jurors who are deliberating, the story gains momentum the longer the group is out, prepared to decide on Ricard’s claim. What happens around the jury table could sway things, though the differing views of the group could make a verdict anything but predictable. Rotstein delivers a great thriller that kept me curious until the very end.

Ellison Ricard works as a research analyst for MediMiracle Corporation, creators of the opiate addiction medication, Sophrosyne. However, Ricard notices some recent studies on its use that show a remarkable spike in fatal outcomes amongst different racial groups. When he brings his findings up to the company CEO, Payton Burke, an explosive conversation turns violent and Ricard is fired on the spot.

Filing a lawsuit against his former employer, Ellison Ricard hopes to gain some notoriety and ensure that the truth comes out about Sophrosyne. After an intense trial, the case has gone to the jury, who must weigh all the evidence and decide whether to side with Ricard or support MediMiracle. However, the case is anything but cut and dry, especially with all the personalities around the table. Weighing the evidence and coming to a decision will be difficult, though the pressure to decide quickly is also part of the sense of tension in the air around the courthouse.

As the story alternates between the jurors’ perspectives and case transcripts, the story meanders and provides many angles as the deliberations move forward. A verdict is likely not far off, though the result is anything but guaranteed or predictable in this California community. Rotstein delivers a stunning legal thriller that entertains and educates in equal measure, leaving the reader as another member of the jury throughout the experience.

I have long enjoyed the legal thrillers that Robert Rotstein creates with his well-paced novels. This was no exception and keeps the reader in the middle of the action. Creating a strong narrative is but one of the many tasks Rotstein needs to juggle in this book. Things follow a clear direction, though there are many offshoots that create unpredictable moments for the attentive reader. Well-built characters keep the reader entertained and provide key questions about how the jury will be able to decide such a case, as no one seems to agree on much of anything. There are many who flavour the story and keep things edgy. Plot twists are key to the story’s success, as legal matters are never black and white, even when they seem to be quite easy to decide. Rotstein keeps the reader wondering until the verdict is in, which creates even more questions and provides a legal result no one could have guessed from the outset.

Kudos, Mr. Rotstein, for this stellar piece of writing!

Let me put it simply: I loved Robert Rotstein's courtroom thriller, A True Verdict. MediMiracle Corp is a pharmaceutical company headed by a charismatic CEO. It sells only one product -- a blockbuster drug that offers a cure for opiate addiction. But a former employee has sued the company for hiding evidence that the drug's side effect disproportionately affects Black users. The book takes us through the lead up to the trial of MediMiracle, the trial itself, the subsequent jury deliberations and the final verdict. But it is not a simple narrative. Rather, interspersed with excerpts from the trial transcript, the story is told from multiple vantage points - those of the jurors, the judge, the judge's clerk and the lead attorneys for the defendant and the plaintiff.

I'm giving nothing away by noting that the author has skillfully described the dynamics of the jury process and how jurors with dramatically different perspectives and backgrounds struggle with each other and with their own biases. The trial is filled with bombshell revelations made plausible through Rotstein's skillful writing and the insights the jurors draw from the record lead to a satisfying surprise ending. Highly recommend this suspenseful read!

In the gripping narrative, Ellison Ricard, a diligent research analyst, stumbles upon alarming data indicating that Sophrosyne, a touted miracle cure for opiate addiction, poses lethal risks to Black individuals. His ethical confrontation with the CEO leads to his unjust termination, prompting Ricard to embark on a legal battle for civil rights infringement. While the story's execution is commendable, it lacks the quintessential elements that resonate with the Young Adult genre, which somewhat diminished my personal enjoyment.

This novel presents a commentary on the workings and interactions of members of a jury during deliberations. The trial itself is extremely interesting (dealing with a pharmaceutical company, race relations, greed, etc.) and the reading of the actual transcripts paints a vivid picture for the reader. However, the backgrounds of each juror and separate stories was somewhat monotonous and detracted from the main story.
I thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the eARC.

The set up of this book was so intriguing. I loved the court transcripts, the case that was being tried, the juror's perspectives. I was fully on board. And then came the twist. It ruined the entire book for me. I am so sad because up until about 90% of the book I was all in. I cannot in good conscience give this more than 1 star.