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.

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!

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!