Special Victim
The Devine Trilogy
by Tom Coffey
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Pub Date Nov 19 2024 | Archive Date Mar 10 2025
Level Best Books | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
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Description
Sheila Devine is an acclaimed documentary filmmaker from a troubled background who yearns to win an Oscar. When she receives what could be the offer of a lifetime – unlimited access to do a movie about four young men who claim they were wrongly convicted in the brutal attack of a female runner in New York City – she also knows there's one gigantic catch: the prosecutor in the case was her brother, Michael, who is now the Manhattan district attorney. But the convicted men are represented by Rolando Ortega, the best lawyer in the city, and she takes the job because she fears that any other filmmaker will turn the project into a hatchet job.
When she digs into the case, Sheila uncovers angles and developments that turn its circumstances even murkier. The attack left the victim with permanent damage, but the woman has carved a life for herself, and the new uproar threatens to upend everything she's achieved. Meanwhile, Michael's role as the lead prosecutor becomes the overriding issue in his campaign to win a full term as district attorney. With the election drawing near, and the list of suspects growing longer, Sheila races against time to secure a measure of justice.
SPECIAL VICTIM is the explosive sequel to Tom Coffey's widely praised PUBLIC MORALS, which examined the dynamics of a family that was shattered by a police corruption scandal. In SPECIAL VICTIM, which is loosely based on the Central Park Jogger case, Coffey dives even deeper into questions of love, truth and loyalty, and of how the past is always present in our lives.
A Note From the Publisher
eBook: 9781685128159
Advance Praise
“Possessing a distinguished career as a journalist, and the ability to write compelling fiction, Tom Coffey has made his mark. Special Victim, loosely based on a horrific crime that grabbed the attention of not only New York City, but the country as well, will keep you reading nonstop.
— Harriette Sackler, Agatha Award-Nominated Short Story Writer, Grants Chair - Malice Domestic, Ltd. Board of Directors
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781685128142 |
| PRICE | $18.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 322 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Samantha L, Reviewer
Tom Coffey blew it out of the park.
The plot keeps you wondering and questioning.
You second guess each thought.
He jumps around adding a new twist once you think youve figured it out.
Trigger Warning of Sexual Assault, Race Differences, and Near Death Experiences.
The author leaves you compelled to keep going. He bring real life matters and everyday complications
into the plot.
He shares the difficulties of college and getting by as journalists and news casters. Easy to relate to
the way things are in some individuals every struggles and lives.
Well written.
Definitely Recommend.
Heather C, Reviewer
Book Review: Special Victim by Tom Coffey
Tom Coffey’s Special Victim tackles a deeply sensitive and challenging topic: sexual assault. The author approaches the subject with care and respect, weaving a gripping narrative that is as emotionally charged as it is thought-provoking. The story is undeniably intense, yet Coffey’s measured writing ensures that the gravity of the subject matter is never overshadowed by sensationalism.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its ability to pull the reader in, much like an episode of Law & Order: SVU. The pacing is sharp, the dialogue crisp, and the characters—particularly the investigators and victims—are rendered with emotional depth and nuance. Coffey’s attention to detail in portraying the complexities of the legal and emotional aftermath of assault is commendable. Readers will feel the raw tension and high stakes in every chapter, making the book nearly impossible to put down.
Though the subject matter can be difficult to process, Special Victim succeeds in striking a balance between being unflinchingly honest and empathetically restrained. Coffey offers a narrative that not only entertains but also sheds light on the resilience of survivors and the dedication of those who fight for justice.
In summary, Special Victim is a compelling, powerful, and respectful portrayal of a difficult subject. It’s a book that stays with you, making it a must-read for fans of gripping crime dramas and socially conscious storytelling.
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