Lone Witness (Atlanta Justice Book #2)

This is book 2 in the Atlanta Justice series, it is a stand alone book. You will miss some history in some of the sub characters, plus a good read, but you will have no problem keeping up with the story if you jump right into this one. Rachel Dylan has a great writing style. This book is full of mystery, suspense, action, friendship and of course romance. Prosecutor Sophie Dawson is a beautiful, hardworking, determined woman with a heart of gold. Even though she does not have to work, she loves seeing justice served and the job she has. When she is in need of protection Cooper Knight is the man for the job. Cooper is a handsome, former police officer who now has his own private security company. I love the sparks between Cooper and Sophie, the suspense and mystery as well. I look forward to the next book in this series and love the fact you keep up with past characters.

Rachel Dylan’s extraordinary writing and legal knowledge are showcased in Lone Witness, second in her Atlanta Justice series. The character buildup, the circumstances each faces, and the faith with which they respond are written with empathy and sensitivity. It gives insight on just how dangerous the positions that some of our finest unsung heroes face, whether prosecutors, police officers, or even witnesses to egregious crimes. Sophie Dawson is a Senior ADA, recently promoted and moved to the White Collar Crimes division. Her new case requires much research, and she just gave closing arguments for another. After a long day, she goes into the Quick Stop for some snacks. She hears a loud dispute at the register, turns, and sees first one shooting inside and another outside. Both victims are dead, and she gets the plate number on the getaway vehicle. Unfortunately, the man she id’s in a lineup is Ricky Wade, younger brother of Juan Wade, head of one of Atlanta’s most powerful gangs. No pressure there… The politically-minded DA offers a young ADA to help Sophie with her new case and for her to mentor. Monica seems intelligent, inquisitive, and willing to do whatever needed. The deeper they look into the thousands of bank documents, Sophie sees a hornet’s nest that could implicate the bank and the former bank employee of money laundering on top of current charges. If so, that could cost the bank its reputation and the DA, his political career. Sophie’s father can easily afford the best for her safety. Without telling her, he hires Cooper, a former Atlanta cop, now a business partner of the fiancé of one of Sophie’s best friends. Cooper spent two years in the gang unit, and is highly qualified to protect her. When she learns he is watching her, she is not happy, but allows him to stay well into the background. Events escalate quickly, and she is whisked away to a safe house. The problem is, there is no proof it was the gang boss ordering a hit, or if she is in the crosshairs of someone else. An ADA tends to make enemies in any case she tries. Sophie and her friends Kate and Mia are the kind of ladies I would want to be around. They love their work, are honest, intelligent, wise, and good at their jobs. They are loyal friends and contribute to their community. Sophie and Cooper are very well defined, and other characters as necessary for their roles. Most are very likable, and some absolutely stunned this reader by the end of the novel. The author has finely executed this complex novel. I kept trying to figure out who the bad guy was, and why, but in the end, only a tiny fraction of my solution was true. There are multiple mysteries, incredible suspense, and long, terrifying moments resulting from plot twists and turns! As I was reading, I thought: These situations could be very real. One’s faith would surely be put to the test! Thankfully this is a Christian thriller, with folks who aren’t perfect but model courage gained only through faith. The potential for romance, while not primary to the plot, offers how each of consider the other person. I was dumbfounded at much of the ending, at times pleasantly so. I highly recommend this exciting legal thriller to those who enjoy well-written Christian novels that include faith, intrigue, likable characters, and romance. From a grateful heart: I received an e-arc from the author and NetGalley, and this is my honest review. A review was not required.