Judgment Calls

Samantha Kincaid, Book 1

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Judgment Calls

By: Alafair Burke

Narrated by: Betty Bobbitt

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About this listen

An apparently simple assault case spirals into a complex web of violence and deception in this bold debut thriller.

Deputy District Attorney Samantha Kincaid walks into her office in Portland's Drug and Vice Division one morning to find the sergeant of the police bureau's vice unit waiting for her. A 13-year-old girl has been brutally attacked and left for dead on the city's outskirts. Given the lack of evidence, most lawyers would settle for an assault charge; Samantha, unnerved by the viciousness of the crime, decides to go for attempted murder. But as she prepares for the trial, she uncovers a dangerous trail leading to an earlier high-profile death penalty case, a prostitution ring of underage girls, and a possible serial killer.

In Samantha Kincaid, Alafair Burke has created a complex, appealing character. Seamlessly moving between courtroom and criminal investigation, Judgment Calls reveals not only an insider's knowledge of the justice system but a fresh new voice in the world of crime writing.

Suspense

Thriller & Suspense

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Editor reviews

Things aren't as simple as they appear in this thrilling debut from Alafair Burke, the daughter of James Lee Burke, one of the most popular mystery writers of all time. When Deputy District Attorney Samantha Kincaid begins work on what is seemingly a simple assault charge, the intrepid attorney uncovers a mess of illicit and dangerous activity, including a possible serial killer. Performed with an energetic authority by the veteran narrator Betty Bobbitt, Judgment Calls is a suspense-filled audiobook that will keep listeners' hands frozen above the pause button. This debut is sure to prove the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Critic reviews

"Narrated in a crisp first person and injected with good-natured humor, the book is tightly plotted and detail laden." ( Publishers Weekly)
"First-rate, suspenseful entertainment...we'll be hearing more from tough, tart, sexy, high-minded Samantha Kincaid." ( Washington Post)
"Burke blends courtroom drama and criminal investigation with surprising aplomb, and she uses her Northwest setting to good advantage." ( Booklist)

Most relevant

Don't compare Alifair with her father James Lee and you won't be disappointed. Let's be fair very few writers working today compare with James lee Burke so this isn't a criticism.
It's an assured thriller. Solid, believable, characters well developed and plot twists not telegraphed.
Maybe a little too solid and unexciting for the genre but I will certainly read more to see how she grows as a writer.
Only real criticism is the terrible narration. The woman has the most irritating voice and accent. No gravity, power or subtlety just a finger nails down the blackboard scratchy hesitant delivery.