Customer Reviews

Every Reasonable Doubt (Sepia)

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A man's infidelity can cause a woman to do many things. The hurt, pain, and betrayal of it all may or may not reach the boiling point. In EVERY REASONABLE DOUBT, debut author Pamela Samuels-Young, presents Nina Montgomery, a wealthy African-American socialite who knows of her husband's inability to stay committed to her and their marriage. Yet, she loves him. When he's found dead in a luxury hotel in town, she becomes the prime suspect.

Vernetta Henderson is a lawyer at the top of her game. After winning a five million dollar verdict for her client in a discrimination case, she's sure she is on the fast-track to partner at the law firm. Despite her husband's urging to spend more time with him and start having children, she isn't quite capable of prioritizing her life so that her home life comes first. When she's handed the Montgomery case, she keeps it a secret, waiting to tell him at the right moment. Unfortunately the right moment doesn't come before the media announces her role on the case and Vernetta isn't sure her marriage will outlast the trial.

Neddy McClain is a criminal defense attorney and the only other African-American female at their law firm and seems mad at the world. She's going through a messy divorce with a man who betrayed her more times than she cares to admit, so in working on Nina Montgomery's case, it's easy for her to understand just what the other woman is going through. Though her client says she's innocent, she doesn't worry over the guilt or innocence, but teaches Vernetta that their job is to show the lack of evidence needed for the jury to find reasonable doubt and find their client not guilty.

This case explodes in the media with speculations of whodunit and stands out because it is the first time an all-Black, female defense team handled such a high-profile case, down to the show-boating D.A. who is prosecuting the case and also the judge. Yet, the storyline also revolves around the personal lives of the women and how one must take time to try to understand others instead of making assumptions and painting them by their appearance alone.

EVERY REASONABLE DOUBT is an insightful and engrossing legal mystery with great dialogue, authentic characters, unexpected twists, and laugh-out-loud humor. It was great to finally see a legal thriller/mystery with an African-American female lead -- a story with characters who have real problems and work toward resolving them realistically. . . I loved it!

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ™Reviewers

drum roll . . . Pamela Samuels-Young

This story takes place in my neck of the woods (Cali). The comparison of Mrs. Young's writing to that of Terry MacMillan and John Grisham is understated. It is my opinion that she is a much better writer than the above-referenced duo. Her writing may have been compared to MacMillan because of the chicklit dialogue; and Grisham because of the legal aspect. I think it's a good combination and a helluva new genre she's created where chicklit meets legal drama. Although Grisham writes more in a legal "thriller" manner and Young in a legal "drama" aspect.

I loved the way she created the character Jefferson. He seemed so real. I cannot begin to explain the vendetta I carried for David -- the conniving, backstabbing, skeezer! However, his character was inevitable. I truly enjoyed the way Young dialogues Jefferson in chapter 40 (I think) when he talks to this "johnson." What an interesting concept. What surprises me is that during this awakening conversation and confession, Vernetta never once threw any of his prior sexual encounters in his face. I guess she felt that all of his sowing oats was before her time.

My absolute favorite part of all was the fact that Vernetta could be so naive to believe anything David could say. She knew that he was low enough to set her up in any situation. His agenda was so obvious. Particularly, during the preliminary hearing where he coerced her into saying "objection . . . hearsay." That snake! I actually scowled at the reading of that scene. The prosecutor, Julie, wasn't as mean as her character was written. Actually, I admired her to some degree.

Although I had it figured out after the first few chapters "who really done it." Even before it was mentioned, I knew about the "maid." It was too obvious. Lawton's murderer was a surprise.

Tina Montgomery was something else. Point blank. The climatical conclusion on the murder of Mr. Max Montgomery was superior.

O'Reilly really got on my nerve with his wishy washy self. He didn't care about his employees. He could care whether they lived or died. All he was concerned about was his precious lawfirm that his grandfather birth. I had hoped that Neddy and Vernetta would have left and started up their own practice. With their experience and impeccable reputation in criminal and civil litigation, I think they'd have a helluva successful practice.

My favorite character, hands down, is Special. The girl is "special." She broke the ice by keeping it comical. I actually thought for a moment that she and Jefferson would've made a better match. They were so much alike. Although Vernetta and Jefferson were such opposites, the old saying goes that opposites attract but those kinds of relationships usually don't last. You have to have common ground to make it last. I appreciate how Vernetta was this high profile attorney married to a common electrician with a foul mouth and not married to some other attorney or cardiologist. It brought entertainment to the story, but again, there is no common ground there. I also enjoyed Special's non-certified psychoanalysis on "what a man wants," and "how a woman should treat her man."

Even though there were a lot of stories going on simultaneously, it didn't throw you off track. Overall, the characters were 3-dimensional with their own voices and I truly enjoyed reading this love-triangle murder drama. I sure hope Young doesn't suffer with the sophomore jinx cause she did an outstanding job as a debut novelist. It helps that she is an attorney by profession because I actually did not read any distracting grammatical errors or misspelled words. I'm sure this expertise comes from years of writing briefs and proofing them. I've been told that some Judges don't play when it comes to submitting legal docs with typos. Besides, I'm convinced that Young's editor must really appreciate her writing and proofreading skills. It makes her job less stressful.

The reason for this novel falling short of five stars is that while I am very joyful that the conclusion of V & J was a happily ever after, it was just too corny and predictable.

However, if I had to choose to read a book between McMillan and Young --I'd choose Young.

If this book doesn't turn into a bestseller, it'll be because of a lousy job her publisher is doing to market, promote and publicize this recommended novel. A whopping 4.5 on the SmithScale.

Every Reasonable Doubt by Pamela Samuels-Young is a wonderful way to introduce a debut novel to the literary community.

This debut mystery/suspense novel by Ms. Samuels-Young is a page turning thriller that has you vacillating between suspects.

Vernetta Henderson is a high powered African American female attorney with a very prestigious law firm. The story starts with her winning a monumental case that makes her as recognizable as the late Johnnie Cochrane, not to mention placing her on the fast track to partnership. The excitement of winning such a large case has Vernetta on cloud nine, but she receives a wake up call when her husband tells her that this is the perfect time to become parents and presents her with a beautifully wrapped gift...an ovulation kit.

Vernetta's husband, Jefferson Jones, is a hard working electrician that is feeling neglected because his wife spends most of her time in court or at the office. He realizes that if they don't start a family soon, it may never happen. Unfortunately, Jefferson discovers that Vernetta's career is the least of his opposition.

Tina Montgomery, suspected of murdering her husband, has retained the legal services of Vernetta's law firm. The firm has sold her on the concept of their newest "dream team" which consist of two very talented African American attorneys; Vernetta being one and the other is ex- public defender Neddy McClain.

Neddy McClain, attorney extraordinaire, and Vernetta have what you would call a hate- hate relationship. Both women dislike one another for reasons unknown, other than the normal female jealousy issues which in my opinion were based on sex and race. With that aside, they develop a working relationship that actually turns into friendship with Vernetta supporting Neddy when she becomes the number one suspect in the death of her estranged husband.

This novel is packed with several stories occurring simultaneously but all successfully interlocking like a skillfully placed jigsaw puzzle. Identifying a protagonist was difficult because although Vernetta's name was the first one that you identify, each of these characters were developed enough to stand alone. I personally found the story to be intriguing, suspenseful and at certain points comical.

Ms. Samuels-Young is an extremely talented author and I look forward to being captivated by her next book and those that will certainly follow.
Reviewed By: Eleanor S. Shields, Black Butterfly Review

Good morning, readers and reviewers. I'll be the first to admit that there were a few surprises in this book. But I don't want you to be swayed by an attractive cover or an interesting synopsis. In the literary world, you must look at the facts. If you do that in this case, the only option you have is to return a guilty verdict.

It's a fact that Every Reasonable Doubt is a legal thriller that will keep you guessing until the end.

It's also a fact that Every Reasonable Doubt is a promising debut from first time novelist Pamela Samuels-Young.

My opinion doesn't count. It's the evidence that matters. When you retire to the comfort of your own home to begin your deliberations, I want you to look solely at the facts. If you do that, you can only come to one conclusion...that Every Reasonable Doubt is guilty of being an enjoyable read.

I really enjoyed this book. I found it hard to put down. "Every Reasonable Doubt" was our selection for our book club and the book stimulated great discussion with the members. In addition, it was extra special because we had the author there in our presence and we were able to have dialogue with her. Kymblyn Brown, Co-Founder, Nubian Queens Literary Club of California

Angela Langsbury has nothing on you ...
The book was EXCELLENT. Pamela, I really enjoyed the book and cannot wait until your next murder mystery is out. You should make Neddy and Vernetta the leading characters in a sequel of murder and mayham. Maybe they can establish a law practice of their own......

It was great reading. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt has though I was actually seeing a movie and connected to the characters as they lived their experiences. I finished it in less than a week.

In Los Angeles, employment attorney Vernetta Henderson works at the prestigious O'Reilly & Finney firm with the goal of becoming a partner. A major victory in the Hayes case has given the African-American attorney quite a boost up the corporate ladder. O'Reilly assigns her to work with the only other African-American attorney in the office Neddy McClain on the highly publicized Max Montgomery murder case as the victim's wife Tina hired the firm to defend her. These two women are rivals with each wondering if this is a test of sorts.

As the media watches every move the two women make, they agree to a temporary cease fire in order to do the best for Tina. Both spend extra hours in the office, which disturbs Vernetta's new husband Jefferson who believes that she chose work over him and his desire to have children. Jefferson demands more of Vernetta even as she provides him with less. She soon realizes that success in the office could mean failure at home making her ponder why she cannot have choice three: success in the office and at home. At the same time the case takes a strange relationship spin involving a man named Lawton.

This tense legal thriller concentrates as much on the personal lives of the two female lawyers more so Vernetta as each struggles with their personal lives. Vernetta is a very interesting protagonist as she strives for a balance, but finds the office and her spouse pulling at her from opposite directions as if she is tied to a rack. Though a final twist will seem like overkill to some readers, many will believe that makes the perfect ending to a tale in which working a murder case impacts the lives of the key characters as it consumes all a lawyer's time and energy.

Harriet Klausner

EVERY REASONABLE DOUBT captures your interest from the very first page and holds you until the very last page.

We're introduced to Vernetta, a civil attorney who has just won a big case. Because of her record she finds that she is being offered an even larger case with her colleague Neddy, who is a criminal attorney. Although Vernetta and Neddy work for the same firm, neither one of them have spoken two words to each other.

Putting these two attorneys together could prove to be very lethal. They are both very good attorneys, but with different ways of getting the facts. The case they have been assigned to is a high profile one, which is time consuming and being scrutinized in the media. Vernetta and Neddy both have their own share of drama and at times the case is wearing them down.

EVERY REASONABLE DOUBT has a lot of twists and turns that will have you anticipating the end while refusing to put the book down.

Very Good Book I highly recommend it!!!!!

P.s. I can't wait to read your next one!

Tina Montgomery, an African-American socialite, married 27 years to a Los Angeles business icon is accused of murdering him.

Vernetta Henderson, still in her honeymoon phase, has been married 14 months. Hubby Jefferson is ready to start procreating, but it's her briefs that seem to be in the way. A civil attorney, Vernetta is on the partnership track at O'Reilly & Finney. After winning a monumental case, the opportunity to cut her teeth on another high-profile case has been dropped in her lap.

Neddy McClain is the firm's best criminal attorney. She's the only other African American in the firm. On the surface, Neddy appears to be aloof. Silently she's struggling with private dilemmas.

O'Reilly & Finney assign their super lawyer duo to defend Tina Montgomery. Will this dream team be able to objectively put aside their differences as well as their own personal dramas?

When I opened EVERY REASONABLE DOUBT, I felt as if I'd read this story before. I did. I was lucky enough to read some of it on www.Blackexpressions.com website when Pamela Samuels-Young won. Although I liked the story and recommend it highly, I felt that the author could've stirred the whodunit angle even further.

I must say, this author certainly has done her self a beautiful piece of work. Every Reasonable Doubt is a wonderful murder-mystery that is a must read. Explore the facts of a very high-profile trial and the moral ethics of the characters as this mystery unfolds. Vernetta, Neddy, and Tina are women all connected by a similar bond. Sit down, relax, and enjoy this novel. Kudos to Pamela Samuels-Young!!