Murder in the Courthouse by Nancy Grace

◊ MURDER IN THE COURTHOUSE by Nancy Grace

◊ Series: A Hailey Dean Mystery, Book #3

◊ Narrator: Nicol Zanzarella

◊ Audible Audio Edition

◊ Listening Length: 9 hours and 46 minutes

◊ Program Type: Audiobook

◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Women Sleuths

◊ Version: Unabridged

◊ Publisher: Blackstone Audio

◊ Audible.com Release Date: October 11, 2016

◊ Language: English

◊ ASIN: B01K07CQLS

◊ ISBN-10: 1504760964

◊ ISBN-13: 978-1504760966

SYNOPSIS:

 Hailey Dean is in trouble again - and this time it could be deadly.

Hailey Dean, the prosecutor who's never lost a case, heads to Savannah as an expert witness on the sensational Julie Love-Adams murder trial, but she soon finds herself embroiled in a mystery and an unexpected love affair.

At the baggage claim, Hailey is greeted by the handsome Lieutenant Chase Billings. On their way to her hotel, they hear an all-points bulletin for a murder that has just been committed. When they race to the scene, they find Alton Turner, a courthouse sheriff known for being as neat as a pin. Only he's a hot mess now, lying sprawled in a pool of blood, severed in half by a garage door.

Never one to mind her own business, Hailey jump-starts Turner's murder investigation while juggling the Julie Love trial. The timing of the trial and murder could be a coincidence, but everyone knows there is no such thing in criminal law.

Next, Elle Odom, a gorgeous clerk, is poisoned at the courthouse cafeteria coffee bar. Then the police technician who helped find the missing handbag that contained Elle's lifesaving epinephrine auto-injector turns into alligator bait at an amusement park. And that's just the beginning.

With Lieutenant Billings falling hard for Hailey, she must dig deeper to find a killer with a very mysterious agenda - knowing full well that the next murder victim may very well be herself.

The author takes the premise of a headline from several years ago adds some dramatic twists, several unique characters, and creates an intriguing story.

Narrator Nicol Zanzarella does a superb job giving distinct voices to the characters. Her varied depth of emotions and vocals enhance the story. Zanzarella’s interruption adds a spark to the sentiments of the story.

The characters are colorful and likable. The protagonist is determined and dedicated to her work. The minor storyline unfolding in the background adds a bit of tantalizing atmosphere. The Savannah setting comes alive through the author’s rich descriptions and eye for detail. The backdrop is perfect for the feel of this story.

As the courtroom scenes play out, a murderer target several victims leaving you to ponder how they are all connected and who the killer is. The story moves at a fair pace. While there were several areas an excess of seemly unnecessary information was included the story flows smoothly. This is the third installment in the Hailey Dean Mystery series but can be read/listened to on its own.

MURDER IN THE COURTHOUSE has twists and turns to keep you guessing. Just when you think all is safe, another shoe drops. This is an entertaining story filled with surprises, murder, romance, and suspense.

Murder in the Courthouse by Nancy Grace, A Hailey Dean Mystery (Book #3), Narrated by Nicol Zanzarella, Blackstone Audio, @2016, ISBN: 978-1504760966, Unabridged, MP3 CD, Run Time: 9 Hours and 46 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Just in case you were wondering about the author, yes it's that Nancy Grace.

Nancy Grace joined Court TV from the Atlanta Fulton County District Attorney's Office, where she served for a decade as Special Prosecutor, compiling a perfect record of nearly 100 felony convictions at trial and no losses. She has also appeared on The View and The Oprah Winfrey Show to discuss today's most important trials. She lives in New York City.

Thanks for stopping by today. Do you enjoy stories where writers take a headline and turn it into a different story with just as much suspense and drama? Have you ever served on a jury or would you want to?