Review: The Accused - Secrets to Keep #2

The next book in the Secrets to Keep series, The Accused by Cara Putman takes things up a notch by taking on the case of a woman who is alone, far from family and friends, and only has one person so far who believes in her innocence. It's a riveting Christian legal suspense that brings out the true character of the people in the story.

Book Synopsis

When a popular college student is murdered, her international roommate, Anneliese, becomes a prime suspect. But law professor Margeaux Robbins doesn't believe that the quiet, lonely German girl in her class is the killer.

Chase Crandall is a burned-out defense attorney ready to extricate himself from the grind of criminal law. After he loses a client to tragedy, he's ready for an in-house corporate position.

When Chase is assigned to Anneliese's case, Margeaux is horrified. She doesn’t want him to provide legal counsel―not after what happened to his past client. And not with the evidence incriminating Anneliese.

Despite their mutual misgivings, the lawyer and professor pair up to find the killer and prove Anneliese's innocence. Will they be able to untangle the mystery―and navigate their growing interest in one another―before the wrong person is charged with murder?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Things go from bad to worse for Professor Margeaux Robbins when she finds herself trying to support an international student who is accused of murdering her college roommate. Throw in a dizzying set of circumstances that don't add up and a criminal defense attorney who creates a less-than-stellar first impression and it quickly becomes a lot for Margeaux to handle. I love that this book delves into the twin arenas of academia and the field, comparing and contrasting Margeaux and Chase Crandall's work. While at times theory and practice naturally appear to be at odds with one another, it's a delicate dance of how both can complement each other.

Filled with a drive toward uncovering truth and doing the right thing, it's delightful to see how Margeaux and Chase have to work together and as a result, discover just how well they fit together. Their faith that God will bring all things into the light and that He will lead them as the pieces of the case slowly form a picture demonstrate how two are better than one when approaching life. If you enjoy suspense that keeps you up at night, The Accused takes a closer look at the law from different facets and brings you along on a case where what is convenient can also be used to mask what's wrong underneath.

Book Summary

• Format of book: 📖
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Recommendation: 👍

Book Quotes

"Sometimes you have to do what's right even when it could cost you everything." "She stepped closer. "Even for a stranger." "Even so." His answer was steady and sure—a superhero in plain clothes.

Father, help me. God should never be her last resort, yet he often was. She needed to work on that. As her lungs finally began to loosen, she prayed the words again on a slow exhale. Slowly she sensed his peace flowing into her, reminding her that even when she forgot to turn to him first, he was still working and waiting for her to remember. She was never built to be an island. And even if she was alone, she wasn't ever alone. I do remember, Father. Help me lean into you.