Absolute Certainty

Being a summer resident of the Cape, I am used to light and questionably plotted Cape mysteries. Rose Connors uses her legal background, and knowledge of local lore to ensnare the reader into an exciting murder mystery. The characters are well developed, and the reader grows to care about them. The plot has rewarding twists and turns and keeps the reader very interested. The funeral scene is particularly well written and touching. Knowing that another novel with the same main characters is now available, makes one anxious to see what becomes of them.

The first unusual thing about this novel is that it follows the story of the prosecuting attorney, instead of the usual point of view of the defence lawyer trying to get their clients off. Our accomplished prosecutor is completely devoted to the criminal justice system until she starts to unwillingly question it. She is such a vividly-drawn character, vulnerable but brave, full of integrity but also passion. I mostly enjoyed that there is nothing unnecessary is this book - every detail is vital to the story and emotions are subtle but strong. Particularly, I liked the portrayal of the heroine's interaction with the defence attorney - so discreet but yet so heart-warming. It is an unpredictable story, at times giving the impression that the author had no clear plan in mind, and made it up as she went along, but in a good way! The book provides first-hand knowledge of the workings of the criminal procedures and rules of evidence and their shortcomings. The setting is clearly one the author is familiar with and is therefore extremely realistic. The author clearly knows her subject, and can also write so well! I am looking forward to the next book featuring Marty!

Barnstable County, Assistant District Attorney, Marty Nickerson asked only three things of the jury. First, examine every exhibit carefully. Second, listen and absorb all the testimony given during the trial. And third, use your own gut, your common sense and judgement when making your decision. "We impaneled seven men and five women. All of them promised. And I believe they kept their promises. It was the criminal justice system that failed..." Marty believed in the guilt of Manuel Rodriguez. He was accused of brutally murdering a twenty year old college student exactly one year ago on Memorial Day; a young man with a bright and promising future ahead of him. Putting Rodriguez behind bars for the rest of his life let her speak for the victim, and validated the criminal justice system. But when an eerily similar murder happens this Memorial Day, Marty begins to question the impossible, whether Rodriguez was wrongly convicted. Could there be a serial killer on the loose on Cape Cod? But when a third murdered teenage boy is found just a week later, Marty deliberately ignores the orders of her ambitious boss to stay away from the case, and puts her job and the integrity of the District Attorney's office on the line to find the truth..... Newcomer, Rose Connors, makes a spectacular debut with this compelling and suspenseful legal thriller. Her well paced story line is tight and tense, and filled with well-drawn characters, intriguing twists, and vivid and riveting courtroom scenes. Ms Connors indepth knowledge and expertise in the workings of the D.A.'s office, the courtroom, and Cape Cod, add real credibility to the story and bring it to life on the page. With a stunning climax and very satisfying ending that ties up all the loose ends, Absolute Certainty is a winner, and should find itself at the very top of all legal thriller lovers' "must read" lists.

I read at least one crime novel each week to the point I have to keep a list of those read so I don't walk out of the library or store with a previously read book under my arm. This list has grown to nine pages and 74 authors. Without a doubt Absolute Certainty ranks right up there with the best of them. I found it riviting and was unable to put it down except to eat and sleep.To be sure I am a Cape Codder, and the fact that I am familiar with the locale and have served on a jury in the courthouse described perhaps heightened my interest but I can assure the next reader that the author has done a marvelous job of setting the scene, establishing the characters, and spinning a yarn that very likely could have happened here. Spellbinding.

Absolute Certainty by Rose Connors is a gem of a crime novel.It is well written, fast paced and you really feel you know the characters by the end of the book. Once I started reading it I could not put it down. The identity of the killer was an incredible surprise. I recommended this book highly and can't wait to read more about Marty Nickerson's adventures in Rose Connors' next book!