Every Reasonable Doubt

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 ente

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

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