Fractured Verdict
(2025)(The first book in the Alex Hayes series)
A novel by Laura Chase and L T Ryan
A brutal murder. A billionaire defendant. A prosecutor with everything to prove—and everything to lose.
Assistant District Attorney Alex Hayes has spent years fighting for justice, but when Edward Martin—a powerful real estate tycoon—is accused of murdering his wife, the case is far from open and shut. Tasked with prosecuting Martin in a trial that could make or break her career, Alex discovers that the truth is anything but straightforward. The deeper she digs, the more tangled the web of lies becomes.
Facing off against her former lover, the ruthless defense attorney Michael Donovan, Alex is forced to battle not only the tricks of the courtroom but also the ghosts of her past. When a shocking connection between Martin and her estranged father’s ex-partner comes to light, Alex realizes the stakes are personal—and the lines between guilt and innocence begin to blur.
In a world where everyone has something to hide, and justice is just another game to be played, Alex must decide how far she’s willing to go to expose the truth. As the trial spirals toward its climactic verdict, Alex finds herself caught between the law, her loyalty, and a dangerous secret that could destroy everything.
When the scales of justice shatter, who will pay the price?
Perfect for fans of Lisa Scottoline, Michael Connelly, and John Grisham, Fractured Verdict is a high-stakes legal thriller that will keep you guessing until the final page.
Genre: Mystery