Publication Date November 11, 2025

Again, a new standalone thriller from Philip Margolin? Yes, Please! Since 1993, when my sister recommended  one of his  books, I have been a fan of Philip Margolin, and since then have enjoyed nearly all of his 20+ books. Legal thrillers are among my favorite genres, and he is often referred to as “the master of the courtroom thriller,” so last year, I was pleased to receive a copy of An Insignificant Case from St. Martin’s/Minotaur and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Margolin’s female characters are generally very well drawn, and this time it is again true. In False Witness (which I hope might be the first in another series along the lines of the Amanda Jaffe and Robin Lockwood), we meet Karen Wyatt, a skilled defense attorney whose client was exonerated in court when Karen revealed serious corruption in both the DA’s office and the police department. Unsurprisingly, that put a big target on her back, and in short order she was convicted based on faked drug charges, sentenced to prison, and subsequently disbarred. 

After the truth came out and she was reinstated as an attorney, Karen was determined to find out for sure who set her up – but it seemed like everyone she wanted to investigate was either in Witness Protection or had died. The complex plot involves a dangerous drug gang, more corruption in the D.A.’s office, and a side plot involving a Congressman who disappeared for days and then turned up with what sounds like a totally unbelievable story. This one has plenty of twists and turns, a strong female lead character, and it is just a fun read. Margolin is back in top form, and with thanks to St. Martin’s Minotaur and NetGalley, this is a solid four stars.