I was not familiar with the novels by Robert Rotstein prior to reading We, The Jury (thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review). He has written a series of legal mystery/thrillers featuring trial attorney Parker Stern (a field he knows well, as he has thirty years’ experience as an entertainment attorney), and I just might seek those out, because I really enjoyed this one.

The book revolves around the murder trial of David Sullinger, whose defense is that of a battered spouse who finally broke and fought back. David’s wife, Amanda, was a successful real estate broker in fictional Sepulveda County, CA – while Davide seems to have been somewhat of a dilettante/employment failure. There is no question that David is in fact an axe murderer, the only question is why and whether it was justified.

Testimony is given by the Sullinger children, Dillon and Lacey. Dillon is an unreliable witness, being a drug addict who says it was actually David who was the abusive monster, while Daddy’s girl Lacey is not only testifying for her father, she is paying his legal bills, having hired a hotshot out-of-town attorney, using her inheritance.

The awesome thing about this, and what sets it apart from other legal mystery/thrillers is that it is told from alternating points of view from the eight jurors, judge, bailiff, court clerk, defense attorney, paralegal, and court reporter. As if that isn’t enough, the jury is quite diverse, including a housewife, an architect, a student, a clergyman, a jury consultant, a former high school principal, an express messenger and the foreperson. Tons of perspectives, and it could have gone completely wrong, but somehow it works in this book, with the transitions between chapters being smooth throughout.

Because Lacey’s testimony is so credible and she is such a great witness, one might think that David was in fact justified in his actions…but of course things aren’t as straightforward as they might appear on the surface. Perhaps Rotstein’s extensive experience provided the basis for this well-plotted, juicy story with characters who are interesting throughout. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Rotstein! Four stars.