Review of Sooner Secrets

[Kibet Hillary]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Sooner Secrets" by Shelley L. Levisay.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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“I am finding the search was unlawful and, therefore, dismissing the case. Mr. Thomas, you are free to go.”

(Levisay, Shelley L. Sooner Secrets (p. 13). The Wild Rose Press, Inc. Kindle Edition.)

Judge Koepke just delivered a verdict on a charge involving one of Jenna Miller’s clients. However, it was nothing like the court trial that was about to unfold. The truth is that Jenna is experienced, but she does not trust her feelings anymore, as she is now constantly questioning her judgment. The court just appointed her as Claire Brown’s attorney. Claire has been charged with murder in the first degree after Devon, her husband and a popular football player, was stabbed in the back and died. To make matters more interesting, Devon was not just popular but also wealthy. Did she intend to kill Devon, or was it an act of self-defense, as her abusive husband had been strangling her?

Sooner Secrets is a murder thriller by Shelley L. Levisay. The book is not only about the murder trial but also the underlying issue—domestic violence. In the introduction, the reader witnesses an intense argument that turns violent, and then the cause is revealed. But the most moving aspect is that a young child has to witness the abuse. Ashley witnessed her father strangling her mother. Her train of thought, especially who to believe when her mother tells her not to tell anyone what happened and how to help her mother, was realistic and believable and one that would be expected of a six-year-old. Her plight when she was under the care of her grandmother was also moving, even as she hoped that she would get to see her mother again. Meanwhile, Devon’s mother, Lara, only saw Claire as a gold-digger and wished to retain custody of her grandchild.

Shelley wrote an enthralling and captivating novel that kept me turning from one page to the next. Apart from Claire and Jenna, there are other interesting characters as well, such as Jaxson, who Jenna hired as a private investigator to help her with the case, and a jealous ex-lover. And, yes, love is in the air. But can one really open their heart to love again after being heartbroken and putting up walls to keep anyone out? What will it take to break down the walls? Furthermore, there is the prosecution team as well. Combining amazing characters and a thrilling, believable plot with an unexpected ending was the perfect recipe for a memorable tale. However, one aspect of the book was nothing out of the ordinary. Specifically, the detective did not appear well prepared, and this is almost the same in many books that feature murder trials, where detectives always appear not to have done their background investigations well.

Sooner Secrets addresses one of the most prevailing societal ills – domestic violence, especially intimate partner violence, which is the most prevalent form of gender-based violence in many places. Apart from this, the book also touches on another subject—cancer. While this was not one of the primary elements of the book, it was amazing to see Jenna stand with Rosie, her aunt. Indeed, the book is as entertaining as it is informative and enlightening. For this reason, I rate it four out of five stars. It does not deserve a lower rating, as the downside above would be an issue of personal preference. Ardent readers of thriller, mystery, and court drama would definitely find Sooner Secrets very enjoyable.

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Sooner Secrets
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[Laney K]

This sounds like a thrilling murder mystery novel. Domestic abuse is such a prevalent issue, and it can be powerful when novels discuss it. Thank you for the excellent review; this book sounds right up my ally.

[Sue Ebert]

Thanks to your great review, I will be adding this to my “want to read” list! A story in the thriller genre with a murder trial, family drama, and a bit of romance should be very entertaining. Thank you!

[Gerry Steen]

How else can a woman protect herself from a tyrant who is twice her size and strength? It is a shame that she would be convicted for a murder in self-defense. I hope she is innocent. I hope it was self-defense. I'm going to have to read the story if I want to know. Thank you for the detailed review.

[Joao Vitor T]

Sooner Secrets se estrutura como um thriller jurídico com forte carga emocional e social. A premissa central — uma mulher acusada de matar seu marido famoso sob alegação de legítima defesa — é, por si só, instigante. O leitor é lançado em uma trama de mistério, justiça e tensão familiar, com o adicional dramático da presença de uma criança como testemunha da violência. A obra se equilibra entre o suspense do julgamento e o drama humano da violência doméstica, o que confere ao livro não só entretenimento, mas também relevância social. Esse equilíbrio, no entanto, pode criar expectativas distintas nos leitores: quem espera um thriller judicial muito técnico talvez se sinta mais envolvido pelo drama familiar, e vice-versa.

[Kutloano Makhuvhela]

A good review. I love such novels and the fact that it tackles a sensitive topic like domestic abuse makes it more appealing to me because I think the topic is not written about enough. Good job.

[Priya Murugesan]

This looks like a book that I might enjoy. I love mystery elements and also court drama. Will surely look out for this book. Thanks for your wonderful review!

[Seetha E]

Through this murder thriller, the author explores the underlying issue of domestic violence and the often neglected impact on the little ones. Both topics interest me; more so the plight of a young child, Ashley, who is too young to understand what and why certain actions are being expected of him. After reading your review, I have added the book to my reading list. Thank you for a great review!

[Ami Sanghavi]

Your review does a great job showing how this thriller combines a gripping murder trial with the important topic of domestic violence. I appreciate your note about the child’s perspective; it sounds very realistic and moving. Thanks for pointing out both the strong points and the few flaws, it helps me know what to expect.

[Julie Marie Basil]

This sounds like a very engaging story that tactfully addresses the issue of domestic violence. Your review leaves me wanting to know more, so I’ll be adding this book to my to-be-read list.

[Elavarasi Charles]

I can imagine the struggle Claire has to go through. An abusive husband and in-law. Domestic Abuse is everywhere, and to see children getting affected by it is excruciating. I am eager to know if Claire and her child are safe and out of trouble at the end. This is a great review that puts an immediate interest in the readers! P.S. who's Thomas in the story? Now I am even more curious!

[Diana Lowery]

"Ashley witnessed her father strangling her mother." This sentence made me catch my breath. I think I would have to be in a very secure state of mind not to be overcome while reading this book. Great Review!

[Stephen Christopher 1]

Ohhh I'm adding this to my list right now. I love courtroom dramas the most, and this has so many layers, I can't wait to get stuck in. Thank you so much for introducing this to me.

[Rajnee Varma]

A meaningful theme and a well-written story make a great read, and a courtroom drama adds to the suspense. I would like to read the book. Thank you for a great review.

[NetMassimo]

This murder mystery offers a lot in terms of emotions from the protagonists and the ramifications of the murder, as the victim was a famous and admired football player but was guilty of domestic violence. Thank you for your great review!