Moments after losing a Motion to Dismiss for her friend Maggie Bristol, Izzy McNeil receives a panic call asking her to help try Maggie’s current murder case. Although Izzy has never tried a criminal case before, she decides to accept the challenge as she is eager to get back into trial law.

The case involves defending Valerie Solara for the murder of her best friend Amanda. Police believe Valerie killed Amanda so that she and Amanda’s husband Xavier could finally get together. While the prosecution has a strong case, Valerie vehemently denies the accusation.

As Izzy prepares for her first criminal trial, she also must contend with her ex-finance, Sam. Although he is now engaged to be married, he is having second thoughts about their breakup. Izzy is content with her current, and much younger, boyfriend, but she also misses the relationship she and Sam had enjoyed.

As she becomes immersed in the trial, she begins to wonder if Valerie is being completely honest about her relationship with Xavier and what lead to Amanda’s death. As Izzy digs deeper into the details of the case she finds more than she bargained for on her way to the truth, not only about her client, but about her relationships outside the courtroom.

Claim of Innocence continues the popular Izzy McNeil series written by Laura Caldwell. The author has developed a main character that not only shares many of the experiences readers do, but openly shows her emotions and thoughts as she struggles with her relationships.

Written in the first person, Izzy seems real as she draws readers into her story and her life. She is a multidimensional character readers can relate to as she works her way through her daily life and her struggle with love.

While some readers may not appreciate the occasional course language, others will understand the realism brought to the taut scenes.

Claim of Innocent is a powerful story of love and loss, and of lives torn apart by betrayal. Every time you think you have the answer, Caldwell’s tale takes a turn that has you continuing your search for the truth.

To say this novel is a page-turner is an understatement. It’s easy to get caught up in the lives of the characters and in their, and your, search for answers to disturbing questions.

Caldwell fans will certainly look forward to the next Izzy McNeil novel for great reason. The novels are compelling and the stories addicting.

Claim of Innocence is a MIRA book from Harlequin. A complimentary copy was given to me for review. If you are interested in any of Laura Caldwell’s books, they are available at Amazon.com.