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Women of Redemption #2
The Fifth Juror
ASIN B07CV69F6C moved to this edition.
The trial ended years ago, but her nightmare is just beginning.
Former juror Jess Dawson is facing a difficult time in her life, raising an autistic son and navigating a failing marriage, when her past service as a juror on a high-profile death penalty case comes back to haunt her. Mikael Kriskan, a young Russian the jury sentenced to death for killing his adoptive American parents one cold Colorado night, is nearing his execution date when the foreman of their jury and his wife are found dead, killed in the same manner as Kriskan’s parents.
Then, a second juror appears to commit suicide and leaves a disturbing note to his fellow jurors attached to his chest: KJ - do the right thing. Only Jess knows the true meaning of the message but as others begin to suspect the truth, Jess quickly finds herself in the crosshairs of Kriskan’s prosecutor, also her lover, who’s intent on executing Kriskan, and members of the Russian mob, who are hell bent on returning the genius Kriskan to his Russian roots.
The choice they give former juror Jess Dawson seems easy: Kill Mikael, kill her son. Save Mikael, save her son. But in a case where the post-conviction appeals have run out, the impact the truth will have upon her family is dire, and the lives of her fellow jurors are equally at stake—this choice will be anything but easy.
The trial ended years ago, but her nightmare is just beginning.
Former juror Jess Dawson is facing a difficult time in her life, raising an autistic son and navigating a failing marriage, when her past service as a juror on a high-profile death penalty case comes back to haunt her. Mikael Kriskan, a young Russian the jury sentenced to death for killing his adoptive American parents one cold Colorado night, is nearing his execution date when the foreman of their jury and his wife are found dead, killed in the same manner as Kriskan’s parents.
Then, a second juror appears to commit suicide and leaves a disturbing note to his fellow jurors attached to his chest: KJ - do the right thing. Only Jess knows the true meaning of the message but as others begin to suspect the truth, Jess quickly finds herself in the crosshairs of Kriskan’s prosecutor, also her lover, who’s intent on executing Kriskan, and members of the Russian mob, who are hell bent on returning the genius Kriskan to his Russian roots.
The choice they give former juror Jess Dawson seems easy: Kill Mikael, kill her son. Save Mikael, save her son. But in a case where the post-conviction appeals have run out, the impact the truth will have upon her family is dire, and the lives of her fellow jurors are equally at stake—this choice will be anything but easy.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2018
About the author
Lori Lacefield
12 books237 followersI write suspense thrillers, including the Frankie Johnson FBI Local Profiler Series, and the Women of Redemption Series. Each book in the FBI series features behavioral analysis and crime scene investigation as Frankie is called in to profile and hunt a brutal killer. If you like books by Lisa Gardner, Catherine Coulter, Meg Gardiner, Mike Omer, A.J. Rivers, or Alex Kava, you will like this series.
The Women of Redemption series is a theme-based series that focuses on flawed, but realistic, heroines who must face the consequences of their actions when their past circles back in unexpected ways. These women aren't perfect, but perfectly kick-ass when given a second chance. If you like books by L.T. Ryan, L.T. Vargus, John Grisham, John Ellsworth, or Victor Methos, you'll like this series.
I began my writing journey many, many years ago. S.E. Hinton and V.C. Andrews were early influences, followed by Stephen King and Mary Higgins Clark. I have far too many favorite authors today to make mention of them all, but John Grisham, Michael Connelly, and Dennis Lehane are high on the list. I love reading new authors as well as diverse voices.
I'm a lover of coffee, books, music, yoga, wine, travel, and most of all dogs. I currently live in Colorado with two senior Pomeranians and one feisty Papillion.
The Women of Redemption series is a theme-based series that focuses on flawed, but realistic, heroines who must face the consequences of their actions when their past circles back in unexpected ways. These women aren't perfect, but perfectly kick-ass when given a second chance. If you like books by L.T. Ryan, L.T. Vargus, John Grisham, John Ellsworth, or Victor Methos, you'll like this series.
I began my writing journey many, many years ago. S.E. Hinton and V.C. Andrews were early influences, followed by Stephen King and Mary Higgins Clark. I have far too many favorite authors today to make mention of them all, but John Grisham, Michael Connelly, and Dennis Lehane are high on the list. I love reading new authors as well as diverse voices.
I'm a lover of coffee, books, music, yoga, wine, travel, and most of all dogs. I currently live in Colorado with two senior Pomeranians and one feisty Papillion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 10, 2020
Really enjoyable
I honestly didn't think I would enjoy this book so much but I did. The characters, especially Jess, really made this story great.
I honestly didn't think I would enjoy this book so much but I did. The characters, especially Jess, really made this story great.
May 23, 2018
I am a big fan of fiction thriller/crime books. This book did not disappoint. Ms Lacefield's style of writing sucks you into the plot line for a ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters take you through an array of scenarios such as family relationships, drug abuse, the sex trade, improprieties in the legal system and international crime. I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend.
March 18, 2019
Plot was intriguing and believable as juror #5 is forced to attempt to rectify past actions. When that fails, story takes a turn to the unbelievable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2019
"Split decision"
The premise of the story was interesting. The trouble was I found the writing style distracting and by the end even the unexpected twists and turns hadn't convinced me to rate it higher.
The premise of the story was interesting. The trouble was I found the writing style distracting and by the end even the unexpected twists and turns hadn't convinced me to rate it higher.
April 16, 2019
Great book
Lori Lacefield is a new Author for me. This book keeps you reading. The plot is definitely different and so entertaining. If I could I would give it a10
Lori Lacefield is a new Author for me. This book keeps you reading. The plot is definitely different and so entertaining. If I could I would give it a10
May 23, 2018
Received an Advanced Readers Copy of this, and it was such a page turner that I couldn't put it down! Hence, why I read it in roughly 5 days....
Loved the character development, and the twists/turns of how everything was connected in the story. The writing style made me feel as if I was there, walking beside the characters throughout the whole thing. I loved that the characters also struggled with the gray areas of life, including deciding to do things that could be seen as being on the wrong side of the law, and that they had very real emotions about tough decisions.
Very engaging read!
Loved the character development, and the twists/turns of how everything was connected in the story. The writing style made me feel as if I was there, walking beside the characters throughout the whole thing. I loved that the characters also struggled with the gray areas of life, including deciding to do things that could be seen as being on the wrong side of the law, and that they had very real emotions about tough decisions.
Very engaging read!
August 13, 2018
Lori Lacefield delivers another incredible story in the second of her Women of Redemption series. This book was certainly quite the thriller, filled with twists that kept the pages turning. However, one of the major plot twists felt like something out of a Mission: Impossible movie and left me feeling off about the conclusion of the story.
In a mounting bit of desperation, the key protagonists take justice into their own hands, conspiring with the very same institution that they are running from. Although the twist was good and wholly unexpected, it felt like it came in way too late and there were far too many people involved to make it believable. Perhaps the author is setting up for a follow up story to this one because this ending fell a bit flat for me, which was disappointing because I loved the entire book until that point.
I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
In a mounting bit of desperation, the key protagonists take justice into their own hands, conspiring with the very same institution that they are running from. Although the twist was good and wholly unexpected, it felt like it came in way too late and there were far too many people involved to make it believable. Perhaps the author is setting up for a follow up story to this one because this ending fell a bit flat for me, which was disappointing because I loved the entire book until that point.
I received an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2019
This book started out very interesting and believable. Our main character (who is very flawed) is trying to right a wrong. As the book went on, it kept getting more unbelievable. Once the Russian mob was introduced, I started rolling my eyes. And each time I thought "well, it can't get any more unbelievable than this", it would. It reminded me of something like Alias or Nikita where it's so out there, and if that's what you're wanting, great, but based on the description (and her other book), I wasn't expecting anything quite like this.
The book needs to be edited. There are numerous missing words, sentence fragments, lower case proper names, etc. She said "hire-wire" when she meant "high-wire" and there were homophone mix ups, such as "site" and "sight", and "heels" and "heals" (the latter being really funny when she meant to talk about someone healing but instead was talking about their feet)
The book needs to be edited. There are numerous missing words, sentence fragments, lower case proper names, etc. She said "hire-wire" when she meant "high-wire" and there were homophone mix ups, such as "site" and "sight", and "heels" and "heals" (the latter being really funny when she meant to talk about someone healing but instead was talking about their feet)
September 19, 2018
Won off Goodreads
I love a good thriller/mystery and this was good. Right from the start the author draws you in and keeps you wanting more. You have deceit, juror tampering, failed marriage, computer hacking and secrets. We also find the Russian mafia mixed into this. Now what more can you ask for in a book
We start with a murder trail and a young teen on trail for murdering his adopted parents and a missing young sister. Mikael claims he does not remember that night and he never could of killed them. He is sentenced to die on death row. As Mikael's time draws near and his attorney has done everything to prove him innocent, and suddenly juror's are dying.
We meet Jess Dawson juror five. Her marriage is failing, she has a autistic son and she is keeping a lot of
secrets. She suddenly gets strange phone calls, warning her she needs to do the right thing on how she voted that day. Her family is threaten and is told other juror will die. She finds herself running for her life and questioning was she wrong and did she sentence a innocent man to death.
The story takes you on one roller-coaster ride of twists and turns.
I love a good thriller/mystery and this was good. Right from the start the author draws you in and keeps you wanting more. You have deceit, juror tampering, failed marriage, computer hacking and secrets. We also find the Russian mafia mixed into this. Now what more can you ask for in a book
We start with a murder trail and a young teen on trail for murdering his adopted parents and a missing young sister. Mikael claims he does not remember that night and he never could of killed them. He is sentenced to die on death row. As Mikael's time draws near and his attorney has done everything to prove him innocent, and suddenly juror's are dying.
We meet Jess Dawson juror five. Her marriage is failing, she has a autistic son and she is keeping a lot of
secrets. She suddenly gets strange phone calls, warning her she needs to do the right thing on how she voted that day. Her family is threaten and is told other juror will die. She finds herself running for her life and questioning was she wrong and did she sentence a innocent man to death.
The story takes you on one roller-coaster ride of twists and turns.
December 19, 2024
This book had great characters, I kept shaking my head at the FMC.
I did not read book 1 before this book and I enjoyed the reading experience this book had to offer. A fun edge of your seat crime thriller with high stakes.
I loved the setup of this book it immediately had me engaged and curious to what would happen. The writing was very atmospheric and felt experienced as a reader. I love that this was a crime thriller with flashbacks to 18 years prior. This book was easy to follow and intriguing.
Rated as lower as I struggled with the plot and some of the storyline, felt very unbelievable. However, still entertaining and engaging. I wasn't as invested in the characters in this story (very eye rolling before) for a lot of them.
I did not read book 1 before this book and I enjoyed the reading experience this book had to offer. A fun edge of your seat crime thriller with high stakes.
I loved the setup of this book it immediately had me engaged and curious to what would happen. The writing was very atmospheric and felt experienced as a reader. I love that this was a crime thriller with flashbacks to 18 years prior. This book was easy to follow and intriguing.
Rated as lower as I struggled with the plot and some of the storyline, felt very unbelievable. However, still entertaining and engaging. I wasn't as invested in the characters in this story (very eye rolling before) for a lot of them.
January 11, 2019
3.5 rounded to 4. - I found this book very good from the beginning, the plot was great and had me hooked. At around 82% though, it started wandering into implausible territory... I was shouting out loud to the author, no don't do it! But ...she did.. The ending was a little too far fetched and all wrapped into a nice little bow. Also, I like my thrillers, I do not like romance/sex so when it ventured into a detailed sex scene within the first 25% that went on and on, I thought oh no.. but thankfully it was only that once. After having that said, I was interested in this book all the way through so I would read another by this author.
April 15, 2019
Redemption
The book started rather slowly for me. Truthfully as the story revolved showing insight into Jess's last and her current affair with David, I found myself despising the woman. When confronted by a Russian monster enforcer who threatens her and her autistic 6 year old son she is forced to examine all her past sins and decisions. This is when Jess starts to gain my respect. I can't go into further detail without giving away to much. I had to keep reading until the end. Lots of intrigue, deceit and very real danger to all involved.
The book started rather slowly for me. Truthfully as the story revolved showing insight into Jess's last and her current affair with David, I found myself despising the woman. When confronted by a Russian monster enforcer who threatens her and her autistic 6 year old son she is forced to examine all her past sins and decisions. This is when Jess starts to gain my respect. I can't go into further detail without giving away to much. I had to keep reading until the end. Lots of intrigue, deceit and very real danger to all involved.
October 25, 2020
Ridiculous
Gotta say the main character Jess is a truly unlikeable character who lacks integrity. I could not help but judge this woman's terrible decisions mostly because it took a death threat for her to face her problems? She still resisted telling her husband and others the truth until it suited her. The ending was so absurd I skipped most of it but did read her husband still wants her? I saw no great strength from this woman that the author claims to advocate. I saw a desperate person who manipulates situations to meet their own needs. Nope would not recommend.
Gotta say the main character Jess is a truly unlikeable character who lacks integrity. I could not help but judge this woman's terrible decisions mostly because it took a death threat for her to face her problems? She still resisted telling her husband and others the truth until it suited her. The ending was so absurd I skipped most of it but did read her husband still wants her? I saw no great strength from this woman that the author claims to advocate. I saw a desperate person who manipulates situations to meet their own needs. Nope would not recommend.
December 30, 2020
captivating
I can’t quite put my finger on it, but at times there was just some thing missing from the book. Otherwise, if you are a fan of vigilante justice, you were going to absolutely love this series! The women who, finally fight back, have all had something bad done to them early in life. They finally decide to stop letting the bad things happened and not only fight back, but correct the wrongs that they have participated in. Jesse has her little boy threatened, her very life itself, and the family she has put together. See how she not only fixes things, but what she goes through to get things done!
I can’t quite put my finger on it, but at times there was just some thing missing from the book. Otherwise, if you are a fan of vigilante justice, you were going to absolutely love this series! The women who, finally fight back, have all had something bad done to them early in life. They finally decide to stop letting the bad things happened and not only fight back, but correct the wrongs that they have participated in. Jesse has her little boy threatened, her very life itself, and the family she has put together. See how she not only fixes things, but what she goes through to get things done!
November 1, 2018
Full of suspense
I had held off on reading this book, I had won it through Goodreads. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it but I was so wrong. Each chapter was filled with so much suspense. You never knew who was going to be killed next. This book will have you questioning the jury system along with the death penalty. Whatever side of the fence you sit upon, you will want to read this book. You will see things completely different.
I had held off on reading this book, I had won it through Goodreads. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it but I was so wrong. Each chapter was filled with so much suspense. You never knew who was going to be killed next. This book will have you questioning the jury system along with the death penalty. Whatever side of the fence you sit upon, you will want to read this book. You will see things completely different.
January 23, 2019
This is an interesting story about a woman who is on a jury trial and convicted a man of murder. Well it comes out the man did not get a fair trial and is also wanted by several different Russian mafia men. The story is quite unique and I enjoyed the plotline quite a bit. I did not read the first book in the series and was grateful that I was able to follow along with the characters and storyline.
April 18, 2019
The Fifth Juror was an AWESOME READ!!
The Fifth Juror was a read that you hate to put down at any point.
A young man, who is on death row and only days away from execution, finds out that jurors on his murder trial are actually trying to save him. Circumstances during his trial, cause those that found him guilty, actually work together to prove his innocence.
An EPIC read, you won't soon forget!!
The Fifth Juror was a read that you hate to put down at any point.
A young man, who is on death row and only days away from execution, finds out that jurors on his murder trial are actually trying to save him. Circumstances during his trial, cause those that found him guilty, actually work together to prove his innocence.
An EPIC read, you won't soon forget!!
April 27, 2019
A great thriller with plenty of wild twists.
This is a great story of a woman who fights many battles to get where she finally wants to be in life. Until her past mistakes come back to haunt her and threaten the life of her son, herself, her marriage and a man she helped put on death row. She will learn what she is made of and what she is willing to do to right the wrongs of past while trying to stay alive.
This is a great story of a woman who fights many battles to get where she finally wants to be in life. Until her past mistakes come back to haunt her and threaten the life of her son, herself, her marriage and a man she helped put on death row. She will learn what she is made of and what she is willing to do to right the wrongs of past while trying to stay alive.
May 9, 2019
While I enjoy legal thrillers, I am not sure I would put this is that category. This story is more, to me, a thriller with some legal stuff put in it. I really didn't mind the storyline, but thought, "Well, this could possibly happen" but then things started getting stranger and stranger. You might say this also had some horror put in it. I did like the story "idea" just not sure it was planned out in this story. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
August 12, 2024
The two jurors...
It's the 5th juror and another who discover the verdict was the wrong one. They try to clear their conscience by researching the case and speaking with the convicted killer's attorney. Then, there are threats to these jurors, their families, and the other jurors. The Russians are in town and demanding different outcomes. There are side twists to the main story, but still contribute to the merit of the plot. It was suspenseful story; I couldn't put it down. The characters are memorable and complete.
It's the 5th juror and another who discover the verdict was the wrong one. They try to clear their conscience by researching the case and speaking with the convicted killer's attorney. Then, there are threats to these jurors, their families, and the other jurors. The Russians are in town and demanding different outcomes. There are side twists to the main story, but still contribute to the merit of the plot. It was suspenseful story; I couldn't put it down. The characters are memorable and complete.
April 29, 2019
An awesome suspense tale
Want to go on an unpredictable and scary ride? This book will take you on a thrilling and frightening ride that will keep you surprised and incredulous. The fifth juror is a mom to an autistic son and married to a good man who doesn't know her past. I really enjoyed this book.
Want to go on an unpredictable and scary ride? This book will take you on a thrilling and frightening ride that will keep you surprised and incredulous. The fifth juror is a mom to an autistic son and married to a good man who doesn't know her past. I really enjoyed this book.
April 30, 2019
Fantastic
First time I'd read this author. Beware of one thing if you are not the type who likes steamy sex in their books. I dont, there is only one scene like that.
The story is thrilling and not your usual thriller. A lot happens quickly and you won't want to have to put the book down for any reason.
First time I'd read this author. Beware of one thing if you are not the type who likes steamy sex in their books. I dont, there is only one scene like that.
The story is thrilling and not your usual thriller. A lot happens quickly and you won't want to have to put the book down for any reason.
May 13, 2022
Wild ride
This story begins with a sad situation that turns ugly and deadly. A couple of former jurists and a veteran get themselves into some wild situations and capers that will boggle your mind! In a good way. I love this author! On to the next book in the 'Women of Redemption' series.
This story begins with a sad situation that turns ugly and deadly. A couple of former jurists and a veteran get themselves into some wild situations and capers that will boggle your mind! In a good way. I love this author! On to the next book in the 'Women of Redemption' series.
September 18, 2018
Interesting plot involving jurors on a murder trial several years before the book begins. As the book progresses you find out how they are connected and why they are in danger now. Good book that keeps you interested.
October 2, 2018
Wonderful characters, heart stopping plot.
Fifteen years after the capital murder trial with just weeks to the execution, someone is threatening the jurors to stop it.
Once started, couldn't put this down.
Fifteen years after the capital murder trial with just weeks to the execution, someone is threatening the jurors to stop it.
Once started, couldn't put this down.
October 13, 2018
Enjoyable book
Nice story line with action and plots. It kept me to the end as I wanted to know how it would end . Enough details to get the picture without the dead ends that lose my interest. Will not give any details as you have to read the book :)
Nice story line with action and plots. It kept me to the end as I wanted to know how it would end . Enough details to get the picture without the dead ends that lose my interest. Will not give any details as you have to read the book :)
November 16, 2018
Grade A
Felt like this was from episode from Mission Impossible, liked all characters butt could have tone down the sex in first part. Don't know how supremely secret from husband as he was in law world. Waiting on next book.
Felt like this was from episode from Mission Impossible, liked all characters butt could have tone down the sex in first part. Don't know how supremely secret from husband as he was in law world. Waiting on next book.
February 4, 2019
The Fifth Juror
An excellent crime novel with a storyline depicting a not so perfect woman who has made several bad choices in life. Along with some help from friends she is determined to find redemption for herself and right what may be her most horrible choice she ever made.
An excellent crime novel with a storyline depicting a not so perfect woman who has made several bad choices in life. Along with some help from friends she is determined to find redemption for herself and right what may be her most horrible choice she ever made.
April 1, 2019
Suspense thriller
I really enjoyed this book, The Fifth Juror, by Lori Lacefield. This is the first book I’ve read by her and I thought it was great. I will be looking for more of her books. This one is from her Women of Redemption series. Wonderful suspense thriller book.
I really enjoyed this book, The Fifth Juror, by Lori Lacefield. This is the first book I’ve read by her and I thought it was great. I will be looking for more of her books. This one is from her Women of Redemption series. Wonderful suspense thriller book.
April 19, 2019
This was a marvelous book. The plot was unique and wonderful. I enjoyed the characters and how they related to each other. There was so much excitement throughout the book. I love how the author writes. I will be looking into more books from her too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews