Lethal Beauty by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

I like suspenseful legal fiction and this one fits the bill.

Mia Quinn is called to prosecute the case of a murdered Asian prostitute. We readers are made privy to a whole world of human trafficking and forced prostitution and other slavery – right here in the U.S. A star witness disappears and one juror is adamant on his view and will not change. Quinn suspects something much bigger at stake than this one case.

Parallel to the court case is the experiences of Gabe, Quinn's fifteen year old son. He's a skinny kid and wants to bulk up. He finds someone selling steroids and starts using. He has no idea he has just entered into the world of a very complex and dangerous Asian underworld.

The suspense in this novel builds as the two issues in Quinn's life come crashing together. There is good action throughout the novel as the nefarious actions of the Asian underground are revealed. Their lies promise Asians a wonderful life in the U.S. but make them slaves instead. The issue is very real on the west coast and this novel brings it to the forefront.

I really liked this combination of murder mystery and legal fiction. Quinn's character is great. After the death of her heavily indebted husband, she has had to go back to work for the Seattle Prosecutor's office. I really felt for her trying to do the best she can as a mother and as a prosecutor. She's a gutsy woman, willing to stand up to her weak willed boss who will be up for re-election soon. I like Charlie too, a Seattle police detective who has eyes for Quinn but keeps it to himself. He does a good job of protecting her.

I recommend this novel to those who enjoy a legal thriller with mystery and suspense. It is the third in the Mia Quinn series. It reads well on its own but the story will offer more enjoyment if the previous books in the series have been read.

Lis Wiehl is a New York Times bestselling author, Harvard law School graduate, and former federal prosecutor. She is a popular legal analyst and commentator for the Fox News Channel. Find out more at http://www.liswiehlbooks.com/.

April Henry is the new York Times bestselling author of mysteries and thrillers. She and her family live in Portland, Oregon. Find out more at http://www.aprilhenrymysteries.com/.

Thomas Nelson, 336 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.