A Good Mother

A Novel

By: Lara Bazelon

Narrated by: Cindy Kay

Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

A gripping debut thriller about two young mothers, one shocking murder and a court case that puts them both on trial.

When a soldier is found stabbed through the heart at a US Army base, there is no doubt that his wife, Luz, is to blame. But was it an act of self-defense? An attempt to save her infant daughter? Or the cold-blooded murder of an innocent man?

Ambitious public defender Abby is determined to win at all costs. As a new mother herself, she wants to keep Luz out of prison and with her daughter. But when the surprises stack up and shocking new evidence emerges, Abby realizes the task proves far more difficult than she suspected and will require a terrible sacrifice.

As the trial hurtles toward an outcome no one expects, Abby, Luz and a captivated jury are forced to answer the question that will decide everything—what does it mean to be a good mother?

©2021 Lara Bazelon (P)2021 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Decent

This was a decent listen. Kept me interested. A bit of “White Privilege” and “ Misogyny” comments. If that doesn’t bother you, it’s a good listen.

Well Narrated Legal Drama

After learning of advocate and U San Fran law professor Lara Bazelon (and her 2019 New York Times op-ed "I've Picked My Job Over My Kids"), I was interested in giving her novel a shot. After all, a story of an ambitious young public defender representing a client in a difficult murder case seems right up Bazelon's alley.

While not my favorite courtroom drama of all time, the story was an enjoyable listen. Plot, character development, subplots and pace kept this criminal defense lawyer interested (although I found the ending a little anticlimactic). Bazelon's knowledge of the criminal justice system (both inside and outside the courtroom) is evident and adds welcome authenticity to her story.

Cindy Kay does what the best narrators do - she gives each character an easily distinguishable voice and gets out of the way. When you feel the narrator fading into the background while you get lost in the story, you know you listened to a good read.

Excellent

A terrific trial story. Good, realistic trial about domestic violence. it is well written, the characters are compassionate, the plot moves. It's done well. narration is well done too.

EXCELLENT

Great, great book! Narrator was also enjoyable! Finished in 2 days! Definitely recommend listening for all types of book lovers!

Ridiculously Unrealistic

Since I listened to the whole thing, I didn’t feel I could return it, but if you have any legal knowledge, this book will make you scream at the inaccuracies.