Having just won an unwinnable case, Hayden McCarthy is working hard to rise in the ranks at her law firm. Everything is looking good until her boss gives her an unusual case — suing the U.S. government in a wrongful death situation.
The legal case in Cara Putman’s “Beyond Justice” involves Miguel, a teen who illegally crossed the border and then was detained in a Texas holding center. While there, he was murdered, which was subsequently covered up and denied. His mother, who was married to a man believed to head a drug cartel, wants answers to his death, and to hold those responsible accountable.
As her boss insists she win the case, the firm blocks every step of her way. And as more and more odd and dangerous events occur, Hayden begins to wonder just what she has gotten involved in — and is she safe?
Meanwhile, her roommate Emilie introduces Hayden to her cousin Andrew Wesley, the son of a congressman. Andrew is involved with an organization that works with immigrant children, helping them to adapt to live in America. Coincidentally, he just happens to work with Miguel’s younger brother, Jorge.
As the relationship between Hayden and Andrew sparks and grows, will their jobs intermingle as Hayden works to solve Miguel’s murder, and Andrew works to keep Jorge and his mother safe?
Filled with many twists and turns and a number of harrowing situations, “Beyond Justice” is a fast-paced legal thriller told from the perspectives of both Hayden and Andrew, as well as an occasional blip from the perspective of a mysterious man involved in Miguel’s death.
As the title hints, justice is a main theme of the novel, pointing out how justice works better when everything is out in the open. Not overly religious, the book does offer several mild references to God, Jesus and faith in Him. It points out how a life lived in abandon to God can have big consequences on the world, and how everyone can make a difference. And it also reminds us that Jesus is always there to carry our burdens for us, and that there is always hope, even in the darkest moments.
Fans of authors like John Grisham will love this book.
Five stars out of five.
Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.