A very good story spoiled by the covid references. It is a shame as it would have been a great book but for this. Hand sanitiser and masks I don't want to read about.

About the night that tore them apart.
About what they did.
But someone else is about to.
How far will Leigh go to protect her family?

Great thrilling novel that gradually untangles past secrets and lies. 2 sisters with different current lives but the same past and traumas. Yes, it contains references to Covid and how that affects them during the story – it’s affected us all! If you don’t want to read anything mentioning Covid don’t read the book but it shouldn’t put you off or mean an unwarranted por review. I found it exciting and couldn’t wait to get to the conclusion.

Thanks for NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
#FalseWitness #KarinSlaughter #NetGalley

Woah….you have to take a minute or two after finishing this one I think to take it all in…what a book and a half we have here. I loved it even tho it’s seriously harrowing in parts, I raced through it like nobodies business, 5 stars from me Karin as always!!

I never rate Karin Slaughter anything less than 4 stars and this is no expectation. I was a bit hesitant as I heard there were Covid related things in this. Only thing I didn't like was how long the chapters were. I love everything Karin Slaughter writes and this was no expection.

I love the author's previous works and this one certainly didn’t let me down. Somehow the author has done it again! Combining relatable, real characters that seem to jump off the page, eerie settings that create an atmosphere so you feel like you’ve climbed into the book, and captivating writing you always know you’re in for a wild ride. That, and the fast-moving and interesting story the author keeps you on your toes and pulls you into the book.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review.

Brilliant book
Cover to cover it had me turning the page and I couldn't read it fast enough!
Fabulous
Love the cover too
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion

There is a reason why Karin Slaughter is so high on many reader's 'must buy' list, her quality of prose and compelling plots make her a must read. Her books are compulsively devoured, when I pick up one of hers I am a single book reader, no side books for me!

So why should you pick up 'False Witness'?

She pulls one of the most alarming bait and switches that I had read in a long time, she pulls the rug from under you with just one sentence.

The prologue is dense and compelling, introducing a household which has seen better days, Callie and Trev, a small boy both anxious and worried about the impending return of Buddy, the head of the home.

What follows I will not spoil, so, treading carefully, I will need to be sitting down to read it and possibly have a stiff drink. Because then, the story plunges headlong into Leigh's life and you can't really see where the prologue comes in and then, like being sideswiped by a truck, the plot explodes again.

And then, the panic for Leigh and Callie really sets in.

How would you feel as a someone staggering through the latter stages of a divorce , with a prickly teen living with her father, keeping your professional career as a defender on an even keel, to be faced with a blast from the past in a most unwelcome way?

Leigh has to decide whether her hard fought for career, her family and her sanity can be sacrificed on the alter of her new clients hubris-she cannot reveal what she knows about her new client without exposing herself.

However, charming, handsome, rich and well connected Andrew is firstly, not someone who takes no for an answer, and secondly, someone who always gets what he wants.

In Leigh, has he met his match?

Apart from the sheer speed of this labyrinthine plot, the way in which Karin creates these realistic women, who face challenges from societal expectations of them, their family who don't care and men who constantly take what they want without recourse is so relevant, so poignant that you can feel the rage filter into your bloodstream.

The Me Too movement which is speaking up, holding men accountable for their actions is examined in detail through this court case. The way that men now pass themselves off as allies whilst not acknowledging their own behaviour is skilfully interwoven into the narrative without being a sociological lecture, she recognises and holds to account the way in which society makes women the passive recipient of actions which they make themselves vulnerable to, by dint of being women.

The sexualisation of children, the casual way in which they claim access to their bodies, and feel free to joke about their development causes life long damage in young girls. And the pandemic has made the rates of domestic violence, rape and sexual abuse sky rocket because they are trapped in with their abusers, social services referrals are way, way behind in their investigations and will we ever have enough funding to place men at the center and teach them how not to behave, rather than try to teach our daughters how not to be a victim?

Accountability, responsibility and restorative justice lie at the heart of 'False Witness', no character is without need of redemption, they are presented with flaws, scar tissue and regret, the same as most of the readers are. I found the way in which addiction was portrayed was so realistic, it was in no way glamourized and highlighted, for me, the way that the long term consequences of addictive behaviour as a coping mechanism for unresolved trauma is often glossed over.

Another winning novel from Karin, a stand alone thriller with a beating social issues driven heart, there is so much to enjoy in the pages of 'False Witness'

Gripping book. Two very different sisters, one secret. Two ways of dealing with the problem. A disturbing but gripping book. Excellent. 5* rating.

Most people know Karin Slaughter for her Grant County and Will Trent series but I have to say I absolutely adore her stand alone books. I never know what I’m getting or how the hell it’s going to end. As usual with her, this book starts with a bang. The first chapter is chilling and definitely threw a surprise in straight off the bat. Once the book got going though I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. After such an explosive start it slows right down again and it took me a few chapters to get back into a rhythm. I was also a bit confused about Leigh’s career choice considering her past.

I was soon sucked in though and this dark story is full of twists and turn and is so tense. I had no idea how or even if they were going to get themselves out of this situation. The more I read the more I fell in love with poor damaged Callie and I adored her relationship with vet Dr Jerry. The characters are written so well and most of them aren’t particularly likable and make so many questionable decisions but they worked so well together. I have to admit the ending definitely made me cry.

4.5 rounded up to 5

If you enjoyed The Good Daughter I thought this had similar vibes.
Just be warned that this book has a TW for paedophilia, rape, abuse, drugs, mentions of covid and it is a tough read at times.

I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I am quite a huge Karin Slaughter fan so when I saw this book on Netgalley I had no option but to request it, being able to have access to this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review was one of the best things this year!

Karin never ceases to amaze me with her wonderful, mind puzzling novels, she always knows how to keep the readers on the edge of their seats. I was wondering the extent Leigh would go to protect her family and as I thought, she'd do just about anything!

This was a rollercoaster of a ride, it kept me guessing from start to finish. It was drama from start to finish - just what I like.

Karin Slaughter is an incredible writer, and False Witness does not disappoint. Leigh Coulton is a lawyer in a high end law firm, separated with a teenage daughter Maddy. However all this hides the truth of her childhood, murder, a drug addicted younger sister and a paedophile. All of these deep secrets have been buried for a long time. That is, until , Leigh gets a phone call one evening from the senior partner, she needs to take over a case for a very important client who will only have Leigh as his lawyer. Bit by bit all the different parts of Leigh’s life are about converge and she doesn’t know what to do. An incredible psychological thriller from this amazing writer.

Brilliant Book! This is my first Karin Slaughter book and now I'm wondering what's taken me so long. I loved it from start to finish.

I see some people have complained about covid references, however I think it's just a timely fact of our world right now, everyone else seems to skip it out so i don't see them harm in a few authors actually addressing it, it took nothing away from the story whatsoever in my mind, and wasn't exactly full of it, just an occasional reference. Do not let this put you off an excellent book.

The subjects covered are heart breaking, gruesome, intense and overwhelming, it really deals with the grittiness of abuse and dives deep into the way some people are forced into certain ways of life after experiencing such trauma.

Definitely off to read Karin's books form the start! Give it a try.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins Uk for a copy of this book in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Sisters Leigh and Callie have suffered at the hands of paedophile Buddy Waleski, whilst babysitting his son Trevor.  Now, as adults, they are still living the nightmare, struggling to shake the trauma. 
 
Leigh is a lawyer and has been asked to represent a man accused of rape; he has asked for her specifically.  But there is something about him, the way he moves his mouth, his mannerisms…and his modus operandi, that is familiar to Leigh.  She learns that Andrew Tenant is actually Trevor, Buddy’s son.  His behaviour becomes more erratic as time progresses as he tries to get to Leigh, Callie and the people that matter to them.  As a child he had a cruel streak, but now he is demonstrating psychopathic tendencies.   
 
The author ensures that that you’re left in no doubt about the subject matter, whether this is rape, paedophilia, drug addiction.  It is a fairly gruesome read but dealt with in a knowledgeable and empathetic manner.  For example, Callie and Dr Jerry’s relationship in the veterinary surgery with the drug addiction and how she was able to get hold of drugs – this made it seem almost pure with Callie giving more money back to Dr Jerry.  Also, instead of him giving the expected lecturing role, he would treat her in a very childlike manner with his animal facts.  Quite beautiful and very clever.
 
I really enjoyed the book, though I did find that it took me a long time to read it.  It could have been condensed as there were parts that were fairly repetitive.  I would rate it 4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟 and would certainly recommend.

Once again another biased review... I love anything Karin Slaughter writes.

Following the story of two sisters, one seemly flawed and struggling with drug addiction and the other a successful attorney as she is tasked with defending a sex offender, it explores themes of addiction, sisterly love, abusive homes, poverty, sex abuse, justice, child abuse, murder and secrets (so plenty of the usual Karin Slaughter trigger warnings) this however felt different to her previous reads, there were so many layers to the sister's relationship, and the moments of pure sacrifice and love had me in tears on several occasions.

I will be rereading this again soon. brilliant read.

I did really enjoy the concept of this book - but unfortunately for me there were too many covid references and for some people that could be triggering.

I’ve heard a lot of good things about Karin Slaughter and this was actually my first read of hers and I’m glad to say that she didn’t disappoint. Well written with characters that you truly feel for and you just have to keep on reading to find out what happens next.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read many Karin Slaughter books and each one has been incredible, and this standalone novel is no exception. Well written (as always), exciting and gripping.

It's been a while since I have read a Karin Slaughter book and wow I'd forgotten how utterly brilliant this writer is, this is actually the first book I have read that mentions and is set in the dreaded covid pandemic. Not only does Slaughter spin the story out she also goes into great detail about the different subjects catered to the book which I think gives the story more depth.

Leigh and Callie have a chilling secret from back when they were liittle more than children, a secret that has destroyed both of their life's and now the past has caught up them in such an unexpected way, the sisters will do anything in their power to keep that secret buried. Gritty and gory and totally absorbs the reader. Fantastic!

This is a standalone book from thriller writer Karin Slaughter. Now with a name like Slaughter you would think the book would be violent, traumatic and gruesome and guess what? You wouldn't be wrong.

If paedophilia, rape, drug abuse, murder and violence are your triggers then you really should stay away from this book, otherwise dive straight in because you are in for one bumpy ride from the beginning to the end, just make sure you leave time in your life to read it because it is very difficult to put down once you start.

It is a very well written and compelling read that I totally recommend!

False Witness by Karin Slaughter

Karin Slaughter can do no wrong!

Firstly, this is the first book that I’ve read that references COVID and all the new and strange habits we’ve all adopted, which I thought was pretty cool. But this book is not about COVID. It’s about 2 sisters who are trying to escape from a rich, blackmailing psychopath who’s trying to bring them down because of what they may or may not have done to his molester of a father.

The story is a classic Karin Slaughter book that takes you on a super engaging ride. It’s addictive and readable and pretty perfect from my perspective. As per usual. Karin Slaughter smashes it.

5 stars