Margolin, P: Third Victim

A woman stumbles on to a dark road in rural Oregon--battered and bound. She tells a horrific story about being kidnapped, then tortured. Two other women, with similar burns and bruises, have been found dead. But somehow, she managed to escape. . .

Once the surviving woman identifies the home where she was held captive, owner Alex Mason is arrested. Although he insists upon his innocence, his wife's statements about his sexual sadism-- and the physical evidence found at the scene--is damning.

Regina Barrister is known for her courtroom victories. But she has a secret--one that could threaten both her reputation and her clients' credibility. Alex himself is a prominent lawyer, and defending him seems like an impossible task for Regina. But how can she refuse to represent him? Meanwhile, Regina's new colleague Robin Lockwood, a former MMA fighter on her first big case, has her own doubts. Certain details in the third victim's story--and Alex's--aren't adding up. And Regina's behavior leaves her with more questions than answers. Now, as a final verdict draws near, Robin is not sure who she can trust--including herself. . .

"Phillip Margolin is the master of heart-pounding suspense."--Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"Thoroughly engrossing."--Criminal Element