Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray
Publisher: Macmillan
Release date: 7 May 2026
Back cover blurb: A dead judge. A silent defendant. And a courtroom full of liars. When Leila Reynolds is handed her first murder case, she’s shocked at how high-profile it is: the murder of a well-respected, well-known judge. This shouldn’t be the kind of case she’s leading; it’s way beyond her expertise. But the defendant, Jack Millman, is clear. He wants her, and only her. To make things worse, he’s refusing to talk. How is she supposed to prove herself on what appears to be an unwinnable case? Losing is not an option. She must find the most persuasive argument. Trials aren’t won by convincing judges or fellow barristers – they’re all about convincing a jury. Suddenly, Leila finds herself fighting not only to keep Jack out of prison, but also to keep her own secrets buried. It’s true what they say – there are two sides to every story. Guilty or not guilty? You decide . . .
This is so much more than a legal thriller. It is a twisty rollercoaster of a thrill ride (read?) and will leave you wanting more.
Leila Reynolds is one of the best barristers in the country, so when she is handed her first murder case she is thrilled.
Until she learns that she is up against one of the toughest barristers in the country, her husband.
Leila is good, but Julian is better, and she knows he will do everything in his power to win and ensure that her client is found guilty of murder.
Jack Millman, the defendant and Leila have history, it's one of the reasons he has asked her to represent him. He insists that he is innocent, but he won't say a word against the real culprit, so Leila is left to scrabble around trying to find evidence to eliminate him.
In doing so she finds evidence of something that could destroy her marraige, and jeapordise the case. So she must pretend that everything is normal. Because she has an even bigger secret, and will do everything in her power to ensure it doesn't see the light of day.
It could destroy everything.
I can't say too much more as I don't want to give anything away, but this is definitiely one of the best books that you will read this year!
Dissection of a Murder is available now via Amazon online and all good book shops.
Thank You to the publishers who approved my request via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.