Every Reasonable Doubt
Every Reasonable Doubt by Pamela Samuels-Young is a wonderful way to introduce a debut novel to the literary community.
This debut mystery/suspense novel by Ms. Samuels-Young is a page turning thriller that has you vacillating between suspects.
Vernetta Henderson is a high powered African American female attorney with a very prestigious law firm. The story starts with her winning a monumental case that makes her as recognizable as the late Johnnie Cochrane, not to mention placing her on the fast track to partnership. The excitement of winning such a large case has Vernetta on cloud nine, but she receives a wake up call when her husband tells her that this is the perfect time to become parents and presents her with a beautifully wrapped gift…an ovulation kit.
Vernetta’s husband, Jefferson Jones, is a hard working electrician that is feeling neglected because his wife spends most of her time in court or at the office. He realizes that if they don’t start a family soon, it may never happen. Unfortunately, Jefferson discovers that Vernetta’s career is the least of his opposition.
Tina Montgomery, suspected of murdering her husband, has retained the legal services of Vernetta’s law firm. The firm has sold her on the concept of their newest “dream team” which consist of two very talented African American attorneys; Vernetta being one and the other is ex- public defender Neddy McClain.
Neddy McClain, attorney extraordinaire, and Vernetta have what you would call a hate- hate relationship. Both women dislike one another for reasons unknown, other than the normal female jealousy issues which in my opinion were based on sex and race. With that aside, they develop a working relationship that actually turns into friendship with Vernetta supporting Neddy when she becomes the number one suspect in the death of her estranged husband.
This novel is packed with several stories occurring simultaneously but all successfully interlocking like a skillfully placed jigsaw puzzle. Identifying a protagonist was difficult because although Vernetta’s name was the first one that you identify, each of these characters were developed enough to stand alone. I personally found the story to be intriguing, suspenseful and at certain points comical.
Ms. Samuels-Young is an extremely talented author and I look forward to being captivated by her next book and those that will certainly follow.
Reviewed by: Eleanor S. Shields, Black Butterfly Review