Her Cold Justice
- Judith D Collins
- Jan 27
- 6 min read
Keera Duggan #3
By: Robert Dugoni
Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld
ISBN: 9781511348386
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Thomas & Mercer
Publication Date: 01/27/2026
Format: Audio
My Rating: 4.5 Stars (ALC)
To save a client accused of murder, defense attorney Keera Duggan must fight a complex web of corruption in a riveting novel of suspense by New York Times bestselling author Robert Dugoni.
In a quiet South Seattle neighborhood, a suspected drug smuggler and his girlfriend are murdered in their home. When a young man named Michael Westbrook is accused of the brutal double homicide, his uncle JP Harrison turns to Keera Duggan to defend him. JP is Keera’s trusted investigator, and he desperately needs Keera to save his nephew against escalating odds.
The evidence is circumstantial—Michael worked with one of the victims, drugs were found in his possession, and he bolted from authorities. Ruthless star prosecutor Anh Tran has gotten convictions on much less. With the testimony of two prison informants, the case looks grave. But Keera never concedes defeat. To free her client, she must dig deep before Tran crushes both of them.
As the investigation gets more twisted with each new find, Keera is swept up in a mystery with far-reaching consequences. This case isn’t just murder. It’s looking like a conspiracy. And getting justice for Michael could be the most dangerous promise Keera has ever made.
My Review
In Robert Dugoni's gripping legal thriller, HER COLD JUSTICE (Keera Duggan #3), Seattle defense attorney Keera Duggan makes a thrilling return in this acclaimed series.
This time around, she takes on the formidable case of Michael Westbrook, a man entangled in a harrowing accusation of a brutal double homicide. As Keera delves deeper into the shadows of the case, she uncovers a tangled web of conspiracy that entwines drug smuggling and deep-seated corruption.
With stakes higher than ever, Keera finds herself risking everything—her career, her safety, and her principles—to uncover the elusive truth that could change her client's fate forever.
Keera Duggan's former status as a chess prodigy influences her legal work through a strategic, "chess player" mind that enables her to think multiple moves ahead of her opponent and strategically mislead them in the courtroom.
About...
The Crime:
A suspected drug dealer, John Lockett, and his girlfriend are found brutally murdered in their South Seattle home.
The Accused:
Michael Westbrook, who worked for Lockett, is charged with circumstantial evidence (drugs found on him, fleeing police) pointing to him.
Personal Connection:
JP Harrison, Keera's trusted investigator, begs her to defend his nephew Michael, whom he believes is innocent.
Prosecution:
Star prosecutor Anh Tran is determined to convict Michael, seeing it as a win for her tough-on-crime reputation.
Keera's Investigation:
Keera takes the case, facing down prison informants and a seemingly strong case, but discovers the murder is tied to a larger conspiracy, making it far more dangerous than just a double homicide.
Rising Stakes:
As Keera digs deeper, the case becomes increasingly complex and dangerous, forcing her to confront powerful, corrupt elements with potentially far-reaching consequences.
My thoughts...
Kerra is a dynamic character and attorney, using her sharp, "chess player" mind to strategize in and out of the courtroom; the stakes are high. Getting justice for Michael becomes a dangerous undertaking with far-reaching consequences, as powerful forces seem to be involved in the conspiracy.
Themes...
The main themes in HER COLD JUSTICE revolve around justice, corruption, family loyalty, and the complex moral dilemmas faced within the legal system.
~Justice vs. The System
The novel explores the tension between achieving true justice and the limitations and manipulations of the legal system.
~Corruption and Conspiracy
A major element of the plot is the uncovering of a complex web of drug smuggling and widespread corruption.
~Family and Loyalty
The case has a deeply personal dimension for Keera, as she is defending Michael Westbrook, the nephew of her trusted investigator and friend, JP Harrison.
~Moral Ambiguity
The story presents a significant moral dilemma: a good Samaritan act can put one in danger, making people hesitant to help. Keera's choice to step in and defend Michael, despite the escalating risks, puts her own life and career in a precarious position, highlighting the unsettling consequences of trying to do the right thing when powerful individuals are involved.
~Strategy and Intellect
Keera's background as a former chess champion is frequently referenced, and her strategic, calculating, and methodical approach to her legal cases is a prominent theme.
The courtroom scenes are portrayed as a battle of wits, where legal prowess and out-of-the-box thinking are essential for survival and success. Just as a chess player must adapt to their opponent's unexpected moves, Keera is prepared to shift her legal strategy as new and shocking information is revealed during the investigation and trial.
The takeaway message of HER COLD JUSTICE is that the pursuit of true justice can be a complex, morally ambiguous, and dangerous undertaking, requiring immense personal sacrifice.
~The system is imperfect
~Integrity is costly
~Strategy and intellect prevail
The title carries a dual significance, reflecting both the personal growth of the protagonist and the ruthless nature of the legal battle she faces. Duality of the Title:
The "Her" in the title refers to defense attorney Keera Duggan. Having recently taken over her family’s law practice, she must move beyond her past naivety and adopt a "cold," calculated approach to navigate a system rife with corruption.
The title also alludes to Keera's opponent, prosecutor Anh Tran, whose pursuit of justice is described as "cold" and "ruthless". Tran is known for using questionable tactics, such as manufacturing narratives from prison informants, to maintain a flawless conviction record.
The word "Cold" reinforces Keera's background as a former chess prodigy. In this case, she must use her sharp, analytical mind to stay "ice cold" under pressure, treating the courtroom as a high-stakes board where every move must be precisely timed.
The title highlights the contrast between Keera’s search for truth and Tran’s pursuit of "justice," which is fueled by a cold, personal desire for vengeance following the murder of her own parents. Where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, forcing Keera to question if the ends justify the means.
The audiobook...
The audiobook experience is nothing short of captivating. As always, Dugoni masterfully weaves an engaging narrative that pulls you into the depths of the plot. The award-winning narrator, Saskia Maarleveld— a true superstar and a personal favorite—commands attention from the very first moment. Her ability to elevate the story is remarkable, seamlessly embodying the mood and tension that permeate this gripping legal thriller series. With her expressive voice, she captures every subtle nuance, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats until the satisfying conclusion.
A special thank you to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for providing an advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest review.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pub Date: Jan 27, 2026
Praise
“Dugoni is a master of stories that tackle injustice, and this latest Keera Duggan thriller verifies he’s one of the best storytellers as well. He should be considered in the same breath as Michael Connelly when it comes to writing about life in law enforcement and the courtroom. Don’t miss this one.”
—Jeff Ayers, firstCLUE
About the Author
Robert Dugoni is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Amazon Charts bestselling author of several series, including Tracy Crosswhite, Charles Jenkins, David Sloane, and Keera Duggan. His stand-alone novels include A Killing on the Hill, Hold Strong (coauthored with Jeff Langholz and Chris Crabtree), Damage Control, The 7th Canon, and The World Played Chess. The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell, a Newsweek magazine staff pick for favorite books of all time, was Suspense Magazine’s 2018 Book of the Year and won Dugoni an AudioFile Earphones Award for his narration. The Washington Post named his nonfiction exposé The Cyanide Canary a best book of the year. Dugoni is the recipient of the Nancy Pearl Book Award for fiction and a multitime winner for best novel set in the Pacific Northwest. He has been a finalist for many other awards. Dugoni’s books are sold in more than twenty-five countries and have been translated into more than thirty languages, reaching over twelve million readers worldwide. He lives in Seattle. Visit his website at www.robertdugonibooks.com.
