The trial for a fifty-year-old murder comes with plenty of danger for one judge, in this explosive legal thriller by the author of The Hanging Judge.

Dominic O’Connell is one of Boston’s most prominent businessmen. His rise from poverty to power as a successful contractor is the stuff of local legend. But it may all come to an end after he goes to court—a dying hitman has fingered O’Connell for the long-unsolved murder of a police officer.

The Hon. David S. Norcross reluctantly agrees to preside at the trial as a favor to a colleague. His generosity, unfortunately, draws him into a nightmare. His wife miraculously survives a deadly bombing at Harvard Yard. Then someone sends the judge photos of his infant son, along with an anonymous warning to get off the case . . . or else.

As the trial date approaches, the tension only continues to mount. The FBI believes terrorists are behind the bombing, and one of the suspects is tied to Norcross’s past. But what is their motive? Who is after Norcross’s family? Is O’Connell guilty? And just how many more people will die before all questions are answered?

Drawing on decades of experience as a trial judge, New York Times–bestselling author Michael Ponsor crafts a gripping third Judge Norcross novel. The result is another page-turning mystery brimming with intrigue, fear, and courage, set in the real-life world of a federal court.

“The courtroom seen from the judge’s bench—a legal thriller both entertaining and morally nuanced, filled with telling insider details.” —Joseph Kanon

Praise for the Judge Norcross Novels

“A story that grips the reader even as it teaches some fine points of criminal procedure.” —The Washington Post on The Hanging Judge

“There are plenty of surprises to keep readers turning pages. Ponsor gives readers a unique look into the workings of a courtroom. . . . Ponsor’s debut would make a great movie.” —Kirkus Reviews(starred review) on The Hanging Judge

“Ponsor brings his rare combination of experience on the bench and flair for storytelling to a timely topic.” —Joseph J. Ellis, National Book Award–winning author of The Quartet on The One-Eyed Judge