Legal thriller looks inside many different minds at murder trial

“With Prejudice” by Robin Peguero (Grand Central Publishing)

What you don’t see in a trial is that everyone – judges, lawyers, police, witnesses, families, observers, victim and suspect – involved has their own story, especially the jury. Their background, beliefs and biases ultimately shape the outcome. Former prosecutor Robin Peguero explores these in “With Prejudice,” his debut novel that takes us inside the minds and life experiences of those involved in a Miami murder trial.

A free-spirited, beautiful woman is missing and eventually found murdered, her bones discovered in a morgue. On the night she went missing, she was seen with a social recluse, who works in the morgue. Police uncover enough DNA evidence to charge him with the woman’s murder. The prosecutor is a politically ambitious young woman who sees this trial important to her future. The defense lawyer feels he has sound evidence for acquittal.

Peguero knows his stuff. You will never look at a trial the same. He keeps his thriller hopping with twists and turns that will have you flipping back and rereading for details.

Yes, everyone has their own story, and Peguero does a fascinating job of telling them all.