Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman {Christian legal thriller}

Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman is a Christian legal thriller that tackles the topic of domestic violence.

Emilie Wesley is a lawyer who works with women in abusive relationships. Then tragedy strikes the shelter where she works. One of their clients, Kaylene, appears to have shot her daughters and then herself.

The police consider the case open and shut, but Emilie isn’t convinced. Kaylene was trying to get out of a bad relationship, so why would she shoot herself? Kaylene’s brother Reid agrees with Emilie, but they have little evidence to go on.

I received this book for review courtesy of the publicist; all opinions expressed are my own. This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

As Emilie and Reid work together to prove Kaylene’s innocence, Emilie faces personal and professional crises. Her editor is hounding her for her next article, but Emilie can’t write… either newspaper articles or legal briefs.

At the shelter, each new woman who comes to her brings up memories of Kaylene. If she couldn’t help Kaylene, how can she help these women?

And then there’s the feeling that she’s being watched…

My Thoughts on Imperfect Justice

Imperfect Justice is a suspense-packed legal thriller about a contemporary social issue. Cara highlights some of the issues faced by women living with domestic violence. It was easy to understand Emilie’s emotional struggles following her client’s tragic death. Emilie’s own experience with an abusive relationship and a stalker give her personal insight into her clients’ struggles.

“A legal thriller that takes on a burning social issue and the role of faith and strength in meeting that challenge.” ~ James Scott Bell, bestselling author of Romeo’s Rules

While I enjoyed reading Imperfect Justice (and may have read the first half of the book in a couple days), I found that the ending seemed to wrap up rather quickly. I had a few unanswered questions at the end of the novel. While I admired the way Emilie was finally able to resolve her case, I thought a few key moments were skipped over when they should have been part of the story.

Imperfect Justice is the second book in Cara Putman’s Hidden Justice series. I haven’t read the first book, which centers on Emilie’s roommate Hayden. While Imperfect Justice stands on its own, readers who enjoy getting to know Emilie and her friends will want to check out the other books. I found Imperfect Justice had a large cast of characters, which were sometimes hard to keep straight.

More about Domestic Abuse

One of the things I really enjoyed about this novel was the social issues that Cara raises. I picked it up because of the theme of abuse. Domestic violence is, unfortunately, more common than we’d like to think. And while Kaylene’s case is the extreme sort of case that makes the news, it does give readers some insight into the life of a woman being abused.

If you or someone you know is being treated the way that Kaylene was, please seek help. Talk to a friend you trust. Look up information online (and erase your search history). There is help and support available to you, such as the assistance that Emilie provided to women in Imperfect Justice. Your story doesn’t have to end like Kaylene’s.

About Cara Putman

Cara C. Putman is the award-winning author of 24 books. She started college at 16, graduated college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. Cara is active at her church and a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. She also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana.

If you like Imperfect Justic, you may also enjoy:

• Higher Hope by Robert Whitlow
• Reluctant Smuggler by Jill Elizabeth Nelson