Book Review: While Justice Sleeps

An explosive secret: When legendary Washington judge Justice Wynn falls into a coma and puts his law clerk, Avery, in control, Avery’s world is turned upside down. Because Justice Wynn had a secret. One that nobody wants to come out…

A life in the balance: As Wynn lies in hospital, Avery begins to unravel a sequence of clues, and realizes the puzzle will lead her directly into danger.

A showdown that will change everything: But how high a price can you put on the truth? And is Avery brave enough to expose the White House itself?

While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams was released in May of 2021 from Penguin Random House books. This was the first fiction under her name; she previously released eight romance novels under the pen-name of Selena Montgomery.

I knew Abrams from her political activities and appearances on the news. I found her to be intelligent and articulate, so I was very interested to see her work on a literary stage. From the opening chapters of this one, I knew I was in for a good read indeed.

Given her experience in Washington, Abrams definitely knows her way around the workings of the various branches of government. She can write the "technical" points with accuracy and confidence. She does, though, make sure those important things are made clear for the reader as well. The story is hardly dry. The characters are engaging with many layers, and the action moves quickly. That keeps the reader interested in what happens from chapter to chapter.

I picked this title for our monthly book club at the library later this year. I hope the group like it as much as I did.