THIS was a page turner and so many intriguing twists and turns....kind of a perfect ending in the last couple of lines. I'm so pleased to discover I have NOT read three of the five books she has written....fun ahead!!! ( )

Fast-paced legal thriller.

When Harvard law student, Madson Rivera, lands an internship with Judge Kathryn Conroy, she is over the moon thinking that her future career plans are secured. It's not too long, however, before she realizes that she is in over her head -- caught between her own brother's legal troubles and information that the Judge might be a criminal.

This was entertaining and I enjoyed listening to the audiobook while following along in the e-book. The narrator did a nice job voicing all the characters. Although the plot and outcome were predictable, I was more dismayed by how annoying that whole brother situation was. I thought Madison's mother was beyond annoying with her demands on Madison actually leading to her becoming more embroiled in all the bad stuff. Kathryn's back story and her perspective was far more interesting, and I wish more of the book had been spent on her. The bad guys were stereotypical and some of the details about the conspiracies and prosecutorial conduct, along with the involvement of the FBI, were a little farfetched. And the relationship between Madison and Kathryn sure got real close real fast. Regardless, there was a lot of action and some twists enough to make this hard to put down.

I like legal thrillers but would prefer they be more courtroom drama vs mobster and corruption themes. ( )

An ambitious Harvard Law School student, Madison Rivera, has been a fan of Judge Kathryn Conroy since Conroy spoke at her school years earlier. When Conroy offers her an internship, Madison is excited. However, her brother Danny has just been arrested on drug charges, and Madison fears that telling the judge this will ruin her chances. Madison lies by omission, and fails to tell the judge this info. Then, Madison hears that the judge is working with a dirty cop, and he is being framed. Her mother begs her to help free Danny.
Madison agrees to help, but the judge surprises her by asking Madison to pet sit her cat. Madison doesn't realize it, but she is being pulled into a messy and dangerous situation.
Who can she trust?
I enjoyed this fast-paced thriller, although I did think it was a bit far-fetched that the judge would so easily warm to Madison. But, as the story evolved, and you knew more background, it is not so much a stretch to understand how far people will go to protect themselves and their loved ones.
A complex story. I always enjoy Michele Campbell's books and this didn't disappoint! ( )

Legal Thriller Done Right

"The Intern" by Michele Campbell is a spine-tingling, thought-provoking legal thriller that will keep you at the edge of your seat from beginning to end. If reading could be a full-time job, delving into well-crafted thrillers like this one would make it a dream come true. Michele Campbell has masterfully woven a gripping narrative that's impossible to put down, and I owe my discovery of this gem to NetGalley, which introduced me to the talented author.

My journey through this enthralling tale was made even more immersive by the outstanding narration in the audiobook version. The skillful narrator breathed life into the two main characters, making them not just voices but individuals we genuinely care about. It's a testament to the audiobook's quality that I couldn't stop listening, driven by an insatiable desire to uncover the mysteries and secrets lurking in every corner of the story.

Campbell's genius lies in her ability to balance character development and plot pacing flawlessly. The heart of the novel beats strongly through its main protagonists, Madison Rivera and Judge Kathryn Conroy. Madison, a determined Harvard Law student, lands her dream summer internship working for the esteemed Judge Conroy. However, her dreams collide with harsh reality when her brother, Danny, is arrested on federal drug charges, and Judge Conroy is assigned to his case. The weight of Madison's ambitions and familial loyalty intertwine as she endeavors to help her brother and unveil the truth behind his vehement claims of innocence. Madison's character arc is a compelling exploration of the relentless pursuit of justice and the sacrifices one must make in that pursuit.

Kathryn Conroy's perspective, on the other hand, offers readers a glimpse into her dark past, marked by poverty, adversity, and the difficult choices she made to rise to her esteemed position. It's a testament to Campbell's storytelling prowess that Kathryn's character is just as engaging and relatable as Madison's. The contrast and synergy between these two characters drive the narrative forward, creating a mesmerizing dynamic.

"The Intern" doesn't rely on implausible plot twists or senseless explanations to maintain its intrigue. Instead, it weaves a web of revelations that are both shocking and entirely plausible within the context of the story. The author ensures that every twist and turn is rooted in the characters' motivations and actions, resulting in a deeply satisfying and well-executed conclusion.

In conclusion, Michele Campbell's "The Intern" is a remarkable legal thriller that skillfully navigates the realms of ambition, justice, and family loyalty. The dual perspectives of Madison and Kathryn provide a rich and multifaceted narrative that keeps readers engaged and invested. With a well-constructed plot, believable revelations, and a satisfying resolution, this book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to experience this gripping tale. ( )

Just as law student Madison Rivera has the chance to land a coveted internship with a judge she has long admired, she finds out her younger brother is in a heap of trouble. He has been arrested for dealing drugs, but claims it was set-up. Madison is skeptical of what he is saying, but his mother is sure he is innocent and pleads for Madison to help, since she knows how the law operates. He also claims that the lawyer, the cop who arrested him, and the judge who heard the case are all dirty. Madison is stunned when she discovers it’s the same judge she wants to intern for. But she is astounded when, digging into her brother’s case, she finds out that he may just be right. And then, he disappears while still in custody, and there is no record of what happened. This is the beginning of this well-crafted thriller. Told from the point of Madison and the judge in both the present day and past, readers gradually learn about these two strong female protagonists, and what drove them to be the women they became. Compelled by forces beyond their control, and pursued by the mob, these two women come to trust each other, because there is no one else. Tightly written, complex in content, and intriguing throughout, once you start this suspense thriller, you won’t want to stop. ( )