Author Lis Wiehl is a prominent trial lawyer who regularly appears on Fox News Channel as a legal analyst and reporter. She is also a bestselling author of five books. Her Triple Threat Club series has received high praise, warranting comparisons to James Patterson. Now Wiehl introduces us to a brand-new series, written with contributor April Henry. A MATTER OF TRUST is the first book in the Mia Quinn Mystery series.

A couple of months ago, Mia Quinn lost her husband in a car accident, forcing her to return to work full-time as a county prosecutor. This is quite an adjustment, not only for her but also her two children. Gabe is 14, just entering high school, and wants to fit in with his peers. Brooke is four, and has recently started waking up with night terrors. Mia is struggling to be everything she needs to be for her kids, and also maintain her reputation as an excellent prosecutor. To add to her stress, she has discovered a few secrets her husband had been keeping before he died, including a mound of debt that is now hers to dig out from under.

"A MATTER OF TRUST is an intense, fast-paced thriller --- a true page-turner. It combines the perfect amount of mystery and suspense, along with characters you want to spend time with and get to know better."

Mia is chatting on the phone with her fellow colleague and friend, Colleen, when suddenly there’s a loud bang and the sound of her friend hitting the floor. Horrified, Mia listens to Colleen’s final breaths. She is offered the chance to head up the investigation into Colleen’s death. Mia balks, not sure if she can afford to spend more time away from home. Then she thinks of the bills piling up, and how she wants to do whatever she can to solve her friend’s murder, so she accepts the job. She starts working with Detective Charlie Colson to uncover the clues into Colleen’s slaying. And there are plenty of suspects to keep them busy.

Meanwhile, Mia is also bringing a case to the Grand Jury regarding the suicide of a high school boy. Darin Dane hung himself after extensive bullying --- both physical and cyber --- by several classmates. Mia is looking to hold the boys responsible and accountable for the bullying that caused Darin to take his own life. This is a sad, yet relevant and riveting subplot.

The main storyline, of course, is the mystery of Colleen’s murder. Wiehl’s real-life legal experience brings the story to life with authenticity and energy that grips and fascinates. It’s a constant case of whodunit, with lots of bumps and forks in the road along the way. Mia is one smart chick, completely professional and vulnerable at the same time. She is everywoman. She is the woman who wants to do it all and can’t quite figure out how. But, as a friend advised, “Where your feet are, that’s where your heart should be.” So that’s how Mia tries to operate, although in her heart-of-hearts, she knows that her family --- her kids --- will always come first. There are also a couple of potential love interests that could develop in subsequent books.

A MATTER OF TRUST is an intense, fast-paced thriller --- a true page-turner. It combines the perfect amount of mystery and suspense, along with characters you want to spend time with and get to know better. Although published by Thomas Nelson, this book doesn’t contain a lot of “Christian” content, but rather infuses bits and pieces of faith within. It’s clear in this first book of the series that Mia has a bit of developing to do regarding her spiritual condition. I personally enjoyed the overall “real-world” feel and appreciated the lack of preachiness. If gritty crime fiction is not your cup of tea, you would do well to leave this one on the shelf. But if you’re a fan of authors like James Patterson and Harlan Coben, be sure to add Lis Wiehl to your list. You won’t be disappointed.