I have no idea how this book got so many poor reviews. I thought it was amazing. A tough and unfortunately very relevant topic. The characters were believable and although many wouldn't agree with Nina taking the law into her own hands, this is what made this such a great book. A little predictable in the beginning, but just when I thought I had it figured out, Picoult proved me wrong! The various surprises sprinkled throughout the book add to its depth and mystery. The final twist makes this book similar to that of a mystery novel, and made my mouth drop open. I also liked The Pact and can't wait to keep reading more of Picoult's novels.

This is the latest Jodi Picoult book that I have read, and despite many previous complaints about court cases, this actually featured a character whose life revolved around the court.

But this is the first book I've found of Jodi's that isn't for the faint hearted. It was certainly a page turner, but at the same time, I was reading bits out to my dad (poor him, just happened to be there at the time), that horrified me.

The story revolves around a little boy called Nathan, and his parents, his mum being a defence prosecutor or something like that. He's a happy toddler, who's speaking away, when suddenly he goes silent, grumpy, and uncooperative. His parents are desperately worried, and try slowly but surely to teach him sign language, and various trips to the doctors reveal in a shocking way that their precious son has been abused. Then he signs the word "father", at first making everyone around him think that his own dad had done it. Then it's revealed not to be him, but a Father, as in a priest.

The story snowballs from here, where the mum takes matters into her own hands, and hands up being in the wrong section of the court she's used to. There are many twists & turns, and lots of scientific dialogue about DNA, bone marrow transplants - which went straight over my head - and eventually lead to what really happened.

It is a harrowing story, and ultimately shocking. Sure, it is practically all set in a court, but for me, it is probably the best book yet by Jodi, as it's had a lasting effect on me. However, not something I read again. Definitely pick this one up first. But not for the faint hearted.