Overview

Isham's legal thriller takes the reader on a journey through the Central Valley of California. Experienced trial attorneys battle to protect and vindicate their clients' rights.

Plot Summary

A wealthy rancher dies under suspicious circumstances and his care-giver is accused of murdering him. Motive? Of course, according to the care-giver, the deceased made a handshake promise to give her his mountain property upon his death in return for her promise to care for him for the rest of his life.

Not only did his heirs dismiss her claim, they incited criminal charges against her. She is abruptly arrested and charged with capital homicide. Her troubles compound after she files a will contest to enforce her claim against the estate.

Legal Dilemmas

To prove her civil case she must testify against the estate, but thereby waive her privilege against self-incrimination in the murder case. Will inconsistent verdicts be rendered by the two juries in these closely-related cases?