I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Imperfect Justice by Cara Putman Series: Hidden Justice #2
Published by Center Point Large Print on June 2, 2026
Genres: Fiction / Christian / General, Fiction / Christian / Romance / General, Fiction / Christian / Suspense, Fiction / Legal, Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths, Fiction / Romance / Suspense, Fiction / Thrillers / Legal
Pages: 500
Format: ARC
Source: NetGalley
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The police say the woman was a murderer. Emilie Wesley knows they can't be talking about her client. but she can't prove it. To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Turner snapped and killed her daughter and then was shot by police. However, attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story. Kaylene was a nurturer at heart looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive marriage. Kaylene's death shakes Emilie's world and her belief that she can make a difference for these women. Self-doubt plagues her, and she finds herself struggling to continue her work in the wake of tragedy. Austen Billings thought he knew his sister--right up until he learned of the manner of her death. He receives a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would take on his case, but Kaylene's letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him. Thrown together in the race to save Kinley Turner from a father who isn't all that he seems, Emily and Austen pursue the constantly evasive truth. But if they can hang on to hope together, maybe they can save Kinley--and find a future for themselves in the process.--
Just like the justice in this book, my thoughts are also imperfect. There’s a lot happening to unravel, and I am not sure my brain is up for the game in a way that makes sense outside said brain. Before we get into Emilie and Reid’s story, I want to touch on Hayden and Andrew from Beyond Justice. I love the small glimpse into their life after their story, since you know the girls are roomies and he’s also Emilie’s cousin. I love that they are still just dating and not rushing into some happily-ever-after. Something I’ve noticed is that this Hidden Justice crew are all about the extra. Extra in a good way. Between charity organizations and helping the underserved, they are stepping into spaces you don’t always see highlighted from the background work, and that’s in force in book two, and honestly, without even having read the synopsis for Delayed Justice, I know who’s going to profile, and they will keep that trend coming as well.
Ya’ll, this book is so good, it hits all the right marks, even with the romance thread. There’s a lot going on with Emilie between her work at The Haven as an attorney for women working toward escaping abusive relationships and her night gig as a journalist. There’s a lot going on in her own world with a stalker (oops, spoiler!). Before I get into the situation that brings her together with Reid, let’s talk stalker. There were some things that happened outside the bounds of the last book and this one that left me a bit confused until I pieced it all together. By chapter 13, I got it; I even knew who the stalker was, but honestly, I left the book only partially understanding the why. But let’s get to Reid and the side quest of romance that some people love and others (me) tolerate for the sake of the story.
Emilie’s client may (or may not) have shot her daughters and herself. The same client who was supposed to be at court as it was happening to get her protection order. The same client who’s husband is controlling literally everything including family access to the one suriving daughter. That family, Reid. The mystery and suspense were solid. The romance was perfectly not too much or too little. And the faith threads were so natural and seamless. I love how Cara Putman can tread in faith without it feeling like an add-on or in-your-face. It just feels natural to just being human, and that’s a skill. This review is completely imperfect for all the thoughts that swirl in my head, but I can absolutely say read this book . . . and it can read as a standalone.
About Cara Putman
Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I’ve been writing books.
In addition to writing, I am an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), George Mason Law School (JD), and Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management (MBA). You can learn more about my books at https://www.caraputman.com.
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