In Her Defense

by Philippa Malicka

• Thriller
• Psychological Thriller
• Mystery

In Her Defense follows Augusta (Gus) as she becomes caught up in a high-stakes celebrity trial involving the famous Anna Finbow. However, Gus is much closer to the case than she initially realises, and the evidence she holds could make or break the entire trial.

Although this novel is advertised as a mystery/thriller and psychological thriller, don’t go into it expecting a traditional murder mystery. Instead, the story focuses on the unfolding mystery surrounding Gus and the case itself, gradually revealing more as the story progresses and keeping you intrigued as you try to piece everything together.

I found the characters difficult to warm to due to their many flaws. There isn’t really a lovable character in the mix, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. In fact, the characters’ imperfections added to the complexity of the novel, making the overall plot even more compelling.

This is an easy and engaging read. The pace slows slightly in the middle, but not enough to lose your interest, and the story soon picks up again. The novel also explores some interesting themes, including LGBTQ+ representation, social and psychological manipulation, and cult culture, all of which add depth to the story.

I’d recommend In Her Defense to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller, particularly if you’re looking for something that doesn’t revolve around murder. The novel explores the many reasons people can end up in court, questioning the difference between right and wrong and examining the fine line between influence, manipulation and genuine help. It really makes you think about how the same actions can be perceived differently depending on the circumstances, and whether something intended to help one person could ultimately cause harm to another.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. It’s an intriguing psychological thriller that keeps you thinking about the characters, their motivations and the complexities of the case long after you’ve finished reading.