Judge Stone - a moving and intense legal thriller.

The story is set in Union Springs, a small town in Alabama, where abortion is almost entirely banned. Nova Jones, a thirteen-year-old girl, finds herself pregnant and too frightened to tell her mother. She turns to her school nurse, who brings her after hours to Dr. Bria Gaines to end the pregnancy. Scared to have a follow-up visit, for fear of her mother finding out, Nova ends up collapsing and is brought to the hospital, where her secret is uncovered, along with the identity of the doctor who performed the illegal procedure. Dr. Gaines is arrested and brought to court before Judge Mary Stone. The two strong Black women have dedicated their lives to serving others, and now they are facing the greatest challenges of their lives - Dr. Gaines faces a potential life sentence, while Judge Stone could lose everything she has worked for by presiding over this volatile case. 

Judge Stone, a creative collaboration between Viola Davis and James Patterson, is a courtroom drama and so much more. This is a moving and intense story about an issue that has many people divided. Racism is sadly present throughout as Mary also manages her family farm and is faced with an attempt to steal the land from her. And the situation gets worse once the trial begins. Let's hope this book gets adapted into a movie or series, starring the exceptionally talented Viola Davis. 

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Legal Thriller.

Publication Date: March 9, 2026.

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