Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for my advanced copy of The Trials of Lila Dalton by LJ Shepherd! This book publishes in the US on August 27, 2024.

The Story

I look up to find twelve strangers staring back at me… and I realize I’m the one they’re waiting for.

Lila Dalton has no memory of how she came to be in this courtroom; no memory of how she got to the courthouse at all, or why she’s facing a jury who seems to be waiting for her. The man on trial is accused of mass murder, and she’s his lawyer, but she can’t remember any details of the case. She can’t remember anything… Stranded on an island in the Atlantic Ocean where the most serious crimes are tried, Lila has to prove her client’s innocence if she wants to go home. But how can she solve this case when she’s not sure she can trust anything around her, including her own memory?

The Trials of Lila Dalton is a twisty, unexpected locked-room mystery that follows one woman’s race against time to find a killer, clear her own name, and escape the island that threatens to keep her trapped forever.

My Thoughts

You might look at Goodreads and say, “Man, those aren’t great reviews.” But you’re here and NOT on Goodreads, and I’m going to tell you that I loved this book.

Now, some of the feedback was around some fairly passionate political leanings. I’m not familiar with the politics in the UK, but I’d imagine they’re similar-ish to the US. There were some BIG political things in The Trials of Lila Dalton. If you can separate yourself from that and just read it as a book, I think you’ll be able to enjoy it.

Moving on.

Like I said, I really enjoyed this book! It had a cult-y angle with some conspiracy theories thrown in there. It also had somewhat of a sci-fi angle (but don’t focus too much on that. You’ll understand what I mean once you read it). Plus, a courtroom procedural?! (Fun note: LJ Shepherd is an active barrister, so you know she got the procedural bits correct.)

The first half moved a bit slowly. As Lila is coming to terms with where she is and how confused she is, it kind of felt like the reader was moving through mud too. However, POWER THROUGH. It was totally worth it.

The more I reflect on The Trials of Lila Dalton, the more I’m realizing that there wasn’t the most satisfactory ending! A bit Shutter Island-like, if I do say so myself…

Honestly, this book was a surprise in the best way, and I would definitely recommend it!

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