Red Verdict is a solid fourth entry in the Nora Carleton series. Comey leans hard into the espionage side of things this time around, and it really works. The Russia plot is the engine of this book, and it kept me engaged from the start. The whole setup with the Novichok poisoning at a Manhattan restaurant is so specific and so plausible that it immediately pulls you in. From there it becomes this layered investigation into Russian intelligence, a possible mole inside an American drone company, and a legal case that feels almost impossible to win.
I’ve read all four Nora Carleton books now, and I think this one does the best job of showing how complicated it is to prosecute a case when national security is involved. Comey obviously knows this world inside and out, and you can feel that in every scene. The investigation takes Nora and Benny from New York to Las Vegas, and the pacing keeps things moving without ever feeling rushed.
If I had one small note, I’d say the espionage elements overshadow some of the character moments I’ve enjoyed in earlier books. But that’s a minor thing when the plot is this compelling.
Cassandra Campbell narrates the audiobook and does a great job as always.
If you enjoy legal thrillers with a spy novel twist, or if you’re a fan of John Grisham or Michael Connelly and want something with a bit more of an intelligence angle, this series is worth your time. You can absolutely start here, but I’d recommend going back to Central Park West to get the full picture of Nora and her team.
Special thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.
Holly Reads Too Much 