Witness Series by Rebecca Forster

When sixteen-year-old Hannah Sheraton is arrested for the murder of her step-grandfather, the chief justice of the California Supreme court, her distraught mother turns to her old college roommate, Josie Bates, for help. Josie, once a hot-shot criminal defense attorney, left the fast track behind for a small practice in Hermosa Beach, California. But Hannah Sheraton intrigues her and, when the girl is charged as an adult, Josie cannot turn her back... moreWhen sixteen-year-old Hannah Sheraton is arrested for the murder of her step-grandfather, the chief justice of the California Supreme court, her distraught mother turns to her old college roommate, Josie Bates, for help. Josie, once a hot-shot criminal defense attorney, left the fast track behind for a small practice in Hermosa Beach, California. But Hannah Sheraton intrigues her and, when the girl is charged as an adult, Josie cannot turn her back. But the deeper she digs the more Josie realizes that politics, the law and family relationships have created a combustible and dangerous situation. When the horrible truth of the murder is uncovered could save Hannah Sheraton or destroy them both. less

Josie Baylor-Bates has a full plate caring for a troubled teen, but it's about to get fuller when her ex-cop lover, Archer, is accused of murdering his disabled stepson - a son Josie never knew he had. When Timothy Wren died at California's oldest amusement park it appeared to be a tragic accident. But now Timothy's biological father and the district attorney are out for blood... moreJosie Baylor-Bates has a full plate caring for a troubled teen, but it's about to get fuller when her ex-cop lover, Archer, is accused of murdering his disabled stepson - a son Josie never knew he had. When Timothy Wren died at California's oldest amusement park it appeared to be a tragic accident. But now Timothy's biological father and the district attorney are out for blood. Is this a criminal action with merit, a vendetta or is there a big cash settlement in the offing?For Josie the stakes are higher - it's personal. Racing against time to prove someone is framing Archer, her faith in him is tested by his honesty regarding his feelings about his stepson. Finally, she finds the truth lies with not in Archer's words but with a long-forgotten silent witness."This story was inspired when I heard a stepfather talking about rights and responsibilities. It seemed his honest feelings about his stepchildren were rewarded with legal action and vilification. I wondered what would happen to a person who told the truth even though the truth seemed heartless. Is it better to make a promise and not live up to it or be upfront about our too-human limitations?" Rebecca Forster "Fast-paced with a chilling conclusion." - D.W. Buffa less

Though attorney Josie Baylor-Bates swore off rich clients years ago, she succumbs to Grace McCreary's plea for help. The sister of a Senate hopeful-Josie's former lover-Grace is accused of murdering her disturbed sister-in-law. As Josie steps back into the world of privilege and power to prove her own worth and her client's innocence, she risks everything she now holds dear.

After Hermosa Beach attorney Josie Bates successfully defended sixteen-year-old Hannah Sheraton against murder charges, she took the girl into her own home. Now, just days before becoming Hannah’s legal guardian, Josie Bates has disappeared and Hannah must enlist the help of Josie’s lover, Archer, to find her... moreAfter Hermosa Beach attorney Josie Bates successfully defended sixteen-year-old Hannah Sheraton against murder charges, she took the girl into her own home. Now, just days before becoming Hannah’s legal guardian, Josie Bates has disappeared and Hannah must enlist the help of Josie’s lover, Archer, to find her. The only clue to her whereabouts leads them on a road of intrigue from the Hollywood Hills to the glitzy evangelical enclave of Orange County; the seedy side of Los Angeles to the pristine and remote California mountains. With Child Protective Services demanding Hannah be remanded to state custody, they delve into Josie’s past only to find that the woman they both love was once a ruthless and hated defense attorney, that the system he believes in has released a double murderer, and that there is more than one person who would be happy if Josie Bates was never seen again. less