Brought to you by Penguin.

Narrated by Academy Award Winner Viola Davis.

An extraordinary new courtroom drama from Sunday Times bestselling thriller author James Patterson and Academy Award winner Viola Davis. Get ready to meet the most unforgettable character in years.

All rise…for Judge Stone.

The most respected citizen in Union Springs, Alabama (population 3,314), is Judge Mary Stone. She holds two responsibilities sacred: running her family farm and presiding over her courtroom. Everything changes when she draws the most controversial case in the history of the South.

Criminally, it’s open-and-shut.

Ethically, there is no middle ground.

Essentially, it’s a choice between life and death.

No judge can satisfy everyone. It would be dangerous to try. But Judge Stone is willing to fight to bring justice to the people and place she loves.

An explosive legal thriller that will keep you turning pages until the stunning conclusion.

'The co-authors' seamless collaboration is highly successful - as good as a John Grisham page-turner' - THE SUNDAY TIMES

“The audiobook, narrated by Viola Davis herself, adds an extra cinematic edge; you'll be looking for excuses to keep listening.” TAYLA HONEBEEK, THE MIRROR

'Viola Davis is 'one of the greats' - TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET

© James Patterson and Viola Davis 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026