Maya, Special's cousin has died from complications resulting from AIDS, of which she contracted from her prominent and seemingly heterosexual boyfriend, Eugene. With revenge on her mind and a group of friends (JC, Vernetta, and Nichelle)to support her and assist her with her campaign of revenge, which includes a "wrongful death lawsuit". Meanwhile, the city is facing a rash of killings involving successful Black men who are engaging in some dangerous behavior. JC thinks she has an idea about the motive for the deaths, but police officials aren't willing to warn the public about something they aren't sure about. As the body count rises, so does the suspense.
This was my first Samuels-Young novel and I was pleasantly surprised. Although traditionally I do not gravitate to this type of novels, I enjoyed it. The plots were well developed and thought out, and a few offered some unexpected surprises. I also found the sub-plots to be just as interesting as the main one. Each character, all of them were entertaining, had their own independent story to tell. Vernetta, a successful attorney feels that she is losing her standing within he own firm, because of a younger more attractive associate. JC, a homicide detective is fighting forces within her department as she attempts to warn the public. Nichelle, another attorney, can only fight to save Special from herself. Each character's viewpoint and understanding about the issues, as well as their struggle to make certain decisions without guilt is what makes this an interesting read. Samuels-Young truly makes the reader question their own moral compass when she addresses the dichotomy between doing what is right and or breaking the rules to save a friend. Finding out what you would do to save a friend becomes an opportunity to search your own heart and soul. I enjoyed this legal thriller and can not wait to read the next one. Special definitely has another story inside of her, but I guess I will have to wait to find out what it is.
