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BOOK INFO
Title: In Her Defense
Author: Philippa Malicka
Publisher: Scribner
Publish Date: February 3, 2026
Genre: Legal Thriller
Series: NA
My Rating: 3/5
BOOK BLURB
The whole country has been riveted by the trial: beloved TV star and national treasure Anna Finbow has accused therapist Jean Guest of brainwashing her daughter Mary for nefarious purposes. Jean counters that Mary’s trauma is from her upbringing and her tumultuous time studying at a prestigious art school in Rome: and Jerry is the only one who can heal her. But as the trial unfolds, it’s Augusta “Gus” Bird, Anna’s former employee—an insignificant bystander, a nobody—who holds the key to unraveling the tangled web of lies and deceit.
What really happened to Mary in Rome? And if her memories can’t be trusted, how will they ever uncover the truth behind her estrangement? Only Anne knows. But will she tell her tale?
MY REVIEW
A woman sues her daughter’s therapist. She claims the therapist brainwashed her daughter for financial gain. The therapist blames a traumatic upbringing, and claims only her help can heal the daughter.
In Her Defense is a character driven novel. A slow-burning and complex story of how memory and influence can shape people.
I was expecting more of a legal thriller with this one, but it was still an enjoyable read.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.