‘The Innocent One’ is the next book after ‘The Guilty One’, which I have not read yet. However, the storyline is easy to follow and flows well despite this. The main characters in this book are well crafted, and I eagerly read this wanting to discover more about Daniel and Sebastian and the secondary characters involved in the story.

The storyline was entertaining, although the conclusion was too bland for my preferences. As a fan of this genre, it lacked some plot twists leaving it somewhat predictable and not as intense as I anticipated. This gave more of a Domestic Drama vibe than a Crime Thriller, focusing more on Daniel’s personal life than I expected. I appreciate not reading Daniel and Sebastian’s history; this may have somewhat impacted my enjoyment.

Despite these flaws based solely on my preferences, I have not been discouraged from reading future books by this author. I am interested in discovering if reading the first book will result in liking this follow-on more, and I would love to hear what others thought of this read.

I did enjoy this book however I found it a bit predictable and at times a little bit slow. A lot of the time was spent talking about Daniel, his past life and now his current home life which I thought was rather off and didn’t add much value to this book.

Any way to the main point. 10 years ago Daniel represented Sebastian Croll when he was suspected of murdering his younger playmate.

10 years later Sebastian calls upon Daniels aid when he is suspected in murdering his university professor with whom he was also having a secret relationship with. Daniel agrees to represent Sebastian again however he is clearly uncomfortable with this as he knows the truth from 10 years ago. Will Sebastian be found guilty this time around.

As I said above I found this book slow at times and I found myself thinking get to the point and occasionally I did lose interest.

Thank you to NetGalley the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book. It was a good read but I had expected more.

Thoroughly enjoyed this page turner. The murder entwined with the personal story made for a great read. The characters are well drawn and you have empathy where you should and are rooting for our 'hero' even with all his flaws.

Highly recommended as a great story that you will easily get lost in and almost be disappointed when it finishes!

I didn't realise this was a follow on from a previous book (The Guilty One) but I don't think it detracted too much from my reading enjoyment of this, the first book by Lisa Ballantyne I have read.

Eleven year old Sebastian was acquitted of murdering his friend and Daniel Hunter was his solicitor. Fast forward 10 years and Sebastian is studying at Cambridge when one of his tutors is brutally murdered. Sebastian is in the frame and he appoints Daniel as his solicitor once again.

The story focuses on Daniel, the difficulties he is experiencing with his marriage, reconciling a difficult childhood and the fallout from representing Sebastian previously as well as having to deal with the uncertainty surrounding Sebastian's innocence/guilt now.

This was a bit of a slow burn but I thought this worked quite well with this particular story especially as I hadn't read the previous one. There was definitely a growing sense of tension and unease from the start with me wondering where it was going and how it was going to play out and I wasn't disappointed.

Recommended to mystery thriller lovers and thanks to Little, Brown Book Group and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Innocent One and for introducing me to another author to look out for in the future.

The Innocent One is a well written novel starring a solicitor called Daniel who is asked to defend a client who he had previously successfully defended against a murder charge.

The story moves along at a good pace with numerous twists and turns with not everything quite what it seems at first and kept this reader fully engaged from the beginning to the end.

Definitely recommended

An excellent book which let you interested from start to finish, I look forward to reading more of her books in the future

This was everything you need for a thriller and crime story. It is not as black and white as you first think and like most typical thrillers, is full of twists. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words some text written has been typed in red and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

This was my last book of 2022 and glad it ended with a bang.

Daniel is a criminal solicitor whose professional and personal past come back to challenge him in this gripping read.

This book portrays the negative risks, effects, consequences and potential outcomes that are associated with early childhood trauma but gives hope in the positive outcomes that can also be achieved if protective risk factors are put into place.

A great debate book for nature vs nurture.

The writer writes with accuracy, sensitivity and care.

A compelling read.

I didn’t know this book was a sequel and I’m glad I hadn’t read the earlier book as I think ( can’t know for sure obviously) it gave an added depth of uncertainty.
The characters are fascinating and the plot original and thrilling. I enjoyed it all and have already passed the title and author on to my reading group pals.

Daniel Hunter is a solicitor. Years ago he represented a young boy accused of an horrendous crime . Sebastian stood trial for the murder of another young child. The case left lasting scars on Daniel.
Daniel is struggling with his own demons. Married to Rene they are currently separated whilst caring for their young child Billy. Daniel is nursing his own demons and trauma from his past.
Sebastian contacts Daniel out the blue. His university lecturer has been murdered and he feels fingers will point at him due to his past. Daniel must come to terms with representing him again.. Is he innocent.
This is a compelling read. Loved the twists at the end of the book. Well worth a read

Never having read The Guilty One, this was my first meeting with Daniel and Sebastian. This can be read as a standalone and I'm not sure if I missed anything by not reading the first book. I don't think so. Ten years ago Daniel defended 11 year old Sebastian who was charged with murdering his best friend. He was found not guilty. In present time, Daniel receives a phone call from Sebastian asking for his help as his university tutor has been murdered and he is afraid that because of his 'history', he will be accused. Tensions run high and mobs gather demanding the 'child killer' be arrested. Daniel is also targeted as he was the lawyer who defended Sebastian all those years ago. Throw into this mix the marital problems that Daniel is having and we do have a book that promises a lot. However, for me, I would have preferred to know more about Sebastian - everything is from Daniel's perspective and surely, Sebastian is the more interesting character. There is also a lot about Daniel's background which didn't really add anything. There were no twists and the ending was what I expected it to be. A good read, but not the best read.

This book wasn't what I expected but I did enjoy it even though it took me a bit to get into the storyline. It was well written . Enough suspense to keep me intrigued. Would definitely read her next novel. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it

Having been gripped by The Guilty One when it was published in 2012, I was excited to see what would come next for Daniel and Sebastian. After all children accused of murder at the tender age of 11 are mercifully rare. Was Sebastian able to put his past behind him? And what about his solicitor Daniel, how did he move forward having been in the eye of the storm?

I am pleased to confirm that this sequel is every bit as gripping. Daniel is once again called on by Sebastian who is now a self-assured 21-year-old student. Daniel is married with a child but the relationship is faltering meaniing the dynamic is wildly different from 10 years ago.

There are twists and turns aplenty, but nothing ridiculous which meant that this ready could stay firmly within the storyline. Fantastic characters with an eye for the everyday details of life as well as the big plotlines, this is a brilliant read.

Daniel Hunter is a solicitor and he defended Sebastian Croll who at eleven years old was accused of killing his best friend. He was proven innocent and that was ten years ago.
Then Daniel gets a phone call from Sebastian saying he has been accused of murder again and he would like Daniel to defend him again.
Daniel has his own problems, his wife is leaving him and protesters are haranguing him for defending a suspected child killer. In some places the story became so bizarre and unbelievable otherwise for this book would have been a five star read.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

Firstly, what an absolute amazing legal thriller. This is my favourite genre and it is so refreshing to read one that instantly pulls you in and you are questioning, who is guilty and who is not guilty.

I really enjoyed meeting the characters and the way the case developed.

Unfortunately, i did not realise that this was a follow up to The Guilty One, which I have sat on my shelves.

Whilst I do think that this book could be read as a standalone novel and it certainly still is a 5 star read for me, I will read The Guilty One and then re-read this book, so I can appreciate it more with the back story.

I will revisit my review at that time.

I will definitely recommend reading this one! It was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!
This was quite the easy read, and when I say that, it's never negative.
I sat down for a few hours and flew through the book, and it entertained me.
I liked the main characters and would happily read any more books by this author.
Enjoyable. Rich characterisations, realistic emotions, and a great story make for a can't-put-it-down emotional read

I was thrilled to receive the arc of this book it’s one I had been really looking forward to and it lived up to all expectations and more. The book is the follow up to The Guilty One which I loved but it can be read as a stand-alone and I actually think I enjoyed this latest one more than the first.
The story follows Daniel a lawyer who is contacted by Sebastian Croll who he represented when Sebastian , who was a young child at the time was accused and then acquitted of killing a young boy, now he needs Daniel’s help once more as his university professor has been murdered and Sebastian is afraid of his past being brought to light even though he has a new identity.
This is a story that has such a lot going on l read it really quickly as to be honest I just couldn’t put it down it was that addictive. The writing was brilliant and kept me gripped and I have to thank Lisa Ballantyne for another wonderful read.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Little,Brown Book Group, Piatkus for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Daniel Hunter was the solicitor for 11 year old Sebastian Croll 10 years ago when he was a child on trial for murder. Now Daniel has another call from Sebastian - his university tutor has been killed and he wants Daniel to represent him again.
But things are not what they seem. Daniel has his own problems to deal with, as well as having to deal with protestors who have found out who Sebastian is.
A good read, although a bit far fetched at times. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read it.

Daniel a criminal lawyer has been contacted by a former client that he had defended when he was a child. This boy is now wanted for questioning by the police in relationship to another crime.
This story was full of suspense and chilling in parts, it certainly gave me goosebumps.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a follow on from "The Guilty One" which I have not read but will be remedy that very soon. Indeed, this psychological thriller explores intelligently the nature vs nurture dilemma, the shortcoming and failures of our justice system and the tragic consequences.
The end is beautifully built up and does not disappoint.
Would absolutely recommend this genre who like this genre.