Hostile Witness: a Josie Bates Thriller

When sixteen-year-old Hannah Sheraton is arrested for the murder of her stepgrandfather, the chief justice of the California Supreme court, her distraught mother turns to her old college roommate, Josie Baylor-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 create a combustible and dangerous situation. When the horrible truth is uncovered it can save Hannah Sheraton or destroy them both.. “This story was inspired by a case my husband handled. As a superior court judge he had to sentence a minor to life in prison. It made me wonder how I felt about minors arrested for violent crimes. Are they most vulnerable among us – capable or horrible violence, perceived as adults and yet emotionally still children?” Rebecca Forster . “An enthralling read, with colorful, well-developed characters and the unique atmosphere of the California beach communities.” Nancy Taylor Rosenberg. “Blending complex psychological character portraits with spot-on accurage courtroom drmaa, Forster’s riveting legal thriller keeps the plot twists coming until the last, satisfying page.” – Alafair Burke.