DEFENDING GINA: A Sarah Reuben Legal Thriller
by Julia Barash
WOMAN IS ELECTROCUTED IN A PRIVATE SWIMMING POOL WHILE ONE HUNDRED GUESTS WATCH IN HORROR.Introducing the humorous protagonist, Miami attorney Sarah Reuben and her unforgettable boutique law firm. Sarah’s life dramatically changes when Gina, a woman on her college tennis team thirty years ago, rushes into her office in tears, exclaiming that she has been accused of murdering Marna, her girlfriend and Sarah must represent her. The victim, an ex-Olympic diver is a personal trainer at a gym that the defendant joins. She is a stunning, sensual bisexual who never has lasting relationships. Although heartbroken, at Marna’s urging Gina hosts a fundraiser for a budding female tennis star at her home. The victim is to perform classic dives in her swimming pool for the guests. After Marna’s first dive, as she is climbing the ladder to get out of the pool, she is electrocuted and dies. Forensics proves that someone tampered with the colored lights in the pool. Gina is an engineer with expertise in lighting.While preparing for trial, Sarah falls in love with Mark, a handsome, tennis playing, fiftyish hotel-broker. Her steamy, fun romance with Mark contrasts with Gina’s sultry, volatile relationship with the victim.Will Gina be convicted? This suspenseful murder mystery/ courtroom drama has bold twists and turns.The climax consists of a full-blown trial and an explosive ending.