Justice for Emerson - by Karen E Osborne (Paperback)

About the Book

When Aria Wright stumbles upon the body of Vietnam veteran Emerson, her life takes a dangerous turn. Flashing back to 1968, young Emerson has a deadly encounter in Bangkok resulting in the murder of his best friend.

Book Synopsis

2025 American Fiction Awards Winner "Mystery/Suspense: Multicultural and Diverse

"Osborne delivers a heart-pounding, whodunnit murder mystery! Emerson's Vietnam-era dual timeline will resonate with readers familiar with characters Harry Bosch or Walt Longmire." -Cam Torrens, author of the Tyler Zahn Mystery series

Aria Wright stumbles upon the body of Vietnam veteran Emerson. Unfortunately, the masked killer sees and threatens her.

Flash back to 1968: Young Emerson is shipped to Vietnam on the day of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Weeks later, a deadly encounter in Bangkok results in the murder of Emerson's best friend.

The perilous tale alternates between the troubled life of Emerson from 1968 through the present day and two propulsive and dangerous weeks in March 2024 as Aria and Jax try to solve the mysteries surrounding the murder.

How did Emerson go from veteran to junkie to volunteer at Aria's nonprofit? And how do the murders, separated by decades, intertwine? Pursuing answers, Aria and Jax find themselves being followed my strange men and pull together to survive. Will love blossom in the midst of terror?

Justice for Emerson, by award-winning author Karen E. Osborne, is a gripping murder mystery, with unexpected plot twists, compelling, well-developed characters, and a dash of romance. Themes of race, family, forgiveness, and redemption permeate while lifting the social issues of homelessness and hunger. Unlock and solve the mystery while rooting for Aria to find love.

Review Quotes

"Justice for Emerson by Karen E. Osborne is a captivating blend of murder mystery and emotional exploration which spans timelines and weaves characters' pasts into their present conflicts. 5 Stars!" -Meg McKinnon, The Book Commentary

"Five stars for this deeply engrossing, serious-as-a-heart-attack murder mystery that has profound things to say about social justice, loyalty and the human condition." -BestThrillers.com

"Osborne delivers a heart-pounding, whodunnit murder mystery! Emerson's Vietnam-era dual timeline will resonate with readers familiar with characters Harry Bosch or Walt Longmire." -Cam Torrens, author of the Tyler Zahn Mystery series

"Part crime thriller, part romance, and part historical fiction, Justice for Emerson is a fast-paced page turner with complex characters-Osborne's forte." -Eva Silverfine, author of Ephemeral Wings

"Once again, author Karen E. Osborne has delivered a taut thriller that combines the pacing and suspense of a crime novel with the complexity and nuance of literary and women's fiction." -Ruth F. Stevens, author of The Unexpected Guests

"Set against the gritty backdrop of a non-profit serving the poor and unhoused, this is the story of Aria, working to uncover the truth behind the brutal murder of a much-loved volunteer, with the help of a possible love interest who is so wrong for her, he might just be right." -Gail Olmstead, author of the Miranda Quinn Legal Twist Series

"Justice for Emerson is fast paced, with snappy dialogue, raw honesty, and clever threads that connect two generational stories, culminating in the murder." -Five star review, Readers' Favorite

"Deftly plotted, fast-paced, and smoothly written. A high action read with strongly drawn, relatable characters." -S.M. Stevens, author of Beautiful & Terrible Things

"In Justice for Emerson, Karen E. Osborne weaves multiple perspectives and time periods together to write a captivating, well-crafted, mystery readers will devour all the way to its twisty conclusion." -Jill Caugherty, author of The View from The Half Dome

"If you are looking for a fast-paced, riveting murder mystery along with credible characters-look no further: you've landed on the right book!" -Susan E. Sage, author of Silver Lady

"The seemingly senseless murder of an elderly veteran kicks off this absorbing tale of financial corruption and haunting secrets from the Vietnam era with an overlay of romance that lightens the serious tone of the story." -Regina Buttner, author of The Revenge Paradox

"Justice for Emerson is a thrilling reminder that the past isn't dead, it's not even past." -Philip Reari, author of Earth Jumped Back

"In Justice for Emerson, Karen E. Osborne weaves multiple perspectives and time periods together to write a captivating mystery filled with characters of depth." -Elaine Griffin, author of Shadows at the Pleasure Gardens

"Karen E. Osborne weaves an intricate tale of love, loss, and acceptance in this murder mystery that will leave you wanting more." -Sarah Nakawatase, author of Dormant Diversion