How to Read Adam Mitzner's Books
Adam Mitzner is a practicing Manhattan litigator who translates his real-world courtroom experience into highly authentic, gripping legal thrillers. Because Mitzner focuses primarily on standalone novels, you have a lot of flexibility when diving into his work. With the exception of his single recurring character series, you can read his books in almost any order. Here is the complete breakdown of his series and standalones to help you decide where to begin.
The Ella Broden (Broden Legal) Series in Order
This is Adam Mitzner's only connected series. It centers on Ella Broden, a former District Attorney in New York City. The series blends traditional legal procedurals with domestic suspense, following Ella as her personal life and legal career repeatedly collide. Because of the character development and evolving relationships across the books, you should read this trilogy in its strict publication order:
- Dead Certain (2017): Ella Broden is a Manhattan assistant district attorney by day and a singer by night. Her life is upended when her younger sister, Charlotte, goes missing and is later found dead. The investigation leads Ella into a web of family secrets, utilizing an interesting narrative device where Charlotte's own unfinished manuscript helps reveal the truth.
- Never Goodbye (2018): Ella has left the DA's office following the trauma of the previous book. However, when Dana Goodwin—the new deputy chief in the Special Victims Bureau—becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her boss, Ella is pulled back to prosecute the case. Ella's boyfriend, Gabriel Velasquez, is also caught in the middle of the investigation, creating intense personal conflicts.
- The Best Friend (2020): The final installment continues to follow Ella as she deals with themes of guilt, retribution, and complex relationships inside and outside the courtroom. Flawed characters and unexpected twists bring the trilogy to a satisfying and dramatic conclusion.
Adam Mitzner's Standalone Legal Thrillers
If you prefer one-off stories that do not require any long-term commitment, Mitzner's standalone books are perfect. Each novel stands completely on its own, featuring a new cast of characters, a unique legal or financial dilemma, and a self-contained resolution. You can read these in any order you choose, though reading them in publication order is a great way to see how his writing style has evolved.
A Conflict of Interest (2011)
Mitzner's debut novel introduces Alex Miller, a young and highly successful criminal defense attorney at a prestigious New York firm. After his father's funeral, Alex is hired to defend Michael Ohlig, a legendary family friend accused of a massive financial fraud scheme. As Alex works on the high-profile case, the secrets he uncovers threaten to destroy his career, his marriage, and his sense of identity.
A Case of Redemption (2013)
This emotional legal thriller follows Dan Sorenson, a once-elite defense attorney who spiraled into depression and alcoholism after his wife and daughter died in a car accident. He is coaxed out of isolation by a young associate, Nina, to defend a famous rapper named "Legally Dead" (L.D.), who is accused of murdering his pop-star girlfriend. The case becomes Dan's grueling path toward personal atonement.
Losing Faith (2015)
Aaron Littmann is the powerful chairman of a major New York law firm who is blackmailed by a Russian businessman accused of terrorism. The client has proof of Aaron's secret affair with the presiding judge, Faith Nichols. Aaron is forced to manipulate the trial, but when Judge Nichols is murdered, Aaron becomes the primary suspect in her death.
The Girl From Home (2016)
Stepping slightly away from the courtroom, this novel follows Jonathan Caine, a former high-flying hedge fund manager who loses his fortune and marriage to an insider trading scandal. He returns to his hometown to care for his father and attends his high school reunion, where he reconnects with his former crush, Jacqueline Williams. Their subsequent affair plunges them both into a dangerous game of obsession and survival.
A Matter of Will (2019)
Focusing on the darker side of high finance, this thriller follows Will Matthews, a struggling wealth manager who is saved from career ruin by a mysterious billionaire client named Sam Abaddon. As Will enjoys his newfound wealth and a new relationship with attorney Gwen Lipton, he witnesses a shocking act of violence that makes him realize his luxury is funded by criminal enterprises.
The Perfect Marriage (2021)
James and Jessica Sommers seem to have a flawless marriage, but secrets quickly begin to unravel. Facing financial strain from medical bills, James gets involved in a shady art deal that spirals out of control. This book combines family drama, toxic ex-spouses, and art-world corruption into a tight psychological mystery.
Love Betrayal Murder (2023)
Set within a prestigious Manhattan law firm, this book centers on the secret and passionate affair between partner Matthew Brooks and ambitious associate Vanessa Lyons. When Vanessa is denied partnership, she suspects their relationship is the cause. Soon, a daylight murder occurs on a New York street, leading to a dramatic trial where the line between truth and lies is completely blurred.
The Brothers Kenney (2024)
This novel blends a family saga with a murder mystery. Sean Kenney, a former track star who has spent years estranged from his family, returns home after his father's death, only to discover his successful brother, Michael, has died under suspicious circumstances. Convinced it was murder, Sean investigates the tragedy, embarking on a deep journey of family reconciliation and redemption.
Where Should You Start?
If you want the classic legal thriller experience, start with Mitzner's debut, A Conflict of Interest. It perfectly captures his ability to blend legal procedure with domestic drama. If you prefer a series with returning characters, grab Dead Certain to kick off the Ella Broden trilogy. For readers who enjoy psychological suspense and complex relationship dynamics, Love Betrayal Murder is widely considered one of his absolute finest standalone books.
What to Know Before You Start
Because Mitzner is a practicing attorney, his courtroom scenes and legal strategies are incredibly accurate. However, his books are just as much about relationships, moral gray areas, and psychological tension as they are about the law. You won't find perfect heroes here; Mitzner specializes in flawed protagonists who make questionable decisions under pressure. Expect multiple viewpoints, unreliable narrators, and final-chapter twists that force you to re-evaluate everything you just read.