Lara Bazelon

A Good Mother Lara Bazelon

Two young mothers, one shocking murder and a court case that puts them both on trial.

When a soldier is found stabbed through the heart at a US Army base, there is no doubt that his wife, Luz, is to blame. But was it an act of self-defense? An attempt to save her infant daughter? Or the cold-blooded murder of an innocent man?

Abby, ambitious public defender and a new mother herself, is determined to keep Luz out of prison and with her daughter. But when the surprises stack up and shocking new evidence emerges, the task proves far more difficult than she suspected--and may require a terrible sacrifice.

As the trial hurtles toward an outcome no one expects, Abby, Luz and a captivated jury are forced to answer the question that will decide everything--what does it mean to be a good mother?

"A detailed and expert courtroom drama." --Toronto Star

"Tautly paced and richly detailed...an exploration of ambition, responsibility, and the sacrifices of motherhood." --Booklist, starred review