The Least Among Us by Gwen Florio

THE LEAST AMONG US by Gwen Florio is an enlivening combination of mystery and social commentary from the author of Silent Hearts and several mystery series. This new book is the second to feature Julia Geary, a public defender and widowed mother to kindergartener Calvin.  Seemingly simultaneously, professional (e.g., being taken off a homicide case; getting an unwelcome intern) and personal (e.g., needing to find a new home) setbacks appear for Julia. She has to readjust her support system and frankly, misses some important clues about what is really happening in the small town (Duck Creek) cases she is handling. Ray Belmar, a homeless man, is a frequent “client,” but his antics have led to his being accused of murder. Julia has to battle a stalker and solve multiple deaths in order to ensure Ray’s freedom and her own equilibrium. Florio writes in a captivating, engaging manner and expertly weaves in observations about much needed justice system reform. Readers will happily embrace Julia (despite some bad decisions), her young son, and their new mischievous puppy named Jake. Hopefully, there will be more in this series.