Judge Stone

"It was a harbinger of ill tidings." ~ 5%

All rise and head to the nearest library or bookstore! Fiction Court is in session. Honorable Judge Stone presiding. 

Never did I ever imagine two of my faves from two different forms of art would collab like this. Bookhearts already know that James Patterson is one of my go-to authors. I read just about anything he puts his name on. And Viola Davis? I will watch any and everything she is featured in. How To Get Away with Murder was a recurring Thursday night event in my calendar. So I was super excited to get an advance copy of their literary collaboration, Judge Stone.

In small-town Union Springs, Alabama, Judge Mary Stone is the most respected person. She has two jobs: running her family farm and presiding over cases. But when the most controversial case in the South reaches her docket, her career, livelihood and standing in the community is put on trial. What's causing such a stir? Dr. Bria Gaines is charged with the Class A felony of performing an abortion. On paper, the case is open-and-shut. Ethically, it's not so black and white. It is a choice between life and death that divides the town. 

"How could they put a doctor in jail for helping somebody?" ~ 36%

Judge Stone delivers! Legal drama layered with courtroom shenanigans, politics, ethics and suspense. The characters are far from one-dimensional. The writing is so descriptive that I felt like a spectator in the courtroom, watching it unfold in real time. Every time I set the book down felt like a court recess and I was always ready to reconvene! 

I took my time reading Judge Stone on purpose because of the themes, emotional weight and moral tension. It is fiction that feels close to reality. It tugs on your heart strings and pings your moral compass. Although the ending is neatly wrapped, I'm not ready to adjourn just yet. I would love for Judge Stone to grace more pages in the future. Davis and Patterson have created a strong Black female character that dances to the beat of her own drum, is unapologetically herself, stands tall, and commands justice. 

"The law of FAFO. Fool around, find out." ~ 29%

Need I say more? Judge Stone is easily one of my favorite books of 2026 so far. Please add to your immediate TBR list. For the Bookhearts that prefer audiobooks, prepare yourselves for a treat. I heard it is excellent and narrated by Viola Davis herself. I already know the emotion and intensity in her voice will take this story to another level. The thought gives me goosebumps. Read/Listen to it solo, with a buddy or in a book club; be ready for passionate discussion and heated debates. Judge Stone is the type of book that will leave you thinking about the gray areas long after the last page.

Happy Pub Month to Viola Davis and James Patterson! Judge Stone is officially on shelves.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: Judge Stone
Author: Viola Davis and James Patterson
Published: March 2026
Pages: 432
Edition: Galley
Genre: Legal Thriller
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤