Delayed Justice by Cara Putman

One of my favorite books this autumn was Cara Putman's latest offering, Delayed Justice. This is book three of her Hidden Justice series, so check out the first two books first, to get the full picture on various characters that overlap from story to story (Beyond Justice is book one, and Imperfect Justice is book two).

Here's my review of Delayed Justice, as posted on Goodreads, with added graphics created just for you, dear readers.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson. A positive review was not required. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Mrs. Putman must have a deep well of courage to have written this book. It isn’t an easy topic. Sexual abuse never is simple. Not only did she broach a difficult theme, but she handled it with a delicate and considerate yet reality-bearing hand. Her approach to the abuse felt masterful. It’s tough to balance the stark reality of sexual abuse and its victims and predators with the grace of salvation. Yet, that’s precisely what this author has done.

The two-perspective approach on the abuse—from a silent victim and one who has already found her voice—was brilliant, as it showed that both types of victims must pair courage with truth to see justice done here on earth. Living out the reality this book portrays takes guts and moxie, and I hope any man, woman, or child who finds themselves a victim will seek out help in order to obtain justice and complete healing.

Another aspect of this book that pleased my heart was that the so-called “little people” of the story (the victim, the attorneys who didn’t presume to stand a chance, etc.) weren’t afraid to stand up to big-name bullies (bosses, generals, senators, etc.). This is something that is reflective of today’s society, where big-named bullies (actors, sports stars, politicians, etc.) think they own the world and can push us little people around just to get what they want, whether that be to abuse someone, win a championship, star in the next summer blockbuster, or obtain the political seat of their choosing. This book shows that those bullies don’t always win in the end.

The theme of “you’re not alone” was the perfect companion to come alongside the brashness of the abuse. I think it’s important for people who are being bullied or abused to know they aren’t alone. It’s crucial that those facing “big bullies” in work, school, or other aspects of life know they can keep reaching for truth and justice. They don’t have to let those bullies beat down their spirit, even if they beat down their body. Each victim, every person is important. Every person matters. God’s love can keep a victim’s spirit intact through the pain and help that person become an overcomer who can find true healing.

It isn’t always an easy battle, breaking free from abuse. This book reflects that well. The journey Jaime took toward faith in this story reveals that the struggle to believe that God cares in the midst of our worst pain is completely real and valid. But, y’all, He does care. Completely, wholly, supremely. Keep fighting for that belief until you find that it’s true for you too. 

Something that’s very clear to me, after having read this book, is that the author has a heart for pain and healing in people. She had my eyes misting over several times, because Jaime’s pain was so raw and real and believable. Also, her friends’ caring love toward her, how they chose to stand with her and be her support system—whether she liked it or not, at times—was so exquisite that the emotions bubbled up until I was dry-sobbing (because the tears refused to fall; they were there!). I already knew Mrs. Putman could pull my emotions into the story (she’s done that many a time for me, through her previous books), but this book, this journey was next-level awesome and one I’ll definitely revisit down the road.

This book is an incredible look at how the pain of sexual abuse spiderwebs out into every portion of a person’s life, including their outlook and daily habits. I hope it will open many people’s eyes and stop abuse in its tracks.

A couple more notes:

The inclusion of a comfort service dog was spectacular and eye-opening. I loved Aslan and how he was able to be a comfort to certain people in the story.

I loved that neither of the leads used nicknames for each other. This was a refreshing change from the norm in Christian fiction right now.

Brandy alcohol was mentioned once by a bad guy. I was very happy the leading good guys did not partake in alcohol. This, too, was refreshing.




About Delayed Justice:


She had long given up the desire to be loved. Now she only needed to be heard.

Jaime Nichols went to law school to find the voice she never had as a child, and her determination to protect girls and women in the path of harm drives her in ways both spoken and unspoken. As Jaime, now a criminal defense attorney, prepares to press charges against someone who wronged her long ago, she must face not only her demons but also the unimaginable forces that protect the powerful man who tore her childhood apart.

Chandler Bolton, a retired veteran, is tasked with helping a young victim who must testify in court—and along with his therapy dog, Aslan, he’s up for the task. When he first meets Jaime, all brains, beauty, and brashness, he can’t help but be intrigued. As Chandler works to break through the wall Jaime has built around herself, the two of them discover that they may have more to offer one another than they ever could have guessed—and that together, they may be able to help this endangered child.

This thrilling installment of the Hidden Justice series explores the healing power of resolution and the weight of words given voice. And as Jaime pursues delayed justice of her own, she unearths eternal truths that will change the course of her life.



About Cara Putman:

Cara C. Putman lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. She’s an attorney and a teacher at her church as well as lecturer at Purdue. She has loved reading and writing from a young age and now realizes it was all training for writing books. She loves bringing history and romance to life.

What's the last great book you enjoyed?

Click to tweet.

December's reading challenge celebrates Christmastime!