Expert Witness by Karen Knutson is an excellent mystery and medical thriller. Elle Larson is starting her shift as a nurse practitioner. It’s Thanksgiving in Charlotte, and it should be a quiet one. She runs her own business in geriatric care management, and when Tommy Sumpter, her mentor and an attorney, asks her to evaluate an elderly client, Charlie, she’s only too happy. But things take a nasty turn when Elle discovers Charlie unconscious after overdosing on fentanyl and finds a dead body. It’s down to Elle to determine what happened, but she’s facing the unknown, and time is not on her or Charlie’s side.

Expert Witness by Karen Knutson is written by a professional nurse practitioner, and that experience shows through in this wonderful, twisty drama. The main character is exceptionally well-developed into a real person you feel like you know personally. The medical theme running through touches on elder care and also elder abuse, and given the author’s profession, it’s not surprising that there’s plenty of detail – it's educational as well as a great mystery. This is truly compelling reading, and you’ll be caught up in the drama right from the start. Some historical facts about North Carolina, specifically Charlotte, have been added, making for an interesting read, and the twists and turns are cleverly designed to hold your attention. The action is nonstop, and every page will draw you even deeper into the story. I recommend this entertaining, thrilling novel to anyone who loves a good mystery.

Expert Witness by Karen Knutson combines elements of mystery, legal drama, and human emotion. Set in Charlotte, North Carolina, the story follows Elle Larson, a nurse practitioner and care manager, as she becomes entangled in a high-stakes guardianship case involving Charlie Blackwell, an elderly World War II veteran. What begins as a professional assessment quickly spirals into a web of deceit, manipulation, and danger, with Elle at the center of it all. Charlie’s relationships with his children, ex-wife, and his new wife, Susan, are fraught with conflict and unresolved emotions, rounding out the storyline.

The story initially follows a familiar trajectory of a legal thriller, but distinguishes itself through a unique focus on the intersection of elder care, family dynamics, and the legal system. While the storyline includes elements often found in courtroom dramas, such as contested guardianship, hidden motives, and shocking revelations, it offers a fresh perspective by centering the narrative on a nurse practitioner, Elle Larson, rather than a traditional lawyer or detective. This shift in focus allows the story to explore the ethical and emotional challenges faced by caregivers and medical professionals, setting it apart in the genre. The plot is layered with twists and turns, from the suspicious circumstances surrounding Charlie’s health to the shocking courtroom drama and the violent events that unfold. Expert Witness is a suspenseful story that will appeal to fans of legal thrillers and mysteries. Karen Knutson challenges readers to consider the complexities of caregiving, the fragility of trust, and the lengths people will go to protect what they value most.

In Expert Witness by Karen Knutson, medical professional Elle Larson is asked to evaluate Charlie Blackwell for an upcoming guardianship hearing. What initially seemed like a straightforward case quickly turns into something much more alarming. Upon her arrival, Elle finds Charlie in a coma, with fentanyl patches and a heating pad on his abdomen to enhance absorption. The situation darkens further when Charlie's caregiver, Mary Beth, is found dead in her car, surrounded by empty insulin bottles. As Elle starts interviewing family members, caregivers, and others connected to Charlie, she quickly realizes that not all of them are willing to cooperate, and some are hiding secrets. The tension rises further when the key witness in the guardianship case is killed, leading Elle to believe that everything is linked to the hearing. Each new revelation pulls Elle deeper into a dangerous game where her own life may be at risk.

Expert Witness by Karen Knutson is an engaging medical and legal thriller that drew me into a complex web of deceit, secrets, and danger. The story flowed smoothly and captivated me from the opening page to the conclusion. Themes of loyalty, treachery, and the quest for justice were intricately woven into the storyline. With the constant twists and surprises, I was always left guessing what might occur next. I was taken aback each time, and the tension kept me fully engaged. I could not stop reading and was flipping the pages as quickly as possible. The characters were intricately crafted and relatable. Elle was a strong, intelligent, and determined woman whose tenacity made her both relatable and admirable. The writing was superb and provided an exhilarating read. The story lingered in my mind long after I finished reading, leaving me eager for more.

Expert Witness by Karen Knutson follows Elle Larson, a professional care manager and geriatric advocate, as she protects and investigates the well-being of Charlie Blackwell, an elderly man who suffers a near-fatal fentanyl overdose. After discovering Charlie in danger, Elle uncovers irregularities in his medications, caregiving, and issues within his family. Looking into interactions with his son Robbie, new wife Susan, estranged sister Melinda, and multiple caregivers, Elle documents his cognitive and physical health while coordinating with doctors, legal counsel, and law enforcement. As suspicious deaths, attacks, and criminal activities unfold, including the death of a caregiver and the shooting of a doctor, Elle works to identify who is endangering Charlie, making all efforts to safeguard him, gather evidence, and guide guardianship and legal decisions around his care.

Karen Knutson’s Expert Witness is a really unique angle as far as the premise goes, and Knutson does an excellent job of delivering a story where a sharp investigation and the legal landscape around one of society's most vulnerable groups of people feel fully alive. I like that Elle is intelligent and capable, and we get to see her move through medical evaluations, interviews, and caregiver investigations. Knutson offers wholly believable depictions of hospital protocols, cognitive assessments, and guardianship proceedings, linking these to mounting suspense through real-world obstacles and unexpected twists. Every single revelation builds toward outcomes that are both surprising and satisfying. Overall, this story is brilliantly executed, combining machinations, skillful observation, and tight writing into a fully rewarding read. Very highly recommended.