The Silk Robe

Justice, Power, and the Secrets Beneath

Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 03/30/2025
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

I wrote The Silk Robe out of a deep fascination with the hidden power structures within the U.S. political and judicial systems. Inspired by dramas like House of Cards, The Good Wife and The Good Fight, I was drawn to explore not just judicial decision-making, but the personal histories and quiet struggles beneath the robe.

My story centers on morally complex judges navigating ambition, tradition, and reform in the 1990s. I believe in the enduring influence of women judges and the quiet strength of those who fight for justice, fairness, and integrity, even in challenging environments.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

The Silk Robe: Justice, Power, and the Secrets Beneath by Raymonde Q is a propulsive thriller that plunges readers into the world of 1990s American justice. Irene Dunne is an esteemed Administrative Judge who wields her authority with poise and conviction. Yet, beneath her efforts lies a corrupt system, igniting a strong desire in her to reform the judicial system. Navigating a labyrinth of deceit and political machinations, she attracts merciless enemies who challenge her ideals at every turn. She understands the dangers that come with power and that justice is a complex reality to be approached with intelligence and care. Just when she’s on the brink of a breakthrough, an unexpected romance blossoms, introducing a relationship that complicates her mission. As alliances crumble and betrayal grows, Irene faces an excruciating choice: pursue power or fight for justice. But how does her burgeoning romance fit into the equation?

Raymonde Q’s book is perfect for enthusiasts of legal thrillers. The courtroom drama is meticulously and intelligently crafted, leaving readers with the feeling of watching the events on screen. The dialogues are cleverly crafted and witty. The author brings the world of politics and the courtroom to life, exploring political intrigue and corruption while featuring richly drawn and unforgettable characters. The romance is designed to infuse the writing with suspense, and the author keeps readers guessing and wondering what will happen next in the story. The Silk Robe is well-paced, and the heroine is one that readers will adore — intelligent and ambitious, yet flawed in her humanity. I enjoyed the excellent prose, the focused scenes, and the author’s deft handling of conflict.

K.C. Finn

The Silk Robe: Justice, Power, and the Secrets Beneath by Raymonde Q is a gripping legal thriller that explores the corruption, power struggles, and hidden vulnerabilities of the U.S. judicial system. We find ourselves with Administrative Judge Irene Dunne, a fierce and brilliant woman determined to bring integrity into the courtroom. Her crusade for justice puts her at odds with dangerous adversaries, blurring the lines between professional ambition and personal sacrifice. Amidst the legal and political turmoil, Irene finds herself unexpectedly drawn to a man who challenges her emotionally and morally. As betrayal and romance intertwine, Irene must decide whether to cling to power or risk everything for love.

Author Raymonde Q writes with an impressive amount of detail that enhances every moment of this story, and the authentic portrayal of the legal system adds even more realism and credibility to the high-stakes drama at every turn. I really enjoyed the character creation and development, and Irene Dunne is a complex and compelling central figure who is inspiring to watch through all the sacrifices she makes. She sticks to her guns, but she's not without vulnerability, and the slow-burn romance woven into the legal intrigue adds plenty of emotional depth for readers to sink their teeth into without it ever overshadowing the mystery plot. The pacing gives the clues away at just the right moments, and the sharp, evocative prose brings the courtroom and its secrets vividly to life through some dynamic and memorable dialogues that put our hero to the test. Overall, The Silk Robe is a highly recommended read that fans of legal thrillers everywhere will not want to miss.

Frank Mutuma

In The Silk Robe by Raymonde Q, Irene Dunne works diligently since leaving law school, avoiding cases that are deemed controversial. She is also a team player and brings a lot of money to her firm since most of her clients are institutions. When the time comes to be a judge, there is no resistance from any side of the divide to her appointment. Her career on the bench also progresses smoothly, and she is promoted to become the chief administrative judge. Irene never thought the judges under her would ever be anything other than impeccable public servants until she was told about Judge Ghoul, who only saw economic advantage in the tragedies of others. Soon afterward she realizes Judge Ghoul is not the only corrupt judge. How will things turn out?

The Silk Robe by Raymonde Q will make you think about the criminal justice system and how it is influenced by other things such as politics, the legislature, and the self-interests of the individual judges. I loved other topics covered, such as how women and minorities have to overcome various obstacles to be treated equally. The seamless flow of the plotline left no room for confusion, and the vivid descriptions help to capture the imagination of the reader. The characters were well-developed, and the reader will also appreciate the excellent narrative, which adds to the overall beauty of the work. This is a thought-provoking book on many societal issues, and I look forward to reading something else by Raymonde Q.

Alma Boucher

In The Silk Robe by Raymonde Q, Irene Dunne earned respect, and, as an administrative judge, she guaranteed fairness and an efficient system. Everything shifted when budget cuts had to be implemented, and Mrs. Suisman proposed terminating four judges aged between 84 and 92, all of whom had passed their retirement age. Judge Bent opted instead to dismiss eight other employees along with Mrs. Suisman. Irene believed that Judge Bent's decision was unjust and that the system prioritized its interests at the cost of those without representation. Irene wanted to take action to improve service delivery and efficiency for those in need. Irene met the renowned T.H. Clark, also known as THC, and they connected immediately. THC backed Irene in her goal to enhance the system's effectiveness and warned her that she might face opposition.

The storyline in The Silk Robe by Raymonde Q was complex and captivating. Some chapters focused on the history and background of specific judges. It was fascinating and kept my interest from beginning to end. For certain judges, being part of a heritage was very significant, and they wanted others to recognize it. The characters felt authentic and relatable. The cleaning crew’s conversations and lighthearted exchanges during their evening shifts in the offices presented various entertaining stories about the judges. The writing style was engaging, and I was quickly immersed in the unfamiliar world of law and justice. I appreciated this story and gained a lot from it. It reiterated that some individuals are willing to compromise their integrity for the sake of prestige and status.

Rabia Tanveer

The Silk Robe: Justice, Power, and the Secrets Beneath by Raymonde Q delves into the life of Irene Dunne, a powerful administrative judge in the 1990s U.S. judicial system. Driven by a desire to reform a corrupt and struggling system, Irene takes bold risks, attracting powerful enemies and navigating a treacherous landscape of political intrigue. Amid her legal battles, she finds an unexpected connection with a man who both challenges and supports her. However, in a world where power and ambition reign, Irene must choose between sacrificing everything for her ideals or risking it all for love. As she climbs the ranks, Irene is faced with impossible choices. Will she sacrifice everything for power or risk it all for a system that truly serves the public?

Author Raymonde Q. crafts a compelling narrative that blends a legal drama with elements of romance and political thriller. Irene is a strong and complex protagonist. I loved how she is commanding yet vulnerable, strategic yet principled. She is driven by a deep sense of justice and a desire to make a difference in the flawed legal system. The author skillfully portrays the inner workings of the judicial system, highlighting its flaws and the challenges of reform. The romantic subplot adds emotional depth to the story, exploring the tension between personal desires and professional ambitions. The exploration of power dynamics, betrayal, and the pursuit of justice creates a gripping and thought-provoking narrative. The Silk Robe is a captivating novel for readers who enjoy legal dramas with strong female characters and complex moral dilemmas.