Brittany Harding had a history of making false accusations and causing trouble. When her abrasive personality caused her to lose her job with the charitable organization Phillip Madison headed, she blamed him and decided to get even. An accusation of rape, followed by extortion for a payoff to "make it all go away," has even Phillip's wife doubting him. When he thinks things cannot get any worse, a middle of the night visit from police detectives arresting him for a hit-and-run killing plunges him into a nightmare.

Phillip's car shows clear evidence of having been the vehicle to run down an innocent couple. Phillip has no alibi, and the case against him looks solid. The media are crucifying him, his patients are deserting him, and he begins to think there is no hope. But two friends, an attorney and a forensic investigator, pursue the case, determined to show that Phillip has been framed.

False Accusations is a slick thriller, fast-paced and very much plot driven. Preferring more involvement with the characters, I found it superficial but entertaining. You may think you know what's going on, but there are several surprises in store. Likely to appeal to fans of Grisham and Crichton, False Accusations measures up well, though readers who want a clear case of good winning out against evil may be unhappy at the ending.

--Jeri Wright