What do you think?
Rate this book
Seasonable Doubt
It’s the week before Christmas and Santa is on trial for attempted murder…
Known to locals as the “Christmas Guy,” Nick Whittaker has delighted his neighbors with an elaborate holiday light show and his uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus. A bit of a loner, Nick has found his place and his calling as a mall Santa in the quaint Northern Michigan town of Helene. He’s the last person anyone would have suspected in the brutal beating of a local politician. But when the bloodied murder weapon turns up in his trash and surveillance video puts him at the crime scene, Nick finds himself on trial for his freedom.
Defense attorney Cass Leary has a soft spot for lost causes. When she crosses paths with Nick Whittaker on a trip up north, she realizes she’s his one shot at a fair trial. As a blizzard barrels down on Helene, Cass quickly learns the evidence against Nick may not be what it seems. Both he and the victim had enemies and secrets that could bury them and a courtroom bombshell throws everything into chaos. As Cass races against time to unravel the twisted threads of this mystery, whispers of intrigue and betrayal echo through the courthouse.
In the dead of winter, Cass Leary fights for justice in a town where even Christmas can't thaw the icy grip of suspicion.
Seasonable Doubt is the next pulse-pounding book in the Cass Leary Legal Thriller Series. Prepare for a legal thriller that will chill you to the bone and leave you breathless until the final verdict.
Note: This book, while related to the main Cass Leary series, can be read as a standalone.
Known to locals as the “Christmas Guy,” Nick Whittaker has delighted his neighbors with an elaborate holiday light show and his uncanny resemblance to Santa Claus. A bit of a loner, Nick has found his place and his calling as a mall Santa in the quaint Northern Michigan town of Helene. He’s the last person anyone would have suspected in the brutal beating of a local politician. But when the bloodied murder weapon turns up in his trash and surveillance video puts him at the crime scene, Nick finds himself on trial for his freedom.
Defense attorney Cass Leary has a soft spot for lost causes. When she crosses paths with Nick Whittaker on a trip up north, she realizes she’s his one shot at a fair trial. As a blizzard barrels down on Helene, Cass quickly learns the evidence against Nick may not be what it seems. Both he and the victim had enemies and secrets that could bury them and a courtroom bombshell throws everything into chaos. As Cass races against time to unravel the twisted threads of this mystery, whispers of intrigue and betrayal echo through the courthouse.
In the dead of winter, Cass Leary fights for justice in a town where even Christmas can't thaw the icy grip of suspicion.
Seasonable Doubt is the next pulse-pounding book in the Cass Leary Legal Thriller Series. Prepare for a legal thriller that will chill you to the bone and leave you breathless until the final verdict.
Note: This book, while related to the main Cass Leary series, can be read as a standalone.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2023
841 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Robin James
24 books402 followersRobin James is an attorney and former law professor. She's worked on a wide range of civil, criminal and family law cases in her twenty-year legal career. She also spent over a decade as supervising attorney for a Michigan legal clinic assisting thousands of people who could not otherwise afford access to justice.
Robin now lives on a lake in southern Michigan with her husband, two children, and one lazy dog. Her favorite, pure Michigan writing spot is stretched out on the back of a pontoon watching the faster boats go by.
Join Robin James's Legal Thriller Newsletter to get updates on her latest releases and author news. http://robinjamesbooks.com/newsletter
Robin now lives on a lake in southern Michigan with her husband, two children, and one lazy dog. Her favorite, pure Michigan writing spot is stretched out on the back of a pontoon watching the faster boats go by.
Join Robin James's Legal Thriller Newsletter to get updates on her latest releases and author news. http://robinjamesbooks.com/newsletter
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 22, 2023
Absolutely amazing!
This was such a pleasant surprise, to get a new Robin James book that I didn’t even know was coming. It was such an amazingly good story! Most excellent job, Ms. James! Merry Christmas!
This was such a pleasant surprise, to get a new Robin James book that I didn’t even know was coming. It was such an amazingly good story! Most excellent job, Ms. James! Merry Christmas!
November 22, 2023
Great stories
The books are great. I love reading them and re-reading them. Thanks so much for both the Cass Leary and Mara Brent series.
The books are great. I love reading them and re-reading them. Thanks so much for both the Cass Leary and Mara Brent series.
November 24, 2023
What a great Cass Leary Thriller to read for the holidays.
Will Cass Leary be able to free up Santa Claus before Christmas? The author spins a great tale and I am certain your eyes will mist up at the ending.
Truly enjoyed reading and will always continue to look forward to the next Cass Leary or Mara Brent Legal Thriller.
Will Cass Leary be able to free up Santa Claus before Christmas? The author spins a great tale and I am certain your eyes will mist up at the ending.
Truly enjoyed reading and will always continue to look forward to the next Cass Leary or Mara Brent Legal Thriller.
April 14, 2024
5.0 stars. This was a surprise book that came out just before Christmas with a holiday theme. I happily just recently found it. Excellent read. Fast paced and intense as Cass tries to save Santa/Nick on trial for beating a man whose hospitalized in serious condition. Terrific ending. Despite their bickering, love the bond that Cass has with her growing family.
February 16, 2024
SEASONABLE DOUBT
A Cass Leary Legal Thriller
ROBIN JAMES
Review by Author Roy Murry
This novel is a courtroom drama to prove that Santa did not do it. Cass is hoodwinked into a case to free a small town's favorite Santa Claus from spending years behind bars.
Santa is captured on video leaving the crime; he is fighting with the victim a few minutes prior, and the victim's government committee will take away his life's enjoyment.
Lastly, the case is tried two weeks before Christmas, with only those weeks for Cass to prepare a defense. Everything happens so fast that the reader will not put down the book.
The ending surprises Cass, the authorities, the client, the town, and the reader.
A Cass Leary Legal Thriller
ROBIN JAMES
Review by Author Roy Murry
This novel is a courtroom drama to prove that Santa did not do it. Cass is hoodwinked into a case to free a small town's favorite Santa Claus from spending years behind bars.
Santa is captured on video leaving the crime; he is fighting with the victim a few minutes prior, and the victim's government committee will take away his life's enjoyment.
Lastly, the case is tried two weeks before Christmas, with only those weeks for Cass to prepare a defense. Everything happens so fast that the reader will not put down the book.
The ending surprises Cass, the authorities, the client, the town, and the reader.
January 2, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Declan James recommended his wife’s book and I figured I’d take a chance.
Cass Leary is an attorney who is in a small town to pick up a check in closing of a house she owned.
While their her realtor breaks down in tears. Her voiding was arrested and had been in prison since July, his lawyer quit & can Cass help. So, behind the story of taking on the case of proving Santa Claus did not commit murder..
This one kept me guessing until the very last minute. Smooth writing, fleshed out characters and, now, I looked forward to reading more of her books.
Cass Leary is an attorney who is in a small town to pick up a check in closing of a house she owned.
While their her realtor breaks down in tears. Her voiding was arrested and had been in prison since July, his lawyer quit & can Cass help. So, behind the story of taking on the case of proving Santa Claus did not commit murder..
This one kept me guessing until the very last minute. Smooth writing, fleshed out characters and, now, I looked forward to reading more of her books.
November 13, 2023
Santa Clause on trial for attempted murder😢
Cass is closing her final link to her past in the small town of Helene. Unfortunately, the realtor she’s using is suddenly acting differently and she can’t figure out why. When she finally learns what’s happened…typical Cass jumps in with both feet.
Aimee’s cousin Nick, the Christmas Guy, is accused of beating a man and is now being charged with attempted murder. His lawyer has left him hanging and trial starts in a week🙈Aimee convinces Cass to chat with her cousin Nick and after meeting him and reviewing some of the evidence, decides she can’t let Santa go to jail🙃
A wonderful Christmas story of hope and second chances❣️Beautifully done and such a joyous time of year to celebrate….I had some joyful tears in my eyes a few times too, so keep some tissues close. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review😍
Cass is closing her final link to her past in the small town of Helene. Unfortunately, the realtor she’s using is suddenly acting differently and she can’t figure out why. When she finally learns what’s happened…typical Cass jumps in with both feet.
Aimee’s cousin Nick, the Christmas Guy, is accused of beating a man and is now being charged with attempted murder. His lawyer has left him hanging and trial starts in a week🙈Aimee convinces Cass to chat with her cousin Nick and after meeting him and reviewing some of the evidence, decides she can’t let Santa go to jail🙃
A wonderful Christmas story of hope and second chances❣️Beautifully done and such a joyous time of year to celebrate….I had some joyful tears in my eyes a few times too, so keep some tissues close. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review😍
December 4, 2023
Make Time to Read -Too Good to Put Down.
All of these Cass Leary Legal Thrillers are top-notch. Robin James has the ability to make each character pop. In fact, by the time you get to book 2, you want to be part of this fun loving, yet chaotic family. The twists and turns in the cases in these books keep you guessing until the end. Here's hoping James writes many more tales about Cass and her cases.
All of these Cass Leary Legal Thrillers are top-notch. Robin James has the ability to make each character pop. In fact, by the time you get to book 2, you want to be part of this fun loving, yet chaotic family. The twists and turns in the cases in these books keep you guessing until the end. Here's hoping James writes many more tales about Cass and her cases.
December 16, 2023
Never disappointed!
Can Cass save Christmas in Helene, MI? Will Santa go to prison for attempted murder? This book shows how the judicial system in this country is so screwed. It’s why people on juries have finally opened their eyes to the fact prosecutors put whomever is easiest to convict on trial, no matter if they are actually guilty! Yes, it’s a fictional story, however, it rings very true in this country’s criminal system.
Can Cass save Christmas in Helene, MI? Will Santa go to prison for attempted murder? This book shows how the judicial system in this country is so screwed. It’s why people on juries have finally opened their eyes to the fact prosecutors put whomever is easiest to convict on trial, no matter if they are actually guilty! Yes, it’s a fictional story, however, it rings very true in this country’s criminal system.
December 2, 2024
I need to preface my review with a disclaimer: I bought this by accident on my kindle. I have never read a legal thriller. The writing was decent but it was everything I hoped it wouldn’t be: 80 percent of the book takes place in a courtroom with the stereotypical legal phrases being thrown around every other page. Nothing thrilling about it. It was more like a cozy holiday book with a crime and a court room.
December 28, 2024
First time reading this author and series and it was a fabulous read. It is well written, detailed legal account of a trial, and fast reading with a surprise ending for me. This is a very good mystery, a wonderful Christmas read and I can’t wait to read more of this series. Cass is stuck in the small town in Michigan where she sold her house to defend Nick Whittaker, who portrays Santa Claus, of a brutal beating of a well known citizen. Robin James has now become my new favorite mystery reads!
December 29, 2024
A pretty straightforward legal drama with a holiday twist. The town Santa Claus finds himself on trial for a murder he clearly didn’t commit. As the prosecutor and detective jump to conclusions, defense lawyer Cass must don her detective shoes and dig a bit deeper into the small town residents to find the suspect and motive.
A non-Romance holiday book with a strong woman lead and an interesting cast of characters.
A non-Romance holiday book with a strong woman lead and an interesting cast of characters.
November 22, 2023
I really enjoy all of Robin James' books. Between the Cass Leary and Mara Brent series, I've read and loved them all. Seeing "Seasonable Doubt"released was quite a treat! Just when I think I've got the "whodunit" figured out, in comes a curve ball!! There is nothing predictable about these court cases. Very thankful they are available on Kindle Unlimited, too!
November 24, 2023
Good Courtroom drama
Cass Leary takes on a seemingly impossible case in sa small town? In this case, she is defending Santa Clause. It is interesting how she dissects the details of a mishandled investigation. Then a few twists and turns near the end, keep the reader into the final climax.
Cass Leary takes on a seemingly impossible case in sa small town? In this case, she is defending Santa Clause. It is interesting how she dissects the details of a mishandled investigation. Then a few twists and turns near the end, keep the reader into the final climax.
December 22, 2023
B+
Was a bit slow in the beginning and the illegality of what was happening with the speeded-up trial and the way Cass was railroaded into representing “Santa” drove me crazy. The second half of the book was so much better than the first, but isn’t that the way it is with legal thrillers?
Was a bit slow in the beginning and the illegality of what was happening with the speeded-up trial and the way Cass was railroaded into representing “Santa” drove me crazy. The second half of the book was so much better than the first, but isn’t that the way it is with legal thrillers?
January 17, 2024
Another exceptional Cass Leary story!
I just love the Cass Leary series so much, and this holiday themed installment did not disappoint. Cass is given the seemingly impossible task of defending Santa in a courtroom unfamiliar to her, but she proves she can handle it. Full of the wonderful characters and exceptional storytelling I've come to ecpect from Robin James!
I just love the Cass Leary series so much, and this holiday themed installment did not disappoint. Cass is given the seemingly impossible task of defending Santa in a courtroom unfamiliar to her, but she proves she can handle it. Full of the wonderful characters and exceptional storytelling I've come to ecpect from Robin James!
March 8, 2024
This book is a gem! I'm in awe of the author's creativity and hope they keep churning out such captivating stories. Reading this felt like being right there, witnessing it all unfold. I can't recommend the Cass Leary series highly enough; each book is a delight. Dive into them all, and you won't be disappointed. They're guaranteed to keep you hooked from start to finish.
April 28, 2024
when will Cass and Eric get married?
I like that Cass is an exceptional lawyer.
But she’s bratty, a control freak and thinks she is a magician and can solve everyone’s problem.
Why can’t she and Eric get married? And have kids?
I am getting bored with her misadventures.
I like that Cass is an exceptional lawyer.
But she’s bratty, a control freak and thinks she is a magician and can solve everyone’s problem.
Why can’t she and Eric get married? And have kids?
I am getting bored with her misadventures.
November 22, 2023
Cass Leary
I absolutely love the cass leary series. The characters in this series just come to life. Robin James is an excellent storyteller. If you haven't read this series you are missing out. The Leary family are amazing.
I absolutely love the cass leary series. The characters in this series just come to life. Robin James is an excellent storyteller. If you haven't read this series you are missing out. The Leary family are amazing.
November 24, 2023
Another great read
I love the way Robin's stories start and the way she leads us into the story, it is always difficult to put the book down when you get into it. Another just read from a great author.
I love the way Robin's stories start and the way she leads us into the story, it is always difficult to put the book down when you get into it. Another just read from a great author.
November 24, 2023
a great legal story with a surprising finish
I liked the story, the way it lead to the guilty party and a great finish. Not too many characters in the story, so I could follow every step.
I liked the story, the way it lead to the guilty party and a great finish. Not too many characters in the story, so I could follow every step.
December 5, 2023
Christmas surprise book
Don't miss reading this book. As always Ms James surprises me with the villain. This book was different from her other books where Cass Leary's family members were not part of the main storyline.
Don't miss reading this book. As always Ms James surprises me with the villain. This book was different from her other books where Cass Leary's family members were not part of the main storyline.
December 9, 2023
An excellent legal thriller in time for the Christmas Season! Old Santa I being accused of murder, but he has found a Lil Christmas Angel to come to his rescue.
Read this seasonal "who dun-it" thriller and have a wonderful holiday season.
Read this seasonal "who dun-it" thriller and have a wonderful holiday season.
December 12, 2023
This was a good story. I thought it might be corny, I mean, Santa Clause on trial? But I liked it a lot. The investigation was well paced and I really liked the FMC Cass. I’ve not read this series but I’ll put it on my TBR list.
December 30, 2023
Excellent read...any time of the year!
Well written with great plot twists and characters with obvious and hidden warts as well.
Good guys win despite bad police work, biased Judge, idiot Prosecutor, lies from a Minister, and hostile witnesses.
Well written with great plot twists and characters with obvious and hidden warts as well.
Good guys win despite bad police work, biased Judge, idiot Prosecutor, lies from a Minister, and hostile witnesses.
January 29, 2024
Great story and case
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Not sure of its number as related to the series, but it was the last book I read in the series. Can't wait to start another of the author's series. I really, really enjoyed this series, the cases and the well built story lines.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Not sure of its number as related to the series, but it was the last book I read in the series. Can't wait to start another of the author's series. I really, really enjoyed this series, the cases and the well built story lines.
February 15, 2024
Seasonable Doubt
Awesome read and filled with love and good sprit despite the one person! I had the feelings of good human nature and reassurance that there is good everywhere. Also filled with Christmas miracles!
Awesome read and filled with love and good sprit despite the one person! I had the feelings of good human nature and reassurance that there is good everywhere. Also filled with Christmas miracles!
August 3, 2024
Love love loved this series! Gutted I have to wait till next year to read the next one. This wasn’t my favourite book from the series but was still really good. Thank god there is another series to sink my teeth in to.
June 1, 2025
great book
I found Robin James books and can’t wait for the next. Great characters and plot twists. I’m seats con big for my next Robin James book after this one. Her writing style keeps you turning pages and wanting more.
I found Robin James books and can’t wait for the next. Great characters and plot twists. I’m seats con big for my next Robin James book after this one. Her writing style keeps you turning pages and wanting more.
June 26, 2025
3/5 stars
This one was kind of a novella, but also a full length book. I guess it's related to the Cass Leary series, but more like it's adjacent to it? It was fine. Enjoyable. I didn't see the end twist. I thought the main character in the case was annoying. But it was a sweet story.
This one was kind of a novella, but also a full length book. I guess it's related to the Cass Leary series, but more like it's adjacent to it? It was fine. Enjoyable. I didn't see the end twist. I thought the main character in the case was annoying. But it was a sweet story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews