Judge Stone

As a Black woman elected in a small Alabama town, Judge Stone navigates racism and sexism alongside an already impossible case. How did her identity shape what was at stake for her personally?

Judge Stone carries her own repressed trauma into this case. How did her personal history shape her decisions, and do you think a judge should bring that kind of lived experience to the bench, or leave it at the door?

The novel presents a distincition between what is legally right and what may be morally or ethically right. Where do you think that line falls in Dr. Bria Gaines's case?

The novel is told partly through Judge Stone's first-person voice and partly through third-person chapters from other characters. Did you enjoy hearing from characters other than the title character? Whose perspective outside of Stone's did you find most compelling, and why?

Judge Stone is ste in the deep South small town of Union Springs, Alabama. How did the setting add to the story? Have you spent much time in places like Union Springs?

The novel centers a case dealing with abortion law, a hot-button issue in the United States. What did you think of how Judge Stone handled the case? What did you think of how Davis and Patterson dealt with this issue as authors? Did you feel that they were fair and even-handed (and should that be the goal)?

Nova's situation is heart-breaking, from her assault to her family situation. What do you learn about her as she is put on the stand?

Discuss the novel's portrayal of religion and Christian identity.

There are several twists in this story. Which was the most shocking to you? Did the twists feel earned, or were any of them too far out of left field?

What did you think of the ending of the novel? Did you enjoy the sense of resolution and justice it provided, or did it feel too neat to you?

Were you surprised that Judge Stone handled the case the way she did? Were you surprised that the community stood behind her? What were you expecting to happen? And what would you have done in Judge Stone's shoes?

Have you read many other legal dramas? If so, how does Judge Stone compare? In particular, what does seeing the action through the judge's eyes differ from the typical perspective?

If you've read other James Patterson thrillers, how did Judge Stone compare? Where do you sense the influence or handiwork of Viola Davis?

Did you listen to the audiobook? If so, did you enjoy Viola Davis' narration?

Judge Stone already has a cinematic feel. If it gets adapted as a movie or TV series, who would you cast in the starring roles (we think there's an obvious choice for Judge Stone herself!)?