“Mary V. Slinkard’s legal expertise shines in this twist-filled debut you won’t be able to put down. Her Final Gamble is the perfect mix of suspense, buried secrets, and emotional depth—with a heroine who must learn to trust herself in a world full of secrets. I was hooked until the final page.” —Emily Giffin, bestselling author of Meant to Be and The Summer Pact

“Her Final Gamble is a tightly woven thriller, full of rich characters, emotional depth, and smart twists that keep you hooked from start to finish.” —Josh Berman, Executive Producer of CSI, Bones, Drop Dead Diva, and The Blacklist

“A lawyer with nothing left to lose uncovers a nest of family secrets in this layered murder mystery that keeps the twists and turns coming right to the very end.” —Kelly Simmons, author of Not My Boy

“I was so excited to dive into Her Final Gamble and was thoroughly impressed by both the story and the characters. Each was well-developed and very interesting. I found myself on the edge of my seat the entire time, constantly second-guessing myself about ‘whodunit.’ The multiple storylines were seamlessly woven together, making me feel like I was living the story rather than just reading it. It’s exceptionally well-written, with characters so relatable you feel as though you know them personally. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!” —Luisa Livorno Ramondo, Author of Beyond the Cobblestones

Mary V. Slinkard's Her Final Gamble is a novel that is distinguished by a remarkable depth, tension, and heart, and that captivates the raw stakes of choice, courage, and consequence. The book establishes Slinkard as a storyteller with a rare command of craft and vision, while also asserting itself as a riveting narrative and a meditation on human resilience from its opening pages.
In a manner that is both precise and lucid, Slinkard's prose maintains a pacing that is both engaging and rich in description. Her writing is immersive without being indulgent, enabling characters and scenes to emerge vividly in the reader's imagination. The dialogue is resonant with authenticity, conveying both emotional weight and narrative momentum, while the meticulously crafted progression of events leads to a resolution that is both inescapable and profoundly impactful.
Her Final Gamble fundamentally investigates themes of risk, survival, and the ultimate cost of decisions. Slinkard does not merely present these concepts as abstractions; she firmly establishes them in the lived experiences of her characters, rendering each decision feel urgent and consequential. The narrative encourages introspection regarding the silent battles that individuals wage, the sacrifices they make, and the fine line between self-determination and destiny. These themes have a broad appeal, as they address universal truths about the human condition while remaining firmly rooted in the distinctive narrative arc.
The reader experiences an emotional and reflective response. Slinkard's writing captivates the reader with a combination of suspense and empathy, transporting them to a world where each page turn reveals a new layer of perseverance, hope, and struggle. The book is noteworthy for its willingness to confront the high stakes of personal decisions, which serves as a reminder of the human spirit's resilience and vulnerability.
Mary V. Slinkard's [Her] Final Gamble is a testament to her ability to combine compelling storytelling with meaningful exploration. It is profound in its insights, professional in craft, and eloquent in delivery. It is a novel that captivates, challenges, and endures beyond the conclusion.
—The Book Revue,5 Stars

★ Highly recommended by Josh Berman, a renowned screenwriter and producer, and the executive producer of global hit TV series such as "CSI", "Bones", and "The Blacklist". This book has been purchased by a major Hollywood production company for film and TV adaptation rights, with Josh Berman serving as the executive producer.
★ Praised for its authenticity, professionalism, emotional depth, and the ingenious integration of humanistic care, this book has received wide acclaim. Renowned litigation lawyer and fresh, fearless writer, Slinkard presents a refreshing world of suspense. Transitioning from rigorous legal writing to expressive narrative, her unique writing style resonates with both thriller enthusiasts and those who seek character-driven stories.
★ Featured in a special report by "BC Law School Magazine" and receiving five-star reviews from "The Book Revue" and others.
★ This is a gripping legal thriller, a masterpiece about betrayal, conspiracy, and death, ingeniously weaving courtroom debates with profound personal themes such as grief, resilience, and confidence. Spanning three decades, it uncovers the hidden secrets of an upper-class Philadelphia family, keeping readers guessing until the very last page and leaving them with a lasting impression even in the final chapter. But the story doesn't end there. Readers won't have to wait long for the charismatic protagonist, Jacqueline Stone, to return (expected in the fall and winter of 2026) for an even more thrilling adventure.

With her reputation on the line, one woman must make the ultimate gamble to save her career, her client, and a young boy's life.
Jacqueline Stone is an accomplished criminal defense attorney whose tenacity to uncover the truth has earned her the reputation as the one lawyer who can win unwinnable cases. But when a mysterious car accident kills both her son and husband, leaving her the sole survivor, she is exiled from her prestigious firm. Battling personal demons, Jacqueline finds herself at a crossroads, ready to give up law altogether, until accused murderer Ryan Mitchell seeks her counsel and she sees an opportunity for redemption.
But with evidence mounting against her client, a child witness too traumatized to provide information, and a mysterious photograph leading to more questions than answers, this case will be no easy feat. Jacqueline must navigate treacherous waters to not only save her career but also protect Ryan’s young son from a relentless killer. In a high-stakes gamble, she must rely on the wisdom of a deceased woman, as she races against time to solve the murder and unravel a web of deceit that threatens to consume them all.

Mary V. Slinkard
Mary V. Slinkard (Esq.) is a writer and former litigation lawyer, a member of the Mystery Writers of America, and a graduate of Boston College Law School. After nearly two decades in litigation, she turned to novel writing.
Although law was her initial passion, Mary V. Slinkard's heart has always belonged to the world of suspense. After a successful career in commercial litigation for two decades, Mary's love for novels remained undiminished, which led her to combine her legal expertise with literary skills to become a suspense novelist. Mary's works offer readers a fresh take on classic suspense themes, captivating and engaging.
Apart from writing, Mary also cherishes her role as a good mother. She lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with her four children. Mary has always loved storytelling, which has been her lifelong dream. As a mother of four, she has encouraged her children to pursue their passions and embrace their dreams for many years. When her children turned to her and said, "Mom, it's your turn!" she knew it was time to pick up the pen again. Mary Vassallo Slinkard's journey from the courtroom to the literary world is as captivating as the suspense novels she writes. As a commercial litigation lawyer with over two decades of successful experience, Mary has honed her analytical skills and deep understanding of human nature - all perfect elements for creating thrilling suspense novels. She says, "For a novelist, I think law is one of the best educations because it teaches you how to persuade others, how to write, and how to look at problems from different angles."
Public Service Contributions: Mary V. Slinkard firmly believes in the power of stories to inspire and bring about change, and to give back to society. Her first suspense thriller combines her passion for writing with her dedication to important causes. She incorporated the experience of the female protagonist, a graduate of Boston College Law School, struggling with epilepsy, into her own personal story of being diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 32. As a long-time advocate for raising public awareness of epilepsy, she has committed to donating a portion of the proceeds from her novel to the Epilepsy Foundation.