The Case of the Grudge Tiger
by Judith Fournie Helms
The Wild Rose Press


"Kenny screams bloody murder just before Ms. Benni lets out a thunderous roar and flies from the shade of the tree all the way to the spot where Dean scrambles to the door he just came through."

When a 300-pound Bengal tiger named Ms. Benni mauls a man named Dean, life for one family that lives in a zoo changes drastically. The accident unleashes a series of unforeseen consequences for the family when Dean sues them. Carolyn, the family's head and the zoo's owner, realizes that everything she and her family own is tied up in the zoo, which means the lawsuit could very well cost them dearly. On top of the serious financial repercussions, Carolyn faces the possibility of losing Ms. Benni. As Carolyn and her family select a lawyer and brace for the worst, she discovers a bewildering, albeit unique, approach that may well help them win against Dean. However, finding the right person and expert to defend The Warren Family Zoo and Ms. Benni is key to saving what the Warren family loves most.

This is an engaging, action-packed legal drama that prompts readers to think critically about the American legal system. At the same time, it presents thought-provoking ideas about individual actions and responsibility, as well as the legal system's responses to incidents in which an individual knew better. At another level, the book examines the sacrifices a family is willing to make in order to protect not only each other but also what they love. Ms. Benni, too, is a fascinating, empathy-provoking character who makes the book's audience think about how humans and animals interact. She is definitely a new kind of heroine. Those who love legal thrillers will truly appreciate this book.

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