When a chemical explosion rips through quiet fields in the north of England, it destroys much more than the innocent life of the man who farmed them.  In her grief his widow, Angie, turns on the company responsible.  Enter hotshot barrister Trish Maguire who finds herself in turmoil when she is called on to defend not the ruined and heartbroken Angie, but the multinational company instead.

As the case develops, Trish comes to believe the explosion can’t possibly have been pure accident.  Which leads her to ask who stood to gain most from such a dangerous act of sabotage…

At the same time, Trish faces emotional explosions at home.  Her adopted son David has a new school friend in the damaged and volatile Jay.  When Jay’s mother is found brutally beaten, Trish knows she has to help.  But in doing so, she finds herself embroiled in two major battles – one for everything she has worked for and one for everything she believes is right…

“It’s a powerful thriller…but however rigorously she explores grim territory, the humanity of the sharply characterised Trish Maguire achors the narrative in place, offering hope that order can be wrought out of chaos” Barry Forshaw, Daily Express “A Poisoned Mind is a well-paced and a thought-provoking read, and a welcome edition to a series that grows more impressive which each book.” The Guardian “This series has been consistently entertaining, with meticulously researched plots and lively characters, including the engaging heroine. This story is one of the best.” The Telegraph “Cooper is penetrating and amusing on the hierarchies of the legal world. She produces credible, contemporary plots and she cleverly notes current trends…. Her more subtle achievement, however, is to show how personal relationships affect organisations….this complex, enjoyable novel……. The vulnerability of the two teenagers and the weaknesses of all the adults are nicely caught. Anger in all its forms is shown as corrosive in this acute and rewarding thriller.” TLS “This is an assured performance that shows Cooper at her best” Andrew Taylor, The Spectator “Cooper, one of Britain’s best, has come up with that rarest of gems: a fresh take on the mystery genre… One of the best legal mysteries in a long while, this deserves a spot on your summer whodunit list.” Rocky Mountain News “As current as today’s environmental causes and as eternal as a woman’s tightrope walk between self and others, this legal puzzler testifies to Cooper’s insight and narrative powers.” Publishers Weekly “Simply gorgeous – a smart, complex, grown-up entertainment that rewards the reader on every page. Intricate in plotting, deft in characterisation, [A Poisoned Mind] is one of the best legal thrillers I have ever read.” Laura Lippmann “[Natasha Cooper] is one to watch.” Ian Rankin