San Francisco, 1964. Justice is for sale—and the Mafia is bidding high. For more than twenty years, widow Grace Tilley has worked as the trusted head teller at Bay Savings Bank in San Francisco’s charming Cow Hollow neighborhood. Quietly brilliant and known among her neighbors for her knack for solving puzzles and uncovering hidden truths, Grace has a reputation for noticing what others overlook. That talent is put to the ultimate test when her close friend and neighbor, Teresa Bradford, is selected as a juror in the sensational murder trial of San Francisco Mayor Harlan Scott. The popular politician stands accused of brutally stabbing his secret mistress in their lavish Mark Hopkins Hotel penthouse—an ornate Italian stiletto buried deep in her back. Mayor Scott claims innocence, but his powerful Mafia connections are determined to secure a not guilty verdict—by any means necessary. When the mob kidnaps Teresa’s six-year-old daughter, Betsy, they force an unthinkable choice: obey their orders or lose her child. As the Mafia tightens its grip on Cow Hollow through drug trafficking and extortion, Grace finds herself drawn into a dangerous underworld far beyond bank counters and neighborhood gossip. With time running out, Grace—and her clever cat, Gypsy—must outwit ruthless gangsters, rescue a kidnapped child, and restore peace to the community she loves. The Juror’s Secret is a captivating historical mystery thriller filled with suspense, heart, and unexpected twists. Written by Jimmy Ray Conner, this fast-paced page-turner delivers a thrilling climax that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Why Readers Will Love This Book A vivid 1960s San Francisco setting - A clever, relatable amateur sleuth - Courtroom drama with high personal stakes - Mafia intrigue and neighborhood-level crime - A suspenseful mystery with a satisfying payoff About the Author Jimmy Ray Conner writes historical mystery thrillers that blend strong characters, immersive settings, and tightly woven suspense. The Juror’s Secret introduces readers to Grace Tilley—an unforgettable sleuth whose courage and intelligence shine in the face of danger. FIVE STARS from Readers' Favorite In The Juror's Secret by Jimmy Ray Conner, the shining star in the story is widow Grace Tilley, who works at the Bay Savings Bank in Cow Hollow. While this upmarket San Francisco suburb is a lively, thriving area, it faces challenges. Mayor Harlan Scott is on trial for stabbing his mistress, and the Sicilian mafia has moved into town, dealing drugs and running a protection racket on the local businesses. As if this were not serious enough, there is a milk thief on the loose. With ties to the Italian gangs, the mob is determined that the mayor will go free. To accomplish this, one of the jurors, Teresa Bradford, is instructed to find the accused not guilty, and to ensure that she does, her daughter is kidnapped. Grace is an active part of the community, with sharp deductive skills, and invites SFPD Detective Holly Webb to help. It will take the combined efforts of Grace, Holly, and Gypsy the cat to solve the crimes, but will they find the culprits?

 The year 1964 in Cow Hollow is the setting for The Juror's Secret by Jimmy Ray Conner, which stars both Grace Tilley and her niece, Holly Webb. There are several parallel problems to solve and lots of interesting characters to meet. The pace is consistent and keeps the reader engaged. There are appealing descriptions of this San Francisco suburb and fascinating information about the area's history. The trial scenes are realistic yet written simply without legal jargon. An open-and-shut case against the mayor is not what it seems, and it keeps you guessing. I loved the clever twist at the end, which added to the intrigue. A comfortable read that should appeal to a large audience. Reviewed by Lucinda E Clarke