I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Proof: A Thriller by Jon Cowan Published by Simon & Schuster, Gallery on June 24, 2025
Genres: Fiction / Thrillers / Legal
Pages: 383
Format: ARC
Source: NetGalley
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Goodreads
“Cowan has combined the best parts of classic legal thrillers, with an unexpected new lead character that brings the genre into a new generation.” —JAMES PATTERSON
From a writer and executive producer of Suits comes a riveting and gritty legal thriller about murder, cover-ups, redemption, and Los Angeles—perfect for fans of #1 bestselling authors John Grisham and Scott Turow.
As a disgraced lawyer with a drinking problem that he doesn’t view as a problem, Jake West is coasting on what’s left of his charm and money. He used to be the kind of lawyer who could convince anyone of anything—until he decided to take on his father’s biggest client and prove his dad was corrupt. Now Jake finds himself almost at rock bottom, and that’s before his ex-best friend is murdered and Jake is accused of the crime.
In a desperate bid to save himself, Jake must sober up and search for the real killer, whom he suspects might be hidden in one of the case files of his father’s illustrious law firm. As he delves into a labyrinth of lies and corruption, Jake teams up with an eclectic group of equally broken people as they all must skirt the law in order to find the proof he needs…no matter the personal or professional cost.
Review
Jon Cowan knows how to write lawyers. After all, he gave us nine seasons of Suits. But his debut novel, Proof, isn’t just Law & Order on paper – it’s something far more interesting.
Meet Jake West, a drunk lawyer who’s hit rock bottom and keeps digging. When his best friend turns up dead, Jake becomes the prime suspect. Now he has to do the two things he’s been avoiding: get sober and dig through his father’s old cases to find a killer. It’s not exactly how he planned to turn his life around.
Cowan writes LA like someone who knows its dark corners, not just its Instagram spots. The city feels lived-in, gritty, and real, much like Jake himself. And unlike most legal thrillers, where the protagonist’s flaws feel like carefully crafted quirks, Jake’s mess of a life hits uncomfortably close to home.
The plot moves with the same addictive pace that made Suits binge-worthy, but don’t expect any TV shortcuts here. Cowan takes his time building Jake’s world, and while some readers might find the early chapters slow, the payoff is worth it. When the story kicks into high gear, it’s impossible to put down.
What sets Proof apart is how it handles redemption. Jake’s journey from bottom-shelf bourbon to courtroom brilliance isn’t some neat Hollywood arc. It’s messy, frustrating, and genuine – just like real recovery.
For fans of Grisham and Turow, Proof offers something fresh: a legal thriller that cares more about the person behind the law degree than the law itself. If this is what Cowan can do with his first novel, I can’t wait to see what comes next.
4.5/5 stars
