Prior Bad Acts: a novel by Tami Hoag

Judge makes big mistake**** January 1,2007

Prisoner Karl Dahl, accused of horrific murders, also has a record of prior bad acts. Judge Carey Moore decides that the many "prior bad acts" of accused serial killer Dahl can't be used in his trial. Dahl subsequently escapes from jail and Moore is attacked. Homicide cops Sam Kovac and Nikki Liska are assigned to protect the judge, whom the police hate for her liberal views. Moore's marriage is falling apart and her husband is up to no good. More murders confuse the police hunt. The characters are well-developed and the plot unfolds at a fast pace. Recommended.