Recorded April 12, 2023
The line between justice and revenge blurs when a judge takes the law into her own hands.
From the bench at Manhattan Supreme, the Honorable Alice D. McKerrity has seen the most hardened killers pass through her courtroom. But there’s something about this trial—a defendant charged with the murder of a pregnant woman–that affects her as no other case has. Her stressful home life only adds to her mounting feelings of panic and fear. She’s also harboring a secret that if exposed could have far-reaching ramifications for her both personally and professionally.
And now, unbeknownst to Alice, her daughter has begun a search for her biological father.
As the trial progresses, Alice’s life starts to unravel. Almost at the breaking point, she begins to doubt her own sanity. Then she makes a shocking discovery that sends her on a collision course with her past and a terror-filled night in the woods.
Narrated from the perspectives of three women—Alice, her daughter, and Alice’s girlhood friend–First Victim is a spellbinding tale of guilt, justice, and long-awaited retribution.
Join author Debbie Babitt as she discusses her latest thriller, First Victim, the mysteries of the writing process, and where she gets her inspirations for her books.
Biography: Debbie Babitt was Copy Director for two major Manhattan publishing companies. She has worked as an actress, playwright, and drama critic. Her first novel, Saving Grace, was named One of the Most Anticipated Thrillers of 2021 by She Reads and voted one of the Best Debuts of 2021 by Suspense Magazine. Her feature articles have appeared in CrimeReads, Suspense Magazine, and Mystery & Suspense Magazine. Debbie is the daughter of a former federal judge and is married to a criminal defense attorney. She and her husband divide their time between New York and Florida.
Florida Voices is generously supported by the Fred J. Brotherton Endowment for Literature, established at The Four Arts by the Fred J. Brotherton Charitable Foundation. Fred Brotherton, who died in 2003, was for many years a Benefactor of The Four Arts and a strong supporter of its programs. Florida Voices, featuring the state that was Mr. Brotherton’s winter home, serves as a continuing memorial to this much-respected member of The Four Arts.