The Accused

Secrets to Keep #2

by Cara C. Putman

When a popular college student is murdered, her international roommate, Anneliese, becomes a prime suspect. But law professor Margeaux Robbins doesn't believe that the quiet, lonely German girl in her class is the killer.

Chase Crandall is a burned-out defense attorney ready to extricate himself from the grind of criminal law. After he loses a client to tragedy, he's ready for an in-house corporate position.

When Chase is assigned to Anneliese's case, Margeaux is horrified. She doesn’t want him to provide legal counsel—not after what happened to his past client. And not with the evidence incriminating Anneliese.

Despite their mutual misgivings, the lawyer and professor pair up to find the killer and prove Anneliese's innocence. Will they be able to untangle the mystery—and navigate their growing interest in one another—before the wrong person is charged with murder?

Genres: Suspense, Legal Thriller, Christian, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Thriller, Mystery

360 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2025

About the author

Cara C. Putman lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. She is a clinical assistant professor in law and ethics at Purdue University's School of Business. She has loved reading and writing from a young age and now realizes it was all training for writing books. She loves bringing history and legal romantic suspense to life.

An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska, George Mason University School of Law, and Krannert School of Management, Cara left small town Nebraska and headed to Washington, D.C., to launch her career in public policy.

Cara is an author chasing hard after God as she lives a crazy life. She invites you to join her on that journey. She's currently writing her 41st book with more on the way. Please check out her website to learn more about her books and read first chapters.

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful legal thriller by Cara Putman!

Margeaux Robbins enjoys her career as a law professor. She makes extra efforts with a foreign student that seemed to have difficulty acclimating to her new environment. Then Anneliese is accused of murder and Margeaux is the only advocate around.

Defense Attorney Chase Crandall is considering a career change when he gets assigned to represent Anneliese.

The suspense of trying to figure out what really happened to Anneliese's roommate was thick. I loved that Margeaux and Chase both had opportunities to contemplate their career choices in the pages. Haven't we all wondered what if I did something different?

Enjoyable legal thriller from beginning to end.

My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're in the mood for a legal drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat, trying to piece together the crime, this one delivers. Cara has crafted an amazing story with this one. A roommate is murdered, a young student is accused, a professor's career hangs in the balance, and a lawyer is reluctantly drawn into a case he was trying to avoid. From the start, you get a glimpse into the lives and personalities of Chase and Margeaux. The complexity of the case, along with the other intriguing cases we catch glimpses of, adds so much depth. Cara also takes us beyond the courtroom, bringing us into the classroom, which adds even more layers to the story. The case itself is full of twists and secrets that will keep you hooked. The series title really fits with this story, and I was definitely surprised by what unfolded, especially the ending. If you’re a fan of legal suspense with a hint of romance, this one is perfect for you.

I received a complimentary copy, and this review reflects my honest opinion.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a legal suspense/thriller with lots of unexpected twists and a whole cast of possible suspects to keep you reading. Annaliese is a college student in the U.S. who is from Germany and who is the central focus and the title character. She is almost a loner, not making friends easily and that makes her an easy target for the justice system when they begin to look for the person who killed her roommate. Lost in the maze of legalities, Annaliese depends on her professor Margeaux Robbin to help her. Margeaux unexpectedly becomes part of her legal defense team and insists persistently to Chase Crandall, her defense attorney, that Annaliese could not possibly have killed anyone. I loved the surprises within the story that were breathtakingly complex and completely engrossing. The story of Chase’s dogged determination to represent Annaliese well was gripping and fascinating as the author realistically portrayed he investigation leading up to the trial as well as the courtroom scenes themselves. All of the action rolled like a movie in my head and included some nail-biting suspense as well as a budding romance. I liked getting to know the characters and found them to be likable and relatable. Annaliese was a sympathetic character, far from home and totally dependent on others to get her out of her predicament but not able to offer much of an alibi that would help her legal team. My favorite character was Margeaux, the professor who related well with her students and thus was able to befriend Annaliese and to help in her defense. This story is expertly crafted and led me on a merry chase to find clues and figure out what was happening within the ranks of the police department as well as the office of the commonwealth attorney. The plot was fast-paced with authentic details about the legal process that were fascinating and that kept me immersed in the unfolding drama. The intricate plot threads were well woven together at the end, making this a totally satisfying and richly entertaining story.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own honest thoughts about this book.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Accused is a compelling beginning to the Secrets to Keep series with overworked defense attorney Chase Crandall and law professor Margeaux Robbins teaming up to prove that German international college student Anneliese Richter is innocent of killing her roommate. This captivating story sparked my interest early on and kept me reading well into the night! The expertly plotted storyline flows at a fitting pace with surprising twists and revelations that kept me guessing at the outcome. I love courtroom drama and Cara Putman sure knows how to make it exciting and suspenseful! Complex characters propel the story forward to a well-rounded conclusion ensnaring my emotions along the way. I enjoyed the way Margeaux and Chase's personal relationship, as well as their professional one, evolves. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good court drama and this one fulfilled all the parts needed. Compelling, entertaining and full of twist.

[Deena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to be completely honest with you.

This book made my stomach hurt. And my chest tight. And I held my breath a lot. And I was so angry through most of the book.

And I loved every minute.

Cara Putman has crafted a ripped from the headlines nail biter that will have readers racing to the end to find relief! But get ready for an explosive wrap up you will never see coming.

The justice system in our country is the best in the world but it has some serious flaws and blind spots. Putman captures those flaws and blind spots perfectly in her new novel.

So prepare for an emotional roller coaster unlike any I’ve read this year. Gripping fiction because you’ll be gripping the book hard!

I received an advance copy from the publisher. My review is not solicited and I’m under no obligation. Very highly recommended.

[Ethelann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Accused is a legal thriller, which was actually quite good. Since legal thrillers aren't exactly my favorite genre.

When a college student is murdered, her roommate, Anneliese, becomes a prime suspect. But law professor Margeaux Robbins doesn't believe that she is a killer.

Enter Chase Crandall, a defense attorney who's ready to be done with criminal law. Especially after the loss of his last client to tragedy, he's ready for a corporate law position.

When Chase is assigned to Anneliese's case, Margeaux isn't at all happy. She doesn’t want him to provide legal counsel for her, not after what happened to his past client. And since the evidence that is incriminating, Anneliese seems to be piling up. Margeux wants someone she has faith in.

In spite of it all, they work together to find the killer and prove Anneliese's innocence. But will they be able to solve the mystery before the wrong person is charged with murder? And what about their growing feelings they have for one another? Will they even be able to give a relationship a chance?

I received this book from the publisher through the NetGalley review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own."

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a legal mystery. That will definitely keep you reading.
Chase Crandall a defense attorney, kind of happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. When the judge assigns him a case that he would rather not have. Then he kind of gets the help of an overzealous law professor. Margeaux Robbins has a personal interest in this case. Her student Annalise Richer is accused of killing her roommate. Margeaux does not believe that Annalise could have murdered anyone. And she’s gonna make sure that Chase does all he can to get her off on this charge. I loved how they ended up working together. There was a lot of other twists and turns that definitely held my interest.
A real page turner that you won’t want to put down until the very end.
I received this ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in return for my honest review.

[Renee Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book.
Great Story and wonderful characters.
Full of mystery and plot twists.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Definitely recommend to others.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a page turning legal thriller! This book hooks you from the start and you can't help but keep turning the pages to see how it's all going to end. If you are a fan of legal dramas you won't want to miss this one.
Annelise is an international exchange student whose roommate is found murdered in their apartment. She swears she didn't do it, and her professor Margeaux gets caught up in it all while trying to help Annelise out. Chase Crandall gets assigned as Annelise's defense attorney, even though he isn't necessarily sure he even still wants to be a defense attorney.
Right from the start of this book I thought I knew how it was going to go. The author did a great job of keeping me guessing by throwing in some surprise twists, especially towards the end of the book. I also really enjoyed getting a behind the scenes look at the life of a defense attorney and all the work and stress that goes into that profession.
This was the first legal thriller I've read by this author, but it certainly won't be the last. Cara Putman did a great job writing layered characters that you come to care about, and keeping the suspense even throughout the book so that you wanted to keep reading to see how it would all turn out.
If you enjoy legal thrillers with a ripped from the headlines feel, I think you'll enjoy this book.
*I read an early ARC from the publisher. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Becky Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sometimes you have to do what’s right even when it could cost you everything.”

Stunned! That was my reaction on finishing The Accused, a legal thriller by Cara Putman. A spin on the Amanda Knox case of a few years ago, my heart was in my throat nearly all the way through the book.

Putman starts out by introducing us to the two main characters, Margeaux Robbins and Chase Crandall. Margeaux teaches law at a small college, cares deeply for her students, but has no courtroom experience. Chase, conversely, is a burnt-out court-appointed criminal defense lawyer who doesn’t appear to care much about his clients.

When German exchange student Annaliese is arrested for murder of her roommate, she contacts Margeaux, who cannot help…not only is she not qualified for the courtroom, as Chase so quickly points out, but Annaliese won’t confide in Margeaux or anyone.

Each doubting the other’s legal abilities, Chase and Margeaux team up to defend Annaliese in court. Strange, given their mistrust of each other. “I wonder which is more important to the attorney. Justice? Or the truth? Because sometimes they get in the way of each other when we’re trying to live by ‘innocent until proven guilty.’” However, both lawyers begin to see Annaliese as worth defending, although the doubts of her innocence start to creep in. The evidence is invariably confusing and Annaliese won’t talk.

I wasn’t sure I would survive the stress until it was all sorted out. Or if I would like the outcome. I was certainly left slack-jawed at Putman’s ability to create a legal thriller with so many twists and turns.

I like how faith was an integral part of the novel . Margeaux’s past has made her slow to believe God is always with her. Chase has turned away. With the stakes so high, will the two do things their own way or look to God for help?

I received a copy of the book from the author and publisher. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“God should never be her last resort, yet he often was.”

“Slowly she sensed his peace flowing into her, reminding her that even when she forgot to turn to him first, he was still working and waiting for her to remember. She was never built to be an island. And even if she was alone, she wasn’t ever alone.”

“Emotion is dangerous in my line of work…I have to keep a tight grip on logic to defend my clients.”

“A simple twist here and another twist there and suddenly constitutional protections disappeared, lost in meaningless legal wrangling.”

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to watch court room dramas and I was excited to read about one.

It was interesting to see behind the scenes of a criminal case and the amount of investigating that needs to take place.

I loved how Margeaux had such supportive friends in Janae and Chloe. They held her accountable and provided extra support.

Chase was an enjoyable character as he fought for the truth without giving in to emotions.

Thanks to the author for the arc. The opinions are my own.

[Daniellehullreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once we met the main characters and the mystery was laid out, this book was so fast-paced, I couldn't stop reading! I needed answers!

I loved getting to know these characters. They had weaknesses, yet they were trying to seek God and mature. Their compassion grew, and they wanted to put others first. I loved the quirky and wise secretary!

The crime and mystery were good, though a little angsty. The reader is stumped and confused along with the main characters. Then the big reveal happens, is dealt with, and the story is wrapped up well.

I really wanted to give 5 stars, but there were a few questions that weren't answered. Overall, this is an amazing legal suspense novel!

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. Opinions are my own.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Good, complex storyline. I was frustrated by the female protagonist some. Too hard then too emotional. Back and forth. Some questions weren't answered. The main question wasn't either. Will it be in the next book? I don't know. Thought the first half of book was a 5 star, the second half with the unanswered questions a 3 star. Therefore a 4 overall.

[Jesus Beach Girl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another super good Cara Putnam story. The Accused is book 2 in the Secrets to Keep series. Definitely edge of your seat mystery suspense you won’t want to put down.

I received an advanced reader’s copy from the author and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[Kristine Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cara Putman's The Accused reurns to the town of Kedgwick Virginia.In this new legal thriller Professor Margeaux Robbins and defense attorney Chase Crandall must find a way to work together to defend German student Annieliesse against charges that she murdered her roomate. This book was full of suspense. I found that the main story was good and the book was made even better by the sub plots. Ms. Putman's writing skills grow witheach new book she writes. I highly recommend the Accused to all who enjot leagal thrillers and romantic suspense.

I was given a copy of the Accused. All thoughts are my own.

[Pianosue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book has a lot of twists and turns. Some suspense and a slight bit of romance near the end. Lots of drama. Check it out!

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escaping into the legal arena of university law professor, Margeaux, and her former nemesis practicing criminal defense attorney, Chase, via the fiction writing skills of a real life attorney and professor, Cara Putman, proved to be entertaining, enjoyable, and eye opening as to the possibilities a similar case might flesh out in the legal arena.

As they nit pick through police reports, witness statements, and individuals’ lives they find a convoluted trail of evidence that just doesn’t support the accused being the prime suspect.

As the trial proceeds, matters come to a head revealing more than the police bargained for. An exciting and terrifying ending that still leaves a thin thread of wonder.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cara Putman’s latest release The Accused, is the second installment of Ms. Putman’s Secrets to Keep series, and it’s a stellar read! The Accused takes the Reader on a wild ride into the United States Justice System when foreign exchange student Anneliese is accused of killing her roommate. Being from Germany, the United States is not what Anneliese expected. Anneliese has had trouble making friends, coming off shy and aloof because Annelise grapples with the English language. With only Professor Margeaux Robbins and Court Appointed Attorney Chase Cranford in Annelise’s corner, all three have a rough road ahead of them to prove Annelise’s innocence. This is easier said than done when Margeaux and Chase don’t even see eye-to-eye, especially when a previous student of Margeaux’s dies in jail while being represented by Chase—plus both believe Annelise is hiding something. As Chase and Margeaux uncover the clues layer by layer, the truth of the crime leads to other unsavory crimes being uncovered, shocking everyone involved.

I have been a fan of Cara Putman’s books and was excited when I got the opportunity to read The Accused! I love how Cara Putman puts layer upon layer into the plot of The Accused, leading up to a shocking conclusion! I love meeting the Characters and how Ms. Putman wrote their personalities! I really liked how Margeaux, Chase, and Annelise were written. The way Margeaux and Chase care for people in their respective fields and how hard they worked on the behalf of others truly came across to the Reader. Even though Annelise was a major character and not on the page as much as Chase and Margeaux, I loved the way she was portrayed in the book. My heart went out to Anneliese. Ms. Putman wrote Annelise in such a way that I could truly see Annelise’s point of view and how she saw things. I have not read the previous books in the Secrets to Keep series, but The Accused read as a standalone book to me and I am looking forward to getting caught up on the series. As I was reading The Accused, I wondered a lot what was going on with the Characters and where the storyline was headed. I found that annoying at times, but at the same time I was truly excited because that meant I could not figure who did it at all…and when the true Culprit was revealed I was absolutely gob smacked! (This means you definitely need to read The Accused!) I also loved the way that Ms. Putman illustrated the plot with such a sense of not knowing what lied ahead, because it pushed Margeaux and Chase to fully Trust and Depend on God with the unknown. If you a looking for a read that is a full blown suspenseful read that shows you a lesson in waiting for God’s Timing while you are walking through tough stuff, I highly recommend The Accused by Cara Putman! I can’t wait to see what Ms. Putman does next with the Secrets to Keep series (and to get caught up)!

Have you read The Accused? What did you think of the book?

I would like to thank Karen from Book Lovers & Launchers (as well as the Publisher and NetGalley) for giving me a copy of The Accused to review and for letting me be on Cara Putman’s Launch Team. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My review is also on Amazon, Goodreads, and my blog Leslie's Library Escape.

[Leann Arave · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intriguing, courtroom drama. Margeaux Robbins knows the legal system, that comes from being a lawyer and now university professor. She loves her students, and she loves teaching. When one of her students calls her for help, after she was found in the middle of a murder scene, Margeaux couldn’t stand by when she knew this student was innocent.
Chase Crandall is an attorney and is questioning if he wants to change direction toward business law. But when the judge assigned him as the public defender for a young foreign exchange student accused of murder, he did what he does best.
This story really does pull you in from the beginning and holds strong until the final verdict. You become involved with the characters and their fight for justice. There are many twist and turns that keep you guessing on who could commit such a heinous crime. Greed, envy, jealousy, pride, power, they all lead to disappointment. Laws justice, faith, kindness, honesty, all lead to truth and goodness.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Accused by Cara Putnam is a delightful lawyer procedural murder mystery. The story involves a foreign exchange student from Germany. While studying in America, her roommate is murdered, and she is put on trial for murder. The story features a lawyer professor who spends all day teaching the lawyer concepts to future lawyers and an attorney who is working as an attorney but struggling in his personal day-to-day profession of paying his bills. They come together to try to figure out what happen. Putnam does a good job at throwing readers into the behind the scenes of what it takes to research and dive into the evidence of a murder trial. Personally, I would have like to have seen even more details in this aspect. I believe she did not want to throw a full-blown manuscript of the case as a case notes for the reader, but I wanted more gritty process to capture my attention. There was a glaring obvious element that I notice that Putnam did not research or bring into the light. I kept waiting for it to grace the page of the story, but it never came up. Too much watching the Crime television shows. As for the plot, it was interesting to see how these two characters dove into the research and getting a little bit of the court proceedings. I liked that aspect of the novel. Of course, the verdict is what kept me glued to the page. Not really much romance, which I highly was grateful for. Overall, The Accused by Cara Putnam was a good brief look into the world of a lawyer and the court proceedings on a murder case that will keep readers invested into the life of the poor foreign exchange student.

I received a complimentary copy of The Accused by Cara Putnam through Kregal Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

[DeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margeaux is living a great life as a law professor in a small community surrounded by family and friends she grew up with. Her world is upended when a student calls her in the middle of the night and tells her she found her roommate murdered and needs help. The police immediately lock in on her student and Margeaux doesn't trust the attorney the commonwealth has assigned to defend her. She signs on to help her student but ends up getting pulled under.

I loved Margeaux, she was passionate, determined, and loyal. The defense attorney, Chase, was stubborn, but deep down was exactly who Margeaux and her student needed. The surprises in this book made is seriously hard to put it down. I loved the ending I never saw coming!

This is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book for me. It is the second in the Secrets to Keep series, but you don't need to read the books in order to enjoy them.

[Joseph and Sandra Oconnor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good story from Cara Putman! I gave this book 4 stars because although it was a good story I like a,bit more action, even the romance was a bit light. Also I enjoy the ending to be clearly defined and it laid out step by step who did what, when and how. Although there's nothing wrong with a little mystery, maybe the next book in the series will explain a bit more. But like I said the story itself had a very intriguing plot and complex characters, it definitely held my interest. The courtroom drama was off the charts and the chemistry between Margeaux and Chase was palpable! The story revolves around the murder of a popular college student Lauren. Accused of the murder is international college student Anneleise who claims she's innocent!. Her professor Margeaux Robbins definitely believes her and she's determined to help prove it at all costs!! With sharp dialogue and lots of twists and turns through the courtroom this story had me holding my breath to the very end! I definitely recommend this series! I want thank Netgalley and Independent Publishers Group/ Kregel Publications.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable legal thriller that kept me guessing. Law professor Margeaux Robbins, and defense attorney Chase Crandall don’t really like each other but are forced to work together when Chase is assigned to defend Anneliese, an international student accused of killing her roommate. The roommate, Lauren, was a student athlete and well-known on the college campus. The mystery kept me guessing and wondering what clues I was missing and why Anneliese was the only focus of the investigation. The story is told from both Margeaux and Chase’s points of view and I liked seeing the personal and professional struggle each faced along with their evolving relationship, it made the story and the characters real. The outcome was satisfying and I would enjoy reading more books with these characters. I recommend this to readers that enjoy a legal thriller.

Thanks to Austenprose and the author for a gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sarita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This legal thriller had an interesting murder to solve, suspects who could be guilty, a defendant who might or might not be innocent and intriguing evidence to follow. I doubted the suspect till the end and it didn’t really end as expected. It felt like there was some open ended questions for me with regards to some revelations but the overall mystery was solved and concluded.

I enjoyed the dynamics between Chase and Margeaux and the history between them involving a previous student who Chase defended added to some boiling moments.

Due to the focus more on the legal aspects of a murder defense than art theft in the previous book, I enjoyed this one more than the previous book in the series.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy mysteries and prefer books that show God and prayer in the characters' lives. This book satisfied both those preferences. I was a little concerned the first half of the book, because I really didn't find any of the characters likeable. I have not read the first book in this series and felt like that may have left some gaps in my understanding of the background. I may not have finished the book if I hadn't offered to review it. After finishing the book I'm glad I stuck it out. The book was wrapped up nicely in the end.


My gratitude to the publisher/author for a complimentary e-copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Diana Parson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tightly written murder mystery with a hint of romance. Sometimes books in this category can move too slowly, or have too many characters. This one was paced and peopled perfectly. The dialog was realistic and the characters were distinct and well drawn. Tiny hints that made me think were scattered here and there about identity and motive. It was up to me to keep connecting those dots. The ending... with the freight elevator scene ... took my breath away and I swear my pulse was pounding all over my body! Not giving away the ending... just letting you know that you need to fasten your seatbelt. This was one of those books that I could NOT put down... and I read it cover to cover in about 10 hours.

[Jennifer Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cara Putman’s new book, The Accused, is a legal drama roller coaster ride with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the final chapter! You are able to quickly identify with the main characters and it pulls you into the plot. If you love a murder mystery and legal drama, this book is for you! I definitely recommend it.

[Holly Anschutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! This book is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. Once you get started, the book reads quickly and you won't want to put it down. I do hope there is a sequel or follow up with the Margaux and Chase storyline!

[Leona Ennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A college German exchange student in the United States is accused of murdering one of her three roommates. Chase Crandall is given no choice when a Judge sees him in the courtroom and quickly assigns him the case as a public defender. The reader can see a lot of the background work for a criminal attorney in a murder case by reading this story. The police immediately focus on the one potential person as the suspect, seemingly not taking the time to consider others. The book is well written and easy to read. There are a lot of twists and turns that defense is thrown into and a rather interesting trial with its own surprises. If you like a good look at the defense in a “who done it” story with the trial and its conclusions, this book is for you. I found it well worth the read and highly recommend it!
I read an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.