Kate Woodcroft is a hardened prosecutor with a willingness to take on difficult cases. And by "difficult" cases, she means she is willing to take on sexual predators. She doesn't shy away, instead choosing to be a bulldog for justice against men who use women. So when the case against James Whitehouse comes across her desk, she has to take it on. 

Whitehouse is a politician, a member of the House of Commons and longtime friend of the Prime Minister himself. His background includes everything it's supposed to--school, sports, exclusive clubs with kids from equally prosperous families, and all the right degrees, including the one from Oxford. It was at Oxford where he first met Sophie, a smart, young rower who captured him with her confidence and intelligence. 

But Oxford was a long time ago. James and Sophie have now been married for many years. They have two kids, and James's career is on an upward trajectory. Until his career trajectory collides with that of Kate's. That's when the real story begins. That's when the truth can come out. 

James Whitehouse had a secret affair with one of his staff, a woman who thought she was in love. And then she got dumped. And then she hooked up with Whitehouse one more time. Only she says that she didn't consent. 

Which means it's Kate's chance to take center stage and try her case against the minister. He says one thing. She says another. Who is telling the truth? Lives could be destroyed by this one case, and it's up to Sophie and Kate to decide what they want, to make the smart choices, to suss out the secrets, and to seize the power to live their lives despite the selfish choices of the men they know. 

Anatomy of a Scandal is a powerful story of two women who find themselves in challenging situations because of men's choices. It's incredibly timely and beautifully written, with all the twists and turns you expect. Author Sarah Vaughn has masterfully woven a story of two women with different backgrounds, different lives, but touched by the same scandal. Both Sophie and Kate have strong voices in this novel, with their stories coming together in surprising ways. Anatomy of a Scandal is not to be missed. And read it with a friend. You'll want to have someone you can talk to about this one! 

Galleys for Anatomy of a Scandal were provided by Atria Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.