Review - Guilty Until Innocent

Title:  Guilty Until Innocent

Author:  Robert Whitlow

Publisher:  Thomas Nelson

Genre:   Legal Thriller

Format:  Kindle ARC and Audiobook ALC

Length:  12 hrs 20 min

No. of Pages:   464

Date of Publication:   February 4, 2025

My Rating:   4 Stars

DESCRIPTION:

When an old case is reopened, two lawyers work to prove a man's innocence despite the odds stacked against them.

After being fired from his last two jobs, Ryan Clark lands an associate position with a law firm run by his distant cousin, Tom, in a small North Carolina town. Over twenty-five years earlier, Tom represented local man Joe Moore when he was convicted of murder in the deaths of a prominent young couple. Even though the evidence was circumstantial, Joe was high on drugs and doesn't remember the details of the crime. He never seriously questioned his own guilt, even when he was originally accused. Not only has he adapted to life in prison but he's become a different person there and has a significant ministry to fellow inmates.

But Joe's family remains unconvinced of his guilt, and they hire Ryan and Tom to file a motion to obtain Joe's release. The resulting investigation uncovers layers of dark secrets in the local community. It will result either in Joe's vindication--or expand the number of people who should join him behind bars.

Link to purchase the book

MY THOUGHTS:

Joe Moore, found guilty of double murder and having served twenty-five years in prison, has taken his sentence well and dedicated his time to the good. Despite not remembering the events leading up to the murders, he has become very involved in a prison ministry, having overcome his past as a drug addict.

Ryan Clark, an attorney facing challenges, discovers potential evidence that could prove Joe’s innocence. Now working with his distant cousin Tom, another attorney, they tirelessly work to plead Joe’s case.

Joe’s family remains steadfast in their belief in his innocence and unwavering faith. While meth may have erased his memory of that fateful night, Joe’s actions and behavior demonstrate more than mere rehabilitation. He embodies goodness, and time has proven it.

This legal thriller delves into faith and showcases Joe’s commendable attitude, especially when his positive behavior opened doors for him.

The story unfolds with an intriguing plot, and it also features Ryan’s relationship with his wife Paige, and their challenges. Despite this story having a bit of a slow start, it delivered a satisfying conclusion. While the desire for Joe’s exoneration was straightforward, achieving it proved challenging. All said, this was a solid read by Robert Whitlow.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. A Furman University graduate, Whitlow received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. A practicing attorney, Whitlow and his wife, Kathy, have four children. They make their home in North Carolina.

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