Relative Justice - A Review

 

Relative Justice

by

Robert Whitlow

A Review

To those who are willing to look beneath the

surface in the search for truth.

Your perseverance will be rewarded.

It is the glory of God to conceal a matter,

to search out a matter is the glory of kings.

(Proverbs 25:2)

Robert Whitlow’s latest faith-based legal thriller is also a medical thriller. David Cobb and his father, Carter Cobb, have a small law practice in Raleigh NC. David’s sister-in-law, Katelyn Martin-Cobb, joined a large DC law firm after graduating from law school. She finds herself in the midst of a major career change at the same time as Carter’s health takes a turn for the worse. Arriving home to support her father-in-law, the Cobb family of lawyers find themselves handling a medical patent suit.

David and Katelyn are exploring the place faith will have in their lives - both personally and professionally. Emerson Chappelle, the antagonist in the story, will be facing similar decisions before the story ends.

This reader found the story intriguing - worthy of my time. The author weaves in themes of spiritual obedience, grace, forgiveness, and family; and he does it well. Robert Whitlow lives up to his reputation in this 5-star book.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Aftermath - A Review

 

Aftermath

by

Terri Blackstock

A Review

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust...”

{Psalm 91:1-2 ESV}

Taylor Reid and her friends had come for the concert, not the politician. When the concert was over, they still stayed to see what the politician might say. They never heard him. Before he could speak, the platform exploded and the venue erupted into chaos. Taylor managed to escape, but then she had to juggle the “Aftermath”.

Terri Blackstock, as expected, has written a compelling legal thriller that held this reader’s attention from Chapter 1 to the very end. Jamie Powell would need to use her skills as a lawyer to protect her client (and, at times, herself) from the police who were certain he was guilty and Taylor who believed what the police said and what she heard on the news.

Though the book was a normal 300+ page book, it is the first time I completed reading a book in a little over 24+ hour - I literally could not put it down. I easily give it 5-stars.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.  

Standoff - A Review

Standoff

by

Patricia Bradley

Patricia Bradley has wrapped together the best from several different genres. Standoff provides us a look at dirty Southern politics, a brief glimpse at a romantic suspense, and a walk through the workings of the U.S. National Park Investigative Services which Brooke Danvers has been training for and ready to be sworn in as a Law Enforcement Officer. Before that can occur two men are found dead - the son of the chief ranger and a Mississippi State Senator. Though barely ready to serve, Brooke is drawn into the midst of the investigations surrounding these deaths and puts her life on the line in finding the needed answers.

The first 30% (literally) of the book presented an overly complex mystery that was difficult to follow. After reading the first third of the story, the writing settled down and became the intense thriller the reader expected to find. The story is rooted along the Natchez Trace running between Natchez MS and Nashville TN. Originally used by the indigenous Indians, then by the traders moving slaves from the south to the north, it is now used by the illegal Mexican drug cartels moving their illegal goods further north. This provides the backdrop for Standoff.

Once started, the book was a good read that kept me up for several nights. Running over 400 pages, the reader will need to be patient as he or she tracks the settings and people found throughout the story. This reader was also glad to hear that there will be more in the series.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Flight Risk - A Review

Flight Risk

by

Cara C. Putman

A legal thriller on two fronts - the first was brought by a client of Savannah Daniels that was being sued by a competitor for stealing programming code for a new technology for gathering data from planes in flight. The other came about when a reporter, Jett Glover, wrote an exposé pointing out that Savannah Daniels ex-husband was actively involved in child trafficking out of Thailand.

But Savannah Daniels and Jett Glover find they have more in common than just the one case. By the final chapter, they would both be putting their lives on the line. The result is an exciting faith-based thriller that will hold the reader’s attention without fail.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Statue of Limitations - A Review

Statue of Limitations 

by

Kate Collins

Statue of Limitations appears to cross multiple genres:

• Cozy Mystery
• Legal Thriller
• Romantic Thriller
• Art Mystery

But into whatever genre the reader decides to place this book, it easily rates 5-stars.

Athena Spencer had returned home with her son after the breakup of her marriage - whether that was a good thing or not remains to be seen. She stays behind one night at her father’s garden shop to work on her secret blog where she discloses her family’s secrets to the world, but she is disturbed by a sound in the back of the shop. A quick search finds her face to face with Case Connelly who quickly claims to own the “The Treasure of Athena”, a statue standing in the middle of her father’s garden center. Athena and Case will spend the greater part of the book trying to verify the owner of the statue and saving the garden center and the other shops of Little Greece located in Sequoia MI.

Murder, theft, kidnapping, and lies, will define a variety of people (both good and bad) from the community of Little Greece; but they all contribute a great story that held this reader’s interest from beginning to end. I enjoyed the few hints on how to preserve a flower arrangement put into the appendix which made the book practical as well as entertaining. Anyone who has received a bundle of unarranged flowers as a gift will appreciate the suggestions included here.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Promised Land - A Review

Promised Land 

by

Robert Whitlow

Robert Whitlow has been one of my favorite writers for a number of years - Promised Land did not disappoint. Daud and Hana Hasan are both involved in international careers - Daud working as a security consultant for organizations seeking to expand their presence into the Middle East and Hana working as a lawyer for a law firm serving international clients. Both speak multiple languages and have a cross-cultural background that serves them well.

Daud also occasionally contracts with the CIA using his unique talents. His most recent contact with the CIA has put both his and Hana’s life in danger, both during a business trip to Israel and back home in Atlanta. Things become significantly complicated when Hana discovers that she is pregnant with her first child.

The characters are well-developed, having appeared in Whitlow’s earlier novel, Chosen People. Their spiritual lives will be challenged and grow during the year which is covered in this current book. The dangers represented by those seeking to kill Hana and Daud, the concern they have for their new family, and the irritation seen as the couple seek a new home for their growing family, all add to the realism found in Promised Land.

Fans of Whitlow, Grisham, or Turow will not be disappointed. Promised Land is a legal thriller worth the time spent reading - providing a good story and a bit of insight into the issues which are lived out daily by those living in the Middle East, whether in Israel or the surrounding Muslim communities. It easily earns a five-star review. I can only hope that there are more stories involving these characters in their new home.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Chosen People - A Review

Chosen People

by

Robert Whitlow

There are few authors that I look forward to reading whenever a new book comes to the market. Robert Whitlow is one of those authors for this reader. Chosen People does not disappoint.

Weaving the stories of believers and unbelievers from three different cultures, Robert Whitlow introduces the reader to the difficulties faced as cultures collide in Jerusalem. Beginning with a terrorist attack in Hurva Square in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, it becomes the job of two lawyers from different firms in Atlanta, GA, to tie the attack to specific actors that can be sued for the death of a mother in that attack. The evidence is weak and it would take a trip to the Holy Land to understand the crime and the people involved.

In the process, the reader is given a tour of Jerusalem and some of the surrounding area. We also are given a picture of life for the 21st century inhabitant of the middle east. The author takes us to the Western Wall, the Garden Tomb, as well as the site of the terrorist attack, Hurva Square. Though not the focus of the book, Whitlow manages to also weave in a bit of history and culture.

As expected, Whitlow delivers another legal thriller that holds the reader’s attention from beginning to end. Unlike his other books, the plot is now focused on international law — an added bonus. The book could easily find a place in a home, church, or public library. And it will make a good Winter read for most readers. It is easy to give this book a five-star review.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Delayed Justice - A Review

Delayed Justice

by

Cara Putman

A Review

We all carry pain. For some, it comes from the choices we make; for others, it is the result of war; and for some, it comes from abuse over which we had no control. We find all three in Cara Putman’s newest novel. 

Jaime Nichols abuse had occurred years ago, but she had told no one till now. Her Uncle Dane had first approached her when she was eight and had not stopped until she left for college. Chandler Bolton had been damaged by war – he was a survivor, but friends had died and been crippled. And he carried his baggage because of it. Late in October, their lives would collide. But the journey would not be easy.

Having spent the last 44+ years living in the shadow of abuse, it is easy to believe in the depth of pain exhibited by the characters penned by Cara Putnam in her newest novel. The story is well told and does not leave the reader with the false belief that coming to terms with psychological pain is easy. But the story does remind the reader that those of us who have lived with it have hope as we trust the process and learn to trust God to see us through it.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Lone Witness - A Review

Lone Witness

by

Rachel Dylan

A Review

Rachel Dylan has written a thoughtful legal thriller with a bit of romance thrown in to make life interesting for the protagonist and her father’s choice for a bodyguard.

Sophie Dawson is an Assistant District Attorney for the Fulton County (Atlanta, GA) District Attorney’s office. After receiving a promotion from the Criminal Division to the White Crimes Division, she finds herself on two sides of the law — serving as the prosecutor for a case involving an investment banker overcharging of his clients and serving as the lone witness at a late night convenience store double homicide. The catch — both cases could end up with her being killed by the respective defendants.

The story is well-written and easily held this reader’s interest.  If produced as a movie it would be rated PG13 — because of violence.  The violence is not excessive, but occurs throughout the book. My major complaint was the nature of the romance — the protagonist is determined to change the mind of her bodyguard who, given his family of origin, has no interest in pursuing romance at this point of his life. The language chosen by the author almost makes one believe it is acceptable to aggressively stalk an unwanted suitor. At least as presented in the book, though maybe suitable for a romance novel, this reader felt that the behavior was inappropriate for a Christian desiring to set an example for others whether as the character of a book or in real life.

  

For the reader looking an exciting escape from life or just a good clean thriller, not cluttered with gore and sex, Lone Witness would fill the bill. Having a place in both the public library and the church library; this book would satisfy readers coming from many directions.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

Imperfect Justice

Imperfect Justice

by

Cara C. Putman

A Review

What do you get when you mix spousal abuse, three murders, and an abused child, a stalker, a group of female lawyers, and a successful investment manager - you get Imperfect Justice.  The author did a great job of pulling together too many sub-stories into a very satisfying novel that left this reader wanting more.  

The case was closed when Emilie Wesley’s client did not show up for the Protective Order hearing. She knew it, her boss told her it was true, and the fact that the client had died made it very clear - the case was closed. It did not help that police were convinced that Kaylene Adams, her client, had killed her older daughter, seriously wounded her younger daughter, and then killed herself. The case was closed.

There were two reasons she could not let the case go. First, her own gut told her this young mother would not harm her children. And, then, there was Reid Billings. Reid was the client’s younger brother and, he, too, was convinced that something was amiss. But there was no proof - never was, never would be. Yet, if Emily did nothing, Kaylene’s younger daughter, Kinley, might be left living with a murderer.

Cara Putnam’s experience as a courtroom lawyer has allowed her to write a novel as intriguing as anything coming from the pen of John Grisham or Robert Whitlow. As in her previous book, Beyond Justice, the author weaves in just enough faith and romance with the law to make this book of interest to an assortment of readers. Though not a direct sequel to the earlier work, a number of characters do cross over and help flesh out this newest work. The connection between the two books does not detract from the current story.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

A Time To Stand - A Review

A Time To Stand

by

Robert Whitlow

A Review

After a brief prelude involving field workers in the South in the years immediately following the civil war, the book opens with the robbery of a local convenience store. That robbery set a sequence of events in motion that would result in Officer Luke Nelson, a local, white, policeman being charged for assault of a local, and apparently innocent, black young man.

The officer's defense would fall into the in the hands of the very white and credentialed Theo Grayson, Esquire. At his side would stand Adisa Johnson, a relatively new attorney who had just won her first big case in the city of Atlanta. But Adisa’s credentials were less than stellar - she had been fired shortly after winning her case because of a less than outstanding interview with a local reporter. And she was black.

The story revolves around the motives and circumstances which drove Officer Nelson to shoot the young man. But at the same time, it explores the thoughts and feelings of those living in the deep South as black, white, rich, and poor, interact on a daily basis. Can the law, in the face of community challenges, remain neutral and focus on finding the truth in spite of the cultural preconceptions which lie within the small town of Campbellton?

As in the past, Whitlow writes a compelling story that will hold the reader’s interest from beginning to end. It will draw those interested in the practice of law, the cultural struggles of the South, and the personal struggles of men and women living in that environment. As is typical, Whitlow weaves the personal faith of the characters into the story - some with no faith, some with a growing faith, and some with strong faith challenged by the circumstances of this case. Whitlow does not tend to pick up characters and further develop their stories in future books (he has done this, but it is not his usual practice), but I would love to see how this particular set of characters continue to develop over time. We get a glimpse of life in Campbellton a year after the main story’s closure - I would like to see how these characters have challenged their community two to five to ten years into the future. Alas, that will probably take our own imagination.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

Beyond Justice - A Review

Beyond Justice

by

Cara Putman

A Review

Cara Putman has created a captivating legal thriller based on the many issues present in the immigration discussion - particularly the immigration of children - legal and illegal.

A trained lawyer, I found Ms. Putman’s description of the law understandable and believable. Her use of legal references allows the reader to delve deeper into the legal issues discussed in the book. The law is not merely described but is used to build an engaging story in which Hayden McCarthy, is handed an unwinnable case. The client has recently legally immigrated to the US with her younger child. When she discovers that her older son has been caught crossing into the US illegally and has been murdered while in custody, she approaches Elliot and Johnson, the law firm for whom Hayden works, to discover the truth and ensure justice follows. The ensuing hornets’ nest endangers the life of the client, her child, Hayden McCarthy, and her friends. Set Washington DC and its environs, as well cross country to Waco, TX, the story takes us on a bumpy ride that will easily hold the reader’s attention.

My only disappointment is that it appears the author is attempting to build a series of book..s around the “justice” theme, but not around the characters introduced in this book. This implies that each book in the series will stand alone, rather than continue to build upon characters with whom we have already become familiar.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

The Witnesses - A Review

The Witnesses

by

Robert Whitlow

A Review

Some authors catch a readers attention. Robert Whitlow has caught mine. I try to read as many of his books as I can, though I have missed a few. Here is an author that is trained as a lawyer, has the faith of a committed Christian, and has been compared, favorably. as an author to John Grisham. And he continues to succeed at his craft.

The Witnesses is proof of that fact.

Franz Haus, as he was called by his parents. or Frank House, as his family and friends know him now, has a long history.  He joined the German army near the start of World War II. He had a good intuition that often provided solid advice to General Berg, intuition that would allow him to meet and sit with some of the highest leaders in the German army, intuition that force him to see more atrocities committed in the name of Germany than he wanted to admit - to himself or to those who knew him best.

Frank House (nee Franz Haus) deserted the German Army  through  Switzerland (where he lived out the remaining months of the war) and eventually settled in New Bern, North Carolina; but when he did, he left with a secret that others were willing to kill for. A secret that would put both his own life and the life of his grandson in danger.

As always, Robert Whitlow has managed to draw together the brokeness of life, the drama of the legal system, and the role of faith into a readable novel that will appeal to both the believer and non-believer. It gives a glimpse of how faith can and does work in the life of men and women of faith.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

A House Divided - A Review

A House Divided

by

Robert Whitlow

A Review

The book focuses on a family of lawyers. Lawyers, yes; family, not so much.

The book opens with the funeral of Corbin Gage’s ex-wife, Kitty - ex, because they had divorced ten years earlier. The split was based, as most are, on many factors; but each had its root in Corbin’s drinking. He “wasn’t an alcoholic”, but his wife and family needed distance from the uncertainty that alcohol brought to their relationship.

Corbin’s law practice was still there - but it was shrinking. He could barely afford to keep his administrative assistant on the payroll. It was the light workload that kept Janelle Griffin around the office.

It was the first day of work after the funeral that things began hopping. A new client walks in, Corbin’s son, Ray (also a lawyer), is seeking to move into private practice law after serving in the DA’s office for six years, and Corbin’s daughter, Roxy (also a lawyer), has a boyfriend that is becoming increasingly serious. The catch, the new client’s case will become the reason Ray is forced from his new job in private practice and the reason Roxy loses her promotion at the large firm where she works. Oh, did I tell you Corbin is an alcoholic.

I have long been a fan of Robert Whitlow - having read most (all?) of his books - legal thrillers occasionally compared to John Grisham. This newest book fills the bill. Combining the damage of industrial waste, the effects of alcoholism on a broken family, and God’s grace, Whitlow has woven a story that held this reader’s attention from the first chapter to the end of the book. Along with this captivating legal drama, the author also introduces his audience to the principles and attitudes which have allowed Alcoholics Anonymous to be successful in supporting the recovering alcoholic and their families. This former aspect is not done in a forceful way but is carefully intertwined into the story as it unfolds in the Gage family.  

My only concern, if that is the right word, is that I want more. There are questions still to be answered if the entire picture is to be seen:

• Where will Roxy work now that she has lost her job?
• Where will Roxy and her new husband live?
• How do Roxy, Ray, and their families work through the effects of a lifetime of living with an alcoholic (could Al-Anon help)?
• Will Corbin Gage’s small, struggling law practice survive into the future?

Robert Whitlow has had both stand alone novels and series of books with shared characters.  My hope is that this current book falls into the latter category. In the meantime, the potential reader will not be disappointed as he or she chooses to pick up this book and read another story of God’s grace working in the hearts of broken people.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.