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Member Reviews

Wow! I love Robert Whitlow’s books and this was no exception. The story and well developed characters draw you in. I literally did not want to put this book down. The twists and turns keep you guessing. I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Wow, this book was incredible. I loved how the characters developed throughout the book and the plot was full of twists and turns. The author knew just how to develop the characters faith in such a way that was believable and encouraging.

There were clues throughout the book that led me one way but then I would change my mind. This mystery was well written and engaging.

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First book I've read by Robert Whitlow. As a Christian I enjoyed the Christianity aspect though I expected more of a mystery. Pick your genre and stick with it. I figured out most of the bad guys immediately which was disappointing. I like to be surprised at the end. Not sure I would read anymore of his books.

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This was my first book to read by Robert Whitlow and it wasn't quite what I was expecting . . . until it was. There was a LOT of character development, which I always like, but this story seemed to carry that to the extreme. Things didn't really get intense until waaaay into the book. But when it got intense, it got really good!

I loved Ryan and Paige and would love to read another adventure with them. Also, more about Joe would be great.

Good faith elements and a very clean read.

Thank you, Thomas Nelson Fiction, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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I’ve read many books by Robert Whitlow and have had the privilege of meeting him at a church librarian’s conference. He is very personable and I enjoyed hearing him share his backstory.

This book was good though maybe not my favorite of his. Having it set in NC (where I live) was helpful to picturing the settings.

I received this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review. Three and a half stars.

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Robert Whitlow never disappoints! His ability to weave a plot through well-developed characters, realistic life scenarios, and Scriptural truth is amazing. “Guilty Until Innocent” was truly one of those books that you cannot put down once you start reading. Whitlow always creates a healthy tension with enough suspense to keep you reading long after real life tries to call you back to work! His inclusion of a Christian worldview in some of his characters is natural and adds depth to the characters and their emotions and reactions. I will be recommending this one to my book club for sure!

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I always enjoy a good Robert Whitlow book. He reminds me a lot of a clean John Grisham! His books aren’t full of action and suspense but are more of a legal thriller. This one was very good and it kept my attention to figure out how it was going to end. I highly recommend this book and all of Robert Whitlow’s books.

I received this novel from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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If you like John Grisham books, this is something similar, except without bad language, etc. The writing itself seems just a bit dry to me, but the story is good!! The characters are well developed, and relatable.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

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3.5 rounded up to 4. Ryan is a young lawyer hired by Joe's niece to look at getting Joe released from prison. Joe has been in jail for 26 years for a double murder and found God in jail and now ministers to fellow inmates. It is unclear whether or not Joe actually committed the murder. Story follows Joe's time in prison and Ryan's personal life with his wife Paige. Ryan and Paige have recently moved to town and with Paige working from home she doesn't know many people. We see Paige begin to make friends and discover faith in God. I really enjoyed getting to know Paige and following her journey, I did not particularly care for all the jail scenes and just want to spend time with Paige and Ryan. I loved the way the two of them interacted and cared for one another. I found the jail scenes to be a bit repetitive and mundane after a while. I especially loved the friendship that developed between Paige and the women she meets. There is a strong faith message in the book.

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Joe is in prison where he has been for 25 years. Because he was under the influence of drugs at the time, he has no memory of the crime, but he assumes that the strong evidence proves that he was the perpetrator. While in prison, he seeks to help others find the faith that has sustained him over the years.

Joe's lawyer, Tom, suffers a heart attack, so the legal firm is left under the care of young attorney, Ryan. When Joe's sister and niece want to reopen his case, Ryan begins an investigation into the events surrounding Joe's arrest. When both Joe and Ryan come under attack, they are sure that there is more to the story than was revealed back at the time the crime was investigated and Joe was convicted.

This story weaves faith throughout its pages, but not at the expense of a solid mystery with compelling and believable characters and a plot that unfolds in a suspenseful and purposeful way. It is an enjoyable book whether or not the reader is a person of faith.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

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Guilty Until Innocent is a legal thriller that will keep you guessing until the end. Joe has been in prison for 26 years. He was convicted of murdering 2 young people. He has never been 100% sure of his innocence as he was under the influence of drugs at the time. Now his family is trying to get him released to honor his mother’s wishes before she passed. Ryan Clark is a young attorney working for his cousin Tom Clark. He is assigned to Joe’s case. Joe is a changed man after giving his life to the Lord while in prison. . He leads Bible studies in the prison and has lead many men to the Lord. As the case is reopened, Ryan and his wife along with Joe come under attack in different ways leading many to believe that Joe was wrongfully accused all those years ago and that the truth is coming to light. Read this book to find out what the dramatic conclusion is. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #guiltyuntilinnocent #netgalley #thomasnelsonfiction

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This was overall a very engaging and enjoyable read. I loved the way that Paige and Ryan were together, and I really enjoyed the friendships that we saw developing with Paige and the women she meets. Overall, super enjoyable and would definitely pick up another book by Robert.

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Is “cozy legal thriller” a genre? If so, Robert Whitlow is the master of it. He reliably delivers engrossing legal mysteries usually set in the South, coupled with a strong dose of faith. “Guilty Until Innocent” is no exception.

Ryan Clark has just moved to Cranfield NC to work in his older cousin Tom’s law practice. Ryan got a rough start in the profession, having been fired from two previous firms. His wife, Paige, works from home as an editor. Ryan is assigned to look into post-conviction relief for Joe Moore, for whom Tom was the court-appointed attorney 20 years earlier. Joe Moore was found guilty of two murders while high on drugs. One of the victims happens to be the sister of Charlie Drummond, a wealthy businessman, prominent citizen, and the law firm’s major client.

Despite ethical concerns, the parties seem OK with the representation. Joe’s family doesn’t believe he’s a killer. Since incarceration, Joe has gotten right with God, leads Bible studies, and is a positive influence in the prison. Believing he is exactly where God wants him, Joe is content to serve out his sentence.

As Ryan digs through old files and interviews witnesses, it is clear someone does not want the case re-examined. Both Paige and Joe receive threats. When the senior lawyer, Tom, has a heart attack, the burden falls entirely on Ryan. This was a novel I stayed up late to finish. Highly recommended.

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Guilty Until Innocent was a little different than Whitlowd other books. This had 2 story lines, one of Paige & Ryan, a young couple who have had some hard times but are being to see how the Lord is with them and Joe, a man who has been in prison for over 20 years for a crime he didn't remember doing. Ryan is unexpectedly hired to handle a relook at Joe's case. There were so many twists and turns throughout the story. I loved it.

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Great clean read. It wasn't too intense. This story is a great story of redemption and grace. You will be pulling for the "bad guy" and wondering how many there are behind bars in similar situations.

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Although it did take me awhile to get into this story I enjoyed it more about the 1/3 or halfway mark. I really enjoyed reading about Joe Moore who is in prison for a horrible double murder he is sure he committed though his family is not so sure and is working to get him acquitted. Throughout his years in prison Joe has found God and now works to help other prisoners find their faith as well. We also follow the lawyer Ryan, who is leading his acquittal and his wife Paige throughout the book who are facing challenges of their own while Paige dives into her faith also.

I’m not sure this is as much of a legal thriller and it is a story of finding faith but I enjoyed it regardless

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I always love a good legal thriller and usually turn to Robert Whitlow knowing that it will be enjoyable and sprinkled with faith. This one was very Grisham like in the setting. It was a good solid read with intriguing characters and a good story.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for my ARC.

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Guilty Until Innocent by Robert Whitlow was Christian fiction at it's finest. One of my biggest complaints about this genre is the lack of Christianity in books claiming to be Christian fiction; the characters often only pray when things are going wrong and they aren't discussing their spiritual lives with others. .

The characterization was excellent! The main characters all faced challenges--some lived lives immersed in faith, some were new to it and others were beginning to see how their lives could be changed by it. There was a mystery to the book as one character, Joe, was in jail for a crime he allegedly committed many years before. Joe is the strongest Christian in the book. The legal aspects were well fleshed out in a way that someone like me could understand.

I loved this, and like everyone else, I feel it is a 5 star book.

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Captivating storyline! Keeps you guessing til the end! Love the plot and characters. Excellent book. Highly recommend!

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3.5 stars rounded to 4
I have mixed thoughts about this one. I enjoyed reading it, but it also seemed super choppy with a lot of short sentences along with a lot of conversations and random details that didn’t seem to go with the storyline. I’m interested to read another by this author to see if I like them a little bit better.

I did love the themes of redemption, love, healing, salvation, and more that were in this book. I also loved following the relationship of Ryan and Paige as they navigated everything happening in their lives and grappling with coming to Faith.

Thanks to Robert Whitlow and the publisher for a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.

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