Witness Protection
A Legal Suspense Novel
by Robert Whitlow
Narrated by Jason Keller
You must sign in to see if this title is available for request. Sign In or Register Now
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Apr 07 2026 | Archive Date May 08 2026
Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio | Thomas Nelson Fiction
Talking about this book? Use #WitnessProtection #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
Jon Tremaine has lived in hiding for years--will coming out of the shadows to help a friend be too great a risk? Perfect for fans of John Grisham and Charles Martin, Witness Protection is a legal drama with a deep undercurrent of faith.
All is finally good. Jon Tremaine has created a new life in Brunswick, Georgia, as part of the Federal Witness Protection program after testifying against the former drug cartel he was involved with. Only his wife, Sarah, and a handler with the US Marshal's office know his true identity, and he is now the manager of a large commercial tree farm with a baby on the way. But when one of Jon's employees is arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs into the United States, he goes against his better judgment and inserts himself in the middle of the case, believing the man is an unsuspecting mole manipulated by sophisticated drug dealers.
Kelli Quinn, a highly skilled litigator with an Atlanta law firm, has moved to Brunswick to work with her best friend from law school, hoping to rebuild her life after a painful divorce. She and her two children find a temporary home with her aunt Carly, a woman whose great faith is making an impression on her new houseguests. For the first time in a very long while, Kelli sees a future where she can find balance between the job she loves and the family she loves even more.
New to the firm and in need of clients, Kelli agrees to represent Jon's employee. The unfolding investigation reveals layers of criminal activity and possible connections to Jon's past, putting everyone at risk of exposure--and even death.
With its gripping pace, layered legal intrigue, and heartfelt exploration of faith under pressure, Witness Protection has already been praised by early readers as a standout Robert Whitlow novel--one that keeps the pages turning while asking deeper questions about courage, identity, and redemption. As danger closes in and past sins resurface, Whitlow expertly weaves suspense with grace, showing how even the safest hiding place can't protect the heart from truth.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Audiobook, Unabridged |
| ISBN | 9781400352111 |
| PRICE | |
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 63 members
Featured Reviews
Jennifer S, Reviewer
Witness Protection was a really strong and engaging mystery. There were multiple storylines woven together, and I loved how everything gradually connected in unexpected ways.
I kept thinking I had things figured out as I read—but I was wrong more often than not. It truly kept me guessing all the way to the end, which made the payoff that much more satisfying. I also appreciated that the characters themselves had assumptions about each other that were challenged over time, leading to their own realizations and growth.
The level of detail in the writing made the story feel vivid and immersive. I could clearly picture the scenes as they unfolded, which pulled me even deeper into the mystery.
At its core, I really liked that the story emphasized faith, family, connection, and the importance of showing up for one another. It added a meaningful layer beneath the suspense and twists.
Overall, this was a well-crafted mystery with strong character dynamics, plenty of surprises, and a heartfelt foundation.
Reviewer 1958978
My second trip through this book was even better than the first! I really enjoyed the narrator and the different voices for the different characters. Robert Whitlow’s books read like a Christian John Grisham to me. I am hooked!
This was my second Robert Whitlow book, and I can’t wait to read more! There were heavy faith elements in the book, especially with the aunt’s prayer life that I really appreciated. This had the enjoyment of a suspense book with legal elements and was packed with faith and witnessing to non-believers. The story with the drug cartel, character in witness protection, lawyer elements, and the character development could’ve stood on its own as a great book. The faith elements just took it up another notch for me.
I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review from Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction.
I enjoyed this book, although I am not sure I would call it a legal thriller. Despite involving lawyers they didn't actually have that much court room drama, as most of it was conducted by deals and talks.
The story was interesting, especially with the added twist of the witness protectee so heavily involved in the case. It gave the story another level of drama, especially as you weren't sure how things would turn out. There was a fair bit of religious talk but it was well done and not preachy which can get annoying, instead it was used to bolster the characters up and giving them strength in difficult time. I would have preferred a weapon to protect myself but each to there own. It worked for the story.
I liked the characters, there was three main groups and the story follows a number of them by giving you there perspective, the accused man Cesar and his young family, Kelli, his lawyer and her family and Jon the man in witness protection who is trying to help Cesar without bringing the drug cartel to his own door. With everybody involved there is a lot going on in the story, especially as everyone is trying to stay one step ahead of the police or the drug cartel. I would definitely read another book by this author.
When one of his workers is arrested for drug smuggling, Jon Tremaine is put in a difficult situation. He knows Cesar is innocent because Jon used to work for them himself, now in the witness protection after testifying against most of them can Jon help Cesar? He tries to not get involved by hires newly divorced Kelli to help but when he learns she has only just arrived in the area after working as a prosecutor,with Cesar being her first case as a defence lawyer, he wonders if he has made a mistake. kelli believes her client is innocent but wonders what secrets his boss holds. How does he know so much about the system and why does he want to help her client so much? Can they work together to keep Cesar out of jail? And more importantly alive?
I liked the narrator. He made the characters come to life by providing them with there own voice.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I loved the main characters, the plot and the high, everyday faith content. The faith content wasn’t overbearing. Also, not all of the main characters were believers. Learning about the witness protection program was interesting as well. Outstanding narration. I was engaged throughout the book. This was the first book I enjoyed by this author and I plan to enjoy his backlist.
I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Audible. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
Kimberly H, Reviewer
A really great audiobook! Love the characters and have now become Robert Whitlow fan and look forward to reading/listening to more!
This was my first time reading a novel by Robert Whitlow, and I’m grateful to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to review the audiobook.
The story follows Jon Tremaine and his wife, Sarah, who are living under witness protection due to Jon’s past involvement with a drug cartel. The couple relocates to Brunswick, Georgia, where Jon manages a large tree farm. Complications arise when one of his employees, Cesar, becomes entangled in legal trouble connected to the same cartel. With a baby on the way, Jon must carefully navigate the situation to avoid exposing his family’s true identity.
Meanwhile, Kelli Quinn, recently divorced, moves to Brunswick with her two children and settles into her Aunt Carly’s home. As an attorney, Kelli becomes involved in Cesar’s defense, intertwining her story with Jon’s in a compelling and suspenseful way.
This novel is an engaging work of Christian fiction that blends elements of legal drama and thriller. I especially appreciated the clean content and strong faith-based themes throughout the story. Whitlow does an excellent job developing his characters and maintaining a steady pace that keeps the reader invested.
Aunt Carly stood out as my favorite character—her kindness, strength, and unwavering faith made a lasting impression. Discovering a new author is always exciting, and finding one who writes compelling Christian thrillers feels like a rare gem.
Although the book is on the longer side, it never feels rushed. The tension builds effectively, leading to a gripping and satisfying conclusion that draws the reader fully into the story.
This was my first Robert Whitlow book and I’m officially hooked! Pairing the audiobook with the physical copy made the whole experience even better. And now I’m on a full Whitlow kick, I’ve already ordered several more of his books. I absolutely LOVE his writing style!!
Witness Protection blends legal suspense with a deeply human story about starting over. Jon Tremaine has rebuilt his life after testifying against a cartel, but when trouble hits close to home, he’s forced to confront the past he’s tried to bury. Attorney Kelli Quinn, navigating her own fresh start, steps into the case, and their intersecting journeys give the story its heart.
Whitlow balances tension with reflection, showing how courage and conscience can pull someone out of hiding. It’s a thoughtful, steady-paced thriller about identity, redemption, and the cost of choosing what’s right, even when it puts everything at risk.
🎧Audiobook Spotlight🎧
Jason Keller brings a steady, quietly intense performance that fits Jon Tremaine’s guarded, rebuilt life. His pacing is smooth and intentional, letting the tension rise naturally without ever feeling rushed. Keller’s character distinctions are subtle but clear, especially in Jon’s more reflective moments, where his voice softens just enough to highlight the story’s themes of redemption and second chances. It’s a grounded, sincere narration that deepens the emotional weight of the book.
Life is good for Jon Tremaine who has created a new life in Brunswick, Georgia. Jon is in the Federal Witness Protection program after testifying against a former drug cartel he was involved with. Only his wife, Sarah, and a handler with the US Marshal's office know his true identity. His life looks normal, as he manages a large commercial tree farm, and now has his first baby on the way!
Then his peaceful existence is destroyed when one of Jon's employees is arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs into the United States. Jon knows his employee well and is sure he was set up. He goes against his better judgment, due to concern for his employee/friend, and he's now in the middle of the case. He believes his employee who is slso a family man is a victim being manipulated by sophisticated drug dealers.
Enter Kelli Quinn, a highly skilled litigator with an Atlanta law firm. She’s recently moved to Brunswick to work with her best friend from law school. Her plan is to rebuild her life after a painful divorce. She and her two children move in with her aunt Carly, a woman of great faith.
Kelli, newly on the job, agrees to represent Jon's employee. The unfolding investigation reveals layers of criminal activity and possible connections to Jon's past, putting everyone at risk of exposure and possibly death.
The characters here are quite likable with three main groups from which readers gain prospective… the accused man Cesar and his young family, Kelli, his lawyer and her family and Jon the man in witness protection who is trying to help Cesar without bringing the drug cartel to his own door. All involved are desperately trying to stay one step ahead of the police or the drug cartel.
Whitlow’s writing keeps the action flowing relentlessly while addressing the subjects of courage, identity, and redemption. I listened to the audio version which was well done by the narrator. I wasn’t a fan of the voice he used for aunt Carley. I think he was trying to mimic an old persons voice but to me it sounded like Mrs. Doubtfire from the movie played by Robin Williams.
There’s s good bit of spiritual undertones mostly by Aunt Carley making this one not only exciting but inspirational as well.
Highly recommend!
Reviewer 938573
This was a steady, character-driven legal drama with a strong thread of faith, redemption, and second chances woven through the suspense 😌
I really liked Jon as a main character—his life in witness protection adds immediate tension, and I liked how he’s trying to stay hidden and do the right thing, but gets pulled back into danger anyway. That internal conflict between protecting his new life and helping someone else really drives the story.
What I enjoyed most: the intersection of legal drama and personal stakes ⚖️ The case involving his employee isn’t just a job—it’s tied to something bigger, and I really liked how it slowly connects back to Jon’s past, raising the risk level for everyone involved.
I also liked Kelli’s storyline—her fresh start after divorce and her growing sense of purpose. It adds balance to the story, especially with the faith-based elements, which are present but not overwhelming. They give the book a more reflective, hopeful tone alongside the suspense.
If you love legal thrillers, witness protection storylines, faith-driven character arcs, second chances, and slow-building suspense with emotional depth, this is thoughtful, engaging, and quietly intense 📖✨
Synopsis-In seeking to help an employee charged with drug smuggling, a man in the federal witness protection program is drawn back into the criminal world he thought he'd left behind.
Witness Protection is a masterfully crafted legal thriller that delivers both heart-pounding suspense and deeply moving character development. Robert Whitlow proves why he’s one of the best in the genre, blending courtroom drama with a powerful exploration of faith, justice, and redemption. From the very first chapter, the story pulls you in with a sense of urgency that never lets up. The stakes feel real, the danger is palpable, and every twist keeps you guessing. I Stayed up all night to finish it. I kept saying just a few more chapters..
Jason Keller’s narration adds depth and dimension to the book, making it an even more enjoyable and memorable experience. This is the kind of performance that keeps you coming back to audiobooks—and hoping to hear more from him.
I absolutely loved this book.
Angela A, Reviewer
Legal suspense. Second chances. All the feels.
Talk about a book that has you invested from beginning to end. Witness Protection absolutely delivers.
From the first chapter, I was all in.
The mix of legal suspense, emotional depth, and characters you can’t help but care about made this an edge‑of‑your‑seat experience. Jon’s past colliding with the present and Kelli’s fresh start add emotional depth, with themes of redemption and second chances.
It’s a compelling, heartfelt, and suspenseful read that left me with all the feels.
Bonus for the audiobook that adds emotional impact and elevates the experience.
Readers who liked this book also liked:
Vanessa Bergeron; ; Vanessa Bergeron
Children's Fiction
Véronique Demers
Children's Fiction
Dr. Dale Atkins
Children's Fiction, Health, Mind & Body, Parenting, Families, Relationships
Natalie Horseman
Children's Fiction, Outdoors & Nature, Parenting, Families, Relationships
Peter H. Reynolds with Paul A. Reynolds
Children's Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality
Sayuri Stabrowski
Children's Fiction, Outdoors & Nature, Parenting, Families, Relationships