The book was archived before our group could download it. We are sure that we would have enjoyed the book judging from the reviews it has received.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

I immensely enjoyed reading The Wrong Side. The story is relatable, could be true in any country/society, and has great characters. Bo is the lawyer everyone would love to have by their side, he searches, he analyses, he does not take sides, and he can support pressure. This story also calls the reader's attention to the frailty of life, everything can change (and not for the better) in a matter of seconds and destroy us. This is the first book that I read by Robert Bailey and I'll certainly be looking for other stories written by him.
I downloaded a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

Once again I got duped into requesting a book that is a part of a series. I really wish Netgalley would be more clear in its descriptions that books are series. Especially in this case because I felt I did not fully enjoy this book as much as I would have had I read the first book. I was also under the misconception that this was a thriller and it’s just a mystery (which I did figure out) so that was disappointing as well. Overall, this book is just an okay, three star read.

3,5 stars

A small town mystery/legal thriller, with great characters and very well-written. It took me a while to get hooked, but when I did, I couldn't stop reading. I'm looking forward to checking out more of this author's work.

In Pulaski, Tennessee, high school football star, Odell Champagne, has almost everything he wants - the adoration of an entire community, a series of "W's" in the score column for his high school football team, thanks to his running, and most of all, Brittany Crutcher, the talented voice behind Pulaski's most popular local band, as his girlfriend.

But Brittany has been spotted by a talent scout who convinces her that she can live the life of a pop star if she moves out of Pulaski and heads to the city ... without her band and without Odell. She lets her bandmates know and she breaks up with Odell on the eve of his greatest high school football game. He doesn't take it well - especially after learning that she's been sleeping with her newly-acquired manager.

But when Brittany is found dead and Odell is just yards away, clutching her sweater and the murder weapon, the town turns against its rising athletic star to mourn the loss of its talented vocal star.

Odell swears he didn't kill Brittany - that he couldn't - and he begs Bocephus Haynes to represent him. Bo has retired and doesn't want to be dragged into another court case. The evidence against Odell is overwhelming and the town has practically convicted him already. To represent him is to choose the wrong side. But Bo believes Odell and takes him on. Was this a foolish way to come out of retirement?

If you've been following my reviews for the past couple of years or more, then you might remember that I've become a big fan of Robert Bailey's legal thrillers. This is just a little surprising given that these books have a decidedly southern-ness about them while I, from the north, have absolutely no connection to the south. There is a strong tie to football in most books, and while I've been known to watch some NFL games on Sunday, it is not nearly as ingrained in me as it is for the characters in these books. And finally, until I'd read Bailey, I had no interest in reading legal thrillers.

This is a testament, I think, to Bailey's writing. He creates characters that are universal based on their human traits, not because of where they live or because of sports (though I think the connection might be even stronger for readers from the South).

All that said, this is possibly my least favorite Robert Bailey book (though still earning three and a half stars). My problem here is that the story moved too quickly. We go from set-up (introduction of characters) to murder to arrest to courtroom with just the barest of time for Bo Haynes to consider whether or not he wants to represent Odell. There's an attempt to provide a little red herring, but its conclusion is swift and comes about not through action in the story, but by a quick, two-page info dump by another character. Not that it mattered ... the resolution was pretty clear from the start.

I would have preferred a more mystery novel approach rather than tv-episode approach, which is how this felt. Bailey's strength is in his characters and we needed more time with them, to see them work, rather than being handed the important points in a couple of quick visits.

Perhaps not my favorite, but I'd still pick up a new Robert Bailey legal thriller any day.

Looking for a good book? Robert Bailey's Bocephus Haynes novel, The Wrong Side, moves a little too quickly so the reader doesn't really get a chance to enjoy the mystery but the characters are still a strength to the storytelling.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Legal thrillers are one of my favorite genres and The Wrong Side by Robert Bailey is a perfect example. This is the second instalment in the attorney Bocephus Haynes series but it reads very well on its own. The setting is small town Pulaski in Tennessee. It is Friday night and football is on everyone’s mind. The game will be followed by a concert with a local band fronted by the young lead singer Brittany. Before the night is out, Brittany will be dead and the town football hero and her boyfriend has been arrested and Odell is charged with her murder. Bocephus Haynes is a local lawyer who has sworn off criminal law but is drawn to Odell’s case because he knows the young man well and feels he may be innocent. The townspeople do not approve of this and life becomes difficult for the lawyer. What makes this novel stand out is the trial. It is so well-written that you feel like you are sitting in the courtroom. There are plenty of possible suspects but nothing is revealed until the trial climax. The characters in The Wrong Side are well-drawn and feel like you know them. I look forward to reading the next Bocephus Haynes legal thriller by Robert Bailey. Highly recommended. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story begins on a big night for two high schoolers. Odell is a football champion and on this night, he gets to play infront of a big crowd and possibly, scouts. Everyone has high expectations and he seems set for a career in football. On the other hand, his girlfriend Britney is set to play with her band after the football game. This is the biggest audience that the band has ever played in front of. Britney is a super star in her own right and a recording deal is already in place. Tragically, their big night ends with Britney dead and Odell accused of the murder.

This book had me at the edge of my seat. I wanted to know how the case would play out. Is Odell guilty or innocent? Will he be found guilty? You can be innocent and still found guilty. My anxiety was quite high especially as this was a complex case and Odell’s lawyer seemed to have little to go on.

I enjoyed the characters in this story. Both Odell and Britney were endearing. No matter the outcome of the case, two young lives were sort of destroyed in one night. Two teens with promising careers in sports and music had lost so much in a night. I sympathised with both. I liked Bo’s character. I enjoyed reading about his life as a lawyer and a dad. Overall, both the likeable and unlikeable characters were quite well crafted.

This is book 2 in the series. It can be read as a standalone. However, it does have spoilers of the first book. I’m still going back to read book 1 even if I know the outcome of the case. There is still alot about the case that intrigues me. The Wrong Side by Robert Bailey is highly recommended for fans of legal thrillers.

Based on the Bocephus Haynes Series, I would picture Robert Bailey to be an African American author. And I do not mean anything by this, just that the stories in this series are so steeped in Southern Tradition with a mix of African American heritage that I thought for sure the author would also be African American. I am pleasantly surprised to find out that he is not! I think I now appreciate what he's doing with these books that much more!

When I read the first book in this series, Legacy of Lies, I immediately fell in love and couldn't wait for the next book to come out! After reading The Wrong Side I can honestly say that I am just as excited to read book #3!! I really didn't realize that this series is a play off of another series, but now I can't wait to go check them all out because I think that Robert Bailey is a super talented writer (unlike myself using words such as super talented writer...HA!!).

Bocephus "Bo" Haynes is such a strong character that you can't help but love him and root for him. He seems to always be willing to help the underdog, which is one of the things I like most about him. He takes on the cases and the clients that no one else would ever dream of touching...even ones he swore he would have nothing to do with ever again! He is a man of integrity and just a solid, enjoyable character to read about.

The Wrong Side is the perfect title for this story because at times I'm sure Bo feels like he either may or may not be on the wrong side. This one is so hard to tell. I really appreciate legal thrillers and would probably find them to be my favorite genre so I thoroughly enjoy stories like this! If you like legal thrillers, then this book should be right down your alley.

The story was somewhat predictable, but that didn't take away from the story at all! I still found it engaging and enjoyable. Bo's love for his town, his people, and what he does seeps through the pages of the story!

Although this is Book #2 of this series, it could easily be read as a standalone because there's enough backstory to get you through without confusing you too much. Bailey was really good about throwing tidbits of information from the first book to keep you up to speed. Which as an avid reader that reads anywhere from 100 to 150 books a year, I really appreciate that because I don't always remember right away what happened in the previous story! It's not enough to be redundant, but enough to refresh your memory, or not make you feel lost if you're jumping into book 2 first.

Overall this is a well-written story with perfect execution and solid characters! As I said before...I can't wait for the next book in this series!

I would like to offer a huge THANK YOU to Robert Bailey, Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of The Wrong Side, which has allowed me to provide this honest and unbiased review.

I love the small town of Pulaski and its somehwat prejudiced people who are so steeped in their own ways. Theh have such rich characters that overtime makes me realize how we're all really just humans—imperfect, sinful but capable pf doing better.

Like the first installment to this series the story is fast-paced yet cohesive. Lots of lessons to be gleaned especially since, I think, some of the events are based on true stories.

The Wrong Side is another smashing success from Robert Bailey.

Indeed a big thanks to "the legendary author of Forrest Gump", the late Winston Groom!

The Wrong Side, by Robert Bailey, is everything you could possibly want from a legal thriller. It has more than enough twists and turns. The law is spot-on, including thorny questions of representation and ethics. Bailey’s pacing is masterful. The story grabs you on the first page and does not let go until you reluctantly read the last words on the last page. When all is said and done, this is a novel based almost entirely on character development. Even the most minor characters have dimension and nuance. Given that this is the second entry in the author’s second series, the main characters are starting to feel like close neighbors I look forward to visiting. Although I urge readers to start with the first novel in the series, this book has my unqualified recommendation.

A teenage singer, who is Hollywood-bound, has been found murdered in her small Tennessee town. The local high school football hero, who is also the victim’s boyfriend, is accused of the murder. Even though the evidence seems irrefutable, attorney Bocephus (Bo) Haynes believes he is innocent. Now he just has to prove it.

The Wrong Side is the second book in Robert Bailey’s series featuring Bo Haynes. The story is well-plotted and there is a wealth of believable characters who are intertwined with each other and the small town they live in. The pace throughout the story is steady, it is well -written, and the ending is satisfying. Some people have compared this author to John Grisham and, while I can certainly see why, I have found that I am partial to Mr Bailey’s novels. I enjoyed The Wrong Side and I’m already looking forward to the next Bo Haynes story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

I was issued this book for my honest review by NetGalley.

I have read a few of Robert Bailey's books, and they are all great reads. The Wrong Side just as the others is well written and has a number of twists and turns. The characters are well developed and fit into the story well. In this case I thought the investigation was pointing is a certain direction for most of the book. Though the twists in the plot had me doubting my thinking. Ended up I was in the correct store, but in the wrong isle!

I look forward to reading more of Mr. Bailey's books, always enjoyable.

The Wrong Side by Robert Bailey
Bocephelus Haynes #2

High School students are full of dreams for their future and much to look forward to. Not all dreams come true, though, and sometimes nightmares come to visit. I had not read book one in this series and wasn’t sure I would like this book at first thinking it seemed more a book written for younger readers than myself but as I kept reading I found that though the main characters in the murder mystery were in high school the story was definitely written for those older, too.

What I liked:
* That not having read book one in the series did not detract from this story/book as it stood alone
* Wondering what I might have missed in book one of the series and how it would have impacted my take on this story
* Some of the hints of history in the town
* That Bocephelus chose to defend Odell even though by doing so he fell on The Wrong Side of community opinions and feelings
* Bo’s family and his interactions with them
* That though some rushed to judge the “evidence” some were able to find clues that exposed the truth
* The way the court case played out
* The strings that tantalized related to some of the characters and wanting to know more about some of them
* Wondering if some of the dreams of the high school students would come to fruition
* Thinking about Bo’s next case…if he chooses to take one.
* The look into the impact on family and friends when someone is murdered
* The legal and courtroom portions of the story
* That the murder case was solved

What I didn’t like:
* Realizing how fragile life is and how easily anger can lead to murder
* Thinking about how youth and immaturity combined with a desire to succeed – no matter what or who might be harmed – can have such a horrible impact on so many

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

Is it me, or did the “real killer" pop up out of nowhere? No hints or foreshadowing just suddenly, it was that guy? I missed all the clues, but maybe I wasn't paying close enough attention. Was an OK read. I really preferred the previous series and I don't know if Bo can carry this spinoff.

This is a legal thriller, second in a series about Black lawyer Bocephus Haynes, former college football star now practicing in his home town of Pulaski, Tennessee… infamous as the town where a notorious hate organization was formed, and a town where it’s not easy for a Black man to get a fair trial. Bo is asked to represent Odell Champagne, high school football hero, when Odell is accused of murdering his girlfriend Brittany, a young singer on the verge of superstardom.

As a legal thriller, this is really very good. Bo cares about his clients, his family, his town, and the victim and her family. It’s his own call to represent Odell, but he believes the teenager to be innocent. It’s a tiny detail uncovered by Bo himself that finally cracks the case, when he’s able to put a witness on the stand and break their story. The author is a lawyer and the courtroom stuff is extremely well written.

I was a bit bemused by the subplot with the district attorney general and her son; this appears to have been something that carried through from the first book. It doesn’t actually do anything here apart from take the ‘General’ off the legal field of play for a while, and really felt as though it could have been cut completely and not really detracted all that much from the plot. Possibly this plot thread is going to really heat up in later books in the series.

Now I’m going to come to what really made me feel uncomfortable about this book, and it’s this: in a book which references To Kill A Mockingbird and the fraught history of Pulaski, in which the lead character, a Black man, has witnessed lynchings of family members and is now representing a Black teenager accused of killing his Black girlfriend in front of an almost entirely white jury… I’m uncomfortable that the author is white. This feels like a story that isn’t his to tell. It’s delving into Black history and trauma of Black people in the South both past and present, and a white author monetizing that feels very icky to me. I’m not saying that you should never write characters outside of your own racial background. Just that maybe we should be conscious that some stories aren’t ours to tell, and I think this is one of them.

It’s a well written story; I’ll give it four stars for execution, but my discomfort on discovering that the author is white means I will be avoiding his work in the future.

Bocephus Haynes is back and I enjoyed following him as he attempts to solve a teen stars murder. The mystery was good and I loved the southern setting of Tennessee. I liked the writing style and look forward to more of this series.
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

A friend introduced me to Robert Baileys books and ever since I picked up the first, I haven't stopped.

The Wrong Side is book 2 in the Bocephus Haynes series but I highly recommend starting in the very beginning with The Professor.

I have read many legal thrillers but none have captivated me like these characters.

Bocephus Haynes is a lawyer who has been through it all, professionally and personally. In this book he takes on a client who is charged with murdering his girlfriend. Did he do it? Nothing is as it seems. The suspense of the book will have you flipping the pages. At every turn,  your mind will switch as to what is actually going on and who did what.

I love these characters and where this story takes me. I can not wait for more!!!!!!

Also, I must add that I have listen to the audio books of several in this series and they are incredible!!! The narrator does an amazing job. Check out them out if you are an audio book lover.

When you read a Robert Bailey book, you get not just a solid legal thriller, you get an entire southern community -- with all its loyalties and rivalries and generations-old connections, for good or ill.

In the case of The Wrong Side, you have Bocephus Hatnes, a middle aged Black lawyer, practicing in the town where he was a bona fide football hero. He takes on mostly liability cases against corporate defendants, but there is the occasional criminal defense situation in which he lets himself get embroiled.

This time, everyone advises him against taking the case of the young football player accused of murdering his popular girlfriend. There may be a heavy toll for taking "the wrong side" against the entire town, convinced of the young man's guilt.

The only contrary votes come from the attorney's two teenage children, who urge him to do the honorable thing and take the ill-fated case. They compare their father to Atticus Finch. Haynes worries that he will have the same outcome as Finch's in To Kill a Mockingbird.

This series is a spinoff from Bailey's McMurtrie and Drake series, with many, many repeating characters. They all seem like old friends by now. Bailey's writing throughout the series is intelligent but not pretentious.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance readers copy.

Good legal mystery with great setting in small Southern town. The local football hero is accused of killing his girlfriend, the local teen singing sensation, about to leave town and hit the big time. There are more plausible killers with reasons to resent girlfriend’s sudden success than one would imagine in such a small town and it’s a delight to learn each of their stories. This is a multi-layered tale with more secrets than one could possible imagine. It’s a fast moving story not to be missed. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.