Connor Grantham is a pastor who is counseling a couple from his church. Elizabeth Acosta is a recently graduated lawyer. Conner and "Liz" find themselves working together when shortly after Conner starts counseling Elizabeth and Mark Thompson, Mark is killed in a hunting accident and Elizabeth turns to Liz for guidance on the millions of dollars of insurance and settlements that may come her way.. Little does Connor suspect that in small town north Georgia, he would be accused of the murder.

Robert Whitlow has written another well developed, twist and turn suspense novel that also includes a strong faith thread. His legal thrillers always keep my interest, and he explains legalities well enough that it is easy to see the roll they play in his suspense novels. There were plenty of red herrings that kept me guessing which of the many characters could have actually committed the murder.

If you like suspense, I highly recommend this newest of Robert Whitlow's novels.

**I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the second Robert Whitlow book I've read, and I enjoyed both of them very much. I like the way he writes his characters and since my career was in the legal field myself, I love following his legal analysis! Even if you figure out the culprit, it's fascinating at how you get to the ending! Connor is a pastor in a small Georgia town in the mountains. He's very smart in many areas and loves nature. Liz is a legal associate who isn't religious and a newbie in the legal field. She relies on her boss a lot on how to proceed in legal matters. Matt and Elena are receiving marriage counseling from Connor but Connor constantly finds it challenging because the two of them are so different and are so demanding of Connor's time, especially Elena. Suddenly, Matt dies in a hunting accident and Elena's behavior is wacko in my opinion! She's all about the money she'll receives, never acts sad and her personality is strange. Pretty soon, Connor and Liz are sucked into Elena's life and boy is she demanding! I was curious as to why they pandered to her all the time and didn't seem to know the word "no"! There is a strong element of faith in this book so be prepared for that. I loved the secondary characters and they brought a lot to the story.

I read Double Indemnity until about midnight when I forced myself to be an adult and go to bed and then thought about the characters for 1/2 hr. or more! I don't know how to classify this book. There are interesting legal angles, mystery, romance, suspense, faith, and strong friendships. I loved the main characters, Liz and Connor, and their supportive friends. I enjoyed reading how Connor the pastor came up with ideas for his sermons and that he was interested in nature and philosophy. The plot has twists and turns with little surprises hiding around the corners. Robert Whitlow is a new to me author. His writing flows well and is easy to read. I would definitely read more by him and recommend him to family and friends.
I received a complimentary copy from the publishers through NetGalley and am sharing my opinion of this very well-written and exciting book.

This is the first book I've read in a little while that I can honestly say I really enjoyed!

The story follows two points of view. Connor, a young, single pastor at a small community church, and Liz, a young single attorney in the same small town in northern Georgia. Throughout the book, both Connor and Liz go through coming to faith/growing faith experiences while dealing with complicated legal situations revolving around what appears to have been a hunting accident.

As a Christian, I want to like and support Christian fiction (sadly this usually isn't realistic). It was refreshing to read Christian fiction that wasn't terrible. It checked most of the boxes for me. Likeable characters, solid character development throughout the story, intriguing plot, and a touch of romance that was not overwhelmingly steamy or wishy-washy were all reasons that I would recommend this book to pretty much anyone. If I had to pick one thing I didn't like, I would say that I felt like the characters were all a little too naïve regarding their interactions with Elena. No spoilers, but she is clearly unstable from chapter one, and I felt like everyone just gave her the benefit of the doubt when most stable people would scream to steer clear.

One of the things I loved most about the book is that it seemed genuinely Christian. I usually dislike Christian fiction because it mostly consists of steamy or cheesy stories with Christian aspects shoved in where they don't fit. This was exceptional.

Just the book I needed to fill the craving for a good crime/thriller. This book certainly falls into the category of 'legal thriller' - for me, this is often a scary prospect. I don't have a great understanding of the law, but Robert Whitlow does a great job of taking you along on the coat-tails of his expertise. This is a really good 'who did it?" mystery, and I certainly enjoyed it.

I enjoyed this book. I loved the location of the setting. It was hard to keep up with all the characters in the beginning. As you get more invested in each character’s story it was easier to remember what was going on with each. I would recommend this book to my friends. I really appreciate the ARC copy!

Double Indemnity by Robert Whitlow is a faith based legal mystery that kept me guessing until all the pieces came together at the end.

The characters are well developed and the beautiful scenery of the North Georgia mountains is described in such a way that made me want to go for a visit and a hike. Though the small town of Bryson, GA seems to be fictional, Whitlow plays on the way small town gossip gets around and how gullible some people can be.

I will definitely read more from this author and am very thankful to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for giving me a chance to review it in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was provided a free advanced copy of this book by @netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
When an office retreat turns deadly, a small town turns upside down. Matt and Elena Thompson have problems like everyone does. But they are working towards making the best of their marriage and seeking the counsel of their pastor Connor Grantham. However, when Matt dies from a gunshot wound during a hunting trip a lot of questions are raised. Was it an accident? Suicide? Intentional? Liz is hired as Elena's attorney to get to the bottom of what has happened, and most importantly get that insurance money pay out!
Although Whitlow tends to write legal dramas, this one seems more like a murder mystery, as we never get to the actual trial. As is also common, and should be expected with a pastoral main character, there is quite a bit of the story that centers on the Christian faith.
Overall I enjoyed the story and trying to figure out what was happening. A few of the resolutions came a bit out of left field and I'm not sure the reader was given the clues needed to figure it all out. I had some ideas, but definitely couldn't figure it all out. One of the main characters was pretty annoying to me, and I questioned some of the choices people were making during an open investigation (these people were telling everybody everything, loose lips people!!)! But those didn't detract from the story too much for me.
This one was published today, so if it sounds like something you'd be interested in go ahead and pick it up!
#NetGalley #DoubleIndemnity

Thank you for the ARC.
Small town, small church in Georgia. A pastor and his ideals and philosophical way of life is challenged. A story of different viewpoints. Different motivations. Counseling, beliefs, doubts, habits, growth, everything revolves in this story. You will definitely want to go for a trail walk or a hike while reading this book. Enjoy the twist.
I just reviewed Double Indemnity by Robert Whitlow. #DoubleIndemnity #NetGalley

This is the first I’ve read by this author and was not disappointed. I look forward to reading more!

Full of twists and turns with a strong God theme is right in my purview when reading.

I was given a complimentary copy via Netgalley. My opinion is my own.

I enjoyed this first book I read by Robert Whitlow. It's a Christian Legal Thriller, with a who dunnit as the main focus.

A hunting accident kills a man. His current wife, Elena, and his ex-wife, Anne, both are in for a huge payoff of his life insurance policy because of double indemnity. Soon a rookie lawyer is hired to help Elena get her money. A pastor gets dragged into the mess because the couple came to him for marriage counseling.

I gave the book 4⭐ because I could not stand Elena. She got on my nerves and I didn't like how she treated people. I enjoyed all the other characters, though.Whitlow wrote the legal stuff in a way that a regular person could understand. I liked that Whitlow included a lot of faith based situations throughout the book. I liked how he showed the different ways God comes through for each one of us.

I recommend this book. If you like Christian, Who Dunnits, or Legal Thrillers, you should go out and buy or borrow it.

Publishes June 6, 2023

Thanks to Netgalley, Thomas Nelson and Robert Whitlow for the E-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

😊 Happy Reading 🙃

#netgalley
#thomasnelson
#robertwhitlow

I will leave my review on Amazon and B&N on June 6th

Overall I found Double Indemnity to be an interesting read, set in the mountains of Georgia. After a man was killed in a hunting accident what follows is a entertaining who-do-it that kept you guessing for most of the book. I would recommend this book to others.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

** “God knows the end from the beginning, whether the path in between is long or short, complicated or simple, and how everything fits into the destiny and destination he has for each person’s life.” **

Robert Whitlow offers an intriguing legal thriller with “Double Indemnity.”

While Pastor Connor Grantham is counseling Matt and Elena Thompson, who are struggling with their marriage, Matt dies while on a business hunting trip. As Elena continues to seek support from Connor, she also seeks legal assistance from lawyer Liz Acosta.

As police look into Matt’s death — was it an accident, suicide or murder — Connor and Liz keep getting put into the position to look into the situation. While dealing with the pushy and demanding widow, they find themselves drawn to each other while searching for the truth — and possibly finding themselves in harm’s way.

Whitlow does an incredible job of creating a legal thriller while aptly including romance, spiritual growth and the immense power of prayer. He creates deeply real and relatable characters, including extremely likable characters like prayer warriors Lyle and Sarah and their son Josh, and some that raise your hackles.

He also includes several great themes, like God knows the end from the beginning; God is with us, even in the difficult times; and God will meet with us personally.

Fans of authors like John Grisham, Randy Singer, and even a little bit Frank Peretti will love “Double Indemnity,” which is due out June 6.

Five stars out of five.

Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

I have loved most of Robert Whitlow’s novels, and Double Indemnity is no exception. Liz Acosta comes to a small town in Georgia to work at a law firm. At first, Liz thinks the firm is only going to use her as a Spanish interpreter, but after the death of Matt Thompson, she suddenly finds herself as the main attorney for his grieving wife. She meets Connor Grantham, the local pastor, and before long, her personal and professional lives collide. Connor offered marriage counseling to the Thompsons before Matt’s death, and as circumstances unfold, not everything is as it seems.

Whitlow’s last book, Relative Justice, did not do it for me. Double Indemnity, on the other hand, was wonderful. What I appreciate about Whitlow is his books often have a sense of intensity without high levels of danger. Unknown subjects do not shoot at the main characters or kidnap them. Ransom notes are rare. Instead, Robert Whitlow creates his stakes in other ways. His mysteries are believable and thoughtfully presented. Let’s be real—the only legal cases we often see in the news are murders, kidnappings, and rapes. If big names are involved, the proceedings may even be televised. Big cities do not care about small town crimes. Double Indemnity by Robert Whitlow presents a fascinating case that pulls in readers WITHOUT the robberies and mass shootings that draw watchers to their television screens. Does the book have murder, or is it accidental? Only one way to find out!

The case, however, is not the only plot in Double Indemnity. Whitlow provides stories inside his stories. Matt isn’t just a pastor; he is an intellectual desiring a professorship and an avid hiker. Liz isn’t just an attorney; she is a talented chef whose food brings her connections. Whitlow uses his novels to exemplify how in life, situations overlap. Problems can run parallel, or they can intersect. The good and bad can mix, and sometimes, there’s more bad than good.

But God is constant. He works in mysterious—and great—ways. He can change hearts, and He can move when you least expect it. Double Indemnity by Robert Whitlow portrays God’s omniscience, love, and omnipotence. God can build you up when you don’t think it’s possible. He can give peace and answers…even if those answers aren’t what you want.

Double Indemnity is entertaining, pulling readers into its metaphorical flow. There are twists and rapids, but Whitlow’s a talented and experienced guide, leading readers flawlessly until they reach the book’s end. I, for one, am grateful I took the ride!

By far one of the best books I have read in awhile! At first I was sort of iffy about it but after reading a chapter or two I was hooked and could not put it down! Literally kept me on the edge of my seat. I will definitely be reading more books by this author!

I have never been disappointed in anything written by Robert Whitlow. This one is another winner. I would give it ten stars if that was a possibility. Connor Grantham is pastoring the local church in Bryson, Georgia. He chose to pastor a small church in a smaller community because he loves nature. He is an avid hiker which is something he can do daily in his town. He is counseling a young couple, Matt and Elena Thompson. After each session he is completely worn out, and he is not really certain he can help them. Both Matt and Elena are sharp tongued with one another and it seems that they only try to outdo the other one in every argument. Elena is so paranoid that her husband is going to leave her desolate that she decides to quietly hire an attorney. Liz Acosta is a new attorney in her firm, but Elena is drawn to her because she wants a female attorney. When Matt is killed in a hunting accident, the stress levels, intrigue and tension are ramped up. Someone is about to get rich due to Matt's death, but everything is not as it appears on the surface.

Liz and Connor have been getting to know one another, and now they are thrown together in a way in which they never dreamed possible. Both are being tugged from one side to the other due to the demands of Elena Thompson. You will be engrossed into this story from the first few pages.

Robert Whitlow's legal expertise is evident in his writing, but you will fully understand everything that is going on even if you know nothing about the legal system. His writing style flows easily and draws you into the story. This is an explosive and exciting legal drama with moral dilemmas, unexpected twists and a rich faith thread built throughout the story. The inspirational message is strong and touching with a strong emphasis on prayer. You will be glued to the pages of this book until you can finish it because you will just have to know the ending.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Books and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Double Indemnity is a very interesting “who done it” book. I highly recommend it.

I love how the author used a small town pastor in the hills of Georgia as the center of the mystery. In doing so, he could add matters of faith that are important to this and any story that one will read.

It’s a fast paced read that has good writing, and very strong characters,. Innocence, this is a character based story.

What can I say about this book? You have got to read it! It is hands down one of the best crime novels I’ve read, Christian or otherwise, period.
The characters are fleshed out in a way that makes it easy for the reader to connect. I found myself going through a gamut of emotions anxiously awaiting what would happen next.
The story revolves around Connor a young minister who seems to struggle with his calling. Through the course of the book we are shown the power of prayer to change his heart and circumstance. His faith increases as he sees God’s faithfulness bring him through his difficulties, insecurities, and relationships.
Liz is an attorney who becomes Connor’s friend. Tied up with her own client as she tries to help Connor she finds herself walking a thin line between loyalty to him and avoiding a conflict of interest. She believes in the power of justice, but she begins to see the only power Connor needs isn’t what she expected.
Double Indemnity has everything I love in crime drama including a complex antagonist that I loved to hate. I highly recommend this book.
I was given a copy of this book through NetGalley courtesy of Thomas Nelson. This is my honest opinion of the book.

This is quite a story! I received an advanced readers copy of Double Indemnity by Robert Whitlow from Thomas Nelson Publishing and NetGalley. This is my unsolicited opinion of the book. I enjoyed how the author introduces elements of what is going on. Pieces of the investigation are being received by the characters as they glean information, build the evidence. This is different for me. I am used to 'viewing' a mystery through the lens of a law enforcement investigation. Officers are at work investigating but the reader is not privy to that activity.

Liz Acosta is a newer attorney in her firm. Day to day she feels like she was hired to communicate with the Spanish speaking community more than to practice law. Then her boss asks her to handle Elena Thompson's matters as she prepares to separate from her husband who seems to be "up to something".

Pastor Conner Grantham is trying to conduct marital counseling with Matt and Elena Thompson who attend his church. Connor is methodical and philosophical. A nature lover, he finds solace hiking in the mountains. From my viewpoint he seems to be doing a job for himself. Is it really a calling? He subtly changes throughout the story. A couple in his church, Lyle and Sara, are excellent characters who touch Conner's life in the book. I like that church members can be a testimony that helps the minister.

With the shocking news that Matt has been killed during a company event Connor and Liz develop a friendship as they try to understand what is going on. I think anyone who likes a good mystery, especially a John Gresham fan, will enjoy this.

This book is an interesting look into the world of lawyers and the legal system. We are taught (which I believe to be true) how complicated it can be for lawyers to stay honest and not put themselves in a state of "conflict of interest". The twists and turns keep the reader engaged. It has you rooting for the minister. as you wonder how all of the things could be happening. The take away lesson to be learned is that God can use anything for his good, and he can meet you anywhere.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy for my honest opinion.