Member Reviews
Part mystery, part romance story about a pastor who becomes involved in a murder investigation when the man he was counseling dies in a seeming hunting accident. Along the way, he meets a lawyer who is helping the man's widow navigate the insurance claims. I really liked how the story illustrated the pastor's spiritual journey.
Imagine having marital trouble and. financial troubles then miraculously your husband is killed in an accident. Does that solve all the issues? No it just makes for an intriguing story of lies love business money and death. I enjoyed the small town setting of the story keeps the circle small on when could of done it if it wasn’t an accident, which so much to gain by widow and business partner it will keep you guessing Till the end.
Good!
In this legal thriller, young small town pastor Connor Grantham finds himself in the middle of a difficult situation. He's counseling a married couple and one of them dies soon afterwards. Connor learns to navigate the fine line of providing comfort and keeping distance with a female parishioner. I love hiking so appreciated the peace he found walking trails.
The other main character Liz Acosta only took the job in a small north Georgia town because she couldn't find one near her hometown in south Florida. Initially, she is more Spanish translator than attorney, but soon navigates legal waters with a demanding client.
Love the cover and the title. Double Indemnity is now included as one of my Robert Whitlow favorite novels.
From the first page this book captured my attention. The characters were very believable and there were several twists that I didn't see coming. He is one of my favorite authors and I can't wait for his next book!
Double Indemnity is a legal mystery set in the mountains of Georgia. I always enjoy a Robert Whitlow book because I know nothing about the law. He always uses language that helps me understand what certain legalese means. Thank you Mr. Whitlow. Now, as far as this "whodonit" goes... A man is killed in a hunting accident (or was it an accident?) and his wife and ex wife are due a inherit good bit of his insurance money. A rookie lawyer is assigned the case to help the present Mrs. Thompson with her legal rights as she is the current wife. The pastor of the couple who met with them for counseling before the unfortunate accident is drawn in to the investigation as well. This is a very enjoyable book with mystery, legal issues, inspirational faith elements and some romance as well.
*I received this book by Thomas Nelson Publishers and this is my honest opinion.
4.5 stars
Loved this book. Robert Whitlow is a wonderful author whose stories always pull you in and leave you anxiously awaiting the next story
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
I love Robert Whitlow. He did not disappoint this time either. Matt and Elena are having some issues, insert ex-wife Ann, and the preacher. Who is desperate enough to want Matt dead. Who stands to gain the most from his death? Grab your copy today and find out!!!
In Double Indemnity you will find mystery as well as a little romance as the two main characters work in figuring out if the hunting accident was really an accident or a way to cover up a murder.
Having read and enjoyed some of Robert Whitlow's previous books, I was looking forward to reading this new one. It did not disappoint me, catching my attention from the beginning and holding it to the end.
Robert Whitlow is always so good at explaining the meaning of legal terms used in his stories. His characters feel so real and speak in a way that makes you understand what they are feeling or going through. Real people in real town USA. Another thing I like about Whitlow's books is that they are clean, meaning no curse words or sexual scenes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Whitlow is one of my favorite authors. His books always revolve around lawyers.
This book was a great read. I recommend it.
Double Indemnity by Robert Whitlow
Robert Whitlow is known for his legal thrillers that weave Christian principles through his stories. I have read several of his other novels. This one doesn’t focus so much on courtroom drama as much as the mystery of the murder of a young businessman. It didn’t capture my interest as much as some of his other works.
I found his characters uninteresting and difficult to connect with emotionally. The plot moved slowly with too much emphasis on the unimportant details—so much so that I found myself trying to figure out where this detail would show up as important. The sentences were somewhat stilted and the writing was jerky. The ending wasn’t really a surprise. I do understand that many others appreciate Robert Whitlow but this book wasn’t my cup of tea. I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for this, my honest opinion.
I was quickly swept up into a story that takes place in my neck of the woods. It was fun to go on this journey with Pastor Grantham as he explores nature trails. The pastor soon discovers not everything is what it seems.
I appreciated how the author alternated between two points of view to tell the story. One features attorney Liz Acosta, who is new to the community, the legal firm, and the mountains of north Georgia. The other is with Pastor Connor Grantham, who enjoys hiking the mountains but questions whether he is cut out to serve as a shepherd in a small town for the rest of his life. With Connor, I liked how the author took the reader on fun hikes in the mountains. Pastor Grantham and Matt and Elena Thompson initially cross paths at a marriage counseling session, where things got messy.
As the police attempt to determine what transpired at the hunting lodge, Liz assumes the role of Elena Thompson’s attorney, while Matt continues to provide Elena pastoral care. This puts Liz and Matt in an uncomfortable scenario.
The reader remains in suspense until the very end thanks to the surprises and plot twists. This is a thought-provoking read you don’t want to miss.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
Matt and Elena Thompson present the picture of perfection. But their marriage is on the rocks, and financial disaster looms. Then Matt is killed in a hunting accident, and the questions and accusations begin to mount. Attorney Liz Acosta, newly arrived in the mountains of north Georgia after graduating from law school, plans to get some job experience on her resume before returning home to seek a position with a big-time firm. Intellectual pastor Connor Grantham isn’t sure that shepherding a rural congregation is what he ultimately wants to do with his life. Drawn to philosophy, theology, and nature, he’s beginning to feel more at home in north Georgia—especially after he meets the brilliant and energetic Liz. While Liz and Connor spend more time with each other and discover just how compatible two people from wildly different backgrounds can be, they’re also being drawn into the shadowy world of Matt and Elena Thompson. As the couple’s marriage counselor, Connor finds himself in the middle of their explosive arguments. As Elena’s attorney, Liz is caught in the tailspin created by Matt’s death.
I was introduced to Robert Whitlow through my church book club and have since read several of this novels.
He always writes legal novels that keep me wanting more. I especially like the Christian emphasis he writes into every novel. His characters are so realistic and believable. He threw a twist in this one that I only partly saw coming. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the latest novel by one of my favorite Christian writers.
Double Indemnity by Robert Whitlow is an enjoyable novel that has mystery, murder, suspense, a bit of romance, legal issues and a strong spiritual foundation in it. This is an intriguing fast paced book of friendships and faith.
Connor Grantham is a young pastor that is giving marriage counselling to a struggling couple when one of them ends up dead. Is it an accident or is murder and who could have done it? The story is a real legal thriller. Being that this is a Christian fiction there is discussions of faith and prayer.
Robert Whitlow is a great author and I would highly recommend this book. I would give it a 4.5 rating if available.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for an advance copy of this novel
This book is full of adventure and intrigue. I had never read from this author but was pleasantly surprised. I liked that it is a clean book so I didn’t ever have to worry about the content.
Double Indemity
By Robert Whitlow
Pub Date: June 6, 2023
Thomas Nelson
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Someone stands to gain millions of dollars from a hunter’s accidental death.. unless that death wasn’t an accident.
* contemporary Christian legal novel
I found this book fascinating. I recommend it to those who enjoy Christian fiction,
4 stars
Double Indemnity by Robert Whitlow - "I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own." I did like this book but it didn't feel all the way up to Whitlows usual book. still a good book but not one of my favorites.
I really enjoyed this book. I have never read this author before & found the book to be intriguing & an easy read.
The book was clean, unlike so many mainstream books these days, so I really appreciated that. The author also showed the main character having a touching experience with God & strengthening his relationship with God.
I enjoyed "getting to know" the characters in the book & see how their stories intertwined & played out. It wasn't super "thrilling", but it wasn't slow either, I felt it flowed well & did keep me coming back for more!
I look forward to reading more of Robert Whitlow's books! Thank you to Netgalley & Thomas Nelson for letting me preview this ARC book! All opinions are my own.
I'm definitely a fan of Robert Whitlow but this was me least favorite book so far. What I definitely like was focus on prayer and relationship with the Father. Not many fiction titles embrace the tangible weight of God and this one did in great way. I think Sara & Luke(?) were my favorite characters. This book covers a lot of themes including friendship, prayer, legal drama, adversity and some romance thrown in too. About half through I was able to figure out who was probably the "villain" so they story began to feel drawn out. Definitely could have been shorter and taken nothing from the story. The characters were likable except for Elena. I hated that both Liz & Connor came off way to gullible or trusting to have such important roles/professions.
Slow start, but well worth reading to the end. The romance angle is subtle, yet predictable, but the final result of the case is unexpected.
I requested this ARC as it was billed as a legal thriller from a Christian author. I love courtroom thrillers and am a Christ-follower, so it ticked all the boxes. But I found it to be slow and dull. I was expecting a trial mystery, but none of the action occurs in the courthouse. Certainly, one of the main characters is a young lawyer, but the protagonist is a young preacher. And it took way too long, in my opinion, to really take off. If I wasn't planning to write a review, I would have given up on this after the first 20%, which seemed to be background and character setting.
Whitlow does weave Christian themes into the story, and I like how he deals with prayer and the presence of God. But there was more discussion of sermon topics than there was of murder, until close to the very end. I'll give his other books a try, but hope they are faster paced and more exciting than this.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in return for an honest review.