Guilty Until Innocent is the latest legal thriller by Robert Whitlow. Joe Moore has been in prison for a double murder for over 25 years when his niece approaches Tom and Ryan Clark, Joe’s former defense attorney, to file a motion to obtain Joe’s release. The novel starts out a bit slow, but soon picks up speed as the reader follows as the investigation uncovers many questions concerning the original prosecution. In addition, Joe and Ryan Clark’s lives are threatened both inside and outside of the prison. There are many twists and turns that keep the reader wondering who was behind the murders 25 years ago. There is a strong spiritual message of redemption. I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I received a copy for review purposes. Thank you Thomas Nelson and Net Galley.
Positives--Christian based, clean, no language
Negative--lots of unnecessary dialogue written in simple sentences made the story very distracting

A young lawyer helps a convicted murderer become a free man. The convicted murdered helps the young lawyer find God.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7103140662

Excited wasn't the word when I received an ARC approval for Robert Whitlow's "Guilty Until Innocent". Whitlow is a master at weaving a legal thriller. Characters that totally immerse the reader into their lives. Plots that are true to life. Messages of hope, forgiveness, and surrender.

Releases Feb 4th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Robert Whitlow is a master at legal intrigue. This title captured my attention, and I couldn't wait to dive in. Ryan Clark is a down-on-his-luck lawyer who has been hired by a distant cousin to be an associate in a small North Carolina town. He finds himself revisiting a case for a convicted murderer and suddenly there are twists and turns he never saw coming. Local lawyers might be friends or are they behind-the-scenes enemies? Who can he trust? When his pregnant wife is threatened, Ryan begins to wonder if he needs to step aside and let someone else fight for justice. Joe, the felon, has made peace with his life in prison and isn't interested in getting out. His family has different ideas and are pressing for another look at his case. These two men - very different in background and lifestyle - are thrown together in an unlikely alliance to find the decades-old truth. I was drawn in immediately and found myself captivated by the plot. A definite must-read for 2025!

Guilty Until Innocent by Robert Whitlow was an amazing legal mystery. I expected it to be a mind-teasing who-dun-it, but it was so much more. The faith demonstrated by one of the main characters was so rich and inspiring. It tugged at my heartstrings several times. I highly recommend this Christian fiction book!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

Robert Whitlow has long been considered John Grisham of Christian Fiction and this book carries on that tradition, It is a southern legal thriller with strong faith elements. The challenge some might have is that another way it is like a Grisham novel is that it feels a bit dated, While my return to Christian Fiction has come after a long spell of general market books, there is a very 90s feel to the storyline. Yes, people text and use the web, but the overt wholesomeness of the characters seems to be out of pace. Then again, I might be a jaded, West Coast reader, which is why I rounded up my review from 3.5 stars. I will admit, however, it was very clever how he used the name of another well-known Christian author for a minor character in the book as a nice tip of the hat. If you like a milder story, this is probably perfect for you.

A great read that kept me turning the pages. The story is unique, suspenseful, original, filled with faith and hope, and much more. I enjoyed reading this one. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Review of Guilty Until Innocent, by Robert Whitlow
Available February 4, 2025
Joe was a talented musician and college student in North Carolina when he stumbled into drug addiction. One night while playing a gig at a bar, Joe got so high on crystal meth he couldn’t recall the evening. The next thing Joe knew, he was in jail, charged with double murder.
During the next twenty-six years in prison, Joe gets clean, emerges as a leader, and becomes wholly committed to God. Joe sees more fellow inmates turn to God, and a prison revival begins.
Ryan is a young attorney whose career got off to a rocky start. He gets another chance when his second cousin, Tom, also an attorney, hires him. Ryan isn’t sure the job will work out, and he has increased financial pressure when his wife, Paige, becomes pregnant.
Tom assigns Ryan as the lead attorney on a case which seems doomed from the start. Joe’s relatives hire the law firm to overturn Joe’s conviction. Just as Ryan begins investigating the old case, Tom has a health crisis and Ryan is on his own. Ryan soon discovers not everyone can be trusted, and he, Paige, and Joe are in danger.
As Ryan tries to determine Joe’s guilt or innocence, he is working through his own relationship with God and a sense of guilt over his father’s death.
Robert Whitlow, an attorney, doesn’t get too technical with the legal aspects of the story, and explains unfamiliar terms and procedures. Whitlow portrays Joe’s Christianity as realistic and natural. Joe prays, and God answers.
I was already a fan of Whitlow’s Christian-themed legal thrillers. If you enjoy that genre, I invite you to get a copy of Guilty Until Innocent, coming February 4. Available for pre-order at https://amzn.to/4iYbZuO
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
@whitlowwriter @ThomasNelson
#NetGalley #ChristianFiction #LegalThriller

I enjoyed the main storyline and liked how the perspective changed each chapter or so between a few of the characters. There were a few moments that were a bit much on the corny side, but overall it was a good story and kept me wanting to read more.

This is a great book. It’s so refreshing to read a book with no profanity. The theme is about a murderer who finds God in prison. After 26 years of being incarcerated his case may be reopened. Through the process he befriends his new young lawyer and his wife. Their friendship becomes a problem for the family of the murdered victims and 26 years of secrets and lies. Suspense, humor and redemption is all in here.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

I really enjoyed this excellent legal drama/mystery, which includes strong faith themes, suspense, surprises, and more! The young attorney takes over this case about a double murder that occurred over 25 years ago. The one who is in prison is a changed man who holds Bible studies and prayer meetings! But then every one involved is suddenly in danger! Who wants to keep the truth hidden? Who are the good guys and who are the bad guys? Kept me turning pages to the surprising ending! I received a NetGalley copy from Thomas Nelson, but my review is my own true opinion.

I will never ever skip a Robert Whitlow book. I absolutely love his writing. He manages to write about lawyers and different laws while merging in personal relationships, romance, as well as timely reminders from God's word. He does it all in one book every single time and I'm just in awe of his writing! This book was of course the same, we get to follow a younger couple, who have found out they are expecting while we also follow convicted felon in jail who has found Jesus. I highly recommend reading this book and the rest of his books!

I left this on my netgalley shelf for far too long. This was such a great book!

The best part of the book was the deep faith of the characters. It encouraged me in my own walk with the Lord. In the book, prayer and reading the Bible is paramount to everything else. The characters invite others to Bible study and actively pray for them.


Paige was a great character as well. I enjoyed how the church ladies came alongside her and mentored her.

It took me until the end of the story to figure out how the "puzzle" would go together. For me, that made this book a great read!!

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.


GUILTY UNTIL INNOCENT has more set up and extras than necessary to support the story, unless it’s the start of a new series, for author, Robert Whitlow.

MC, Joe, has been incarcerated for 25+ years. It doesn’t take long to figure out he’s not guilty. The lawyer who represented him all those years ago had an heart attack and the investigation into getting him released is being handled by the young lawyer recently hired. Joe’s sister prompted the inquiry as the family is now solvent.

Joe isn’t sure he wants out. He has a decent life, serving God in prison, taking care of the Gardening program and being a mentor to many men while earning the respect of the warden and guards. Life, such as his dual lifetime for murder sentences are concerned, isn’t too bad. Well, it wasn’t until a lawyer started looking into getting him released and checking out the old records…

Southern Fiction, Legal Fiction, Inspirational Fiction - all three genres are strong. A gospel message is clearly included along with some Bible verses and regular mentions of prayer. This is one author who hasn’t been watered down by a slide into mainstream📚

Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks

When Ryan goes to work in his cousin's law firm in a small North Carolina town he doesn't know what to expect. Then Joe Moore's family hires him to file a motion to get him released early because they don't believe he is guilty. The investigation leads to dark secrets in the local community. This book has so many twists! I really enjoyed it. Thanks to @NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I highly recommend it.

This reminded me a little of John Grisham's The Firm, which is a story about a young, driven couple who obtain a great corporate position. They soon learn that all isn’t what it seems at the firm. Ryan and his wife learn the community they live in isn’t as welcoming as they first thought.
When Joe Moore's mother's final wish is for him to be released from prison, things become a little suspicious. Joe doesn’t want any part of his family paying out rigorous lawyer fees in a predicament he most certainly caused.

But Joe’s sister is determined to fulfill her mother’s wish. No one wants to get Joe out of prison; he committed the crime, and he should pay.
Not only does this case have a lot of moving parts that include trouble with Ryan’s boss and the fact that someone is out to kill Ryan and his wife. Just when you thought you knew where this story was headed, it takes a few twists and turns into a surprising ending. I loved that.

I appreciated the organic spiritual connection that developed when Ryan and his wife began attending church at the invitation of their neighbors.
The story culminates in a suspenseful, nail-biting finale that will keep you up late. This is a heartwarming journey filled with likable characters and a few you won’t like. This novel will work well for your book club pick. This is a story you don’t want to miss. If you haven’t read a book by this author, I recommend you start here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. 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/

Robert Whitlow’s books are always a fantastic read and Guilty Until Innocent is no exception. Fantastic plot with well developed characters. This one definitely keeps the reader engaged. My thanks t to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

Once again, Robert Whitlow comes through with a book that should immediately hit your TBR pile. He writes with his classic style that keeps the reader engaged with the story and characters. I always enjoying getting to know the people that Whitlow adds to his story. I want to meet them and get to know them.
Joe is imprisoned for a crime he committed while using drugs. He doesn't remember killing 2 people, but the evidence shows others wise. He has made himself right with God and is now living a quiet life in the prison system.
Ryan and Paige are starting over. After losing his last two jobs, he is beginning to wonder if he should even stay a lawyer. His cousin Tom offers him a job in North Carolina. While just settling in, Joe's family wants to fill for an early release.
What ensues is full of twists and turns to a crime everyone thought was solved.
As I said before, fans of Whitlow will want to read this one right away, those who have not read him before will find a new favorite and have a delightful backlist to devour.

Guilty Unit Innocent by Robert Whitlow ****

Book Review: Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for providing me the opportunity to review an early copy of this novel. All of the thoughts and the opinions expressed are my own.

Joe Moore has been in prison for 25 years for a set of murders he committed while high on meth. Joe has found God in prison and is leading a prison revival. Ryan Clark, a young lawyer, and his wife have moved to a small town in North Carolina so that he can work for a distant relative after being let go from a couple of other firms. Tom, this relative, ends up in the hospital leaving Ryan to deal with the reopening of Joe Moore’s case as the request of his family. This pairing between Joe and Ryan brings spiritual healing to people on both the inside and outside. As things heat up, it becomes obvious that someone doesn’t want the truth to come out.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was quintessentially Robert Whitlow. It was suspenseful. It was a legal thriller and it was also a bit of a look at spiritual warfare. When I read a book by Robert Whitlow I always feel a little bit as if I am reading a bit of a mashup of John Grisham and Frank Peretti. I only rated it four stars because I would have liked to see a bit more of a conversion story for Ryan. We got Paige’s story and we see the beginning of Ryan’s. I would have just liked more. Also, I would have liked to see a complete resolution to the guilty party.

If you like a good clean Southern legal thriller but without the drama. This might be the book for you, especially if you like it with a side of prayer, and God’s power being revealed. If light pregnancy issues are a trigger this might be one to avoid. If legalese and suspense isn’t your thing or if you don’t like strong faith content then this might not be the book for you. . #GuilyUntilInnocent #NetGalley

I enjoy learning about the intricacies of the legal system. I enjoy reading about the causes and effects of crimes. I enjoy the discussion of religion. I thought i would adore this book. I was disappointed. The instantaneous leaps of faith and contrition take away from the characters and the plot. I received this ARC, and am leaving this review voluntarily.