
Member Reviews

Loved this. Could not put it down. Loved the characters and felt all the feels right there with them. I’ve recommended this book so many times. My first by this author but definitely not my last.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

Guilty Until Innocent by Robert Whitlow
Joe Moore is serving a prison sentence for killing 2 innocent people while under the influence of meth. He has come to terms with his guilt, accepted God’s forgiveness and begun to minister to his fellow inmates. God is using him greatly to influence the other prisoners. When his aunt decides she wants to re-open his case to see if he can be released early from prison, he isn’t sure what to think. As the story proceeds, events begin to accelerate, and forces begin to conspire to keep Joe’s case closed.
This book held some unexpected surprises and plot twists, but it ended in a very satisfying manner. The characters were worthy of admiration: Joe, Ray and Deshaun for their faithful Christian witness in prison and Paige and Ryan for their spiritual journeys. Even though Robert Whitlow’s writing style (and legal thrillers in particular) is not my favorite, I found much to like in this book. Readers who want to read a clean, suspenseful story will enjoy this book. I am grateful to the publisher for the complimentary arc in return for this, my honest review.

What an absolutely intriguing story this was! This one took me a little bit in the beginning to get into, but the further into the story I went, the more I found myself unable to walk away from the story.
Characters that totally immerse the reader into their lives.
It was a great book for discussion and so intriguing

Guilty Until Innocent by Robert Whitlow was so intriguing and hard to put down once I continued to read. I love thrillers whether they be legal thrillers or any other type. Joe Moore was a great character. The story as a whole was so well written. I highly recommend.

Thank you for writing a story that kept me interested from beginning to end. Good character development and story lines.

Gripping and touching:
This was a powerful novel about redemption and freedom from guilt. I thought the Christian message was well presented and I loved how it was both challenging and encouraging.
I enjoyed the dual points of view featuring Ryan the young lawyer, and his client Joe who was in prison. I thought the pacing was excellent and I found myself eagerly turning the pages in order to find out what was going to happen next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Robert Whitlow has once again woven a story that is multidimensional, entertaining, and impactful.
At first, I struggled to fully connect with all the characters. The storylines felt somewhat disconnected, making it a bit challenging to immerse myself in the plot. But as I kept reading, Whitlow skillfully wove them together into a compelling legal drama that held my attention until the very end.
What stood out most to me wasn’t just the mystery of a decades-old double murder but the depth of the characters themselves. Joe Moore’s transformation behind bars, Ryan Clark’s unexpected role in reopening the case, and the layered themes of justice, faith, and redemption made this story so much more than just a legal thriller. As I grew invested in their journeys, I found myself more engaged in their lives than in solving the mystery—though Whitlow did an excellent job keeping the truth well hidden. The final reveal truly caught me by surprise.
I’ve been a fan of Robert Whitlow since The List, and Guilty Until Innocent is another testament to his ability to blend legal expertise with powerful storytelling. His deep understanding of the law and his knack for crafting intricate, character-driven plots make his books an easy must-read for me.
I’d like to thank the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Guilty Until Innocent is a well written cold case/legal suspense story that weaves in faith and redemption and the impact of one man upon those in his circle of influence, inside and outside prison walls.
Whitlow does a great job presenting the sweet love story of Ryan and Paige Clark, whose lives are threatened as Ryan dives deeper into unearthing the truth about Roy Moore, the falsely accused protagonist. Business relationships blur, and Ryan reaches the point where he's unable to determine who he can trust.
Early on, I found it easy to determine who was working behind the scenes as the criminal mastermind. Not a lot of red herrings, pretty predictable plot, but overall a nice read.
Thank you to NetGalley & Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read Whitlow's latest.

Guilty Until Innocent is a legal drama of a man who is convicted of a double murder he has no recollection of committing. He was a known drug user and his prints were on the murder weapon, so he didn't even question it. But after spending more than two decades in prison, his mother's dying request was to try and get her son out of prison.
I really enjoyed this story from beginning to end. The author has a really fantastic way of interweaving the complexities of the legal system with the depth of brotherhood of men in prison. Especially among those who have repented and given their lives to Christ. The faith element of this story is really well done. From the character whose relationship with the Lord is so deep that his first reaction in all circumstance is how the Lord would have him react or proceed. To the character that their first encounter with God on the pages of the book. This story reveals how God can use even the most unfair, cruel situations in life, for our good and His glory.
If you are a fan of legal thrillers, this book is for you! I look forward to reading more from Robert Whitlow.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

This author writes enjoyable legal Christian fiction books. His writing is very technical but easy to understand.
Joe was in prison for a crime he doesn’t remember committing. While there he preached the gospel and led other prisoners to faith. This story reminded me of a parable of Joseph in potipher’s prison.
The ending was a little surprising but not completely. Overall an enjoyable read.
One issue I had was a character’s name was changed during the climax of the story. I hope this is corrected in the final copy. Clint Broome suddenly became Clint Norris in the last few chapters.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

I always like Robert Whitlow books. They make you think about not only the story but also about your personal relationship with God and if I am being a good witness. Joe was that kind of person. I can’t imagine being agreeable to stay in prison to help others with their spiritual walk but he was that kind of person. It made the book very interesting.

Can good ever come out from a man that is accused of murder? In Guilty Until Innocent, by Christian author Robert Whitlow, a cold-case is reopened and you might be surprised by what they find.
About Guilty Until Innocent:
Joe Moore has been convicted of murdering a couple with a knife. He has spent most of his life is prison, but his family is convinced that he is innocent. Ryan Clark, an attorney, has been hired to find out what happened on that night long ago.
Joe is a Christian man who is admired by the other inmates for his prayer groups. He is a model prisoner. Ryan is a new attorney struggling to find his way. His wife is pregnant, he just moved to a new town, and he has started a new job. As these two lives interconnect in North Carolina, a wonderful drama/mystery unfolds. Will Ryan be able to uncover the truth?
My Thoughts On Guilty Until Innocent:
Robert Whitlow is known for his Christian novels. If you aren’t into reading about God and/or the Bible, then this book isn’t for you. I actually loved that part of the book. It was filled with Bible verses that made me reflect on my own life, and the character of Joe taught a lot about redemption. To me, it was more of a Christian novel than a thriller, but that was okay. It is a slow burn and the thriller/suspense comes in the later 1/4 of the book. This is important to know if you are reading it just for the thriller part of the book.
I love to read about prison life, so Joe’s daily activities were interesting to me. At times, his story seemed a little unrealistic, but I haven’t been to prison, so who am I to judge? The story of Ryan and his wife was sweet and very realistic. I especially liked seeing how he treated her while she was pregnant. Both characters were relatable.
I gave this book four out of five stars. I enjoyed the story line, and cheered on Ryan and Joe throughout the book. I wish it had been more of a thriller, which is why I gave it four stars.

Joe Moore was convicted of the deaths of a young couple twenty-five years ago. Joe has since become a model prisoner and leads the incarcerated men in prayer, fasting and Bible study. He doesn’t remember what happened that night, but he’s willing to pay for his sins.
Ryan Clark, a young law associate, had lost his previous two jobs. Being hired by Tom Clark, a distant cousin, is a chance to redeem himself. When Tom has health issues, Ryan is thrown into the fire. Joe’s family has never been convinced of his guilt and want to reopen his case. Joe is just fine where he is, but finally agrees. When the investigation is reopened, all does not look as cut and dried as first thought. Somebody wants the case to stay closed and soon Ryan is caught in the headlights. Has he put his family and himself in grave danger? Is there a possibility that Joe is innocent? Who will come out on top? With likable characters and strong Biblical applications, this was a very good book. Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

I received an arc from net galley to honestly read and review this book.
This book grabbed my attention from the start. A young lawyer is tasked with representing a convicted murderer. This was not what he signed up for but he was going to do his best. He had no idea what he was getting ready to face. What if I told you this inmate would be the one to introduce the lawyer and his wife to the Lord?
Joe Moore was serving a life sentence for the murder of two people. His mother never believed he was guilty and after her death his sister decided it was time to find out what really happened that night.
There are a lot of secrets in this small town in NC.
I loved every minute of this book. The faith woven throughout this story was moving and perfectly done. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

A legal thriller that weaves a twisted tale of small town secrets and someone willing to kill to keep them that way. A place where justice, faith, and truth meet with a young lawyer and repentant criminal stuck in the middle of the chaos. As Ryan and Joe try to find the way out of the layers of deception, the danger and suspense rise. The pages kept flipping to find the final answers and see what happens. Even figuring out the "bad guy" you still don't know what they will do or how they will respond.
The characters are so well developed, growing as the story moves. The layers and interactions give life to the story. It feels like a real place just down the road. I half expected to hear Joe's harmonica playing.
Faith, prayer, and Scripture are easily woven into the story. It balances out the dark prison setting, the uncertainty of the legal issues and how to face all of life. If you like legal thrillers, definitely don't miss this book. Robert Whitlow is a true master of the craft. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Joe Moore was convicted of the brutal murder of a young couple behind a club where he'd just finished playing harmonica in a band. Problem is that Joe was so messed up on meth that he doesn't remember anything, but their blood was all over him, and his prints were found on the murder weapon. That was over twenty five years ago and Joe is still in prison. Joe had a praying momma in his corner. She never stopped believing in his innocence or praying for him.
Joe is now not the same man who went into prison. He has a deep faith and an awesome prison ministry where great things are happening.
Joe's family has now hired his attorney to try to set him free from prison. His attorney recently hired a cousin, young Ryan Clark and has him looking into the case. Ryan ends up handling the case as the older attorney had a massive heart attack and it is unsure if he will pull through or even return to the law practice. Ryan has had a rocky start in the law business and is rather unsure of his abilities. His wife has just learned she is pregnant, for which Ryan is overjoyed and also anxious about keeping employment.
I loved how Ryan's wife came to salvation, how they came to attend church, and the Godly women and friends that were put into their lives.
Ryan begins making trips to the prison to meet with Joe and then there is a threat made on Ryan's wife at their home. Another threat was made against Ryan and Joe if Ryan doesn't drop the case. Who doesn't want the truth coming out? What is the truth? Ryan begins to question Joe's guilt as things unfold.
This was an amazing story. A legal thriller with many twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. I looked forward to having a few minutes to read more of this one. The characters were wonderful. Robert Whitlow is one of my favorite authors.
I was given an advanced ecopy by the publisher, Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. I would give more than five stars if they were available.

Joe Moore has spent 26 years in prison after a conviction of murdering two people while under the influence of meth. He has no memory of the horrific event but feels he deserves this punishment. While in prison he has learned about the Lord and has accepted Him as Saviour. He works to be a good testimony to other prisoners.
Joe's family believes he is innocent, and they reach out to the lawyer who was his original defense attorney. Ryan Clark, a young attorney, has had a discouraging career thus far. His relative hires him for his firm. When the older lawyer has a health crisis Ryan has to take over in his place. Joe Clark and a potentially big case is now in Ryan's hands. When threats start being directed at Ryan, his wife Paige and Joe it proves something really isn't right.
I received a copy of this book by Robert Whitlow from Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley. This is my own unsolicited opinion of the book. This is such a good read in more than one way. Joe is a man of solid faith. He regrets his past, takes ownership of it and shares his faith in a kind way. He believes God has placed him in the prison environment. His faith is important to the story. Ryan and Paige are well developed characters with careers, normal marriage growth and concerns. Ryan's career has been a challenge for them. This could be his last chance. The reader sees into their lives and adjustments being made.
This is a thriller that leads to danger and changes for all of their lives. I appreciated the faith and growth of the characters. It made me think of John Grisham.
It's a 5-star read for me.
I John 5:11-12

I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. The first half of the book was so slow moving that I almost gave up on it a few times. The second half picked up some. I read many thrillers and it is nice to read a book without all the bad language. I think that this book was a little too long and could definitely be shortened.
Thank you to the publisher for granting me an advanced copy of this book.

It had been a couple of years since I had read a Robert Whitlow novel, and I was so ready for one. His legal thrillers are always thoroughly engaging and Guilty Until Innocent is one of his best. Tension normally doesn’t sound like a good thing, not an environment one longs to be in, but the tension Whitlow builds within this story is the kind that is compelling, the kind that combines angst and that tingle of anticipation.
Ryan Clark’s law career had gotten off to a rocky start. It seems as if Ryan, working for his third law office, is living life waiting for the other shoe to fall. He doesn’t want to let his faithful and supportive wife down again. So, when circumstances arise that involve a twenty-year-old murder case, his current boss, and threats from an unknown source, Ryan has to decide whether to pursue safety and security or justice. The stakes just keep getting higher.
Whitlow masterfully includes characters with deep faith and those with emerging faith in Christ. Their lives are testimonies to the value of faith and the goodness of God. Whitlow demonstrates that one’s value is determined by God rather than money or position.
I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Guilty Until Innocent from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I was given an advanced copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
This is the first book I have read by Robert Whitlow, but will absolutely not be my last. A few pages into the first chapter, I was immediately wrapped up into the life of Joe, who is in prison for a crime he pled guilty to, yet doesn't remember. However, this author turned his life into a beautiful story of Christ's love, redemption, and telling other about Jesus. I love how the author used Joe's life to reach so many others, while on the 'out side' people are trying to solve the mystery of his crime. I was shocked at the ending. I didn't expect the outcome. But this is the first author I've read who has been able to keep the suspense going, while also painting such a beautiful picture of Christ. I highly recommend this book to anyone! It's beautiful, clean, suspenseful, and will keep you on your toes!!!!