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!!!!

Guilty Until Innocent is an edge of your seat crime drama. Risky case files and apparent drama - i love stories that know have a predictable journey and this was it! An absolute recommendation for fabs of crime thriller and mystery stories

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had two main settings: inside the prison and outside the prison. It was fascinating seeing Joe interact with the other prisoners and staff inside. While imprisoned, Joe's life was radically changed. He wrote, "To really know God, he has to be living inside you. That's when everything changes, and it becomes possible to experience forgiveness, freedom, and life as God wants it to be" (location 2491). Joe shows what a life devoted to God can be and how God can use a surrendered life.

Outside, Ryan gets caught up in trying to get relief for Joe. His family believes he's been falsely incarcerated. He reluctantly gets drawn in and soon things start to bother him and he needs to make sure someone will follow up. It all leads to danger. There are surprises and twists. It was an interesting read. I'd recommend it.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Another great novel by Robert Whitlow! I loved how this story centered around a married couple, so there wasn't any awkward romance. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and their little town. Then the mystery was presented, and I was trying to figure out whodunnit. I figured out part of the mystery, but there was still some surprise for me!

I listened to the audio, which was well done, except the narrator pronounced the city of Raleigh as "rally." I even quizzed me teens on it, and they knew the correct pronunciation!

I appreciate receiving an early reader copy from NetGalley and the publisher. Opinions are my own.

In the book Guilty Until Innocent, author Robert Whitlow writes about Joe Moore who is in prison for a crime he knows he did not commit. But he also believes that he is right where God wants him to be. God is using him to reach his fellow prisoners. Young lawyer Ryan Clark and his wife, Paige moved to the area for Ryan to work in a law firm that a relative has. But when Ryan’s boss ends up in the hospital in critical condition, he is now in charge of the law firm. And part of that responsibility is to discover the truth behind Joe Moore’s conviction. This is a great read with excellent character development. The message of second chances and helping others in their time of crisis is powerful! I would highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was impressed with this story, which featured three main characters and their perspectives. Having worked at a large law firm many years ago, I found this narrative particularly fascinating. Ryan, a lawyer who has faced several challenges in his career, has finally settled at a relative's law firm in North Carolina. He prefers to avoid high-profile cases, leaving those to his cousin. However, when his cousin faces a health crisis, Ryan is compelled to take over the firm temporarily. I can only imagine how overwhelming that must have been for him! At that time, the town's biggest case, a double murder from 25 years ago, is being reopened. Joe, the man accused of the murders, has been in prison all this time, but his sister & niece are determined to prove his innocence. Joe has undergone significant positive changes in prison, becoming a ministry leader and a model inmate. He is so successful in leading men to God that he is unsure if he even wants to leave prison.

Another perspective we gain is that of Ryan's wife, Paige. Her journey to faith and her efforts to make friends in their small town since moving there are both interesting and heartwarming. I loved how the author wove these storylines together. As Ryan reopens the case, he never anticipates uncovering the evil hidden in the small town and the lengths to which some people will go to prevent him from discovering the truth.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. ~ John 8:36

When Joe Moore was sentenced to life in prison, his mama put a piece of paper with that verse in his pocket. He didn't believe it then, but by God's grace, he does at the time of our story.

I enjoy a good legal thriller and this was like a combination of John Grisham and Chuck Colson. There is a young lawyer named Ryan Clark who is in over his head. His lovely wife Paige is supportive and perceptive. Joe Moore's case is cold as the rock he puts his head on for lunch naps in the prison garden. His mama passed recently and asked for the family to open it up once again, hoping for new evidence and a possible release from prison for Joe. What follows is an unexpected chain of events and a new way forward in faith for Ryan and Paige.

Some might grow impatient with the reports of what is happening in the lives of Joe and his fellow prisoners as they pray for each other and study the Bible. For me it was bonus content. Am definitely interested in reading more books from Robert Whitlow.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This book delivers a solid mix of Southern fiction, legal drama, and inspirational storytelling. The story follows Joe, a man who’s been incarcerated for 25+ years for a crime he didn’t commit. It doesn’t take long to realize he’s innocent, but the fight for justice isn’t that simple. His original lawyer had a heart attack, and now the case has landed in the hands of a young, newly hired attorney. Joe’s sister, now financially stable, pushes for his release—but the real question is, does Joe even want out?

Joe has built a life behind bars serving God, running a gardening program, mentoring other inmates, and earning the respect of both fellow prisoners and guards. But once the case is reopened, old secrets resurface, and his quiet existence is suddenly at risk.

What I I appreciated most is that Whitlow doesn’t hold back on faith elements Bible verses, prayer, and a strong gospel message are woven throughout. If you love legal fiction with a spiritual foundation, this one delivers. That said, the book has a lot of setup and extra details that felt like they were laying the groundwork for something bigger. If this is the start of a series, it makes sense; otherwise, it could have been a tighter read.

I received a copy of Guilty Until Innocent for review purposes. Read and reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks.

There is much about this novel I really enjoyed. The well-rounded characters and relationships, for example, and the fast-paced action towards the end of the book.
A young lawyer, Ryan, is thrust into the hot seat at his new firm when the boss falls ill. His case? To get a release for Joe, imprisoned for murder. The case is not quite what it seems, and Ryan, together with his pregnant wife, soon become the target of a deadly enemy.
Joe is a wonderful character – a real leader, who manages to get several of his fellow inmates to attend bible sessions and gains the respect of everyone.
On the down side, I found this novel a little drawn out, too heavy on religion (my fault, I should have read the blurb) and a tad predictable. I also felt misled by the blurb which referred to it as a gripping legal drama, which is not the way I would describe it.