This was my first Robert Whitlow book, and it certainly won’t be my last! I’m already looking forward to reading more of his work. What really stood out to me was the strong faith elements, particularly the numerous mentions of the Holy Spirit. The spiritual depth in the story, along with Joe’s inspiring faith journey, added such a powerful layer to the plot. From the very beginning, I found myself rooting for Joe, regardless of whether he was guilty or innocent. Even though there were a lot of characters, I didn’t find it overwhelming. Whitlow does a great job of connecting them throughout the book, making each one significant to the story. The suspense and anticipation really grabbed me from the start, and I was hooked until the very end. Additionally, the narration was a perfect fit. It kept me immersed in the story and enhanced the overall experience. I’m so glad I picked up this book and look forward to diving into more of Whitlow’s work.
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.

Robert Whitlow is an amazing author and I usually love his books. I appreciate him being an author of faith but I will say this book seems to ne trying too hard. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

Guilty Until Innocent by Robert Whitlow takes us on a journey into the heart of justice, faith, and redemption, with each page turning faster than the last. The beauty of this novel lies in its dual power: it’s a heart-pounding legal drama and an introspective look at the grace and transformation that only faith can bring. From the first chapter to the very end, I was captivated by how Whitlow masterfully intertwined the intricacies of the law with authentic Christian themes, creating a perfect storm of suspense and reflection.

What left a lasting impression on me was the profound depth of the characters. Ryan, the lawyer, is raw and relatable, struggling with his career, his calling, and his faith. His growth throughout the story is tied to the case at hand and a testament to the power of God’s grace working in the midst of life’s hardest challenges. The way his journey unfolds alongside Joe’s—who is just as dynamic or perhaps even more so—had me pondering long after the book ended. Whitlow makes you care about what happens next and he makes you care about who these people are and why their stories matter. The growth of each character, shaped by their choices and their faith, is intense and deeply inspiring.

The Christian elements in this story are woven so naturally, so seamlessly into the narrative, that they are part of the very fabric of the characters’ lives, not added on as an afterthought. Prayer, Scripture, and grace come alive on these pages, and it’s done in a way that is real. It powerfully invites you to reflect on your own walk of faith. It made me ask myself tough questions about justice, about mercy, and how faith plays a role when you’re caught in the tension of the two.

The narration is superb -- capturing the emotions and weight of every scene in a way that enhanced the story even further. I could feel the tension, the uncertainty, and the hope, and the pacing was perfection. It's a flawless pairing with the writing—one that kept me listening for hours, completely immersed in this world Whitlow created.

The legal drama was intense, yes, but the personal and spiritual journey of the characters took it to another level. It’s a story that lingers in your heart, its lessons and truths echoing long after the last word has been read -- making you reflect on the deeper themes of faith, grace, and justice. If you enjoy a legal drama with a real heart, Guilty Until Innocent should be at the top of your list. It’s an incredibly powerful story that had me asking myself tough questions about the price of truth, and whether I could walk through the fire the way these characters did.

For anyone who loves legal thrillers with rich Christian, Robert Whitlow has once again delivered a book that is both thought-provoking and soul-stirring. Guilty Until Innocent will stay with you, not just for its unexpected twists, but for the deep, grace-filled reminders of faith and redemption that resonate in your soul long after the final page.

I received a digital ARC of the audiobook from Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio via NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

A character driven story that slowly builds in suspense and, mercy, but the faith elements in this novel are phenomenal.

The book’s strength is in the character growth. It is told from multiple points of view with varied perspectives that blend into a cohesive whole by the end. There’s Joe, twenty + years into a lifetime prison sentence for double homicide; Ryan, an up and coming young lawyer and his wife, Paige. I enjoyed the time I spent with each character and loved the way their faith journeys intersected, shining a spotlight on how God can work good out of any situation.

I went into this book expecting a legal thriller/suspense but I found the plot takes more of a meandering pace towards the action packed conclusion. Definitely more of a redemptive type of story with a side of suspense. I figured out the whodunnit aspect very early on, but it was still fun (and frustrating) to watch Ryan take his sweet time reaching the same conclusion…when it’s almost too late!

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Guilty Until Innocent’ and found it to be an easy listen. I don’t usually enjoy male narrators because their female voices often feel like caricatures, but Jason Keller’s performance worked well for this story. I liked the way he brought distinctive voices to the characters…along with some Southern twang!

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio edition of this book.

*Guilty Until Proven Innocent* by Robert Whitlow is a gripping legal thriller that revolves around Ryan, a young lawyer, who takes on the case of Joe, a man wrongfully accused., Determined to prove Joe’s innocence, Ryan navigates intricate courtroom battles and personal struggles. The narrative expertly blends legal drama with heartfelt themes of faith and redemption, delivering a powerful message.

Having never read a Robert Whitlow novel before, I was pleasantly surprised by his writing style and how seamlessly he weaved these themes throughout the story. I’m definitely looking forward to exploring more of his work.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Robert’s team for this advanced audio copy.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC. While I don't typically read Inspirational fiction, I did mostly enjoy this novel. The plot was promising and the characters were likeable. I did struggle with some of the voices created by the narrator - the main characters were fine but some of the others were a bit annoying. Overall, this was a good story and I'm glad I read it. My first novel by Robert Whitlow and I hope to read more.

Joe Moore, found guilty of double murder and having served twenty-five years in prison, has taken his sentence well and dedicated his time to the good. Despite not remembering the events leading up to the murders, he has become very involved in a prison ministry, having overcome his past as a drug addict.

Ryan Clark, an attorney facing challenges, discovers potential evidence that could prove Joe’s innocence. Now working with his distant cousin Tom, another attorney, they tirelessly work to plead Joe’s case.

Joe’s family remains steadfast in their belief in his innocence and unwavering faith. While meth may have erased his memory of that fateful night, Joe’s actions and behavior demonstrate more than mere rehabilitation. He embodies goodness, and time has proven it.

This legal thriller delves into faith and showcases Joe’s commendable attitude, especially when his positive behavior opened doors for him.

The story unfolds with an intriguing plot, and it also features Ryan’s relationship with his wife Paige, and their challenges. Despite this story having a bit of a slow start, it delivered a satisfying conclusion. While the desire for Joe’s exoneration was straightforward, achieving it proved challenging. All said, this was a solid read by Robert Whitlow.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Just finished Guilty Until Innocent by Robert Whitlow, and I have some thoughts! This legal thriller dives into themes of justice, faith, and redemption, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I didn't quite realise it would be so heavy on religion and whilst I have no issues with religion as a whole, I wasn't quite expecting it to be in a legal thriller.

The narrator was great as well, and I really enjoyed his telling of the story!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me listen to an advanced copy of this audio book.
I liked the book and the reader was great. The reader can make a book more enjoyable and he did a great job. The prison storyline and the home storyline was both hopeful and I liked the ending.

In terms of narration, I would rate this book a 3. The narrator changes his intonations to differentiate between characters, but it sounds too much like “reading” instead of natural speech, and had a rather choppy feel to it. I wish the length between chapters was a little shorter as well-several times I thought it had turned off due to the extended pause.

This is the first Whitlow book I’ve read, and (no pun intended) the jury is still out as far as my feelings about his writing. The story is enjoyable, if somewhat predictable, and has good messages of forgiveness and redemption.

I was expecting more suspense based on the book’s description. The way the book is written leaves me feeling like its purpose may have been to introduce a cast of characters who will reappear in future books. Perhaps we’ll see greater character development if that’s the case.

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wow! Probably my favorite Whitlow book yet! As I worked my way through this book I was often thinking of how the storyline rivaled those of Grisham, yet better because Christ was woven throughout. I was convicted as I learned more and more about Moore, a main character, and reflected on how I would think/feel/act if I was in the same shoes. A great read as well as humbling and thought provoking.

I received a complimentary copy of this book "Guilty Until Innocent" and all opinions expressed are my own. I listened to the audio book. The beginning was good but then it became a bit boring. Very heavy on religion also which I don't mind if it is not so heavy. I also like a book that has more narration instead of dialogue. Overall it was ok.

Guilty Until Innocent is a Christian Fiction book in the legal thriller sub-genre. It follows a young lawyer who is unwillingly handed a two and half decade old case that seems useless to review. It was an open and close case. Or was it?
The characters are fairly predictable, but their depth makes it worth the read. Overall, it is an entertaining, morale-boosting jaunt.

I am not a fan of religion. I truly thought this would be a thriller or the very least a court room drama. I didn't care to or need to know Ryans wife. I wanted more about Joe, the incident, and the trial(s).

Audio production was good, narrator did a good job but is not the one who should be voicing women. It came off weird and sounds off.