This was a 'Read Now' book on Netgalley which I, somewhat prejudicially, tend to avoid assuming that 'read now' means poorer quality. However, I am always on the look out for legal thrillers, particularly those set largely in courtrooms, so I decided to take a chance and I am so glad I did.

Small Town Trial follows lawyer Spencer Dunn who is handed a murder case -state senator Carlton Osborn is found dead on his boat, shot from a gun which has the fingerprints of the only other person on board, his younger, pregnant lover. This seems an open and shut case with very little room for manoeuvre, however delving deeper into the crime, Dunn realises that this is anything but open and shut.

This was a quality novel from a writer who can clearly write. The pace moved along well and the story was complex but not overly ridiculous which some legal thrillers can be in terms of suspending disbelief.

What Kirkland does really well here is to blend the wider courtroom story with the small town life and surroundings. You definitely read this book with a great sense of how it must feel to live in a small town where everyone knows everyone and outsiders are never really comfortable.

There is also the personal story of Dunn's private life with his wife and the loss of their child which clearly still haunts their relationship.

All in all a really good effort and definitely look forward to reading more.

Thanks to Netgalley and Relay Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I will definitely be recommending this to my Goodreads friends!

Peter Kirkland’s Small Town Trial is a compelling courtroom drama set against the backdrop of a close-knit community riddled with secrets. True to its title, the novel captures not just the intricacies of a legal trial but also the complex dynamics of small-town life, where traditions run deep, and resistance to change often prevails.

Kirkland crafts a vivid and authentic portrayal of life in a small town, emphasizing the hidden tensions and unspoken rules that shape the lives of its residents. The story is as much about the trial itself as it is about the cultural and social undercurrents that influence justice and morality. Readers will find themselves immersed in a world where loyalties clash, old grudges resurface, and the truth is more elusive than it seems.

The narrative is well-paced, balancing the suspense of courtroom proceedings with rich character development. Kirkland skillfully unveils the layers of the town’s secrets, offering readers a glimpse into the motivations and prejudices of its inhabitants. His writing captures the essence of small-town life—the sense of familiarity, the resistance to change, and the ways people often look the other way to preserve the status quo.

What stands out most is Kirkland’s ability to weave a story that feels both intimate and universal. The challenges faced by the characters are deeply personal but resonate with broader themes of justice, integrity, and the courage it takes to confront deeply rooted biases.

For readers who enjoy a mix of courtroom drama and small-town intrigue, Small Town Trial is a satisfying and thought-provoking read. Kirkland’s ability to shed light on the hidden layers of a seemingly quiet town makes this novel both entertaining and insightful.

A well-written exploration of justice and human nature, Small Town Trial will leave readers reflecting on the complexities of truth and the power of standing up for what’s right—even in the face of opposition.