GUILTY UNTIL INNOCENT is a well written legal thriller by ROBERT WHITLOW with a strong Christian message and relevant scriptures throughout the story.
Joe Moore in prison is a very different person to the young man who was incarcerated twenty six years ago for double murder when strung out on drugs. In fact, “The leadership ability God placed in Joe didn’t emerge until he was incarcerated, but it had risen to the surface in prison,” where we find him teaching Bible studies, praying and even fasting for his friend Deshaun’s marriage……..
Ryan Clark, after losing his job with two consecutive legal firms, is finally employed by his distant cousin Tom. He is afraid of losing this job too, especially as his wife Paige is pregnant, but Tom gives him the job of trying to find out the truth of what happened outside that seedy nightclub twenty six years ago when Tom is asked by Joe’s niece to try and get a motion for appropriate relief passed so he can finally get out of prison. When Ryan is nervous about taking on the responsibility, Tom says to him, “You’ll rise to the occasion” and “What’s happened in the past isn’t going to define your future as a lawyer.”……
Joe is unsure about the case being reopened but he finally agrees and, after much prayer, says to his friend, “I have to consider what my family wants to do and God’s purposes for the young lawyer who came to see me.”…….
There are some wonderful characters and some who are not as they seem, but we see God’s redemptive power throughout the story. I particularly like the relationship between Joe, Ryan and Paige……
The novel is very exciting and will keep you guessing right to the end.
I cannot recommend Guilty Until Innocent highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Thomas Nelson. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

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. I'm not typically super into legal dramas/legal thrillers, but this one absolutely won me over because it was so much more than that. Joe Moore was such an intriguing character... a man in prison for over 20 years for a gruesome murder that he believes he committed (having been under the influence of meth at the time and having no recollection of the event), who has turned his life around and is using his time in prison to help other men find Jesus and do the same. He was so humble and truly that type of Christian that so many of us strive to be, despite his circumstances. I loved seeing that aspect of the story. While this may be a fictional story, it is still a great reminder of the change God can work in real life too. That in and of itself was a beautiful story... but throw in all the twists, turns and threats that make it seems that perhaps Joe isn't as guilty as he thought. With every twist, I found myself wondering how it was all going to play out. While I don't want to say too much and give anything away, it most certainly paid off in the end. If you love legal thrillers and strong messages of faith and redemption, this is an absolute must read for sure!

**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Riveting story plot, this keeps you guessing until the end..
A young musician, Joe Moore, addicted to meth, is accused of brutally murdering two people in the back of a nightclub - he was found asleep in a car with the bloody murder weapon in his hand and with blood all over his clothes!
Twenty five years later, Joe is a changed man full of the power of God and his niece Shana Parks and her family want to reopen Joe's case.
But some people will do anything to make sure the case is not reopened - there are hidden secrets....

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

Amazing story in that it crosses so many genres. Its mystery keeps you wondering “whodunit?” The legal drama, jailhouse ministry and duplicity, the small town community/alliances/betrayals, health issues, and more are all woven around the attempt to free an innocent man from serving a lifetime for a double murder. The young lawyer thrown into this situation is covered with prayer without the story being ‘preachy’

I haven’t read a Robert Whitlow for a bit, but I have some definite catching up to do. I think of him as the Christian Grisham. This is an awesome read and in classic Robert Whitlow style. Deserves way more than 5 stars. Now to catch up on what I’ve missed from him.

I received an advanced readers copy from Thomas Nelson and Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

How this author is able to turn out unique book after unique book amazes me. I’ve been a fan for a long time, and this book further solidifies my loyalty. The story line was engaging, the characters likeable, and the faith element believable and winsome.

Another great read by Robert Whitlow! His ability to weave story lines with issues that are relevant to today and keep the reader guessing until the end is unmatched! Love the way that he stands up for the gospel and presents people with truth in a way that every reader can appreciate and enjoy!

Guilty Until Innocent is written by Robert Whitlow (a Christian author) so quite naturally, it contains quite a bit of faith content including Scripture verses and prayers. The story is about someone who was accused and convicted of a crime that even he believed he had committed. He had been high on meth and did not remember the events of that night. A young lawyer who has lost a couple of jobs is given another chance by his uncle who happened to be the one who had defended the guilty party many years ago. When his uncle goes into the hospital with heart problems, this young lawyer must shoulder the burden of representing the felon whose family is trying to get his conviction overturned with a Motion for Appropriate Relief (MAR).

When death threats are made to the young lawyer and his wife, he knows he is on the right track but agrees to stop pursuing this case for the sake of their safety. Surprising twists and turns end the book.

There is no crass language, sexual content, or explicit violence. It was a very enjoyable read and kept me engaged throughout.


Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read this one!!

Would be such a great movie! I shared this story with my husband as I read it. I shared this story with my husband as I read it. He isn’t a fan of reading but loves to hear about the good books I am reading. I couldn’t read this one fast enough for him. It was a great book for discussion and so intriguing. I have found another great author through Netgalley. I look forward to enjoying more Robert Whitlow books. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are complimentary my own.

This book was amazing! It grabbed my attention from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down! Not only was the law information interesting and kept me reading, but the double storylines that intersected (Ryan, the young lawyer and his wife along with Joe and his friends) but I loved the mystery and suspense. Definitely an A+ rating and one I will be talking with to my friends. Needs to be a book club pick because there are SO MANY layers in this book to dissect.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from netgalley and was not obligated to write a review. All opinions are mine.

What an amassing book. I was unable to put it down once I started reading. It filled me with courage and encouraged me to walk on the path God has for me today.

Joe Moore has been locked up for years for a murder he committed…or did he?

This story is so interesting! Robert Whitlow has done an excellent job weaving this story together. I love the radical change that has happened in Joe’s life and how God uses him to minister to so many, both in and out of prison. And, the mystery truly kept me guessing until the very end. I would definitely recommend this book!

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

Every time I read a book by Robert Whitlow; I find myself thinking it's his best work yet. His stories are always intriguing and impossible to put down, keeping me turning the pages until the very end.
In his latest novel, we meet Ryan, a young attorney who just started a new job at a law firm run by a distant cousin. Recently moved to a small town in North Carolina with his wife, Paige, Ryan is eager to succeed after two earlier jobs in law that didn’t end well. He is committed to supporting his cousin Tom, who manages the firm's high-profile cases.
When the family of Joe Moore—convicted of murdering a prominent couple while under the influence—hires Tom’s firm to prove Joe's innocence, the case becomes the spotlight for the firm. Initially assigned to investigate, Ryan suddenly finds himself in charge when Tom unexpectedly ends up in the hospital with a life-threatening condition. With just two assistants to help him, Ryan feels overwhelmed but is determined to dig into Joe's case. He visits Joe in prison, where he discovers that Joe is surprisingly content, participating in Bible studies and making a difference for many fellow inmates.
As Ryan delves deeper into Joe's case, he realizes that his pursuit of the truth could endanger not only his life but also his wife’s and others around him. Although the risks are palpable, abandoning the quest for justice doesn't sit well with him.
This fast-paced thriller is a wild ride that’s hard to put down. The characters are both lovable and memorable, making for a captivating read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Besides the 2024 presidential elections, I had some personal issues going on and knew I needed something to read to keep me involved in the story. Robert Whitlow was the perfect solution. I am a big fan! This book is very good. Of course it is a legal-kind of mystery genre. It’s set in the south and the characters are definitely realistically southern. I am not going to write a review of the story but this could have really happened in the small town where I live. Paige and Ryan could go to our church. I wish the story had lasted a few more chapters so we could know more of the story. I will definitely recommend this book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy for my honest review.

This is an intriguing legal thriller that will keep you guessing. It starts off slow but gives you a chance to get to know the characters before it really takes off.

Joe Moore is serving a life sentence for attempted murder but he has gotten to really enjoy prison life, as much as one can. He is a devout Christian and serves as ministry leader, so all of the other inmates trust him and like him. When one day out of the blue, his niece shows up for a visit, he is stunned to find out that she hired a lawyer to try and get him freed. Joe was strung out on drugs when the crime was committed so he can’t remember a thing about that night. When his new lawyer comes across some new information, things get very interesting. It seems that someone doesn’t want the truth to come out because both Joe and his lawyer are getting threats.

This is a riveting whodunnit and you’ll be antsy to finish this one for the thrilling ending. If you like legal thrillers, you’re sure to like this one.

This novel is an intriguing story about an old case and a young lawyer who slowly comes to understand that probably the wrong man was convicted.
A man convicted of murder in prison can be freer than those outside prisons. There's to hope than many like Joe are working from the inside and I believe that inmates often are more open to see that they indeed need a savior and forgiveness.

Intriguing suspense . I did not expect what would happen in this book and that’s what made it fabulous.

The story begins at a trial sentencing Joe for a double murder , flip the page and it’s 27 years later.
The story is now about Ryan and his wife Paige .
They’ve recently moved to a small town for Ryan to practice law with a distant cousin .
It takes a bit for the two stories to connect but in the mean time Ryan’s story is built up: feelings of self doubt , a pregnancy , an awakening in him and his wife of wanting some type of religion and purpose in life , building friendships , integrity , and more.
Ryan’s law firm is asked to review joes original crime and sentencing to see if he can be released early .
Joe and Ryan are introduced - there’s something different about Joe . He talks of God , says he will pray about it , What’s there to pray about ? Thinks Ryan

After reviewing the original case evidence there are some holes and suprising some pressure from leading locals to drop the case . What will happen to Joe , Ryan and Paige and the other characters developed in this book ? I don’t want to ruin it for you just know it was a great suspense /mystery with a large amount of God mentioned .
I will read again. Thank you to netgalley and publisher for a copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

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.

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/

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.

Guilty Until Innocent is a legal thriller that will keep you guessing until the end. Joe has been in prison for 26 years. He was convicted of murdering 2 young people. He has never been 100% sure of his innocence as he was under the influence of drugs at the time. Now his family is trying to get him released to honor his mother’s wishes before she passed. Ryan Clark is a young attorney working for his cousin Tom Clark. He is assigned to Joe’s case. Joe is a changed man after giving his life to the Lord while in prison. . He leads Bible studies in the prison and has lead many men to the Lord. As the case is reopened, Ryan and his wife along with Joe come under attack in different ways leading many to believe that Joe was wrongfully accused all those years ago and that the truth is coming to light. Read this book to find out what the dramatic conclusion is. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #guiltyuntilinnocent #netgalley #thomasnelsonfiction

Great clean read. It wasn't too intense. This story is a great story of redemption and grace. You will be pulling for the "bad guy" and wondering how many there are behind bars in similar situations.

Guilty Until Innocent by Robert Whitlow was Christian fiction at it's finest. One of my biggest complaints about this genre is the lack of Christianity in books claiming to be Christian fiction; the characters often only pray when things are going wrong and they aren't discussing their spiritual lives with others. .

The characterization was excellent! The main characters all faced challenges--some lived lives immersed in faith, some were new to it and others were beginning to see how their lives could be changed by it. There was a mystery to the book as one character, Joe, was in jail for a crime he allegedly committed many years before. Joe is the strongest Christian in the book. The legal aspects were well fleshed out in a way that someone like me could understand.

I loved this, and like everyone else, I feel it is a 5 star book.

Captivating storyline! Keeps you guessing til the end! Love the plot and characters. Excellent book. Highly recommend!

This was another great read by Robert Whitlow, one of my favorite authors. The characters were likeable and I was easily drawn into the storyline. I was eager to see how it would all be woven together.

I also recommended this on social media in a large private group of Christian fiction readers.

What a powerful story! I think I have read most of the books written by Robert Whitlow. I believe this to be the best one he has written. He did an excellent job of developing the characters. I loved the interaction between the young attorney Ryan and his wife Paige. The descriptions of the inmates, other attorneys, and former witnesses grabbed my attention. The story is about a man who has served twenty-five years in prison for a double murder. Ryan has been working in the law firm headed by a distant cousin for a relatively short time when his cousin asks him to look into filing a motion for appropriate relief on behalf of the inmate and at the request of his family. The story kept me second-guessing what was going to happen next. Joe had turned to faith in Christ while incarcerated and was a real leader among the other prisoners. At times, I felt he was doing more worthwhile work on the inside than if he were freed from prison. At other times, I could only wonder if he could have a greater audience to share his faith if he was on the outside. Even from prison, his letter to a man on the outside had a significant impact on Paige when Ryan shared it with her after Joe gave his permission. In fact, Joe encouraged Ryan to share it with her. I remember in my formative years hearing the expression that confession is good for the soul. Although those words did not appear in the book, the message that Joe and the other ministry leaders in the prison stressed over and over highlighted that belief. It is a message that needs to be emphasized more rather than less. The story did not take the exact trajectory I was anticipating, but the author did a much better job than I envisioned. I would love to read more books like this. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

What a compelling page turner, from beginning to end I was hooked.
What a great job the author did with this story, and it takes really to the end to get most of the answers.
A faith based read, it made me realize that things were probably the way they should be, and doing God's work is not always easy.
With all the evidence pointing to Joe's guilt, a double murder, a trial, and then twenty six years later, we are at the prison where so many lives are being touched by Joe and the Holy Spirit.
There is danger and we are with Joe's new lawyer and his wife, Ryan and Paige, and see how Joe touches their lives.
You will be ducking bullets, fires, and the evil lurking.
What a journey, but answers come and so do surprises! I'll be looking for more by Robert Whitlow!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Thomas Nelson, and was not required to give a positive review.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wow! I love Robert Whitlow’s books and this was no exception. The story and well developed characters draw you in. I literally did not want to put this book down. The twists and turns keep you guessing. I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Wow, this book was incredible. I loved how the characters developed throughout the book and the plot was full of twists and turns. The author knew just how to develop the characters faith in such a way that was believable and encouraging.

There were clues throughout the book that led me one way but then I would change my mind. This mystery was well written and engaging.

Robert Whitlow never disappoints! His ability to weave a plot through well-developed characters, realistic life scenarios, and Scriptural truth is amazing. “Guilty Until Innocent” was truly one of those books that you cannot put down once you start reading. Whitlow always creates a healthy tension with enough suspense to keep you reading long after real life tries to call you back to work! His inclusion of a Christian worldview in some of his characters is natural and adds depth to the characters and their emotions and reactions. I will be recommending this one to my book club for sure!

I always enjoy a good Robert Whitlow book. He reminds me a lot of a clean John Grisham! His books aren’t full of action and suspense but are more of a legal thriller. This one was very good and it kept my attention to figure out how it was going to end. I highly recommend this book and all of Robert Whitlow’s books.

I received this novel from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

It's another winner from Whitlow! A great legal drama full of faith, grace, forgiveness and law combined to make a great book. Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC. This is my own honest opinion. I can highly recommend this one.

More Southern Fiction Than Legal Thriller. Admittedly it has been several years since I last picked up a book by Whitlow, but back in the day this author was essentially a Christian form of John Grisham - he's going to give you tight, exciting legal thrillers of some form (via inside or outside the courtroom itself), but a Christian version of it where people more openly pray and talk about "God stuff" and such.

This book... keeps all the "God stuff" *in spades* (seriously, if you're openly hostile to anything Christian or even just not at all interested in anything Christian... don't bother reading this book, you're not going to like it) but ditches the legal thriller aspects in favor of a more Boo Walker or Nicholas Sparks or Pat Conroy ish Southern fiction tale.

The story is long, some might argue too long, drawn out, yet ultimately satisfying for what it actually is and the multiple sub plots it is running concurrently. There is a *touch* of action near the end, but it really is more of a "slight rise on a kiddie coaster" level than anything particularly suspenseful - more suspenseful than anything else in this tale, but that only serves to highlight just how little actual danger there seems to be at any point here.

Still a great tale for what it actually is, just in no way any form of thriller or suspense.

Very much recommended.

This is a great legal read. It is down to earth enough for us normal people.
The story is very engaging.
I felt like a experienced life with the characters.
There is some mystery and suspense but the story line reads more straightforward.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.