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Small Town Lawyer #5

Prescribing Doubt

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#1 Bestseller in Conspiracy Thrillers!

A murdered millionaire could be the key to a sinister medical conspiracy…


Running his own law firm is harder than Leland Munroe ever imagined, but he’s determined to make it work. Judy Reed, accused of killing her wealthy father, is just the kind of high-profile and high-paying client he needs to keep his firm afloat. Yet the deeper he digs, the more complex her case becomes.

Nurse LaDonna Winters’s financial situation isn’t as ideal. Struggling to make ends meet, she can barely afford legal representation. But her case is compelling—accused of a crime at her hospital she insists she didn't commit, LaDonna is desperate to clear her name.

Juggling these two demanding cases, alongside his responsibilities in Basking Rock, Leland struggles to keep up. The deck is stacked against LaDonna, and Judy’s unpredictable behavior makes defending her challenging. As Leland delves deeper, he begins to suspect that their cases are intertwined, and that something deeply disturbing is happening at the local hospital.

Tangled in a web of small-town secrets and deceit, Leland unearths information that points in some very dangerous directions… for himself as well as his clients.

The closer he gets to the truth, the more he fears that solving these cases could be a fatal mistake.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2024

2093 people are currently reading
105 people want to read

About the author

Peter Kirkland

19 books113 followers
Peter Kirkland grew up in Beaufort, South Carolina. As a kid, Peter loved history and learning about his area. One year in school, he was given a project to research a few South Carolina law cases and the precedents they set and their effect on people’s lives.
This research project lit the flame for his passion for law and creating a more equal justice system since. Soon after this, Peter began reading legal thrillers voraciously and enjoyed the legal maneuvering and justice found within. As an adult he has continued researching the law and understanding the system and its effects on individuals. A few years ago, he decided to try writing his own legal thriller.


Now a full-time writer, he uses his research, passion for justice, and real case studies to bring together courtroom dramas with deep, rich characters, and gripping twists and turns. New to the industry, Peter would love to hear from readers and other authors and invites you to connect with him.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Valleri.
1,011 reviews43 followers
January 1, 2025
Running his own law firm is harder than Leland Munroe ever imagined, but he’s determined to make it work. Juggling two demanding cases, Leland struggles to keep up. One of the cases definitely tugged on my heartstrings, although I very much wanted to discover who, why, and how of BOTH cases!

One thing that rather annoyed me was when the author had Leland starting so many sentences with "Uh". It made Leland sound less than intelligent. I still loved Terri, although I could have done with fewer of her "Mm hmms" as well.

Still, the characters were interesting, and the storylines were twisting and turning with small-town secrets!

Thank you #RelayPublishing for providing this book for review consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Simon Gosselin.
235 reviews
January 23, 2025
Leland is back. And Peter Kirkland follows the same structure as his previous adventures. Two cases. Somewhat intertwined, and often unequal in interest value.

First one is Judy Reed, accused of killing her wealthy father. And we have LaDonna Winters a nurse accused of a crime at her hospital she insists she didn’t commit.

A really good legal thriller. But the now method is showing after 5 iterations of Leland adventures!

4,5* round down in that case!
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book119 followers
November 30, 2024
Two Fascinating Cases

Audiobook Review:
I've read or listened to nearly all the books in this Small Town Lawyer series, and I've enjoyed every one. In this book, as in all the books in this series, we follow two criminal cases that lawyer Leland Munroe is defending. As always, they're an interesting contrast to each other. I'll admit I had a bit of trepidation about one of them, about a nurse accused of stealing narcotics at work; I'm a registered nurse, and I was hoping the author would tackle this delicate subject well. Luckily, he did, even though some of the medical or nursing aspects weren't quite the way they are in reality. (Unfortunately, that happens in most books that have a hospital element; people who aren't nurses or doctors just don't get some of the ins and outs of how it is.) I found the second case intriguing as well. This defendant is a woman we would call neurodiverse, and the way this manifests makes it harder for her to appear innocent or even likable on a human level. Again, I appreciated the way the author treated this with delicacy and even compassion. Leland was initially put off by her, as the reader is, but he came to understand that she simply saw the world differently, and there was nothing inherently wrong about that. Throughout this series of books, Leland has had a more than professional interest in his go-to PI, a retired police officer. In this book, he finally lets his interest be known, but unfortunately for Leland, she has recently gotten involved with someone else. If this is a long-running series, they may have a chance in the future! So far, the author has used the same narrator for all books in this series. While the narrator does a perfectly fine job for Leland and any young men, some of his other voicings are just unpalatable or unflattering. In particular, I don't think he does a good job with women, especially Teri, the PI. Also, when he has a more “good ole boy” character, the voicings seem exaggerated. However, if you enjoy well-written legal drama, you will probably enjoy this book (and this series) as much as I did.

I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
February 2, 2025
There is no doubt about it this author knows how to write an entertaining story. In this book Leland is working on two case, both involving the same hospital, one is a drug case and the other is a murder investigation. I was surprised with how this book ended. I don't think his private investigator Terri was involved as much in this book as the previous books, as it was down to more medical and computer evidence. Don't get me wrong she does still work her magic with people, which was greatly need with one of there own clients, she just was not as involved. I can't say I warmed up to the client but as Terri said everybody is different and unique. It showed a good understanding of people from the author and certainly added something different, I must admit I kept imaging Temperance from the tv show Bones and her attitude and understanding to the truth. I look forward to the next book.
Leland has set up his own law practice and when his old partner asks him to take a look at a case, he doesn't hesitate. Even after meeting his new client. Judy has been accused of killing her own father, after his heart attack turns out to be an allergic reaction to medication she brought into the house.
Judy's neurodiverse means that Leland has to not only fight the prosecution but also his own client if he hopes to clear her of murder charges. At the same time a nurse from the same hospital where Judy's father died is accused of stealing patients drugs. As a single mother to a young child any jail time means the child being taken away and for a crime Leland doesn't think she committed. Can he prove them both innocent?
I liked the narrator. He is the author's narrator of choice for a good reason and I hope he sticks with the series for any future books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,731 reviews13 followers
October 14, 2024
I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story is not about 1 trial, no it is 2 cases that Leland is handling. The 1st case involves a nurse who has been charged with taking drugs from a hospital. She is accused of 3 incidents where she supposedly removed drugs from the box where patients' medication is dispersed. This case is being held in a federal courthouse.

The second case was the result of a referral from Roy, his mentor. Judy, the client, is acccused of murdering her father by administering a drug the father was allergic to. This case was more involved than the first and required a great deal of effort. Fortunately, Judy was wealthy and he was able to draw on a lot of help.

To learn what evidence was available for the drug case, what sort of defense Leland used and how it worked out in the end, then read this book. To discover how Leland structure Judy's case, what evidence the prosecution had and what happened near the end of trial, then read this book.

This is another great story in this series. Don't miss it.
Profile Image for Mike.
1,354 reviews92 followers
November 12, 2024
A courtroom drama, Prescribing Doubt (2024) by Peter Kirkland and Daleth Hall is the fifth in the small-town lawyer series. Attorney Leland Munroe is now running his own firm in Basking Rock Charleston, South Carolina. As the sole lawyer, Leland takes on two cases at the same time, the first a medical theft case and the other a woman accused of killing her husband for his fortune. With likable characters, a lawyer seeking justice and nicely building tension, with plenty of twists and turns, it makes for a quality intriguing tale. A flourishing seamless tale of two different legal cases and lawyerly smarts, makes for a good standalone legal thriller with a four and a half stars read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement. With thanks to Relay Publishing and the authors, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.
Profile Image for Robert Cronin.
35 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2025
As always, Peter Kirkland keeps me interested in the life of Leland Monroe. An attorney who left the big city of Charleston, South Carolina to live and work in Basking Rock following his wife's death. In Book 5, Leland takes two cases, that of an eccentric woman who is accused of killing her father with medication and a nurse accuse of stealing medication from the Basking Rock hospital. Of course, this being a thriller, Leland as the defense attorney must fight for his clients while trying to solve the crimes with his trusty investigator.

There are 4 authors that I always buy the book immediately upon release: Peter Kirkland, Scott Pratt (R.I.P.), Michael Connelly, and John Grisham. Kirkland knows how to write a courtroom thriller, be true to the struggles of an attorney in the legal profession and living in a small town, the feelings of those pulled into the courtroom, and the emotions of a legal thriller. I will continue reading Kirkland's books as long as he writes them.
Profile Image for Diane Elizabeth Taylor.
292 reviews14 followers
October 29, 2024
What an incredible story this was! We have two seemingly unrelated cases running concurrently that couldn't be more different, and neither could the accused.

On one hand, we have a single parent nurse, and on the other we have a neurodiverse heiress, who I grew to really like and root for as the book progressed.

Leland's tenacity and his unfailing commitment to his cases shines through the whole book.

Every chapter has been well thought out and the author's legal expertise is unfailing. Characters are interesting and the storyline made it really difficult to put down.

The ending was well thought out with no loose ends, something I love in a book.

I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more books by the author.
Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC. This is an honest and voluntary review.
487 reviews4 followers
November 12, 2025
Prescribing Doubt
A Legal Thriller (Small Town Lawyer, Book 5)

By: Peter Kirkland, Daleth Hall
Narrated by: J J Hosenfeld

Totally Satisfying! I loved it!

Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 11-12-25

Complex family dynamics …unconscionable corporate greed. Two very different cases … and so much at stake for two very different defendants. At the center of both cases, prescription medication … it’s use … or it’s misuse. Let the jury be the judge … with Leland’s help of course … “Prescribing Doubt” - filled with legal wrangling, fantastic realistic characters, shenanigans and the courtroom drama I so LOVE, all beautifully enhanced by convincingly authentic narration! This fabulous five star addition to a stellar series should not be missed!
364 reviews6 followers
October 6, 2024
Another great mystery thriller. Great characters and action to keep you wanting to find out who, why and how.

We have a murdered millionaire and nurse accursed of crime she says she did not commit.
Leland Munroe is determined to make it work his law firm work. A new client Judy Reed is accused of killing her wealthy father. The more he looks into the case the more complex it becomes.
Nurse LaDonna Winters is desperate to clear her name. Unlike Judy Reed she has no money.
Leland begins to suspect that their cases are intertwined. It is not long before he sees nothing but deceit and most find away to the truth.

Twists and turns, great characters and angst.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
302 reviews17 followers
October 25, 2024
Prescribing Doubt is an intriguing tale of a small town attorney with 2 distinct legal cases in which the reader is certain he/she will know how they turn out. The fun is how the attorney in the disparate cases gets to his conclusions. One client is very likable and unable to pay his fees and the other is completely opposite — unlikeable and wealthy. The investigative techniques are interesting as are the witness questions and answers during the trial scenes. Mr. Kirkland is a new author for me and I eagerly await his next book. I thank NetGalley and Relay Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.
1,445 reviews27 followers
October 2, 2024
PRESCRIBING DOUBT, #5 - Enjoyable and interesting. Good characters. Intriguing story lines. Wish I had discovered this author five books ago. Source: Booksprout. 4*

BURNING EVIDENCE, #4 - My first read by this author and I enjoyed it. A constant pace with a good blend of interesting characters, interesting story lines and good dialog. The lawyer and the PI make good co-workers professionally and privately. Also interesting is the relationship between the businessman and his wife. Source: Booksprout. 4*
Profile Image for La'Jacinth.
1,909 reviews
December 6, 2024
This review is for the audible version.

As always Kirkland makes the story engaging and on point with many aspects to reality throughout.

The story is not only believable but doctored with little eggs from previous stories with characters and cases I have to say the main charatcter, Leland, is amazing in the way he maneuvers the court along with assistance and brilliance of Terry, his investigator.

As always JJ Hosenfelds voice is spot on and makes the storry com alive.

I am so looking forward to more from both!!!!
125 reviews2 followers
January 3, 2025
Hope more book(s) are Coming!

This is the 6th book of the series, hopefully, not the last. I retired from the U.S. Marshals Federal Court Security Program as a Federal Court Security Officer with seventeen years of service, backed up by thirty years as a Law Enforcement Officer.

Mr. Kirkland and Ms. Deleth are spot in the Federal Rules of Procedure and crime investigation, which makes book a can't put down interesting read!

I hope the next book in the series is forth coming!
Profile Image for Cherie Melbourne.
1,366 reviews15 followers
January 31, 2025
Prescribing Doubt

I've left star ratings for the previous four books in the series so this time i thought I would share how much I enjoyed this and the others. They're all page turners and I really enjoyed the characters and the stories. I'm an Aussie so the southern aspect was a novelty and a pleasant one. I'm a detail person, hence the appeal of the troubles they went through finding out the truth. What I especially liked is that not all is as it seems.
I'm now a Peter Kirkland fan.
663 reviews37 followers
October 17, 2024
This is turning into an exceptional series. I have read all five books and am now firmly hooked. The characters are interesting, well developed and credible and the plots fascinating and original.

This features two interlocking cases that eventually come together.

The ambience and atmosphere of small town America is beautifully depicted and the book was engrossing and the pages fairly sped by.
16.6k reviews154 followers
October 31, 2024
He is trying to get his firm up and running so he needs a high paying client which he will get. He also has another case and he needs to juggle both cases and get the answers that he needs. It is going to get more complicated as things may get dangerous as his life becomes threatened so see if he can get everything done
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and it pulled me in as I hoped he survived it all
814 reviews9 followers
November 1, 2024
This is a great book. It involves medical conspiracy along with a murdered millionaire that seem to somehow be linked. Leland thought running his own law firm would be great. No problems right? Wrong When Leland lands Judy Reed as a high profile client who is accused of killing her wealthy father he thinks it's a slam dunk. Leland soon finds out secrets have a way of coming out at the worst times.
Profile Image for AMBER CLARK.
961 reviews24 followers
October 10, 2024
A great mystery thriller. This book has two intertwining stories. One is the story of Judy Reed, accused of killing her wealthy father. The other is the story of Nurse LaDonna Winters, accused of a crime at her hospital she insists she didn't commit. Are their cases related? Can Leland help them both?.

271 reviews12 followers
November 9, 2024
I have listened to the audio version of this book.
This is a brilliant Legal Thriller, Well written with great characters some of them a bit quirky. Full of twists and turns it keeps the listener on the edge of their seat, highly recommended. J J Hosenfeld narration was spot on and brought the whole story to life.
237 reviews2 followers
December 13, 2024
This was an unusual story. But good...

With 2 scenarios within its chapters, it was suspenseful but slow moving. At least I believe that's what the writer wanted you to believe. Because all you have to do is turn the page and wow. I've read the 4 previous books in this series and am always looking out for more.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
2,942 reviews48 followers
November 9, 2024
Entertaining read with a few twists in the story. Like the setting and the small town. Interesting characters that help tell the story. Keeps you guessing until the end. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for EvilAntie Jan.
1,590 reviews13 followers
January 19, 2025
Haunting

I love this series because it introduced me to a great writer. But when I open this book, there was a sense of endings life changes. And sometimes we just need a pause and a really good Criminal book.
Profile Image for Donna ~ The Romance Cover.
2,907 reviews323 followers
January 28, 2025
Another two cases in this one that on the periphery look totally independent, but alas, small town and nothing is always as it seems. This is another hard fight for Leland with a less than stellar client, albeit innocent. This is Leland's toughest case yet, and could also be the most dangerous.
10 reviews
March 19, 2025
Interesting series!

I've read books 1-5 now and really enjoyed them. The legal aspects are very well explained and the relatable characters have developed through each story. I want more!
1 review1 follower
June 5, 2025
Great book!

My favourite surprise in this book was when the one juror said, "Guilty" when I was sure that the vote for, "Innocent" would be unanimous. This was a really good book. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,110 reviews50 followers
October 15, 2025
4.0 starts. Book 5 and once again Leland is tackling 2 cases. Interesting twists with both cases leading to some surprising reveals. Less time in the courtroom, more time behind the scenes. Terrific ending. Love the characters and how down to earth they are. Great series. Starting book 6 soon.
Profile Image for Liz Mistry.
Author 23 books193 followers
October 30, 2025
A deft look into medical fraud in the states and its impact on ordinary people as well as contrasting how the rich fair better. Compelling!A deft look into medical fraud in the states and its impact on ordinary people as well as contrasting how the rich fair better. Compelling!
3 reviews
November 2, 2024
I enjoyed reading the book. It was two cases in one book.
I am going to order his first book in a different series.


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