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Guilty Until Innocent
When an old case is reopened, two lawyers work to prove a man's innocence despite the odds stacked against them.
After being fired from his last two jobs, Ryan Clark lands an associate position with a law firm run by his distant cousin, Tom, in a small North Carolina town. Over twenty-five years earlier, Tom represented local man Joe Moore when he was convicted of murder in the deaths of a prominent young couple. Even though the evidence was circumstantial, Joe was high on drugs and doesn't remember the details of the crime. He never seriously questioned his own guilt, even when he was originally accused. Not only has he adapted to life in prison but he's become a different person there and has a significant ministry to fellow inmates.
But Joe's family remains unconvinced of his guilt, and they hire Ryan and Tom to file a motion to obtain Joe's release. The resulting investigation uncovers layers of dark secrets in the local community. It will result either in Joe's vindication--or expand the number of people who should join him behind bars.
After being fired from his last two jobs, Ryan Clark lands an associate position with a law firm run by his distant cousin, Tom, in a small North Carolina town. Over twenty-five years earlier, Tom represented local man Joe Moore when he was convicted of murder in the deaths of a prominent young couple. Even though the evidence was circumstantial, Joe was high on drugs and doesn't remember the details of the crime. He never seriously questioned his own guilt, even when he was originally accused. Not only has he adapted to life in prison but he's become a different person there and has a significant ministry to fellow inmates.
But Joe's family remains unconvinced of his guilt, and they hire Ryan and Tom to file a motion to obtain Joe's release. The resulting investigation uncovers layers of dark secrets in the local community. It will result either in Joe's vindication--or expand the number of people who should join him behind bars.
464 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2025
172 people are currently reading
14062 people want to read
About the author
Robert Whitlow
49 books967 followersRobert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. A Furman University graduate, Whitlow received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. A practicing attorney, Whitlow and his wife, Kathy, have four children. They make their home in North Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
January 26, 2025
I love cold cases! In this legal suspense novel, Joe Moore has been in a North Carolina prison for 25 years. He was so high when arrested, Joe believes he murdered the two people he's been convicted of killing. As time went on for Joe, he accepts Christ as his savior and firmly believes he is in prison to lead others to do the same.
Then young attorney Ryan Clark re-opens the case. When Ryan's wife is threatened, Ryan no longer knows who he can trust.
I loved Joe's faith and how it impacted so many others in a positive way.
Another solid legal thriller by Robert Whitlow.
My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Then young attorney Ryan Clark re-opens the case. When Ryan's wife is threatened, Ryan no longer knows who he can trust.
I loved Joe's faith and how it impacted so many others in a positive way.
Another solid legal thriller by Robert Whitlow.
My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
June 26, 2025
4.5 stars
This was a great story! Joe was convicted of murder that he doesn’t remember doing and is sentenced to life in prison. Twenty five years later, Joe is a Christian and witnesses to those he is in prison with. His case is being brought back into the spotlight for a second chance with Ryan taking on the case. There is a great mystery around this plot line of who the real murderer is. There is a subplot of Ryan and his wife and their pregnancy. I really enjoyed all the characters. I loved how much faith in God Joe had and that he gave hope to those around him. The Christian message in this book is so strong! I really appreciated this. Ryan’s wife has some fear and issues that arise with the pregnancy that may be a trigger to some readers. But I loved the hope she found in Jesus. Overall, I thought this a great story and I definitely recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This was a great story! Joe was convicted of murder that he doesn’t remember doing and is sentenced to life in prison. Twenty five years later, Joe is a Christian and witnesses to those he is in prison with. His case is being brought back into the spotlight for a second chance with Ryan taking on the case. There is a great mystery around this plot line of who the real murderer is. There is a subplot of Ryan and his wife and their pregnancy. I really enjoyed all the characters. I loved how much faith in God Joe had and that he gave hope to those around him. The Christian message in this book is so strong! I really appreciated this. Ryan’s wife has some fear and issues that arise with the pregnancy that may be a trigger to some readers. But I loved the hope she found in Jesus. Overall, I thought this a great story and I definitely recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
December 14, 2024
I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.
GUILTY UNTIL INNOCENT has more set up and extras than necessary to support the story, unless it’s the start of a new series, for author, Robert Whitlow.
MC, Joe, has been incarcerated for 25+ years. It doesn’t take long to figure out he’s not guilty. The lawyer who represented him all those years ago had an heart attack and the investigation into getting him released is being handled by the young lawyer recently hired. Joe’s sister prompted the inquiry as the family is now solvent.
Joe isn’t sure he wants out. He has a decent life, serving God in prison, taking care of the Gardening program and being a mentor to many men while earning the respect of the warden and guards. Life, such as his dual lifetime for murder sentences are concerned, isn’t too bad. Well, it wasn’t until a lawyer started looking into getting him released and checking out the old records…
Southern Fiction, Legal Fiction, Inspirational Fiction - all three genres are strong. A gospel message is clearly included along with some Bible verses and regular mentions of prayer. This is one author who hasn’t been watered down by a slide into mainstream📚
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks
GUILTY UNTIL INNOCENT has more set up and extras than necessary to support the story, unless it’s the start of a new series, for author, Robert Whitlow.
MC, Joe, has been incarcerated for 25+ years. It doesn’t take long to figure out he’s not guilty. The lawyer who represented him all those years ago had an heart attack and the investigation into getting him released is being handled by the young lawyer recently hired. Joe’s sister prompted the inquiry as the family is now solvent.
Joe isn’t sure he wants out. He has a decent life, serving God in prison, taking care of the Gardening program and being a mentor to many men while earning the respect of the warden and guards. Life, such as his dual lifetime for murder sentences are concerned, isn’t too bad. Well, it wasn’t until a lawyer started looking into getting him released and checking out the old records…
Southern Fiction, Legal Fiction, Inspirational Fiction - all three genres are strong. A gospel message is clearly included along with some Bible verses and regular mentions of prayer. This is one author who hasn’t been watered down by a slide into mainstream📚
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks
February 4, 2025
Guilty Until Innocent is a legal drama that held me spellbound! I listened to this amazing story of a young lawyer, his wife, and how their lives were eternally impacted by a convicted double murderer. The story is set in a small town in North Carolina, where secrets are kept tight. I kept wondering how this story would unfold. When I was listening, I hated it when I had to turn it off. My mind kept going back to the story and the characters involved. The author did a great job of keeping the mystery going, while also developing the characters into folks I really cared about. If you are a John Grisham or Randy Singer fan, then you'll love this book! I know I did. Also, the narrator did a good job tackling all the characters. Well done by all!
January 11, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4. Ryan is a young lawyer hired by Joe's niece to look at getting Joe released from prison. Joe has been in jail for 26 years for a double murder and found God in jail and now ministers to fellow inmates. It is unclear whether or not Joe actually committed the murder. Story follows Joe's time in prison and Ryan's personal life with his wife Paige. Ryan and Paige have recently moved to town and with Paige working from home she doesn't know many people. We see Paige begin to make friends and discover faith in God. I really enjoyed getting to know Paige and following her journey, I did not particularly care for all the jail scenes and just want to spend time with Paige and Ryan. I loved the way the two of them interacted and cared for one another. I found the jail scenes to be a bit repetitive and mundane after a while. I especially loved the friendship that developed between Paige and the women she meets. There is a strong faith message in the book. (I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
February 1, 2025
A thought-provoking look at life behind bars and an inmate who is concerned about the spiritual welfare of his fellow prison mates.
Joe Moore has been convicted of a double murder, but his grandmother has left funds to find the truth in hopes to set him free. But it has been many years. Part of the story is how young lawyer, Ryan searches out the truth, and its effects on his relationship with his wife and his boss. The other part is how Joe deals with life behind bars, and being a light for Christ.
The plot was interesting, the dialogue was authentic, but the descriptive narrative was kind of wooden. That could be because of the legal perspective of the author.
I so appreciated the Christian aspect of this book. It was clear and showed how a life change happened to some of the main characters.
The unfolding of the crime and true perpetrator was intriguing, although I guessed who the culprit was.
If you like legal drama, give this a try.
*A complementary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*
Joe Moore has been convicted of a double murder, but his grandmother has left funds to find the truth in hopes to set him free. But it has been many years. Part of the story is how young lawyer, Ryan searches out the truth, and its effects on his relationship with his wife and his boss. The other part is how Joe deals with life behind bars, and being a light for Christ.
The plot was interesting, the dialogue was authentic, but the descriptive narrative was kind of wooden. That could be because of the legal perspective of the author.
I so appreciated the Christian aspect of this book. It was clear and showed how a life change happened to some of the main characters.
The unfolding of the crime and true perpetrator was intriguing, although I guessed who the culprit was.
If you like legal drama, give this a try.
*A complementary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.*
February 1, 2025
This was a bit different than what I expected. There was a lot of detail on the daily lived of the prisoners, sometimes it felt like too much but I think the author tried to give readers the full picture of Joe’s life and challenges in prison.
The suspense picked up at the end of the book with some people involved I did not see coming and others I started to suspect.
I liked the legal detail to explain the process of getting someone out of prison.
There was also a lot of characters - sometimes it felt overwhelming.
The power of God working in the characters lives was clear throughput the book.
Even though there was a lot of detail, I did find myself wanting to keep on reading to see what will happen. There was a clear feeling of danger and that something is going to happen soon.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
The suspense picked up at the end of the book with some people involved I did not see coming and others I started to suspect.
I liked the legal detail to explain the process of getting someone out of prison.
There was also a lot of characters - sometimes it felt overwhelming.
The power of God working in the characters lives was clear throughput the book.
Even though there was a lot of detail, I did find myself wanting to keep on reading to see what will happen. There was a clear feeling of danger and that something is going to happen soon.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
November 21, 2024
Guilty Until Innocent is a mildly interesting story of a charismatic young lawyer in a new firm after having been fired from two previous positions. The plot concerns the filing of a motion for appropriate relief for an inmate imprisoned for 26 years. There are several diversions re a pregnancy, a heart attack and many dull passages about harmonica lessons. Before very long, the book becomes enmeshed in religion, prayers and Bible study. This reader found it extremely tedious and felt the book is incorrectly categorized as a mystery/thriller instead of religion and spirituality. If properly categorized I would never have read this book but thank NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC.
January 30, 2025
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.
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.
September 4, 2024
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.
**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
March 13, 2025
Rating: 3.5 stars
Bookish Thoughts:This is my second book by author Robert Whitlow. I paired the ebook ARC with an audiobook ARC. The audio complemented the story in a positive way. Guilty until Innocent was narrated by Jason Keller. I listened at 1.75x speed.
This legal thriller packs a punch with relatable characters and ultimately a story full of hope and redemption. The Faith element is the cherry on top.
I received a complimentary advanced electronic copy from publisher Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio. Thank you for the opportunity to preview this book.
Bookish Thoughts:This is my second book by author Robert Whitlow. I paired the ebook ARC with an audiobook ARC. The audio complemented the story in a positive way. Guilty until Innocent was narrated by Jason Keller. I listened at 1.75x speed.
This legal thriller packs a punch with relatable characters and ultimately a story full of hope and redemption. The Faith element is the cherry on top.
I received a complimentary advanced electronic copy from publisher Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio. Thank you for the opportunity to preview this book.
March 14, 2025
Joe Moore has been in prison for twenty-five years for a crime he can't remember committing because he was too high on meth. Since that time, he has become a Christian. Grieved at the thought that he killed a man and woman, Joe has accepted his situation. He and his buddy Ray lead Bible studies and try to disciple the younger prisoners.
Ryan Clark and his wife Paige have settled in a small North Carolina town because Ryan has accepted a job in his cousin Tom's law firm. Ryan has been fired from two other law firms, so this job means a lot to them, especially when they discover Paige is pregnant. When Tom has a heart attack, Ryan takes over Tom's clients including Joe Moore's niece who wants to reopen his case and Tom's biggest client who was the brother of the woman Joe allegedly murdered. As Ryan starts looking into the murders, someone threatens Joe, Ryan, and Paige. Getting to know the godly man Joe has become leads Ryan and Paige to the Lord and to church. But will it lead them to the morgue too?
Though the book wasn't too thrilling near the beginning, it was interesting. The characters were strong, and their situations kept me turning pages. As the suspense picked up, it became harder to put the book down. I have read at least two other Whitlow books, and this was by far my favorite.
Ryan Clark and his wife Paige have settled in a small North Carolina town because Ryan has accepted a job in his cousin Tom's law firm. Ryan has been fired from two other law firms, so this job means a lot to them, especially when they discover Paige is pregnant. When Tom has a heart attack, Ryan takes over Tom's clients including Joe Moore's niece who wants to reopen his case and Tom's biggest client who was the brother of the woman Joe allegedly murdered. As Ryan starts looking into the murders, someone threatens Joe, Ryan, and Paige. Getting to know the godly man Joe has become leads Ryan and Paige to the Lord and to church. But will it lead them to the morgue too?
Though the book wasn't too thrilling near the beginning, it was interesting. The characters were strong, and their situations kept me turning pages. As the suspense picked up, it became harder to put the book down. I have read at least two other Whitlow books, and this was by far my favorite.
December 22, 2024
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.
Releases Feb 4th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 29, 2025
*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.
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.
December 22, 2024
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.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.
April 4, 2025
While this does talk about religion and faith, it is not done in a condescending or holier than thou manner. As someone who isn’t religious I had my qualms going into it but was pleasantly surprised! I felt it was a little slow to start but I enjoyed it overall. I received this book through a goodreads giveaway and am giving an honest review voluntarily.
December 4, 2024
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.
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.
April 7, 2025
I have come to love books by Robert Whitlow. His writing style and the thread of faith and God’s love that is woven throughout the pages makes them a “must read” for me. While a legal mystery, it is not so much an exploration into who did the crime. Though that does play a part. The characters are so well developed and I enjoyed getting to know them and watch how one man whose life was changed when convicted of a crime he assumed he committed. Joe Moore is an amazing man who has turned tragedy into a lifetime of bringing people into God’s kingdom and helping them to find the love and peace that God can bring into their lives. Praying and witnessing to others throughout the prison system is Joe’s primary goal. In fact so much so that he would turn down the opportunity to be relocated to another facility so that he could continue ministering to the other inmates. Now that I have absorbed the last word and turned the final page, I am left with a sense of how would I respond if I was put in this same position. A story that will have you thinking deeply about your faith. The theme of faith, grace, justice, love, and redemption will stay with you for a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
February 3, 2025
This was a terrific story about a young lawyer asked by the family of a man who has been a model prisoner for twenty-six years to request an early release for good behavior. Two problems: the prisoner thinks he's guilty and isn't interested in the case, and people in the town think he's guilty and don't want the past dredged up.
The prisoner, Joe, isn't pretending to have found Jesus is prison. He really did. He prays consistently for his fellow inmates, leads bible study, and considers the prison his mission field. The lawyer, Ryan, has been fired from his last two law firms and is now working for a family member's law firm. He is happily married, but neither he nor his wife are Christians.
The case is interesting, and the characters are relatable. The author does a good job of keeping you guessing on who the villain is in this legal drama.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.
This is Christian fiction so expect discussions on prayer, God, and salvation.
Family friendly though this is a story about murder and drug use.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The prisoner, Joe, isn't pretending to have found Jesus is prison. He really did. He prays consistently for his fellow inmates, leads bible study, and considers the prison his mission field. The lawyer, Ryan, has been fired from his last two law firms and is now working for a family member's law firm. He is happily married, but neither he nor his wife are Christians.
The case is interesting, and the characters are relatable. The author does a good job of keeping you guessing on who the villain is in this legal drama.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.
This is Christian fiction so expect discussions on prayer, God, and salvation.
Family friendly though this is a story about murder and drug use.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 24, 2025
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.
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.
January 30, 2025
While the book has an overall baseline of Joe’s imprisonment and the investigation of his case, just as much of the book was about the various characters’ salvation or testimonies as they learn about Jesus thru Joe, so less thriller more faith journey. While I sometimes like books with an undertone of faith, this felt a little over-spiritualized for what I anticipated reading.
I will say that I struggled with the constant themes of someone praying and immediately God answered or provided what was asked. While there were a couple instances that this didn’t happen of course, it just felt oversimplified and easy from real life.
More so, I struggled with both the writing and the characters in this. The flow and dialogue felt mechanical and stilted often, mostly because it lacked tone and emotion, even some responses coming across as callous or rude at times, or just unnatural.
Ryan and Paige were extremely naive and had no backbone. They told so many people important information without discrimination, seemed to have no sense of analytical thinking on any given subject, and never considered someone should maybe not be trusted. Then if any bump in the road came up they just folded and backed down.
There was a rather large plot hole at the end that didn’t make much sense but for lack of spoilers, suffice it to say, it was super unrealistic that everyone just accepted it since there would be evidence of it.
All in all, while I liked the theme of dealing with your past and of faith in prison, the book itself was disappointing for me.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
I will say that I struggled with the constant themes of someone praying and immediately God answered or provided what was asked. While there were a couple instances that this didn’t happen of course, it just felt oversimplified and easy from real life.
More so, I struggled with both the writing and the characters in this. The flow and dialogue felt mechanical and stilted often, mostly because it lacked tone and emotion, even some responses coming across as callous or rude at times, or just unnatural.
Ryan and Paige were extremely naive and had no backbone. They told so many people important information without discrimination, seemed to have no sense of analytical thinking on any given subject, and never considered someone should maybe not be trusted. Then if any bump in the road came up they just folded and backed down.
There was a rather large plot hole at the end that didn’t make much sense but for lack of spoilers, suffice it to say, it was super unrealistic that everyone just accepted it since there would be evidence of it.
All in all, while I liked the theme of dealing with your past and of faith in prison, the book itself was disappointing for me.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
February 22, 2025
Robert Whitlow has once again woven a story that is multidimensional, entertaining, and impactful.
At first, I struggled to fully connect with all the characters. The storylines felt somewhat disconnected, making it a bit challenging to immerse myself in the plot. But as I kept reading, Whitlow skillfully wove them together into a compelling legal drama that held my attention until the very end.
What stood out most to me wasn’t just the mystery of a decades-old double murder but the depth of the characters themselves. Joe Moore’s transformation behind bars, Ryan Clark’s unexpected role in reopening the case, and the layered themes of justice, faith, and redemption made this story so much more than just a legal thriller. As I grew invested in their journeys, I found myself more engaged in their lives than in solving the mystery—though Whitlow did an excellent job keeping the truth well hidden. The final reveal truly caught me by surprise.
I’ve been a fan of Robert Whitlow since The List, and Guilty Until Innocent is another testament to his ability to blend legal expertise with powerful storytelling. His deep understanding of the law and his knack for crafting intricate, character-driven plots make his books an easy must-read for me.
I’d like to thank the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
At first, I struggled to fully connect with all the characters. The storylines felt somewhat disconnected, making it a bit challenging to immerse myself in the plot. But as I kept reading, Whitlow skillfully wove them together into a compelling legal drama that held my attention until the very end.
What stood out most to me wasn’t just the mystery of a decades-old double murder but the depth of the characters themselves. Joe Moore’s transformation behind bars, Ryan Clark’s unexpected role in reopening the case, and the layered themes of justice, faith, and redemption made this story so much more than just a legal thriller. As I grew invested in their journeys, I found myself more engaged in their lives than in solving the mystery—though Whitlow did an excellent job keeping the truth well hidden. The final reveal truly caught me by surprise.
I’ve been a fan of Robert Whitlow since The List, and Guilty Until Innocent is another testament to his ability to blend legal expertise with powerful storytelling. His deep understanding of the law and his knack for crafting intricate, character-driven plots make his books an easy must-read for me.
I’d like to thank the publisher for the opportunity to read this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review, and all opinions expressed are my own.
January 26, 2025
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.
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.
October 23, 2025
I have been reading Robert Whitlow novels for many years and I am never disappointed. They are not light reads but are beautifully written and full of characters that draw you in. I love this story in particular about how freedom can be achieved while imprisoned.
January 15, 2025
Robert Whitlow has been a favorite author since my mother put The List in my hands the first time. His books always present intriguing stories with heartfelt underlying messages of faith and love. Guilty Until Innocent, however, disappointed me on several levels. It is not a thriller. Hard stop. Don’t go into it expecting gunshots and explosions. Go into it expecting personal hardships, and how God can work wonders for all who seek Him. While Guilty Until Innocent by Robert Whitlow had redeeming elements, I can’t recommend it as strongly as I did his previous books. For the first time with a Whitlow novel, I was relieved when I finally hit the last page.
Guilty Until Innocent, I would say, had three different plots: Joe in prison, Ryan working to get him out of prison, and the faith journey of Ryan’s wife, Paige. The prison scenes became repetitive. Joe and his best friend speak of how the men are turning to God, and Whitlow writes everything out, sprinkling in doses of Bible versus and Christian concepts. But the segments were so similar; I found myself wanting to skip them. I don’t need to know how many time Joe picks strawberries, or what vegetables are ripe and ready for the kitchens. I admired Ryan’s tenacity when it came to freeing Joe and how he didn’t give up. I liked witnessing Paige’s growth in her Christian walk and in her relationship with some local church ladies.
But overall…Guilty Until Innocent by Robert Whitlow lacked emotion. The writing was choppy, simplistic, and impersonal, and the book featured far too much dialogue, not enough narration. I felt like I was reading case notes, recorded interviews, and not a story. You rarely hear how the characters feel, and there are very limited descriptions of their emotional actions. No “Ryan’s brow creased in concentration.” No “Paige’s body felt heavy from exhaustion.” Instead, we get, “Joe worked in the field. Joe pulled weeds. Joe took a nap on a rock.” The book had no warmth, and the characters had no depth to them. Ryan feels guilty for something that happened in his past, but we don’t really see it, and it only comes up when the timing’s convenient. Joe goes from a drug addict prior to prison to a strong Christian when he’s inside the walls, but we don’t see how he got there. I guess Paige and Ryan changed, but I still didn’t feel it.
Guilty Until Innocent is fine, I guess. I personally didn’t like it. It had so much potential and yet…it didn’t reach it.
*Note: I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All views expressed are my own.
Guilty Until Innocent, I would say, had three different plots: Joe in prison, Ryan working to get him out of prison, and the faith journey of Ryan’s wife, Paige. The prison scenes became repetitive. Joe and his best friend speak of how the men are turning to God, and Whitlow writes everything out, sprinkling in doses of Bible versus and Christian concepts. But the segments were so similar; I found myself wanting to skip them. I don’t need to know how many time Joe picks strawberries, or what vegetables are ripe and ready for the kitchens. I admired Ryan’s tenacity when it came to freeing Joe and how he didn’t give up. I liked witnessing Paige’s growth in her Christian walk and in her relationship with some local church ladies.
But overall…Guilty Until Innocent by Robert Whitlow lacked emotion. The writing was choppy, simplistic, and impersonal, and the book featured far too much dialogue, not enough narration. I felt like I was reading case notes, recorded interviews, and not a story. You rarely hear how the characters feel, and there are very limited descriptions of their emotional actions. No “Ryan’s brow creased in concentration.” No “Paige’s body felt heavy from exhaustion.” Instead, we get, “Joe worked in the field. Joe pulled weeds. Joe took a nap on a rock.” The book had no warmth, and the characters had no depth to them. Ryan feels guilty for something that happened in his past, but we don’t really see it, and it only comes up when the timing’s convenient. Joe goes from a drug addict prior to prison to a strong Christian when he’s inside the walls, but we don’t see how he got there. I guess Paige and Ryan changed, but I still didn’t feel it.
Guilty Until Innocent is fine, I guess. I personally didn’t like it. It had so much potential and yet…it didn’t reach it.
*Note: I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All views expressed are my own.
November 6, 2024
The more I got into this, the harder it was to put down.A really good legal thriller filled with interesting characters some good, some not so.
It was a very unique read that left me thinking well after the last page.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC.
It was a very unique read that left me thinking well after the last page.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC.
May 23, 2025
I've come to look forward to my annual visit with Robert Whiltow. His novels have become a type of comfort read with an interesting legal dilemma, well-rounded characters, and an entertaining, page-turning story. His latest story, Guilty Until Innocent, may be one of his best in recent years. And, as I seem to say every time I finish one of his recent stories, it's a world and characters I wouldn't object to visiting again if he should feel so inclined.
Ryan Clark has been fired from his last two legal jobs. Starting work at a small-town legal practice, Ryan seeks professional redemption. When his firm takes on the cold case of Joe Moore, who is serving a life sentence for a double murder in prison. Joe's family believes him innocent of the crime (he was in a meth-induced haze when the murders happened) and wants to use some of the family's fortune to try and get him out of prison for the last few years of his life.
It takes a bit of convincing for Joe, who believes that he's been led by a higher authority to make an impact on the prisoners' lives. Joe loves working in the prison garden and seeing the seeds bear fruit. This parallels his work in the prison in the lives of men there, who are coming to know Jesus through Joe's life, witness, and Bible studies.
As with all of his novels, Whilow creates authentic characters with a fascinating, moving spiritual journey. Ryan's wife Paige begins her journey on spiritual matters when she finds out she's expecting their first child, and there could be complications. Ryan struggles a bit more due to some issues with his father's death from his childhood. Joe struggles between his desire to be free physically and the freedom he knows on a spiritual level. Throughout four hundred plus pages, I became fully invested in all of these characters, their relationships, and the intersection. As with all of his books, it's the characters where Whitlow shines.
That's not to say that's all there is to this story. Ryan doesn't realize that by taking Joe's case, he's opening up some old secrets in their small town.
All in all, Guilty Until Innocent is another winning story from Robert Whitlow.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a digital ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ryan Clark has been fired from his last two legal jobs. Starting work at a small-town legal practice, Ryan seeks professional redemption. When his firm takes on the cold case of Joe Moore, who is serving a life sentence for a double murder in prison. Joe's family believes him innocent of the crime (he was in a meth-induced haze when the murders happened) and wants to use some of the family's fortune to try and get him out of prison for the last few years of his life.
It takes a bit of convincing for Joe, who believes that he's been led by a higher authority to make an impact on the prisoners' lives. Joe loves working in the prison garden and seeing the seeds bear fruit. This parallels his work in the prison in the lives of men there, who are coming to know Jesus through Joe's life, witness, and Bible studies.
As with all of his novels, Whilow creates authentic characters with a fascinating, moving spiritual journey. Ryan's wife Paige begins her journey on spiritual matters when she finds out she's expecting their first child, and there could be complications. Ryan struggles a bit more due to some issues with his father's death from his childhood. Joe struggles between his desire to be free physically and the freedom he knows on a spiritual level. Throughout four hundred plus pages, I became fully invested in all of these characters, their relationships, and the intersection. As with all of his books, it's the characters where Whitlow shines.
That's not to say that's all there is to this story. Ryan doesn't realize that by taking Joe's case, he's opening up some old secrets in their small town.
All in all, Guilty Until Innocent is another winning story from Robert Whitlow.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a digital ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2024
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.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from netgalley and was not obligated to write a review. All opinions are mine.
October 11, 2024
Would be such a good movie! 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 completely my own.
May 16, 2025
This was definitely one of those books that I’m not sure fit into the category which it claims to be. Is it somewhat psych thriller? I guess but it seemed more of a religious or redemption book to me. I enjoyed the characters for the most part but I don’t think it’s a book I will remember a month from now. Thank you Netgalley for my review copy!
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