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Every small-town hides something...

When seventeen-year-old Jason Demers is accused of pushing his girlfriend from a third-floor balcony in quiet Autumn Harbor, the case seems clear-cut. Eyewitnesses. Circumstantial evidence. A town ready to see him locked away.

But criminal defense attorney Spencer Dunn—once a forensic scientist—knows better than to trust appearances. Something about Jason’s case doesn’t add up. And the deeper Spencer digs, the more unsettling the picture becomes.

Jason swears he’s innocent. His powerful, enigmatic father wants the case buried. And someone in town is working hard to keep the truth from surfacing.

As Spencer unravels a chilling web of secrets, betrayal, and long-buried grudges, he realizes this case is far from ordinary. It's dangerous. And the closer he gets to the truth, the closer danger gets to him.

Because in Autumn Harbor, justice comes at a price—and Spencer might be the one to pay it.

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2025

1180 people are currently reading
81 people want to read

About the author

Peter Kirkland

19 books115 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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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,276 reviews149 followers
September 16, 2025

Small Town Judgment is the second book in the Spencer Dunn Legal Thrillers series, it could be read as a standalone but I still tell you to not miss the first one because is a good read too.

Peter Kirkland wrote a new, complex legal case, where a young guy, Jason Demers, seems the obvious culprit for the attempted murder of his girlfriend. Fortunately, the attorney Spencer Dunn takes him as client and he will do everything to plant the seed of reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury.

This was an interesting and gripping adventure, in the end to me made no difference if Jason was the culprit or not, because chapter after chapter I got attached to this boy that still has a long life to live and he doesn't deserve the wickedness he receives.
I still like Spencer who never give up on his clients, he always tries his best to find a way to win their trials. He also tries to be a good companion in his personal life, he supports his wife, also accepting to do things he isn't still convinced.

Overall it was a good read, I would recommend it.


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for kindly giving me an advanced copy of this book to read.

Profile Image for Ann.
2,113 reviews50 followers
October 2, 2025
5.0 stars. Wow! This legal thriller was a nail-biter. Small Town Attorney Spencer Dunn takes on a case that turns out to be much bigger than he ever anticipated. An exciting read. I didn't want to put it down. There are lots of unexpected twists right up to the very end.

I wasn't expecting Spencer and wife/Leah's side story, and the good news it brings to their family. A nice addition.

Looking forward to the release of book 3 in this series early next year.
Profile Image for Vishnupriya Rangarajan.
5 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2025
If you're looking for a legal thriller that truly pulls you in, this second book in the Spencer Dunn series is a fantastic ride! While it's not strictly necessary to read the first one, knowing Spencer's backstory definitely adds to the experience, especially with how much the characters, particularly Spencer and his wife Leah, are growing and developing.

This time around, Spencer's home life takes center stage just as much as his legal one, and honestly, it's a huge win. I enjoyed how the author merged Spencer's court life with his home life so seamlessly. It was nice to see the contrast between tough-lawyer and vulnerable-human. It adds so much depth to Spencer as a character, making him incredibly relatable.

Spencer takes on the defense of a 17-year-old accused of attempting to murder his girlfriend, Lara, by throwing her off a balcony. With all the evidence pointing to his client, Jason, and Lara in a coma, Spencer has his work cut out for him. The courtroom scenes are brilliantly crafted The mystery of "who actually did it?" kept me guessing right up until the end.

I did find the ending a bit rushed and a tiny bit anticlimactic in terms of how the everyone arrives at the conclusion of who actually did it.

4.5 stars!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marian..
1,196 reviews66 followers
September 15, 2025
Volvemos otra vez al mundo de Spencer Dunn y este libro sin dudar me voló la cabeza con todo el misterio que envolvió el caso del joven Jason, desde las primeras páginas nos adentramos en su caso y wow, el autor te narra todo de una manera que entras en el libro y te mantienen en vilo para saber que pasara.

Tenemos algunos personajes del libro anterior que se conectan con este caso que me hace creer que los seguiremos viendo a medida que avanza esta saga.

En este libro también exploramos un poco más la mente de Spencer sobre su deseo y ansiedad sobre tener/adoptar hijos con su esposa que siendo honesta, termina de muy buena manera. No puedo esperar para otra entrega de esta saga que con los dos libros que van, se está convirtiendo en una de mis favoritas en este género.

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We return once again to the world of Spencer Dunn, and this book blew my mind with all the mystery surrounding the case of young Jason.

From the very first pages, we are drawn into his case, and wow, the author narrates everything in such a way that you are drawn into the book and kept in suspense to find out what will happen. We have some characters from the previous book who are connected to this case, which makes me believe that we will continue to see them as this saga progresses.

In this book, we also explore a little more of Spencer's mind regarding his desire and anxiety about having/adopting children with his wife, which, to be honest, ends very well.

I can't wait for another installment of this saga, which, with the two books that have been published so far, is becoming one of my favorites in this genre.

📌 I received an e-copy through netgalley, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
June 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. This is the second book in the Spencer Dunn series and things are changing in Spencer's home life. Normally I wish the author would stick to the investigating side of the story but I actually enjoyed the home life drama and felt it added to them as characters. While it is not necessary to have read the first book, I liked how the characters are growing and developing and found knowing the backstory helped. Okay on to the reason I picked up this book, the actual case. This was really entertaining, with the whole who was responsible and would Spencer find out in time to keep his client out of jail? It was a well worked case and I had no idea who was responsible or how Spencer would prove it. The stories don't get bogged down with lost of technical terms but I like the out manoeuvring of the witnesses on the witness stand and could picture it playing out on tv. I look forward to the next book.
After finally coming to terms with the idea of adoption and starting the process, Spencer find himself caught up in an attempted murder case. His seventeen year old client is accused of trying to kill is girlfriend. Spencer fails to get him tried as a minor and he hopes that that is his last fail in the case because if he fails again it means his clients life is over before it can begin. It could also mean problems for Spencer and his growing family, as his clients father is not some one you want to be on the wrong side of. Can Spencer keep him out of jail and more importantly prove that he isn't actually guilty because the more he looks into the case the more he questions if it is such a cut and dried case as the prosecution thinks.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Richard Jaffe.
79 reviews4 followers
July 27, 2025
Thank you to Peter Kirkland, Relay Publishing, and NetGalley for this Arc in return for an honest review.

Small Town Judgment follows Spencer Dunn, an Attorney working for his father in law, in a small town in Maine, who takes on the case of a 17 y.o. boy, Jason, accused of pushing his girl friend off a third story balcony resulting in her being in a coma fighting for her life. Although the boy seems genuine in his cries of innocence, Spencer begins to learn details that make him question his belief in his young Client.

In addition to qualms about his new Client, Spencer and his wife, Leah, are looking to adopt while also trying to get over the loss of the new born son. To make matters worse, Spencer discovers the identity of his Clients father and realizes that he tried to help put this gangster away while working with the FBI in the past. These plotlines were probably discussed in the first book in this series, which I admittedly have not read.

After several setbacks in Juvenile Court, resulting in Jason being tried as an adult, and ultimately being incarcerated in an adult prison awaiting Trial, Spencer is doing everything in his power to get Jason found not guilty and released. As much as he tries, the evidence continues to pile up against his client, and only makes him more fearful of adopting given what he learns about the teenagers in this small town.

Even with the odds stacking up against his Client, Spencer continues to believe his Client's story, and starts to find inconsistencies that will hopefully result in "reasonable doubt."

Given the revelations at Trial, Kirkland kind of tips his hand and the reader realizes too soon who the actual culprit is, but nonetheless it is a fun thrilling read while Spencer tries to get to the truth and free his Client.

I did find some of the dialogue uninspired, especially at the beginning, but it got a little better as the story progressed. Otherwise I would have given this 5 stars.
1,738 reviews13 followers
July 11, 2025
I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntrily leaving an honest review.

This story has Spence defending a juvenile who is being charged as an adult. It seems that he has been charged with assault as a result of an incident that happened at his girlfriend's house. Lara, the girlfriend, was hit on the head and soon fell 15 feet from the balcony of her mother's bedroom. It appears that all of the evidence points at Jason. Spence in his investigation was having a hard time finding anything that would disprove the evidence that the prosecutor had. Lara was still in a coma at the hospital. The trial arrives and it becomes time for Spence to present his defense. Things look bleak until he receives a call from Lara. Spence rushes to the hospital only to learn that Lara has been rushed to the ICU and isn't available. Spence doing the best that he can presents his defense and it then goes to the jury. The jury cannot agree on a verdict, so a mistrial is declared. The prosecutor is going to retry the case.

Find out what happened after the mistrial was declared and in addition learn what Spencer and his wife Leah were going through while the trial was going on. The ending is a little surprising, you don't want to miss out!
Profile Image for Jude.
75 reviews3 followers
July 5, 2025
I definitely enjoyed the first book in this series, but liked this one even better. I read it over two days and always looked forward to getting back to it.

Spencer Dunn is hired to defend a 17 yr old high school student accused of throwing his girlfriend over the balcony at the girl's house during a party. Everyone was drunk or stoned, fireworks were involved, mom comes home, the whole teenage "you weren't allowed to have a party" theme. I also felt the courtroom drama was very well played out. Good writing, and character development.

The other plot line involves Spencer and wife Leah's plan to adopt a child which I felt was much more interesting that in the first book.

Both are great story lines, even though I figured out "who I think done it" at 35% of the book. Still, I wasn't quite sure!

4+ stars!

I highly recommend this series and look forward to the next entry in the series. A big thanks to Booksprout and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for LianaReads blog.
2,801 reviews245 followers
July 24, 2025
This second book in the Spencer Dunn series was even more addictive than the first! I really enjoyed how the characters, especially Spencer, developed more depth this time around. His background as a former forensic scientist continues to make him such an interesting and clever main character. The case in this book had so many twists, and just when I thought there was no way out, the author surprised me with smart turns that kept me hooked.
The family drama added a lot to the emotional layers of the story, and I found myself caring more about Spencer because of it. I also liked how the town of Autumn Harbor felt like its own character, full of secrets and tension.
The suspense is strong, the pacing is quick, and the writing kept me turning the pages. I can’t wait to read the next one in this gripping legal thriller series that I highly recommend to anyone interested in immersive thrillers.
Very grateful to the publisher/ author for my copy through NetGalley, opinions are my own
Profile Image for Jessica.
17 reviews
July 1, 2025
I had previously read the first book in this series and I was looking forward to reading this next book.
I did receive a free advance copy to review from Booksprout.com.

What I really enjoy about Peter Kirklands books is his writing style--his characters do very familiar thing in a natural way. They are completely relatable to me and that makes it so much more enjoyable.
Spencer Dunn and his wife have moved back to her hometown and he's a lawyer working in her father's law firm. His newest client is a teenager accused of killing his girlfriend and most of the witnesses are teenagers that were partying a bit much and memories are vague.

Spencer and his wife are two characters you would like to know which makes this a very enjoyable read.
Posted on Goodreads July 1, 2025.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Kitchen.
70 reviews
December 7, 2025
Just one problem with this series

And that problem is that these first two books are so good and now I have to wait until February 26, 2026. That’s an awful long time to have to wait. That’s how good the Small Town Judgment has been. I like how Spencer is becoming a part of the community and that he and Leah have experienced issues in their marriage just like normal people. And I like how they communicate and work on their problems. I feel like the bar that Leah owns has a strong community feel as well. The book definitely will keep your attention and you can never expect the ups and downs and how the ending comes out. It’s really good. Just read the series. I’m sure you will like it and then you could be an anxious about having to wait until next February right alongside of me.
Profile Image for Denice Langley.
4,809 reviews46 followers
July 26, 2025
Book #2 in the series, and a sure winner. Spencer Dunn is a lawyer in a small town with secrets hidden in every home. Spencer's client is a young man accused of throwing his girlfriend off a balcony, placing her in a coma from which she has yet to come back. With no witnesses and few clues, the young man has already been convicted in public opinion. But Spencer believes him innocent and digs until the picture becomes clearer and his client becomes a target. Peter Kirkland did an excellent job in the first book, A Small Town Lawyer. With the continued development of Spencer, his supporting cast, and the drama often found in a small town, this series should be around for a long while.
170 reviews2 followers
July 30, 2025
Small Town Judgement is a fast paced legal thriller. It had twists that I didn't see coming and kept me interested right up until the very last page. I didn't realize this was the second in a series but it can absolutely be read as a standalone. I love the fact that the author focused on both the legal aspect as well as the human aspect. Seeing Spencer fight for his client while also trying to deal with the emotional journey of becoming a parent is intense. I will definitely be reading more from this author!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
156 reviews1 follower
July 31, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I enjoyed the plot of this book, even if it is one that has been covered in many other mystery novels. A small town crime, becomes the talk of the town and a smart lawyer must defend the person that the residents blame for the crime. Overall an enjoyable read. I thought the first half of the book dragged a little and I found myself skimming as the author used 2 pages describe something that could have been done in half a page. But the 2nd half of the book made up for it as I raced to the ending. A little editing could really help this book.
30 reviews
August 17, 2025
Well just another book by Peter Kirkland. Let's see, this is my 6th book that I have read from Peter. If you are looking for action/adventure you wont find it. What you will find is a solid read with side story lines about the characters each with its compelling contribution to the intriguing and suspenseful story line. You will always get an incite into each characters motivation. I especially felt the emotions enlisted by the author of the main characters family decisions throughout the book. I read this type of book because it is an easy focus and involving type of story surrounded by suspense and gratifying endings
Profile Image for Amour.Rebelle.Reads (Bran.d).
1,541 reviews16 followers
November 13, 2025
Small Town Judgement kept me hooked from start to finish. Spencer Dunn is back, and this time he’s defending a teenager accused of pushing his girlfriend from a balcony. What looks like an open-and-shut case turns into something much darker, and I couldn’t stop listening as the layers of secrets in Autumn Harbor started to unravel.

Jeffrey Kafer’s narration is spot-on. He captures Spencer’s calm intelligence and quiet intensity perfectly, pulling you right into every tense courtroom moment and emotional twist.

It’s smart, suspenseful, and full of small-town intrigue. A must-listen if you love legal thrillers with depth and edge.
273 reviews12 followers
December 2, 2025
Another well-written and engaging legal drama that truly ticks all the boxes. and then some. Peter Kirkland delivers a story that’s easy to escape into, tension, great characters , and plenty of intrigue without being overly technical. As Spencer Dunn methodically peels back layers of lies and deceit to uncover the truth and defend his clients, the plot stays clear and compelling.
The single main court case provides a strong anchor for the story, while the additional side issues keep the story lively and prevent the listener from feeling bogged down. Jeffrey Kafer’s narration is superb, bringing the whole story to life.
I'm already looking forward to Book 3.
3,406 reviews19 followers
August 8, 2025
Small Town Judgment is another excellent legal thriller by Peter Kirkland who features Spencer, a defense attorney, defending a teenage client, Jason, who has been accused of the attempted murder of his girlfriend Lara. While Spencer tries to find the truth. he faces the wealthy father of Jason, the town's community, and even personal pressures which also affects his wife and their future plans. This thrilling book has amazing characters, courtroom action and drama, plot twists, and legal expertise.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
41 reviews
September 11, 2025
Peter Kirkland Never Fails

Peter Kirkland is a fine author who takes his readers on a fantastic ride with each book.

Attorney Spencer Dunn moves with his wife to a coastal town. There he join a law firm, and is immediately immersed into new cases. Hi first case is a murder case, and he immediately feels guilt in his client. However he defends her, winning on reasonable doubt…

His next case, attempted murder, by a young man against his girlfriend.

How does he get into these messes? Best way to find out, read the book! A great read!!!
13 reviews
October 23, 2025
As a new follower

As a prolific reader of many genres and certainly unable to remember all the authors, I am delighted to have discovered this partnership.
A well written story, just enough legal content to keep you focused and a few red herrings to hold your attention. The additional personal side of the lawyer was also a good inclusion. Looking forward to reading many more books from this duo.
Apologies to them if I can't remember other books, but circumstances mean that reading and listening to audio books are my main pleasures.
2 reviews
July 14, 2025
Small Town Judgement is a superb number 2 in the Spencer Dunn series. I loved the first one (Small Town Trial) but this beat it by far. Kirkland paints Spencer Dunn as a dogged lawyer determined to prove his client’s innocence. Following his investigation made me not want to put the book down. And while all this is all going on, Kirkland shows us the soft side of Spencer. He’s definitely a character you want to win. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
446 reviews
July 24, 2025
Presumed innocent until…. Once again Spencer Dunn is embroiled in a complicated case. A client who is accused of a horrible crime. Too many witnesses. Conflicting stories. A new investigator. A young prosecutor. A looming social workers visit. A parent who needs to be reminded to stay out of it. Additional charges. Additional cases. Additional stress from more than one horizon. A puzzle that begs to be solved. Book that’s just about impossible to put down, a really good story!!
Profile Image for Julie Juhl.
1,650 reviews13 followers
July 28, 2025
Small Town Judgment: A Legal Thriller filled with Gripping Courtroom Drama by Peter Kirkland is the second of the Spencer Dunn Legal Thrillers.
This was another great legal thriller from Peter Kirkland. Book two has a great fast paced storyline. While it is not necessary to read the first book, you will get more of the backstory of Spencer and his wife Leah.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
15 reviews
July 30, 2025
This book was amazing! I absolutely love this genre, and the author did a fantastic job building both the story and the characters. It was such an enjoyable read from start to finish.

The plot was engaging and well thought out—especially the case, which was incredibly detailed and smartly crafted. The ending completely caught me by surprise, in the best way!

A great read that kept me hooked the whole way through. I’m already looking forward to reading more from this author!
Profile Image for Jocelyne.
4,908 reviews22 followers
November 15, 2025
✩°。⋆⸜ 🎧✮ Audiobook Review! ✩°。⋆⸜ 🎧✮
This is the second book in the Spencer Dunn Legal Thrillers series. This series is captivating! The investigation is intriguing, and enthralling. I liked the twists and turns. Jeffrey Kafer does an excellent job bringing the story to life — his voice is perfectly suited for legal thrillers. I'm looking forward to listening to Small Town Conviction, the next in the series. #HighGravityProductions #Booksprout
Profile Image for Ellen Murphy.
74 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2025
When Jason Drmers and his mother hire Spencer Dunn to represent them he worries that he has no case. Jason is accused of attempted murder and has no alibi. He was there before it happened and nonn n one saw him leave. Can Spencer figure out what really happened that night?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 review
July 23, 2025
I really enjoyed reading Small Town Judgment. The author draws you in with the characters and things are not always as they seem. The twist at the end kept me riveted and I look forward to Peter Kirkland’s next book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
663 reviews37 followers
Read
July 25, 2025
This is the second Spencer Dunn legal thriller and Peter Kirkland has done it again.

A complex, twisty but immersive tale where nothing is how it seems to be.

Spencer Dunn is a sympathetic hero who has a lot going on in his family life too and the depiction of small town America is picture perfect.

An excellent author producing high quality work.

Highly recommended.
814 reviews9 followers
July 28, 2025
Jason Demers is tried and convicted in the minds of the people in his town. People are convinced that he pushed his girlfriend from a third floor balcony in their quiet town of Autumn Harbor. Enter defense attorney, Spencer Dunn who was once a forensic scientist believes Jason is innocent. As Spenser unravels a web of deceit, betrayals and lies to find the truth the town may never recover.
239 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2025
Great story

I really.liked all the moving parts to this story. The characters are enmeshed in each others lives but the authors do a.great job of explaining how they fit together. The story is without blood and gore but none.the less.there's plenty of drama. This main character is a great attorney and a great guy at the same time. Looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews

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