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The Color of Death
From the number-one New York Times bestselling author and FOX News host Trey Gowdy comes a dark mystery debut about a murder in a small South Carolina town. Assistant DA Colm Truesdale must pick up the pieces of his own life in order to solve the case.
Following the death of his wife and daughter, Colm Truesdale is left mentally scarred. After time off, and with no desire to return to the courtroom, Truesdale is brought back into the investigation of the murder of a young woman who ran a beauty salon outside of town. When a page from her appointment book goes missing, and then the crime scene burns down, it’s up to Colm to untangle the web of deception that implicates a powerful judge and his family.
Taking readers inside the cat-and-mouse psychology of a killer and the assistant district attorney who must catch him, this thrilling fiction debut from bestselling author Trey Gowdy and celebrated author Christopher Greyson will keep you guessing until the very last page.
Following the death of his wife and daughter, Colm Truesdale is left mentally scarred. After time off, and with no desire to return to the courtroom, Truesdale is brought back into the investigation of the murder of a young woman who ran a beauty salon outside of town. When a page from her appointment book goes missing, and then the crime scene burns down, it’s up to Colm to untangle the web of deception that implicates a powerful judge and his family.
Taking readers inside the cat-and-mouse psychology of a killer and the assistant district attorney who must catch him, this thrilling fiction debut from bestselling author Trey Gowdy and celebrated author Christopher Greyson will keep you guessing until the very last page.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2025
1234 people are currently reading
5678 people want to read
About the author
Trey Gowdy
12 books145 followersTrey Gowdy is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Doesn’t Hurt to Ask, Start, Stay, or Leave, and co-author of Unified, with Senator Tim Scott. He’s the host of Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy on Fox News and The Trey Gowdy Podcast. Gowdy served as a four-term congressman from South Carolina. Before running for Congress, he served as a federal prosecutor in his home state and a district attorney in Spartanburg and Cherokee counties. Trey Gowdy is married to Terri Dillard Gowdy, a former first-grade school teacher in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Connect with Trey Gowdy on:
Facebook: @RepTreyGowdy
Twitter: @TGowdySC
Instagram: @tgowdysc
Connect with Trey Gowdy on:
Facebook: @RepTreyGowdy
Twitter: @TGowdySC
Instagram: @tgowdysc
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
September 3, 2025
Confused by the ending. If not for that, 5 stars.
September 1, 2025
great story. abrupt ending
I loved the story but didn’t like the abrupt ending. I read it in about 3 days. I’m guessing there’s a sequel? Did I miss something?
I loved the story but didn’t like the abrupt ending. I read it in about 3 days. I’m guessing there’s a sequel? Did I miss something?
August 27, 2025
I had more than one surprise while reading this. I think it's easy to spot the areas Mr. Gowdy wrote, because they sound just like a prosecutor. On the other side, as with all his other books, Mr. Greyson brings to life the characters and the overall story. Reading this is like watching a murder mystery-once you think you have your suspect, additional evidence comes along and blows your theory right out of the water. It was definitely a page turner (I read it in a couple hours), action packed, and had some incredibly unexpected twists. You won't be disappointed!
September 17, 2025
This legal thriller/mystery is much better than I expected. It was very good and kept my interest throughout.
September 10, 2025
***A Very Generous Trey Star Rating…Mainly Because I Like Gowdy!
Based on the book description, the mostly very positive ratings on Amazon and Goodreads, as well as my high regard for Trey Gowdy, I had high expectations for this book.
Bottom line is that while it was good enough to finish, The Color Of Death is not a book I’d highly recommend. My reasons for this opinion (in no particular order of importance) are as follows: (1) the development of virtually all the characters was subpar, as I never got a true picture in my mind of how any of them looked, nor did I get a credible enough sense of the motivations for many of their actions, (2) the plot line was somewhat disjointed, as the excitement generated in the opening chapter of the book was sort of “forgotten about” until towards the end of the book…and even then it wasn’t very clear to me even with going back to reread the opening chapter, (3)the courtroom scenes were not as exciting and surprising as I was expecting, especially given Gowdy’s extensive experience as a former prosecutor, and most significantly to me is that the ending was pretty much left “wide open”, in that several of the broader plot elements had “loose ends” and were left intentionally ambiguous, in order to pave the way for a sequel to The Color Of Death.
At this point, given my lukewarm reaction to a book for which I had high expectations, I’m unsure if I want to join Gowdy on his next fictional endeavor.
2 1/2 stars generously raised to a 3 star rating.
Based on the book description, the mostly very positive ratings on Amazon and Goodreads, as well as my high regard for Trey Gowdy, I had high expectations for this book.
Bottom line is that while it was good enough to finish, The Color Of Death is not a book I’d highly recommend. My reasons for this opinion (in no particular order of importance) are as follows: (1) the development of virtually all the characters was subpar, as I never got a true picture in my mind of how any of them looked, nor did I get a credible enough sense of the motivations for many of their actions, (2) the plot line was somewhat disjointed, as the excitement generated in the opening chapter of the book was sort of “forgotten about” until towards the end of the book…and even then it wasn’t very clear to me even with going back to reread the opening chapter, (3)the courtroom scenes were not as exciting and surprising as I was expecting, especially given Gowdy’s extensive experience as a former prosecutor, and most significantly to me is that the ending was pretty much left “wide open”, in that several of the broader plot elements had “loose ends” and were left intentionally ambiguous, in order to pave the way for a sequel to The Color Of Death.
At this point, given my lukewarm reaction to a book for which I had high expectations, I’m unsure if I want to join Gowdy on his next fictional endeavor.
2 1/2 stars generously raised to a 3 star rating.
September 30, 2025
Pretty impressed. However I got lost with one of the characters. Good job Trey.
August 29, 2025
I loved this book! When I had heard Trey Gowdy say that the book was written from all sides of a case, I got ready for process and proceedings, mistakes and good leads, families and other victims. It was everything I love in a book and more.
In “The Color of Death,” readers are faced with a death, a murder, and a story that encompasses both. But add in a conspiracy to destroy/kill others, and the mystery thickens with many twists and turns. I enjoyed following the investigators as they hunted for evidence and then watching as real life cut in and out. It was interesting to see how their minds worked. Mr. Goydy’s writing style makes me wish I had been able to watch him try cases. I recommend this book to readers of all types, but especially those who love courtroom dramas and solving crime.
In “The Color of Death,” readers are faced with a death, a murder, and a story that encompasses both. But add in a conspiracy to destroy/kill others, and the mystery thickens with many twists and turns. I enjoyed following the investigators as they hunted for evidence and then watching as real life cut in and out. It was interesting to see how their minds worked. Mr. Goydy’s writing style makes me wish I had been able to watch him try cases. I recommend this book to readers of all types, but especially those who love courtroom dramas and solving crime.
September 5, 2025
Great novel but horrible ending …
Is there going to be a sequel? As you can tell I was NOT impressed with the way it ended.
Is there going to be a sequel? As you can tell I was NOT impressed with the way it ended.
August 30, 2025
Great Read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well written legal thriller. It was difficult to put down . I loved the characters and the setting. I also appreciate that it is clean. It proves a good book can be read without profanity and sexual encounters. I highly recommend.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well written legal thriller. It was difficult to put down . I loved the characters and the setting. I also appreciate that it is clean. It proves a good book can be read without profanity and sexual encounters. I highly recommend.
August 28, 2025
Could have been five stars
Good plot, good characters, but the dialogue was stilted. Pretty sure most people don’t use such formal language, most use contractions. Also, a major problem with present/past tense. If a chapter starts in one tense, you shouldn’t use another part of the time. Also, kind of a sucky ending. Obviously sets up for the next book, but it needed better closure. Even though I thought it was easy to figure out who did it, the author did a decent job of throwing in red herrings. Waiting for the sequel.
Good plot, good characters, but the dialogue was stilted. Pretty sure most people don’t use such formal language, most use contractions. Also, a major problem with present/past tense. If a chapter starts in one tense, you shouldn’t use another part of the time. Also, kind of a sucky ending. Obviously sets up for the next book, but it needed better closure. Even though I thought it was easy to figure out who did it, the author did a decent job of throwing in red herrings. Waiting for the sequel.
September 9, 2025
BAD doesn’t describe it.
This is one of the most disjointed books I have ever read. I thought I was never going to get through it.
This is one of the most disjointed books I have ever read. I thought I was never going to get through it.
September 1, 2025
This is one of the best books I have read! I picked it up to read this morning and could not put it down until the last page was completed. I loved the characters and the surprise ending. This books draws you in from chapter one and gives a front row seat to being apart of a murder investigation. I love the blend of problem solving to find a killer while also taking you in to the personal lives of the characters. The ending also left me anxiously awaiting for a sequel that I hope and pray is in the works! Excellent read!
September 10, 2025
4.5 Stars ⭐️
I was interested to see what this new novel was going to be like since Trey Gowdy spent so much of his life as a prosecutor. I enjoy legal procedurals and courtroom dramas. I was then pleasantly surprised to find out it was actually a murder mystery with a little courtroom drama thrown in at the end.
The story introduces us to MMC and Assistant District Attorney Colm Truesdale and when we meet him he is completely burned out and ready to resign. Then, he gets one last phone call while "on call" and that start us down the road of his investigation of this latest murder. A young mother is brutally murdered and there are many different breadcrumbs laid down on who the possible murderer might be.
There are also a couple of side stories that are woven in sporadically that the reader (and by reader I mean me) receives these clues little by little, patiently waiting to figure out how in the world they are tied into things. While some of these threads are tied off, the main thread is left open for the next book. I liked the fact that we were not left hanging with a huge cliffhanger - which seems to be the rage recently with so many books - and it felt more like a teaser making you want to pick up the next book to continue the story.
All in all, I enjoyed this immensely. It had quick and easy chapters that made it feel like things were happening at a rapid pace and it made flying through the chapters a piece of cake. Before you knew it - you were at the end of the book. I love it when that happens :)
I was interested to see what this new novel was going to be like since Trey Gowdy spent so much of his life as a prosecutor. I enjoy legal procedurals and courtroom dramas. I was then pleasantly surprised to find out it was actually a murder mystery with a little courtroom drama thrown in at the end.
The story introduces us to MMC and Assistant District Attorney Colm Truesdale and when we meet him he is completely burned out and ready to resign. Then, he gets one last phone call while "on call" and that start us down the road of his investigation of this latest murder. A young mother is brutally murdered and there are many different breadcrumbs laid down on who the possible murderer might be.
There are also a couple of side stories that are woven in sporadically that the reader (and by reader I mean me) receives these clues little by little, patiently waiting to figure out how in the world they are tied into things. While some of these threads are tied off, the main thread is left open for the next book. I liked the fact that we were not left hanging with a huge cliffhanger - which seems to be the rage recently with so many books - and it felt more like a teaser making you want to pick up the next book to continue the story.
All in all, I enjoyed this immensely. It had quick and easy chapters that made it feel like things were happening at a rapid pace and it made flying through the chapters a piece of cake. Before you knew it - you were at the end of the book. I love it when that happens :)
September 8, 2025
This is a fast read, very interesting with no downtime. The chapters are short (my favorite), the characters well developed and likable ( or not as they are supposed to be). My kids call me the Grammar Nazi so finding two errors the proofreader did not bothered me. The main story wrapped up almost tight, though I found myself wondering about the Judge’s son and about how some things happened.
Obviously, the authors intend this to be a series for which I am on board. The next book characters are woven throughout this book but I did not like the teaser we are left with. I hope they write fast.
Update: The more I think about the ending of this book the angrier I get. I think Trey Gowdy is brilliant and I love to hear him speak. As I said above, the book is fast-moving and very interesting. The conclusion, however, is very sudden with little explanation and the last couple of pages with hints of what’s to come are disappointing. I will still look forward to the next book about this District Attorney but I hope the authors do better in the end.
Obviously, the authors intend this to be a series for which I am on board. The next book characters are woven throughout this book but I did not like the teaser we are left with. I hope they write fast.
Update: The more I think about the ending of this book the angrier I get. I think Trey Gowdy is brilliant and I love to hear him speak. As I said above, the book is fast-moving and very interesting. The conclusion, however, is very sudden with little explanation and the last couple of pages with hints of what’s to come are disappointing. I will still look forward to the next book about this District Attorney but I hope the authors do better in the end.
October 9, 2025
A mostly enjoyable read but I was left with questions. I enjoyed the characters and the pacing of the book, and I found myself staying up late to keep reading. It's delightful when books make me want to keep reading "just one more chapter" and this book did a great job with that.
The plot was less than ideal, leaving me completely confused about the ending. The book ends abruptly and leaves an important subplot completely unresolved. And, if I'm honest, it feels like bait for a sequel and that feels manipulative. There is a major plot twist in the final courtroom scene and I really like the idea, but it needed to have been foreshadowed better.
The plot was less than ideal, leaving me completely confused about the ending. The book ends abruptly and leaves an important subplot completely unresolved. And, if I'm honest, it feels like bait for a sequel and that feels manipulative. There is a major plot twist in the final courtroom scene and I really like the idea, but it needed to have been foreshadowed better.
October 28, 2025
This is a page-turner of a mystery with a twist at the end. When a young woman who is a hairdresser is brutally murdered, there are several suspects, but one that stands out. The problem is that it is a powerful person who is able to hide evidence and destroy it so that it is nearly impossible for the police detectives to solve the crime. There are twists and turns throughout the book, and It is definitely a good read!
September 8, 2025
This book was recommended to me by an online book club, and it was well worth the read! the characters and the plot and the writing style were all right up my alley. And a couple of twists I definitely didn't see coming....
September 7, 2025
Terrific read.
September 18, 2025
Trey you should write more like this one. I liked it
September 27, 2025
What a surprising and most enjoyable treat! Trey Gowdy hit his first legal thriller novel out of the park. I can't wait for the next one!
Great job!
Great job!
October 31, 2025
Meh. Not bad but not really good either.
November 2, 2025
4.5 stars. Well written murder mystery and more!
November 12, 2025
Would’ve given it a 4 but the ending was disappointing.
December 10, 2025
I loved the way this book was written! genius. I'm also assuming the author left room for a sequel towards the end. I hope I'm right cause I loved this book!
September 5, 2025
Left Hanging
The book was a page turner and I would have rated it higher if not for the bizarre ending. The major subplot of the book has no resolution, leaving me to wonder why it was included in the novel in the first place.
The book was a page turner and I would have rated it higher if not for the bizarre ending. The major subplot of the book has no resolution, leaving me to wonder why it was included in the novel in the first place.
September 23, 2025
Rather disjointed at times. Outcome was too predictable.
October 7, 2025
Very enjoyable
November 15, 2025
A good mystery!
I enjoyed this book for the most part. I would have liked a little more at the end. It definitely kept me engaged throughout. It was evident this was written by a prosecutor, and I loved the details of the story.
I enjoyed this book for the most part. I would have liked a little more at the end. It definitely kept me engaged throughout. It was evident this was written by a prosecutor, and I loved the details of the story.
September 24, 2025
Very abrupt ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews