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Vindicate
The New Jack Dillard Novel
Two killings. Two families shattered. And two lawyers with everything to lose.
Jack Dillard was born into a legacy of justice, but now that legacy feels more like a curse. The son of the legendary Joe Dillard, Jack is trying to rebuild his life after years of personal tragedy. His career is crumbling. His reputation stained. And guilt clings to him like smoke.
When a young true crime podcaster begs him to take on an old murder conviction, Jack wants nothing to do with it. But the deeper he looks, the more the case, and the possibility of a man wrongfully imprisoned, won't let him go.
Meanwhile, Charleston "Charlie" Dillard, Jack's brilliant wife, law partner, and the heart of their family, is fighting her own battles. With Jack emotionally volatile and their new adoption of young Abby stretching them thin, Charlie agrees to take on a potentially lucrative defense case to help pay the bills. But what begins as a financial necessity quickly turns dangerous when she learns the victim's grieving father is a man of wealth and power. And he has a thirst for vengeance.
As the two cases intertwine, Jack and Charlie find themselves in the crosshairs of ruthless adversaries who will stop at nothing to silence them. The clock is ticking, and their family's survival may depend on uncovering a truth that someone is willing to kill to keep hidden.
And even the mighty Joe Dillard is powerless to help.
Smart, tightly plotted, and deeply emotional, this new installment in the Dillard world is perfect for longtime fans, and an irresistible entry point for new readers.
“Pratt’s richly developed characters are vivid and believable, especially the strong Southern women who fight their male-dominated culture from behind a façade of vulnerability.” (Publishers Weekly)
Two killings. Two families shattered. And two lawyers with everything to lose.
Jack Dillard was born into a legacy of justice, but now that legacy feels more like a curse. The son of the legendary Joe Dillard, Jack is trying to rebuild his life after years of personal tragedy. His career is crumbling. His reputation stained. And guilt clings to him like smoke.
When a young true crime podcaster begs him to take on an old murder conviction, Jack wants nothing to do with it. But the deeper he looks, the more the case, and the possibility of a man wrongfully imprisoned, won't let him go.
Meanwhile, Charleston "Charlie" Dillard, Jack's brilliant wife, law partner, and the heart of their family, is fighting her own battles. With Jack emotionally volatile and their new adoption of young Abby stretching them thin, Charlie agrees to take on a potentially lucrative defense case to help pay the bills. But what begins as a financial necessity quickly turns dangerous when she learns the victim's grieving father is a man of wealth and power. And he has a thirst for vengeance.
As the two cases intertwine, Jack and Charlie find themselves in the crosshairs of ruthless adversaries who will stop at nothing to silence them. The clock is ticking, and their family's survival may depend on uncovering a truth that someone is willing to kill to keep hidden.
And even the mighty Joe Dillard is powerless to help.
Smart, tightly plotted, and deeply emotional, this new installment in the Dillard world is perfect for longtime fans, and an irresistible entry point for new readers.
“Pratt’s richly developed characters are vivid and believable, especially the strong Southern women who fight their male-dominated culture from behind a façade of vulnerability.” (Publishers Weekly)
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
2189 people are currently reading
2514 people want to read
About the author
Scott Pratt
59 books1,566 followersScott Pratt is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Bestselling Author whose books have sold more than five million copies. He was born in South Haven, Michigan, and grew up in Jonesborough, Tennessee. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from East Tennessee State University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee. He lived in Johnson City, Tennessee until his tragic, untimely passing in November of 2018.
This page is maintained by his family. We're finishing up all of the projects he was working on when he passed away. If you'd like to stay up to date on that progress, or if you'd just like to say hello, you can visit us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/19664...
This page is maintained by his family. We're finishing up all of the projects he was working on when he passed away. If you'd like to stay up to date on that progress, or if you'd just like to say hello, you can visit us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/19664...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
July 11, 2025
Having long enjoyed the work of Scott Pratt, I was pleased to see his son, J.D., continue the great Dillard series. Working with the younger lawyer, Jack Dillard, the series takes a wonderful spin. Two completely different cases of men accused of crimes they vow they are innocent of committing. Jack works on the case of a man who is accused of killing a woman who practised shamanistic seeings in rural North Carolina, while Jack’s wife, Charlie, handles the case of a man accused of killing an acquaintance with whom he has an odd connection. Both cases work in tandem, but there may be a loose link that tells it all. A great addition to the series and a branch-off for Jack Dillard.
Jack Dillard may have a highly popular father, but he still works criminal defence cases one day at a time. After a bout of bad luck and some legal issues of his own, Jack and his wife, Charlie, try to resurrect their law practice and focus on the new-found family they have with a pre-teen adopted daughter. Jack is contacted by a podcaster who has a case for him. Passionate about the man’s innocence, Zane seeks Jack’s assistance in exonerating him. The case seems pretty cut and dry, but Jack agrees to meet the convicted man to see if there is anything that can be done. Thereafter, it is a reluctant Jack who agrees to take on the matter.
Charlie has her own legal issues as she tries to help make ends meet and stay positive for her husband. She is approached by a long-lost relative to defend a man accused of murder. She, too, sees the case as straightforward, but agrees to defend him. There is a power struggle afoot and Charlie won’t let a man be buried by fear and bullying.
While each case runs on its own track, there is an eerie connection somewhere in there. Struggling to stay ahead, their legal approaches reveal truths that no one thought were present. Now, it’s a matter of connecting the dots. However, Jack’s past makes him a marked man and the easiest way to get to him is to press on that weakness. J.D. Pratt delivers a stunning story that keeps this series alive and kicking.
I have enjoyed the Scott Pratt series that uses Joe Dillard for many years. There is so much going on and a great deal of legal wrangling. However, with the author’s passing, I was not sure if things would keep flowing well. His son, J.D., picked up the pen and moved things along, such that I can almost not tell the difference. The narrative flows with ease and keeps the reader in the middle of the action. This is key, especially with the author bridging. Characters focus on both the new generation of Dillard and their cases, as well as a few flashbacks from earlier Scott Pratt works. The development and flavouring prove key to the success of the book. Plot points emerge and grow as the chapters race along, cementing the effectiveness of the series and its new layers. I am eager to see where things are headed and how J.D. Pratt will allow things to flourish.
Kudos, Mr. Pratt, for a great sense of forward movement.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Jack Dillard may have a highly popular father, but he still works criminal defence cases one day at a time. After a bout of bad luck and some legal issues of his own, Jack and his wife, Charlie, try to resurrect their law practice and focus on the new-found family they have with a pre-teen adopted daughter. Jack is contacted by a podcaster who has a case for him. Passionate about the man’s innocence, Zane seeks Jack’s assistance in exonerating him. The case seems pretty cut and dry, but Jack agrees to meet the convicted man to see if there is anything that can be done. Thereafter, it is a reluctant Jack who agrees to take on the matter.
Charlie has her own legal issues as she tries to help make ends meet and stay positive for her husband. She is approached by a long-lost relative to defend a man accused of murder. She, too, sees the case as straightforward, but agrees to defend him. There is a power struggle afoot and Charlie won’t let a man be buried by fear and bullying.
While each case runs on its own track, there is an eerie connection somewhere in there. Struggling to stay ahead, their legal approaches reveal truths that no one thought were present. Now, it’s a matter of connecting the dots. However, Jack’s past makes him a marked man and the easiest way to get to him is to press on that weakness. J.D. Pratt delivers a stunning story that keeps this series alive and kicking.
I have enjoyed the Scott Pratt series that uses Joe Dillard for many years. There is so much going on and a great deal of legal wrangling. However, with the author’s passing, I was not sure if things would keep flowing well. His son, J.D., picked up the pen and moved things along, such that I can almost not tell the difference. The narrative flows with ease and keeps the reader in the middle of the action. This is key, especially with the author bridging. Characters focus on both the new generation of Dillard and their cases, as well as a few flashbacks from earlier Scott Pratt works. The development and flavouring prove key to the success of the book. Plot points emerge and grow as the chapters race along, cementing the effectiveness of the series and its new layers. I am eager to see where things are headed and how J.D. Pratt will allow things to flourish.
Kudos, Mr. Pratt, for a great sense of forward movement.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
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June 3, 2025VINDICATE IS AVAILABLE
KINDLE:
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Happy Reading :)
KINDLE:
Amazon US → https://bit.ly/4iH5ziq
Amazon CA → https://bit.ly/3T56gYa
Amazon UK → https://bit.ly/3FEy4j3
Amazon AU → https://bit.ly/43IWsrU
Paperback → https://bit.ly/4mFiYue
Audible → https://bit.ly/43W6Ygz
Audiobook (Amazon) → https://bit.ly/3HipPcT
Happy Reading :)
June 17, 2025
DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME
So implausible and ridiculous. I had to skip through large portions of the book because it was so nonsensical. What happened to the good “Joe Dillard” books? This doesn’t even resemble those. I’m sad and disappointed. But I won’t be reading any more.
So implausible and ridiculous. I had to skip through large portions of the book because it was so nonsensical. What happened to the good “Joe Dillard” books? This doesn’t even resemble those. I’m sad and disappointed. But I won’t be reading any more.
June 9, 2025
Ugh
I’ve always like the Joe Dillard books. I really hated this storyline. I got to 50% thru this book and gave up and did a speed read through the rest of the book, just to find out what happened.
I liked the main characters. Seriously though, who cares about this hippie cult crap. Should be left back in the 60’s.
I’ve always like the Joe Dillard books. I really hated this storyline. I got to 50% thru this book and gave up and did a speed read through the rest of the book, just to find out what happened.
I liked the main characters. Seriously though, who cares about this hippie cult crap. Should be left back in the 60’s.
June 15, 2025
I just love this series so much. Not my favorite of the stories but it was like being back with old friends reading this.
June 9, 2025
Excellent
I really enjoyed this book, good job J.D! A true Dillard story with all of our favorite characters. The plot moved quickly and I couldn't put it down until it was finished. I am looking forward to the next book!
I really enjoyed this book, good job J.D! A true Dillard story with all of our favorite characters. The plot moved quickly and I couldn't put it down until it was finished. I am looking forward to the next book!
October 15, 2025
Sorry... the last "Joe Dillard" book I'll read
I've enjoyed the previous 10 books. This one was not to my liking. The story is unbelievable from start to end. Once I start a book - especially one in a series - I need to finish it. What a drag. I had to make myself get there. Sorry I won't waste any more of my precious reading time on this series.
I've enjoyed the previous 10 books. This one was not to my liking. The story is unbelievable from start to end. Once I start a book - especially one in a series - I need to finish it. What a drag. I had to make myself get there. Sorry I won't waste any more of my precious reading time on this series.
July 10, 2025
If you have ever read a fairy tale such as Grimms then you have read this book. All rather predicable although the author obviously tried very hard to provide atmosphere, anticipation, and suspense. This book fails on all three, some of his other offerings do succeed but not this one. Save your money.
June 16, 2025
Weird!
Not the Scott Pratt I remember! Maybe j d needs to read some of Scott's books. I read 52% of it until boredom overtook me. No lawyer with any sense would do what this guy does. Upside? No typos!
Not the Scott Pratt I remember! Maybe j d needs to read some of Scott's books. I read 52% of it until boredom overtook me. No lawyer with any sense would do what this guy does. Upside? No typos!
September 5, 2025
Save your money
I was extremely disappointed in this book. I have relax all of the Joe Dillard series books. This one, is without a doubt, the worst I have read. If I hadn't paid for it, I wouldn't have read it.
I was extremely disappointed in this book. I have relax all of the Joe Dillard series books. This one, is without a doubt, the worst I have read. If I hadn't paid for it, I wouldn't have read it.
June 16, 2025
A poor version of a good series
Unfortunately This was not in the same caliber as the original books in this series neither in the writing nor the storyline
Unfortunately This was not in the same caliber as the original books in this series neither in the writing nor the storyline
July 21, 2025
Couldn't get into it
I'm usually a fan of Scott Pratts work. That's why it hurts to give this a three star rating. I just couldn't get into the story line or the cast of characters.
I'm usually a fan of Scott Pratts work. That's why it hurts to give this a three star rating. I just couldn't get into the story line or the cast of characters.
June 19, 2025
I think it's time to bring the series to a close for me. Unfortunately, they all seem to be very formulaic, without surprise or nuanced detail that used to thrill me about Pratt's earlier work.
That being said, I really do not care for the Jack MC, the son of the infamous Joe Dillard. Jack is just not his father, although he seems to readily admit he is not and cannot be, but he still doggedly tries to be, and I think that's just a fool's errand and a waste of good fiction presentation. It wouldn't be too hard to give him a little bit more of an independent spirit and some backbone, instead his ego roils in rage, extreme unpredictable behavior and a childish amount of rose-colored opinion on the glowing attributes of his wife and adopted daughter. No one seems to put a foot wrong in the family, and they're all just a little bit too happy holiday day trippers for my blood. Even if they are a truly dyed-in-the-wool American Idol happy family, doesn't anyone have any annoying quirks or ego traits that make them annoying to be around? 24-7, they're just like a summation of "I'm perfect, she's perfect, they're perfect, we're all perfect"....until and unless Jack's temper launches itself into a primal arc of BS. Which is regularly does.
I'm done for now. The books have become predictable and rote. I think it's back to Kindle for something a little more challenging to amuse myself.
That being said, I really do not care for the Jack MC, the son of the infamous Joe Dillard. Jack is just not his father, although he seems to readily admit he is not and cannot be, but he still doggedly tries to be, and I think that's just a fool's errand and a waste of good fiction presentation. It wouldn't be too hard to give him a little bit more of an independent spirit and some backbone, instead his ego roils in rage, extreme unpredictable behavior and a childish amount of rose-colored opinion on the glowing attributes of his wife and adopted daughter. No one seems to put a foot wrong in the family, and they're all just a little bit too happy holiday day trippers for my blood. Even if they are a truly dyed-in-the-wool American Idol happy family, doesn't anyone have any annoying quirks or ego traits that make them annoying to be around? 24-7, they're just like a summation of "I'm perfect, she's perfect, they're perfect, we're all perfect"....until and unless Jack's temper launches itself into a primal arc of BS. Which is regularly does.
I'm done for now. The books have become predictable and rote. I think it's back to Kindle for something a little more challenging to amuse myself.
September 12, 2025
Jack Dillard, Joe Dillard's son,
Was beginning to believe his world was good, but crumbling. His wife had taken on the brunt of house, home, and daughter while working herself. Jack was struggling to keep up himself, and his group of those like him, while just beginning to get back into work. He found a client in the North Carolina mountains, who knew his father. But as often is the case, something always upsets the apple cart. Both Joe and his wife seemed to be doing okay, but Joe found himself floundering, and his world was beginning to crumble.
He found himself trying to regain composure, until he found business in the North Carolina mountains. But this business was more about his life than his family because of something he literally could not comprehend. Read this and you will love it!
Was beginning to believe his world was good, but crumbling. His wife had taken on the brunt of house, home, and daughter while working herself. Jack was struggling to keep up himself, and his group of those like him, while just beginning to get back into work. He found a client in the North Carolina mountains, who knew his father. But as often is the case, something always upsets the apple cart. Both Joe and his wife seemed to be doing okay, but Joe found himself floundering, and his world was beginning to crumble.
He found himself trying to regain composure, until he found business in the North Carolina mountains. But this business was more about his life than his family because of something he literally could not comprehend. Read this and you will love it!
July 2, 2025
Excellent. Read!
The narrative captivated me from the first page, compelling me to read continuously. The pacing was brisk, and the characters emerged with remarkable depth and authenticity. Though I occasionally found the interconnections between characters slightly challenging to track, the story ultimately wove itself into a satisfying tapestry. This exceptional book has earned the authors a permanent place on my must-read list, and I eagerly anticipate exploring more of their work.
The narrative captivated me from the first page, compelling me to read continuously. The pacing was brisk, and the characters emerged with remarkable depth and authenticity. Though I occasionally found the interconnections between characters slightly challenging to track, the story ultimately wove itself into a satisfying tapestry. This exceptional book has earned the authors a permanent place on my must-read list, and I eagerly anticipate exploring more of their work.
August 26, 2025
An adept passing of the torch!
Continuing in the complex legal thriller tradition of Scott Pratt, J.D. Pratt provides plenty of twists and turns in his plot to keep your attention and draw you into the web.
This story gives you everything. Heroes, villains, and the innocent, unsuspecting would be bystanders, who unwittingly become part of the much larger story. As usual, many lessons are the protagonist and readers alike. Good writing has you identifying with the plot, and that is just what 'vindicate' did for me. Great read!!!
Continuing in the complex legal thriller tradition of Scott Pratt, J.D. Pratt provides plenty of twists and turns in his plot to keep your attention and draw you into the web.
This story gives you everything. Heroes, villains, and the innocent, unsuspecting would be bystanders, who unwittingly become part of the much larger story. As usual, many lessons are the protagonist and readers alike. Good writing has you identifying with the plot, and that is just what 'vindicate' did for me. Great read!!!
July 7, 2025
Bizarre!
Way out there for what you usually get from a Dillard novel! After a bit I was wanting to call it quits. But once I start a book, I have to finish, sometimes complaining with myself along the way! 😕 Now I am finished. I'm ready for the next Jack Dillard! Let's say it kept Pulling me in. There were also some, "I didn't see that coming" moments?
Stick with it, its worth it! 😎
V
Way out there for what you usually get from a Dillard novel! After a bit I was wanting to call it quits. But once I start a book, I have to finish, sometimes complaining with myself along the way! 😕 Now I am finished. I'm ready for the next Jack Dillard! Let's say it kept Pulling me in. There were also some, "I didn't see that coming" moments?
Stick with it, its worth it! 😎
V
June 7, 2025
Loved it!
Great book and loved the plot. So many twists and turns. I had just read Wreckage by him so I was anxious to read it. I read all of the Joe Dillard series and devoured them as soon as they came out. I was so shocked and saddened when I heard of Mr. Pratt's demise. He must have been a wonderful Husband and father. I'm looking forward to more from this author.
Great book and loved the plot. So many twists and turns. I had just read Wreckage by him so I was anxious to read it. I read all of the Joe Dillard series and devoured them as soon as they came out. I was so shocked and saddened when I heard of Mr. Pratt's demise. He must have been a wonderful Husband and father. I'm looking forward to more from this author.
June 16, 2025
I have loved every Joe Dillard book. The new series featuring Joe's son Jack, his wife Charley and daughter Abby is a great addition. The action is great, old characters appear and the story is one of today's problems that plague us.
I think adding Jack to the mix is a great way to consider the continuation of the series. Count me in as a client for as long as these stories continue.
I think adding Jack to the mix is a great way to consider the continuation of the series. Count me in as a client for as long as these stories continue.
July 17, 2025
Excellent read!
It was easy to get into the story. I could easily identify with the feelings and motives of Charlie, Jack and Abby. I also enjoyed Zane and the surprise of one of the characters actually being a 'good guy'! Didn't want to put this down but was very happy with the ending!!!
It was easy to get into the story. I could easily identify with the feelings and motives of Charlie, Jack and Abby. I also enjoyed Zane and the surprise of one of the characters actually being a 'good guy'! Didn't want to put this down but was very happy with the ending!!!
August 5, 2025
I am so glad Scott Pratt has written this new series for me to read!!
I really enjoyed Vindicate as I have all the other books by this author, and look forward to the rest of the books in this series. I think anyone who likes a good legal/mystery thriller will enjoy all the books by this author!
I really enjoyed Vindicate as I have all the other books by this author, and look forward to the rest of the books in this series. I think anyone who likes a good legal/mystery thriller will enjoy all the books by this author!
August 6, 2025
Fast paced
I learned to love Jack as much as I had loved Joe Dillard from the first to the 10th series. This one was all about Jack - his mindset, his demons, his love for his family and dad. Enjoy reading the Vindicate, worth every minute , page turning can't-put-the book- down reading.
I learned to love Jack as much as I had loved Joe Dillard from the first to the 10th series. This one was all about Jack - his mindset, his demons, his love for his family and dad. Enjoy reading the Vindicate, worth every minute , page turning can't-put-the book- down reading.
September 3, 2025
The Dillards are back!
Anyone who enjoys a good crime mystery will love
this book especially those who are already acquainted with the Dillard family. Scott Pratt and J.D. Pratt have successfully passed the torch from Joe to Jack. I am looking forward to more books and the continuing story.
Anyone who enjoys a good crime mystery will love
this book especially those who are already acquainted with the Dillard family. Scott Pratt and J.D. Pratt have successfully passed the torch from Joe to Jack. I am looking forward to more books and the continuing story.
September 5, 2025
I had high hopes for the Joe Dillard Series even after Scott's untimely death. I did enjoy the beginning. The 2 cases were interesting and bode well for the rest of the book. But, then things went off the tracks. Over used tropes and themes don't make for good books. I think I'll leave this series behind and remember the better days.
June 11, 2025
Another great Pratt read!
I have enjoyed all of Scott Pratt's books and I am so glad to see that J D is also a great story teller. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from JD Pratt.
I have enjoyed all of Scott Pratt's books and I am so glad to see that J D is also a great story teller. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from JD Pratt.
June 14, 2025
Good read, however it was pretty predictable. Lots of really stupid moves by the hero in this book. It made my mad and almost put it down. But I have enjoyed the Dillard series in the past so I stuck it out to the end.
June 14, 2025
Love the Dillard series
This was a very exciting book and was nice to meet new characters. Also some former ones too. Anyone who loves law and mystery thrillers would enjoy this book.
This was a very exciting book and was nice to meet new characters. Also some former ones too. Anyone who loves law and mystery thrillers would enjoy this book.
June 15, 2025
Vindicate
Really different legal story in premise only. The whole tale was a roller coaster ride through the mind and the dangerous direction it can take when chemically affected by totally evil concept.
Really different legal story in premise only. The whole tale was a roller coaster ride through the mind and the dangerous direction it can take when chemically affected by totally evil concept.
June 15, 2025
I just have a special place in my heart for these Jack Dillard/Joe Dillard books. They are set in beautiful East Tennessee, where I lived for 10 years. The characters are honest and relatable and I love the danger always just around the corner.
June 19, 2025
When a son feels he has let his family and his father's reputation down, he struggles to find his way. When an investigative reporter asks for his assistance in looking at a conviction that may be tainted, her finds more than he expected.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews