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Spencer Dunn Legal Thrillers #3
Small Town Conviction
One small town. One deadly weekend. Three shocking crimes…
A local business owner is shot and disappears under mysterious circumstances. Another man goes on a hit-and-run rampage. And a horrifying day care incident sends innocent children to the ER. At first glance, the events appear unrelated. But as he investigates, local attorney Spencer Dunn begins to think otherwise.
When Spencer digs beneath Autumn Harbor’s idyllic surface, he uncovers a dark thread weaving the cases together—a thread that leads straight to Jack Butcher, the flashy civic leader whose shiny public persona masks a rotten core. For years, Butcher has operated from the shadows, untouchable… and Spencer is determined to change that.
With pressure mounting and his own family under threat, Spencer races to connect the dots before his innocent clients are convicted. But the truth is more twisted than he ever imagined—and Butcher will do anything to keep it buried.
Now, with the impact of past and current cases coming to a head, Spencer must put more than his legal skill to work—or he may become the next casualty.
A local business owner is shot and disappears under mysterious circumstances. Another man goes on a hit-and-run rampage. And a horrifying day care incident sends innocent children to the ER. At first glance, the events appear unrelated. But as he investigates, local attorney Spencer Dunn begins to think otherwise.
When Spencer digs beneath Autumn Harbor’s idyllic surface, he uncovers a dark thread weaving the cases together—a thread that leads straight to Jack Butcher, the flashy civic leader whose shiny public persona masks a rotten core. For years, Butcher has operated from the shadows, untouchable… and Spencer is determined to change that.
With pressure mounting and his own family under threat, Spencer races to connect the dots before his innocent clients are convicted. But the truth is more twisted than he ever imagined—and Butcher will do anything to keep it buried.
Now, with the impact of past and current cases coming to a head, Spencer must put more than his legal skill to work—or he may become the next casualty.
- GenresThrillerLegal Thriller
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2026
About the author
Peter Kirkland
24 books158 followersPeter 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.
This research project lit the flame for his passion for law and creating a more equal justice system since. Soon after this, Peter began reading legal thrillers voraciously and enjoyed the legal maneuvering and justice found within. As an adult he has continued researching the law and understanding the system and its effects on individuals. A few years ago, he decided to try writing his own legal thriller.
Now a full-time writer, he uses his research, passion for justice, and real case studies to bring together courtroom dramas with deep, rich characters, and gripping twists and turns. New to the industry, Peter would love to hear from readers and other authors and invites you to connect with him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 15, 2026
A great fan of finding new authors, I turned to this third legal thriller by Peter Kirkland and Mike Avery. The collaboration between these two and the continuation of the Spencer Dunn series are sure to impress readers. Three seemingly independent cases Spencer Dunn is working might have a loose connection. With a woman on trial for the murder of her husband, it would serve Dunn well to find that connection to use in court.
Spencer Dunn has been finding his legal legs in Autumn Harbor, taking on cases as they come in the door. He’s got his hands full after a woman is charged when a number of children are rushed to the hospital, having ingested heroin in her dayhome. Another man goes on a hit-run run spree and begs not to be sent to jail. A third woman is charged when her husband is shot and disappears. Dunn must focus as much of his attention on the third, where murder charges are eventually levied against his client. Three seemingly independent cases soon find loose connections and Dunn is left to wonder if there is a solid tie between them. The lead soon gets stronger and civic leader with a dark side, Jack Butcher, has his fingerprints over them all. When the cases get clearer and his own family is threatened, Dunn can no longer stay calm. Working to adopt the young girl who has stolen his parental heart, Spencer Dunn hopes to show his clients’ innocence and bring truth out on the witness stand. It could be his most daunting legal challenge yet. Kirkland and Avery deliver another well-paced legal thriller.
The foundation of this series has always been great legal ideas with a wonderful narrative. Peter Kirkland and Mike Avery deliver another great story that uses these aspects to keep the reader on their toes. Strong narrative themes provide a direction for the piece, pushed along by short chapters and well-paced ideas. The story’s momentum finds its hum as all comes together to mix investigative prowess with stellar courtroom exploration. Soon, the reader is caught in the middle and there is no looking back.
Characters strengthen an already strong piece, asking the reader to connect on all levels. The authors find needed drama throughout the book to accentuate the Spencer Dunn characterisation as he acclimates to small-town Maine. While there is much focus on casework, Dunn juggles at becoming a better man for his new potential daughter, Phoebe. The cases flow well and the authors point to many of Dunn’s legal abilities in this piece, while showing a compassionate side. I enjoy Dunn’s thinking and how he puts his efforts into the case, never sure of an outcome. There remain a core of supporting characters who add flavour to the story again, both legal individuals and those in Dunn's personal life. They find ways to ensure the themes are clear and provide much for the reader to ponder.
Plot points keep things tense as the story develops. Kirkland and Avery take the reader in numerous directions, hoping that the expected and surprising prove helpful. The legal plot keeps readers on edge, as the Dunn household finds ways to stay intriguing. Surprises come from all sides, both legal and personal, as the authors tease the reader with many ideas that develop throughout the tense storytelling, preventing certainty in the outcomes. I am completely intrigued with this collection and must wait patiently for the next instalment!
Kudos, Messrs. Kirkland and Avery, for a gripping story that never left me underwhelmed.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Spencer Dunn has been finding his legal legs in Autumn Harbor, taking on cases as they come in the door. He’s got his hands full after a woman is charged when a number of children are rushed to the hospital, having ingested heroin in her dayhome. Another man goes on a hit-run run spree and begs not to be sent to jail. A third woman is charged when her husband is shot and disappears. Dunn must focus as much of his attention on the third, where murder charges are eventually levied against his client. Three seemingly independent cases soon find loose connections and Dunn is left to wonder if there is a solid tie between them. The lead soon gets stronger and civic leader with a dark side, Jack Butcher, has his fingerprints over them all. When the cases get clearer and his own family is threatened, Dunn can no longer stay calm. Working to adopt the young girl who has stolen his parental heart, Spencer Dunn hopes to show his clients’ innocence and bring truth out on the witness stand. It could be his most daunting legal challenge yet. Kirkland and Avery deliver another well-paced legal thriller.
The foundation of this series has always been great legal ideas with a wonderful narrative. Peter Kirkland and Mike Avery deliver another great story that uses these aspects to keep the reader on their toes. Strong narrative themes provide a direction for the piece, pushed along by short chapters and well-paced ideas. The story’s momentum finds its hum as all comes together to mix investigative prowess with stellar courtroom exploration. Soon, the reader is caught in the middle and there is no looking back.
Characters strengthen an already strong piece, asking the reader to connect on all levels. The authors find needed drama throughout the book to accentuate the Spencer Dunn characterisation as he acclimates to small-town Maine. While there is much focus on casework, Dunn juggles at becoming a better man for his new potential daughter, Phoebe. The cases flow well and the authors point to many of Dunn’s legal abilities in this piece, while showing a compassionate side. I enjoy Dunn’s thinking and how he puts his efforts into the case, never sure of an outcome. There remain a core of supporting characters who add flavour to the story again, both legal individuals and those in Dunn's personal life. They find ways to ensure the themes are clear and provide much for the reader to ponder.
Plot points keep things tense as the story develops. Kirkland and Avery take the reader in numerous directions, hoping that the expected and surprising prove helpful. The legal plot keeps readers on edge, as the Dunn household finds ways to stay intriguing. Surprises come from all sides, both legal and personal, as the authors tease the reader with many ideas that develop throughout the tense storytelling, preventing certainty in the outcomes. I am completely intrigued with this collection and must wait patiently for the next instalment!
Kudos, Messrs. Kirkland and Avery, for a gripping story that never left me underwhelmed.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 11, 2026
A great read. It builds on the main characters introduced in the first 2 books and further develops them. The court cases have unique and interesting twists and turns, making the book hard to put down, even if a bit confusing at times. Overall an excellent book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2026
Peter Kirkland hits his stride with this one, delivering a classic "small town with big secrets" vibe that feels lived-in and authentic. The pacing is smooth, letting the tension simmer under the surface rather than rushing into things, which makes the eventual payoff feel much more earned. It’s got a great, grounded feel to it—the kind of story where you can almost smell the coffee and the old floorboards in the local diner. If you're looking for a solid, character-driven mystery that’s perfect for a rainy afternoon, this is a great addition to your collection.
March 12, 2026
4.5 stars. Book 3. Duo Peter Kirkland/Mike Avery deliver another satisfying legal thriller. While they seem unrelated, small town Defense Attorney Spencer Dunn's current client's cases could very well have a suspicious connection to something much bigger at play. The further Spencer investigates, there's a frightening possibility that a powerful enemy could be involved.
Nice mix of family and legal thriller. Really enjoyed this one.
Nice mix of family and legal thriller. Really enjoyed this one.
Review of advance copy
SPENCER DUNN LEGAL THRILLERS:
SMALL TOWN CONVICTION, #3 - I think this is the best of a good series. Source: Booksprout. 5*
SMALL TOWN TRIAL, #1 - The first book of the Spencer Dunn Legal Thrillers series. An enjoyable, interesting read with likeable main characters, good story lines, no silly drama or vulgar language. Source: Booksprout. 4
SMALL TOWN JUDGMENT, #2 - Same review as for the first book of this series. Entertaining. Enjoyable. Interesting. Immersing. Source: Booksprout. 5*
SPENCER DUNN LEGAL THRILLERS end.
MAGGIE GALLAGHER LEGAL THRILLERS :
THE MIDWEST LAWYER, #1 - I found another writer that I like. I like his writing style, his characters, his story lines, his dialog, and his humor. I found this book interesting and intriguing, and it was easy to get immersed in the book. I love the prosecutor's personality and actions; be careful of your words and actions should be her moto. Source: Booksprout. 5*
THE BLOODIED CLIENT, #2 - Interesting characters and I found another writer that I like. I like his writing style, his characters, his story lines, his dialog, and his humor. I found this book interesting and intriguing, and it was easy to get immersed in the book. I love the prosecutor's personality and actions; be careful of your words and actions should be her moto. Source: Booksprout. 5*
MAGGIE GALLAGHER LEGAL THRILLERS end.
SMALL TOWN LAWYER:
BURNING EVIDENCE, #4 - My first read by this author and I enjoyed it. A constant pace with a good blend of interesting characters, interesting story lines and good dialog. The lawyer and the PI make good co-workers professionally and privately. Also interesting is the relationship between the businessman and his wife. Source: Booksprout. 4*
PRESCRIBING DOUBT, #5 - Enjoyable and interesting. Good characters. Intriguing story lines. Wish I had discovered this author five books ago. Source: Booksprout. 4*
TWISTING JUDGMENT, #6 - Another well written story with good characters, interesting story lines, a devastating hurricane, and a tetch of romance. Source: Booksprout. 5*
SMALL TOWN LAWYER end.
SMALL TOWN CONVICTION, #3 - I think this is the best of a good series. Source: Booksprout. 5*
SMALL TOWN TRIAL, #1 - The first book of the Spencer Dunn Legal Thrillers series. An enjoyable, interesting read with likeable main characters, good story lines, no silly drama or vulgar language. Source: Booksprout. 4
SMALL TOWN JUDGMENT, #2 - Same review as for the first book of this series. Entertaining. Enjoyable. Interesting. Immersing. Source: Booksprout. 5*
SPENCER DUNN LEGAL THRILLERS end.
MAGGIE GALLAGHER LEGAL THRILLERS :
THE MIDWEST LAWYER, #1 - I found another writer that I like. I like his writing style, his characters, his story lines, his dialog, and his humor. I found this book interesting and intriguing, and it was easy to get immersed in the book. I love the prosecutor's personality and actions; be careful of your words and actions should be her moto. Source: Booksprout. 5*
THE BLOODIED CLIENT, #2 - Interesting characters and I found another writer that I like. I like his writing style, his characters, his story lines, his dialog, and his humor. I found this book interesting and intriguing, and it was easy to get immersed in the book. I love the prosecutor's personality and actions; be careful of your words and actions should be her moto. Source: Booksprout. 5*
MAGGIE GALLAGHER LEGAL THRILLERS end.
SMALL TOWN LAWYER:
BURNING EVIDENCE, #4 - My first read by this author and I enjoyed it. A constant pace with a good blend of interesting characters, interesting story lines and good dialog. The lawyer and the PI make good co-workers professionally and privately. Also interesting is the relationship between the businessman and his wife. Source: Booksprout. 4*
PRESCRIBING DOUBT, #5 - Enjoyable and interesting. Good characters. Intriguing story lines. Wish I had discovered this author five books ago. Source: Booksprout. 4*
TWISTING JUDGMENT, #6 - Another well written story with good characters, interesting story lines, a devastating hurricane, and a tetch of romance. Source: Booksprout. 5*
SMALL TOWN LAWYER end.
March 1, 2026
📚Small Town Conviction
✍🏻Peter Kirkland & Mike Avery
Blurb:
A local business owner is shot and disappears under mysterious circumstances. Another man goes on a hit-and-run rampage. And a horrifying day care incident sends innocent children to the ER. At first glance, the events appear unrelated. But as he investigates, local attorney Spencer Dunn begins to think otherwise.
When Spencer digs beneath Autumn Harbor’s idyllic surface, he uncovers a dark thread weaving the cases together—a thread that leads straight to Jack Butcher, the flashy civic leader whose shiny public persona masks a rotten core. For years, Butcher has operated from the shadows, untouchable… and Spencer is determined to change that.
With pressure mounting and his own family under threat, Spencer races to connect the dots before his innocent clients are convicted. But the truth is more twisted than he ever imagined—and Butcher will do anything to keep it buried.
Now, with the impact of past and current cases coming to a head, Spencer must put more than his legal skill to work—or he may become the next casualty.
My Thoughts:
Its a legal thriller based in US town Autumn Harbour, and follows Spencer Dunn, a criminal defence lawyer who is dealing with a ton of pressure as he juggles three different crazy cases —a missing business owner, a hit-and-run, and drugs found at a daycare. The legal drama feels sharp and authentic, with courtroom scenes that are tense, intelligent, and genuinely compelling. I loved how the consequences of previous cases continue to ripple forward, giving the series a cohesive, layered feel rather than a simple “case of the week” format. Spencer Dunn’s character development is another highlight — he continues to grow and evolve, and watching him navigate increasingly complex legal and personal challenges makes this entry especially gripping.
Thanks NetGalley and Authors Peter Kirkland & Mike Avery for the complimentary copy of "Small Town Conviction" I am leaving a voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#PeterKirkland
#MikeAvery
#SmallTownConviction
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Peter Kirkland & Mike Avery
Blurb:
A local business owner is shot and disappears under mysterious circumstances. Another man goes on a hit-and-run rampage. And a horrifying day care incident sends innocent children to the ER. At first glance, the events appear unrelated. But as he investigates, local attorney Spencer Dunn begins to think otherwise.
When Spencer digs beneath Autumn Harbor’s idyllic surface, he uncovers a dark thread weaving the cases together—a thread that leads straight to Jack Butcher, the flashy civic leader whose shiny public persona masks a rotten core. For years, Butcher has operated from the shadows, untouchable… and Spencer is determined to change that.
With pressure mounting and his own family under threat, Spencer races to connect the dots before his innocent clients are convicted. But the truth is more twisted than he ever imagined—and Butcher will do anything to keep it buried.
Now, with the impact of past and current cases coming to a head, Spencer must put more than his legal skill to work—or he may become the next casualty.
My Thoughts:
Its a legal thriller based in US town Autumn Harbour, and follows Spencer Dunn, a criminal defence lawyer who is dealing with a ton of pressure as he juggles three different crazy cases —a missing business owner, a hit-and-run, and drugs found at a daycare. The legal drama feels sharp and authentic, with courtroom scenes that are tense, intelligent, and genuinely compelling. I loved how the consequences of previous cases continue to ripple forward, giving the series a cohesive, layered feel rather than a simple “case of the week” format. Spencer Dunn’s character development is another highlight — he continues to grow and evolve, and watching him navigate increasingly complex legal and personal challenges makes this entry especially gripping.
Thanks NetGalley and Authors Peter Kirkland & Mike Avery for the complimentary copy of "Small Town Conviction" I am leaving a voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#PeterKirkland
#MikeAvery
#SmallTownConviction
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy
I enjoyed this book. There is a lot going on in this book, with three cases appearing in court but it doesn't take long for Spencer to work out that they are all connected. Then it's a case of fitting them together to best help his client and more importantly prove there innocence. This might sound confusing and to the jury it probably was. Especially in the early stages of the trail but as the reader you are with Spencer as he puts it all together and rather than confusing it's intriguing, the way everything comes together and gets wrapped up. I like the characters and the new little family Spencer has built for himself, it's a nice interlude between the seriousness of the cases. Look forward to the next book.
Spencer as a defence lawyer is being kept busy with a man arrested for reckless driving charges and with a woman accused of killing her husband. Both are causing him problems the driver seems more nervous that the situation warrants and Spencer gets the feeling his client is hiding something. The murder charge is hampered by the fact that the wife isn't sad that he is gone and by the fact that she might have done it while under the influence of sleeping pills. Can Spencer help his clients? It's only after his father in law is in a traffic accident and Spencer gets his case load that Spencer starts to see the big picture. A child carer is accused of endangering children under her care when they find a stash of drugs and a number end up in hospital. Could the drugs prove the connection to finding his client innocent of the crimes they are accused of?
I was given this free review book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Spencer as a defence lawyer is being kept busy with a man arrested for reckless driving charges and with a woman accused of killing her husband. Both are causing him problems the driver seems more nervous that the situation warrants and Spencer gets the feeling his client is hiding something. The murder charge is hampered by the fact that the wife isn't sad that he is gone and by the fact that she might have done it while under the influence of sleeping pills. Can Spencer help his clients? It's only after his father in law is in a traffic accident and Spencer gets his case load that Spencer starts to see the big picture. A child carer is accused of endangering children under her care when they find a stash of drugs and a number end up in hospital. Could the drugs prove the connection to finding his client innocent of the crimes they are accused of?
I was given this free review book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Another fantastic installment in the Spencer Dunn series! This story builds beautifully on the foundation laid in the first two books, deepening both the legal drama and the personal stakes. Several court cases — along with key characters and ongoing tensions — carry over from the earlier installments, so I highly recommend starting from the beginning of the series. While you could technically jump in here, you may find yourself missing important context and emotional weight if you haven’t read (or listened to) the first two.
The legal elements feel sharp and authentic, with courtroom scenes that are both tense and intellectually engaging. I especially appreciated how the lingering consequences from previous cases continue to ripple forward, giving the series a cohesive, layered feel rather than a “case of the week” structure. Spencer Dunn continues to evolve as a character, and watching his growth alongside the unfolding legal battles makes this entry especially compelling.
As for the audiobook experience — Jeffrey Kafer delivers a strong performance. His pacing keeps the tension tight during courtroom exchanges while still allowing the emotional moments to breathe. He does a solid job differentiating characters, making dialogue easy to follow, and his tone fits the gritty legal atmosphere of the story perfectly. His narration adds depth to the drama and keeps you fully immersed from start to finish.
Overall, this is another great addition to the series — smart, suspenseful, and character-driven. If you’re invested in Spencer Dunn’s journey, this one absolutely delivers.
The legal elements feel sharp and authentic, with courtroom scenes that are both tense and intellectually engaging. I especially appreciated how the lingering consequences from previous cases continue to ripple forward, giving the series a cohesive, layered feel rather than a “case of the week” structure. Spencer Dunn continues to evolve as a character, and watching his growth alongside the unfolding legal battles makes this entry especially compelling.
As for the audiobook experience — Jeffrey Kafer delivers a strong performance. His pacing keeps the tension tight during courtroom exchanges while still allowing the emotional moments to breathe. He does a solid job differentiating characters, making dialogue easy to follow, and his tone fits the gritty legal atmosphere of the story perfectly. His narration adds depth to the drama and keeps you fully immersed from start to finish.
Overall, this is another great addition to the series — smart, suspenseful, and character-driven. If you’re invested in Spencer Dunn’s journey, this one absolutely delivers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance copy of Small Town Conviction, and it delivers exactly what fans of legal thrillers hope for—sharp courtroom drama, layered characters, and a mystery that keeps tightening the screws until the very end.
Spencer Dunn is the kind of protagonist I love following: thoughtful, human, and quietly relentless. He’s not just solving cases—he’s navigating family, responsibility, and the emotional toll that comes with defending people in a small town where everyone’s lives intersect. That personal dimension gives the story real weight and makes the stakes feel deeply personal, not just procedural.
The plot weaves together multiple threads—a hit-and-run, a missing man, and long-buried tensions—into a smart, steadily intensifying narrative. Kirkland does an excellent job of building suspense without rushing, letting clues unfold naturally while keeping you guessing. Just when you think you understand what happened, another layer emerges.
The legal details feel grounded, the relationships feel real, and the small-town setting adds a sense of closeness that heightens both the drama and the danger. The courtroom scenes are particularly strong—tense, strategic, and compelling.
If you enjoy legal thrillers with heart, strong character development, and a mystery that keeps you turning pages, Small Town Conviction is well worth the read. I’ll definitely be looking forward to the next Spencer Dunn story.
Spencer Dunn is the kind of protagonist I love following: thoughtful, human, and quietly relentless. He’s not just solving cases—he’s navigating family, responsibility, and the emotional toll that comes with defending people in a small town where everyone’s lives intersect. That personal dimension gives the story real weight and makes the stakes feel deeply personal, not just procedural.
The plot weaves together multiple threads—a hit-and-run, a missing man, and long-buried tensions—into a smart, steadily intensifying narrative. Kirkland does an excellent job of building suspense without rushing, letting clues unfold naturally while keeping you guessing. Just when you think you understand what happened, another layer emerges.
The legal details feel grounded, the relationships feel real, and the small-town setting adds a sense of closeness that heightens both the drama and the danger. The courtroom scenes are particularly strong—tense, strategic, and compelling.
If you enjoy legal thrillers with heart, strong character development, and a mystery that keeps you turning pages, Small Town Conviction is well worth the read. I’ll definitely be looking forward to the next Spencer Dunn story.
February 28, 2026
This book is a standalone in the series but the characters are the same in each book - I has not read the previous books and did not feel like I was missing any information.
Its a legal thriller based in US town Autumn Harbour, and follows Spencer Dunn, a criminal defence lawyer who is dealing with a ton of pressure as he juggles three different crazy cases —a missing business owner, a hit-and-run, and drugs found at a daycare.
I have to admit that some of the legal jargon went over my head, especially with it being US legal sytem as I am in the UK, but I understood enough to follow the story with no issues.
As Spencer investigates whilst getting his case together he starts to realise things in the missing person case aren't as straight forward as everyone thinks.
I really liked how the story moved. It’s fast-paced, and it kept me wondering about what happened at each of the crimes. Spencer is a great main character —he's an excellent lawyer and he’s also got family life to worry about.
The way the cases start to interlink really kept me engaged with the story.
🎧 The narration was excellent, Jeffrey Kafer did a great job and it was easy to understand when all the different characters were speaking. He kept me totally engaged with the story throughout the book. 🎧
Its a legal thriller based in US town Autumn Harbour, and follows Spencer Dunn, a criminal defence lawyer who is dealing with a ton of pressure as he juggles three different crazy cases —a missing business owner, a hit-and-run, and drugs found at a daycare.
I have to admit that some of the legal jargon went over my head, especially with it being US legal sytem as I am in the UK, but I understood enough to follow the story with no issues.
As Spencer investigates whilst getting his case together he starts to realise things in the missing person case aren't as straight forward as everyone thinks.
I really liked how the story moved. It’s fast-paced, and it kept me wondering about what happened at each of the crimes. Spencer is a great main character —he's an excellent lawyer and he’s also got family life to worry about.
The way the cases start to interlink really kept me engaged with the story.
🎧 The narration was excellent, Jeffrey Kafer did a great job and it was easy to understand when all the different characters were speaking. He kept me totally engaged with the story throughout the book. 🎧
March 6, 2026
Great Legal Thriller! Small Town Conviction is the third book in the Spencer Dunn Legal Series by Peter Kirkland and Mike Avery. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Small Town Conviction is a legal thriller set in the fictional small town of Autumn Harbor Maine. The main character is Spencer Dunn a criminal defense attorney who works in his father-in-law's firm handling the tough cases no one else wants. Spencer is a complex character who is struggling after going through some difficult personal issues. In the book Spencer defends a number of local residents in criminal cases and the main case is that of Alice a woman who is accused of killing her husband. Besides the investigations and legal cases, the book also has a more personal side story of Spencer and his wife Leah and the 4 year old foster child Phoebe that they hope to adopt.
The book is a page turner and the author does a great job of developing the story and the characters. The book has a lot of legalese and descriptive court room drama that is written in a manner that is easy to follow and keeps the reader engaged. If you are a fan of John Grisham or Michael Connelly you will definitely enjoy this book. I found the book hard to put down and look forward to reading future books in this series. I highly recommend this book!
The book is a page turner and the author does a great job of developing the story and the characters. The book has a lot of legalese and descriptive court room drama that is written in a manner that is easy to follow and keeps the reader engaged. If you are a fan of John Grisham or Michael Connelly you will definitely enjoy this book. I found the book hard to put down and look forward to reading future books in this series. I highly recommend this book!
Review of advance copy
Small Town Conviction is another wonderful legal thriller from Kirkland! The character development is outstanding, and while this book continues the story from the first two in the series, it can absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone. That said, for the greatest appreciation of the characters and their growth, I highly recommend reading the series in order.
The pacing is perfectly balanced—steady and engaging—building toward multiple climaxes in the final chapters that are both satisfying and intense. The story centers around three unique court cases that initially seem completely unrelated, yet gradually become intricately intertwined. The twists and turns kept coming, and each chapter pulled me deeper into the story. The book strikes an excellent balance between the legal elements, family relationships, and the emotional depth of the cases. The courtroom scenes, in particular, flowed exceptionally well and were especially compelling. It grabbed me immediately, and I couldn’t stop reading until I finished. A well-written, easy-to-read, and thoroughly engaging novel. Highly recommended!
Thank you to the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this honest, personal, and unbiased review.
The pacing is perfectly balanced—steady and engaging—building toward multiple climaxes in the final chapters that are both satisfying and intense. The story centers around three unique court cases that initially seem completely unrelated, yet gradually become intricately intertwined. The twists and turns kept coming, and each chapter pulled me deeper into the story. The book strikes an excellent balance between the legal elements, family relationships, and the emotional depth of the cases. The courtroom scenes, in particular, flowed exceptionally well and were especially compelling. It grabbed me immediately, and I couldn’t stop reading until I finished. A well-written, easy-to-read, and thoroughly engaging novel. Highly recommended!
Thank you to the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this honest, personal, and unbiased review.
April 11, 2026
⭐ 4.5
Este fue mi favorito de toda la serie, desde que lo empecé no lo pude soltar y es que fue todo TREMENDO, cada caso, cada testigo, cada escena simplemente me mantuvo en vilo leyendo queriendo saber QUE PASO. La historia se conecta con los primeros dos libros y siento que nos dieron un desenlace espectacular que yo no vi venir. Spencer es un abogado de temer y de verdad no quiero pensar que este sea el último libro que leeré de este personaje porque como dije, este libro cierra muy bien la historia que va desde el libro uno pero bueno, ya veremos qué piensa el autor.
*******
This was my favorite book in the entire series. From the moment I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down, it was just AMAZING. Every case, every witness, every scene kept me on the edge of my seat, dying to find out WHAT HAPPENED. The story ties in with the first two books and I feel like we got a spectacular conclusion that I didn’t see coming. Spencer is a lawyer to be afraid of and I really don’t want to think that this is the last book I’ll read about this character because, as I said, this book wraps up the story that’s been going since book one very well, but well, we’ll see what the author thinks.
📌 It was available as "read now" on netgalley.
Este fue mi favorito de toda la serie, desde que lo empecé no lo pude soltar y es que fue todo TREMENDO, cada caso, cada testigo, cada escena simplemente me mantuvo en vilo leyendo queriendo saber QUE PASO. La historia se conecta con los primeros dos libros y siento que nos dieron un desenlace espectacular que yo no vi venir. Spencer es un abogado de temer y de verdad no quiero pensar que este sea el último libro que leeré de este personaje porque como dije, este libro cierra muy bien la historia que va desde el libro uno pero bueno, ya veremos qué piensa el autor.
*******
This was my favorite book in the entire series. From the moment I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down, it was just AMAZING. Every case, every witness, every scene kept me on the edge of my seat, dying to find out WHAT HAPPENED. The story ties in with the first two books and I feel like we got a spectacular conclusion that I didn’t see coming. Spencer is a lawyer to be afraid of and I really don’t want to think that this is the last book I’ll read about this character because, as I said, this book wraps up the story that’s been going since book one very well, but well, we’ll see what the author thinks.
📌 It was available as "read now" on netgalley.
January 29, 2026
Another great entry in the Spencer Dunn series. I strongly suggest that you read the first two of this series, as some court cases (and characters) carry over from the previous books. You may be lost if you haven't read them.
In this book, Spencer takes on several cases, which turn out to be interrelated. The biggest case involves the arrest of a wife for the murder of her husband whose body was never found. After being interrogated for two days (without sleep), she confesses that the Ambien probably did it as she doesn't remember. Spencer is convinced she didn't do it, and she was framed by a notorious local heroin dealer.
Other cases concern a woman charged with possession of heroin in her daycare center, a man who has two traffic accidents in the span of about an hour,and the follow up to two cases discussed in previous books.
The book was well written, flowed very well and the courtroom scenes were especially well done. I've read other of Kirkland's book series, and they're all winners.
Thanks to the author and Booksprout for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
In this book, Spencer takes on several cases, which turn out to be interrelated. The biggest case involves the arrest of a wife for the murder of her husband whose body was never found. After being interrogated for two days (without sleep), she confesses that the Ambien probably did it as she doesn't remember. Spencer is convinced she didn't do it, and she was framed by a notorious local heroin dealer.
Other cases concern a woman charged with possession of heroin in her daycare center, a man who has two traffic accidents in the span of about an hour,and the follow up to two cases discussed in previous books.
The book was well written, flowed very well and the courtroom scenes were especially well done. I've read other of Kirkland's book series, and they're all winners.
Thanks to the author and Booksprout for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy
I received an ARC through "Booksprout" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with an incident happening at a daycare center where several children had ingested heroin. Luckily the daycare owner had Narcan available and immediately alleviated the problem. The lawyer for the owner was Alastair's firm. Another case for the firm involved Spencer who was representing a client who was charged with a hit and run. This was later followed with another case that Spencer was to handle which shortly got upgraded to murder.
Follow Spencer along as he works on his own two and because of an incident, he also has to handle the one related to the daycare center. Discover how Spencer along with Darla and Grant were able to eventually find a correlation between the three. See how Spencer was able to close each case and what the court finding was. In the end, find out what role the FBI played.
At the same time the cases were going on, something pertaining to Phoebe, their foster child, was potentially in the works. The ending sums up nicely all three incidents. This is a definite read, don't miss out!
The story begins with an incident happening at a daycare center where several children had ingested heroin. Luckily the daycare owner had Narcan available and immediately alleviated the problem. The lawyer for the owner was Alastair's firm. Another case for the firm involved Spencer who was representing a client who was charged with a hit and run. This was later followed with another case that Spencer was to handle which shortly got upgraded to murder.
Follow Spencer along as he works on his own two and because of an incident, he also has to handle the one related to the daycare center. Discover how Spencer along with Darla and Grant were able to eventually find a correlation between the three. See how Spencer was able to close each case and what the court finding was. In the end, find out what role the FBI played.
At the same time the cases were going on, something pertaining to Phoebe, their foster child, was potentially in the works. The ending sums up nicely all three incidents. This is a definite read, don't miss out!
February 15, 2026
I have really enjoyed this series. I feel a connection to the characters and how they all fit together. Spencer Dunn is a criminal defense attorney and he works at his father in law’s firm. When his father in law suffers a heart attack and needs time to recover, he asks Spencer to handle his current caseload. Each case appears to have some connection to the other cases. He is trying a murder case of a woman charged with killing her abusive husband. She has made plenty of statements regarding her dislike for him and the police waste no time charging her with his murder. He’s looking into everything in his defense of her. Spencer has the good fortune to have a very good friend, who’s an FBI agent and he shares some of the things he’s discovered through his investigations.
I like the fact that Spencer has a family life and his wife and foster child are included in the storyline. I have read quite a few books by Peter Kirkland and have never been disappointed. I was offered an ARC of this book to read and review.
I like the fact that Spencer has a family life and his wife and foster child are included in the storyline. I have read quite a few books by Peter Kirkland and have never been disappointed. I was offered an ARC of this book to read and review.
Review of advance copy
Thanks to BookSirens, the author and publisher for an ARC of Small Town Conviction by Peter Kirkland and Mike Avery. I received an advanced copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the third book in the Spencer Dunn Legal thrillers. In this book, Spencer has been hired to defend a wife, Alice, accused of murdering her abusive husband. In the course of preparing her defense, Spencer investigates three seemingly unrelated incidences, the husband’s murder, a drug bust and a hit-and-run and finds all of these lead to one of Autumn Harbor’s shady characters, Jack Butcher.
I have read other books by Mr. Kirkland but have not read any in this series. While this book is a reasonable stand-alone read, I believe the prior books provide helpful background for the characters and relationships. I plan to go back and read the other two books.
Overall, this was a good legal thriller, engaging and fast-paced. Look forward to more.
This book is the third book in the Spencer Dunn Legal thrillers. In this book, Spencer has been hired to defend a wife, Alice, accused of murdering her abusive husband. In the course of preparing her defense, Spencer investigates three seemingly unrelated incidences, the husband’s murder, a drug bust and a hit-and-run and finds all of these lead to one of Autumn Harbor’s shady characters, Jack Butcher.
I have read other books by Mr. Kirkland but have not read any in this series. While this book is a reasonable stand-alone read, I believe the prior books provide helpful background for the characters and relationships. I plan to go back and read the other two books.
Overall, this was a good legal thriller, engaging and fast-paced. Look forward to more.
March 9, 2026
I really enjoyed Small Town Conviction. This is the first book I’ve read by Peter Kirkland and it definitely won’t be the last.
What stood out to me most were the characters. They felt genuine and believable, which I think always adds a lot to a story. I especially enjoyed how Spencer and Leah managed their professional and personal lives.
I think Darla is a character who could play a bigger role in future books. Maybe she already has in the past - I need to read previous books and find out!
There’s quite a lot happening in the story, particularly during the trial sections, but it all comes together really well in the end.
Overall, a solid introduction to this author for me. I’m looking forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What stood out to me most were the characters. They felt genuine and believable, which I think always adds a lot to a story. I especially enjoyed how Spencer and Leah managed their professional and personal lives.
I think Darla is a character who could play a bigger role in future books. Maybe she already has in the past - I need to read previous books and find out!
There’s quite a lot happening in the story, particularly during the trial sections, but it all comes together really well in the end.
Overall, a solid introduction to this author for me. I’m looking forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2026
I hadn't read the prior two books but it didn't matter. It works fine on it's own and I quickly grew to like the main character Spencer as he sets out to defend his clients in a small town. In a weird twist, all seem to be connected somehow to something bigger and he has his work cut out for him as he defends a woman accused of murdering her husband.
I liked the small town vibe and loved the trickery in the courtroom. I love legal thrillers and this was riveting. I wasn't sure how Spencer would clear his client with the odds stacked against them but it was great watching things play out. I will definitely read more in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the small town vibe and loved the trickery in the courtroom. I love legal thrillers and this was riveting. I wasn't sure how Spencer would clear his client with the odds stacked against them but it was great watching things play out. I will definitely read more in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 9, 2026
Small Town Conviction is the next addition to the Spencer Dunn Legal Thrillers series as he contracts as the defense attorney with three different clients who are accused of criminal events in the community. Spencer begins his investigation by looking at three unique and separate crimes, but the more he studies the cases he sees they are related. His family is placed closer to danger as he uncovers the truth about his cases. This excellent legal thriller focuses on family relationships, courtroom drama, investigation of his clients and family, plot twists, and realistic characters with strong emotions. I highly recommend this excellent legal thriller.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A wonderful small town courtroom drama. The characters are well developed and all mostly likable. There are good, bad and gossipy neighbors. There is mystery, intrigue and suspense. There are several courtroom cases that are in progress with references to cases that occurred in previous books. All cases are described and presented in a manner that makes sense to bring up and their resolution is important to the storyline of this tale. This is not an hour courtroom drama on the television but is much more satisfying if that is one of your favorite genres. Hopefully there is more of the Spencer Dunn series to come.
Review of advance copy
This is the third book following Spencer, and I loved being back in his world. The stakes feel higher, the mystery is layered, and the small town secrets just keep getting darker. Spencer’s determination to fight for his clients, even when it puts everything at risk, kept me fully invested.
Jeffrey Kafer did an excellent job with the narration. His steady voice fits Spencer perfectly and adds so much intensity to the suspense. He really brings the story to life and makes this a fantastic listen. 🎧
Jeffrey Kafer did an excellent job with the narration. His steady voice fits Spencer perfectly and adds so much intensity to the suspense. He really brings the story to life and makes this a fantastic listen. 🎧
February 26, 2026
The third Spencer Dunn Autumn Harbor legal thriller and probably the best. It helps to have read the first two beforehand as this book does continue some themes and story lines from the earlier books and also provide some welcome closure with one particular nemesis getting his just desserts.
The characters are credible and well developed, the court scenes are lively and accurate as is the description of small town life in America and three seemingly dissimilar cases end up being inextricably intertwined and linked
This was a good read from a gifted author and is highly recommended.
The characters are credible and well developed, the court scenes are lively and accurate as is the description of small town life in America and three seemingly dissimilar cases end up being inextricably intertwined and linked
This was a good read from a gifted author and is highly recommended.
March 17, 2026
Thanks to Relay publishing and Netgalley for this eARC.
This is my first Spencer Dunn Legal Thriller (#3) it won't be my last, it was wholly enjoyable and well written.
If you are a fan of courtroom dramas and / or a mystery fan, check out Small Town Conviction by Peter Kirkland & Mike Avery; it is reminiscent of John Grisham's legal dramas, it seriously is THAT good. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the trial in this novel, and I loved the side issues (adoption, mob involvement etc) included in this book.
Pick up a copy of Small Town conviction today, it's a winner!
This is my first Spencer Dunn Legal Thriller (#3) it won't be my last, it was wholly enjoyable and well written.
If you are a fan of courtroom dramas and / or a mystery fan, check out Small Town Conviction by Peter Kirkland & Mike Avery; it is reminiscent of John Grisham's legal dramas, it seriously is THAT good. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the trial in this novel, and I loved the side issues (adoption, mob involvement etc) included in this book.
Pick up a copy of Small Town conviction today, it's a winner!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Living in a small town means most people are somehow connected. Attorney Spencer Dunn realizes that all 3 of his new cases might be connected but needs to figure out how. Where is Alice’s husband, why won’t Roy tell anyone where he was before his car crash & who hid drugs in Cathy’s daycare. It’ll all unwind eventually but not without surprises.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2026
He is about to face his biggest case when three very different incidents happen. At first it seems they are normal related to each other but he finds the clues that leads to them. They will do anything to stop him finding the whole truth out, they may ever kill him to keep it hidden. See if they are brought to justice at last
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great crime thriller
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great crime thriller
March 3, 2026
This is book three in the Spencer Dunn Small Town legal thriller and it is as compelling a read as the first three were. What I like about this series is that the main protagonist is a family man trying to prioritize his family whilst doing a high pressure job which is sometimes dangerous.
It doesn't shirk from exploring big issues like how domestic violence is treated by the police, organized crime ad drug trafficking,
A good read with a great balance between legal procedure and action.
It doesn't shirk from exploring big issues like how domestic violence is treated by the police, organized crime ad drug trafficking,
A good read with a great balance between legal procedure and action.
March 8, 2026
So many questions and suspense that it keeps you reading until the end. Some clues are harder to decipher and makes for interesting investigations. Interesting setting and background for the story. Like the lead main character and it is entertaining to follow along as he tries to decipher the clues and keep his own family safe. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2026
Thanks to BookSirens and the Publisher for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.
This is the third book in the series but it still works as a standalone novel. It's a well-crafted courtroom drama whodunnit. You're spoon-fed bits of information and there are twists along the way. What sets this novel apart from the Steve Cavanaghs and John Grishams of the book world is that it's set in small town America. Overall, a good easy read.
This is the third book in the series but it still works as a standalone novel. It's a well-crafted courtroom drama whodunnit. You're spoon-fed bits of information and there are twists along the way. What sets this novel apart from the Steve Cavanaghs and John Grishams of the book world is that it's set in small town America. Overall, a good easy read.
March 13, 2026
I have only read one other PK book and none in this series, but I just loved it. The hero was so sharp, he has a lot going on, but just seems to manage it with ease. I loved how the plot lines were connected seamlessly and the court scenes were so well put together.
The narration was great. Nothing to call out but nothing to complain either.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The narration was great. Nothing to call out but nothing to complain either.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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