An Innocent Client: A Joe Dillard Novel

by Scott Pratt

Chosen by Bookbub readers as one of the Top 100 Crime Novels of All Time.

A preacher is found brutally murdered in a Tennessee motel room.

A beautiful, mysterious young girl is accused.

In this bestselling debut, criminal defense lawyer Joe Dillard has become jaded over the years as he's tried to balance his career against his conscience. Savvy but cynical, Dillard wants to quit doing criminal defense, but he can't resist the chance to represent someone who might actually be innocent. His drug-addicted sister has just been released from prison and his mother is succumbing to Alzheimer's, but Dillard's commitment to the case never wavers despite the personal troubles and professional demands that threaten to destroy him.

"Pratt's richly developed characters are vivid and believable, especially the strong Southern women who fight their male-dominated culture from behind a facade of vulnerability in this brilliantly executed debut." -- Publisher's Weekly

Smart and sophisticated, with a plot twist that will leave you shaking your head in wonder, An Innocent Client -- the first in the acclaimed Joe Dillard series -- will also leave you begging for more.

"It's Scott Turow and Grisham... The opening chapter is maybe the most compelling I've read in a decade." - Ken Bruen, bestselling author of The Guards

"Pratt knows what he's doing and it shows." - Alafair Burke, acclaimed author of The Wife***A portion of the profits from the sale of every Joe Dillard novel is donated to the Ballad Health Cancer Patient Assistance Fund. Unfortunately, cancer plays a big role in the legacies of both Scott Pratt and Joe Dillard. This is our way of making the best of it.

Genres: Mystery

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2025

About the author

Scott 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...

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty decent legal thriller, enjoyed reading it.

[Jami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling story that kept me guessing!!

An Innocent Client by Scott Pratt is a masterfully crafted legal thriller that excels in character development and maintains a gripping storyline with building suspense. The author has done an excellent job of creating a believable and conflicted main character, Joe Dillard, whose personal struggles add significant depth to the narrative.
The storyline moves at a steady, engaging pace, filled with interesting twists and turns that keep readers on edge and guessing until the very end. The author's ability to weave personal family drama with high-stakes legal proceedings results in a compelling and well-written book that fans of John Grisham or Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series will likely enjoy. The characters feel incredibly real, making their journey through the complex plot all the more impactful.

[Patricia Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!!

This is one of the best legal thrillers I have ever read!! What a wonderful find. I loved the character development, the twists and turns, the conversation s, and most of all the writing!!! Although an excerpt of book two of this series is included, I elected not to read it because I am going to get book two of this series and start it right away, and I want to have the full book because I know I will not be able to out it down when I start.....just like with book one!! I am so happy I gave this a try and recommend UT to all!! ENJOY!!!

[Maureen Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe Dillard for the defense.

Joe Dillard was a defense attorney who wanted out. He was tired defending guilty persons and he had a lot of them. He was an honest, caring man who was tired of the game. The lawyers lied along with the police and the judges. He had to get out. He just wanted his last case to be that the plaintiff was innocent. Is anyone ever innocent? That is for you to decide.

[Lynn Patterson Sunday · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot of twists and turns. When I first started, I wasn’t sure if I’d like it because of the sketchy character. I was pleased when I realized he wasn’t the main character. The plot is multifaceted. Characters are well developed. Pratt is skilled in his description of the characters. He brings out a lot of emotions when you’re reading the book. There’s a lot going on, so he’ll keep you on your toes. I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

[Paula J Raeburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there ever an innocent client for a defense attorney?

If you have been waiting for your next favorite legal thriller this is it. Twists and turns is an overused phrase, but it does describe this book. Joe. Dillard attorney for the defense , is thrown more curve balls than is baseball playing son. Settle back and get ready for some legal ups and downs with s pinch of fun.

[Asheesh Saksena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Thriller

The only reason for taking away a star is because of the predictability of the end. It was a surprise that fizzled before the climax. Other than that, there were perhaps a few more characters to keep track of than necessary. And yet, it was a racy, enjoyable read.

[Ms Hudson · Rating 1 out of 5]

ughh

This is my second time trying to read this book. I really hate the condescending agent so is always talking about “getting girl’s number” and “banging them”. Who’s hot and who’s not. This book is really bad to me and I will NOT pick it up again or try to author. I just can’t find any novels I like after Nat Shepherd series.

[GREGORY · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read that keeps you turning pages and finding it hard to put the book down. I sit outside in the Florida sun and my 80 year old eyes start to blur. This is not a case of having a killer to discover. We know who did it from the beginning, it's the getting him, her or them into court and convicted that is the story. It is hard to find a better story with this topic.

[Lady Mockingbird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second time around reading this one

The book was better second time around. It center's around a man of conscience, practicing law on what many would say is the wrong side. There's a good deal of violence, tension, and twists.

[unknown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

I've now read 2 of Scott Party's books. Looking forward to more. He is a no nonsense writer with a talent for great characters and interesting story development. I highly recommend.

[Isabel Depew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! There was a lot to follow at moments. It got confusing sometimes between who the different characters were but other than that it was great! I felt like I could really see who the characters were. It was easy to envision!

[Judy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down To Earth

This author gives us novels that are straight forward and easy to read. “An Innocent Client” moved quickly, and once you get past the violence, you’ll find yourself enjoying the read. This is my first novel by Scott Pratt, and I’m looking forward to the second.

[Carolyn Thurston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this for free on Amazon, and decided to read it since I like courtroom drama. To my surprise, it was a good read. It moves fast, has good character development, and checks all of the boxes for me. I will continue with the series. I rate it 4.25.

[Bernard Shuford · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was pretty good.

Not really a fan of some of the approach. The story could be told without being quite so crass and dirty minded. Just not really a fan of that. I think it would even be better if it were cleaned up.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome legal thriller!

I enjoyed this book very much! I really liked lawyer Joe and Erlene is a hoot! The ending is very satisfying and I look forward to reading more books in this series! I highly recommend it!

[Debby Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dnb1953

Really enjoyed meeting Joe and all the others..this is my first book by this author and it will not be my last.Joe is a great lawyer and really sharp..the story was so good!

[GW · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Innocent Client -

This was a good read. Maybe a little unrealistic but entertaining. I wasn’t sure where it was going for the first few chapters but i enjoyed the read.

[John & Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to read more in this series!

[Steve Hyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, looking forward to reading book two

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering this is an independently published author, this book is very well-written. Nice mix of legal & humor, loved the characters. Definitely going to read his next book.

[patricia sendelbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

A legal thriller with plenty of action

[Linda Gagliano · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good read

Great stories about criminal law and real life. The cases and the defendants were well developed and kept my interest.

[Jimmy S. Cimarusti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reads like a good John Grisham Lawyer book.

[Jenelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book! It had twists and turns to keep me on the edge. I connected to all of the characters, and was very impressed overall. I rooted for Joe Dillard the whole book. I recommend this!

[Kelly Carderara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought it was a slow read. It had a few extra side stories that had nothing to do with the plot and really drug out the story line.

[Susan Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page Turner

It was a great read! I can't wait to read another book by this author.
You should read it soon!

[Mary Oakman · Rating 5 out of 5]

one sitting

This book was so good I couldn’t put down. Read the whole thing in one sitting! So glad there is more.

[Ciara · Rating 4 out of 5]

typical crime thriller, easy to read, and had me swept in

[gary kleinman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this legal thriller. Entertaining twist and turns. Good courtroom scenes. Highly recommended!!