What do you think?
Rate this book
Trial By Town: A small town murder mystery
A GRIPPING SMALL TOWN MURDER MYSTERY
For fans of, Defending Jacob and Anatomy of a Scandal
In the quiet coastal town of Keansbury, reputation is everything.
When eighteen-year-old Peter Keans—the heir to the town’s most powerful family—is found murdered, shock quickly turns to certainty. A young woman is arrested, and for all residents the case appears simple.
Justice, they believe, will be swift.
Attorney Katie Russo isn’t so sure.
Invited to review what seems like an open-and-shut prosecution, Katie begins to notice small inconsistencies buried beneath the surface of the investigation. As she looks deeper, she discovers a community bound by loyalty, economic dependence, and an unspoken understanding that some truths are better left alone.
With the trial approaching and tensions mounting, long-held assumptions begin to fracture. In a place where reputation defines identity and silence protects power, the search for truth threatens far more than a single verdict.
TRIAL BY TOWN is a gripping small town murder mystery about justice, moral ambiguity, and the quiet pressure of a town determined to protect its own.
Perfect for readers who enjoy small town suspense, courtroom drama, and mysteries where the truth hides behind reputation and power.
For fans of, Defending Jacob and Anatomy of a Scandal
In the quiet coastal town of Keansbury, reputation is everything.
When eighteen-year-old Peter Keans—the heir to the town’s most powerful family—is found murdered, shock quickly turns to certainty. A young woman is arrested, and for all residents the case appears simple.
Justice, they believe, will be swift.
Attorney Katie Russo isn’t so sure.
Invited to review what seems like an open-and-shut prosecution, Katie begins to notice small inconsistencies buried beneath the surface of the investigation. As she looks deeper, she discovers a community bound by loyalty, economic dependence, and an unspoken understanding that some truths are better left alone.
With the trial approaching and tensions mounting, long-held assumptions begin to fracture. In a place where reputation defines identity and silence protects power, the search for truth threatens far more than a single verdict.
TRIAL BY TOWN is a gripping small town murder mystery about justice, moral ambiguity, and the quiet pressure of a town determined to protect its own.
Perfect for readers who enjoy small town suspense, courtroom drama, and mysteries where the truth hides behind reputation and power.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 16, 2026
Ommmggg it was at the beginning a slow based book more but more i read al the way it makes me breathless the plot was so good well written book although i suspect the professor so many times but i couldn’t see it as the one i really enjoyed reading this book .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Lambertsmill Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Some books grab you right away. Others take a little time to warm up. For me, this one definitely fell into the second category.
If you enjoy small-town legal dramas and slower, character-driven courtroom stories, this one may be a good fit for you.
It took about 30% before the plot really started moving, with the early chapters focusing heavily on the town dynamics and the almost mythical reverence everyone seems to have for “the Professor.” Interesting background, but it did feel a bit drawn out before the story found its momentum.
The small-town setting definitely had personality. However, the fact that seemingly everyone in town recognized Katie on sight felt a little strange. Like… is this a town or a group chat?
There were also a few dialogue quirks that kept catching my attention. Katie calling Jennifer “honey” while acting as her attorney felt odd, and Matt’s frequent use of “hun” started to feel very noticeable. Once you clock it, you really clock it.
There’s quite a bit of dialogue throughout the book, though some of it didn’t always move the story forward. Katie also occasionally reads more like a newer attorney than a seasoned partner at a large firm, which made parts of the legal angle feel a little less convincing.
That said, once the trial begins the story definitely picks up. The courtroom scenes were where the book felt strongest and most engaging. The pacing still felt uneven at times. Some areas were vague where I wanted more clarity, while others were extremely detailed.
Overall though, the core story was enjoyable, just at a slower pace than I typically gravitate toward.
For a debut, Sharon Fernicola shows clear potential. While a few stylistic choices distracted me along the way (the word “hun” may live rent-free in my brain now), I would still be curious to see what she writes next.
Some books grab you right away. Others take a little time to warm up. For me, this one definitely fell into the second category.
If you enjoy small-town legal dramas and slower, character-driven courtroom stories, this one may be a good fit for you.
It took about 30% before the plot really started moving, with the early chapters focusing heavily on the town dynamics and the almost mythical reverence everyone seems to have for “the Professor.” Interesting background, but it did feel a bit drawn out before the story found its momentum.
The small-town setting definitely had personality. However, the fact that seemingly everyone in town recognized Katie on sight felt a little strange. Like… is this a town or a group chat?
There were also a few dialogue quirks that kept catching my attention. Katie calling Jennifer “honey” while acting as her attorney felt odd, and Matt’s frequent use of “hun” started to feel very noticeable. Once you clock it, you really clock it.
There’s quite a bit of dialogue throughout the book, though some of it didn’t always move the story forward. Katie also occasionally reads more like a newer attorney than a seasoned partner at a large firm, which made parts of the legal angle feel a little less convincing.
That said, once the trial begins the story definitely picks up. The courtroom scenes were where the book felt strongest and most engaging. The pacing still felt uneven at times. Some areas were vague where I wanted more clarity, while others were extremely detailed.
Overall though, the core story was enjoyable, just at a slower pace than I typically gravitate toward.
For a debut, Sharon Fernicola shows clear potential. While a few stylistic choices distracted me along the way (the word “hun” may live rent-free in my brain now), I would still be curious to see what she writes next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Trial by Town is one of those small‑town mysteries that settles over you like a low coastal fog—quiet at first, then steadily tightening as the truth begins to shift beneath your feet. Keansbury may look serene from the outside, but reputation is its true currency, and every resident seems to understand the cost of protecting it.
The story opens with the murder of Peter Keans, heir to the town’s most powerful family, and the community wastes no time deciding who to blame. A young woman is arrested, the narrative neatly tied with a bow, and everyone is ready to move on. Everyone except attorney Katie Russo.
Katie’s perspective is what gives the novel its heartbeat. She steps into what should be an open‑and‑shut case and immediately senses the fractures—those tiny inconsistencies that only appear when a town is trying a little too hard to present a united front. As she digs deeper, the layers of loyalty, dependence, and long‑standing silence begin to peel back, revealing a community far more invested in preserving its image than uncovering the truth.
What I loved most is how character‑driven the story is. The tension doesn’t come from dramatic twists but from the slow, deliberate unravelling of assumptions. The moral ambiguity is handled with a deft touch, and the atmosphere of quiet pressure—of a town watching, judging, deciding who belongs and who doesn’t—feels wonderfully lived‑in.
Trial by Town is a thoughtful, compelling blend of courtroom drama and small‑town suspense, perfect for readers who enjoy mysteries where the real danger lies not in the crime itself, but in the power structures that rise up to contain it. A gripping, quietly unsettling read where reputation, truth, and justice collide in all the most interesting ways.
With thanks to Sharon Fernicola, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The story opens with the murder of Peter Keans, heir to the town’s most powerful family, and the community wastes no time deciding who to blame. A young woman is arrested, the narrative neatly tied with a bow, and everyone is ready to move on. Everyone except attorney Katie Russo.
Katie’s perspective is what gives the novel its heartbeat. She steps into what should be an open‑and‑shut case and immediately senses the fractures—those tiny inconsistencies that only appear when a town is trying a little too hard to present a united front. As she digs deeper, the layers of loyalty, dependence, and long‑standing silence begin to peel back, revealing a community far more invested in preserving its image than uncovering the truth.
What I loved most is how character‑driven the story is. The tension doesn’t come from dramatic twists but from the slow, deliberate unravelling of assumptions. The moral ambiguity is handled with a deft touch, and the atmosphere of quiet pressure—of a town watching, judging, deciding who belongs and who doesn’t—feels wonderfully lived‑in.
Trial by Town is a thoughtful, compelling blend of courtroom drama and small‑town suspense, perfect for readers who enjoy mysteries where the real danger lies not in the crime itself, but in the power structures that rise up to contain it. A gripping, quietly unsettling read where reputation, truth, and justice collide in all the most interesting ways.
With thanks to Sharon Fernicola, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
April 6, 2026
If you want a character-driven, atmospheric, small-town, legal/murder thriller, then this is for you! Lawyer Kate, Katie to anyone who knows her, is asked by an old professor to come to his small town of Keansbury and help with a murder case. It seems Peter Keans, yes, like the town name, has been killed. Peter is the 18-year-old son of the most prominent family in town. Young Jennifer, whose family does not have a town named after them, stands accused. All is not as it seems in this town as Katie soon figures out. Maybe the townsfolk are just a wee bit too quick to throw poor Jennifer under the bus? And if so, why? Now, we do get off to a slow start, but this is setting up the scene and I rather enjoyed it. Maria and her cooking were a character in its own right and I loved it! All of the characters felt very real, and I was totally on board. The epilogue was well done. I look forward to more from this author.
Thank you to #NetGalley, Sharon Fernicola and Lambertsmill Publishing for this ARC. All opinions are my own
Thank you to #NetGalley, Sharon Fernicola and Lambertsmill Publishing for this ARC. All opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Description
TRIAL BY TOWN is a character-driven small town murder mystery about justice, moral ambiguity, and the quiet pressure of a town determined to protect its own. In the quiet coastal town of Keansbury, reputation is everything.
When eighteen-year-old Peter Keans—the heir to the town’s most powerful family—is found murdered, shock quickly turns to certainty. A young woman is arrested, and for all residents the case appears simple.
Justice, they believe, will be swift. Until Katie Russo attorney starts ti investigate.
Its a great small town legal drama with multiple POVs. Loved the courtroom drama. Well paced as the truth comes to light. Suspenseful with many turns and shocking ending. I recommend you get your copy on release date March 31 2026.
Thank you Netgalley and Lambertsmill Publishing for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. You can pre-order your copy on Amazon.
TRIAL BY TOWN is a character-driven small town murder mystery about justice, moral ambiguity, and the quiet pressure of a town determined to protect its own. In the quiet coastal town of Keansbury, reputation is everything.
When eighteen-year-old Peter Keans—the heir to the town’s most powerful family—is found murdered, shock quickly turns to certainty. A young woman is arrested, and for all residents the case appears simple.
Justice, they believe, will be swift. Until Katie Russo attorney starts ti investigate.
Its a great small town legal drama with multiple POVs. Loved the courtroom drama. Well paced as the truth comes to light. Suspenseful with many turns and shocking ending. I recommend you get your copy on release date March 31 2026.
Thank you Netgalley and Lambertsmill Publishing for my ARC in exchange for my honest review. You can pre-order your copy on Amazon.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Do you love a good small town murder? Or a Perry Mason moment in court? This might be the book for you.
A criminal defense attorney is asked to jump on and represent an 18 year old woman who is accused of murdering the son of the most prominent family in town. Things are not as cut and dry as everyone seems to suggest. Is there something more sinister going on?
I enjoyed the many twists within twist in this book. The characters were fun and the book was a very easy read. Would be perfect for anyone who may be in a reading slump.
I gave it 3/5 stars because the writing felt more like screenwriting rather than book storytelling. Additionally, as someone who practices criminal law as my 9-5 job, there were some very concerning legal inconsistencies that made it so I had a hard time not getting pulled out of the story.
A criminal defense attorney is asked to jump on and represent an 18 year old woman who is accused of murdering the son of the most prominent family in town. Things are not as cut and dry as everyone seems to suggest. Is there something more sinister going on?
I enjoyed the many twists within twist in this book. The characters were fun and the book was a very easy read. Would be perfect for anyone who may be in a reading slump.
I gave it 3/5 stars because the writing felt more like screenwriting rather than book storytelling. Additionally, as someone who practices criminal law as my 9-5 job, there were some very concerning legal inconsistencies that made it so I had a hard time not getting pulled out of the story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy for review.
This is a fast-moving murder mystery with great characters and a gripping plot. I found it difficult to put down, and I read it in just two sittings.
I was immediately drawn in by the murder investigation central to the plot, and thought it very well thought out and written. It authentically portrayed the dynamics of a small town, and I particularly liked how the murderer used their knowledge of these dynamics to try and cover their tracks.
My only criticism is the overuse of 'hon' and 'honey' as pet names! However I do realise that this could be the local dialect.
This is a fast-moving murder mystery with great characters and a gripping plot. I found it difficult to put down, and I read it in just two sittings.
I was immediately drawn in by the murder investigation central to the plot, and thought it very well thought out and written. It authentically portrayed the dynamics of a small town, and I particularly liked how the murderer used their knowledge of these dynamics to try and cover their tracks.
My only criticism is the overuse of 'hon' and 'honey' as pet names! However I do realise that this could be the local dialect.
April 18, 2026
Thankful to NetGalley for providing “Read Now” books, especially cozy mysteries! In this small-town murder mystery, a young girl is accused of killing a beloved member of the Kean family, one that the entire town holds close. It’s fast-paced while still maintaining strong attention to detail throughout the events.
I really enjoyed the plot twist, and the buildup felt well done. There were a few misuses of legal terms and some moments where the dialogue didn’t quite land, but nonetheless, it’s something worth checking out. I was glued to my Kindle the last few nights trying to figure out who did it… it took me a while, but I guessed right. 👀
I really enjoyed the plot twist, and the buildup felt well done. There were a few misuses of legal terms and some moments where the dialogue didn’t quite land, but nonetheless, it’s something worth checking out. I was glued to my Kindle the last few nights trying to figure out who did it… it took me a while, but I guessed right. 👀
April 9, 2026
A small town murder mystery that pulls you in from the start. The tension builds as the story unfolds, revealing just how much can be hidden beneath the surface of a close-knit community. Great read, with a surprising ending and great character building.
April 5, 2026
Excellent book and very suspenseful!!
May 20, 2026
A well written legal thriller with a no nonsense Lawyer who leaves no stone unturned to fight for her clients innocence. Thanks Gpodreads.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews