The Trial

by Robert Whitlow

A lawyer ready to die takes one final case...the trial of his life.

Attorney Kent "Mac" MacClain has nothing left to live for. Nine years after the horrific accident that claimed the life of his wife and two sons, he's finally given up. His empty house is a mirror for his empty soul, it seems suicide is his only escape. And then the phone rings.

Angela Hightower, the beautiful heiress and daughter of the most powerful man in Dennison Springs, has been found dead at the bottom of a ravine. The accused killer, Peter Thomason, needs a lawyer. But Mac has come up against the Hightowers and their ruthless, high-powered lawyers before -- an encounter that left his practice and reputation reeling.

The evidence pointing to Thomason's guilt seems insurmountable. Is Mac defending an ingenious psychopath, or has Thomason been framed--possibly by a member of the victim's family? It comes down to one last trial. For Thomason, the opponent is the electric chair. For Mac, it is his own tormented past--a foe that will prove every bit as deadly.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Christian, Thriller, Suspense, Legal

464 pages, Paperback

First published January 12, 2001

About the author

Robert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. A Furman University graduate, Whitlow received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. A practicing attorney, Whitlow and his wife, Kathy, have four children. They make their home in North Carolina.

Reviews

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed both movie (Amazon prime video) & book. Legal & mystery aspects are good.

Movie trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Cr6m...

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Why did I choose this novel? It won a Christy award and I have an informal goal of reading all of the Christy winners.

I have two different opinions about this book.

First 3/4's of the book - well-paced, good character development, interesting look at preparing for a trial.

Last 1/4 of the book - rushed, character development was a stretch, ending required slightly more than a suspension of disbelief. Maybe if the ending had more of a build-up throughout the novel...

That said, I couldn't put it down and read it in less than three days. Definitely more of a legal thriller than a mystery thriller. The cleanness of the Christian novel was a welcome relief from the normal violence in a legal thriller.

I might have to read another novel by this author.

[Jannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whitlow reminds me of a Christian John Grisham. Excellent writing. The details of the case and the murder investigation had me on the edge of my seat. The spiritual development of the main character and others was skillfully woven into the storyline. Mac was very sympathetic and likable even during those moments of bitterness and anger toward God. When he finally surrenders to Jesus and lets go of the pain and guilt, I wanted to celebrate. Can't wait to read more of Whitlow's books.

[Joni Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A common compelling story about a lawyer with nothing to lose trying to save a young man charged with murder who can’t remember the night his girlfriend died. Twisty trial of unexpected testimonies and evidence mixed with lies and half-truths. Bravo!

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE TRIAL

I watched the movie a few years ago, it was very good. But this book is so very much better. Good characters, good story.

[Della Tingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! Love this book! Love this book! ❤️❤️❤️

I am so sick and tired of reading really good books with hideous language. This book does not have a SINGLE foul word…proof that a great book does not have to be vulgar. Robert Whitlow is a Christian author, and The Trial won The Christy Award. I have read many legal thrillers, and it is as if there is a mandate that the genre must take the Lord’s name in vain a certain number of times each chapter. THIS book does not! I am thrilled to have found an author I can read without cringing and feeling insulted and dirtied over the language. I will be reading much more by Robert Whitlow!

“There are many ways to worship God. A song, a prayer, a word, a poem, a phrase, an emotion, a physical act, an intention of the heart, and countless other expressions can fit within the framework of accepted adoration” (106).

Pages 180 and 181 are wonderful!

When discussing God, Mac asks, “If he knows the future, why doesn’t he do something about evil?” (243).
Anna answers, “He did. He sent Jesus” (243). ❤️

[Maureen · Rating 1 out of 5]

So the trial part and "who done it" of the book was good. I didn't realize it was a Christian book before I started it, that is the problem, I have read many Christian fiction books. The problem I had with this was the author was forcing Bible conversations and conversion into the plot line and it read like 2 different plot lines going on. It seemed forced instead of seamlessly woven into the story.

[Jim Allen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I confess I only read about a third of this book. I gave when I realized it was hell-bent (pun intended) on shoving religion down the readers throat. Wish I would have known this was the focus before I bought it.

[Susannah Carleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good, tautly paced, and suspenseful legal thriller. It's the first book by this author I have read, but I'll be looking for others.

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is one that keeps your attention and is hard to put down. It is suspenseful, with lots of twists and turns, as the lawyers for the defendant strive to unravel a murder - to figure out what really happened.

But I also appreciated the growth and development of characters and seeing lives changed by faith in Jesus Christ. I would give this 4 1/2 stars if I could. The main negative for me was the more "mystical" faith at times - with God speaking to people - not audibly, but more as a strong impression that "God told me this."

However, it's a book that I will keep on my shelf, and doubtless read again sometime in the future. It is a riveting, compelling story that keeps you wanting to turn the next page, right til the very end.

(We saw the movie of the book a number of years ago. I recently happened upon the book in a free book area, and now having read the book, I am keen to see the movie again to see how they match up.)

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came at a time right after I had read a couple of excellent books that were both emotionally intense and excellent (What made Maddie Run and What is a Girl Worth?). This book fit the bill for me - not too long, a good courtroom drama and some twists and turns along the way. The four stars are also indicators of the book coming along at the perfect time. I believe stars can be given for that too!

[Betty Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series is one of mine and my husband favorite series .

[Rakayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audio book

Really enjoyed this book. The mystery was great and I didn't see it coming right away. The story was really interesting and I could not stop listening!

[Charlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!

[Brandie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so disappointed in this book. I was thinking I was going to get a Grisham-like book, and instead I got some cheesy become a Christian, pray and all things will right themselves.

It was billed to me as a legal thriller book - legal, yes; thriller - umm, no. Unless hiking through woods, everyone turning their lives around, finding true love, and everything wrapped up all nice and lovely counts as a thriller. Okay, so there was one semi-scary part in the book, but alas, I am scratching my head at the thriller part.

Now, sometimes I want easy, happily-ever-after the book ends with everything being wonderful - but that is not what I thought this book was. I was so disappointed.

And might I also add that Whitlow makes a huge mistake that I think so many Christian authors do - the book is predictable, the message is the same old, and gaining faith (or a deeper sense of faith) somehow makes everything so wonderful and perfect - including in this book a person with a mental issue being prayed over and suddenly the mental issue goes away. I'm sorry, but real life doesn't work that way and I think that mindset sets up too many people for failure - if I had more faith, I wouldn't be depressed. If God loved me I would struggle with anxiety. Suicidal thoughts would lead my mind if only I prayed more. No. It doesn't work that way. Bi-polar can't be prayed away. Becoming a Christian - or getting a deeper faith - does not mean all wounds will heal, true love will appear and all wrongs in your life will be righted. It's naive at best to portray faith in these terms.

I wouldn't recommend this book. I doubt I will pick up any Whitlow books in the future. And as soon as I read this book, I promptly got rid of it.

[Yo Leo Ficción Cristiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

RESEÑA COMPLETA

*NOTA: Este libro fue llevado al cine en el 2010 con el mismo nombre. Tanto la película como el libro están disponibles en español*

Increíble narrativa.

El juicio es un libro que he visto varias veces en la librería, pero por una razón inexplicable, no me animaba a comprarlo. Ahora me arrepiento de no haberlo leído antes.

Este libro es magnífico. Me encantó la narración del autor porque no sólo es ficción para disfrutar, sino que está muy bien escrito. Además, la historia tiene tantos misterios por resolver, que justo cuando creía saber la verdad sobre lo ocurrido; el autor me sorprendió con un inesperado giro en los hechos.

[Peter P. Bernard · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trial

This is a four star book but the infusion of religion took away the real potential of the story leaving behind only two stars.

It's wise the idea of the separation of church and state and author Whitlow should think about the wisdom of that.

It's a good story well told but it should have been about the power of the law and not the power of prayer.

It is good to see the struggle between good and evil fought on a human scale and not on a godly one. Think of Dr. Ruix in Campus' 'The Plague. "

Otherwise a good story, much better than the two stars.

[Jaci · Rating 5 out of 5]

De principio a fin quedé enamorada de este libro. La historia, la narración, los personajes, todo es perfecto.
La historia hizo que quiera ser abogada, inocente, culpable, mejor dicho, estar dentro del libro y convivir con los personajes.
No sólo los hechos fueron increibles en la historia, sino también el mensaje. Siempre hay perdon para el que de veras decide arrepentirse.
Me enteré que también tiene adaptación cinematográfica, así que ya quiero ver la peli :)

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one took me a while, but I enjoyed it! It was full of suspense and plot twists.

[Uncommon Student · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing worse than being accused of murder, is not being able to remember whether or not you did. The daughter of Alex Hightower, business tycoon of Dennison Springs, Angela is found at the bottom of a cliff and someone has to pay. All eyes turn to Pete Thomason, who finds himself arrested, accused of murder, and assigned a state appointed lawyer.

Attorney Mac McClain lives an empty life in an empty house, daily missing his wife and two sons. Suicidal thoughts haunt him through the day, until he receives a phone call that brings an exciting challenge into to his life - prove the perfect crime didn't happen. Mac begins chasing down any details that might have been overlooked, drug tests, lie detectors, and paint chips off the car. Along the way he meets a brand-new lawyer, with a heart for challenge and an outlook on life that amazes Mac. He also meets Anna, a psychiatrist who encourages Mac to let go of guilt and trust God.

Masterfully told, The Trial keeps you on the edge of your seat from the very beginning. Whitlow balances multiple characters and storylines, keeping it twisting but not confusing. The story of faith redeeming even where there seems to be despair was refreshing to read and it was sobering to see how often we place the fate of a man into the hands of mortal men and women. The Trial touches on continuing to trust God, even when we don't understand how He is working. He works it all for the good of those who love Him. Greatly enjoyed The Trial. Highly recommended!

[Cailin Victor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thoroughly and entirely encapsulated and enthralled by this book. The world set up surrounding the characters felt so lively, so real, almost to the point that there were several characters in this book that I could easily relate to people in my own life. The story is set in the small town of Dennison Springs, Georgia, and much of the first half of the book builds upon what life looks like in this small and tightly knit community. I was curious about how accurate the case portrayed in this book was, at first at least. Well, as it turns out Robert Whitlow, the author, is a practicing attorney! He clearly knows what he’s talking about, and I believe it’s this intimate knowledge of the justice system that made this book really stand out from any other thriller I’ve read so far. I have never had any interest whatsoever in courtroom proceedings, but I couldn’t put this book down for at least the last 1/3!

I decided to take away one star though, because I was slightly disappointed in how it ended. Don’t get me wrong, I was relieved with the results of the titular trial, but disappointed that this whole other side of the case was never fully explored. I won’t get into details, spoilers and all, but I would have appreciated a little more effort to tie these two “endings” together.

[Big Game James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trial is the second book I've read by Robert Whitlow, and though it was dramatically different than The List, I enjoyed it just as much. Mr. Whitlow is a gifted writer. As the title suggests, this is a legal thriller, not a mystery. Like the previous novel, Christian conversion and intercessory prayer play a big part in the story. That's not a problem for me, but non-Christians, irreligious, skeptics, and even nominal Christians might take offense.

Anyway, I loved the characters. Whitlow does a great job with defense attorney Kent "Mac" MacClain, defendant Peter Thomason, and the supporting cast. Mac is a skilled attorney hanging by a thread due to extreme depression who gets roped in by the Judge to defend a young man accused of murder. Most of the book involves the Trial from beginning to end. Everything rings true since the author is (or was) a practicing attorney.

Like the List, the ending seemed rushed and farfetched. But no more farfetched than most novels and movies. Because the writing is excellent, it was hard to put this book down. So despite the minor flaws, it's an easy five stars.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The idea of defending a client so that he doesn't receive the death penalty for a murder he says, and you've come to believe, that he didn't commit would be stressful for anyone, let alone a lawyer who is feeling his life has no value right now. Robert Whitlow does a marvelous job exploring this issue, adding in some clean romance, a curious family dynamic, medical emergencies, spiritual growth, salvation, the power of prayer, and the question of how far our forgiveness can extend itself when we have been very wronged. Even the more minor characters, especially Henry, are delightful. This plot demonstrates just how far the greed for wealth will carry some individuals down the wrong moral path. I highly recommend this for anyone who enjoys a good legal thriller.

[Dail Sams · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Angela Hightower, the daughter of a rich local business man, is murdered, Mac MacClain, one of Echota County's best lawyers is asked to defend Pete Thomason, the accused murderer. Mac is a widower who has been living on the edge of despair for the last nine years since his wife and two sons died in an automobile accident--0ne which he survived. For a while at least, Pete's defense will distract Mac and keep him busy doing all the preparation of the trial. Angela's father has brought in a high-powered lawyer from Atlanta to head up the prosecution. The Atlanta lawyer might have all the money and staff to put together a strong case against Pete, but if he only knew it, Mac had truth and the prayer support of many friends behind him as he built Pete's defense.

[Irina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written. It was a good puzzle for mystery fans. The plot elements hung together well and converged to a natural, not forced or artificial, denouement. Some humor, good characterization. Lots of regional atmosphere. Overall a satisfying read.

The author is generally acknowledged to be a Christian fiction writer, but there is no heavy-handed proselytizing here. The Christianity consists of the underlying attitudes of many of the characters: a belief in the basic goodness of mankind, the presumption of being in the hands of a benign fate. But the book doesn't preach at all, and could well have been written by a non-Christian.

Legalisms that are of special interest to those who are a bit familiar with the legal and paralegal fields. I enjoyed it very much.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big Robert Whitlow fan. I think he is a great storyteller. This book was no exception. It is a legal story as all of the books of Robert Whitlows’ are that I have read. He weaves a story about not only the legal system but family and friends. I want to be friends with some of Mac’s friends or be related to Anna’s family. Kent”Mac” McClain has suffered a devastating loss. He has almost sunk as low as he can go when he’s offered a case where he would be defending a murderer. That’s all I will tell about the story. Robert Whitlow is a Christian writer and this book has a lot of Christian references. I will recommend it to anyone because I think anyone could get lost in the story. It is a very good book.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book I read by Mr. Whitlow was Mountain Top, which I loved. Each time I read one I think this is the best. However, The List and The Trial continue to be excellent writing by a Christian Writer with mystery and intrigue I would give them 10 stars if they were allowed. I don't like to show the content of books this good because it would give the story away. I recommend that you read both of these books. They have them together or separate. I recommend you read them separately. I had no clue how to read them because I got the impression they were connected. They are not so it matters not which of these two you read first. I read the List and then the Trial.

[Chesha Thompson · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ As a Christian, of course I enjoyed the Christian aspects to this book. It had good reminders and tied in Christ which I appreciate. However, it was just slow to me. I could possibly blame the narrator on my audiobook, but it just wasn’t interesting enough to me. It was a struggle to finish but it wasn’t uninteresting enough to stop. I personally wouldn’t recommend this book though to people. I did enjoy the character of Mac and didn’t know the true culprit til the end, so that’s good; but unfortunately it just was a miss for me.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

But God...

A court room story, a light romance , but also a personal story of loss and guilt. An investigation that seems to go nowhere , yet through it all the thread of God's redemption . Robert Whitlow has a way of weaving the truth of who God is throughout his stories . This book is no different . He has excellent insight into the Christian life and into the love of God . Enjoyable read .

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oldie but goodie

A young man, Pete, is accused of murdering the daughter of a powerful man, richest in the county. He remembers nothing of the events surrounding Angela's death. Mac McClain is appointed to be his defense attorney. I would say redemption is the overarching theme of the book. And it is excellent. I read it a number of years ago and liked it even more this time. Robert Whitlow remains one of my favorite writers.