Winnabow

by David Langfitt

Lawyer Peyton Sorel is confident she’ll win a verdict in a massive securities case, until unexpected evidence forces her to question everything she knows about her best client. With the trial and possibly her livelihood on the line, Peyton hunts for a truth she hopes she won’t find. Her search leads into the path of a talented fixer for a South American drug cartel, Leandro Dufau, who controls all narcotics transport along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. After a shipment goes missing, he tracks the thieves to North Carolina and Winnabow, a vast rice plantation on the Cape Fear River. In North Carolina, Leandro encounters Peyton, who has returned home to see her father and investigate the client. Peyton picks apart the client's dark operations, which leads to Leandro. They collide in the high society of North Carolina and the wilderness of Winnabow.

534 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2017

Reviews

[Paula Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm inspired by David Langfitt's character Peyton for her strength, her ability to multitask, and determination. Truly enjoyed this mystery intriguing thriller. Loved David's ability of visually describing the beautiful Wilmington area.

[Anjali Khetan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book with one of the most unique story lines and characters I have seen in a while. This book was a page-turner and sincerely had my heart racing by the end. That, coupled with a dynamic and strong female protagonist, left me absolutely loving the book!

[A.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winnabow is beautifully written literary fiction, but with a pace and plot that rival the best thrillers. The characters are well developed. It was easy for me to paint them in my mind and hear them speak. The dialogue is first-rate. The courtroom scenes are perfect. It's a book I will read again to see the people, revisit the scenes, and feel the suspense. Betrayal is what this is all about. It runs like groundwater in the story. The heroine, Peyton Sorel, reminded me of Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs, but older, more seasoned, and with a moral center. As things spin out of control, she's the gravity that keeps people in place. The antagonist is a charming and effective devil and drives at least half the story. If he sat next to me at a dinner party, I would like him, but so would anyone else would. This should end up on the screen. It's just a matter of time.

[Michael Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winnabow moves at an extraordinary pace. A work so utterly kinetic in time frame, and peopled with an electrifying reciprocity of characters that you may not realize all actions take place in just a small number of days. The author’s high velocity approach to fiction is masterfully handled. The characters are impressively believable and socio-economically complex; with each presented to the reader for observation as of in real life. Crimes with different colored collars are enacted within the psychological labyrinth of its subjects.
Winnabow is a remarkably sophisticated production, where it meets the eye with descriptions; whether tropical or urban. Cinematic in its sensibility; it seems to represent a new form of fiction. A novel, yes, but one unblinkingly in the direction of the future; while guided by the awareness of past-proven forms of the genre.
Winnabow is a wonderful accomplishment written for a progressive audience.
G.M.K& M.J.H

[Kelli Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised with this first novel by David Langfitt. It is a well paced rollercoaster ride. He has created a very likable and relatable leading lady in Peyton and a true villain in Leandro. When their world's collide it will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a classic good vs evil thriller. I see many great things to come from this author. I'm looking forward to seeing Peyton again hopefully soon.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterful! Hard to believe this is David Langfitt’s 1st book. The detailed,descriptive and flowing writing is as good if not better that far more experienced authorities goes who command national attention. David has a knack for character development and keeping the reader on the edge of his/her seat. I can’t wait for the sequel!

[Leon Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent debut legal thriller from David Langfitt. Every detail of the story is intricately woven - the settings and characters are vividly painted. Peyton and Leandro are tremendously written, each formidable, powerful, and overwhelmingly engaging. The entire story is great but the last 100 pages are absolute dynamite. If you're looking for your next legal thriller Winnabow is it!

[Joan Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel by Langfitt kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. If you enjoy a fast-paced book with a just-complex-enough main plot, a bad-ass protagonist and one of the most sinister villains you can conjure up in your worst nightmare, this is the book for you! It left me wanting more, and cannot wait for his next book — perhaps, a sequel. Highly recommend!!

[Leslie Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an engaging story that held my interest until the end. A solid read for lovers of the legal thriller genre.

[Generalmills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed following my way around Wilmington on this adventure story. It was well written and kept me turning the pages to see what happened next!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story. Nice to read good fiction about where you live. Would have been 5 stars but Leland is not spelled Leyland needs better editing.

[Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging legal thriller with a well written and suspenseful plot that carries you quickly to the finish.

[Mary Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. We read it in our Book Club. It was the perfect balance of a legal and mystery suspenseful thriller. The author paints a picture so vivid that I felt that I was swept up in Peyton's challenges. The story was rich with intrigue and fast paced despite the length which didn't seem to matter once you got absorbed into the multi-layered plot. I look forward to a continuation of this and more from the author. Mr. Langfitt - thanks for a good read!

[Jenn Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging thriller I highly recommend. Characters are wonderfully drawn. I want to read it twice and meet them all over again. My favorite character is Leandro Dufau, he is cool and handsome on the outside, beyond evil on the inside. And Peyton, she is the world’s greatest mom. Don’t mess with her cubs. This book is beautifully written.