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The Hallows
Listening length: 7 hours, 52 minutes
A ruthless lawyer cross-examines his life after a guilty client walks free in this sharp legal thriller from the bestselling author of The Neon Lawyer.
Ruthless defense attorney Tatum Graham has been living large in Miami, but when his recently acquitted client claims another victim, Tatum has a crisis of conscience. Disillusioned, he heads to his small Utah hometown for a simpler life…but that’s not what he finds.
Soon after he arrives, Tatum’s childhood crush offers him a job at the county attorney’s office and assigns him a murder case. The victim is a teenage girl not unlike the victim in the last case he tried. Now a prosecutor, Tatum sees a chance for redemption, but politics, corruption, and a killer defense threaten to thwart justice.
To complicate matters, Tatum’s estranged father has terminal cancer, and the time to reconcile is running out. Tatum moved to Utah to find clarity, but his thoughts swirl with old feelings and present dangers. As the case heats up, so does the risk, threatening to adjourn Tatum’s new life before it begins.
A ruthless lawyer cross-examines his life after a guilty client walks free in this sharp legal thriller from the bestselling author of The Neon Lawyer.
Ruthless defense attorney Tatum Graham has been living large in Miami, but when his recently acquitted client claims another victim, Tatum has a crisis of conscience. Disillusioned, he heads to his small Utah hometown for a simpler life…but that’s not what he finds.
Soon after he arrives, Tatum’s childhood crush offers him a job at the county attorney’s office and assigns him a murder case. The victim is a teenage girl not unlike the victim in the last case he tried. Now a prosecutor, Tatum sees a chance for redemption, but politics, corruption, and a killer defense threaten to thwart justice.
To complicate matters, Tatum’s estranged father has terminal cancer, and the time to reconcile is running out. Tatum moved to Utah to find clarity, but his thoughts swirl with old feelings and present dangers. As the case heats up, so does the risk, threatening to adjourn Tatum’s new life before it begins.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 1, 2019
3999 people are currently reading
3973 people want to read
About the author
Victor Methos
75 books2,089 followersVictor Methos is the Edgar Award nominated bestselling author of over forty novels. He has been a criminal and civil rights lawyer in the Mountain West, conducting over 100 trials, and produces two books a year with his dog Fraiser by his side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 531 reviews
August 8, 2019
New authors always arouse such intrigue for me, particularly when they write well in a genre I enjoy. Victor Methos is one such author and this legal thriller was not only captivating, but it flowed well and kept me attune to the story until the final page turn. Living the high life in Miami, Tatum Graham has it all, including a long list of clients seeking a criminal defence attorney who is ready to do whatever it takes to win. While Graham has that gumption, something seems to be eating away at him, so much so that he flees the area after a win and never looks back. His destination? The small Utah community he called home as a child, which has been collecting dust for close to two decades. When he pulls into town, much is the same, but there are some significant differences, including the woman he was dating before he left in the dead of night. With the town rocked by its first murder in a decade, Graham is convinced to lend a hand and serves as a consulting prosecutor for the fledgling county attorney’s office, who are left trying to build a murder case against two young men, one of whom is connected with more money than can be reflected on a balance sheet. Working with a few young attorneys, Graham does all he can to bring justice for the 17 year-old victim, whose personal life is anything but pristine. Still, all victims deserve a voice, even if the evidence against the suspects is flimsy. Working with less than ideal circumstances and under pressure, Graham must develop a case and have it heard in this small town, where all eyes are watching him, literally. Methos does a wonderful job to paint a captivating picture of the case at hand, as well as central characters who resonate with the reader. Recommended to those who like swift legal thrillers, as well as the reader who enjoys something that wastes little time during the reading experience.
It was a banner on Goodreads that led me to find this book, one that I have thoroughly enjoyed, Methos works well within the confines of the writing experience to bring a story to the reader that is unlikely to be soon forgotten. The Tatum Graham character has all the workings of a strong protagonist, where the glitz and glamour are humbled when he returns to his hometown. Graham has the aura around him to present a strong case and uses those skills for ‘good’, rather than to defend those who have the money to purchase certain perspectives. Throughout, Graham refers to a book he is writing about trial work, something that offers tidbits of insight into legal maneuvers within the courtroom. With a personal connection to the town, one can expect Graham to show his hand and emotional side, which is anything but superficial. With ghosts from his past returning on a daily basis, Graham must face it all, head-on. Other characters show great development, as they shape the story and complement Tatum Graham, particularly those who are still in town and react to his return. Methos uses these relationships to contrast the intensity of the legal story found within the novel and one can only hope that other novels work the same way. There is a great revelation about life as well as the legal side of the story through all these individuals coming together. The story was well-crafted and showed insight throughout, with some central legal arguments as well as loopholes used to develop strong narratives. Victor Methos knows his stuff and presents it well, using characters to deliver on a strong set of arguments that the reader cannot help but want to understand. With a small-town courtroom setting, the story turns on the smallest thing and the outcome is anything but a foregone conclusion. I am eager to see what else Methos has written and how this story fits into the larger picture.
Kudos, Mr. Methos, for a wonderful debut for me. I want to try more of your work and can only hope that there is a commonality in the quality of all your work!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
It was a banner on Goodreads that led me to find this book, one that I have thoroughly enjoyed, Methos works well within the confines of the writing experience to bring a story to the reader that is unlikely to be soon forgotten. The Tatum Graham character has all the workings of a strong protagonist, where the glitz and glamour are humbled when he returns to his hometown. Graham has the aura around him to present a strong case and uses those skills for ‘good’, rather than to defend those who have the money to purchase certain perspectives. Throughout, Graham refers to a book he is writing about trial work, something that offers tidbits of insight into legal maneuvers within the courtroom. With a personal connection to the town, one can expect Graham to show his hand and emotional side, which is anything but superficial. With ghosts from his past returning on a daily basis, Graham must face it all, head-on. Other characters show great development, as they shape the story and complement Tatum Graham, particularly those who are still in town and react to his return. Methos uses these relationships to contrast the intensity of the legal story found within the novel and one can only hope that other novels work the same way. There is a great revelation about life as well as the legal side of the story through all these individuals coming together. The story was well-crafted and showed insight throughout, with some central legal arguments as well as loopholes used to develop strong narratives. Victor Methos knows his stuff and presents it well, using characters to deliver on a strong set of arguments that the reader cannot help but want to understand. With a small-town courtroom setting, the story turns on the smallest thing and the outcome is anything but a foregone conclusion. I am eager to see what else Methos has written and how this story fits into the larger picture.
Kudos, Mr. Methos, for a wonderful debut for me. I want to try more of your work and can only hope that there is a commonality in the quality of all your work!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
January 5, 2022
This was a free book through Amazon Prime. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
The Hallows tells the story of ruthless defense attorney Tatum Graham, who returns to his hometown and gets convinced to take a case as a prosecutor.
One thing I really loved was the short scene at the beginning of the book about the dog. I was totally drawn in at that point ... but then I started struggling with how freaking arrogant and condescending Graham was towards everyone. I think we've all known someone like that. (Maybe have even been married to someone like that at one time, snort.😂) It started getting old rather quickly. The details of the crime were gruesome. At least they were told after the fact rather than our having to read about them as they took place, so that's another plus.
All in all, The Hallows was a fairly entertaining legal drama. I very much liked Jai and Will. I can't remember what their official titles were but they were involved with helping to decipher the crime, as well as the trial prep.
The Hallows tells the story of ruthless defense attorney Tatum Graham, who returns to his hometown and gets convinced to take a case as a prosecutor.
One thing I really loved was the short scene at the beginning of the book about the dog. I was totally drawn in at that point ... but then I started struggling with how freaking arrogant and condescending Graham was towards everyone. I think we've all known someone like that. (Maybe have even been married to someone like that at one time, snort.😂) It started getting old rather quickly. The details of the crime were gruesome. At least they were told after the fact rather than our having to read about them as they took place, so that's another plus.
All in all, The Hallows was a fairly entertaining legal drama. I very much liked Jai and Will. I can't remember what their official titles were but they were involved with helping to decipher the crime, as well as the trial prep.
September 11, 2021
'The Hallows' is probably my fav. book by Victor Methos to date, bringing to light many hot button issues which society has a tendency to brush under the carpet and minimize. This would be perfect for bookclubs to discuss and learn from each other's individual ideas, insights, and experiences. Our country has never been so glaringly divided and without respectful open dialogue we will be continue to divided and ultimately fall.
July 9, 2019
It’s now several days since I finished reading this book and something is still haunting me… and it’s this: When viewing an identity parade, ten-year-old Lyle ‘clutched his mother’s hand and buried his face in her leg.’ Either that’s one very short boy or one very tall mother!
Otherwise, it was an entertaining read.
Otherwise, it was an entertaining read.
January 6, 2024
Redemption Journey
Review of the Thomas and Mercer Kindle eBook (July 1, 2019) released simultaneously with the Thomas and Mercer hardcover edition.
I don't read Victor Methos books very often. I usually pick them up when they come on sale as an Audible or Kindle Deal of the Day. I have then taken to grabbing them immediately as I've found them to be reliable lawyer fiction (as opposed to, for example, the last John Grisham novel) and often compelling reads, even if some of the situations are rather unrealistic and many of the characters or tropes stereotypical.
It was much the same with The Hallows. High-flying Miami defense attorney Tatum Graham has an existential crisis, quits his job and goes on a redemption journey which takes him back to his home town in Utah. There he meets the long lost love of his youth and attempts a reconciliation with his estranged father. Switching sides, he joins the team of the county attorney's office to take the lead on a local murder case prosecution which has repercussions throughout the community. I enjoyed this one quite a bit, especially for its satisfactory conclusion. It is even my highest rated Victor Methos novel to date. Maybe I'll even consider picking one up as a new release some time.
I read The Hallows thanks to a Kindle Deal of the Day for $1.99 on December 3rd, 2023.
Review of the Thomas and Mercer Kindle eBook (July 1, 2019) released simultaneously with the Thomas and Mercer hardcover edition.
I don't read Victor Methos books very often. I usually pick them up when they come on sale as an Audible or Kindle Deal of the Day. I have then taken to grabbing them immediately as I've found them to be reliable lawyer fiction (as opposed to, for example, the last John Grisham novel) and often compelling reads, even if some of the situations are rather unrealistic and many of the characters or tropes stereotypical.
It was much the same with The Hallows. High-flying Miami defense attorney Tatum Graham has an existential crisis, quits his job and goes on a redemption journey which takes him back to his home town in Utah. There he meets the long lost love of his youth and attempts a reconciliation with his estranged father. Switching sides, he joins the team of the county attorney's office to take the lead on a local murder case prosecution which has repercussions throughout the community. I enjoyed this one quite a bit, especially for its satisfactory conclusion. It is even my highest rated Victor Methos novel to date. Maybe I'll even consider picking one up as a new release some time.
I read The Hallows thanks to a Kindle Deal of the Day for $1.99 on December 3rd, 2023.
July 8, 2019
First Sentence: "Murder."
Tatum Graham is a successful, wealthy defense attorney who has never lost a case. Discovering his newly acquitted client really was truly guilty of murder sends Tatum off on the road from Miami without an apparent destination in mind. Or was there when he ends up in the small Utah town of his birth. There he finds a father dying of cancer, and an old girlfriend, now the town's sheriff, and himself the prosecutor in the murder trial of a young girl.
One can't always judge a character by the opening. Just when one thinks one has a bead on him, he surprises you. And isn't it nice when that happens?
Tatum is something of a study in contrasts. On one hand, he is the no-holds-barred attorney; abrasive, egotistical, even rude. Then the man within the shell shows up and draws one in to see what a well-constructed, fully developed character he is. The excerpts from "The Art of Jury Trial as War," a book only being written in Tatum's head so far, are interesting and thought-provoking. The occasional flashes of humor, and the dog, are a lovely diversion.
Methos really knows how to twist a plot. The best part is that the protagonist is as surprised as are we. And twists and turns there are galore. Yet there is also an excellent balance between the legal information, which is fascinating, and the personal aspects of the story, which is relatable and can touch one's heart.
"The Hallows" is an excellent legal mystery filled with great characters who make one almost wish this wasn't a standalone. However, it also proves Thomas Wolfe wrong. One can go home again.
THE HALLOWS (LegalMys-Tatum Graham-Florida/Utah-Contemp) – Ex
Methos, Victor - Standalone
Thomas & Mercer – July 2019
Tatum Graham is a successful, wealthy defense attorney who has never lost a case. Discovering his newly acquitted client really was truly guilty of murder sends Tatum off on the road from Miami without an apparent destination in mind. Or was there when he ends up in the small Utah town of his birth. There he finds a father dying of cancer, and an old girlfriend, now the town's sheriff, and himself the prosecutor in the murder trial of a young girl.
One can't always judge a character by the opening. Just when one thinks one has a bead on him, he surprises you. And isn't it nice when that happens?
Tatum is something of a study in contrasts. On one hand, he is the no-holds-barred attorney; abrasive, egotistical, even rude. Then the man within the shell shows up and draws one in to see what a well-constructed, fully developed character he is. The excerpts from "The Art of Jury Trial as War," a book only being written in Tatum's head so far, are interesting and thought-provoking. The occasional flashes of humor, and the dog, are a lovely diversion.
Methos really knows how to twist a plot. The best part is that the protagonist is as surprised as are we. And twists and turns there are galore. Yet there is also an excellent balance between the legal information, which is fascinating, and the personal aspects of the story, which is relatable and can touch one's heart.
"The Hallows" is an excellent legal mystery filled with great characters who make one almost wish this wasn't a standalone. However, it also proves Thomas Wolfe wrong. One can go home again.
THE HALLOWS (LegalMys-Tatum Graham-Florida/Utah-Contemp) – Ex
Methos, Victor - Standalone
Thomas & Mercer – July 2019
January 3, 2020
Tatum Graham, new prosecutor, is one of the fiercest and most respectable attorneys in court, confident, cocky and sure of himself. So is the high priced cunning defense lawyer he will be going up against. Both lawyers do what needs to be done to win their cases.
But when a young girl is killed, savagely tortured, Tatum must find and prove the evidence of the one he knows is guilty and is prosecuting. But that prospect appears to be slipping away as buried or unrevealed evidence presents a challenge, testimony that is changed unexpectedly, and lies told on the witness stand with witnesses who perjure themselves, and the only young eye witness who disappears.
Hang on for a twister!
But when a young girl is killed, savagely tortured, Tatum must find and prove the evidence of the one he knows is guilty and is prosecuting. But that prospect appears to be slipping away as buried or unrevealed evidence presents a challenge, testimony that is changed unexpectedly, and lies told on the witness stand with witnesses who perjure themselves, and the only young eye witness who disappears.
Hang on for a twister!
November 21, 2025
Another near-perfect legal thriller from Victor Methos. The Hallows is sharp, dark, and relentless, with a case that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. Tight pacing, real stakes, and an ending that hits just right.
Ruthless defense attorney Tatum Graham bolts Miami after a client he freed kills again. Back in his Utah hometown, he takes a job as a prosecutor and lands a murder case that mirrors the one haunting him. As he chases redemption, he runs straight into small-town politics, corruption, and a brutal defense strategy. Meanwhile, his estranged father is dying, forcing Tatum to face old wounds while danger closes in on his new life.
Not perfect—some characters could’ve been fleshed out more—but if you’re into sharp, gritty legal thrillers, this one delivers.
Ruthless defense attorney Tatum Graham bolts Miami after a client he freed kills again. Back in his Utah hometown, he takes a job as a prosecutor and lands a murder case that mirrors the one haunting him. As he chases redemption, he runs straight into small-town politics, corruption, and a brutal defense strategy. Meanwhile, his estranged father is dying, forcing Tatum to face old wounds while danger closes in on his new life.
Not perfect—some characters could’ve been fleshed out more—but if you’re into sharp, gritty legal thrillers, this one delivers.
November 18, 2024
DNF. I'm calling it quits at 20%. I was hoping to find another legal/crime thriller author but my first book by this author does not impress. The writing is lazy, the characterisations flat. Smug defence lawyer whose split-second epiphany was supposedly made more convincing by the fact that the arrogant jerk has a soft spot for canine strays. Quits his firm and heads to his hometown. Buys a condo without asking for the prize because the author wants us to know that the guy is really that wealthy. He comes to the rescue of his old school friend, a female DA who is fighting to keep her position in the coming election. That's all very well , except I'm not sure if the DA deserves to keep her job given that she handed over a poorly prepped murder-rape case to her junior staff, because she's too busy to try to get herself re-elected. But never fear, Mr Smug is here.
October 1, 2019
Really liked it and wish it was a series. A mix of legal thriller and crime mystery - more of the latter. Audio was superb. Another winner from Victor Methos.
July 27, 2019
Pretty Good Legal Thriller But Not Without Some Flaws!
If you’re in the mood for a legal thriller that is fast-paced, keeps you turning the pages, has main characters that are developed well enough to create interest without being too complex, and has a fair amount of plot twists, than The Hallows by Victor Methos is a book you might want to consider reading.
But before making your final decision you should be aware that this is far from being great literature nor will you find your brain being taxed from trying to follow its plot. Further, though, as mentioned, the plot has some twists, you will likely be able to anticipate when things won’t go as planned. And, while the sub-plots involving the romantic relationship between the male and female main characters and the damaged relationship between the main male character and his cancer-ridden father are interesting, they are predictable.
So, while you’re not likely to include The Hallows in your top 10 list of favorite legal thrillers, I’m pretty sure you’ll find it to be an entertaining way to escape from the realities of your everyday life.
If you’re in the mood for a legal thriller that is fast-paced, keeps you turning the pages, has main characters that are developed well enough to create interest without being too complex, and has a fair amount of plot twists, than The Hallows by Victor Methos is a book you might want to consider reading.
But before making your final decision you should be aware that this is far from being great literature nor will you find your brain being taxed from trying to follow its plot. Further, though, as mentioned, the plot has some twists, you will likely be able to anticipate when things won’t go as planned. And, while the sub-plots involving the romantic relationship between the male and female main characters and the damaged relationship between the main male character and his cancer-ridden father are interesting, they are predictable.
So, while you’re not likely to include The Hallows in your top 10 list of favorite legal thrillers, I’m pretty sure you’ll find it to be an entertaining way to escape from the realities of your everyday life.
November 30, 2021
Solid lawyer/courtroom procedural. Very Lincoln Lawyer-y (a la Michael Connelly). A decent pace. I wasn’t wild about the female characters (I’m not sure this book would pass the Bechdel test), but this genre isn’t exactly known for dynamic, innovative protagonists. Check the box for that lone wolf who is a great, misunderstood masculine rebel WITH a cause that involves saving the womens and the childrens.
File Under: I Wasn’t Bored, But. . .
File Under: I Wasn’t Bored, But. . .
September 18, 2020
Đọc tạm ổn thôi à, không có gì nổi bật hay đặc sắc cả. Kiểu nửa pháp lý, nửa điều tra :|
July 26, 2019
A really good read.
A solid crime thriller which wasn’t predictable - unusually!
Well written, worthy of 4 stars to fans of crime thrillers everywhere.
A solid crime thriller which wasn’t predictable - unusually!
Well written, worthy of 4 stars to fans of crime thrillers everywhere.
September 14, 2022
5.0 stars. One of my fav authors delivers another great legal thriller. As always V.M. immediately draws you in and keeps you guessing.
September 21, 2025
As Victor Methos has been creeping up my must read list, I gave one of his standalones a try on audio. This one was good but slip a little based on the story, characters, and a mainly because it had more legal than I prefer in a book. The narrator was good but not great. I definitely will try more books but right now his two recent series are my favorites (Vegas Shadows and Desert Plains). Still a good read and happy I continued on with this author!
June 15, 2019
Yeahhh, I'm mean I thought it was alright, however it was a little long. And I guess most of the time I just wasn't really attached or cared too much for the lead character and because of this I never really found myself in a tense situation or dying to read on. Also, I think the whole plot revel went by really quickly which was a bit odd.
But hey ho as the wind blows, I couldn't say it wasn't pretty entertaining and for a free book, it's alrighty. Also, the whole thing with the dog was done really nicely and brought a smile to my face :)))))))
But hey ho as the wind blows, I couldn't say it wasn't pretty entertaining and for a free book, it's alrighty. Also, the whole thing with the dog was done really nicely and brought a smile to my face :)))))))
October 17, 2023
Tatum Graham, a successful and wealthy defense attorney who has never lost a case in court. When he discovers that his recently acquitted client really was guilty of murder, Tatum leaves his life in Miami behind and takes off. Not sure where he is headed he finds himself in the small Utah town of his youth. Once there, he learns that his father is dying of cancer and an old girlfriend is the current town sheriff.
When a young girl is savagely tortured and killed, Tatum finds him self drawn into prosecuting the case knowing full well that he must find and prove the evidence of the person he knows is guilty. In his new role as a prosecutor, Tatum is challenged with buried or unrevealed evidence, unexpectedly changed testimony, lies told by witnesses who perjure themselves and the disappearance of the only eyewitness.
"The Hallows" is an excellent legal mystery filled with great characters and twists and turns a plenty. The author presents a balance between the legal and personal aspects of the story which are both fascinating and relatable.
Tatum is a main character filled with contrasts. In the beginning, he is the cocky, self assured, abrasive and at times rude defense attorney. Methos masterfully draws the reader in to see the inner man without the protective shell. Just as you think you have him all figured out, Tatum surprises you as he evolves into a sensitive, caring, likeable and balanced character that can even touch your heart. These human character traits are a positive addition to this very interesting and enjoyable book.
When a young girl is savagely tortured and killed, Tatum finds him self drawn into prosecuting the case knowing full well that he must find and prove the evidence of the person he knows is guilty. In his new role as a prosecutor, Tatum is challenged with buried or unrevealed evidence, unexpectedly changed testimony, lies told by witnesses who perjure themselves and the disappearance of the only eyewitness.
"The Hallows" is an excellent legal mystery filled with great characters and twists and turns a plenty. The author presents a balance between the legal and personal aspects of the story which are both fascinating and relatable.
Tatum is a main character filled with contrasts. In the beginning, he is the cocky, self assured, abrasive and at times rude defense attorney. Methos masterfully draws the reader in to see the inner man without the protective shell. Just as you think you have him all figured out, Tatum surprises you as he evolves into a sensitive, caring, likeable and balanced character that can even touch your heart. These human character traits are a positive addition to this very interesting and enjoyable book.
November 15, 2019
Thank you Thomas&Mercer and Netgalley for a copy of The Hallows by Victor Methos in exchange for an honest review.
The Hallows stars hot shot Florida lawyer Tatum Graham. When one of his cases shakes him, he heads back home to a small town in Utah, to his childhood crush and his estranged father. He gets there to find that a shocking murder has taken place and none of the lawyers have experience to try such a case, so he quickly becomes involved again and tries to work through some personal stuff at the same time.
I wouldn't go as far as calling The Hallows a thriller, but it does have some intense moments closer to the end. Most of the book is closer to a drama, a lot of character building and personal scenes amongst some of the trial aspects and investigations. I found it moved a little slower than I would have liked at some parts, and never quite figured out why so much of the personal story of Tatum Graham was included, but it did make him seem less arrogant at times so maybe that was it. It would make a good starter read into this genre if you haven't read many legal drama books before.
The Hallows stars hot shot Florida lawyer Tatum Graham. When one of his cases shakes him, he heads back home to a small town in Utah, to his childhood crush and his estranged father. He gets there to find that a shocking murder has taken place and none of the lawyers have experience to try such a case, so he quickly becomes involved again and tries to work through some personal stuff at the same time.
I wouldn't go as far as calling The Hallows a thriller, but it does have some intense moments closer to the end. Most of the book is closer to a drama, a lot of character building and personal scenes amongst some of the trial aspects and investigations. I found it moved a little slower than I would have liked at some parts, and never quite figured out why so much of the personal story of Tatum Graham was included, but it did make him seem less arrogant at times so maybe that was it. It would make a good starter read into this genre if you haven't read many legal drama books before.
August 27, 2023
Law, Wild West Style
A successful defense lawyer changing sides and prosecuting the defense. That's interesting in itself. This is a story about going back home after a case goes somewhat sideways and causes this lawyer to do some honest, come to Jesus soul searching. And all of the surprises along the way. Destination: Utah. The wild west. Cowboy boots.
From start to finish I was involved with this book. The characters and the story kept me coming back for more.
A successful defense lawyer changing sides and prosecuting the defense. That's interesting in itself. This is a story about going back home after a case goes somewhat sideways and causes this lawyer to do some honest, come to Jesus soul searching. And all of the surprises along the way. Destination: Utah. The wild west. Cowboy boots.
From start to finish I was involved with this book. The characters and the story kept me coming back for more.
October 1, 2019
I had to DNF this one. The cocky smart-ass alpha male lawyer protagonist was a bit insufferable. Life’s too short 🤷🏻♀️
February 26, 2022
It wasn't great literature, but I found this a page turner.
July 23, 2019
I really enjoy a snappy Victor Methos courtroom thriller! Usually, the main character starts out jaded but, due to the events of the story, realigns his priorities and grows into a loving, mature person. I guess that’s what life is all about, right? This book is a fun, fast-paced page-turner with a satisfying ending. Very entertaining!
(Here's my GR policy: If a story is DNF or 3 or below, I do not rate it here. So you'll see lots of 4's & 5's from me because I love stories & appreciate the ones who tell them :)
(Here's my GR policy: If a story is DNF or 3 or below, I do not rate it here. So you'll see lots of 4's & 5's from me because I love stories & appreciate the ones who tell them :)
August 9, 2019
This is a fairly entertaining legal thriller. Successful criminal defense lawyer flies high in Miami and then leaves it behind when the guilt of one of his clients is the final nail in the coffin. He heads back home, joins the other side as prosecutor and finds his hometown to be corrupt beyond belief. The story is paced at a clip and holds attention, but it would have benefited from good editing.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
March 29, 2023
Was good for what it was. Plus UTAH represent✊🏻
January 16, 2020
Victor Methos is a veteran novelist who was unknown to me until my oldest daughter, Ronni, gifted me THE HALLOWS for Christmas. She has a lovely habit of finding new authors for me who then become favorites. In the past, she has introduced me to Paul Doiron, Fred Vargas, Abir Mukherjee, and others, all of whom I continue to read as they publish through the years. THE HALLOWS continues her winning streak.
THE HALLOWS follows the immediate aftermath of Tatum Graham’s mid-life crisis. He is an immensely successful defense lawyer in Miami. He is wealthy enough to put a new condo on his credit card if the mood beckons. He has fancy cars, luxury homes, and beautiful women, without strong attachments to anything except winning court cases. Tatum is smart and single-minded but what puts him over the top is his detachment. Emotion has no role in his court cases or his life in general. We know this because Tatum is writing a legal version of Sun Tzu that he often refers to, even if the book is all in his head.
After winning an acquittal for one of his clients, that client commits another crime, one that strikes a chord in Tatum’s memory and dents his emotional armor. Within hours he has dismantled his life in Miami and he is heading west to his childhood home in small-town Utah. That he drives a Tesla across the vast empty spaces of the American West is just something we have to accept. The abrupt abdication of his Miami life actually seems more realistic, because he is rich and the rich can make those kinds of decisions without worrying about mortgages, utility bills and the other detritus of quotidian life.
In Utah, Tatum reconnects with family and old loves, and also meets two engaging young lawyers who are secondary characters, but who add a lot of depth and interest to the narrative. The bulk of the novel is a legitimate mystery under the guise of a legal thriller. Methos perhaps doesn’t have the depth or nuance of a John Grisham, or more recently Brad Parks, but that’s okay. His approach is different, not lesser. The story is propulsive and smart and, ultimately, a compellingly good read. As frosting, Methos is very good at creating a sense of place, both in terms of rural Utah and the impact of Las Vegas as a regional cultural center.
Here, a lawyer does
something that supposedly
can’t be done. Go home.
THE HALLOWS follows the immediate aftermath of Tatum Graham’s mid-life crisis. He is an immensely successful defense lawyer in Miami. He is wealthy enough to put a new condo on his credit card if the mood beckons. He has fancy cars, luxury homes, and beautiful women, without strong attachments to anything except winning court cases. Tatum is smart and single-minded but what puts him over the top is his detachment. Emotion has no role in his court cases or his life in general. We know this because Tatum is writing a legal version of Sun Tzu that he often refers to, even if the book is all in his head.
After winning an acquittal for one of his clients, that client commits another crime, one that strikes a chord in Tatum’s memory and dents his emotional armor. Within hours he has dismantled his life in Miami and he is heading west to his childhood home in small-town Utah. That he drives a Tesla across the vast empty spaces of the American West is just something we have to accept. The abrupt abdication of his Miami life actually seems more realistic, because he is rich and the rich can make those kinds of decisions without worrying about mortgages, utility bills and the other detritus of quotidian life.
In Utah, Tatum reconnects with family and old loves, and also meets two engaging young lawyers who are secondary characters, but who add a lot of depth and interest to the narrative. The bulk of the novel is a legitimate mystery under the guise of a legal thriller. Methos perhaps doesn’t have the depth or nuance of a John Grisham, or more recently Brad Parks, but that’s okay. His approach is different, not lesser. The story is propulsive and smart and, ultimately, a compellingly good read. As frosting, Methos is very good at creating a sense of place, both in terms of rural Utah and the impact of Las Vegas as a regional cultural center.
Here, a lawyer does
something that supposedly
can’t be done. Go home.
September 30, 2019
I have loved the Victor Methos Jon Stanton mysteries, and this is the first of the legal dramas I've picked up by him. Wow. I have to say it was right up there with John Grisham. The story's protagonist, Tatum Graham, leaves a high powered job in Miami to return to his roots in small town USA, only to be cajoled by his former flame Gates to jump sides and help prosecute the rape/murder of a popular high school girl. He finds that the case is poorly put together, and starts to investigate the now months old murder from scratch, in the interim uncovering clues that the high school girl is not an innocent and has been involved with many of the town's older high-powered players. Several twists and turns in which you think "this is it" lead to a conclusion I won't spoil. This book was hard to put down, and keep me reading much later into the night than I should have been awake. I'm downloading more in this part of his series.
May 14, 2019
Victor Methos brings to life yet another interesting and riveting story!
“We make our own happiness in Life”, his main character, Tatum Graham, quotes his father near the end of the book.
This quote could be the basis for the entire book however. Tatum is a selfish, greedy, self-serving, deeply soul- injured man.
He spends a big part of his life believing that alot of money; and power, are the cornerstones of happiness. The true sense of self emerges, however, when one of his clients, that he got off, murders again. He leaves everything behind, returns to his miserable childhood home. He actually prosecutes instead of defends for a case.
In the process, he finds himself. I really liked the book. I found it fascinating the contrast between the two pieces of Tatum’s being.
“We make our own happiness in Life”, his main character, Tatum Graham, quotes his father near the end of the book.
This quote could be the basis for the entire book however. Tatum is a selfish, greedy, self-serving, deeply soul- injured man.
He spends a big part of his life believing that alot of money; and power, are the cornerstones of happiness. The true sense of self emerges, however, when one of his clients, that he got off, murders again. He leaves everything behind, returns to his miserable childhood home. He actually prosecutes instead of defends for a case.
In the process, he finds himself. I really liked the book. I found it fascinating the contrast between the two pieces of Tatum’s being.
February 19, 2021
Friends who like legal thrillers- If you have not taken the time to read a book by the author Victor Methos, please take the time to find one and read it. This is the third book I have read by him and I have loved EVERYONE of them. I did listen to this one on audible and I also give the reading a thumbs up! I can hardly wait to read another.
October 22, 2025
I gave this one 4 out of 5 stars. I absolutely love Victor Methos and the way he writes legal thrillers. Having worked in the legal field for so many years, I can honestly say he gets it right every single time. He captures the tension, the courtroom energy, and the moral gray areas that make this genre so addictive. He just does legal drama and thrillers justice, and I keep devouring his books one after another.
This story follows Tatum Graham, a defense attorney who has built a career on winning big and living large in Miami. But when one of his recently acquitted clients kills again, he has a crisis of conscience. Disillusioned and weighed down by guilt, he leaves his flashy life behind and returns to his small hometown in Utah, hoping to find some peace. Instead, he’s drawn right back into the legal world when his old crush, now working in the prosecutor’s office, asks him to take on a murder case. The victim is a young girl, and the more Tatum digs in, the more complicated the case becomes. Between corruption, politics, and personal demons, he ends up in the middle of something far bigger than he expected.
There is also a personal layer that adds so much heart to the story. Tatum’s estranged father is dying, and as he tries to reconcile his past and rebuild his integrity, the pressure builds both inside and outside the courtroom. It’s smart, emotional, and fast moving, with the kind of writing that makes you feel every ounce of moral conflict.
Victor Methos continues to impress me with his ability to weave heart, humanity, and suspense into a genre that often focuses only on the case. This book proves again why he is one of my favorite authors writing today.
This story follows Tatum Graham, a defense attorney who has built a career on winning big and living large in Miami. But when one of his recently acquitted clients kills again, he has a crisis of conscience. Disillusioned and weighed down by guilt, he leaves his flashy life behind and returns to his small hometown in Utah, hoping to find some peace. Instead, he’s drawn right back into the legal world when his old crush, now working in the prosecutor’s office, asks him to take on a murder case. The victim is a young girl, and the more Tatum digs in, the more complicated the case becomes. Between corruption, politics, and personal demons, he ends up in the middle of something far bigger than he expected.
There is also a personal layer that adds so much heart to the story. Tatum’s estranged father is dying, and as he tries to reconcile his past and rebuild his integrity, the pressure builds both inside and outside the courtroom. It’s smart, emotional, and fast moving, with the kind of writing that makes you feel every ounce of moral conflict.
Victor Methos continues to impress me with his ability to weave heart, humanity, and suspense into a genre that often focuses only on the case. This book proves again why he is one of my favorite authors writing today.
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