What do you think?
Rate this book
Small Town Lawyer #2
Influencing Justice
A small town murder hides a dark secret….
When online influencer Simone Baker asks Leland Munroe to defend her on a criminal charge, the small town lawyer is ready to say no. He’s not a criminal lawyer—despite what the people of Basking Rock seem to think. Social media and manslaughter are both far from his area of expertise. But with no other clients coming through his door, Leland takes the job to make ends meet.
At first, he figures the prosecution’s weak evidence should make for a simple defense. But Simone’s case isn’t as straightforward as it seems, and her testimony weaves a tale of missing young women, racism, and evidence tampering by local police.
Leland’s investigation soon reveals a criminal conspiracy lurking in the shadows of the small town. An innocent women may be tied up with a criminal organization he thought was gone from Basking Rock for good. And as the Jury’s verdict looms closer, it’s not just Simone’s freedom that hangs in the balance.
Leland’s own life is on the line as well….
When online influencer Simone Baker asks Leland Munroe to defend her on a criminal charge, the small town lawyer is ready to say no. He’s not a criminal lawyer—despite what the people of Basking Rock seem to think. Social media and manslaughter are both far from his area of expertise. But with no other clients coming through his door, Leland takes the job to make ends meet.
At first, he figures the prosecution’s weak evidence should make for a simple defense. But Simone’s case isn’t as straightforward as it seems, and her testimony weaves a tale of missing young women, racism, and evidence tampering by local police.
Leland’s investigation soon reveals a criminal conspiracy lurking in the shadows of the small town. An innocent women may be tied up with a criminal organization he thought was gone from Basking Rock for good. And as the Jury’s verdict looms closer, it’s not just Simone’s freedom that hangs in the balance.
Leland’s own life is on the line as well….
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2022
3658 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Peter Kirkland
19 books127 followersPeter Kirkland grew up in Beaufort, South Carolina. As a kid, Peter loved history and learning about his area. One year in school, he was given a project to research a few South Carolina law cases and the precedents they set and their effect on people’s lives.
This research project lit the flame for his passion for law and creating a more equal justice system since. Soon after this, Peter began reading legal thrillers voraciously and enjoyed the legal maneuvering and justice found within. As an adult he has continued researching the law and understanding the system and its effects on individuals. A few years ago, he decided to try writing his own legal thriller.
Now a full-time writer, he uses his research, passion for justice, and real case studies to bring together courtroom dramas with deep, rich characters, and gripping twists and turns. New to the industry, Peter would love to hear from readers and other authors and invites you to connect with him.
This research project lit the flame for his passion for law and creating a more equal justice system since. Soon after this, Peter began reading legal thrillers voraciously and enjoyed the legal maneuvering and justice found within. As an adult he has continued researching the law and understanding the system and its effects on individuals. A few years ago, he decided to try writing his own legal thriller.
Now a full-time writer, he uses his research, passion for justice, and real case studies to bring together courtroom dramas with deep, rich characters, and gripping twists and turns. New to the industry, Peter would love to hear from readers and other authors and invites you to connect with him.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
May 31, 2022
This was an intriguing legal thriller! Kirkland pulled me right into Simone's story of injustice. After she is charged with murder, her crafty lawyer, Leland, pulls out all the stops to prove her innocence. He had a PI, Terri, who made the story interesting. Simone is a social media influencer with MS. All the drama and during the pandemic made this feel real, yet exciting. Who could have murdered Simone's frenemy? And at her house? Towards the end, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!
One thing I was surprised by was that the story wrapped up pretty quickly at the end with a fast explanation. I feel like there was so much build up, and then a quick resolution in a few paragraphs. I guess I was expecting a big courtroom scene for the big reveal & was left with a short summary.
But overall, the characters were great & the plot kept moving. It was a story of hope & persistence in the face of injustice.
Thank you to NetGalley & Peter Kirkland for kindly providing me with an ARC for an honest review.
One thing I was surprised by was that the story wrapped up pretty quickly at the end with a fast explanation. I feel like there was so much build up, and then a quick resolution in a few paragraphs. I guess I was expecting a big courtroom scene for the big reveal & was left with a short summary.
But overall, the characters were great & the plot kept moving. It was a story of hope & persistence in the face of injustice.
Thank you to NetGalley & Peter Kirkland for kindly providing me with an ARC for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2022
Leland Monroe had worked as a prosecutor in Charleston, South Carolina for 16 years but as a widower he now lives with his teenage son Noah in the small town of Basking Rock. Simone Baker is an Instagram health and wellness influencer and at the insistence of her management company hosted a party at her home. The evening was a success but the morning after was inconceivable. Leland has received an appointment reminder indicating he has a Zoom meeting with Simone after seeing her on television with a powerhouse defense attorney in Charleston. Why has Simone requested a meeting with him? He can't think of a single reason.
Each reader has different preferences including if a series is read in order of publication or "out of order" perhaps as the title is available at their library. This novel can be read as a stand-alone but I suggest reading this series in order. As in real life, the characters are evolving as individuals, in relationship roles (i.e., father/son, colleagues), in work/life decisions, and hopes for the future. Peter Kirkland evolves his characters seamlessly throughout the storyline.
This is the not the 1st novel that I read that took place in 2020, but it is the 1st novel with the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the storyline in that year. Peter Kirkland wrote this flawlessly not as an add-in but as the natural course of events that his characters suddenly experienced as part of their daily life.
The authenticity the author brings to his writing instigated his 2nd novel to become an automatic pre-order. I'll definitely continue that action as I'm already looking forward to Leland's next case!
Each reader has different preferences including if a series is read in order of publication or "out of order" perhaps as the title is available at their library. This novel can be read as a stand-alone but I suggest reading this series in order. As in real life, the characters are evolving as individuals, in relationship roles (i.e., father/son, colleagues), in work/life decisions, and hopes for the future. Peter Kirkland evolves his characters seamlessly throughout the storyline.
This is the not the 1st novel that I read that took place in 2020, but it is the 1st novel with the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the storyline in that year. Peter Kirkland wrote this flawlessly not as an add-in but as the natural course of events that his characters suddenly experienced as part of their daily life.
The authenticity the author brings to his writing instigated his 2nd novel to become an automatic pre-order. I'll definitely continue that action as I'm already looking forward to Leland's next case!
December 4, 2022
Wow, a book that quickly pulls you into the story and doesn't let go until the last page.
Well-designed thriller in which a lot happens around the young influencer Simone, who is suspected of murdering a fellow influencer. All evidence is circumstantial and open to interpretation. To attorney Leland Monroe to prove Simone Barker innocent
Great story, well written and a plot bigger than expected.
The characters of Leland and Terri (the PI in the story) are clearly described and as a reader you can tell that both respect each other.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Well-designed thriller in which a lot happens around the young influencer Simone, who is suspected of murdering a fellow influencer. All evidence is circumstantial and open to interpretation. To attorney Leland Monroe to prove Simone Barker innocent
Great story, well written and a plot bigger than expected.
The characters of Leland and Terri (the PI in the story) are clearly described and as a reader you can tell that both respect each other.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2025
4.0 stars. Leland's latest case has him defending a social media influencer on trial for murder. Plenty of plot twists, a criminal conspiracy, and evidence tampering by the local police department add to the challenges Leland faces. It was easy to get invested in this quickly moving story. Leland and his P.I./Terri make a terrific team. Leland's son Noah is a great addition to the story as well. Thought the ending wrapped too quickly. I would've liked more on the other subplots at play here. A great series, adding book 3 to read soon.
November 10, 2022
Well this was an interesting story about how money influences the internet, the court case was interesting and I liked how the interwove covid restrictions into the plot.
In the first book I struggled with the narration until about half way through, this time it felt completely natural; although there was nearly a year between me listening to the two.
In the first book I struggled with the narration until about half way through, this time it felt completely natural; although there was nearly a year between me listening to the two.
July 24, 2023
I love courtroom dramas and this one was good.
April 28, 2023
Influencer on Trial
Audiobook Review:
While legal thrillers are not my typical read, I do enjoy good ones on occasion, and I'm so glad I chose this series at a book review site. The author does an excellent job building a complex web of intrigue that keeps you wondering how everything interconnects and contributes to the story of the defendant at the center of the book as well as to the overarching series storyline about some local villains who have ties to crime outside of this small southern town. I listened to the audiobook version of this and kept returning to listen (even though I should have been doing other things!) as I kept hearing layers and layers being added. I truly was not sure how things would come together and which way it would go for the client until the big reveal at the end. I did, of course, know that the client was innocent, but how she could be found not guilty at trial, given her parameters for what legal avenues she was willing to go down, was certainly a challenge for Leland Monroe, the small-town lawyer of the subtitle. For all the complexity of the book, I felt a little short-changed by the final chapter. It felt abrupt, and I wish this author's books ended more satisfyingly (though what is here is probably more realistic). Since we see the lawyer and his family in jeopardy in this book, it would have been nice to see at least some brief moment of the villains (or even one villain) getting their due. I don't like how we learn about the verdict in retrospect instead of seeing it play out in the courtroom or on the courthouse steps. I guess I'm a little too much of a Law and Order nerd. I just feel like I needed a stronger, more definitive ending.
This is the first book I've read or listened to that specifically is set during the pandemic, and I'll admit it was a little odd returning to those times not so long ago when we didn't know what we were in for in the next couple of years. As someone who has been living in Oregon, I found it very interesting to see how the early days of the pandemic were handled in North Carolina because we had a much longer lockdown and a slower easing back to normality. (Only in this last month have healthcare facilities not required masking at all times!) The author's descriptions of the empty streets and shuttered businesses certainly brought back memories. He should have talked about empty shelves as well!
This is the third book of the series I've listened to—and yes, I listened to them out of order accidentally. I still dislike the male narrator, though he is growing on me a little. He does an absolutely terrible job voicing Terri, a character I adore, though he did a better job of voicing the young influencer Simone, the defendant. All in all, I did enjoy this book and these first three books of the series, but I just wish the endings felt more wrapped up and satisfying and that the narrator did a better job voicing female characters.
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
Audiobook Review:
While legal thrillers are not my typical read, I do enjoy good ones on occasion, and I'm so glad I chose this series at a book review site. The author does an excellent job building a complex web of intrigue that keeps you wondering how everything interconnects and contributes to the story of the defendant at the center of the book as well as to the overarching series storyline about some local villains who have ties to crime outside of this small southern town. I listened to the audiobook version of this and kept returning to listen (even though I should have been doing other things!) as I kept hearing layers and layers being added. I truly was not sure how things would come together and which way it would go for the client until the big reveal at the end. I did, of course, know that the client was innocent, but how she could be found not guilty at trial, given her parameters for what legal avenues she was willing to go down, was certainly a challenge for Leland Monroe, the small-town lawyer of the subtitle. For all the complexity of the book, I felt a little short-changed by the final chapter. It felt abrupt, and I wish this author's books ended more satisfyingly (though what is here is probably more realistic). Since we see the lawyer and his family in jeopardy in this book, it would have been nice to see at least some brief moment of the villains (or even one villain) getting their due. I don't like how we learn about the verdict in retrospect instead of seeing it play out in the courtroom or on the courthouse steps. I guess I'm a little too much of a Law and Order nerd. I just feel like I needed a stronger, more definitive ending.
This is the first book I've read or listened to that specifically is set during the pandemic, and I'll admit it was a little odd returning to those times not so long ago when we didn't know what we were in for in the next couple of years. As someone who has been living in Oregon, I found it very interesting to see how the early days of the pandemic were handled in North Carolina because we had a much longer lockdown and a slower easing back to normality. (Only in this last month have healthcare facilities not required masking at all times!) The author's descriptions of the empty streets and shuttered businesses certainly brought back memories. He should have talked about empty shelves as well!
This is the third book of the series I've listened to—and yes, I listened to them out of order accidentally. I still dislike the male narrator, though he is growing on me a little. He does an absolutely terrible job voicing Terri, a character I adore, though he did a better job of voicing the young influencer Simone, the defendant. All in all, I did enjoy this book and these first three books of the series, but I just wish the endings felt more wrapped up and satisfying and that the narrator did a better job voicing female characters.
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
January 29, 2025
2019/2020 was a time in many people's lives that they won't forget, with the out break of covid-19 but rather than try to forget it, this author had chosen to set this story in that difficult time. So I can see why people who have lost someone to the virus might choose not to be reminded of that time, I am glad I did. The subject was covered with respect, it was more about the isolation and the precautions people went through. But the story is so much more than the fight against covid, it was a good legal thriller. The author isn't afraid to tackle the hard subjects, such as covid, debilitating illnesses like Multriple sclerosis (MS), drug use and human trafficking but he does it in a way that is gripping, entertaining and makes for a good story. It's also very much set in modern times with influencers, gamers and social media used to provide much of the evidence but don't worry if you are not tec savvy, neither is Leland. I like the characters, especially the way Leland and his son's relationship has changed from the first book. I don't normally listen to a book from the same series straight after each other but I am off to start the next book anyway.
Leland is trying to turn his back on criminal law after having to give up his job as a prosecutor and his one case working for the defence but influencer Simone offers him more money than he can imagine to take her case, he can't turn her down. She is accused of killing a rival influencer at a party held at her house. With Simone's Multriple sclerosis diagnosis any time spent in jail could be a death sentence to her health. Can Leland prove his client innocent of the charges?
I liked the narrator. He gave the characters some good voice and even one of two had accents.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leland is trying to turn his back on criminal law after having to give up his job as a prosecutor and his one case working for the defence but influencer Simone offers him more money than he can imagine to take her case, he can't turn her down. She is accused of killing a rival influencer at a party held at her house. With Simone's Multriple sclerosis diagnosis any time spent in jail could be a death sentence to her health. Can Leland prove his client innocent of the charges?
I liked the narrator. He gave the characters some good voice and even one of two had accents.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2022
Leland for the win! I loved it!
By Peter Kirkland
Narrated by: J.J. Hosenfeld
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 07-15-22
Online influencer Simone Baker is being charged with manslaughter. She swears she didn’t do it and she stubbornly wont take a plea. Unfortunately, a one in a million victory in a sensational criminal trial (Book 1 of the series) has everyone convinced that Leland Munroe walks on criminal defense water, everyone but Leland that is. But with bills to pay and no other money coming in, Leland has no choice but to take the case and pray he can pull another legal victory out of his hat! Influencing Justice is timely, engrossing, thought provoking and throughly entertaining. Rarely does a sequel measure up to the original as well as this one does! The characters I came to know in book one are back and are joined by a contingent of new characters, all fully developed and running the gamut of likability. This courtroom drama reflects our changing world and nation brilliantly. The plot is easy to understand, easy to follow, throughly engrossing and completely unpredictable! The dialogue is beautifully written and feels like it would actually be spoken by the characters! The narration that brings this marvelous story to life is top notch and has a very authentic sound and feel. Like the first book, once I started, I could not stop and devoted an entire evening to listening to this audio! I loved it and wish I could award more than the five stars I am allowed to give. It was fantastic across the board!
By Peter Kirkland
Narrated by: J.J. Hosenfeld
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 07-15-22
Online influencer Simone Baker is being charged with manslaughter. She swears she didn’t do it and she stubbornly wont take a plea. Unfortunately, a one in a million victory in a sensational criminal trial (Book 1 of the series) has everyone convinced that Leland Munroe walks on criminal defense water, everyone but Leland that is. But with bills to pay and no other money coming in, Leland has no choice but to take the case and pray he can pull another legal victory out of his hat! Influencing Justice is timely, engrossing, thought provoking and throughly entertaining. Rarely does a sequel measure up to the original as well as this one does! The characters I came to know in book one are back and are joined by a contingent of new characters, all fully developed and running the gamut of likability. This courtroom drama reflects our changing world and nation brilliantly. The plot is easy to understand, easy to follow, throughly engrossing and completely unpredictable! The dialogue is beautifully written and feels like it would actually be spoken by the characters! The narration that brings this marvelous story to life is top notch and has a very authentic sound and feel. Like the first book, once I started, I could not stop and devoted an entire evening to listening to this audio! I loved it and wish I could award more than the five stars I am allowed to give. It was fantastic across the board!
April 22, 2022
I received this book through Booksprout.
In this story, Leland is working from home becaus of the Covid Pandemic and has stopped at the office where he learns that someone wished to speak to him. Leland was leaning towards a different type of cases than criminal. Later he finally agreed to talk to Simone who had been charged with manslaughter. She wanted to change her lawyer because she thought the lawyer didn't believe her.
Leland agreed to take the case which later became a murder charge. Leland and his investigator, Terri, started looking into what happened at the time. The case was about the discovery of a person who died over a suspected overdose. The assumption was that Simone had supplied the drugs. As time went by and the trial was getting closer to starting, Leland and Terri had discovered quite a bit through social media. Noah, Leland's son, had provided a possible way of finding out more through a computer game. As it turned out, this brought to light a whole new awakening. Leland and Terri followed the clues and it brought another issue to the forefront.
To learn all that Leland and Terri discovered, who was responsible for the event where the murder occurred and how this one case brought to light another issue that had the Feds looking at, then you need to read this book. It will open your eyes to how a person's footprint in social media can reveal so much.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
In this story, Leland is working from home becaus of the Covid Pandemic and has stopped at the office where he learns that someone wished to speak to him. Leland was leaning towards a different type of cases than criminal. Later he finally agreed to talk to Simone who had been charged with manslaughter. She wanted to change her lawyer because she thought the lawyer didn't believe her.
Leland agreed to take the case which later became a murder charge. Leland and his investigator, Terri, started looking into what happened at the time. The case was about the discovery of a person who died over a suspected overdose. The assumption was that Simone had supplied the drugs. As time went by and the trial was getting closer to starting, Leland and Terri had discovered quite a bit through social media. Noah, Leland's son, had provided a possible way of finding out more through a computer game. As it turned out, this brought to light a whole new awakening. Leland and Terri followed the clues and it brought another issue to the forefront.
To learn all that Leland and Terri discovered, who was responsible for the event where the murder occurred and how this one case brought to light another issue that had the Feds looking at, then you need to read this book. It will open your eyes to how a person's footprint in social media can reveal so much.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 9, 2022
In this 2nd installment of Small Town Lawyer, solicitor Leland Munroe finds himself involved in yet another case, in spite of his misgivings. Social media influencer Simon Baker has been charged with the murder of another upcoming influencer but she says she didn't murder the woman.
Though Leland doubts her innocence at first, he later on starts to believe her and leaves no stones unturned in helping her win her case. His work on the case leads him to the complex world of social media and also the shady areas behind it.
In fact, figuring out the truth takes him quite a lot of time and when the truth does come out, it is quite unexpected in a unique manner. Rather than the courtroom drama in the previous book, this story focuses on the steps Leland and his PI Terri take to find clues and evidence that can prove their client innocent.
I loved the way the story carried forward from the previous story and how it was shaped up with the new characters and the characters we have already met earlier. The story was pretty engaging and quite entertaining. I am beginning to love the relationships of Leland with his son Noah and PI Terri. His character has quite an arc and it's lovely to see. I love d Noah's character too.
This book is definitely for you if you like to read an entertaining story with some twists.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Though Leland doubts her innocence at first, he later on starts to believe her and leaves no stones unturned in helping her win her case. His work on the case leads him to the complex world of social media and also the shady areas behind it.
In fact, figuring out the truth takes him quite a lot of time and when the truth does come out, it is quite unexpected in a unique manner. Rather than the courtroom drama in the previous book, this story focuses on the steps Leland and his PI Terri take to find clues and evidence that can prove their client innocent.
I loved the way the story carried forward from the previous story and how it was shaped up with the new characters and the characters we have already met earlier. The story was pretty engaging and quite entertaining. I am beginning to love the relationships of Leland with his son Noah and PI Terri. His character has quite an arc and it's lovely to see. I love d Noah's character too.
This book is definitely for you if you like to read an entertaining story with some twists.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2022
Outstanding!
After reading the first few chapters I was drawn to the characters, the intricate plot and Kirkland’s style of writing. It very much felt like I was reading a work of one of the masters of legal/courtroom suspense of the likes of Grisham, Baldacci or Meltzer. The book was extremely engaging and I devoured the pages in short order!
Leland is a city boy who has moved to a small town for a quieter life. He is attempting to build a client base in business law, and is presented with an opportunity to represent an Influencer on a manslaughter charge. At first, he ignores the request but is intrigued by the case. When the influencer, Simone sets up a Zoom client meeting through his assistant he hears her story and is hooked. Leland and his team work tirelessly to unravel the pieces of this case during the Pandemic, first having to understand what an Influencer does, add in on-line gaming, a vendetta from high school, a stalker, possible human trafficking and a multitude of other dark elements that are conspiring to bring his client down. It is a page turning race to the final chapters to learn if Leland and his PI Teri, along with an assist from his son Noah can save Simone from what looks like a certain fate. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
After reading the first few chapters I was drawn to the characters, the intricate plot and Kirkland’s style of writing. It very much felt like I was reading a work of one of the masters of legal/courtroom suspense of the likes of Grisham, Baldacci or Meltzer. The book was extremely engaging and I devoured the pages in short order!
Leland is a city boy who has moved to a small town for a quieter life. He is attempting to build a client base in business law, and is presented with an opportunity to represent an Influencer on a manslaughter charge. At first, he ignores the request but is intrigued by the case. When the influencer, Simone sets up a Zoom client meeting through his assistant he hears her story and is hooked. Leland and his team work tirelessly to unravel the pieces of this case during the Pandemic, first having to understand what an Influencer does, add in on-line gaming, a vendetta from high school, a stalker, possible human trafficking and a multitude of other dark elements that are conspiring to bring his client down. It is a page turning race to the final chapters to learn if Leland and his PI Teri, along with an assist from his son Noah can save Simone from what looks like a certain fate. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
July 8, 2024
Series is intriguing, recommend reading the book
Amazing book. I loved the storyline, plot, twists and turns. This is a solid story. It shows the power of faith. I do have to say that Leland open and closing statements were kind of weak but he gave it all he had. I like how courageous Leland is. He’s not afraid of the hard truth and he’s not afraid to approach anyone for the truth. Leland relationship with his son is awesome and is progressing. I love how he is a nurturing father. They’re still trying to connect that father/son bond. Leland is a good person and lawyer. He’s a great person to have in your corner. He believes in fighting for justice when he thinks a person is being treated unfairly by the justice system. Terri is a good person to have on your team. She’s very reliable, smart and dependable. Man, l love the character’s dialect and dialogue. I love how the characters relate to each other. I wonder what’s up with Ludlow. But in the end, I’m happy Leland was able to forgive Elise.
Amazing book. I loved the storyline, plot, twists and turns. This is a solid story. It shows the power of faith. I do have to say that Leland open and closing statements were kind of weak but he gave it all he had. I like how courageous Leland is. He’s not afraid of the hard truth and he’s not afraid to approach anyone for the truth. Leland relationship with his son is awesome and is progressing. I love how he is a nurturing father. They’re still trying to connect that father/son bond. Leland is a good person and lawyer. He’s a great person to have in your corner. He believes in fighting for justice when he thinks a person is being treated unfairly by the justice system. Terri is a good person to have on your team. She’s very reliable, smart and dependable. Man, l love the character’s dialect and dialogue. I love how the characters relate to each other. I wonder what’s up with Ludlow. But in the end, I’m happy Leland was able to forgive Elise.
August 1, 2022
Leland Munroe is a former career prosecutor who is trying to make a go of it in private practice, and trying to switch to business law. Business is slow because of COVID, and Leland gets the opportunity to defend a popular influencer against murder charges. The story runs from his initially getting hired to replace prior counsel, through his accelerated discovery and the ultimate trial.
As a former prosecutor and defense attorney, I was very gratified to see that the author had a much greater than passing familiarity with the processes of the criminal justice system. The proceedings ring true, the challenges Leland confronts are realistic and the science is sound. Leland is an appealing character, who cares about his clients, and wants to do right by them.
This is worth five stars, and I look forward to reading the other novels in this series.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
As a former prosecutor and defense attorney, I was very gratified to see that the author had a much greater than passing familiarity with the processes of the criminal justice system. The proceedings ring true, the challenges Leland confronts are realistic and the science is sound. Leland is an appealing character, who cares about his clients, and wants to do right by them.
This is worth five stars, and I look forward to reading the other novels in this series.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
June 5, 2022
Influencing Justice pulls you in from the beginning and you connect with the characters immediately.
Mystery, suspense and murder during the pandemic.
Tired of the big city chaos Leland now resides in a small quiet town building his clientele.
Simone is social media influencer with MS. The morning after her event her frenemy is discovered dead in her home due to an overdose. She is charged with murder.
Terri, PI, and Leland investigate along with the help of Leland's son Noah to unravel the mystery of who wanted Veronica dead. The deeper they investigate Leland and Noah's life are in danger.
When the pieces of the puzzle start to fall in place they discover that not only did she have a stalker but there are ties to online gaming, human trafficking and a conspiracy.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Mystery, suspense and murder during the pandemic.
Tired of the big city chaos Leland now resides in a small quiet town building his clientele.
Simone is social media influencer with MS. The morning after her event her frenemy is discovered dead in her home due to an overdose. She is charged with murder.
Terri, PI, and Leland investigate along with the help of Leland's son Noah to unravel the mystery of who wanted Veronica dead. The deeper they investigate Leland and Noah's life are in danger.
When the pieces of the puzzle start to fall in place they discover that not only did she have a stalker but there are ties to online gaming, human trafficking and a conspiracy.
Thank you Hidden Gems and the author for a digital copy. Read and reviewed voluntarily and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 4, 2022
I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.
It was okay. This is the second book in the series. Simone Baker was accused of murdering Veronica. She and Veronica were health and wellness influencers. They went to high school together where Veronica and her friends bullied Simone. Simone was helping Veronica launch her influencer's career by throwing Veronica a party. Veronica overdosed the morning after the party. Simone hires Leland Munroe to be her lawyer. Leland hires his friend Terri to be his investigator. Leland and Terri dig for the truth of what happened to cause Veronica's death and they discover something bigger.
The premise of the story is compelling but, to me, the flow of the story takes away from the suspense. I don't think it drew me in as much as it could have. I found the flow of the story a little dry.
It was okay. This is the second book in the series. Simone Baker was accused of murdering Veronica. She and Veronica were health and wellness influencers. They went to high school together where Veronica and her friends bullied Simone. Simone was helping Veronica launch her influencer's career by throwing Veronica a party. Veronica overdosed the morning after the party. Simone hires Leland Munroe to be her lawyer. Leland hires his friend Terri to be his investigator. Leland and Terri dig for the truth of what happened to cause Veronica's death and they discover something bigger.
The premise of the story is compelling but, to me, the flow of the story takes away from the suspense. I don't think it drew me in as much as it could have. I found the flow of the story a little dry.
June 7, 2022
A decent legal thriller.
I found most of the characters quite interesting. I loved the lead character, Leland Monroe, who was a sad character and grew stronger as the book went on. His PI, Terri, was a spunky, intelligent woman. The defendant, Simone Baker, got on my nerves with the squeaky clean image presented.
The plot was not strong on legalese, but with the way the author told the story, it was efficient enough to convey the courtroom drama. There were a couple of subplots going on at the same time, and the author did a good job wrapping everything up. I do wish there had been more tension during the trial and that he gave the readers more with the verdict.
Overall, the writing was consistent and moved along as an easy read. I would read another book by this author.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
I found most of the characters quite interesting. I loved the lead character, Leland Monroe, who was a sad character and grew stronger as the book went on. His PI, Terri, was a spunky, intelligent woman. The defendant, Simone Baker, got on my nerves with the squeaky clean image presented.
The plot was not strong on legalese, but with the way the author told the story, it was efficient enough to convey the courtroom drama. There were a couple of subplots going on at the same time, and the author did a good job wrapping everything up. I do wish there had been more tension during the trial and that he gave the readers more with the verdict.
Overall, the writing was consistent and moved along as an easy read. I would read another book by this author.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
June 3, 2023
Another good one
I am enjoying reading this series by Peter Kirkland, characters are well developed and believable, and in addition to the central crime/murder/courtroom story each person has his or her own real world history and stuff to deal with. This makes the characters relatable and keeps things realistic.
I like Kirkland's writing style - conversations sound natural and believable, and the story flows well and keeps you as a reader hooked. Crimes, victims, accused are all believable and current. An occasional editing miss (in a section where the main character, Leland, is speaking in first person, using "I" a couple of times - "I looked at...", he suddenly apparently refers to himself as "Leland" - "Leland saw...." ). But still good can't-put-it-down legal / crime reads - I recommend them!
I am enjoying reading this series by Peter Kirkland, characters are well developed and believable, and in addition to the central crime/murder/courtroom story each person has his or her own real world history and stuff to deal with. This makes the characters relatable and keeps things realistic.
I like Kirkland's writing style - conversations sound natural and believable, and the story flows well and keeps you as a reader hooked. Crimes, victims, accused are all believable and current. An occasional editing miss (in a section where the main character, Leland, is speaking in first person, using "I" a couple of times - "I looked at...", he suddenly apparently refers to himself as "Leland" - "Leland saw...." ). But still good can't-put-it-down legal / crime reads - I recommend them!
July 17, 2022
I received this ARC and I'm providing my honest review. The book was #2 in a series and although a stand-alone book, the foundation of the main characters was no doubt laid out in the first book, and continued character development was taking place in book #2. The setting takes place during the COVID pandemic. A social media influencer is charged with the murder of another influencer. Lawyer Leland Monroe is hired to prove her innocence. Initially, he doubts her innocence, but as he and his investigator digs deeper, they discover something bigger is going on. The book was okay, but it wasn't one of those books that I just couldn't put down.
April 12, 2024
1st book from this author and I am loving it. Not my usual genre, but I needed something different and took a chance! I need to go back and read the 1st book in this series as I am sure there is more background on why Leland is in a different position.
I love the courtroom drama, the characters, the twists and when Leland and Terri figure out at just the right moment, how their client is really not guilty. It’s hard to put the book down because you want to figure out who really committed the crime and why.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love the courtroom drama, the characters, the twists and when Leland and Terri figure out at just the right moment, how their client is really not guilty. It’s hard to put the book down because you want to figure out who really committed the crime and why.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2026
Entertaining Read
This book is an interesting and easy read. If you enjoy legal thrillers, you'll like this book because you won't be able to figure out who the murderer is. The book will keep you absorbed until the last few chapters, when through no fault of the author, but a negligent editor or proofreader, the narrator begins to refer to himself in the 3rd person. That was a full-on jolt. And when it happened again, a few pages later, I liked the book enough to be angered by the sloppiness. Still a worthwhile read, but be prepared for the narrator to refer to himself as "Leland" as the book is wrapping.
This book is an interesting and easy read. If you enjoy legal thrillers, you'll like this book because you won't be able to figure out who the murderer is. The book will keep you absorbed until the last few chapters, when through no fault of the author, but a negligent editor or proofreader, the narrator begins to refer to himself in the 3rd person. That was a full-on jolt. And when it happened again, a few pages later, I liked the book enough to be angered by the sloppiness. Still a worthwhile read, but be prepared for the narrator to refer to himself as "Leland" as the book is wrapping.
June 28, 2023
first storyline to incl pandemic
Loved how the author wove into the plot what still seems to be such fresh “history” - the COVID-19 pandemic. Love how it also got creative with how to develop a story on a virtual realm since in person was limited due to social distancing. It was a challenge the author did not have to give himself but did anyway and he pulled it off. A tiny bit confused at the end with so many subplots stringing in together but perhaps it will all make sense in book three :)
Loved how the author wove into the plot what still seems to be such fresh “history” - the COVID-19 pandemic. Love how it also got creative with how to develop a story on a virtual realm since in person was limited due to social distancing. It was a challenge the author did not have to give himself but did anyway and he pulled it off. A tiny bit confused at the end with so many subplots stringing in together but perhaps it will all make sense in book three :)
August 27, 2022
My second Peter Kirkland novel. Influencing Justice was even better than his first “Small Town Lawyer” book, Defending Innocence which I also really liked. It’s so good to find a series with well developed, likable, relatable characters, plots that are believable and topical and also a series without gratuitous sex and violence. Clearly a five star book in my opinion and I can’t wait to read the next novel, Interpreting Guilt. In fact I’m going to order on my Kindle now!
September 25, 2022
Not a page turner!
I was disappointed that the time frame was during our present Covid pandemic. It’s bad enough to be in a pandemic so I don’t relish a fictional tale with that repeating theme! The characters were not vividly portrayed. So, for me, I had trouble following whose who. Overall, I finished the story but wasn’t driven to stay with it. I hate to not finish a book once I’m started.
I was disappointed that the time frame was during our present Covid pandemic. It’s bad enough to be in a pandemic so I don’t relish a fictional tale with that repeating theme! The characters were not vividly portrayed. So, for me, I had trouble following whose who. Overall, I finished the story but wasn’t driven to stay with it. I hate to not finish a book once I’m started.
September 27, 2022
Leland Munroe is a lawyer living with his teenage son Noah in the small town of Basking Rock. Simone Baker is an Instagram influencer is being charged with manslaughter. Simone has asked Leland to defend her but he explains to Simone that he is not a criminal attorney. Leland agrees to take her case and upon his investigation find out there is a criminal organization behind the conspiracy of her case. I really enjoyed this outstanding legal thriller novel.
January 18, 2023
The best in a very long time
I love reading books that you just can't put down, but it's been a while since I've come across one. Until now! I wanted to stay up too late reading, I thought about the story while working, cleaning, etc. I couldn't wait to go to bed so I could keep reading. Beautifully written in enough detail to picture yourself there but not bogged down with useless fluff. It strikes a perfect balance. I can't wait for book # 2! Well done!
I love reading books that you just can't put down, but it's been a while since I've come across one. Until now! I wanted to stay up too late reading, I thought about the story while working, cleaning, etc. I couldn't wait to go to bed so I could keep reading. Beautifully written in enough detail to picture yourself there but not bogged down with useless fluff. It strikes a perfect balance. I can't wait for book # 2! Well done!
April 30, 2023
Not the most well-written book I’ve ever read, but I’m really enjoying this series. The legal strategy is sound, but it’s still entertaining and fiction. The relationship between Leland and his son is heartwarming. I’m not a huge fan of where I think he’s taking the relationship between Leland and Terri, but it’ll at least be believable if it works out that way. Everyone’s motivations feel well thought out - even the side characters.
November 19, 2024
Great narration by JJ Hosenfeld who brings the characters and story to life
A social media celebrity is murdered and rival Simone Baker, is charged with murder. While Leland defends Simone, he finds problems with the police investigation, which includes evidence tampering. Leland finds himself threatened. He believes a conspiracy that is larger than he first thought.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A social media celebrity is murdered and rival Simone Baker, is charged with murder. While Leland defends Simone, he finds problems with the police investigation, which includes evidence tampering. Leland finds himself threatened. He believes a conspiracy that is larger than he first thought.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2024
Despite not wanting to be a criminal defense attorney, Leland once again finds himself defending the innocent, after all, he's getting rather good at it. An influencer is on trial accused of murdering another influencer. The evidence is circumstantial, but cases have been lost for less. Leland finds himself embroiled in another high profile case despite his reluctance. Well written and a page turner.
June 3, 2022
Great book. Hard to put down
The second book was even better than the first and I could not put either one down.
. Good explanations of the law, trials and legal procedures. The characters were easy to picture and the dialog was clean and crisp!!!!!! Now I have to wait for the next one. I do hope he writes it soon.
The second book was even better than the first and I could not put either one down.
. Good explanations of the law, trials and legal procedures. The characters were easy to picture and the dialog was clean and crisp!!!!!! Now I have to wait for the next one. I do hope he writes it soon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews