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Small Town Lawyer #3
Interpreting Guilt
A murder from the past hides an even darker secret.
A boating accident has left one Basking Rock teenager dead and three others traumatized. Defense attorney Leland Munroe is determined to prove his client wasn’t responsible, but circuit solicitor Pat Ludlow will stop at nothing to keep his own son out of trouble. Even if it means ruining an innocent young man’s life.
While Leland prepares his case, a second desperate client approaches him about an injustice from the past. Two decades ago, Maria Guerrero was convicted of murdering Peggy Ludlow, the solicitor’s first wife. The evidence was stacked against her, but her son is positive his mother is innocent. If Maria didn’t kill Peggy, though… who did?
As Leland navigates the two cases’ twists and turns, he and his loved ones are caught in the crossfire. Leland has committed his life to fighting for justice… but this time both his career and his freedom may be on the line.
A boating accident has left one Basking Rock teenager dead and three others traumatized. Defense attorney Leland Munroe is determined to prove his client wasn’t responsible, but circuit solicitor Pat Ludlow will stop at nothing to keep his own son out of trouble. Even if it means ruining an innocent young man’s life.
While Leland prepares his case, a second desperate client approaches him about an injustice from the past. Two decades ago, Maria Guerrero was convicted of murdering Peggy Ludlow, the solicitor’s first wife. The evidence was stacked against her, but her son is positive his mother is innocent. If Maria didn’t kill Peggy, though… who did?
As Leland navigates the two cases’ twists and turns, he and his loved ones are caught in the crossfire. Leland has committed his life to fighting for justice… but this time both his career and his freedom may be on the line.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2023
2144 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Peter Kirkland
19 books115 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 23, 2023
I do enjoy Kirklands books for the most part. But I feel that his endings fall short. The stories build well enough and hold your interest throughout, with plenty of unforeseen twists. But rather than ending with a dramatic edge of your seat showdown in court, or feeling the tension wind tighter and tighter as the bad guys feel the walls closing in, his stories just sort of slow down towards the end while he wraps things up epilogue style and then it's over. Just sort of anticlimactic for me.
August 19, 2025
4.5 stars. Not surprised this was another great read that was hard to put down. Leland takes on two cases this time with plenty of twists and suspense to keep the story moving quickly. I really enjoy the down to earth main players. Loved seeing Leland's son Noah getting to help his dad briefly for a case. And hmmm, what a v-e-r-y interesting ending that was 😉. Loved it! Looking forward to starting book 4 soon.
April 30, 2024
I think the lawyer and Terry are going to end up together! I hate the Ludlow didn’t get a punishment and his kid got away with murder basically.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2023
Leland Munroe is navigating the judicial system with a different perspective, from Charleston to Basking Rock, from city to small town, and the small town Leland's hometown, from prosecutor to defense attorney. Justice is the desire from both perspectives, but only one side can win.
A local teenager has died in a boating accident during a night with friends, but only one is held responsible. All 3 teen survivors have different memory of the accident. What really happened? Whose memory is accurate?
As the case proceeds through investigative steps, a son wants to hire Leland to prove his mother was wrongly convicted of murder. How do you prove innocence when the conviction was 2 decades earlier? Whose memory will be accurate after 2 decades?
The courtroom drama and questions are always a highlight, and I knew that the author brought personal authenticity to his writing before I even read his bio after reading Book 1. Description of the fireworks in Book 3 illuminates the magic of his picturesque writing.
Thank you to the author for the invitation to join the ARC Review Team and for the eARC from Booksprout. The views expressed in the review are my own.
A local teenager has died in a boating accident during a night with friends, but only one is held responsible. All 3 teen survivors have different memory of the accident. What really happened? Whose memory is accurate?
As the case proceeds through investigative steps, a son wants to hire Leland to prove his mother was wrongly convicted of murder. How do you prove innocence when the conviction was 2 decades earlier? Whose memory will be accurate after 2 decades?
The courtroom drama and questions are always a highlight, and I knew that the author brought personal authenticity to his writing before I even read his bio after reading Book 1. Description of the fireworks in Book 3 illuminates the magic of his picturesque writing.
"At the crack of another firework, I looked up. It looked like spinning white raindrops, or tiny fish, were falling toward Hilton Head."I was deeply disappointed, however, with 3 descriptions in particular. Prefacing a description with "old phrase" is not sufficient for inclusion of
"When they burst, fiery blue nets spread across the sky, seeming to capture the falling white fish."
"the higher the hair, the closer to God."For an author who can magically describe fireworks, he can describe women without a cliche of the past and stereotyping.
"With her black-rimmed glasses and her gray hair up in its usual bun, she looked like a cheerful older librarian."Books 1 & 2 each received 4 stars, and due to the complexity of the threads of Book 3, I thought I would be giving 5 stars. However, I refuse to give 5 stars to a novel with descriptions of female characters in contemporary fiction that stereotype women.
"She was short, built like a feminine fire hydrant, with a gray braid down her back."
Thank you to the author for the invitation to join the ARC Review Team and for the eARC from Booksprout. The views expressed in the review are my own.
February 28, 2025
I am enjoying the small town lawyer series and the third installment was no different to the others - full of quirky characters and learning how to cope moving from a large town to small town.
It was easy to follow and really enjoyable it was brought up to date with covid.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Audible version
I have listened to the audio version and this just adds a depth to the series with the narration and you can really imagine that you are in the South of the US. The only issue I had was Terri's voice, but apart from that I was completely engaged and as it had been a while since I had read the book it was all like new but with memories. It makes more sense to read/listen in order.
It was easy to follow and really enjoyable it was brought up to date with covid.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Audible version
I have listened to the audio version and this just adds a depth to the series with the narration and you can really imagine that you are in the South of the US. The only issue I had was Terri's voice, but apart from that I was completely engaged and as it had been a while since I had read the book it was all like new but with memories. It makes more sense to read/listen in order.
October 18, 2023
Kirkland is from Beaufort, SC also home of Alex Murdaugh and his family. One of the plots in this book is a direct take on the Paul Murdaugh boat accident,and the DA there is remind of Murdaugh himself. Just so you know.
This is the third book of Kirkland's that I've read, and have enjoyed them all. I agree with another reviewer that the cases are very anticlimactic at the end of the book rather than give us some action. But I'm looking forward to his next book coming out next week.
This is the third book of Kirkland's that I've read, and have enjoyed them all. I agree with another reviewer that the cases are very anticlimactic at the end of the book rather than give us some action. But I'm looking forward to his next book coming out next week.
April 24, 2023
Two Cases to Follow with Very Sympathetic Clients
I've been enjoying this audiobook series about small-town lawyer Leland Monroe, who's returned to his small Southern hometown in disgrace after using the benefits of his office to protect his alcoholic wife, who is now deceased. In this particular book, we follow two cases. Both feature people for whom the scales of justice are weighted down. Both are at a substantial disadvantage, one socioeconomically and ethnically and the other because he’s the perfect fall guy, as it is unlikely the other surviving young man, the son of the circuit solicitor (the head of the local prosecutorial team), would pay for what happened that fatal night. Leland has to walk on tenterhooks with both cases, as he doesn't want to inflame Mr. Ludlow (the circuit solicitor) and make himself any more of a target than he already is because of his prior cases. With great care, he researched the old case where a Hispanic mother of five was convicted of murdering her boss, the circuit solicitor’s mother, and put away for life. The main case, so to speak, is about a horrible accident that took a promising young man's life, but it’s hard to pin the blame for a matter that is simply a tragic accident, not really the fault of the young people involved beyond doing stupid young people things like drinking and driving a boat after midnight. As in the other book I listened to—yes, I'm reading them out of order—I really enjoyed the courtroom scenes. As with the previous book I'd listened to, I wasn't wild about the narrator. He does a perfectly fine job voicing the male main character, Leland, but his voicings of the women, in particular, are atrocious and painful to listen to. I hope this author chooses another narrator for the next series of books if he's going to have female characters. The narrator doesn't even do that great of a job with the young men. He also gives somewhat weird, stereotypical accents for the older Southern gentleman.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I've been enjoying this audiobook series about small-town lawyer Leland Monroe, who's returned to his small Southern hometown in disgrace after using the benefits of his office to protect his alcoholic wife, who is now deceased. In this particular book, we follow two cases. Both feature people for whom the scales of justice are weighted down. Both are at a substantial disadvantage, one socioeconomically and ethnically and the other because he’s the perfect fall guy, as it is unlikely the other surviving young man, the son of the circuit solicitor (the head of the local prosecutorial team), would pay for what happened that fatal night. Leland has to walk on tenterhooks with both cases, as he doesn't want to inflame Mr. Ludlow (the circuit solicitor) and make himself any more of a target than he already is because of his prior cases. With great care, he researched the old case where a Hispanic mother of five was convicted of murdering her boss, the circuit solicitor’s mother, and put away for life. The main case, so to speak, is about a horrible accident that took a promising young man's life, but it’s hard to pin the blame for a matter that is simply a tragic accident, not really the fault of the young people involved beyond doing stupid young people things like drinking and driving a boat after midnight. As in the other book I listened to—yes, I'm reading them out of order—I really enjoyed the courtroom scenes. As with the previous book I'd listened to, I wasn't wild about the narrator. He does a perfectly fine job voicing the male main character, Leland, but his voicings of the women, in particular, are atrocious and painful to listen to. I hope this author chooses another narrator for the next series of books if he's going to have female characters. The narrator doesn't even do that great of a job with the young men. He also gives somewhat weird, stereotypical accents for the older Southern gentleman.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
March 23, 2024
Interpreting Guilt
Small Town Lawyer, Book 3
By: Peter Kirkland
Narrated by: J J Hosenfeld
A Powerhouse of a Legal Triller!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 03-23-24
Four teens went boating … three returned … one perished. When panic and alcohol blur a survivors recall. Leland and Terri find that “Interpreting Guilt” isn’t for the meek, especially when it becomes clear that SOMEONE has a nefarious stake in making sure the truth … NEVER … comes … out! Then there’s that eighteen year old case that just might just be the biggest injustice of all … Filled with riveting, realistic, courtroom drama, shenanigans, heart pumping action, and beautifully drawn, throughly developed, UNIQUE characters, “Interpreting Guilt” is PHENOMENAL! I was kept throughly engaged, entertained, AND firmly in the moment the entire time! I’m giving no plot details, no spoilers, I don’t want to ruin the many surprises for future listers, but I will say that I love how our author is able to keep complex “legalism’s” simple, easily understandable, and how beautifully he works them into the flow of the story! It truly makes for a magical listen, and THIS story was exactly that! I was satisfied in every way! I especially love our authors characters! These unique characters are amazing! I love how they aren’t perfect human beings. They make mistakes, sometimes they own them, sometimes not, but at all times they are real, they are believable and they are perfectly cast for their roles in this story! No spoilers, I’m naming no names! As you listen, you will see EXACTLY what, and WHO I mean! Speaking of casting, the narration is perfection! The voicing is astounding! Every voicing choice is casting perfection, perfectly suited to the character’s personality, perfectly timed and consistently performed. Close your eyes and you can SEE this tense courtroom thriller play out in real time! It is absolute perfection in EVERY category, and I absolutely loved it. Five fantastic stars!
Small Town Lawyer, Book 3
By: Peter Kirkland
Narrated by: J J Hosenfeld
A Powerhouse of a Legal Triller!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 03-23-24
Four teens went boating … three returned … one perished. When panic and alcohol blur a survivors recall. Leland and Terri find that “Interpreting Guilt” isn’t for the meek, especially when it becomes clear that SOMEONE has a nefarious stake in making sure the truth … NEVER … comes … out! Then there’s that eighteen year old case that just might just be the biggest injustice of all … Filled with riveting, realistic, courtroom drama, shenanigans, heart pumping action, and beautifully drawn, throughly developed, UNIQUE characters, “Interpreting Guilt” is PHENOMENAL! I was kept throughly engaged, entertained, AND firmly in the moment the entire time! I’m giving no plot details, no spoilers, I don’t want to ruin the many surprises for future listers, but I will say that I love how our author is able to keep complex “legalism’s” simple, easily understandable, and how beautifully he works them into the flow of the story! It truly makes for a magical listen, and THIS story was exactly that! I was satisfied in every way! I especially love our authors characters! These unique characters are amazing! I love how they aren’t perfect human beings. They make mistakes, sometimes they own them, sometimes not, but at all times they are real, they are believable and they are perfectly cast for their roles in this story! No spoilers, I’m naming no names! As you listen, you will see EXACTLY what, and WHO I mean! Speaking of casting, the narration is perfection! The voicing is astounding! Every voicing choice is casting perfection, perfectly suited to the character’s personality, perfectly timed and consistently performed. Close your eyes and you can SEE this tense courtroom thriller play out in real time! It is absolute perfection in EVERY category, and I absolutely loved it. Five fantastic stars!
March 3, 2023
Defence attorney Leland Munroe is at it again - representing the underdog and doing his best to get them justice in a complicated justice system. Since his last two notoriously famous cases, he has become a bit more popular and is able to see some financial respite after quite a long time. Currently he is representing teenager Clay against a manslaughter conviction of driving under influence; Clay and his friends, one of whom is Jimmy Ludlow - the circuit prosecutor Pat Ludlow's son, get drunk on beer and take out Pat's boat in a joyride. Tragically, the boat gets into an accident and Clay is charged with driving under influence, in spite him claiming that he didn't drive the boat.
Leland is also helping a woman with a self- defence plea and things get more interesting when he is contacted by Victor Guerrero, the son of Maria Guerrero, who had been convicted for the murder of Peggy Ludlow, and Victor wants Leland to help him aquit his mother as he is convinced of her innocence. Leland has his hands full as he tries to give him best for all these downtrodden people.
What he does to help them? Does he manage to get them the best possible outcome? How does he deal with the formidable enemy he has made? Read the book to know how this wonderful book ends and to see Leland at his best.
This is by far the best book by Peter Kirkland according to me. I enjoyed this book far more than the previous two books in the series - not that they were bad - they were all good but this book was exceptional. I loved the way Peter has developed the recurring characters in the story. They keep us engaged with their story and you just can't stop reading it.
Peter Kirkland has done it again and all legal crime thriller lovers must definitely read this book. It's a cross between Michael Connelly's 'The Lincoln Lawyer' and James Patterson's detective series ; and you would be thrilled to read this exciting voice in the thriller arena.
Leland is also helping a woman with a self- defence plea and things get more interesting when he is contacted by Victor Guerrero, the son of Maria Guerrero, who had been convicted for the murder of Peggy Ludlow, and Victor wants Leland to help him aquit his mother as he is convinced of her innocence. Leland has his hands full as he tries to give him best for all these downtrodden people.
What he does to help them? Does he manage to get them the best possible outcome? How does he deal with the formidable enemy he has made? Read the book to know how this wonderful book ends and to see Leland at his best.
This is by far the best book by Peter Kirkland according to me. I enjoyed this book far more than the previous two books in the series - not that they were bad - they were all good but this book was exceptional. I loved the way Peter has developed the recurring characters in the story. They keep us engaged with their story and you just can't stop reading it.
Peter Kirkland has done it again and all legal crime thriller lovers must definitely read this book. It's a cross between Michael Connelly's 'The Lincoln Lawyer' and James Patterson's detective series ; and you would be thrilled to read this exciting voice in the thriller arena.
January 30, 2025
I enjoyed this book. This is the third book in the series and the author went with something different with this one. Now that Leland has freed two of his clients he has become more famous and his case load has grown. This means instead of working on only one case at a time (like the previous books, which can be read or listened too as stand alones), he and his trusted Private investigator are working on three, very different cases. Although two are connected to the same family and involves someone this can has come to hate. This does mean you have to pay more attention to the story, as they switch between cases without any warning but I think it works well and keeps the story moving along quickly. I also think there is more courtroom appearances and drama as each case gets wrapped. I like the characters and think Leland and Terri (his private investigator) work well together. Still loving this series and am so glad I discovered it.
Leland has his work cut out for him with a mother of young children who is accused of killing her ex husband after he broke into her house and a teenage boy who faces jail time after a boating accident kills his friend, the problem is swears he wasn't driving. He claims circuit solicitor Pat Ludlow son was. A man who Leland has come to mistrust. Can he free his clients? To complicate things a son turns to Leland and asks him to take a look at a cold case. His mother has been in jail for years, accused of killing Pat Ludlow's first wife. Is Leland real up for making an enemy of a very powerful man? It can't hurt to look into it, right?
I like the narrator and hope he sticks with the series because I couldn't imagine anybody in the roll now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leland has his work cut out for him with a mother of young children who is accused of killing her ex husband after he broke into her house and a teenage boy who faces jail time after a boating accident kills his friend, the problem is swears he wasn't driving. He claims circuit solicitor Pat Ludlow son was. A man who Leland has come to mistrust. Can he free his clients? To complicate things a son turns to Leland and asks him to take a look at a cold case. His mother has been in jail for years, accused of killing Pat Ludlow's first wife. Is Leland real up for making an enemy of a very powerful man? It can't hurt to look into it, right?
I like the narrator and hope he sticks with the series because I couldn't imagine anybody in the roll now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2023
Leland makes the me wanna go back to school...lol. I am pretty sure that Leland was a superb prosecutor but he is a better defense attorney. And his son Noah is excellent in his detective work.
Leland always finds the rub and solves the case. Here we are faced with an old case and at the same time very high profile case. but here is the eye opener.....in some strange form if you are paying attention you see that they ar very connected.
Lealad and Terry are in a fight not the life of the client but themselves cause someone doesn't want Lealand to fix the screw up of the old case and nor do they want him solve the case he is currently working on...between his son inobstusive demeanor and Terry' come on I ain't nothing to lose attitude you find that everthing is not what it seems that strings being pulled are helping when the hiddens one theought they were hurting.
i love the voice of the narrator J J Hosenfeld. Although it can seem momotome but you have listen with the focus on the story and his uhhuh and yeas because clear indications that his mind in spinning. I am so looking for more Leland Monroe audiobooks.
Originally I Listened to the audiobook of the first two but now that I have JJ Hosenfeld in my head I can read this one and hear the book being read. I cannot wait for the audiobook version.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Leland always finds the rub and solves the case. Here we are faced with an old case and at the same time very high profile case. but here is the eye opener.....in some strange form if you are paying attention you see that they ar very connected.
Lealad and Terry are in a fight not the life of the client but themselves cause someone doesn't want Lealand to fix the screw up of the old case and nor do they want him solve the case he is currently working on...between his son inobstusive demeanor and Terry' come on I ain't nothing to lose attitude you find that everthing is not what it seems that strings being pulled are helping when the hiddens one theought they were hurting.
i love the voice of the narrator J J Hosenfeld. Although it can seem momotome but you have listen with the focus on the story and his uhhuh and yeas because clear indications that his mind in spinning. I am so looking for more Leland Monroe audiobooks.
Originally I Listened to the audiobook of the first two but now that I have JJ Hosenfeld in my head I can read this one and hear the book being read. I cannot wait for the audiobook version.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2023
I had received this book from the author and the fine folks at Booksprout.com in return for an honest review.
Apparently this is the third book in the Small Town Lawyer series (but the first that I have had the opportunity to read). This is the tale of Leland, our protagonist, as he handles a couple legal cases in small town (I assume by the title of the series) as he examines the effect that corruption and nepotism has on the legal system (at one point he mentions that the prosecutor's family has held that position for over eighty years) and how that plays against the imprisonment of a Mexican housekeeper for the death of the prosecutor's wife twenty years previous in addition to a tragic event involving four young adults (who either had just completed high school or had just started university), underage drinking and boating under the influence.
Now, I will admit that I am fond of legal stories (and maybe that might show a little bias) but I enjoyed how this author was able to tell the tales of two separate legal undertakings and would easily rate this a solid five stars. I believe that this book would definitely be enjoyed by readers of a similar mindset (those who would enjoy reading Grisham and Turow).
As with all my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
Apparently this is the third book in the Small Town Lawyer series (but the first that I have had the opportunity to read). This is the tale of Leland, our protagonist, as he handles a couple legal cases in small town (I assume by the title of the series) as he examines the effect that corruption and nepotism has on the legal system (at one point he mentions that the prosecutor's family has held that position for over eighty years) and how that plays against the imprisonment of a Mexican housekeeper for the death of the prosecutor's wife twenty years previous in addition to a tragic event involving four young adults (who either had just completed high school or had just started university), underage drinking and boating under the influence.
Now, I will admit that I am fond of legal stories (and maybe that might show a little bias) but I enjoyed how this author was able to tell the tales of two separate legal undertakings and would easily rate this a solid five stars. I believe that this book would definitely be enjoyed by readers of a similar mindset (those who would enjoy reading Grisham and Turow).
As with all my literary ramblings, this is just my five cents worth.
March 31, 2023
A boating accident has left one Basking Rock teenager dead and three others traumatized. Defense attorney Leland Munroe is determined to prove his client wasn’t responsible, but circuit solicitor Pat Ludlow will stop at nothing to keep his own son out of trouble. Even if it means ruining an innocent young man’s life.
While Leland prepares his case, a second desperate client approaches him about an injustice from the past. Two decades ago, Maria Guerrero was convicted of murdering Peggy Ludlow, the solicitor’s first wife. The evidence was stacked against her, but her son is positive his mother is innocent. If Maria didn’t kill Peggy, though… who did?
As Leland navigates the two cases’ twists and turns, he and his loved ones are caught in the crossfire. Leland has committed his life to fighting for justice… but this time both his career and his freedom may be on the line.
I was hooked from the first chapter. Will definitely recommend this legal thriller to fans of this genre.
While Leland prepares his case, a second desperate client approaches him about an injustice from the past. Two decades ago, Maria Guerrero was convicted of murdering Peggy Ludlow, the solicitor’s first wife. The evidence was stacked against her, but her son is positive his mother is innocent. If Maria didn’t kill Peggy, though… who did?
As Leland navigates the two cases’ twists and turns, he and his loved ones are caught in the crossfire. Leland has committed his life to fighting for justice… but this time both his career and his freedom may be on the line.
I was hooked from the first chapter. Will definitely recommend this legal thriller to fans of this genre.
July 11, 2024
Author did a great job with this book, recommend to read
Author, you did your thang on this book. The storyline was very intriguing. Leland is glowing up but remains humble. I love the idea that he lives this down to earth life with a kind heart. Maann, I was praying for Noah but I wonder why he chose such a young girlfriend. But they seem to be cute together. I love the friendship bond between Leland and Ruiz and how they handled their kids relationship. It was amazing how Leland was able to handle all these cases at the same time and didn’t miss a beat. He think positive about his cases and he doesn’t scam his clients for a lot money to represent them. I admire Leland character. He’s very relatable, respectful and honest. I foresee a relationship forming and I’m all for it. I feel Leland is going to start having issues with the cartel soon. He’s been stepping too close to the edge of their turf.
Author, you did your thang on this book. The storyline was very intriguing. Leland is glowing up but remains humble. I love the idea that he lives this down to earth life with a kind heart. Maann, I was praying for Noah but I wonder why he chose such a young girlfriend. But they seem to be cute together. I love the friendship bond between Leland and Ruiz and how they handled their kids relationship. It was amazing how Leland was able to handle all these cases at the same time and didn’t miss a beat. He think positive about his cases and he doesn’t scam his clients for a lot money to represent them. I admire Leland character. He’s very relatable, respectful and honest. I foresee a relationship forming and I’m all for it. I feel Leland is going to start having issues with the cartel soon. He’s been stepping too close to the edge of their turf.
February 7, 2023
This is the third in the Small Town Lawyer series and the best yet. This one gets into a couple of cases Leland handles at the same time. I was impressed at how cleverly he twists the unveiling of information of both cases without confusing the reader. (I have read a few recently that just confused everything). The setting is the beautiful state of SC and uses the legal system of that state correctly. The characters are interesting and easy to get to know and care about: Leland, his son Noah, his PI, Terri are the stars but you meet the prosecutors and other characters good and bad who advance the plot and see some of the quirky SC personalities emerge.
I received this ARC version free but this is my honest review. I have read all three of the series and while you can read each one as a standalone, it’s more fun to read them in order.
I received this ARC version free but this is my honest review. I have read all three of the series and while you can read each one as a standalone, it’s more fun to read them in order.
February 21, 2023
I received an ARC through BookSprout and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story has Leland and Terri balancing three different court cases. They run as follows: a claim of self-defense, a case where an individual had died as the result of a boat accident while the client had been drinking and finally the attempt to get a new trial for a person who was in prison for murder which happened 20 years earlier.
Follow along with Leland and Terri as they move from each case searching for something which will swing evidence in their favor for each of their acting cases. See what obstacles they have to overcome as they prepare for trial.
The ending sums it all up and his success is fulfilling. It is a definite read for you. After you finish this story you might be wanting to read the two earlier in the series.
This story has Leland and Terri balancing three different court cases. They run as follows: a claim of self-defense, a case where an individual had died as the result of a boat accident while the client had been drinking and finally the attempt to get a new trial for a person who was in prison for murder which happened 20 years earlier.
Follow along with Leland and Terri as they move from each case searching for something which will swing evidence in their favor for each of their acting cases. See what obstacles they have to overcome as they prepare for trial.
The ending sums it all up and his success is fulfilling. It is a definite read for you. After you finish this story you might be wanting to read the two earlier in the series.
April 12, 2024
Leland is back at it – working on multiple cases and trying to stay out of the way of the circuit solicitor, Pat Ludlow. Both cases have something to do with his (Ludlow) family in one way or the other. Will Leland be able to juggle both cases – or will there be complications along the way to make things difficult for him?
Drama, suspense, lies, secrets, mismanagement, twists and turns, and truths are revealed. The plots are good and keep your interest from page 1. I am kind of hoping that Terri and Leland get together – I would like to see this pair end up happy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Drama, suspense, lies, secrets, mismanagement, twists and turns, and truths are revealed. The plots are good and keep your interest from page 1. I am kind of hoping that Terri and Leland get together – I would like to see this pair end up happy!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2023
I have enjoyed the Small Town Lawyer books. They are a perfect description of how it feels to move from a big city to a small town, where everyone knows you. He also greatly details the struggles of daily work in the effects of COVID. Lastly, I love how relatable the main character is. It is hard to be at the center of attention in a small community, especially while trying to fight community biases.
March 1, 2023
Could this book be any more confusing? There are so many twists and turns that will keep you reading until the end. Excellent writing for each of the characters. The characters are complex and interesting. Don't expect to get any sleep when you start this book because you want to read till the end. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 12, 2023
GREAT READ!
I have read all three of Peter Kirkland’s Small Town Lawyer Books. I enjoyed them all and learned a bit about the law. I liked that these books show the good, the bad, and the ugly about people in general. It is also refreshing to read about someone who does the right things, even though it is sometimes agonizing. I hope that Mr. Kirkland will add to this series. In my opinion, he has a gift for writing this type of book. Bravo, Mr. Kirkland and thank you!
I have read all three of Peter Kirkland’s Small Town Lawyer Books. I enjoyed them all and learned a bit about the law. I liked that these books show the good, the bad, and the ugly about people in general. It is also refreshing to read about someone who does the right things, even though it is sometimes agonizing. I hope that Mr. Kirkland will add to this series. In my opinion, he has a gift for writing this type of book. Bravo, Mr. Kirkland and thank you!
March 13, 2023
I received an electronic copy of this book from NetGalley.
Other reviewers have written quite detailed synopses, and I will not repeat their efforts here. I will say that this is the third book in a series, and (unlike some other series) I had no trouble following the plot despite not having read the earlier books. (I intend to remedy that deficiency soon.) I enjoyed the legal twists and turns, and would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys legal thrillers.
Other reviewers have written quite detailed synopses, and I will not repeat their efforts here. I will say that this is the third book in a series, and (unlike some other series) I had no trouble following the plot despite not having read the earlier books. (I intend to remedy that deficiency soon.) I enjoyed the legal twists and turns, and would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys legal thrillers.
April 17, 2023
This is the third book in the Small Town Lawyer Series. This is my favorite in the series. In each book, we follow Leland, a defense attorney, in his personal life, and his work-life. In this installment, he works on two interconnected cases. I liked the investigation, the mystery, and the twists and turns. The characters are well developed. The storyline is interesting and captivating. J J Hosenfeld did a great job bringing this story to life. Looking forward to more in the series. I received a free copy of this audiobook via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2023
Another good one
I am really enjoying this series. Leland is a believable, flawed, but likeable David taking on the Goliaths of the criminal and legal world and (mostly) successfully slaying them. Set in the South Carolina low country there are plenty of meals featuring local favorites, and walks on the beach to discuss the current case without fear of electronic eavesdropping. The books are quick reads, would be great to take on a beach vacation!
I am really enjoying this series. Leland is a believable, flawed, but likeable David taking on the Goliaths of the criminal and legal world and (mostly) successfully slaying them. Set in the South Carolina low country there are plenty of meals featuring local favorites, and walks on the beach to discuss the current case without fear of electronic eavesdropping. The books are quick reads, would be great to take on a beach vacation!
December 30, 2024
Another great read from Peter Kirkland and his "I'm turning into a great criminal defense" attorney, Leland. This one is a toughie, where someone will do anything to prevent Leland from doing his job. I loved how this turned into a father and son vs the rest of them, and hope to read more from this series going forward. They are getting better and better. I do still wish that the endings weren't so rushed though.
January 17, 2025
Interpreting guilt
I don't think that this was going to be a good book at first. I thought Leland had to many cases going on at once but let me tell you I was wrong! It was a fantastic!! The author wrote it like he was the conductor of an orchestra!! There was nothing I didn't enjoy and I'm off to his next book and I can't wait!! Kirkland keep on writing and I'll keep on reading!! Thanks and God bless
I don't think that this was going to be a good book at first. I thought Leland had to many cases going on at once but let me tell you I was wrong! It was a fantastic!! The author wrote it like he was the conductor of an orchestra!! There was nothing I didn't enjoy and I'm off to his next book and I can't wait!! Kirkland keep on writing and I'll keep on reading!! Thanks and God bless
February 22, 2023
This is the third book in the series and the author once again delivers! He brings strong characters in Leland and Terri and weaves a small town romance. It's well written with descriptive scenes, moves fluidly and is a great read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
February 23, 2023
Book 3 in the series, the story follows Defense attorney, Leland Munroe from March to August 2021 as he investigates two cases that are potentially related. The book is descriptive and looks into the legal procedure side of criminal cases.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 28, 2023
I loved this book! I literally couldn’t stop reading it. I just really bond with the characters and the descriptions/details play like a movie in my head. Please tell me the series will continue??!!! Hoping for the next book soon.
Also I have read all three in the series and each book makes me crave fried shrimp 😂
Also I have read all three in the series and each book makes me crave fried shrimp 😂
May 21, 2023
The storyline was choppy, with Leland Munroe serving numbers of clients. Each case is disjointed and does not (maybe they shouldn't) come together. Too many characters and had to research who was who and which case. Two of the case came together in last 5 pages.
Could have been sectioned off and coalesced in bringing them all together towards the end. (just my opinion).
Could have been sectioned off and coalesced in bringing them all together towards the end. (just my opinion).
June 13, 2023
This is a really good book and the plotting and pacing are well done…Peter Kirkland is very good at world building and writing convincing characters, and there is a lot of fun banter throughout,” Dorset Reader writes in their five star Amazon review. “Additionally, the villains are well-described without being clichéd. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys exciting legal stories and mysteries.
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