Nine stars
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and K. C. Gilbert for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
I enjoyed my first foray into K.C. Gilbert's legal thriller writing and was pleased to receive another ARC to compare. Gilbert uses great writing and strong story building to keep the reader hooked as they explore the back country of South Carolina and a community that has been controlled by a single family for generations. A small-town lawyer seeks to defend his town and its honour, making sure that the locals are protected, whatever their issues. When a boat crash leaves a young woman dead, Gil Gattling is happy to help her grieving family hold the driver to account. That will mean clashing with the Prentice family. Gil is not ready to stand down and what follows is a clash of legal mindsets to ensure the death is not swept under the rug. Gilbert captivates with ease and keeps the reader wondering at every turn.
Gilbert 'Gil' Gattling is a talented lawyer, living in the small community of Beaufort, South Carolina. His small, but successful, practice is known for fair legal work and prompt service. Most services are by word of mouth, which extends to the small church community, who have turned to him for many of their needs.
When Penny Prescott dies in a boat crash, the community is shocked. That it was a drunken event with Jadon Prentice behind the wheel is an added issue, as his family has control of the law and court process around the five counties. Jim Prentice is the current Circuit Solicitor, akin to the District Attorney, a role his family has held for generations. The Prentices have been able to pull strings and ensure the courts rule in their favour, or at least offer subtle influence. This is yet another situation where they have been able to scurry a pickled Jadon away from the scene of the crime and kept from many of the authorities. However, Gil will not stand idly by and let the Prentices walk all over the law, especially with a young woman in the grave and her family grieving.
Gil agrees to help file a civil case against the Jadon Prentice for wrongful death and does whatever he can to help uncover the truth behind that night on the water. While he has connections, he must rely on those who dislike the Prentice power as much as he does to find the truth. Working with an able assistant and bright court clerk, Gil discovers that Jim Prentice has been flexing his muscle in many ways to short change people out of their settlements and using the courts to cover it all up. He is also trying to get someone to actually take a look at procecutying Jadon for the crime and putting pressure on him to face justice.
While this is a Hurculean task, Gill Gattling is happy to do whatever he can, hoping that it will be enough. His efforts do not go unnoticed and Jim Prentice soon targets the local lawyer in his own scheme to bring the little man down. Things soon get troublesome when Gil's associate is attacked and Prentice is tight-lipped about it all. Juggling news on the personal front with the actions around Beaufort, Gil will have to keep pushing forward to ensure the truth comes out and the Prentices are met with the justice they deserve. In a David versus Goliath situation, K.C. Gilbert delivers a stunning story that is sure to captivate the reader's attention throughout.
K. C. Gilbert caught my attention with another legal thriller not long ago and I vowed to try more of his writing when I could. Now, with this new novel, I was pulled into the middle of another stunning piece that has all the elements of success. Gilbert delivers with a strong narrative that paints a great picture of events that are sure to set the scene for the novel. Beaufort is a great place to live, though issues under the surface are not lost on those who dig a little. Gilbert develops this and much more throughout the well-paced chapters that come to life as the story progresses. Strong characters help flavour the story and keep the reader flipping pages well into the night.
Plot points are key to keeping the reader engaged, something that Gilbert has mastered. While the story might seem linear in its attempt to bring justice to a grieving family, there is so much more to tackle in the novel and Gilbert does so with ease. He develops his story arcs throughout the piece and keeps the reader hooked until the final page. I cannot say enough about this book, K.C. Gilbert as an author, and the great addition to the genre that this book provides. I am eager to see what else Gilbert has to come and where it will take me!
Kudos, Mr. Gilbert, for another stunning rad that has me sharing. my excitement with anyone who will listen.
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