Witness Protection

by Robert Whitlow

In seeking to help an employee charged with drug smuggling, a man in the federal witness protection program is drawn back into the criminal world he thought he'd left behind.

While in his early twenties, Jason Favreau went to work in the accounting department for a company he thought was in the import/export business. He was partly right. It was a front company for a cartel smuggling drugs into the US. Once he becomes aware of the illegal operation, he doesn't quit--he's making a lot of money and participates at various levels. When the cartel is raided, Jason is arrested and agrees to testify for the government. In return, Jason is ultimately placed in the Witness Protection Program, relocated to southeast Georgia, and given the name Jon Tremaine. He goes to work for a large commercial tree farm, and after eighteen years he is the manager of the operation. One of his employees, Pablo Mendez, has a side hustle importing exotic chocolate from his home village in Mexico for sale to high-end restaurants. But when one of his pallets of chocolate is seized at the port of Brunswick, drugs are found, and Pablo is arrested.

Jon helps Pablo hire Kelli Jackson, a former US Attorney in Atlanta who has moved to Brunswick with her two children after a divorce from her unfaithful husband. Kelli takes a job with a law school friend who has a growing practice in Brunswick. Based on her prior criminal law experience, Kelli agrees to represent Pablo. As the case is investigated, it becomes clear to Jon that the drug gang operates much like the group he was part of in Louisiana and Texas. Pablo agrees to cooperate with the government in return for dismissal of charges that will otherwise certainly result in a conviction and separate him from his young family for decades.

Life as a defense lawyer is much different from that of a US Attorney, and Kelli struggles to keep up. But as Pablo's case heats up, so do the dangers for all involved. It will take a great deal of courage and legal knowledge to protect Pablo and bring the criminals to justice.

Genres: Suspense, Christian Fiction, Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery, Contemporary

464 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2026

About the author

Robert Whitlow is the best-selling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the prestigious Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. A Furman University graduate, Whitlow received his J.D. with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. A practicing attorney, Whitlow and his wife, Kathy, have four children. They make their home in North Carolina.

Reviews

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the main characters, the plot and the high, everyday faith content. The faith content wasn’t overbearing. Also, not all of the main characters were believers. Learning about the witness protection program was interesting as well. Outstanding narration. I was engaged throughout the book. This was the first book I enjoyed by this author and I plan to enjoy his backlist.

I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Audible. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Katelyn Park]

I really tried to love this book, but 12% in, there was no real building plot, and I learned the same three things in ten different ways. I wish I loved this, I really do, but it just wasn't engaging for me. I will definitely read something else by this author, this is just not the book for me. :(

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Robert. Whitlow book I have read and I was quite impressed with his ability to write such a good fiction book.
Kelli is one of the main characters in this book. She is a lawyer working a successful career. She is married with two children, Max and Emma. Her husband files for a divorce and she moves the kids and herself to Brunswick to live with her Aunt Carly. Carly is a sweet Christian lady who is afflicted with severe pain from her arthritis. She accepts them into her home and helps the whole family draw a relationship to the Lord. She is a true prayer warrior. She reminded me of War Room and Aunt Clara! Kelli accepts a job with Ann, a friend who she went to law school with and from the first day she accepts a super hard case. Jon Tremaine contacts Ann to help with his co-worker Cesar, who has been accused of smuggling drugs. Jon knows he is innocent. Cesar was just trying to earn more money to care for his family by bringing chocolate in to the US. He had no clue the drug cartel set him up by importing drugs in his chocolate. Jon and Sarah his wife want to help Cesar, but Jon has his own issues with his past and it looks like his drug days are about to catch up with him. He pays to have Cesar get Kelli's professional lawyer counsel. All the twists and turns that occur during this book and the danger that lurks for Jon, (He is in the witness protection plan), Kelli, her kids, Carly, Cesar, all of the key players is intense. Mr Whitlow had me guessing all through the book what was going to happen to who next. I really enjoyed this book that was an ARC provided by Netgalley and Thomas Nelson. thanks for allowing me to review this good book!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Robert Whitlow book and not my last. I found the witness protection aspect to be very interesting. The story had suspense and mystery that kept me reading to see what was going to happen next. However, the subplot which consisted of an aunt's prayer life bogged down the story quite a bit. It seemed to be thrown in at random times just when some momentum was picking up. I definitely appreciate faith in books, but to me it was overdone and didn’t flow as well as it could have. If you enjoy suspense books with heavy faith themes —you will enjoy this one!

3.5 rounded up to 4 🌟


Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This legal suspense novel held my attention but I did not find it totally absorbing as the author methodically and sometimes slowly laid out two storylines that ended up dovetailing together perfectly. For part of the novel, I was stymied as to how lawyer Kelli and land manager Jon Tremaine would end up interacting, but when Jon’s employee is arrested on charges of drug trafficking, the stories merged and it was an easy and entertaining read. Cesar, the employee, seems to be a stooge for the drug cartel and in trying to make extra money for his growing family, he puts them all in danger. Jon, a former employee of a drug cartel who is now in WITSEC, is hesitant to tell Kelli the whole truth and thus ends up endangering himself and Kelli, too. The suspense is relentless but not at a fast pace. The characters are all well developed and the faith element undergirds the whole story as Kelli’s aunt Carly assumes the responsibility to showing her faith to Kelli and to her children. Carly’s prayers were definitely remarkable and showed insight into her faith and her relationship with God. In fact, Carly was my favorite character since she never wavered and was a rock amidst the stormy sea of circumstances in Kelli’s life. Jon seemed to be a character who would choose to do the right thing, but his choices seemed somewhat reluctant so I would not say he was a strong character. The plot is relevant and compelling but did not have the emotional depth or the careful plot that I am accustomed to with others who write similar novels. This was the first book that I have read by this author, and I will definitely look for others as it was a satisfying legal suspense noel with intriguing dynamics between the characters and a strong message of hope.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Clean Book Hoarders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second Robert Whitlow book, and I can’t wait to read more! There were heavy faith elements in the book, especially with the aunt’s prayer life that I really appreciated. This had the enjoyment of a suspense book with legal elements and was packed with faith and witnessing to non-believers. The story with the drug cartel, character in witness protection, lawyer elements, and the character development could’ve stood on its own as a great book. The faith elements just took it up another notch for me.

I was given a copy of the ebook to read in exchange for an honest review from Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction.

My second trip through this book was even better than the first! I really enjoyed the narrator and the different voices for the different characters. Robert Whitlow’s books read like a Christian John Grisham to me. I am hooked!

I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review from Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction.

[Sandy Barrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jon, who is in the witness protection program after a run in with a drug cartel in his 20s, was just trying to help an employee of his who is wrongly accused of a crime. Jon and his pregnant wife have a good life. They are expecting their first child soon. Jon has a good job. They have a nice house and life is good now. Jon gets pulled into a big mess after he helps his innocent employee. The leaders of the drug cartel recognize him as the man who turned state witness and testified against them back in Louisiana. Will the FBI be able to catch them before Jon and his wife are killed? I loved this book and its many twists. Thanks to @NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

After building a new life in the witness protection program, Jon has an employee going through a similar experience. Jon has an established business, a wife and a baby on the way. Should he risk himself to help his employee?

Lots of wonderful scriptures within the pages to help guide characters. I especially loved young Max and Emma.

The lawyer for Jon's employee, Kelli has recently left Atlanta for a slower pace to focus on her children. When she takes the case, she has no idea what the stakes are.

An engaging and fast paced legal thriller. My gratitude to publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed this book. T was very interesting and I loked the various POV's. Robert Whitlow develops his characters so well that you feel as if you know them...leading to feeling empathy, distrust, like, adoration, etc towards them. The book reads as if a tale is being told and memories rehashed at a gathering of friends or family. Realistic telling of current "issues" and a satisfying ending add to the enjoyment of this book. Personally, I hope for a second book dealing with these characters .
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC copy.

[Vicki F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witness Protection by Robert Whitlow is a page-turning suspense. Great character development and plot although slow in developing for me. No predictable conclusion had me turning the pages to discover what it would be.

Releases Apr. 7th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Ink_Drinker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Robert Whitlow book and I’m officially hooked! Pairing the audiobook with the physical copy made the whole experience even better. And now I’m on a full Whitlow kick, I’ve already ordered several more of his books. I absolutely LOVE his writing style!!

Witness Protection blends legal suspense with a deeply human story about starting over. Jon Tremaine has rebuilt his life after testifying against a cartel, but when trouble hits close to home, he’s forced to confront the past he’s tried to bury. Attorney Kelli Quinn, navigating her own fresh start, steps into the case, and their intersecting journeys give the story its heart.

Whitlow balances tension with reflection, showing how courage and conscience can pull someone out of hiding. It’s a thoughtful, steady-paced thriller about identity, redemption, and the cost of choosing what’s right, even when it puts everything at risk.

🎧Audiobook Spotlight🎧
Jason Keller brings a steady, quietly intense performance that fits Jon Tremaine’s guarded, rebuilt life. His pacing is smooth and intentional, letting the tension rise naturally without ever feeling rushed. Keller’s character distinctions are subtle but clear, especially in Jon’s more reflective moments, where his voice softens just enough to highlight the story’s themes of redemption and second chances. It’s a grounded, sincere narration that deepens the emotional weight of the book.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

✨ First thoughts:

Unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me.


📖 What it’s about:

The story centers around identity, secrets, and the complexities of starting over under new circumstances, with a focus on suspense and hidden truths.


💖 What I liked:

The premise had potential

I was interested in the idea of the story going in


😬 What didn’t work:

I had a hard time getting hooked early on

The pacing felt slow right from the start

The accents in the narration felt unnatural and took me out of the story


🎧 Audiobook thoughts:

The narration style didn’t work for me personally. The accents felt a bit forced, which made it difficult to stay immersed.


💭 Final thoughts:

I hate to DNF, but I wasn’t able to finish this one. It just didn’t hold my attention enough to keep going. That said, the premise was interesting, and it may still work for readers who enjoy slower-paced suspense stories.

Rating: ⭐⭐ (DNF)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook ARC—this is my honest review.

[Julie K. Gillies · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Intriguing, often riveting, hard to put down legal thriller. Loved that this book is squeaky clean and also very well written. I truly enjoyed the interesting, realistic character development, the page-turning plot, and the pace.

I found the faith aspect spiritually uplifting, with a meaningful faith theme thoughtfully woven throughout via Scripture, prayer, and earnest conversations between the characters.

As a brand new Robert Whitlow fan, I loved this book. Highly recommend.

Thank you so much to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me an ARC of "Witness Protection".

[Patti Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this suspenseful book.

[April Meier · Rating 1 out of 5]

ALC from NetGalley - I really tried to like this book and almost DFN it 25% through. I decided to stick with it and it just wasn’t for me. I didn’t like the dialogue, the characters had no depth and although the plot was suppose to be suspenseful I just wasn’t interested at all. I’m not sure if it was because I listened instead of read it but I felt like Sarah’s character was annoying and the dialogue that took place with the children didn’t fit the story at all.

[Kristi Lamont · Rating 2 out of 5]

BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of Witness Protection, by Robert Whitlow, from Thomas Nelson Fiction/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.

⭐ 2.5 ⭐

I live in the Deep South of these United States of America, so I usually eschew “Christian fiction,” figuring I get enough of certain flavors of that faith crammed down my throat on a regular basis (and just by osmosis) without augmenting my reading diet with it.

Not to say I’m anti-Christian, nor, indeed, anti-faith. Whatever gets you through the night, my friend. I am against the church-industrial complex that isn’t taxed, internalized misogyny and patriarchy, hypocrisy and false equivalency, and the idea that there is only one road that leads to the top of whatever weird mountain this is that we’re on. Me, I think God is a word that encompasses hope, love, and mercy, and that when we die our physical bodies and our spirits are returned to the waters and the land and eventually we come back around as a tomato, or a kitten, or another person, what have you. And that the cycle repeats.

I say all that to say I wouldn’t have requested this book if the email I received about it had said it was Christian fiction. I thought it was a Southern legal thriller a la John Grisham. (Although, to be fair, as I’ve said in the past I’m frequently guilty of reading too fast, so maybe the genre was noted in the email. But I seriously don’t think so—it would’ve been such a red flag my eyes would’ve locked on it automatically.)

Well, it was Southern, I’ll give it that. As a matter of fact, it was the second book I’d read in two days set in the South Georgia area. I asked My Beloved Husband at breakfast this morning, “How weird is it for a book to be set in Brunswick?” Him: “Georgia?” Me: “Yeah, Brunswick, Georgia.” Him: “Pretty weird.”

I also told Ye Olde Life Partner that this book was an odd combination of interesting, very realistic, and extremely boring. Like, maybe, when you pull on one little thread on a sweater and then watch it unravel because you can’t quit. After reading it, I’m convinced that the only thing more boring than listening to someone describe their dreams (except mine, of course—mine are fascinating!) is reading about someone’s prayer life in detail.

Great. Detail.

I also got a comprehensive refresher on tree farming (I used to work for an international paper company), how to make homemade mashed potatoes (my MawMaw’s were the best), and what life is like for someone with rheumatoid arthritis (a good friend and former boss has lived with it for years).

But those things, my friends? They do not great literature make. Or even good storylines, in this case.

But, to Robert Whitlow’s credit, everything rang true. Of course there was some suspension of disbelief required about the “thriller” aspect (coincidences abounded!), but that’s to be expected.

Won’t be reading any more by Mr Whitlow, but I can certainly understand why he has such a solid fan base.

DESCRIPTION
Jon Tremaine has lived in hiding for years--will coming out of the shadows to help a friend be too great a risk? Perfect for fans of John Grisham and Charles Martin, Witness Protection is a legal drama with a deep undercurrent of faith.

All is finally good. Jon Tremaine has created a new life in Brunswick, Georgia, as part of the Federal Witness Protection program after testifying against the former drug cartel he was involved with. Only his wife, Sarah, and a handler with the US Marshal's office know his true identity, and he is now the manager of a large commercial tree farm with a baby on the way. But when one of Jon's employees is arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs into the United States, he goes against his better judgment and inserts himself in the middle of the case, believing the man is an unsuspecting mole manipulated by sophisticated drug dealers.

Kelli Quinn, a highly skilled litigator with an Atlanta law firm, has moved to Brunswick to work with her best friend from law school, hoping to rebuild her life after a painful divorce. She and her two children find a temporary home with her aunt Carly, a woman whose great faith is making an impression on her new houseguests. For the first time in a very long while, Kelli sees a future where she can find balance between the job she loves and the family she loves even more.

New to the firm and in need of clients, Kelli agrees to represent Jon's employee. The unfolding investigation reveals layers of criminal activity and possible connections to Jon's past, putting everyone at risk of exposure--and even death.

With its gripping pace, layered legal intrigue, and heartfelt exploration of faith under pressure, Witness Protection has already been praised by early readers as a standout Robert Whitlow novel--one that keeps the pages turning while asking deeper questions about courage, identity, and redemption. As danger closes in and past sins resurface, Whitlow expertly weaves suspense with grace, showing how even the safest hiding place can't protect the heart from truth.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Robert Whitlow, and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Always on the lookout for a new author to fill my reading time, I turned to this legal thriller by Robert Whitlow—and this ARC proved to be an excellent introduction. Blending courtroom tension with a clear Christian undertone, Whitlow delivers a compelling, well-paced narrative that kept me engaged from start to finish.

Jon Tremaine, manager of a large commercial tree farm, carries a complicated past that resurfaces when one of his employees is arrested for drug trafficking. Having once entered Witness Protection himself, Jon is no stranger to danger or moral complexity. Now settled and preparing for fatherhood, he is determined to move forward, but cannot ignore Cesar’s pleas of innocence. Despite mounting legal pressure from both state and federal authorities, Jon believes in his employee and steps in to help.

Enter Kelli Jackson, a former rising star in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, now rebuilding her life as a single mother in a new city. Though experienced, she quickly finds herself facing a case that may exceed even her considerable abilities. With cartel forces closing in and corruption lurking closer than expected, the stakes escalate rapidly. Guided in part by her devout Aunt Carlie, Kelli begins to lean on faith as she navigates an increasingly perilous legal and personal landscape.

Whitlow skillfully balances suspense with introspection, weaving themes of justice, redemption, and faith into a story that rarely loses momentum. The pacing is brisk, with tension building steadily through well-placed twists that compel the reader forward. While the Christian elements are prominent, they are integrated in a way that feels organic rather than overbearing, allowing readers of varying perspectives to engage with the story on their own terms.

Character development stands out as a particular strength. Jon and Kelli are both layered protagonists whose growth unfolds naturally as the narrative progresses. Their individual struggles—legal, emotional, and spiritual—add depth to the central plot, while a strong supporting cast enriches the small-town setting and reinforces the novel’s thematic core.

The plot itself is tightly constructed, with enough intrigue and unpredictability to satisfy fans of the genre. Whitlow demonstrates a keen ability to sustain suspense while delivering meaningful character arcs, resulting in a story that is both entertaining and thoughtful.

Overall, this is a strong legal thriller with a distinctive voice. While readers should be aware of its Christian framework, it does not detract from the narrative’s broader appeal. I closed the book eager to explore more of Whitlow’s work.

Kudos, Mr. Whitlow, for a great thriller that has me curious to try more of your work.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently this is the first I've read of this author... but hopefully will not be the last.

Strong, defined MC's in this book that so wonderfully represents the Witness Protection Program.

Jon and his wife Sarah have built a steady life in a small, Georgia town, where he is a tree farmer. They are expecting their first child. Only his wife and his FBI handler are aware of his background.

Kelli is a well known lawyer in Atlanta who has just gone through a nasty divorce. Trying to distance herself from the ex, and move her two children to a more stable and suitable area, she chooses to move in with her Aunt Carly... an older woman who is very faithful and prays for any and every one who needs help! Even while fighting her own pain...
In the meantime, at some point in the book she’s talking about an Angel…and to me, she is the epitome of an Angel! 😇

Jon and Kelli cross paths when one of Jon's workers is arrested for attempting to smuggle drugs. Not believing that he is capable of this, since he has a wife and two small children of his own, Jon goes to bat for him... and is caught in the crosshairs... literally, when his old life comes back to bite him in the ass....

Loved the faith that is portrayed in this one so beautifully. No, it is not overpowering, but is more like a constant presence running in the background... and one that is comforting to Kelli's young kids... and maybe even Kelli.

And, loved how the boss (Jon) is backing one of his workers, whole-heartedly, even though he may be putting himself at risk in the process.

4 brave, sweet, faithful, kind, powerful stars for me!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#WitnessProtection by @RobertWhitlow. Narrated by Jason Keller.
And, although I loved the narrator for the MALE parts, I did not care for him for all the female parts... To me he sounded like a little old woman for each of them... (Sorry, not sure, but I might be in the minority here....)

THIS HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, SO PLEASE LOOK FOR IT IN ABOUT A WEEK! 4/7/26!!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @@ThomasNelsonFictionAudio and @ThomasNelsonFiction for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!

And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️🩷

[Patti (GenreHopper) · Rating 3 out of 5]

After 18 years in the Witness Protection Program, Jon finds himself in a familiar situation with the Dɼuᵷ CåɼtȆl once again. Cesar, an employee and friend, has been accused of Dɼuᵷ Tråⓕⓕickinᵷ. He is importing chocolate to make extra money but Dɼuᵷs were found in a shipment which leads to his arrest. Jon and his wife want to help because things are not looking good for Cesar, who swears he is innocent.
Enter Kelli, an attorney recently relocated to the area with her two children. They have temporarily moved in with her elderly Aunt Carley who specializes in the Power of Prayer and comfort food.
Kelli is out of her legal league and is making mistakes. Jon knows all too well how the Dɼuᵷ CåɼtȆl works and is trying to educate her without revealing his born identity and risking his WPP status.

The Faith elements are prominent making Whitlow's book a good choice if you are looking for a spiritual plot over the mystery. The Dɼuᵷ CåɼtȆl has nothing over Aunt Carley, the prayer warrior!

This story takes a leisurely pace through the legal process but fasten your seatbelt when you get to the last hour (of the audiobook).

Favorite Scene: When Aunt Carley and Kelli's eight year old son Max buy a gadget to scan the house for "bugs" after finding a suspicious looking gizmo in a broken lamp. For the sake of science! Next day delivery wasn't soon enough because Kelli took the gizmo to work. So they go to play super sleuths and scan the law office. BTW they picked that particular spy scanner because it had Five Star Reviews on AmaƵon! Apparently Aunt Carley and Max know how important reviews are...

UPDATE: Someone asked why I deducted two stars when I start with five and deduct as they lose me along the way. Good question.
Minus 1 - I would have liked more of the CåɼtȆl and Dɼuᵷ Tråⓕⓕickinᵷ storyline, such as the C intercepting the shipment to smuᵷᵷle the dɼuᵷs and how they got caught (there was a casual mention of a detection dog and then Caser was arrested and deemed guilty until proven innocent).
Minus 1 - I would have liked less about Kelli's children acclimating to the new home ie: issues fitting in to a new school and after school activities. A little is good, a lot was a lot.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the free ALC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jamie Gordy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Robert Whitlow, Thomas Nelson Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing a download of an eARC of this novel to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jon Tremaine is a manager of a tree farm in Brunswick, GA. He has a great life. He is married and expecting a son, but he has a secret. When he starts to help a Latino employee that has been picked up for a false drug smuggling charge, his past comes back to haunt him. He has fled Louisiana and his former life as an employee of a cartel and is in witness protection. Kelli Jackson is a lawyer who has just moved with her kids to Brunswick from Atlanta to live with her aunt after a divorce. She agrees to take the case of the false charge. Things get very murky, very quickly. Lots of prayer goes up for Kelli and the case from her aunt.

This was an okay book by Robert Whitlow, but not my favorite. I absolutely loved the spiritual warfare (prayer) aspect of this book. I think that part of the book well done. However, I would have liked to see a lot more change in the life of the male main character and a little more change in the female main character and the wife of the male main character. I think the legal thriller part of this story was a great idea in theory, but it was not executed that well. The story was thin. It needed more detail. As I stated before, the prayer part of this book makes it worth reading. Whitlow is so good at writing strong prayer warrior characters, and Kelli’s aunt is definitely one of these characters.

If you are looking for a clean alternative for John Grisham this book might work for you. However, if you want a strong legal story then this might not be the Whitlow book that I would suggest for you.

I was not greatly impressed with the narrator of this audio book. He kept my attention and I was able to follow the story and the sound quality was fine. The problems I had was with his accents and his attempts at a female voice. The main male character of this novel is a Cajun man, whatever accent the narrator is doing-it’s not Cajun. His female voice was not great either. I was able to stick with listening to it so it is just okay. Narrator: Jason Keller: 2.5 stars.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, although I am not sure I would call it a legal thriller. Despite involving lawyers they didn't actually have that much court room drama, as most of it was conducted by deals and talks.
The story was interesting, especially with the added twist of the witness protectee so heavily involved in the case. It gave the story another level of drama, especially as you weren't sure how things would turn out. There was a fair bit of religious talk but it was well done and not preachy which can get annoying, instead it was used to bolster the characters up and giving them strength in difficult time. I would have preferred a weapon to protect myself but each to there own. It worked for the story.
I liked the characters, there was three main groups and the story follows a number of them by giving you there perspective, the accused man Cesar and his young family, Kelli, his lawyer and her family and Jon the man in witness protection who is trying to help Cesar without bringing the drug cartel to his own door. With everybody involved there is a lot going on in the story, especially as everyone is trying to stay one step ahead of the police or the drug cartel. I would definitely read another book by this author.

When one of his workers is arrested for drug smuggling, Jon Tremaine is put in a difficult situation. He knows Cesar is innocent because Jon used to work for them himself, now in the witness protection after testifying against most of them can Jon help Cesar? He tries to not get involved by hires newly divorced Kelli to help but when he learns she has only just arrived in the area after working as a prosecutor,with Cesar being her first case as a defence lawyer, he wonders if he has made a mistake. kelli believes her client is innocent but wonders what secrets his boss holds. How does he know so much about the system and why does he want to help her client so much? Can they work together to keep Cesar out of jail? And more importantly alive?
I liked the narrator. He made the characters come to life by providing them with there own voice.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Robert Whitlow book.it delivered plenty of action and fun characters. Can’t wait to check out more!

While in his early twenties, Jason Favreau went to work in the accounting department for a company he thought was in the import/export business. He was partly right. It was a front company for a cartel smuggling drugs into the US. Once he becomes aware of the illegal operation, he doesn't quit--he's making a lot of money and participates at various levels. When the cartel is raided, Jason is arrested and agrees to testify for the government. In return, Jason is ultimately placed in the Witness Protection Program, relocated to southeast Georgia, and given the name Jon Tremaine. He goes to work for a large commercial tree farm, and after eighteen years he is the manager of the operation. One of his employees, Pablo Mendez, has a side hustle importing exotic chocolate from his home village in Mexico for sale to high-end restaurants. But when one of his pallets of chocolate is seized at the port of Brunswick, drugs are found, and Pablo is arrested.

Jon helps Pablo hire Kelli Jackson, a former US Attorney in Atlanta who has moved to Brunswick with her two children after a divorce from her unfaithful husband. Kelli takes a job with a law school friend who has a growing practice in Brunswick. Based on her prior criminal law experience, Kelli agrees to represent Pablo. As the case is investigated, it becomes clear to Jon that the drug gang operates much like the group he was part of in Louisiana and Texas. Pablo agrees to cooperate with the government in return for dismissal of charges that will otherwise certainly result in a conviction and separate him from his young family for decades.

Life as a defense lawyer is much different from that of a US Attorney, and Kelli struggles to keep up. But as Pablo's case heats up, so do the dangers for all involved. It will take a great deal of courage and legal knowledge to protect Pablo and bring the criminals to justice.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will be taken from a commercial tree farm to the halls of justice in this legal drama. The crisp writing style of this author helps the story to flow. The author also helps the reader understand the legal process in language that anyone can understand while also giving you a lesson in how the witness protection program works.

Jon Tremaine has been in witness protection for 18 years, and is living a happy, fruitful life. He has no desire to go back into the underbelly of criminal enterprises. His peaceful existence is shattered when one of the men under his watch at the commercial tree farm is arrested. He is accused of smuggling drugs. Jon does not, for one minute, believe that Cesar is guilty of what he is being accused of, but he also knows how easily things can fall apart. He contacts a local attorney, Kelli Quinn, who is brand new to the area. She is hesitant at first, but ends up taking the case. These folks do not realize just how dangerous things are about to get.

Kelli lives with her aunt Carly. Carly is a true prayer warrior in every sense of the word. If you need prayer, Carly is the one you call on. Carly feels that Kelli is in danger because of this case, and she and her praying friends are praying for protection for Carly.

This was more of a legal drama than a legal thriller, but that does not make it any less interesting. It is not fast paced, but the story is laid out methodically so that it builds with each chapter. You get to know the characters well and can empathize with their situation. The ending was tense and chilling at the same time.

The faith thread includes lots of prayer, some scripture references and sharing of faith as Carly shares what she believes with Kelli and her children. I loved seeing the children take what Carly said to heart.

I have never been disappointed by a book written by this author. It is a long one, but it is well worth the time it takes to read it.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy legal thrillers and relish any courtroom drama along with the technical details, but this story was overly laden with an intense religious theme that detracted from my overall appreciation of the story. The constant evangelical undertones, emphasis on prayer and divine intervention, and talk of faith really did take away from the suspense and made the pace of the narrative lag.

The gist is that a young husband and father, Cesar, is wrongly suspected of being involved with drug smuggling and hires a lawyer to represent him thru his boss who is in witness protection. Jon Tremaine had previous experience with a drug cartel and his testimony sent a kingpin to prison. Now, with his new identity, he manages a tree farm and tries to stay under the radar with his pregnant wife, Sarah. The lawyer is new to town after a divorce sends Kelli Quinn and her two kids to stay with her Aunt Carly. I kept waiting for her to do some real attorney work but if she wasn’t ignoring calls or letting others call the shots for her client, she was out to lunch with the DA or at home talking about stuff, especially food, with her kids.

I prefer more edgy legal thrillers with more focus on the maneuvers and strategy that demonstrate effective defense of a client. It seemed that the main advisor to Cesar was Jon instead of his lawyer.
I’m always looking for new authors in my favorite genre so I thought I’d give this one a try. Doubt I will read another.

I started out listening to the audio book while also reading along in the e-book ARC, both provided by the publishers. I found the narrator, Jason Keller, to be lacking and not up to the task of voicing all the characters. This production definitely would have benefitted from a larger cast, especially a good female voice. His attempts at accents also drove me to distraction and I was ultimately so annoyed that I quit listening half way through and just read to the end.

[Kelly Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy of this audiobook for free thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Alright, I’m just gonna say it plain. This one surprised me some. I went in thinking it was gonna be another cut and dry legal story, but it’s got more weight to it than that. It ain’t over the top, it just kind of pulls you along steady and keeps tightening the screws.

What really stuck with me is how a man can try his best to leave a life behind, do everything right for years, and it still comes creeping back like it never left. That felt real. Not dramatic, just honest. Like consequences don’t care how long you been behaving.

You also get a good look at how easy it is for somebody decent, just trying to make a living, to get caught up in something way bigger than they ever planned. That part hit harder than I expected. Makes you think twice about how quick things can go sideways.

The legal side, now I ain’t gonna lie, it slows things down a bit here and there. You can feel it dragging some when it gets deep into that. But at the same time, it adds a kind of realism to it. It ain’t all action, it’s a grind, and you feel that.

Now since this is the audiobook, I gotta say the narration does a solid job keeping you in it. It don’t overdo nothing, just lets the story breathe and carries the tone the way it ought to. Makes it easy to stay locked in, even in the slower parts.

What I liked most is nothing feels overdone. The danger stays quiet, the characters feel like real folks, and the tension just builds instead of exploding every five minutes. It trusts you to stick with it, and I respect that.

Overall, it’s a solid, grounded story. Not perfect, got a little slow in spots, but it’s got heart and it feels believable from start to finish.

I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!

[coffeebooktress · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book: 3🌟
Narration: 3🌟

Would you risk everything to save an employee? Jon Tremaine has been in witness protection for years after testifying against members of a drug cartel. He has built a new life as a tree farm manager and is expecting his first child with his wife. When one of his employees is charged with a drug crime, he must decide whether to risk his protection to help a friend. Kelli is a lawyer who has just moved to town and decides to help Jon prove his employee’s innocence.

The plot of this book is solid. The story is captivating and will keep you engaged. The writing is sometimes overly descriptive and at other times underdeveloped. For instance, the dinner details were described in great detail, but the characters’ features and facial expressions were not. I love it when an author creates a picture I can see as I read or listen. I want to be shown, not just told. However, the plot and setting are well laid out, and the characters' emotions are described through dialogue. This is a Christian mystery, so expect the Bible to be woven throughout. For the most part, Christianity is integrated at appropriate moments, making the story flow well. The story has a decent balance, and not all characters are Christians. I liked that the non-Christian main characters are kind and loving. If you’re looking for a clean, uplifting mystery, this is a great choice.

The male voice narration was good. Since the story is told from three points of view, the narrator struggled to create distinct voices for all the women. Perhaps two narrators or a female narrator would have helped, since there are more female characters. The narrator evoked emotion at appropriate times, making the listening enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson FictionAudio for allowing me to listen to this advance copy.

[Scott Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

In many ways, this is typical Robert Whitlow: a lawyer looking to turn a new leaf moves to a new town and gets pulled into a controversy, while learning more about faith and the faithful. This has a few more twists when an employee of a tree farm gets caught up in a drug smuggling scheme. The tree farm manager gets involved and guides the employee through the legal process, because he’s been through it before though he can’t admit it. In many ways, as with many Whitlow stories, it’s a bit like a Hallmark movie—or how Whitlow has adapted his own novels into movies—where no one gets seriously hurt, prayer works punctually and everyone lives happily ever after.

The characters have moderate development. We learn some about their past but there’s still a lot of holes to explain exactly how they got where they are. How does Jon Tremaine know about tree farming? How does Kelli not know how to better handle the DA and FBI though she worked many years in a prosecutor’s office? What is Carly’s back story that made her so reliant on prayer and allowed her to develop strong friendships with women but no men? Did she work outside the home?

Having moved myself many times as a kid, I did find the kids’ experiences trying to fit into a new school pretty realistic—though none through tantrums demanding to move back to their old home. They quickly accepted the move and looked ahead instead of back. Perhaps Kelli is a great mom, perhaps Carly is just the perfect great-aunt they needed. But a little more “bad days” for some of the characters would have been believable.

If you want a smooth, albeit a bit too long, read taking place in southeast Georgia, this is a good place to hang out for a while.

I’m appreciative of the publisher for providing an advanced copy.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witness Protection by Robert Whitlow is an interesting read from a variety of viewpoints. It seems like two separate stories at first. One perspective is from Jon Tremaine who runs a tree farm in Georgia. Another is from Kelli Jackson who is newly divorced, a successful lawyer who moves back home to live with her Aunt Carly with her two children. Jon’s wife is very pregnant when we meet him. He is in the witness protection program and wants to keep his life private and take care of his family. He knows about drug smuggling because he worked for a cartel in Mexico until he helped convict his bosses. Kelli is new in town and also wants to take care of her family while they adjust to life without their husband/father who has a new family which caused the split.

Previously, Kelli worked for the US prosecutor but now she is working for herself. The stories intersect when one of Jon’s employees is arrested for smuggling drugs into the US in cases of chocolate his wife makes and sells to make extra income. Kelli did not really want to take the case, but she has knowledge and not many clients so she takes his case.

From there, things become tense and intense. Kelli and her family may be in danger as well as Jon and his wife. There is also a sub theme of the power of prayer, Aunt Carly suffers with arthritis but she is an Olympic prayer. She prays for everyone daily and she teaches the children to pray and by the end of the book, her influence is spreading.

Read this if you like suspenseful books. It is also a great read if you like legal thrillers.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the prepublication copy to read and review.

[Heather Crumpton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a novel by Robert Whitlow, and I’m grateful to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to review the audiobook.

The story follows Jon Tremaine and his wife, Sarah, who are living under witness protection due to Jon’s past involvement with a drug cartel. The couple relocates to Brunswick, Georgia, where Jon manages a large tree farm. Complications arise when one of his employees, Cesar, becomes entangled in legal trouble connected to the same cartel. With a baby on the way, Jon must carefully navigate the situation to avoid exposing his family’s true identity.

Meanwhile, Kelli Quinn, recently divorced, moves to Brunswick with her two children and settles into her Aunt Carly’s home. As an attorney, Kelli becomes involved in Cesar’s defense, intertwining her story with Jon’s in a compelling and suspenseful way.

This novel is an engaging work of Christian fiction that blends elements of legal drama and thriller. I especially appreciated the clean content and strong faith-based themes throughout the story. Whitlow does an excellent job developing his characters and maintaining a steady pace that keeps the reader invested.

Aunt Carly stood out as my favorite character—her kindness, strength, and unwavering faith made a lasting impression. Discovering a new author is always exciting, and finding one who writes compelling Christian thrillers feels like a rare gem.

Although the book is on the longer side, it never feels rushed. The tension builds effectively, leading to a gripping and satisfying conclusion that draws the reader fully into the story. #WitnessProtection #NetGalley

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Witness Protection” by Robert Whitlow is a riveting suspense tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seat! Readers will be pulling for Cesar and his lawyer, Kelli (who finds herself in a much deeper and involved case than she ever anticipated). Readers will be sympathetic to Jon and his wife as he lives his life in Witness Protection and then finds himself needing to help his employee and friend, Cesar. This is the first time I have had the opportunity to read a book by this author, and I will definitely be looking for more books by Robert Whitlow and I will be recommending his books to my reader friends. From the very beginning of the story, the author pulls the reader into the plot through introducing us to rich characters who feel like people you or I would meet on the street or into the grocery store aisles. The plot seamlessly weaves together Kelli’s viewpoint, with her Aunt Carly’s viewpoint, and with Jon’s viewpoint which creates a story that is rich in emotion, heart, human struggle, danger, faith, personal growth, and suspense. Aunt Carly is an example to anyone of what faith and trust in God can look like, and it is a challenge to me to be more faithful in prayer. If you prefer your suspense books without a romance plot, then this is the perfect book for you. If you like a bit of a romantic plot, I am guessing that the excellent storyline will keep you from missing the romance. It sure did for me. I can honestly say that I didn’t miss the romance and I would read more books just like this one.