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Compass Crimes
South of Justice
MARRIAGE AND CRIME DON'T MIX
After newlywed Terri Pinehurst's husband is arrested, she must choose between believing her heart or the mounting evidence her husband is a killer.
After newlywed Terri Pinehurst's husband is arrested, she must choose between believing her heart or the mounting evidence her husband is a killer.
342 pages, Paperback
Published March 13, 2016
21 people are currently reading
2044 people want to read
About the author
Joni M. Fisher
6 books365 followersJoni M. Fisher writes suspenseful crime stories about heroines who don't wait to be rescued. After working decades in journalism, she turned to crime. Her Compass Crimes series has won awards in the 2024 Christian Indie Awards, the 2024 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the 2023 Reader's Favorite Book Award, the Royal Palm Literary Awards, and others.
A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and a lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association, she also served on the Arts and Humanities Advisory Board for Southeastern University.
An instrument-rated private pilot, she's also a contributing reporter for General Aviation News. Her fingerprints are on file with the FBI.
A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and a lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association, she also served on the Arts and Humanities Advisory Board for Southeastern University.
An instrument-rated private pilot, she's also a contributing reporter for General Aviation News. Her fingerprints are on file with the FBI.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 3, 2018
It started a little slow for me, but jumped into action after the first few chapters. The love story/betrayal/mistrust/murder plot pulls you right in. I felt the characters needed more development but kept on reading to find out what was going to happen. The author also inserts great details about police science and veterinarian science which makes it interesting. Enjoyable read.
November 8, 2016
Multi-layered Intrigue and Strong Characters make South of Justice a Must Read!!!!
Joni M. Fisher’s debut, South of Justice, rocks the house. Set in the mountains of NC, the discovery of old bones on Blake and Terri’s wedding day put their just-stated vows before God and family of “for better or worse" and "until death do we part” to the ultimate test.
South of Justice has all the ingredients needed to guarantee a nail biting, edge of your seat, please help them overcome this so they can live “happily ever after,” story.
A fabulous start to an intense suspense series with a large cast of characters I couldn’t help but love and cheer for.
Fisher is a master weaver of intrigue and strong characters willing to go the distance to get things done while keeping their love strong.
A really great read for anytime.
*I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. (And I loved it so much I bought a copy for my Kindle so I can read it again, wherever I am.)
Joni M. Fisher’s debut, South of Justice, rocks the house. Set in the mountains of NC, the discovery of old bones on Blake and Terri’s wedding day put their just-stated vows before God and family of “for better or worse" and "until death do we part” to the ultimate test.
South of Justice has all the ingredients needed to guarantee a nail biting, edge of your seat, please help them overcome this so they can live “happily ever after,” story.
A fabulous start to an intense suspense series with a large cast of characters I couldn’t help but love and cheer for.
Fisher is a master weaver of intrigue and strong characters willing to go the distance to get things done while keeping their love strong.
A really great read for anytime.
*I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. (And I loved it so much I bought a copy for my Kindle so I can read it again, wherever I am.)
May 10, 2016
This book was given to me in return for an honest review. I enjoyed it and pre-ordered a second copy to donate to my local library because this fresh new voice in fiction needs to be shared!
Tightly written, complex characters, intriguing plot---all the ingredients for a great read!
This debut book is a winner and I am looking forward to more books in the future.
Tightly written, complex characters, intriguing plot---all the ingredients for a great read!
This debut book is a winner and I am looking forward to more books in the future.
June 14, 2016
South of Justice is an excellent mystery/legal thriller with a cast of excellent characters. I really enjoyed reading this book and recommend it as a great fairly light read. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was due to a couple of problems with the legal plot.
[Possible small spoilers below]
The legal plot revolves around a case of kidnapping resulting in a death, meaning that the defendant would be exposed to felony murder charges. The book repeatedly talks about the felony murder charge and the potential for a death penalty. However, the defendant was a juvenile at the time of the crime, and since Roper v. Simmons (543 U.S. 551) was decided in 2005, it is unconstitutional to impose capital punishment on defendants who were juveniles at the time of their crime. Also, in order to bring in the felony murder potential, the district attorney would need to charge the defendant with felony murder and provide evidence for it at the trial, but the DA never charged the defendant with felony murder or spoke of it at the trial.
Another, smaller, nit to pick was the sudden uptick in the amount of religion at the end of the book. Yes, one of the brothers was a preacher, but it had no bearing on the plot. It just seemed like there was more religion in the last 20 pages of the book than in the previous 300 pages, and it didn't seem to serve any purpose to advancing the plot or concluding the book.
(Note: this book was kindly provided to me by the author via a Goodreads giveaway.)
[Possible small spoilers below]
The legal plot revolves around a case of kidnapping resulting in a death, meaning that the defendant would be exposed to felony murder charges. The book repeatedly talks about the felony murder charge and the potential for a death penalty. However, the defendant was a juvenile at the time of the crime, and since Roper v. Simmons (543 U.S. 551) was decided in 2005, it is unconstitutional to impose capital punishment on defendants who were juveniles at the time of their crime. Also, in order to bring in the felony murder potential, the district attorney would need to charge the defendant with felony murder and provide evidence for it at the trial, but the DA never charged the defendant with felony murder or spoke of it at the trial.
Another, smaller, nit to pick was the sudden uptick in the amount of religion at the end of the book. Yes, one of the brothers was a preacher, but it had no bearing on the plot. It just seemed like there was more religion in the last 20 pages of the book than in the previous 300 pages, and it didn't seem to serve any purpose to advancing the plot or concluding the book.
(Note: this book was kindly provided to me by the author via a Goodreads giveaway.)
May 16, 2016
This is one of those wonderful stories that keep you guessing. I frequently thought "What happens next?" as I turned a page or finished a chapter. As an avid animal lover, I enjoyed the veterinarian aspects although held my breath when the heroine had an unborn foal in her grasp. The airplane and courtroom scenes were interesting and informative, and her characters totally human but never boring. Ms. Fisher is an excellent writer and able to weave many characters into her plot without bogging down the story or losing the reader. An excellent debut novel indeed!
May 15, 2016
Joni M. Fisher weaves a tale of passionate love, undying loyalty and enduring friendship between strong characters bound together and tested by deep-rooted principles. Curl up in your favorite chair with a tasty snack and refreshing beverage – you won’t want to move until you’ve turned the last page of South of Justice. – Donna Kelly, Author of Brass Chains
December 26, 2022
The combination of mystery and humor made this story really enjoyable. I love a good court case so I flew through the book once that began. Definitely adding the rest of the series to my TBR list!
May 6, 2020
Great page turner!
Great story! I fell in love with the characters and enjoyed the story buildup but wish it were a bit quicker. That said, I’m moving onto book 2....can’t wait to see what happens next!
Great story! I fell in love with the characters and enjoyed the story buildup but wish it were a bit quicker. That said, I’m moving onto book 2....can’t wait to see what happens next!
April 26, 2020
Very much liked reading this book. My small town library does not carry Joni but they have a suggestion box for new authors and books. I will be putting her name in the box!
May 15, 2016
Wow! This was a fantastic story! I loved the writing style. I was immediately drawn into the story from the beginning and would have sat and read the entire book in one sitting if I could have! The plot and characters are complex and interesting and I cared about them instantly.
The story has several twists & turns, romance, criminal mystery and court room drama.
This is the first book of a four-book series. I am so happy that the story will be expanded. I am left wanting more of this world after finishing this book.
In full disclosure, received an advance copy of this book. I re-read “South of Justice” for a second time after reading two other books since I kept thinking about the story. I was totally immersed once again the second time! (I don’t usually re-read books.) I also purchased this book for a friend!
The story has several twists & turns, romance, criminal mystery and court room drama.
This is the first book of a four-book series. I am so happy that the story will be expanded. I am left wanting more of this world after finishing this book.
In full disclosure, received an advance copy of this book. I re-read “South of Justice” for a second time after reading two other books since I kept thinking about the story. I was totally immersed once again the second time! (I don’t usually re-read books.) I also purchased this book for a friend!
June 4, 2016
Gifted author, Joni M. Fisher, creates magnificent characters in an environment of reality that will touch the hearts of every reader.
Men and women will be entranced by Blake Clayton, a tall handsome former Marine, who learned about honor, courage and commitment the hard way, and is now an FBI agent.
The love of his life is Terri Pinehurst, a beautiful, strong-willed veterinarian who shares his yearning for truth. Their passionate love is wrought with anguish, mystery and fear.
South of Justice is a thrill for everyone, from the young who yearn for love, to those who can only reminisce about it. Fisher weaves an exciting story that’s over too soon.
Mary Norton Maguire – author of The House That Rum Built, The Fermenting Prohibition
Men and women will be entranced by Blake Clayton, a tall handsome former Marine, who learned about honor, courage and commitment the hard way, and is now an FBI agent.
The love of his life is Terri Pinehurst, a beautiful, strong-willed veterinarian who shares his yearning for truth. Their passionate love is wrought with anguish, mystery and fear.
South of Justice is a thrill for everyone, from the young who yearn for love, to those who can only reminisce about it. Fisher weaves an exciting story that’s over too soon.
Mary Norton Maguire – author of The House That Rum Built, The Fermenting Prohibition
June 16, 2016
South of Justice is a book about crime, kids, and good intentions with life threatening results. The Clayton family raises horses and has five sons. The sons are all doing well in their chosen professions and personal lives. This is the story of Blake Clayton and Terri Pinehurst. She is a veterinarian and they fall in love. All looks to be roses ahead until Blake is arrested for kidnapping and murder. Terri sets out to set Blake free without his help as he will not let her in on his past. He is an FBI agent and quits his job as he is about to be charged with crimes. Is a tense read with secrets being uncovered by the hardest. Liked Ms. Fisher's characters and her writing. Will look for sequel to this novel.
July 6, 2020
Excellent Plot!
South of Justice is the first book in the Compass Crimes series written by Joni M Fisher. I fell in love with the characters. I'm not normally one to read romance, however, the romance and mystery combination intertwine perfectly in this suspenseful, page-turner about faith, love, and murder! Joni has a great mind which leads to her amazing writing style and I hope she continues for many years to come!
South of Justice is the first book in the Compass Crimes series written by Joni M Fisher. I fell in love with the characters. I'm not normally one to read romance, however, the romance and mystery combination intertwine perfectly in this suspenseful, page-turner about faith, love, and murder! Joni has a great mind which leads to her amazing writing style and I hope she continues for many years to come!
April 11, 2017
Great read! ! !
Joni Fisher is one of the best authors in crimes fiction. But more than that, she is an outstanding Christian fiction author. Her first 2 books in this series will keep you riveted. I wish there were more writers like her. Her characters are 3 dimensional and her plot well formed. Can't wait for her next book.
Joni Fisher is one of the best authors in crimes fiction. But more than that, she is an outstanding Christian fiction author. Her first 2 books in this series will keep you riveted. I wish there were more writers like her. Her characters are 3 dimensional and her plot well formed. Can't wait for her next book.
May 30, 2016
What a wholesome pleasure to read – mystery, adventure, comedy (the antics of the kids), large family --- everything looked-for to create a marvelous read! I had a difficult time setting it down and in the conclusion even shed tears. A happy, loving warm read!
May 17, 2016
Complex suspense novel about love and trust, family and friendships. Start your reading on the weekend because you will not want to put this book down. Went to work very weary for a few days. I can not wait for the prequel. Thank you Joni for renewing my interest in reading.
January 9, 2018
Really loved this book.It was a can't-put-down read for me.I am familiar with local which drew me in first place and the characters were so interesting. I certainly can recommend this author and will continue to read her books.
March 1, 2020
If you love poor grammar, Mary sue characters and hackneyed writing, and hate surprises and having to figure out who done it, this is the perfect book for you.
Obviously the five star reviews are from the authors friends and fans of Twilight.
Obviously the five star reviews are from the authors friends and fans of Twilight.
April 28, 2016
Great crime story with a very interesting trial. Strong family values with the heroes family. This is the first book in a four story series, looking forward to the next one.
May 15, 2016
a page turner, a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end, great characters
June 1, 2016
this is a book you can't put down; a murder mystery without gratuitous sex and gruesome details-just good storytelling. I received this from Goodreads.
June 12, 2016
I now have a new fave author. I really enjoyed reading this one. I was hooked on the story from page one!
June 7, 2017
Great read. Never got bored with it. Kept me in suspense till the end. Just started your next book Joni.
December 21, 2017
Loved this book! It was thoughtfully written, interesting and suspenseful. Ready to read the next one!
December 8, 2020
🌸South of Justice is the first book in the Compass Crimes Series. Initially I felt like it would be a normal story but I was so wrong because this turned out to be my favourite book. This story is a combination of Suspense, Crime, Mystery and Romance which made this book much more interesting. I was immediately drawn into the story by the interesting characters, great storyline and humor.
🌸The story starts with the two main characters and their chemistry- Veterinarian Terri Pinehurst and Blake Clayton. Terri Pinehurst had achieved all the goals in her life except the Love, she wanted a lifetime kind of love and soon she achived this goal too when she met Blake Clayton. But there are so many twists attached to this love story. The day they get married and during their wedding reception at the Clayton ranch, bones are found by the fisherman in the nearby river that lead to an investigation into the death of the missing neighbor. But the twist was, some evidences ties Blake to this crime and after Blake is arrested, Terri launches her own search for the truth.
Should she believe the mounting evidence against her husband or her heart?
🌸Believe me this book is such a page turner and it kept me hooked and excited till the end. The investigation of the unknown crime will keep you involved in the story. Some questions will blow your mind and will force you to finish the story in one sitting-
Who is the killer?
Why Blake got arrested?
What's the mystery?
There are so many twists and turns and the dedication shown by Terri to unfold the truth is so exciting to read. I am sure you will find yourself helping Terri in her mission. I must appreciate the writing style and imagination skills of the author, her art of story building is really impressive and she can never disappoint her readers. Looking forward to read more books and her creative and interesting stories.
🌸The story starts with the two main characters and their chemistry- Veterinarian Terri Pinehurst and Blake Clayton. Terri Pinehurst had achieved all the goals in her life except the Love, she wanted a lifetime kind of love and soon she achived this goal too when she met Blake Clayton. But there are so many twists attached to this love story. The day they get married and during their wedding reception at the Clayton ranch, bones are found by the fisherman in the nearby river that lead to an investigation into the death of the missing neighbor. But the twist was, some evidences ties Blake to this crime and after Blake is arrested, Terri launches her own search for the truth.
Should she believe the mounting evidence against her husband or her heart?
🌸Believe me this book is such a page turner and it kept me hooked and excited till the end. The investigation of the unknown crime will keep you involved in the story. Some questions will blow your mind and will force you to finish the story in one sitting-
Who is the killer?
Why Blake got arrested?
What's the mystery?
There are so many twists and turns and the dedication shown by Terri to unfold the truth is so exciting to read. I am sure you will find yourself helping Terri in her mission. I must appreciate the writing style and imagination skills of the author, her art of story building is really impressive and she can never disappoint her readers. Looking forward to read more books and her creative and interesting stories.
April 20, 2021
The book is fine, I'm sure. Never read it.
The author is a garbage human being that goes on twitter to tell people that George Floyd deserved to die. https://web.archive.org/web/202104101...
"Awaiting EMS. Floyd would be alive if he had not fought police, argued, wrestled against his handcuffs, and filled his body with drugs that accelerated his heart rate and destroyed his reasoning. It is a tragedy, but it started with his terrible decisions."
Nice victim blaming there.
That's her prerogative to hold crappy ideas, but it still makes her a garbage human being to justify the murder of another human being because he took pills for back pain. I don't want to live in a world where the punishment for pills and a fake $20 is execution in the streets.
Joni M. Fisher thinks this is "normal" and I think that's a disgusting, immoral worldview.
The author is a garbage human being that goes on twitter to tell people that George Floyd deserved to die. https://web.archive.org/web/202104101...
"Awaiting EMS. Floyd would be alive if he had not fought police, argued, wrestled against his handcuffs, and filled his body with drugs that accelerated his heart rate and destroyed his reasoning. It is a tragedy, but it started with his terrible decisions."
Nice victim blaming there.
That's her prerogative to hold crappy ideas, but it still makes her a garbage human being to justify the murder of another human being because he took pills for back pain. I don't want to live in a world where the punishment for pills and a fake $20 is execution in the streets.
Joni M. Fisher thinks this is "normal" and I think that's a disgusting, immoral worldview.
July 10, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down! South of Justice hooked me with the emotional depth and kept me turning pages with its suspenseful twists. Terri’s journey was both heartbreaking and inspiring. I loved how her faith was tested in real, relatable ways. Highly recommend for fans of Terri Blackstock!
June 3, 2020
I received this book through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed continuing my journey with favorite characters and meeting new characters as the tale progressed. If you enjoy romance, mystery and loving families, you will like this book.
May 20, 2023
Full of suspense…excellent
Wow! Excellent first in series. There are human bones, was there a murder, or what? Mystery, suspense, romance. Court case, testimonies. Will their faith see them through? I really enjoyed this edge of your seat book!
Wow! Excellent first in series. There are human bones, was there a murder, or what? Mystery, suspense, romance. Court case, testimonies. Will their faith see them through? I really enjoyed this edge of your seat book!
July 10, 2025
This story had everything I love—mystery, family drama, and a faith journey that felt authentic. Terri’s strength in the face of betrayal and fear was truly powerful. I appreciated how the author didn’t shy away from tough questions about justice and belief. A must-read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews