What do you think?
Rate this book
Guilty Blood
Jessica Ames is desperate. Her college-age son, Brandon, has been arrested for murder, and the evidence is stacked against him. His DNA matches the blood and skin found under the victim’s fingernails, and the murder weapon was recovered near his apartment. Jessica turns to the only lawyer she knows for help. Nate Daniels is no criminal defense attorney; he’s a highly successful corporate litigator. He also has unresolved feelings for Jessica. As her late husband’s best friend, Nate takes the case pro bono, knowing he has no choice but to do everything within his power to get Brandon acquitted. As Nate and Jessica work with the public defender to save her son, the loyalty, faith, and love between them grows into something more―even as their investigation is bringing out some very powerful and dangerous enemies…
464 pages, Paperback
Published November 14, 2017
51 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Rick Acker
18 books180 followersRick Acker writes high-octane suspense novels during breaks from his “real job” as a Supervising Deputy Attorney General in the California Department of Justice, which provides inspiration for his acclaimed legal thrillers.
Rick has also teamed with award-winning romantic suspense author Colleen Coble to pen bestsellers such as I Think I Was Murdered and their Tupelo Grove series. Library Journal praises their “dynamic author partnership,” and predicts they “will continue to produce hits.”
When Rick isn't writing or lawyering, you can usually find him with his wife Anette exploring in the hills east of San Francisco, watching a good movie together, or, of course, reading. You can visit him on the web at www.rickacker.com.
Rick has also teamed with award-winning romantic suspense author Colleen Coble to pen bestsellers such as I Think I Was Murdered and their Tupelo Grove series. Library Journal praises their “dynamic author partnership,” and predicts they “will continue to produce hits.”
When Rick isn't writing or lawyering, you can usually find him with his wife Anette exploring in the hills east of San Francisco, watching a good movie together, or, of course, reading. You can visit him on the web at www.rickacker.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 28, 2020
My husband and I listened to this book and we really enjoyed it. In fact, he asked me to see if this author had more books we can listen to while in the car. This was an exciting suspense thriller with lots of action and a bit of a romance. Also perfectly timed comic relief. I highly recommend.
August 18, 2018
I’ve listened/read several of Rick Acker’s books and always say each one is my favorite. This time, this is my favorite lol. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! I can’t imagine what Brandon went through, and also his mother. I’ve always thought if I were a lawyer, I would want to be a prosecutor. But this book made me think about what if the defendant was innocent and they were sentenced to life in prison, or even worse, death? That would be horrible. Brandon is a nice young man going to a nice college and planning on graduating soon when the police arrive to arrest him. The DNA is a match good enough to prove his guilt of murder. How hopeless would a person feel? I would give up. What makes things worse, he is attacked in prison. One thing in his favor is he can really fight. I loved it when he was able to defend his self so well. His mother, Jessica, contacts Nate who is an attorney. Nate is the best friend of Jessica’s late husband Tim. What a blessing when Nate agrees to take on Brandon’s case for free. As they work on clearing Brandon’s name, they grow close. I loved how the romance was added subtly. It was perfect and so natural. Don’t worry, it was a clean read.
If you like a really intense read and legal dramas, you will love this. As good as John Grisham is, I think Rick Acker is even better. He also blends in Christian aspects. He does it in a natural way without being preachy. My favorite part was what Father Vicente told Brandon. ‘There’s only one man in the history of the world who didn’t have guilty blood flowing through his veins.‘
The narrator did an excellent job of telling the story. The only negative was when the characters spoke. They were sort of monotone at times and flat. But not too bad. I would listen to him again.
If you like a really intense read and legal dramas, you will love this. As good as John Grisham is, I think Rick Acker is even better. He also blends in Christian aspects. He does it in a natural way without being preachy. My favorite part was what Father Vicente told Brandon. ‘There’s only one man in the history of the world who didn’t have guilty blood flowing through his veins.‘
The narrator did an excellent job of telling the story. The only negative was when the characters spoke. They were sort of monotone at times and flat. But not too bad. I would listen to him again.
March 8, 2019
I found this story very interesting, all the twists and turns kept me turning the pages.
And I loved Kevin!
The only downside for me was the amount of social drinking that went on throughout the story.
And I loved Kevin!
The only downside for me was the amount of social drinking that went on throughout the story.
November 3, 2017
Life Fully Booked review of Guilty Blood
Rick Acker’s latest book is an exciting legal thriller with captivating detail and intriguing scientific information. All of this, coupled with meaningful characterization, adds up to a riveting tale from start to finish. See full review on my blog.
Rick Acker’s latest book is an exciting legal thriller with captivating detail and intriguing scientific information. All of this, coupled with meaningful characterization, adds up to a riveting tale from start to finish. See full review on my blog.
January 19, 2019
Suspense, action, lawyers, FBI agents, all types of criminals and Hackers! What more can you ask for?
This was a fast paced story that explored the topic of guilty blood from several different aspects.
My favourite quote was:
“There is only one man in history of the world who didn’t have guilty blood flowing through his veins”
Rick Acker combined this story excellently with the Christian Faith!
My favourite character was Kevin without a doubt. Kevin was a complex character but Acker nailed it! The other characters grew on me as the story progressed.
This was my first book by Rick Acker and I love his writing. It’s very clear that Acker knows the justice system and has captured it extremely well in this story.
I read this book along side the audio companion. I give 5 stars to James Patrick Cronin for an excellent performance.
I will definitely be reading more of Acker this year.
Recommended for all Christian fiction suspense fans!
This was a fast paced story that explored the topic of guilty blood from several different aspects.
My favourite quote was:
“There is only one man in history of the world who didn’t have guilty blood flowing through his veins”
Rick Acker combined this story excellently with the Christian Faith!
My favourite character was Kevin without a doubt. Kevin was a complex character but Acker nailed it! The other characters grew on me as the story progressed.
This was my first book by Rick Acker and I love his writing. It’s very clear that Acker knows the justice system and has captured it extremely well in this story.
I read this book along side the audio companion. I give 5 stars to James Patrick Cronin for an excellent performance.
I will definitely be reading more of Acker this year.
Recommended for all Christian fiction suspense fans!
November 14, 2018
This is my second Rick Acker novel and I definitely recommend his novels if you enjoy legal thrillers.
The main plot is pretty clear with this novel. The beauty comes in the details as they unfold. I especially loved secondary character Kevin and the time in his thoughts. For example, him telling himself he should check for clarity every 55 words when explaining something complicated to someone else. Kevin is very exacting and being in his thoughts was entertaining. The ending scene was wonderful.
The main plot is pretty clear with this novel. The beauty comes in the details as they unfold. I especially loved secondary character Kevin and the time in his thoughts. For example, him telling himself he should check for clarity every 55 words when explaining something complicated to someone else. Kevin is very exacting and being in his thoughts was entertaining. The ending scene was wonderful.
August 20, 2018
I’ve listened/read several of Rick Acker’s books and always say each one is my favorite. This time, this is my favorite lol. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! I can’t imagine what Brandon went through, and also his mother. I’ve always thought if I were a lawyer, I would want to be a prosecutor. But this book made me think about what if the defendant was innocent and they were sentenced to life in prison, or even worse, death? That would be horrible. Brandon is a nice young man going to a nice college and planning on graduating soon when the police arrive to arrest him. The DNA is a match good enough to prove his guilt of murder. How hopeless would a person feel? I would give up. What makes things worse, he is attacked in prison. One thing in his favor is he can really fight. I loved it when he was able to defend his self so well. His mother, Jessica, contacts Nate who is an attorney. Nate is the best friend of Jessica’s late husband Tim. What a blessing when Nate agrees to take on Brandon’s case for free. As they work on clearing Brandon’s name, they grow close. I loved how the romance was added subtly. It was perfect and so natural. Don’t worry, it was a clean read.
If you like a really intense read and legal dramas, you will love this. As good as John Grisham is, I think Rick Acker is even better. He also blends in Christian aspects. He does it in a natural way without being preachy. My favorite part was what Father Vicente told Brandon. ‘There’s only one man in the history of the world who didn’t have guilty blood flowing through his veins.‘
The narrator did an excellent job of telling the story. The only negative was when the characters spoke. They were sort of monotone at times and flat. But not too bad. I would listen to him again.
If you like a really intense read and legal dramas, you will love this. As good as John Grisham is, I think Rick Acker is even better. He also blends in Christian aspects. He does it in a natural way without being preachy. My favorite part was what Father Vicente told Brandon. ‘There’s only one man in the history of the world who didn’t have guilty blood flowing through his veins.‘
The narrator did an excellent job of telling the story. The only negative was when the characters spoke. They were sort of monotone at times and flat. But not too bad. I would listen to him again.
September 21, 2017
As always, Rick Acker's writing has the reader glued to the pages as it is hard to put his books down! Guilty Blood does not disappoint! It is filled with suspense from the first page until the last. The characters are so life-like; I especially like the main character in this book. The author has a way of incorporating real-life situations to his novels. I almost always learn about something new that is happening in the world. I highly recommend this book.
December 31, 2017
A solid legal suspense story. Good Narration by James Patrick Cronin. (audible review)
This was a pretty good book. I enjoyed it. A lot of twists and turns going on. Kept me guessing almost to the end.
The story line and plot were good. Even though a lot of things were happening all the time it was easy to follow along. There is mystery, human trafficking, courtroom drama and whodunit. I enjoyed the characters and the character development, I really liked Kevin the computer guy.
As for the narration, it was really good. I enjoyed it. He did a good job on the female voices and giving everyone their own voice. Very nice reading voice too.
This was a free read free listen with Kindle Unlimited subscription. YAY
This was a pretty good book. I enjoyed it. A lot of twists and turns going on. Kept me guessing almost to the end.
The story line and plot were good. Even though a lot of things were happening all the time it was easy to follow along. There is mystery, human trafficking, courtroom drama and whodunit. I enjoyed the characters and the character development, I really liked Kevin the computer guy.
As for the narration, it was really good. I enjoyed it. He did a good job on the female voices and giving everyone their own voice. Very nice reading voice too.
This was a free read free listen with Kindle Unlimited subscription. YAY
January 15, 2018
Guilty Blood does not disappoint! It is filled with suspense from the first page until the last. As always, Rick Acker's writing has the reader glued to the pages as it is hard to put his books down. So good can’t wait to see what he comes up with next
December 18, 2017
Again I loved his novelle, I hope RA will write books as long I 'm able to read. He's my top together with Joseph Finder
I started with whistle blower, and after I was hooked.
Please keep on the same road. Some of my old favorites autors have not kept up to old level
I started with whistle blower, and after I was hooked.
Please keep on the same road. Some of my old favorites autors have not kept up to old level
December 4, 2017
The latest standalone legal thriller by Rick Acker features Jessica Ames and Nate Daniels who join forces to help Jessica's son, Brandon, who was arrested on suspicion of murder. Nate is no criminal laywer, but he tries to help any way he can, especially since there seems to be something between him and Jessica, something that eventually will need clearing up.
The story is suspenseful and it often reminded me of the Stuart Woods legal thriller novels. I'd love to see Nate and Jessica feature in future books as well. And a special mention to Kevin, who is a really strange and great character. He was basically the one who saved the day.
Full review: Guilty Blood by Rick Acker
The story is suspenseful and it often reminded me of the Stuart Woods legal thriller novels. I'd love to see Nate and Jessica feature in future books as well. And a special mention to Kevin, who is a really strange and great character. He was basically the one who saved the day.
Full review: Guilty Blood by Rick Acker
November 23, 2017
“Jessica Ames was shopping for salmon when her life shattered for the second time” (location 106). From the very first line, I was drawn into the story. When Jessica’s son, Brandon, is accused of murder and the evidence stacks against him, her friend and lawyer, Nate Daniels, is called on to help. While not a criminal trial lawyer, Nate at least cares enough to make sure nothing gets missed.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be my last. The story line was intricate. There were aspects in the criminal case that surprised me. I loved that. I enjoyed seeing an autistic hacker play a big part in the case. Kevin had such a desire to put a criminal behind bars but couldn’t understand why his hacking was a problem.
All of the trial and court aspects were so authentic and believable. As the case went along, things became quite dangerous. I felt like I was reading a John Grisham novel. If you like court room drama, I’d highly recommend this book.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be my last. The story line was intricate. There were aspects in the criminal case that surprised me. I loved that. I enjoyed seeing an autistic hacker play a big part in the case. Kevin had such a desire to put a criminal behind bars but couldn’t understand why his hacking was a problem.
All of the trial and court aspects were so authentic and believable. As the case went along, things became quite dangerous. I felt like I was reading a John Grisham novel. If you like court room drama, I’d highly recommend this book.
December 3, 2017
This is the first book I have read by Rick Acker. Guilty Blood was a great book. Widow Jessica Aims son is arrested for murder. The DNA says that he did it. With the help of her husbands best friend, Nate Daniels who is a corporate litigator, and the public defender, can they clear his name. Danger and romance come about during the investigation. It's a ruff time for Jessica but she keeps her faith in God and in her son's innocence. A great read.
I received this e-book from NetGalley for review and my honest opinion.
I received this e-book from NetGalley for review and my honest opinion.
November 17, 2017
Good, solid, legal read
The story was solid and held my attention throughout. Also importantly each character and situation fulfilled a purpose which supported the storyline as well as provided for a positive reading experience.
Recommended reading.
Guilty Blood was a much appreciated goodreads giveaway win.
The story was solid and held my attention throughout. Also importantly each character and situation fulfilled a purpose which supported the storyline as well as provided for a positive reading experience.
Recommended reading.
Guilty Blood was a much appreciated goodreads giveaway win.
March 27, 2020
GUILTY BLOOD by Rick Acker
Jessica world is rocked when a phone call from her son, being accused.
She would go to any length, included a pass interest, of Nate. He is not a criminal lawyer, but, when the stakes are high enough, he would try harder.
How did this even come about, was her son in the wrong place, or was there more behind it. Gripping plot when it involves the young college boy. Readers will be caught, as Jessica was from the first phone call,
Given ARC by Net Galley for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Jessica world is rocked when a phone call from her son, being accused.
She would go to any length, included a pass interest, of Nate. He is not a criminal lawyer, but, when the stakes are high enough, he would try harder.
How did this even come about, was her son in the wrong place, or was there more behind it. Gripping plot when it involves the young college boy. Readers will be caught, as Jessica was from the first phone call,
Given ARC by Net Galley for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
February 9, 2018
This being my first Acker book but not my first legal thriller, part of my appreciation for this book resulted from getting to know the author’s style. An author should be consistently evocative but not consistent in his or her story telling style. Mr. Acker turned out to be fairly predictable until the final act when his resolution lacked credibility. To be fair, I plan to read more of his novels before I will form or express an opinion of his worth as an author among many who deserve and get the limited time we all have to read the burgeoning amount of quality fiction available to us.
Character development and the relationships that were and were not developed were shallow and quizzical. His lead female character’s reaction to an honest confession of a decade old indiscretion from a man who was sacrificing almost everything he had spent his life to obtain to try and save her son’s life, was enough to make me want to close the book.
This book did contain a compelling series of events that kept my attention so in the spirit of the temporary suspension of my disbelief gene, the story kept my interest. It’s just too bad that the leading lady expected and received far more humanity than she deserved. Except, Mr. Acker justified all of her foibles and selfishness on her motive, that being to save her innocent son. Most of us with any experience in the justice system know that such motives seldom, if ever, produce the right result. I do not expect the real world result in a novel, I just want it to influence how the story either avoids it or redefines it. Here, we got neither.
Character development and the relationships that were and were not developed were shallow and quizzical. His lead female character’s reaction to an honest confession of a decade old indiscretion from a man who was sacrificing almost everything he had spent his life to obtain to try and save her son’s life, was enough to make me want to close the book.
This book did contain a compelling series of events that kept my attention so in the spirit of the temporary suspension of my disbelief gene, the story kept my interest. It’s just too bad that the leading lady expected and received far more humanity than she deserved. Except, Mr. Acker justified all of her foibles and selfishness on her motive, that being to save her innocent son. Most of us with any experience in the justice system know that such motives seldom, if ever, produce the right result. I do not expect the real world result in a novel, I just want it to influence how the story either avoids it or redefines it. Here, we got neither.
August 18, 2024
I recently read the first book that Acker and Colleen Coble collaborated on, and decided I needed to check his books out. This is the first one of his that I have read, and I am impressed. Great characters, and he did an excellent job of portraying the emotions of Brandon, accused of a murder he didn't commit, and also the emotions of his mother as she dealt with it and worked to get him out of jail and acquitted.
There was a lot of legal talk, and courtroom stuff, but the author did great on keeping it interesting and easy to understand.
The book had a lot of ups and downs, and a lot of suspense that held my attention. I definitely want to read more of his books.
There was a lot of legal talk, and courtroom stuff, but the author did great on keeping it interesting and easy to understand.
The book had a lot of ups and downs, and a lot of suspense that held my attention. I definitely want to read more of his books.
June 20, 2018
Really good legal suspense/mystery with a unique premise and redemptive qualities. Little if any language- I know don’t faint! There are some hard subjects about human trafficking and prostitution but no sexual details are given. Wrong is not celebrated. Very well written. Judeo/ Christian Worldview. I like that one of the characters is on the Autistic spectrum and plays a large part in solving the mystery.
This is my second book by this author and it won’t be my last.
This is my second book by this author and it won’t be my last.
January 24, 2020
What an excellent book! A young man if framed for a murder. He has no evident motive to murder, yet there is strong DNA evidence. Or is there? His mother is frantic: prison life is no picnic. She turns to her deceased husband's best friend who is an attorney but not a criminal defense attorney. I found myself so caught up in the story that almost wanted to start praying about the situation!
April 25, 2022
This book will make for an excellent movie.
I loved all the danger, mystery and intrigue the journey of defending Brandon and trying to find the truth took me on.
The conspiracy theory was captivating, yet felt far fetched and you wanted to believe it but also wondering if you should, especially when the prison brought out sides of Brandon which you didn’t expect.
I loved Kevin - he was such an complex character and I feel like the author did a great job of pinning him down.
With twists and turns at just the right times, I could never really relax.
The audiobook was really done well and I was invested from beginning to end.
*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*
I loved all the danger, mystery and intrigue the journey of defending Brandon and trying to find the truth took me on.
The conspiracy theory was captivating, yet felt far fetched and you wanted to believe it but also wondering if you should, especially when the prison brought out sides of Brandon which you didn’t expect.
I loved Kevin - he was such an complex character and I feel like the author did a great job of pinning him down.
With twists and turns at just the right times, I could never really relax.
The audiobook was really done well and I was invested from beginning to end.
*I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*
November 11, 2017
The book starts well enough, however than gets a little confusing. The story line is fine, but lacks pace at times. Nice idea which could have turned out a lot better. I will probably not seek other books by the same author.
December 30, 2017
I won this book in the Kindle giveaways, and I really enjoyed it. It is a Mystery/thriller and it was really interesting. I found it very cool to see the legal process in defending someone. This book had many twists and turns, most I did not expect. Would recommend!
August 5, 2018
a little bit of everything - murder, evidence, chinese hackers, human trafficking, romance. some of the romance was a bit cheesy. everything else made the book a fast read. not particularly great writing but the subject matter was interesting.
October 26, 2019
I loved the book
Rick Acker has a gift that makes it hard to put his book down. He gets his point across without being preachy. He keeps the clues coming even as the situations seem impossible.
Rick Acker has a gift that makes it hard to put his book down. He gets his point across without being preachy. He keeps the clues coming even as the situations seem impossible.
December 29, 2023
As far as Christian fiction goes...they usually are tame and less gritty. This one was not. It had a lot of hard lessons for the characters, and I really wasn't sure what was going to happen in the end. I really enjoyed this one, and I look forward to reading more of his books!
October 2, 2025
I really enjoy Rick Acker's books that he has written with Colleen Coble so I wanted to try one of his books. I enjoyed this one but felt it could have been shorter. I loved the characters. I wish the faith message had been stronger.
February 6, 2018
Good read
This is a book that is hard to put down. So well written. I'm ready to read more of Sick Acker`s books.
This is a book that is hard to put down. So well written. I'm ready to read more of Sick Acker`s books.
July 30, 2018
Guilty Blood is a great thriller and mystery story. It is worth reading.
October 4, 2018
Good legal thriller. Liked the kid genius. Not a happily ever after book, lots of grit to this thought provoking novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews