Audiobook Mini-Review: Trial And Error

4 May

I chose Trial And Error by Robert Whitlow as a surprise selection for my book club because he is a favorite author. The group had mixed reactions, but my husband and I listened to the audiobook (separately) and really enjoyed it. I give it a recommended rating.

A small-town lawyer has been searching for his daughter for eighteen years. Now another young woman is missing, and he’s determined to find them both—no matter the cost.

Buddy Smith built his law practice around tracking down missing children. After all, he knows the agony of being separated from a child. Not long after his daughter’s birth, her mother ran away and Buddy never saw either one again.

Gracie Blaylock has known Buddy her entire life, and now that she is clerk of court for the county, their paths cross frequently. When Gracie hears that a teenager in town has gone missing, she knows Buddy is the one for the case.

The girl’s parents are desperate for answers. Together with Gracie and Mayleah—the new detective in town—Buddy chases all leads, hoping to reach the missing teen before it’s too late. And as he pursues one girl, he uncovers clues that could bring him closer to the girl he thought he lost forever: his own daughter.

Master legal writer Robert Whitlow will keep you guessing in this gripping legal drama while reminding you of the power of God’s restoration.

Robert Whitlow grew up in north Georgia. He graduated magna cum laude from Furman University with a BA in history in 1976 and received his JD with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1979. A practicing attorney, he is a partner in a Charlotte, NC law firm. He and his wife Kathy have four children and nine grandchildren. 


Robert began writing in 1996. His novels are set in the South and include both legal suspense and interesting characterization. It is his desire to write stories that reveal some of the ways God interacts with people in realistic scenerios.

My Impressions:

Robert Whitlow is a must-read author for both my husband and me. We appreciate the finely drawn characters and the story lines that are entertaining while making you think. Trial And Error has both of those elements. I liked the day-to-day lives that were depicted in the book making the characters very relatable. It did slow the story down somewhat, but I think the way Whitlow writes reflects real life. The subject matter focuses on missing/lost children — some in danger and others that don’t want to be found. The research that goes into finding a missing person was fascinating. The faith thread is especially strong, and the depiction of the impact of prayer is powerful. Some characters are Christians, others are not, but are open to honest dialog and sincere testimonies. I found that very meaningful. As I said, this is a slow-moving story, but I never lost interest. The audiobook is well done and was a great accompaniment on my morning walks.

All in all, I enjoyed Trial And Error.

Recommended.

Audience: adult

(I purchased a copy of this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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