Religious Conviction: A Novel by the Author of Expert Testimony

When Chet Bracken, Blackwell County's foremost trial lawyer, appears in the office of Gideon Page, reluctant hero of Expert Testimony and Probable Cause, and asks for Gideon's help in a murder trial, it seems as if Gideon's luck has turned at last. The defense of Leigh Wallace, daughter of a prominent fundamentalist minister, who is accused of killing her husband, might vault Gideon to the forefront of Blackwell County lawyers and end his private practice's struggle for clients. As Gideon and Chet - who is dying of cancer - prepare for the trial, Gideon's hopes of a victory start to fade as the twisted threads of the crime are revealed. It appears that Bracken, a follower of Shane Norman, Leigh's father, might be concealing information about Shane's involvement in the death of his son-in-law. And Gideon's daughter, Sarah, and girlfriend, Rainey, have become followers of Shane and resent Gideon's efforts to uncover the truth. While Gideon is increasingly operating on his own to discover the truth, he must contend with the wacky clients who frequent his office, among them the woman who wants a refund when her pit bull flunks "spiritual development" classes, and the clothing salesman who wants to file a product liability suit for his defective toupee. And as time runs out, it appears that Gideon will have only his wits to operate with in a trial that crescendoes over emotions of jealousy, lust, and family loyalty. From the first page to the climactic trial scene, Religious Conviction is a gripping thriller that is rich with humor and local color, vivid characterization and intrigue.