The Witnesses

Written by Robert Whitlow

Narrated by Heath McClure

Young lawyer Parker House is on the rise—until his grandfather’s mysterious past puts both of their lives in danger.

Parker House’s secret inheritance is either his greatest blessing . . . or his deadliest curse. The fresh-faced North Carolina attorney shares his German grandfather’s uncanny ability to see future events in his mind’s eye—a gift that has haunted 82-year-old Frank House through decades of trying to erase a murderous wartime past.

While Parker navigates the intrigue and politics of small-town courtroom law, Frank is forced to face his darkest regrets. Then, a big career break for Parker collides with a new love he longs to nurture and the nightmares his grandfather can no longer escape. Sudden peril threatens to shatter not only Parker’s legal prospects but also his life and the lives of those dearest to him.

Two witnesses, two paths, an uncertain future.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Jul 19, 2016
• ISBN: 9780718091330

Robert Whitlow

Robert Whitlow is the bestselling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. He received his JD with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. Website: robertwhitlow.com; X: @whitlowwriter; Facebook: @robertwhitlowbooks.

Reviews for The Witnesses

[Cheri Bozeman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Well written and quite entertaining, The Witnesses will not disappoint! I loved it!

[Phillip Zannini · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It’s a solid read, writing is good, some decisions and/or events you can see coming well in advance. I always love this writer’s exploration of deeper themes, this book continues that tradition.

[mootzymom · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I had a hard time staying with this book picking it up, putting it back down and up again. I appreciate the characters have depth and the end pulled it all together

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have always been a huge fan of Robert Whitlow. Each of his books keep my attention and always has a fascinating storyline. This book is no exception. I love reading about World War II. The author does a great job of describing the horrors of that war. We meet Franz Haus at the beginning of the book. He is a captain in the German Army. He has an uncanny gift that proves very valuable to the General . As he realizes his gift is both powerful and special, it can also be dangerous for some. Franz decides to leave and heads to Switzerland. I loved how he became friends with a fisherman and later used that trade when he finally ended up in America. Do you think anyone will look for Franz? He was quite valuable but will he be seen as a traitor? What secrets does he know? The story moves seamlessly through World War II to present day where we meet Franz's grandson. I thought it was interesting that Franz has changed his name to Frank House now. He must be hiding from someone. His grandson , Parker is a trial lawyer and is doing well for himself. I found his character to be likeable and sure of himself. One day he discovers that he has the same ability that his grandfather has. Could this be an advantage for him at his job? Will it bring danger to him or prevent tragedies from happening? You will have to read this amazing story to find out what gift they both have. There is a love interest in the story for Parker. Layla to me was a distraction for Parker and I'm not sure I was rooting for them to get together. She sure had a lot going on in her life, but when you are in love, you look past those problems and hopefully are able to build a lasting relationship. Will they find true love?The story moves at a great pace and readers will not be disappointed by the scenes involving a trial. It is very dramatic, high volume action that really kept me guessing. I loved how the story was like a puzzle. You find that first piece and you begin to get an adrenaline rush. As Frank's past start to catch up with him, another piece of the puzzle is added. A potential employer for Parker seems quite interested in him and Frank and their shared gift. One more piece of the puzzle slides mysteriously into place. The intrigue , history , kidnapping, explosive trial all add up to a story that is action packed and filled with faith and trust. The ending was good and I can't wait to read Mr. Whitlow' s next book. "One of the biggest mistakes of my life was misusing the gift God gave me. "I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild for an honest review.

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: The WitnessesAuthor: Robert WhitlowPages: 400Year: 2016Publisher: Thomas NelsonMy rating is 5 stars.I enjoy reading novels that include courtroom drama along with a smattering of mystery and suspense. Robert Whitlow delivers on all three fronts as well as giving readers romance, family relationships, history and a very powerful theme regarding spiritual blessing on the next generation. What also came through in the story was the choice each individual had to repent, seek the Lord and receive His forgiveness, love and presence.At first, I was lost in the novel as the main character, Frank Haus, was introduced in a historical framework as a soldier in the German army. Then, readers are propelled to modern day and introduced to his grandson, who is a lawyer named Parker. From that point on, the author uses flashbacks to help the audience understand what Frank experienced in war time and his ultimate decision to leave Germany behind.Parker is an associate lawyer who works for a very small firm and as he helps with cases, he begins to experience this innate ability to see where the questioning of a witness needs to go or perhaps who would make a good jurist, etc. The ending of the novel has a lot of action, but also drives a spiritual truth home to readers that will leave an impact for a long time after the book is done.While most people look horizontally to see where they are going or where in life they want to go, the novel really had me understanding that the eternal is far more important. It isn’t just a personal eternal perspective that Robert Whitlow shares, but also helping others see the truth of the eternal life or death that awaits them.I hope you take time to enjoy the journey this novel holds for anyone who takes time to enjoy the story!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My book club never passes up a chance to read a novel by Robert Whitlow. Although he has scored a miss or two with us, he is a consistent favorite. His latest book, The Witnesses, is Whitlow at his best. We met last night to discuss the book. I have to admit that I finished it just minutes before walking out the door. Others in the group had not finished it, but had skimmed the ending so that they could join in on the discussion. (In our defense, we only had a 2 1/2 week turn around between meetings. We usually have at least a month.) The consensus was that we loved the book, and for those who had not completed it, that pleasure was on their agenda for the rest of the evening.Parker House and his grandfather, Frank, are gifted with hunches and premonitions. Frank’s ability has led to some of his biggest regrets, while Parker, a young lawyer, has barely discovered the power and responsibility of his gift. The past, present and future collide as their need for a life lived with integrity is impacted by the expectations and demands of their world.There is much to love about The Witnesses. Well-developed characters are easy to love (or hate as the case may be). My book club especially liked Frank who could have easily been a difficult character to connect with. As a former officer in the German army in WWII, he participated in operations against the Allies. But his deep sense of right and wrong and his conscience made him real and relatable. His story was the most engaging, yet we were heavily invested in Parker’s story, especially his relationship with Layla and her father/his boss, Tom Blocker. Elements of suspense, legal drama, and romance make this a story that will appeal to a wide audience. I had to take this book away from my husband so I could have it read by my meeting. He is a big fan of Whitlow, too, and is eager to get back to the story. The book encouraged a good bit of discussion, and the questions at the back went a long way in directing us. Faith elements are strong, including the theme of forgiveness that runs throughout the book. Whitlow uses God’s word and the words of others to impact the characters ( and his readers) and draw them closer to God. The idea of visions/intuition/premonitions was one that intrigued us and made us think more about what the Bible has to say about it. A book that points to what God says is a big winner for us.We all loved our time spent with Frank, Parker and Layla — one member wished there could be a sequel. The Witnesses scores a unanimous thumbs up from By The Book!Highly recommended.Audience: adults.