Relative Justice

Title: Relative Justice
Author: Robert Whitlow
Major Themes: Mysteries, Family
Synopsis: Zeke Caldwell is convinced a big drug company has stolen his patented home remedy. Can the Cobb family help him make things right?

Ever since reading the Chosen People series, I’ve been wanting to read other books by Whitlow. I know he’s something of a big name in some areas, and I’ve been curious to see what his other books are like. So when I saw Relative Justice come up, I knew I wanted to try it—just to get an idea of what some of his other books have to offer. I was especially interested to see how the faith element would work in this book; that was something that greatly impressed me in the other two books I’d read.

David Cobb, a lawyer, is working at the small family law office that he and his father run together. He’ll never be a big name, but he enjoys the fact that he can have relationships with the people that come to him for help, and he’s always especially grateful when he can point them to the Lord in their discussions. One day, Zeke, an old client and family friend comes to David, asking for help in what he believes is a case of patent infringement. He’s been making home remedies from natural ingredients for years, and now a big drug company seems to have stolen his formula. Meanwhile, Katelyn, David’s sister-in-law, is a lawyer working for a prestigious law firm and is determined to do whatever it takes to advance her career and become a high-ranking lawyer. She works long hours, but she doesn’t mind—it will all pay off one day. Should David try to get her help for the case? Would she even consider it? Then, personal and family matters crop up to complicate the matter. What does God want from them now?

Relative Justice was a good, gripping read, but I was somewhat disappointed with the story as a whole. There were parts of the legal jargon that I had some trouble coping with, and the plot as a whole didn’t feel as tight as in the Chosen People series. The one part I was thankful for—the faith side—did come through, and one character’s faith journey, especially, was rewarding to watch as it unfolded. But the story itself was disappointing. It almost felt like several different elements were put together for interest’s sake, and although they worked together, it felt more forced than some stories. It was a good read, but not one of my top favorites. If you’re looking for a light mystery with a focus on the family, this could be a good option.

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

WARNING: Gambling is mentioned multiple times throughout the book. There is a mention of a father abandoning his wife and child and moving in with his girlfriend in ch. 1. A woman discovers she is pregnant in ch. 6, and says something about not taking her pills on time (the pregnancy and nausea are mentioned several times throughout the story). A man is drinking heavily in ch. 29, and there is a mention that he had thoughts of ending his life. There is an explosion in ch. 30, and in 31, several injuries are described. Kisses are mentioned (not described, all married couples) in ch. 3, 6, and 27. There is lying in ch. 7, 23, 27, and 28. Swears is used in ch. 10.

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