Misjudged
When a disabled veteran takes a new job as an attorney in a small Wyoming town, he is thrust into a mysterious murder case.
Sam Johnstone was hoping for renewal when he took a job at a boutique law firm in rustic Wyoming. The mountains and streams of the west would be a refreshing, quiet place to start over after years of war and turmoil in his personal life.
But after a local woman is brutally murdered, Sam realizes that things aren’t so quiet in this rural American town. The accused is one Tommy Olsen, a known delinquent who had been sleeping with the victim. Sam is repulsed by the crime and wants nothing to do with the case, but meets with Tommy to make sure he has legal representation.
Yet things are not as they seem.
What begins as a cut-and-dry case becomes infinitely more complicated as new facts are uncovered, and Sam agrees to serve as Tommy’s defense attorney.
With the killer’s identity still unknown, Sam is enveloped in the small-town politics and courtroom drama of a murder investigation that keeps getting more shocking.
But if Sam can’t uncover the truth, an innocent man might be punished...while the real killer watches from the shadows.
From Wall Street Journal bestselling author James Chandler comes the riveting Sam Johnstone legal thriller series; perfect for fans of John Grisham, James Patterson, and C.J. Box.
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James Chandler
James Chandler writes with the kind of sharp edge that pulls readers into his world, where thrilling mysteries and intricate puzzles unfold at every turn. Known for his gripping tales of crime and suspense, Chandler creates stories that don’t just challenge the intellect—they tap into the very essence of what makes us question the truth.
Born with a love for storytelling, Chandler's journey into writing began early, nurtured by an insatiable curiosity and a keen interest in the darker aspects of human nature. With each of his books, he invites readers to peer into a world of deception, secrets, and relentless pursuit, where nothing is ever as simple as it first appears.
Sam Johnstone
The Sam Johnstone series is a gripping blend of legal suspense and personal discovery, where every case brings not just a new challenge, but a fresh layer to the enigmatic journey of its protagonist. Set in the stark yet beautiful landscapes of Wyoming, the series follows Sam Johnstone—a military veteran turned lawyer—as he navigates a world where the line between right and wrong often blurs. With each new case, Sam grapples with his own moral compass while uncovering deep truths that challenge both his intellect and personal convictions.
Sam Johnstone consists of eight books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

