The debut novel from author Joey Hartsone, The Local is a sizzling courtroom thriller for the modern-day reader. Set in the small Texas town of Marshall, the novel follows lawyer James Euchre as he navigates being forced into defending his first murder trial – a leap from his usual patent infringement cases. 

With the high-stakes scenario of potentially sending an innocent man to death row, or equally, setting a murderer free, Hartstone does a masterful job at conveying detailed trial strategies in a believable, entirely realistic way. All of this combines to help make the twists and turns of the rest of the story feel plausible – a serious achievement for a contemporary legal thriller. 

Exploring themes of loyalty, family, small town values, and, of course, the integrity of the law, readers are introduced to a host of important characters throughout – including learning more about what drives leading man Euchre. 

Many reviewers commented on the film’s cinematic storytelling and, thanks to Hartstone’s background as a film and TV writer, it’s easy to see why. The formulation of the narrative and the journey the reader is taken on is textbook movie material – keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout. 

For those looking for a fresh take on a legal thriller, Hartstone is the man to watch – and The Local is a great place to start. We’re certain that you’ll be clamouring for part two before the end and, with any luck, this won’t be the last we hear from Joey Hartstone.