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. 

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The Local

Joey Hartstone

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.

\”Razor sharp, reminiscent of the best of Grisham\”

– Kia Abdullah

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.

\”The characters are vivid and worth rooting for, and the plot is just complicated enough to be interesting without being overwhelming… terrific\”

– New York Times

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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.