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James Chandler
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Misjudged: A Legal Thriller (Sam Johnstone Book 1) Kindle Edition

by James Chandler (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 30,962 ratings

When a disabled veteran takes a new job as an attorney in a small Wyoming town, he is thrust into a mysterious murder case.

“James Chandler’s experience as a lawyer and Army veteran shines in every page of his brilliant legal thrillers." —Jason Kasper, USA Today bestselling author

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.

______________________

Praise for Misjudged:

"Few seasoned authors can deliver what James Chandler has with his debut novel. I'm already waiting in anxious anticipation of his next installment." —Brian Shea, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Boston Crime Thriller series

“…a tense nail biting suspenseful page turner…” —Gary Roen, Midwest Book Review

What readers are saying:

★★★★★ "A wonderful legal thriller!"
★★★★★ "...it ain't over till the very end."
★★★★★ "...the courtroom drama was amazing..."
★★★★★ "This was a fantastic book...as it progressed, wow!"

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  1. Book 1 of 8
    Sam Johnstone
  2. Print length
    430 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    November 10, 2020
  6. File size
    2.0 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 8 books in this series.

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  1. Judge Preston C. Daniels, the Wyoming Twelfth Judicial District’s senior district court judge.
    Highlighted by 494 Kindle readers
  2. Circuit Court Judge Jonathon R. Howard was a floor below, presiding over the initial appearance of a suspected drunk driver.
    Highlighted by 335 Kindle readers
  3. Sean O’Hanlon, current president of the Custer Chamber of Commerce and Howard’s long-time drinking buddy.
    Highlighted by 312 Kindle readers
  4. He’d learned a long time ago that sometimes the best thing a leader can do is get out of the way and let people do their jobs.
    Highlighted by 278 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Wall Street Journal bestselling author James Chandler spent his formative years in the western United States. When he wasn't catching fish or footballs, he was roaming centerfield and trying to hit the breaking pitch. After a mediocre college baseball career, he exchanged jersey No. 7 for camouflage issued by the United States Army, which he wore around the globe and with great pride for twenty years. Since law school, he has favored dark suits and a steerhide briefcase. When he isn't working or writing, he'll likely have a fly rod, shotgun or rifle in hand. He and his wife are blessed with two wonderful adult daughters. Misjudged is his first novel.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08HJNQC26
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Severn River Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 10, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 430 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 8 ‏ : ‎ Sam Johnstone
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 30,962 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
James Chandler

James Chandler

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Wall Street Journal bestselling author James Chandler spent his formative years in the western United States. When he wasn’t catching fish or footballs, he was roaming centerfield and trying to hit the breaking pitch. After a mediocre college baseball career, he exchanged jersey No. 7 for camouflage issued by the United States Army, which he wore around the globe and with great pride for twenty years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel of Air Defense Artillery. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Eastern Oregon University and a Master's degree from Marshall University. He earned his Juris Doctor by attending night school at the George Mason University School of Law while assigned to the Pentagon, and practiced law in Wyoming for twelve years before his appointment to the bench. When he isn’t working or writing, he’ll likely have a fly rod, shotgun or rifle in hand. He and his wife are blessed with two wonderful adult daughters and one grandson. He is a recipient of the Western Horizon Award. He loves to hear from readers and can be reached at jameschandler@severnriverbooks.com. Click FOLLOW for instant notification of new releases.

Join his mailing list for bonus content and book updates: https://bit.ly/A8g4zr

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
30,962 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this legal thriller for its interesting plot with twists and turns, believable characters, and easy-to-follow writing style. The book provides interesting insight into the legal system, keeps readers guessing until the end, and features accurate trial aspects. The pacing receives mixed reactions - while some enjoy the pace, others find it slow at the beginning, and opinions about the humor are divided between those who find it hilarious and those who find it annoying.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

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Story qualityCharacter developmentWriting qualityLegal procedural contentPlot complexityAccuracyPacingHumor
347 customers mention "Story quality"316 positive31 negative

Customers enjoy the book's plot with its twists and turns, and appreciate that it holds their interest to the end, with one customer noting the excellent job of building a suspenseful mystery.

"...PTSD is so real. Author did an incredible job with this book. I loved the storyline, can’t wait to start book 2...." Read more

"This was a good read, although it was a little slow at times. I'm looking forward to starting Book 2!" Read more

"This book is filled with many twists in detail, crafted in such a way to tie the whole story together in surprising detail! I loved it!" Read more

"...Some details hard to connect at times,but overall a good read." Read more

130 customers mention "Character development"114 positive16 negative

Customers appreciate the well-defined characters in the book, finding them likable, with one customer particularly noting the inclusion of wounded warriors in the cast.

"...Oh, I can’t forget to mention the hilarity, as well as courage of some of the characters, just awesome. Judge Daniels should’ve been impeached." Read more

"...Best I’ve read. Character development is full and relatable. Very believable situations...." Read more

"...I liked the characters and learned something about court procedures too" Read more

"...His writing style, complex plot development, and character depiction all compare favorably with that found in John Grisham’s first few novels!..." Read more

116 customers mention "Writing quality"105 positive11 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, finding it well thought out and easy to follow, with one customer specifically noting the well-written courtroom scenes.

"...But, it's a great read. I like the author's style and straightforward writing. It's very obvious he has a vast knowledge of the legal system...." Read more

"...His writing style, complex plot development, and character depiction all compare favorably with that found in John Grisham’s first few novels!..." Read more

"Couldn't put it down. Great write in the lawyer genre. Had trouble with all the characters in the first few chapters...." Read more

"...Dogged pursuit of justice. A path to healing. The writing is economical; the story advances smoothly. A pleasure to read." Read more

81 customers mention "Legal procedural content"63 positive18 negative

Customers appreciate the legal procedural content of the book, finding it a great thriller with interesting insights into the legal system, and one customer specifically mentions enjoying the trial proceedings details.

"Excellent approach to explanation of courtroom law procedures. Best I’ve read. Character development is full and relatable...." Read more

"...It's very obvious he has a vast knowledge of the legal system...." Read more

"...I liked most of the descriptions of overall legal and specifically court procedures and the matter-of-fact way Chandler illuminates both the..." Read more

"...Some details hard to connect at times,but overall a good read." Read more

40 customers mention "Plot complexity"29 positive11 negative

Customers enjoy the plot complexity of the book, describing it as a very good mystery that kept them guessing until the end.

"...James Chandler kept my interest, weaving various hints and clues, some in the right direction, some to throw me a curve ball, with some intriguing..." Read more

"...It all boils down to final moment of truth. This one you have to read!" Read more

"...Author attempts to disguise the real culprit but the story line lacks any real plots or hidden agendas." Read more

"Twists and turns. A Whodunnit that will keep you guessing. Chandler is like a Mickey Spillane. I had a hard time putting it down...." Read more

13 customers mention "Accuracy"11 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the factual accuracy of the book, with one customer noting its realistic portrayal of PTSD and another highlighting its educational background information.

"...excellent job of building a suspenseful mystery with many educational background information and knowledge I found myself looking up things to..." Read more

"...He made them real, likable and vulnerable. Sam is a hero who can't forgive himself. He saves a fellow PTSD veteran...." Read more

"Fast read lots of twists and turns. Good characters and interesting evidence. Ended up liking the characters . Surprise ending" Read more

"...It is well written, clever, educational, some humor thrown in, and at times suspenseful. It is a fun read" Read more

65 customers mention "Pacing"42 positive23 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some enjoying it while others find it slow at the beginning.

"...Best I’ve read. Character development is full and relatable. Very believable situations...." Read more

"This was a good read, although it was a little slow at times. I'm looking forward to starting Book 2!" Read more

"...However, I did enjoy the book, and the main character, Sam, was so relatable. Great plot with a nice twist. I recommend." Read more

"...Johnstone is a sympathetic, quick- thinking character...." Read more

20 customers mention "Humor"6 positive14 negative

Customers have mixed reactions to the humor in the book, with some finding it hilarious while others find it boring and filled with excessive profanity.

"...Characters are important to me and there are many but most are not likable...." Read more

"I enjoyed the book but found much of it predictable and some just annoying...." Read more

"...Oh, I can’t forget to mention the hilarity, as well as courage of some of the characters, just awesome. Judge Daniels should’ve been impeached." Read more

"...Sam and his client Tom were not very likable (for different reasons) but I suppose shedding the light on PTSD (which both men suffer from) is never..." Read more

Good story, very poorly bound book.
3 out of 5 stars
Good story, very poorly bound book.
The story is a pretty good read. The book itself is very cheaply bound and pages are regularly coming out of the binder. This was a brand new unread copy and 200 pages in 20 or so have completely separated from the binder as if they did not get any adhesive at all. Normally I pass books among for someone else to read, this one will end up in the recycling bin. Shame, as it's an entertaining read. The author deserves better as does the reader.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Dirty Harry
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fast Paced!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this Chandler book. It has been awhile since I've circled back to one of his legal novels. I wasn't let down in this fast paced thriller/drama. And we are introduced to a new lawyer series. Can't wait to pick up the next in the series.
    Helpful
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  • Debora L Hull
    4.0 out of 5 stars Book 1
    Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This was a good read, although it was a little slow at times. I'm looking forward to starting Book 2!
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Joan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    What a great read. It had a ton of twist and turns and had a tough time putting down. On to the next Sam Johnston book in the series.
    Helpful
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  • Jan Bombeck
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting turn of events!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A little slow at first but picks up during trial and afterwards. Some details hard to connect at times,but overall a good read.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • RA57
    3.0 out of 5 stars 3stars might be pushing it
    Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I rarely write reviews, but after reading this book I had to go back and look at reviews to see why it got such a good rating. Obviously we (readers/reviewers) have very different ideas of what makes a good read. I almost put this one down after about 50% because it moved so darn slow, and the characters are a without depth, but the pace of the story did pick up after that mark so I decided to complete. I skipped the pages that just spent time on many basic legal explanations as they did nothing to move the story along and there were a couple of things that were mentioned or alluded to that seemed important but never came up again. This sort of thing (called Chekhov's gun) is a big pet peeve of mine. I must say though that I'm always amazed by people who give one star to books that have vulgar language. I have military and attorney's in my life and this is not an abnormal way of speaking for them and without it this book would have been even more unbelievable.
    12 people found this helpful
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  • BSmith
    5.0 out of 5 stars this’s truly a great book, highly recommend
    Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This was my first reading experience of this author. The way author set his storytelling and plot up was amazing and different. At first I couldn’t appreciate how author developed each character and how he set up the climax leading into the story. I was thinking about how I was going to remember all these characters and the roles they played in the story but as I continue to read, it all just glide together very easily and smoothly. Sam and Tommy characters are the most compelling because they represent the realistic lives of what goes on with our soldiers when they return home from war. If they don’t have a good support system that they can rely on and fight for them, they become invisible to society. And I speak from indirect experiences but still affiliated directly. I appreciate how the author reveals through Sam and Tommy the suffering they go through daily dealing with grief, loss, depression. PTSD is so real. Author did an incredible job with this book. I loved the storyline, can’t wait to start book 2. Oh, I can’t forget to mention the hilarity, as well as courage of some of the characters, just awesome. Judge Daniels should’ve been impeached.
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • TJ
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book is filled with many twists in detail, crafted in such a way to tie the whole story together in surprising detail! I loved it!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Casey Baxter
    4.0 out of 5 stars Misjudged
    Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed this book and appreciate this author's first and very successful attempt at a courtroom drama.

    I realize the need to draw attention to any book by capturing the readers' eyes, hoping they'll decide to read one book instead of another. And, I don't blame the author for the decisions made by the marketing team. That said, if I never see another book with "A totally gripping _______ thriller!" it will be too soon.

    I found no part of this book to be a thriller. But, it's a great read. I like the author's style and straightforward writing. It's very obvious he has a vast knowledge of the legal system. And he surely has the ability to keep the reader engaged in the story and wanting to know more.

    I couldn't put it down for very long and finished it in one sitting. I'm looking forward to reading the second book in this series and recommend it to anyone who appreciates a good legal drama. You won't be disappointed!
    20 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • steveoh
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is a non stop page turner
    Reviewed in Canada on August 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Great story, character development and court room setting, has a very Grisham feel, typical Little guy against the system, the system works when there are people there really care
    Report
  • Sumit
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read!!
    Reviewed in India on May 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Love this narration and piece of this novel. The story is full of twists both predictable and unpredictable. If you love court room drama or John Grisham this one is surely is recommended read.
    Report
  • reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bookworm
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Great read. Difficult to get into at the start with so many characters coming in. Thankfully xray sorted that but after that it was a great story
    Report
  • mrs mollie e harmer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in Australia on August 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Love this series
    Report
  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Misjudged
    Reviewed in Brazil on April 5, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    My first legal thriller ever!
    didn't know what to expect, I'm so used to one character pov that it took me awhile to get the hang of this writing style.
    Some parts of the story dragged a bit but overall good plot. I was enraged in few parts couldn't believe the decisions the characters were making.
    I'm sucker for underdog coming around so... i enjoyed this novel!! I already downloaded the sequels
    Entertaining, enjoyable
    Happy Reading!!!!
    Report

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