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A Trial in Lafayette County Clyde Noble has his sights set on the U.S. Senate when his beautiful, troubled, nineteen year old daughter Miranda is discovered alone, partially nude, and dead, in his swimming pool. What appears to be an accidental drowning isn’t, as death by asphyxiation confirms veteran investigator Gene Roberts’s suspicions that he and his young assistant Lewis Brown have a murder to solve; a task made more difficult when the list of suspects includes the brother of Miranda’s stepmother. Navigating political pressures and the changing stories of those who are both suspects and witnesses, the investigation hands the young Commonwealth’s Attorney Ev Cross, who has never prosecuted a murder, a daunting case he has no choice but to try. A Trial in Lafayette County is available directly from Beech Cottage Press. Author Bio: Phillip D Payne is a practicing attorney in Lovingston, Virginia, serving individuals and businesses throughout Central Virginia. Mr. Payne previously served eighteen years as the Commonwealth's Attorney of Nelson County, Virginia. Read more at www.phillippaynelaw.com. |
A few of the many positive reviews on Amazon.com:
5.0 out of 5 stars Murder and intrigue in the rural countryside
By.... on July 7, 2014Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
"This novel is a well crafted story of a murder trial in a rural Virginia county. The plot is intriguing, and the characters could step right off of the pages into the local towns along the Blue Ridge Mountains. The story line captures the reader's interest, but the book goes beyond the story as it gives an inside look at the tribulations of a murder investigation. The plot is punctuated with humor and wit. Mr. Payne paints his story onto the broader canvas of life in the pastoral countryside, giving us a rare realistic glimpse at country justice. A very good read."
I strongly recommend this book and look forward to his next one
By .......... on January 21, 2015 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
'The suspenseful murder mystery and high courtroom drama in this book make it difficult to put down. But its appeal goes well beyond that. With his superb writing, featuring outstanding use of dialogue, Phillip Payne gives the reader a remarkable depth of understanding of the people and life in his fictional Lafayette County, a typical rural Southern community. His characters are real and memorable, as is the work as a whole. I strongly recommend this book and look forward to his next one."
Loved it! By ....... on June 11, 2015Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Kept me glued to every page!! Will definitely recommend this to all my friends! Awesome read! Looking forward to another story!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Murder and intrigue in the rural countryside
By.... on July 7, 2014Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
"This novel is a well crafted story of a murder trial in a rural Virginia county. The plot is intriguing, and the characters could step right off of the pages into the local towns along the Blue Ridge Mountains. The story line captures the reader's interest, but the book goes beyond the story as it gives an inside look at the tribulations of a murder investigation. The plot is punctuated with humor and wit. Mr. Payne paints his story onto the broader canvas of life in the pastoral countryside, giving us a rare realistic glimpse at country justice. A very good read."
I strongly recommend this book and look forward to his next one
By .......... on January 21, 2015 Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
'The suspenseful murder mystery and high courtroom drama in this book make it difficult to put down. But its appeal goes well beyond that. With his superb writing, featuring outstanding use of dialogue, Phillip Payne gives the reader a remarkable depth of understanding of the people and life in his fictional Lafayette County, a typical rural Southern community. His characters are real and memorable, as is the work as a whole. I strongly recommend this book and look forward to his next one."
Loved it! By ....... on June 11, 2015Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Kept me glued to every page!! Will definitely recommend this to all my friends! Awesome read! Looking forward to another story!!