Heather’s Bookshelf: Beneath the Gavel
Author: Stephen M. Murphy
Released: 08/01/25
Genre: Legal Thriller
“He tried to take a nap on the couch, but just as he closed his eyes, his phone rang. '“Ferd, it’s Barry. I’ve got some news and you’re not going to like it.’”
“Beneath the Gavel” introduces Judge Ferdinand (Ferd) Pitt. While presiding in his courtroom, an unexpected defendant enters in cuffs- his estranged father, Dwight Pitt.
Dwight is accused of murdering Patrick Brady, one of the founders of CAPSLOCK (a software company in Silicon Valley). Though Ferd has not seen or heard from his father since before high school, he finds it hard to believe the man could have committed such a heinous crime.
When Dwight is assigned to Ferd’s rival attorney and opponent for judgeship, Nicole Smedley, the judge decides to launch his own investigation. Unfortunately, this leads into connections into other parts of his family- including his son, Josh Pitt.
Will Judge Pitt find out the truth about who murdered Patrick Brady and will it be enough to save his family and his judgeship?
Trigger Warning: murder, adult language, vandalism, sexual harassment
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It is very clear that the author has personal experience with the legal system from the amount of detail and realism written. The story is told through the POV of the main protagonist, Judge Pitt. He’s quite the relatable and sympathetic character. While he’s currently been appointed as a judge, his re-election is pending and he’s not sure if he’ll win. His son has become more distant since finishing with college and he doesn’t see eye to eye with his sister. He comes from a meager background with a mom who had to work 2 jobs to get him and his twin sister through high school because his father abandoned them. His mother has now been placed in a nursing facility, dying from the consequences of smoking- a vice she turned to after her husband left. Amidst all of this, his estranged father shows back up in his courtroom, accused of murder, and intoxicated. While trying to figure out what to do, his typically-supportive wife is anything but, leaving him pretty much alone to seek the truth. Like I said, sympathetic. His son, Josh is also endearing and shows a great amount of growth throughout the tale. The judge’s investigation feels a bit more police procedural than mystery, but I enjoyed his process and especially the surprise reveal of secrets along the way. The result, however, was a bit lackluster. It felt clunky, unsurprising, and obvious for an otherwise buttoned-up story. If Judge Pitt decides to leave the bench, I believe he’d have an intriguing career as a private investigator and I’d be here for it.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A legal thriller with a strong protagonist, great pacing, and strong family ties. A couple of surprising secrets almost save a lackluster murderer reveal.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with Stephen M. Murphy
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Find it for purchase here
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