May 5, 1968Virginia State PenitentiaryWhen two men meet in a maximum security visitation room on May 5, 1968, they have only one thing in common: they both want their lives back. On one side of the window sits Kenneth Deatherage, sentenced to death for the brutal rape and murder of a young woman. On the other side is Nate Abbitt, a successful prosecutor until he drank his way through a midlife … through a midlife crisis.
Nate’s only path to redemption is to represent Deatherage on appeal, but his investigation soon uncovers hints of corruption in the county justice system, and Nate finds himself accused of murder by the same forces that convicted his client. As Nate risks his life – and several others – in the fight to clear his name, he makes the nasty discovery that he and his client have much more in common than he’d like to admit.
2014 Foreword Reviews INDIEFAB Book of the Year Awards Finalist
The first Whippoorwill Hollow novel
˃˃˃ Intelligent, atmospheric, achingly romantic legal thriller
“Ken Oder debuts with an intelligent, atmospheric, and achingly romantic legal thriller. I loved this book, and I can’t wait for the next one.”
”” Pamela Fagan Hutchins, USA Best Book Award-winning author of Heaven to Betsy and the Katie and Annalise mysteries
˃˃˃ Intriguing legal thriller, strong historical fiction
“. . . an intriguing legal thriller that looks deeply at corruption in the jurisprudence system. The recovering alcoholic protagonist is a fascinating lead as he begins to regain his lost life when he accepts the harm he committed to innocent people, his wife, his mother, his mentor and himself. . . . the enjoyable storyline spins from a superb capital case to a more conventional David vs. Goliath thriller, fans will appreciate Ken Oder’s strong historical fiction. ”
– THE MYSTERY GAZETTE
˃˃˃ Timely and compelling
“Moments after meeting his client, death-row inmate Kenneth Deatherage, attorney Nate Abbitt explains: Cases are pending before the United States Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the death penalty. There’s a nationwide moratorium on executions until the court rules. Ironically, just days after The Closing became available on Amazon, Oklahoma botched the execution of Clayton Lockett, who according to eye-witness accounts, tried to get up and speak after being given the supposedly lethal injection. Although this book is set in 1968 Virginia, the subject matter could hardly be more topical. . . . This is a great summer read. You won’t be able to put it down. And whatever side of the issue you are on, The Closing should inform your view about capital punishment.”
– Marlene Munoz, Amazon reviewer
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I was enthralled while reading this book. It was well written, unpredictable and a wonderful read. Its one of those rare books I would be willing to read again. Love love love.
A bit long-winded, but well constructed and interesting read.
This is the best I’ve read in a long time. Kept my attention to the end. Great writing.
This one surprised me. Almost decided to stop reading at one point as I thought the story was going in the wrong direction. Glad I read a few more pages as it was just getting even better.
Fat book to read Not earth shattering but would read the author again
The Closing was a very well written book, a legal thriller of sorts. But really more of a psychological study of small town Virginia lawyers.
Meh! If you like your mysteries confused with romance novels, fine. Otherwise, meh. Not my cup of tea.
Really interesting. Wondered how it was going to be resolved.
Everything worked out!
This book was interesting and an easy bedtime read
Good story, plot, and characters. And it’s a sit down and read it all at once!
Great first book. Very well written with lots of thought provocative details. And these several years later, so much of the plot is in the daily headlines.
A good read, didn’t want to put it down.
I loved this book. Plenty of mystery to keep my attention. A plot that was good and easy to understand.
I absolutely hated this book. I have no idea why there were so many good reviews. I guess it just wasn’t my “cup of tea”. I like to have at least one character that I can cheer for or like. There wasn’t one developed character that even deserved a glimmer of respect. I finished it, because I hate not finishing a book. I admit, by the last …
I enjoyed this book, the main characters were not likable people, which is very unusual. It gave insight into the judicial system, it’s a good read and worth the read.
Good, quick read
Reading this now and have a hard time putting it down.
I really liked it it was suspenseful it kept me interested it kept me wanting more
wonderful reading! You really feel for one of the stars of the story, the attorney Nate. Reminded me of John Grisham’s books. Kept you going from first page to the last.
Unremarkable. No explanation is offered for the events at the end of the book.