Burden of Proof

Author: Davis Bunn
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Release Date: November 3, 2020

The one thing he needs is a second chance. But it's the one thing he can never get--or so he thinks.

A few months before his twenty-first birthday, Ethan missed the chance to save his brother's life. Adrian was murdered on the steps of the courthouse in Jacksonville, Florida. Ever since that fateful day, Ethan has sensed a deep disconnect between the man he should have been and the one he has become. His days play out a beat too slow, his mind rehashing the scene of his failure again and again.

When Adrian's widow appears, asking for his help in uncovering what was really behind his brother's death, Ethan is stunned. The legal case they were pursuing was more far-reaching than he could have imagined--it could even threaten the global power structure.

Ethan joins the search for answers at the ultimate cost. As he enters into his own past, will he discover a means to redeem the future?

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Reviewer: Amy Smelser

How many times have any of us just wanted to go back in time and have a do over? To do something we should have done, or not do something we should not have done? To have regrets is part of human life and this story gives one man a chance to go back and fix his. Ethan is dying of cancer and he is alone. He looks back on his life and sees that for the most part it is an empty shell of what it could have been. If he would only have chosen differently.
 
Add a little bit of science fiction and Ethan has just that chance. Of course with a certainty of his death, he chooses to do just that. He is gifted with going back in time to undo and change certain outcomes that not only tore his life apart but that of his sister-in-law and others as well. Ethan gets a do over with a bonus. He gets to bring with him the wisdom he has gained as he lived his life. What a precious gift. 
 
Not only was this a thought provoking novel, but it also has a mystery tied up into it as well. Especially as he seeks to find out who killed his brother and why his brother was murdered in the first place. 
 
With hints of A Christmas Carol and the Prodigal Son, I enjoyed this out of the box novel. There were some really good nuggets of wisdom sprinkled throughout and I really took them to heart. So for me, I hope that I choose not to make the regrets, and to think more before I speak and act. This one was bittersweet.
 
I was provided a copy by Revell Publishing through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Kevin Maltsberger

Davis Bunn created an exciting and fast-paced tale with Burden of Proof.

The author takes us on a trip back in time for a renewed opportunity. It is a page-turning story that leaves you rushing to get to the next chapter. 

I loved the fast pace, the internal dialogue, and the main character's determination to ultimately do the right thing. I wish the book had been more Christian themed, but it was a fun story clear of any bad influences. It was a great message to show how important it can be to treat others with respect and do the honourable thing. 

While the story was not overtly Christian, it has a clean message, an exciting story, and a fast pace. I look forward to reading more from Davis Bunn.

This book was provided courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews, for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise

“For the first time since he had received the news, his fear of death was balanced with the power of choice.”

Burden Of Proof is a unique story in a unique time frame. From the blurb on the cover, I was not expecting this plot. It is well executed and kept me turning pages, but I thought something was missing. I kept waiting for a concrete faith message. I can see several places that this could happen. That said, it was a great story. 

I kept wondering what the final outcome would be on several levels. The main protagonist did do a turnaround and acted selflessly. The message became clear that one should think of others, especially family, before considering certain life choices. The author used surfing as an example of how life works. The description of Ethan paddling out and riding the waves was fascinating.

I have not read a Davis Bunn novel in a few years. I’m glad I chose to read this one.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Nora St. Laurent

If you love John Grisham’s intense courtroom drama and stories about second chances, you will love this novel. The characters and their situation grabbed my heart and never let it go. Ethan comes to terms with the fact doctors gave him a few months to live. Just when he was coming to terms with his new reality, in walks his estranged scientific Professor sister-in-law with an opportunity he would not have considered if cancer were not eating up his body. It is an out of the box, wild option, but what did he have to lose? He would be her human lab rat.

This story had throwback elements from the 1980s in Cocoa Beach Florida, there were no cellphones, no internet, no video games, and the Nasa Program was in its heyday. Life was simple back then. One thing remained constant, how people prepared for hurricane season. Ethan loved to surf, and the best surfing could be had on Cocoa Beach during dangerous times. I enjoyed surfing with Ethan and his friend.

Another fun thing is the Back to the Future elements sprinkled throughout this intense page-turning novel I could not put down. This would be a wonderful book club pick. There is so much to discuss. If you have not read a book by this author, I highly recommend this one.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group/Revell through Interviews Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

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Reviewer: Rebecca Maney

"My friend said the difference between making the right moves now and making more wrong moves like before was that I had to seek the eternal perspective."

What if? What if we had the ability to travel behind ourselves in order to live out second chances? That was the choice that Ethan Barrett faced as he approached eternity for the first time. Taking the word of his estranged sister-in-law, he allows Sonya to terminate his present life so that he can attempt to exonerate himself from past mistakes and attempt to save the life of another. Ethan was going to become an older, wiser version of himself encased within a younger man again. Who would believe him? And could he possibly gather the burden of proof necessary to stop a murderer?

Honestly, this was a very difficult book to rate. Due to the subject matter, it took  some time to understand the nuances of futuristic biological possibilities, but once the story took off, it was actually quite hard to put down. Even knowing how the book was sure to end didn't prevent me from wishing things could have been different, so that fact in and of itself cast a shadow of solemnity over the entire plot. The core of the story was definitely impactful; having an eternal perspective is the only way to face the certainty of eternity with confidence, but the author missed a wonderful opportunity to share "the way, the truth, and the life".

It will be interesting to see how other readers gauge this interesting story written by an author who continually embraces the challenge of writing in various genres, and does it well.

I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group/Revell  through Interviews & Reviews. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.

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