Misjudged - James Chandler - A Short Summary and Review

 Misjudged - James Chandler - A Short Summary and Review

By: a.d. elliott | Take the Back Roads - Art and Other Odd Adventures

A Rite of Fancy Book Recommendation and Review

Sam and his sobriety struggles as he tries to stop a miscarriage of justice after a murder in a small town. 

A short summary:

Misjudged follows Sam, a man in recovery whose hard-won sobriety is tested when a murder rocks his small town. As the legal system moves quickly toward a convenient conclusion, Sam becomes increasingly convinced that the wrong person is about to pay for the crime.

Haunted by his past and struggling to stay sober, Sam is drawn into the case, not as a hero with all the answers, but as a deeply flawed man determined to prevent a miscarriage of justice. As pressure mounts from every direction, Sam must confront his own trauma while racing against time to uncover the truth before the system closes ranks.

My favorite quote from the book:

"The world is an ugly place for a sober woman, judge."

- James Chandler, Misjudged

Questions to ponder while reading:

Can you adapt your politics?

What are your vices?

My review:

This is an engaging, character-driven thriller that balances suspense with emotional realism. The plot keeps moving, but what really stands out is the way Chandler grounds the story in very human struggles. Sam doesn’t feel like a stock protagonist; he feels like someone doing his best on shaky ground.

Themes of PTSD and alcoholism are woven directly into the narrative rather than treated as surface traits, which gives the story weight and credibility. Sam’s sobriety isn’t just backstory; it actively shapes his choices, his fears, and his resilience.

While the pacing and mystery make this an enjoyable page-turner, readers should be aware that the subject matter is heavy at times. That said, the novel handles these themes with empathy and restraint, making Misjudged both entertaining and emotionally honest.

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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life

She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.

You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.

✨ #TakeTheBackRoads

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