Author Buddy Howard’s debut legal thriller “The Burden of Evidence” launches to consistent 5-star reviews.
RALEIGH, NC – In his debut legal thriller, The Burden of Evidence, Buddy Howard, a former financial analyst, immerses readers in a world of psychological suspense, moral dilemmas, and the complexities of trauma. The story begins when Katherine Nelms returns home in a shattered state, barely able to speak, and begs her husband Paul to keep the police away from whatever nightmare she has just endured. Their quiet life is upended as the couple faces a moral conundrum that spirals out of control.
The novel, which took eight years to complete, was born from a question that Howard had been pondering since his college days at Wake Forest University in 1977. “I experienced something fascinating, and a question arose in my mind about what would happen if such and such occurred,” Howard reflects. “That question stayed with me for many years, eventually becoming the basis for this novel.”
As Paul’s anger transforms into an obsession, he faces an impossible choice: when the justice system fails and becomes another source of trauma, how far will he go to make things right?
“Above everything else, I hope to intrigue readers with this situation,” Howard says from his Raleigh home. “It’s a powerful struggle between doing what’s right and doing what’s in one’s own self-interest. It’s the same dilemma we face in our daily lives—the tension between conscience and consequence.”
WATCH AUTHOR BUDDY HOWARD’S VIDEO INTERVIEW HERE
Early Praise:
“This is a great legal thriller with a plot full of twists, morally gray characters, and high-stakes suspense. It kept me guessing until the end.” – Lawrence J. Harte, Amazon Verified Purchase
“Once I started, I was glued to the book to find out what would happen next. I loved the unexpected twists and turns to the story.” – Amazon Customer, Verified Purchase
“A breath of fresh air in the genre… bold enough to take us down a new path.” – Jeb Jeutter, Amazon Verified Purchase
5-Star Ratings on Amazon – Readers consistently praise the book for its unexpected twists, morally complex characters, and engaging pacing. Many are already calling for sequels.
About the Author: Buddy Howard
Buddy Howard, who describes himself as “a 67-year-old kid” with unrelenting curiosity, has led an adventurous life. From skydiving and earning a pilot’s license to running marathons and attending Burning Man, Howard channels his passion for adventure into his writing.
After losing his job as a financial analyst in 1989, Howard started his own company and later partnered with a firm focused on mergers and acquisitions. His background in high-stakes finance provided valuable insight into the power dynamics and moral compromises explored in The Burden of Evidence.
Howard lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife Cathy and two adult children. He is active in his church and believes everyone has a story worth telling. “Getting this novel out is a reminder to everyone that limitations are often self-imposed,” Howard adds.
Key Themes Explored:
- The aftermath of trauma and the burden of silence
- Marriage tested by unthinkable circumstances
- The dangerous line between justice and vengeance
- How truth has “intrinsic energy” to surface while lies require energy to maintain
- The universal struggle between conscience and consequence
Perfect for Readers Who Enjoyed:
- Gillian Flynn’s psychological thrillers
- John Grisham’s courtroom classics
- Tana French’s atmospheric crime fiction
- Scott Turow’s morally complex legal dramas
- Harlan Coben’s domestic suspense novels
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
Buddy Howard is available for media interviews, podcast appearances, book club discussions, speaking engagements, and other media events. Advanced reader copies, high-resolution author photos, and book cover images are available upon request.
CONTACT:
Publicist: Nancy Gregory
Phone: (204) 781-9150
Email: me*************@***il.com
Social Media:
- Instagram: @burdenofevidence
- Facebook: Buddy Howard
- Website: buddyhoward.com
The Burden of Evidence
Birch and Quill LLC, 2025, 280 pages, ISBN: 9798999188113
Available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats through major retailers, independent bookstores, and online platforms.
