Murder, Mystery, and the Law Collide in a Gripping Legal Thriller at the 2025 Printers Row Lit Fest

This fall, readers and literary insiders attending the 2025 Printers Row Lit Fest are in for a suspense-filled treat with the official presentation of Right of Survivorship and its chilling sequel, Right of Survivorship: Part II – Resolution, penned by debut author William M. Gotten. While Gotten himself will not be in attendance, Maple Leaf Publishing Canada will proudly represent and exhibit both titles at this premier literary gathering held in the Historic Printers Row neighborhood from September 6 to 7, 2025.

With an irresistible blend of legal complexity, biblical philosophy, and edge-of-your-seat storytelling, Right of Survivorship is a standout mystery that explores how property law, specifically “tenancy by the entirety,” intersects with murder, deception, and betrayal.

Where Legal Doctrine Meets Murder Mystery

In Right of Survivorship, Gotten explores the chilling aftermath of Sally Conners’ sudden and mysterious death. Was it an accident or was it cold-blooded murder? What does her untimely demise have to do with property rights and the legal ties that bind a married couple? These are the tantalizing questions that drive readers into the heart of a narrative shaped by Gotten’s sharp legal mind and decades-long career.

Set against the backdrop of Memphis, Tennessee, the story follows seasoned detective Harvey Martin and astute FBI Special Agent Rachel Simon. Martin’s instincts suggest that Sally Conners’ death is no accident—and as the case unfolds, the FBI’s unexpected involvement only deepens the intrigue. Readers will be enthralled by the plot’s layered twists and riveting pacing as it weaves legal intricacies with human emotion, ambition, and betrayal.

A Thrilling Sequel That Refuses to Let Go

In Right of Survivorship: Part II – Resolution, Gotten refuses to let Sally Conners’ case go cold. Picking up where the first book leaves off, Martin and Simon are more determined than ever to uncover the truth and bring justice to those still hiding in the shadows. With every chapter, the sequel digs deeper into the legal, moral, and emotional dimensions of the original crime, bringing long-awaited answers—and new questions—to light.

Ric Bratton, host of This Week in America, says: “This is a gripping legal thriller and a good one that carefully unspools itself with each chapter. The kind of book that will grab a reader and refuse to let go.”

Logan Crawford, host of Spotlight TV and a respected literary voice, described the novel as “an enthralling journey filled with suspense, legal twists, and the allure of crafting one’s own conclusions… a captivating read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.”

The
Author: A Legal Mind Turned Storyteller

William M. Gotten, a lifelong Memphian, brings 34 years of legal experience to bear in his first published work. A graduate of Washington and Lee University and the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Gotten specialized in Debtor/Creditor relations and Bankruptcy Law throughout his career. His deep understanding of property law and his rich personal observations of the legal world lend authenticity and intensity to his writing.

The idea for Right of Survivorship was born years ago, but the solitude and stillness of the COVID-19 lockdowns finally gave Gotten the opportunity to put pen to paper. “Like many others, I saw the pandemic years as a chance to cross something off my bucket list,” Gotten shared.

For Readers and Industry Professionals Alike

For literary agents, publishing professionals, book distributors, and rights acquisition specialists, Right of Survivorship represents a marketable blend of genre fiction with real-world legal relevance—a fresh voice in crime fiction that appeals to fans of John Grisham, Lisa Scottoline, and Scott Turow.

Meanwhile, readers drawn to page-turning mysteries, compelling legal drama, and morally complex characters will find both novels impossible to put down. With its exploration of how the law can both protect and endanger, Gotten’s debut series is poised to generate wide appeal across multiple demographics.

Discover These Riveting Legal Thrillers at Printers Row Lit Fest

Visitors to the 2025 Printers Row Lit Fest are encouraged to stop by the Maple Leaf Publishing Canada booth to discover Right of Survivorship and Right of Survivorship: Part II – Resolution. The books will be on display throughout the event, offering readers the chance to dive into a gripping new world of legal suspense—and giving industry professionals a first-hand look at a powerful new voice in the mystery genre.

For more information about Right of Survivorship, as well as opportunities for distribution, consignment, or rights acquisition, visit the Maple Leaf Publishing booth at the 2025 Printers Row Lit Fest or contact the author directly at www.williamgottenbooks.com.

Contact Information

John Lopez

Book Publicist

Maple Leaf Publishing

Contact via E-mail