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Blake County Legal Thriller #3
The Wiregrass Witness
Who knows what dark secrets hide in the southern wiregrass… After five long years in prison, Colt Hudson is finally returning to Blake County, Georgia. But in his hometown he's treated like just another criminal—with good reason. The scion of a tight-knit southern clan, Colt's family is deeply involved in one of the most dangerous meth operations in Georgia. An organized drug ring that authorities have worked for years to break up. Colt's early release from prison comes with strings attached—a deal with narcotics squad commander Tim Dawson, who wants information that could help bust the family business. But when the drug agent who put Colt away seven years ago turns up dead, a dangerous conspiracy begins to unravel. Tenacious lawyer Maggie Reynolds finds herself drawn into the case as she uncovers a shocking cover-up by the Sheriff's office. As she navigates a labyrinth of deceit and corruption, Maggie must fight to uncover the truth...even if it means putting her own life on the line. With a gripping plot, complex characters, and twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat, THE WIREGRASS WITNESS is a must-read for fans of John Grisham and Michael Connelly.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2023
672 people are currently reading
2235 people want to read
About the author
Joe Cargile
6 books38 followersAlthough born in Alabama, Cargile spent much of his childhood in places beyond the South, a region he recognizes as one that’s greatly influenced him as a writer. Still, it’s his years spent living in the Midwest, and abroad, that Cargile credits as being the most formative in his early life. He later returned to Alabama for undergraduate studies at Auburn University, then moved to Florida in pursuit of a law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law.
In 2015, Cargile sat for the bar exam in Georgia, then was admitted to the practice of law soon after. He joined a small law firm in South Georgia, where he began taking on criminal defense work and general litigation matters. After several years, and despite a growing caseload, Cargile began writing fiction on the side. He wrote during the earliest parts of the day, developing award-winning short fiction, and eventually the manuscript for his first novel.
Legacy on Trial—Cargile’s debut, and the first story from his Blake County Legal Thrillers—was published in 2023. The fictional county where the events in the series have been set is one drawn from a combination of those places that Cargile himself practiced in, and his stories’ feature character—the talented Maggie Reynolds—was inspired by those in the profession who’ve mastered the art form of the trial lawyer. Three additional books—In Defense of Charlotte, The Wiregrass Witness, and The Burden of Power—are also currently available. A Voice of Reason, the fifth installment to the series, is set for release on November 4, 2025.
Cargile now lives with his family in London, where he writes full-time.
In 2015, Cargile sat for the bar exam in Georgia, then was admitted to the practice of law soon after. He joined a small law firm in South Georgia, where he began taking on criminal defense work and general litigation matters. After several years, and despite a growing caseload, Cargile began writing fiction on the side. He wrote during the earliest parts of the day, developing award-winning short fiction, and eventually the manuscript for his first novel.
Legacy on Trial—Cargile’s debut, and the first story from his Blake County Legal Thrillers—was published in 2023. The fictional county where the events in the series have been set is one drawn from a combination of those places that Cargile himself practiced in, and his stories’ feature character—the talented Maggie Reynolds—was inspired by those in the profession who’ve mastered the art form of the trial lawyer. Three additional books—In Defense of Charlotte, The Wiregrass Witness, and The Burden of Power—are also currently available. A Voice of Reason, the fifth installment to the series, is set for release on November 4, 2025.
Cargile now lives with his family in London, where he writes full-time.
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November 11, 2023I wish there were options for half stars in writing reviews and giving ratings. I’d rate this as a 3.5 star book. Not because it was poorly written but because it frustrated me. I’ve read the previous books in this series and enjoyed them. I’m rounding my star rating up to a 4, because I actually am looking forward to where the series goes after finishing this book too. I didn’t like Maggie much in this installment. Her actions and anger toward her husband seemed confusing, petty, rather baseless and juvenile. Everyone seemed to have their own agenda and were invested in hiding that from everyone, including the reader. I don’t need an author to put up a neon sign pointing out the direction they’re taking in their storyline, but I also don’t want to spend a lot of time wondering where in the world the story is actually headed. There was too much of that for me in this book. This is an easy read and ultimately does a good job setting things up and whetting the reader’s interest for the next installment, which I do intend to read.
October 19, 2023
A new author to me with a plot that’s part police procedural, crime mystery and part legal case. It has most everything I enjoy reading about. This is third in a series I hadn’t read before, I didn’t feel lost and would read more. The setting in small town Georgia is dripping in small town politics, opinions and secrets.
Maggie and Tim are married and have careers that practically ensures marital strife. He’s the County Sheriff and she’s left the prosecution’s office to open a private practice. This means no pillow talk about their respective work days. Choices will arise during this case, loyalty to justice, upholding the law, and defending a client at what cost.
A son is pitted against his father who is a longtime drug trafficker, money laundering criminal, but has evaded charges by sacrifices no normal human would even consider. The son is released early from jail with strings attached. He will be undercover gleaning evidence against his wily father. Tim is heading the narcotics unit with his investigator, Trevor. They want to take the organization down. Maggie has been approached by the father to be on retainer for any future business advice he may need. Things quickly escalate with deaths and murder, eventually culminating in a grand jury. It was fascinating to see the cat and mouse game between father and son play out. The legalities are well explained and interesting. I couldn’t read fast enough to see how it would be resolved. In the end will anyone really win? Is Tim’s wife setting him up just so she can protect her client? Is the attorney side going to win or will she remember how much she loves her husband, the Sheriff? It kept me guessing and I’m happy to have discovered a new author.
Thanks to NetGalley, Joe Cargile, and Severn River Publishing for the digital advance reader copy of “The Wiregrass Witness” Blake County Legal Thriller #3. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.
Maggie and Tim are married and have careers that practically ensures marital strife. He’s the County Sheriff and she’s left the prosecution’s office to open a private practice. This means no pillow talk about their respective work days. Choices will arise during this case, loyalty to justice, upholding the law, and defending a client at what cost.
A son is pitted against his father who is a longtime drug trafficker, money laundering criminal, but has evaded charges by sacrifices no normal human would even consider. The son is released early from jail with strings attached. He will be undercover gleaning evidence against his wily father. Tim is heading the narcotics unit with his investigator, Trevor. They want to take the organization down. Maggie has been approached by the father to be on retainer for any future business advice he may need. Things quickly escalate with deaths and murder, eventually culminating in a grand jury. It was fascinating to see the cat and mouse game between father and son play out. The legalities are well explained and interesting. I couldn’t read fast enough to see how it would be resolved. In the end will anyone really win? Is Tim’s wife setting him up just so she can protect her client? Is the attorney side going to win or will she remember how much she loves her husband, the Sheriff? It kept me guessing and I’m happy to have discovered a new author.
Thanks to NetGalley, Joe Cargile, and Severn River Publishing for the digital advance reader copy of “The Wiregrass Witness” Blake County Legal Thriller #3. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.
November 10, 2023
I received an ARC from "Severn Publishing" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Colt Hudson awakening in the hospital. He was hiy during the game but was able to go in later. What happened after the game he does not remember and discovers that he was injured in a hit and run accident where his girlfriend died. He also learns that 2 and 1/2 lbs. of drugs were found in his trunk. As a result, he was convicted of drug trafficking and sent to prison. He was offered an opportunity to get out of prison early, the only catch was that he informs on his father Liam.
He takes the offer, but before he is released, the prisoner beside him was found dead and he was told that he needed to wait. The GBI agent that was assigned to the case happened to be Colt's girlfriend's sister and she was still carrying a grudge against him. Tim, the person that got him released went over what Colt had to do if he didn't want to go back to prison. Colt's mission began, but it wasn't being played as Tim laid out. It seems Colt wound up telling his father what was going on. At the same time Maggie, Tim's wife, met an individual that would bring trouble to Tim and her.
The impact between what Tim was doing and what Maggie was involved in finally came to a head. To discover what role Liam played, what Maggie was involved with and how things all worked out in the end, then you need to read this book. The ending is not one that you could have anticipated.
The story begins with Colt Hudson awakening in the hospital. He was hiy during the game but was able to go in later. What happened after the game he does not remember and discovers that he was injured in a hit and run accident where his girlfriend died. He also learns that 2 and 1/2 lbs. of drugs were found in his trunk. As a result, he was convicted of drug trafficking and sent to prison. He was offered an opportunity to get out of prison early, the only catch was that he informs on his father Liam.
He takes the offer, but before he is released, the prisoner beside him was found dead and he was told that he needed to wait. The GBI agent that was assigned to the case happened to be Colt's girlfriend's sister and she was still carrying a grudge against him. Tim, the person that got him released went over what Colt had to do if he didn't want to go back to prison. Colt's mission began, but it wasn't being played as Tim laid out. It seems Colt wound up telling his father what was going on. At the same time Maggie, Tim's wife, met an individual that would bring trouble to Tim and her.
The impact between what Tim was doing and what Maggie was involved in finally came to a head. To discover what role Liam played, what Maggie was involved with and how things all worked out in the end, then you need to read this book. The ending is not one that you could have anticipated.
December 20, 2023
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC..
The Wiregrass Witness
Colt Hudson - a former quarterback who lost his future career due to an injury which caused an accident (and a death, which Colt was not prosecuted for) where 2 1/2 lbs of meth were discovered in Colt's car trunk, which got him a drug trafficking conviction and 10 years in prison.
A sheriff investigator visited Colt in prison after he was about 10 years in to in his sentence.
They mystery, writing, and clever plots twists were all well done and entertaining, I just feel that the author ended the book too abruptly, before we learned 100% of the resolutions of the Grand Jury called to investigate the crimes of Colt's father and many others which came to be implicated in pay odds by drug dealers, Colt's innocent incarceration and more (American audiences, at least, end up feel a bit cheated by this type of ending) but a solid mystery nonetheless.
The Wiregrass Witness
Colt Hudson - a former quarterback who lost his future career due to an injury which caused an accident (and a death, which Colt was not prosecuted for) where 2 1/2 lbs of meth were discovered in Colt's car trunk, which got him a drug trafficking conviction and 10 years in prison.
A sheriff investigator visited Colt in prison after he was about 10 years in to in his sentence.
They mystery, writing, and clever plots twists were all well done and entertaining, I just feel that the author ended the book too abruptly, before we learned 100% of the resolutions of the Grand Jury called to investigate the crimes of Colt's father and many others which came to be implicated in pay odds by drug dealers, Colt's innocent incarceration and more (American audiences, at least, end up feel a bit cheated by this type of ending) but a solid mystery nonetheless.
June 10, 2024
The Wiregrass Witness: A Legal Thriller (Blake County Legal Thrillers Book 3), my fourth read from author Joe Cargile and the third in the Blake County Legal Thriller. A 325-page legal thriller. “I received a Kindle copy of The Burden of Power: A Legal Thriller (Blake County Legal Thrillers Book 4) this book back in early April and even though I hadn't read the first book in the series, Legacy on Trial: A Legal Thriller (Blake County Legal Thrillers Book 1) I chose to read it & voluntarily leave a review. I got Legacy on Trial back in August of last year and until I read The Burden of Power there was no urgency to read it, just another good sounding book on my TBR list. That changed after reading The Burden of Power. Now I'm hooked. " The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
November 1, 2023
Loved this book! After reading the first 2 in the series this book takes a different direction and new characters enter the series. Colt is the central character as a young man with a bright football future in high school who has bad luck and makes some questionable decisions and serves prison time. His father doesn't give him much support and puts him in some bad situations after he exits prison. Tim and Maggy are back from book 1 and 2 and I love their characters . The writing in this book flows very easily and the story develops to a climactic ending . Cant wait for Book 4 to drop next year!
October 5, 2023
While the story was decent and well told.
Characters were developed.
My problem with the book was it only had one pacing.
SLOW.
I definitely wouldn't classify it as a thriller, and it barely ticked any of the criteria for me for it to be called a suspense book.
It took me at least two extra days to read because of the pacing.
I simply kept finding other things to do.
This was my first book by Mr. Cargile, and I'll have to think hard about picking up another one.
Characters were developed.
My problem with the book was it only had one pacing.
SLOW.
I definitely wouldn't classify it as a thriller, and it barely ticked any of the criteria for me for it to be called a suspense book.
It took me at least two extra days to read because of the pacing.
I simply kept finding other things to do.
This was my first book by Mr. Cargile, and I'll have to think hard about picking up another one.
November 14, 2023
A miscarriage of justice
Why was Colt Hudson in prison for vehicular homicide? Was he framed? Tim Dawson offers him a way out provided he becomes an informant. Maggie Reynolds takes over his case and she and Tim are caught up in a web of intrigue, especially when they are up against corrupt politicians and officials. A gripping page turner which is mind boggling and rivetting as the truth gets revealed.
Why was Colt Hudson in prison for vehicular homicide? Was he framed? Tim Dawson offers him a way out provided he becomes an informant. Maggie Reynolds takes over his case and she and Tim are caught up in a web of intrigue, especially when they are up against corrupt politicians and officials. A gripping page turner which is mind boggling and rivetting as the truth gets revealed.
November 17, 2023
Colt's life has not been easy, he lost his girlfriend, was framed for drugs he did not buy or use, and was released from prison under the condition of being an informant. It's a good police procedural story, with mystery and crime but sometimes the story could be faster. I did not read the previous books in the series but could understand the story well. Good entertainment!
I thank the author and his publisher for this ARC.
I thank the author and his publisher for this ARC.
November 14, 2023
This is the third book in a series featuring attorney Maggie Reynolds. In this book, Maggie and her husband seemed to always be at odds, which was distracting. The plot is interesting and the characters well developed. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
December 20, 2023
great great series
Unputdownable! Great characters doing unexpected things as we are back in Blake county with MaggieReynolds and her husband who is now with the sheriffs department. A favorite son of Blake county is in jail. He was the championship quarterback and now a convicted felon. Will he turn on his drug dealing father to get out of prison?
Unputdownable! Great characters doing unexpected things as we are back in Blake county with MaggieReynolds and her husband who is now with the sheriffs department. A favorite son of Blake county is in jail. He was the championship quarterback and now a convicted felon. Will he turn on his drug dealing father to get out of prison?
April 25, 2024
I am trapped
I have enjoyed reading the first three books. Of course, I must read the fourth one to finish this fascinating series. I live in the wire grass area of south Alabama and I am familiar with many of the places mentioned in the books. I would recommend the series to people who enjoy reading legal thrillers.
I have enjoyed reading the first three books. Of course, I must read the fourth one to finish this fascinating series. I live in the wire grass area of south Alabama and I am familiar with many of the places mentioned in the books. I would recommend the series to people who enjoy reading legal thrillers.
December 2, 2023
Frustrating
I like your story lines, but I hate the way you end your book's. I understand cliffhangers but right in the middle of an important part you turn the page and it's over. Not good!!!
I like your story lines, but I hate the way you end your book's. I understand cliffhangers but right in the middle of an important part you turn the page and it's over. Not good!!!
December 2, 2023
Why do you do this? ?
It is so irritating to be reading a series and not have the books available to finish the story. From now forward I will be sure to check on the storyline. If not complete I am not buying into it.
So frustrating.
It is so irritating to be reading a series and not have the books available to finish the story. From now forward I will be sure to check on the storyline. If not complete I am not buying into it.
So frustrating.
March 28, 2024
love Joe Cargile books
Great characters and geography. Read all three books in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for book four to get here. Why do I have to wait a month for it? I need it now. Story line too good to have to wait
Great characters and geography. Read all three books in one sitting. Couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for book four to get here. Why do I have to wait a month for it? I need it now. Story line too good to have to wait
January 16, 2025
The ending was, again, abrupt and I'm confused. I have been since about 1/3 into the book. All the strings didn't come together for me. I was invested in the characters and, based on the 2nd installment, worry that every open detail will not be fully fleshed out in the next one. Onward.
October 21, 2023
Fantastic
This is one that you will not want to put down. Lots of suspense and when you get to the end you are beginning again.
This is one that you will not want to put down. Lots of suspense and when you get to the end you are beginning again.
December 15, 2023
The writing was good but I did not connect with the characters and the plot was a bit predictable.
The worst part of the story was ending with the ending being stretched into the next novel..
The worst part of the story was ending with the ending being stretched into the next novel..
February 21, 2024
Good book. Would recommend the series.
July 2, 2024
This is my 3rd book on Maggie Reynolds and I have to say it's rather weak
July 20, 2024
Great book!
August 16, 2024
Good interesting series. Easy to get into.
December 9, 2025
thrilling series
I am new to Joe Cargile but the 3 books I have read so far exceeded my expectations! I would suggest you start the series now!
I am new to Joe Cargile but the 3 books I have read so far exceeded my expectations! I would suggest you start the series now!
November 22, 2023
I gave this 3 stars for the time & effort the writer put into the book. In the beginning I enjoyed the way the story was headed. Then the story line slowed down. It lacked suspense. Yes, it has involvement with criminal law but not a thriller. I didn’t understand why the writer had the characters interrupt each other all the time. I became bored after awhile & struggled to finish reading it. Sorry not one of my favorites.
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#goodreadsgiveaways
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews