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Ben Carter Legal Thriller #2
Trial by Murder
A LAWYER WITH A PAST. A KID WITH NO FUTURE. MURDER BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.What should have been nothing more than a harmless burglary turns into a full-blown nightmare for Katherine Wright when she’s accused of a cold-blooded double murder by Pittsburgh PD. A high school dropout with a history on the streets, this isn’t the first time she’s picked up, and it’s not long before her problems begin to spiral out of control as an angry community calls for the death sentence.
After hearing about the girl’s plight, Ben Carter agrees to take on the case but immediately finds himself drawn into unfamiliar territory. With connections to the mob, the murdered couple’s family seeks more than just legal justice, and with a sizable contract out, revenge is the order of the day. Can Ben prove his client’s innocence before the hitmen deliver or will his own name be added to an ever-growing list of victims?
Trial by Murder is a thrilling courtroom drama filled with twists and turns where nothing is as it seems. Perfect for fans of John Grisham, Michael Connelly, and James Chandler.
After hearing about the girl’s plight, Ben Carter agrees to take on the case but immediately finds himself drawn into unfamiliar territory. With connections to the mob, the murdered couple’s family seeks more than just legal justice, and with a sizable contract out, revenge is the order of the day. Can Ben prove his client’s innocence before the hitmen deliver or will his own name be added to an ever-growing list of victims?
Trial by Murder is a thrilling courtroom drama filled with twists and turns where nothing is as it seems. Perfect for fans of John Grisham, Michael Connelly, and James Chandler.
- GenresLegal ThrillerMystery
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2025
About the author
David Archer
196 books532 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
David Archer was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. He is a fiction author and novelist, writing in the mysteries and thrillers genre. His approach to writing is to hit deep, keep you entertained, and leave you wanting MORE with every turn of the page. He writes mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels, all of which are primed to get your heart pumping.
David Archer was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. He is a fiction author and novelist, writing in the mysteries and thrillers genre. His approach to writing is to hit deep, keep you entertained, and leave you wanting MORE with every turn of the page. He writes mysteries, thrillers, and suspense novels, all of which are primed to get your heart pumping.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 17, 2026
David Archer delivered another entertaining page-turner with Trial by Murder.
When teenage troublemaker Katherine Wright is accused of a brutal double murder, just about everyone has already decided she’s guilty. Enter Ben Carter, a lawyer with his own baggage who takes on what looks like an unwinnable case. What starts as a murder trial quickly spirals into something much bigger involving mob connections, contract killers, and enough twists to keep the pages turning.
One thing I enjoyed was the relationship between Ben and Katherine. She’s far from the perfect client, and Archer does a good job making you wonder whether Ben is defending an innocent girl or making the biggest mistake of his career. As Ben digs deeper, the danger ramps up well beyond the courtroom, and that’s where the story really shines.
This isn’t John Grisham-level legal realism, but that’s not the point. Archer writes books that are simply fun to read. The chapters move quickly, the story never drags, and every time you think you know where the case is headed, another wrinkle gets thrown into the mix.
4 stars. A fast, entertaining legal thriller with a likable main character, a sympathetic underdog client, mob intrigue, and enough suspense to keep me reading late into the night. If you’re looking for a book that’s more about excitement than legal technicalities, Trial by Murder is well worth your time.
When teenage troublemaker Katherine Wright is accused of a brutal double murder, just about everyone has already decided she’s guilty. Enter Ben Carter, a lawyer with his own baggage who takes on what looks like an unwinnable case. What starts as a murder trial quickly spirals into something much bigger involving mob connections, contract killers, and enough twists to keep the pages turning.
One thing I enjoyed was the relationship between Ben and Katherine. She’s far from the perfect client, and Archer does a good job making you wonder whether Ben is defending an innocent girl or making the biggest mistake of his career. As Ben digs deeper, the danger ramps up well beyond the courtroom, and that’s where the story really shines.
This isn’t John Grisham-level legal realism, but that’s not the point. Archer writes books that are simply fun to read. The chapters move quickly, the story never drags, and every time you think you know where the case is headed, another wrinkle gets thrown into the mix.
4 stars. A fast, entertaining legal thriller with a likable main character, a sympathetic underdog client, mob intrigue, and enough suspense to keep me reading late into the night. If you’re looking for a book that’s more about excitement than legal technicalities, Trial by Murder is well worth your time.
September 24, 2026
Compelling and dramatic, recommend
I did enjoy reading this book. I love how Ben is so compassionate and empathetic. But his wife death really took a toll on him. He truly loved her and the feeling of guilt is eating at his soul. I think he takes risks with his own life trying to redeem himself. He blames himself for his wife and child death. Ben is a one of a kind tough man and lawyer. He’s very respectful and genuine. He fights hard for his clients. I do wish the courtroom scene was a little stronger and competitive. It lacked stamina. It wasn’t engaging or thrilling. Author, I wasn’t cheering for Ben and Gabby so I’m glad he made a decision not to pursue her. He needs to deal with his loss. He needs to heal. Overall, I’m loving Ben Carter series. I love how the authors elevates the women in the book.
I did enjoy reading this book. I love how Ben is so compassionate and empathetic. But his wife death really took a toll on him. He truly loved her and the feeling of guilt is eating at his soul. I think he takes risks with his own life trying to redeem himself. He blames himself for his wife and child death. Ben is a one of a kind tough man and lawyer. He’s very respectful and genuine. He fights hard for his clients. I do wish the courtroom scene was a little stronger and competitive. It lacked stamina. It wasn’t engaging or thrilling. Author, I wasn’t cheering for Ben and Gabby so I’m glad he made a decision not to pursue her. He needs to deal with his loss. He needs to heal. Overall, I’m loving Ben Carter series. I love how the authors elevates the women in the book.
April 17, 2025
Read during Urgent Care/Hospital
Enjoyed the book immensely. It kept me interested and entertained. Love the way in which it was written. Not this vivid, detailed description of each court scene. My husband read it first and recommended it to me. He reads many books about lawyers. Thought I would like it. Completed it during medical treatment in Urgent Care and one day in the hospital. Will read another book by the author.
Enjoyed the book immensely. It kept me interested and entertained. Love the way in which it was written. Not this vivid, detailed description of each court scene. My husband read it first and recommended it to me. He reads many books about lawyers. Thought I would like it. Completed it during medical treatment in Urgent Care and one day in the hospital. Will read another book by the author.
February 18, 2025
Another Ben Carter courtroom dramas. This time a young girl is accused of killing parents of crime boss. This guy threatens to kill the accused and Ben and his team must keep her safe and then prove her innocence. Spectacular reveal and conclusion that I didn't see coming. Worth reading this great book.
March 15, 2025
I love Ben Carter
What a thriller! I love this series & the Ben Carter character has just the right balance…..talented attorney, just enough self-doubt to make him human without the never-ending angst, empathic but a truly serious bad-ass lawyer. Lots of court drama (which I love), and multiple twists & turns. I can’t wait for book 3.
What a thriller! I love this series & the Ben Carter character has just the right balance…..talented attorney, just enough self-doubt to make him human without the never-ending angst, empathic but a truly serious bad-ass lawyer. Lots of court drama (which I love), and multiple twists & turns. I can’t wait for book 3.
April 11, 2025
Very complicated but great!
Really involved with all the characters and murders. It didn't slow down even when I was surprised at how it ended! So many criminals to keep track of! And poor Carter,! How many times people tried to kill him! Very well written and very interesting and different. I liked it a lot.
Really involved with all the characters and murders. It didn't slow down even when I was surprised at how it ended! So many criminals to keep track of! And poor Carter,! How many times people tried to kill him! Very well written and very interesting and different. I liked it a lot.
May 24, 2025
A riveting and action packed story.
The author has written a great story of crime and deception that Ben and his colleagues need to sort out in order to get his client acquitted of the murder change. Enjoyable and entertaining reading.
The author has written a great story of crime and deception that Ben and his colleagues need to sort out in order to get his client acquitted of the murder change. Enjoyable and entertaining reading.
June 22, 2025
Great story
This story was really twisted with all the characters and action. I had to really take my time and go slowly in the last couple pages. But of course there another book in the series. I know it'll be good.
This story was really twisted with all the characters and action. I had to really take my time and go slowly in the last couple pages. But of course there another book in the series. I know it'll be good.
June 30, 2026
The writing was enjoyable but the characters were all one dimensional. They all stay neatly in their tiny boxes. The hero main character. The underdeveloped female supporting characters. Even the city is an underdeveloped character and setting.
March 18, 2025
Amazing read!
December 22, 2025
CC1
This was another great read.Ben got Kat free and Ricardo imprisoned. 10 stars plus !!!! Great job !!!Thanks Carl Clause
This was another great read.Ben got Kat free and Ricardo imprisoned. 10 stars plus !!!! Great job !!!Thanks Carl Clause
June 16, 2026
Really good read!!
I enjoyed this story as you were kept wondering what was coming up next. The climax was a big surprise.☺
I enjoyed this story as you were kept wondering what was coming up next. The climax was a big surprise.☺
August 1, 2026
Be Careful of Others
Always watch your back you never know who might try to hurt you or your car no matter what kind it is. ENJOY!!!
Always watch your back you never know who might try to hurt you or your car no matter what kind it is. ENJOY!!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews