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Maggie Gallagher Legal Thriller #3
The Wrong Victim
In a small town that’s already decided the verdict, one lawyer fights for the truth…
When Attorney Maggie Gallagher takes on a volatile new client still reeling from a devastating personal loss, she never expects the case to spiral beyond the courtroom. After Maggie loses the case, her furious client goes viral for a public rant aimed at a ruthless healthcare CEO.
Days later, the CEO and his lawyer are killed in a fiery explosion aboard the CEO’s yacht.
The prime suspect? Maggie’s grieving client…
After threatening the CEO in public, the distraught woman’s motive couldn’t be clearer. But when the dead lawyer’s fiancé brings Maggie unsettling information about his fiancée’s shadowy past, Maggie begins to suspect the CEO may not have been the intended target after all.
As Maggie races to untangle a sinister web of secrets and lies, the pressure of her growing caseload threatens the fragile stability she has fought so hard to build for her family. And in a town hungry for a conviction, every misstep could seal her client’s fate.
With the clock ticking, Maggie must uncover the truth before her client is condemned for a crime she didn’t commit—while the real killer walks free, ready to strike again.
When Attorney Maggie Gallagher takes on a volatile new client still reeling from a devastating personal loss, she never expects the case to spiral beyond the courtroom. After Maggie loses the case, her furious client goes viral for a public rant aimed at a ruthless healthcare CEO.
Days later, the CEO and his lawyer are killed in a fiery explosion aboard the CEO’s yacht.
The prime suspect? Maggie’s grieving client…
After threatening the CEO in public, the distraught woman’s motive couldn’t be clearer. But when the dead lawyer’s fiancé brings Maggie unsettling information about his fiancée’s shadowy past, Maggie begins to suspect the CEO may not have been the intended target after all.
As Maggie races to untangle a sinister web of secrets and lies, the pressure of her growing caseload threatens the fragile stability she has fought so hard to build for her family. And in a town hungry for a conviction, every misstep could seal her client’s fate.
With the clock ticking, Maggie must uncover the truth before her client is condemned for a crime she didn’t commit—while the real killer walks free, ready to strike again.
- GenresMystery
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2026
About the author
Peter Kirkland
21 books140 followersPeter Kirkland grew up in Beaufort, South Carolina. As a kid, Peter loved history and learning about his area. One year in school, he was given a project to research a few South Carolina law cases and the precedents they set and their effect on people’s lives.
This research project lit the flame for his passion for law and creating a more equal justice system since. Soon after this, Peter began reading legal thrillers voraciously and enjoyed the legal maneuvering and justice found within. As an adult he has continued researching the law and understanding the system and its effects on individuals. A few years ago, he decided to try writing his own legal thriller.
Now a full-time writer, he uses his research, passion for justice, and real case studies to bring together courtroom dramas with deep, rich characters, and gripping twists and turns. New to the industry, Peter would love to hear from readers and other authors and invites you to connect with him.
This research project lit the flame for his passion for law and creating a more equal justice system since. Soon after this, Peter began reading legal thrillers voraciously and enjoyed the legal maneuvering and justice found within. As an adult he has continued researching the law and understanding the system and its effects on individuals. A few years ago, he decided to try writing his own legal thriller.
Now a full-time writer, he uses his research, passion for justice, and real case studies to bring together courtroom dramas with deep, rich characters, and gripping twists and turns. New to the industry, Peter would love to hear from readers and other authors and invites you to connect with him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this book. This author has three series, all set in the court room and following three different lawyers as they go about fighting the wrongs in the justice system and I can recommend them all if you like a good legal thriller.
I love the battling sides of the story, with the defence and prosecution both interpreting the evidence gathered, in a way that best suites there side. Of course I am always rooting for the underdog and the main character, in this case Maggie. Maggie might not be able to run her home life smoothly (which were to the drama and pressure) but she can certainly command the court room, in a tense battle that is life or death. Especially as the author write with compassion and soon has you hoping that the verdict goes Maggie's way. It's a well thought out drama that is intense, interesting and surprising. I can't wait for the next book or the audio book version because I definitely want to hear the audio book version.
When a man dies without receiving the card he needs in time, his wife takes the healthcare CEO to court. After a very public trail which she loses its not surprising she is angry. So when the CEO and his lawyer are killed when his boat explodes its not surprising the police turn to Maggie"a client as the number one suspect. Maggie finds herself back In court this time defending her client on a terrorism charge. Can she prove her client innocent? The only way to change public opinion In a world where everybody knows what she has gone through and prove her innocent, is to provide reasonable doubt and point the finger at some body else. But who and can Maggie back it up?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I love the battling sides of the story, with the defence and prosecution both interpreting the evidence gathered, in a way that best suites there side. Of course I am always rooting for the underdog and the main character, in this case Maggie. Maggie might not be able to run her home life smoothly (which were to the drama and pressure) but she can certainly command the court room, in a tense battle that is life or death. Especially as the author write with compassion and soon has you hoping that the verdict goes Maggie's way. It's a well thought out drama that is intense, interesting and surprising. I can't wait for the next book or the audio book version because I definitely want to hear the audio book version.
When a man dies without receiving the card he needs in time, his wife takes the healthcare CEO to court. After a very public trail which she loses its not surprising she is angry. So when the CEO and his lawyer are killed when his boat explodes its not surprising the police turn to Maggie"a client as the number one suspect. Maggie finds herself back In court this time defending her client on a terrorism charge. Can she prove her client innocent? The only way to change public opinion In a world where everybody knows what she has gone through and prove her innocent, is to provide reasonable doubt and point the finger at some body else. But who and can Maggie back it up?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Wrong Victim by Peter Kirkland is the third book in the Maggie Gallagher legal thriller series. While this book is the third book in the series, you do not have to read the other books of the series to understand and enjoy this book. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Maggie Gallagher is lawyer who moved back to her hometown of Kerry, Ohio to practice law and raise her family. In The Wrong Victim, Maggie is defending Sara a woman whose husband died of preventable cancer after his insurance company denied coverage. After Sara loses her case against the Insurance company, the CEO and company lawyer are killed in a boat explosion. The police blame Sara for their deaths, and it is up to Maggie to prove that she is innocent.
I really enjoyed this book; the author writes interesting court room scenes that keeps the reader engaged but are not full of legalese. The book has a lot of twists and turns; just went you think you have things figured out another item is revealed that keeps you guessing who did what. I also enjoyed how the author portrayed Maggie as a tough lawyer, but also a woman struggling with an empty nest and relating to her husband, now that their only child has left for college. The author does a great job making the main characters relatable and interesting. I am a huge fan of Peter Kirkland's other legal thriller books, and I look forward to reading future books in this series. If you enjoy reading legal thrillers, I highly recommend this great book.
I really enjoyed this book; the author writes interesting court room scenes that keeps the reader engaged but are not full of legalese. The book has a lot of twists and turns; just went you think you have things figured out another item is revealed that keeps you guessing who did what. I also enjoyed how the author portrayed Maggie as a tough lawyer, but also a woman struggling with an empty nest and relating to her husband, now that their only child has left for college. The author does a great job making the main characters relatable and interesting. I am a huge fan of Peter Kirkland's other legal thriller books, and I look forward to reading future books in this series. If you enjoy reading legal thrillers, I highly recommend this great book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Peter Kirkland delivers another gripping legal thriller with The Wrong Victim, and this may be the strongest Maggie Gallagher novel yet.
What starts as a heartbreaking wrongful death lawsuit against a health insurance company quickly spirals into something far darker and far more explosive. The courtroom drama alone had me hooked — the legal strategy, the emotional testimony, the tension between justice and technicality — but once the story pivots into criminal territory, the pace becomes relentless.
Maggie Gallagher continues to be one of the most compelling protagonists in legal fiction: intelligent, empathetic, flawed, and deeply human. Her struggle to balance professional ethics with genuine compassion for her grieving client gives the novel emotional weight beyond the mystery itself. Sara Stephenson is equally fascinating — angry, broken, sympathetic, and increasingly unpredictable in ways that kept me constantly questioning what was really happening.
The story taps into public outrage surrounding healthcare systems, corporate power, social media-fueled anger, and the dangerous line between justice and vengeance -- a hot topic right now.
The pacing alternates between tense courtroom scenes, emotional character moments, and sharp investigative suspense. The dialogue feels authentic, and the small-town atmosphere adds an extra layer of claustrophobic tension as public opinion begins to spiral out of control.
What starts as a heartbreaking wrongful death lawsuit against a health insurance company quickly spirals into something far darker and far more explosive. The courtroom drama alone had me hooked — the legal strategy, the emotional testimony, the tension between justice and technicality — but once the story pivots into criminal territory, the pace becomes relentless.
Maggie Gallagher continues to be one of the most compelling protagonists in legal fiction: intelligent, empathetic, flawed, and deeply human. Her struggle to balance professional ethics with genuine compassion for her grieving client gives the novel emotional weight beyond the mystery itself. Sara Stephenson is equally fascinating — angry, broken, sympathetic, and increasingly unpredictable in ways that kept me constantly questioning what was really happening.
The story taps into public outrage surrounding healthcare systems, corporate power, social media-fueled anger, and the dangerous line between justice and vengeance -- a hot topic right now.
The pacing alternates between tense courtroom scenes, emotional character moments, and sharp investigative suspense. The dialogue feels authentic, and the small-town atmosphere adds an extra layer of claustrophobic tension as public opinion begins to spiral out of control.
May 22, 2026
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I came into this as book three of the Maggie Gallagher series and can confirm it stands completely alone — no prior knowledge needed.
The opening two chapters hit hard. Raw, visceral grief and injustice that immediately pulled me in and refused to let go. From that point I was fully invested and genuinely needed to know how it would all resolve.
The pacing is confident and respectful — fast without being patronising, trusting the reader to keep up. It did slow slightly during the trial sequences (roughly the middle third) where the technical legal jargon occasionally diluted the tension, but it wasn't enough to derail the experience.
The characters feel remarkably real. Sarah in particular — flawed, occasionally irritating, but completely believable. Liam's shifting loyalties created some confusion but honestly that muddiness felt authentic rather than inconsistent. The Florida backstory provoked genuine frustration — the good kind, the kind that means you're emotionally invested in justice being served.
Most impressively, I genuinely had no idea how this would end right up until the final pages. It kept me on a knife edge throughout.
I would recommend this specifically to courtroom drama fans — it's a confident, emotionally engaging legal thriller.
I came into this as book three of the Maggie Gallagher series and can confirm it stands completely alone — no prior knowledge needed.
The opening two chapters hit hard. Raw, visceral grief and injustice that immediately pulled me in and refused to let go. From that point I was fully invested and genuinely needed to know how it would all resolve.
The pacing is confident and respectful — fast without being patronising, trusting the reader to keep up. It did slow slightly during the trial sequences (roughly the middle third) where the technical legal jargon occasionally diluted the tension, but it wasn't enough to derail the experience.
The characters feel remarkably real. Sarah in particular — flawed, occasionally irritating, but completely believable. Liam's shifting loyalties created some confusion but honestly that muddiness felt authentic rather than inconsistent. The Florida backstory provoked genuine frustration — the good kind, the kind that means you're emotionally invested in justice being served.
Most impressively, I genuinely had no idea how this would end right up until the final pages. It kept me on a knife edge throughout.
I would recommend this specifically to courtroom drama fans — it's a confident, emotionally engaging legal thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Smart, well-constructed legal thriller.
This third in a series has defense attorney Maggie Gallagher pulled into a legal nightmare when a luxury yacht explodes following her client's unsatisfactory verdict in an insurance case. The client, Sara Stephenson, was seen in a viral video threatening the CEO, John Archway, of Vista insurance after they were found not liable for her husband's death. When Archway and his lawyer die in the conflagration, Sara is arrested. The evidence against Sara is overwhelming but Maggie realizes that the blast was a calculated plot where the intended target was not the CEO.
I love a good legal thriller and this was a gripping courtroom drama that relies on steady tension, legal details, and descriptions of sharp legal strategy. My main issue is that this was the third in a series and the only one I have read. I wish I had read the previous two books to get the backstory and to have developed a relationship with the main character. Coming in at this point left me a bit lost especially when referring to cases from the past as well as with Maggie's family and her office help.
Maggie seems to be a grounded protagonist who seems dedicated to both the law and her family. The case she defended required a lot of maneuvering and side investigation to deliver a mystery where the puzzle pieces fit together logically.
I definitely enjoyed it and would love to also read and review the first two books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This third in a series has defense attorney Maggie Gallagher pulled into a legal nightmare when a luxury yacht explodes following her client's unsatisfactory verdict in an insurance case. The client, Sara Stephenson, was seen in a viral video threatening the CEO, John Archway, of Vista insurance after they were found not liable for her husband's death. When Archway and his lawyer die in the conflagration, Sara is arrested. The evidence against Sara is overwhelming but Maggie realizes that the blast was a calculated plot where the intended target was not the CEO.
I love a good legal thriller and this was a gripping courtroom drama that relies on steady tension, legal details, and descriptions of sharp legal strategy. My main issue is that this was the third in a series and the only one I have read. I wish I had read the previous two books to get the backstory and to have developed a relationship with the main character. Coming in at this point left me a bit lost especially when referring to cases from the past as well as with Maggie's family and her office help.
Maggie seems to be a grounded protagonist who seems dedicated to both the law and her family. The case she defended required a lot of maneuvering and side investigation to deliver a mystery where the puzzle pieces fit together logically.
I definitely enjoyed it and would love to also read and review the first two books in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 29, 2026
The Wrong Victim offers a solid mix of legal drama, murder mystery, and character-driven storytelling. The plot centres on Maggie Gallagher as she defends a grieving widow accused of killing a healthcare CEO and his lawyer after losing a high-profile lawsuit.
The courtroom scenes are engaging and easy to follow, making the legal aspects accessible even for readers who do not usually read legal thrillers. The mystery unfolds steadily, with several twists that help maintain interest throughout the novel.
Maggie is a likeable protagonist, and her family challenges provide some emotional depth. The story also explores timely issues such as healthcare systems, corporate influence, and social media outrage.
At times, some readers may find the number of twists a little excessive, and a few developments require a degree of suspension of disbelief. However, the strong pacing and relatable characters help keep the story moving.
Overall, The Wrong Victim is an enjoyable legal thriller that combines courtroom tension, mystery, and human drama. It may not reinvent the genre, but it provides an entertaining and satisfying read.
Thank you, NetGalley, for sharing an advanced review copy for review.
The courtroom scenes are engaging and easy to follow, making the legal aspects accessible even for readers who do not usually read legal thrillers. The mystery unfolds steadily, with several twists that help maintain interest throughout the novel.
Maggie is a likeable protagonist, and her family challenges provide some emotional depth. The story also explores timely issues such as healthcare systems, corporate influence, and social media outrage.
At times, some readers may find the number of twists a little excessive, and a few developments require a degree of suspension of disbelief. However, the strong pacing and relatable characters help keep the story moving.
Overall, The Wrong Victim is an enjoyable legal thriller that combines courtroom tension, mystery, and human drama. It may not reinvent the genre, but it provides an entertaining and satisfying read.
Thank you, NetGalley, for sharing an advanced review copy for review.
May 23, 2026
The Wrong Victim is a good legal thriller, although it didn't wow me or become the page turner I hoped for. I think the story is well written and flows well and I was pulled in from the start. The plot is good and very believeable. The court scenes, arguments to the Judge from Defence and Prosecution are my favourite parts but I felt they weren't as gripping, if you like, as in the authors previous books in this series. Sara, the defendant, came across as quite unlikeable for me, she was angryand I struggled to take to her at first although she grew on me more towards the end and I did have empathy for her. I love Maggie, she is flawed, determined, fiesty and works to give her client the best defence even if that affects her home life and puts it under pressure. Did I enjoy this read? Yes, although The Wrong Victim is probably my least favourite read in this series. For me, I felt the focus on some of the court evidence for both sides is very repetitive and made me lose interest in this read at times.
I'd recommend this book but would say read the series in order to know the characters from the start.
3.5 stars
I'd recommend this book but would say read the series in order to know the characters from the start.
3.5 stars
Review of advance copy
This is the second I have read in this series and it's another brilliant story that had me hooked from start to finish. After a loss in court against a health insurance company, and Maggie's client caught on camera vandalising the CEO's property, it is no surprise when the client is arrested for murder when the CEO's yacht explodes killing him and his lawyer. Maggie has her work cut out for her when her client is incredibly belligerent and does nothing to help herself. However when the fiance of the dead lawyer insists that she was the real target, Maggie focusses on proving her client's innocence.
This is a cracking legal thriller. I love the scenes in the courtroom but I also love the outside investigation side and Alia really comes to the fore here. I found it so hard to put down that I read it in one day. Can't wait to see what comes next for Maggie.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a cracking legal thriller. I love the scenes in the courtroom but I also love the outside investigation side and Alia really comes to the fore here. I found it so hard to put down that I read it in one day. Can't wait to see what comes next for Maggie.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 22, 2026
Third outing for Maggie Gallagher, spoiled by title.
I have read the two previous books in the series so have become acquainted with the supporting cast and their characteristics. Although it might work as a standalone, I would not recommend starting here, as it's the weakest of the three in my opinion. The title spoils the tension and direction of the plot by giving away the main thrust of Maggie's defence of her client who has already been condemned by the small town and law enforcement. There is some last-minute good and bad luck, but the defence lawyer's go-to of creating reasonable doubt was signalled so early on that it lacked the interest and impact of previous plots. I liked that Maggie had more than one case on the go and the social side of the story with some interesting plot directions. The resolution was satisfying, although rapid compared to the build-up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have read the two previous books in the series so have become acquainted with the supporting cast and their characteristics. Although it might work as a standalone, I would not recommend starting here, as it's the weakest of the three in my opinion. The title spoils the tension and direction of the plot by giving away the main thrust of Maggie's defence of her client who has already been condemned by the small town and law enforcement. There is some last-minute good and bad luck, but the defence lawyer's go-to of creating reasonable doubt was signalled so early on that it lacked the interest and impact of previous plots. I liked that Maggie had more than one case on the go and the social side of the story with some interesting plot directions. The resolution was satisfying, although rapid compared to the build-up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2026
The Wrong Victim was a great read and an engaging legal thriller from beginning to end. The legal case felt believable from both the prosecution and defense perspectives, and the courtroom testimony and trial proceedings came across as authentic and well researched.
The story moves at a fast pace, and the murder mystery at its center keeps the reader invested as new details and revelations emerge. The characters are compelling and well developed, making it easy to become emotionally invested in both the outcome of the case and the people involved.
Fans of legal dramas and procedural mysteries will find plenty to enjoy here. With a strong courtroom narrative, believable legal maneuvering, and an intriguing mystery, this is definitely a book worth reading for anyone who enjoys a good legal thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this honest, personal, and unbiased review.
The story moves at a fast pace, and the murder mystery at its center keeps the reader invested as new details and revelations emerge. The characters are compelling and well developed, making it easy to become emotionally invested in both the outcome of the case and the people involved.
Fans of legal dramas and procedural mysteries will find plenty to enjoy here. With a strong courtroom narrative, believable legal maneuvering, and an intriguing mystery, this is definitely a book worth reading for anyone who enjoys a good legal thriller.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advance copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this honest, personal, and unbiased review.
Review of advance copy
[I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.]
This was my first book from this series, which did not matter much at all when it came to the story.
It was a very well written legal thriller / procedural. The author not only took us through the (defense) lawyer's case as it was tried, but a further mystery that needed to be solved. Some additional personal (not case related, but her personal life) drama was thrown in to keep things moving and fill out the main character.
It was very well paced and held my attention, I finished it in pretty good time. I would definitely read another in this series, for the mystery as well as the legal aspects, which I found realistic, though the most experience I have with the law is from what I've seen on TV.
This was my first book from this series, which did not matter much at all when it came to the story.
It was a very well written legal thriller / procedural. The author not only took us through the (defense) lawyer's case as it was tried, but a further mystery that needed to be solved. Some additional personal (not case related, but her personal life) drama was thrown in to keep things moving and fill out the main character.
It was very well paced and held my attention, I finished it in pretty good time. I would definitely read another in this series, for the mystery as well as the legal aspects, which I found realistic, though the most experience I have with the law is from what I've seen on TV.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you enjoy a legal thriller that develops the characters and writes a novel around those characters in addition to writing about a legal case--you will enjoy this as well as other Peter Kirkland legal thrillers. This is the second or third novel in this series...I have read them all, so there are established characters and relationships and then a new case that Maggie Gallagher--the main character/lawyer is involved in. The plot was suspenseful and kept me engaged the entire book. If you enjoy the relationships, twists and turns, are a sucker for somewhat positive endings and do not enjoy focusing on blood and gore...this book is for you!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sara faced a thought battle in court. She is fighting a clumpany that denied insurance claims on her husband and he died. She is dealing with grief, loss and everything that goes with it. Then the unthinkable happens and the judge overturns the verdict and Sara’s whole world goes haywire.
Hang on to your seat because at this point Maggie is fighting for everything on Sara’s behalf and nothing is as it seems. Then two people die, but who did it? First eyes turn to Sara, but stay tuned as the story gets interesting at this point.
If you like court room stories then this is the book for you. I throughly recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hang on to your seat because at this point Maggie is fighting for everything on Sara’s behalf and nothing is as it seems. Then two people die, but who did it? First eyes turn to Sara, but stay tuned as the story gets interesting at this point.
If you like court room stories then this is the book for you. I throughly recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
MAGGIE GALLAGHER LEGAL THRILLER:
THE WRONG VICTIM, #3 - Interesting and immersing, with good characters, good investigations, and entertaining. Source: Booksprout. 4*
THE MIDWEST LAWYER, #1 - I found another writer that I like. I like his writing style, his characters, his story lines, his dialog, and his humor. I found this book interesting and intriguing, and it was easy to get immersed in the book. I love the prosecutor's personality and actions; be careful of your words and actions should be her moto. Source: Booksprout. 5*
THE BLOODIED CLIENT, #2 - Interesting characters and story lines with a good pace. The ending seemed a bit rushed with the killer. I like Alia. Source: Booksprout and Relay Publishing Ltd. 4*
MAGGIE GALLAGHER LEGAL THRILLER end.
THE WRONG VICTIM, #3 - Interesting and immersing, with good characters, good investigations, and entertaining. Source: Booksprout. 4*
THE MIDWEST LAWYER, #1 - I found another writer that I like. I like his writing style, his characters, his story lines, his dialog, and his humor. I found this book interesting and intriguing, and it was easy to get immersed in the book. I love the prosecutor's personality and actions; be careful of your words and actions should be her moto. Source: Booksprout. 5*
THE BLOODIED CLIENT, #2 - Interesting characters and story lines with a good pace. The ending seemed a bit rushed with the killer. I like Alia. Source: Booksprout and Relay Publishing Ltd. 4*
MAGGIE GALLAGHER LEGAL THRILLER end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Definitely worth reading but I wouldn't necessarily call it a thriller. Sure there were some suspenseful moments; is the husband cheating, is the woman on trial really guilty after all, but nothing that made my heart race or blood boil if you will.
I will say that there were some clever moments where the evidence seemed too simple. Enough to make me think that it was all a distraction and I'd be shocked by the ending. But it wasn't.
Again definitely worth the read, especially for those who enjoy a good procedural story and legal drama.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I will say that there were some clever moments where the evidence seemed too simple. Enough to make me think that it was all a distraction and I'd be shocked by the ending. But it wasn't.
Again definitely worth the read, especially for those who enjoy a good procedural story and legal drama.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2026
Double duty. Courtroom drama at its best. Maggie Gallagher is in the courtroom fighting for her clients. But in the legal system some wins mean more than others. There is high hope and low standards as the characters are revealed. A smirk, an insensitive comment with an even more callous response from an executive spurs an angry outburst. The story explodes from there. The job of the defense is to create reasonable doubt and with very few clues and not much help. It seems like getting justice could fall to pure luck. Much of this story has predictable elements to it but the are more than a few surprises. Being a fan of courtroom mysteries must say this was throughly enjoyed.
May 28, 2026
This is a very well done legal thriller that is very on the nose in these trying times.
At the moment, with the current issues and growing public frustration with healthcare systems in the USA, unchecked corporate greed and power, social media ragebait, and the desire for people to avenge their position, this book hit many topical themes and issues. Just look at Luigi!
This book has good courtroom scenes, well-developed and emotional characters and gripping suspense. I found the reactions of the characters to be believable and realistic.
Coming from a small-ish town, I know exactly how public perception can cloud an entire town and impact those involved.
At the moment, with the current issues and growing public frustration with healthcare systems in the USA, unchecked corporate greed and power, social media ragebait, and the desire for people to avenge their position, this book hit many topical themes and issues. Just look at Luigi!
This book has good courtroom scenes, well-developed and emotional characters and gripping suspense. I found the reactions of the characters to be believable and realistic.
Coming from a small-ish town, I know exactly how public perception can cloud an entire town and impact those involved.
Review of advance copy
This was a free ARC download from book sirens. this author knows how to write a good story and he knows how to present a polished finished product with no mistakes and absolutely nothing to gripe about. i've read other books by this author and he is an excellent author and his books really deserve your attention. although this book is the third in a series - and both prior books were excellent - ou don't necessarily need to read them to read this one. sometimes five startts just aren't enough .
May 26, 2026
Book 3 is another tense, page turning case for Attorney Maggie Gallagher. This tragic, heartbreaking story has Maggie taking on her client/Sara's case in a wrongful death lawsuit. In a bizarre twist Sara becomes the accused. Great down to the wire drama both in and out of the courtroom. On the home front Maggie and husband Sean find themselves struggling to find their new normal as they face empty nest syndrome. No surprise this was another satisfying read from one of my favorite authors. Already have my calendar marked for the two new books coming out later this year. Can't wait!
May 12, 2026
I have read most of Kirkland's books including this Maggie Gallagher series. While it is very well written, the scenes are vivid and the courtroom dramatics their usual A quality, I must say I didn't enjoy it as much as the last entry in this series. I think it's because I finished The Bloodied Client only about 10 days earlier. The plot jumps from someone being accused of something, they get over it in court (or with minor liability), and then is accused of murder a couple of weeks later. The gist of the two plots was just too similar. As soon as Sara paid to repaint the fence I thought "oh no, here comes a murder".
The writing is excellent and the books move along at a perfect pace. 4 stars for the writing quality and style.
Thanks to Booksprout for the advance read in exchange for my opinion.
The writing is excellent and the books move along at a perfect pace. 4 stars for the writing quality and style.
Thanks to Booksprout for the advance read in exchange for my opinion.
May 21, 2026
This is the third in the Maggie Gallagher series and is just as good as the first two.
The plot is engaging as she has to go through hoops to ensure her client is not wrongly convicted of murder.
The courtroom scenes are tense and credible but it’s the descriptions of her family life and use politics and issues of small town life that make this book stand out.
An excellent read. Highly recommended.
The plot is engaging as she has to go through hoops to ensure her client is not wrongly convicted of murder.
The courtroom scenes are tense and credible but it’s the descriptions of her family life and use politics and issues of small town life that make this book stand out.
An excellent read. Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is Book 3 in the Maggie Gallagher Legal Thriller Series and just like the first two books, it was a suspenseful story that kept me up, wanting to know what happens next. I couldn't stop! There's plenty of intrigue, a bit of drama, lots of character development, and as always lots of intense courtroom scenes. Great read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Maggie Gallagher is once more again using her skills to help an innocent. Oh this book pulled me in from the start. Suspense, twists and turns, plenty of intrigue, drama, great characters. Amazing intense courtroom scenes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Maggie Gallagher is back and is taking on a case of a widow accused of murdering the CEO of the health insurance company that denied her late husband's treatments, and his attorney. After a Judgements in her favor that gets overturned, she is accused of rigging his boat to explode. But did she do it? Excellent legal thriller!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
When Maggie Gallagher’s latest client is accused of murder Maggie knows she’s innocent despite all of the evidence against her. At the same time she’s trying to reset her marriage after becoming empty nesters. There’s not enough hours in the day for both but she knows she needs to make it work.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2026
Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and when a client lets her emotions get the best of her and threatens the winner of her court case, it completely backfires. Now Maggie must prove her client isn’t a murderer, just a heartbroken woman who’s lost everything. But will that be enough to save her? I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
May 31, 2026
The Wrong Victim, By Peter Kirkland.
This is an excellent addition to the Maggie Gallagher series from the pen of Peter Kirkland. Another edge of the seat courtroom drama with twists and turns galore. Carrie Coello's narration is brilliant and adds tension and drama to the listening experience. Highly Recommended.
This is an excellent addition to the Maggie Gallagher series from the pen of Peter Kirkland. Another edge of the seat courtroom drama with twists and turns galore. Carrie Coello's narration is brilliant and adds tension and drama to the listening experience. Highly Recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Really enjoyed this read! Great lawyer work on both sides of this case. Glad the jury got it right in the end. Nice to then have the rest of the story told after the trial was finished.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Excellent book, very intelligently written. Great story made even better by the author's knowledge of legal proceedure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2026
Thanks to BookSirens, publishers and author for an ARC of The Wrong Victom.
True rating 3.5
I love the Maggie Gallagher series, and this is a good addition. It did feel a little dragged out at times, but over all enjoyable.
True rating 3.5
I love the Maggie Gallagher series, and this is a good addition. It did feel a little dragged out at times, but over all enjoyable.
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