What do you think?
Rate this book
Jessie Black Legal Thrillers #9
Murder Charge
A 14-year-old girl accused of murder. A former prosecutor who might be able to save her. And a District Attorney out for blood... Jessie Black is on the outside looking in. No longer an assistant DA, she now struggles to find meaning in a new career defending wealthy tax cheats. But when the teenage granddaughter of a colleague is arrested for murder, Jessie suddenly finds herself back where she belongs - fighting for justice in Philadelphia criminal court. District Attorney Damon Faber doesn't care about justice. He stokes a venomous, personal obsession with Jessie, and he seizes this murder trial as his chance to vent his hatred - not just by beating Jessie in the courtroom, but by crushing her heart and soul. Jessie has never faced an enemy this powerful or stakes this high. Can she save a young girl from a horrific fate while also saving herself and those she loves?
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2022
430 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
October 2, 2024
I quite enjoyed this court room/legal thriller. Well constructed but at times it was implausible and had unreasonable parts to the plot. But enough to keep me interested in reading more of the Jessie Black series.
April 7, 2022
In Murder Charge, we find Jessie engaged in her second murder trial as a defense attorney. The 14-year-old granddaughter of a senior partner in her new firm is accused of murdering her exboyfriend. There is no love lost between Jessie and this partner, but Jessie takes on the case. Jessie and her husband, Mark Leary the former detective and DA’s office investigator, soon find themselves in a personal vendetta with the new DA who is out to destroy Jessie, her husband and everyone and everything they care about. Through the DA’s machinations with the criminal underworld and a few corrupt cops, ark Leary soon finds himself in jail, awaiting trial for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Jessie has to turn to other defense attorneys, a married couple that, as an assistant DA, she despised defending her husband. To follow through on his treats to destroy Jessie’s life, he makes a deal with one of the correctional officers to have Leary placed in the jail’s general population so he could be killed by the other inmates because he had been a cop. Can Jessie get Mark out of jail before he’s killed? Can she win the case against her partner’s grand daughter? Can she beat the DA at his own game?
The way this book ends will leave you saying, Boy! I didn’t see that coming from the title of the next book in the series, Return of The Prosecutor. We know she did, but you’ll have to read the book for yourself to find out how she did it. I have already pre-ordered Return of The Prosecutor, but it will not be released until March 22 of 2023. To keep us waiting for that long is cruel and unusual punishment.
The way this book ends will leave you saying, Boy! I didn’t see that coming from the title of the next book in the series, Return of The Prosecutor. We know she did, but you’ll have to read the book for yourself to find out how she did it. I have already pre-ordered Return of The Prosecutor, but it will not be released until March 22 of 2023. To keep us waiting for that long is cruel and unusual punishment.
Want to read
August 10, 2023author gift
April 9, 2022
Not what you're hoping for!
Such a disappointment! The strong, self-assured heroine cow tows to an overbearing caricature of a boss. Even worse is the totally unbelievable evil district attorney one dimensionally bent on Jessie's destruction. Then a crafted from a comic book ending. Have a ghost writer help with this one? You just lost a fan.
Such a disappointment! The strong, self-assured heroine cow tows to an overbearing caricature of a boss. Even worse is the totally unbelievable evil district attorney one dimensionally bent on Jessie's destruction. Then a crafted from a comic book ending. Have a ghost writer help with this one? You just lost a fan.
Read
April 19, 2022Jessie black thriller #9
Good plot, good speed, good intrigue, good start, good body, good end. Enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Enough reality to keep your interest. Final bomb was unexpected and yet believable.
Good plot, good speed, good intrigue, good start, good body, good end. Enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Enough reality to keep your interest. Final bomb was unexpected and yet believable.
May 21, 2022
excellent book!
This story keeps the reader so involved with the story line, I did not want to put it down to go to sleep!
This story keeps the reader so involved with the story line, I did not want to put it down to go to sleep!
March 29, 2022
This latest story continues with Jessie performing as a defense lawyer. Jessie is summoned by her attorney party and told that he wants her to represent his granddaughter who has been charged with murder of her exx boyfriend. Jessie along with her associated and Bowers, her boss, go to the jail to meet with his granddaughter, Brooke. When they arrive and are meeting with Brooke, Bowers, tries to run the show even though Jessie is to defend her. After the meeting, Jessie, tries to lay down how the defense will be run, but Bowers wants it done his way. The 1st thing that Jessie wants done is to see if she can get this transferred to the juvenile court.
The motion is heard before the judge, but it is denied. As she begins preparing her defense, she has her husband Leary start questioning certain individuals. Jessie also asked him to find out about two bullies that were in the pricvate school where both Brooke and Shaun, the victim. Leary starts checking on the two, but things get out of hand. Later Emily, Jessie's detective friend and partner Pierce, follow the two to a location where a battle ensues.
Jessie has now gone to trial and begins cross examing a prosecution witness when she produces a document which has a large impact on the trial.
To discover who Shaun's killer was, what obsticals Bowers created, what Leary's problem was, what battle occurred involving Pierce and Emily as well what individual was targeting Jessie, then you need to read this book. It will definitely keep your attention.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an hones review.
The motion is heard before the judge, but it is denied. As she begins preparing her defense, she has her husband Leary start questioning certain individuals. Jessie also asked him to find out about two bullies that were in the pricvate school where both Brooke and Shaun, the victim. Leary starts checking on the two, but things get out of hand. Later Emily, Jessie's detective friend and partner Pierce, follow the two to a location where a battle ensues.
Jessie has now gone to trial and begins cross examing a prosecution witness when she produces a document which has a large impact on the trial.
To discover who Shaun's killer was, what obsticals Bowers created, what Leary's problem was, what battle occurred involving Pierce and Emily as well what individual was targeting Jessie, then you need to read this book. It will definitely keep your attention.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an hones review.
August 21, 2023
The plot in which Jessie defends Brook, a white 14-year old girl accused of murdering her black ex-boyfriend, is somewhat interesting. But the book is ruined because so much of the story is not only unbelievable but, well, dumb.
Among the cringe-worthy aspects: A district attorney who is determined to destroy Jessie by using some unbelievable power he has that allows him to cause continuous turmoil in her and her husband’s lives; and an FBI that investigates this DA in part because they, inexplicably, realize he’s targeting Jessie. Then there’s Jessie’s willingness to tolerate Brook’s grandfather’s meddling in her handling of the girl’s defense. The fact that he’s Jessie’s boss doesn’t seem like a good enough reason for her subservient behavior. And (maybe my favorite) Jessie’s firing of the jury consultant because he wants to keep down the number of black women in the jury because they’re proven to be more likely to convict a white woman accused of murdering a black man. To Jessie, this is racist because, well, I can’t think of a reason since lawyers always evaluate prospective jurors based on such things as their race, sex and ethnicity.
The ending, which I won’t reveal, is also beyond dumb because so much of it doesn’t make sense, including the prosecutor’s actions, the grandfather’s actions, the main witness’s behavior, and the murky motives of some of the characters.
Despite the ridiculousness of the plot, I did want to find out how this ended. But I can’t see myself reading another book by this author.
Among the cringe-worthy aspects: A district attorney who is determined to destroy Jessie by using some unbelievable power he has that allows him to cause continuous turmoil in her and her husband’s lives; and an FBI that investigates this DA in part because they, inexplicably, realize he’s targeting Jessie. Then there’s Jessie’s willingness to tolerate Brook’s grandfather’s meddling in her handling of the girl’s defense. The fact that he’s Jessie’s boss doesn’t seem like a good enough reason for her subservient behavior. And (maybe my favorite) Jessie’s firing of the jury consultant because he wants to keep down the number of black women in the jury because they’re proven to be more likely to convict a white woman accused of murdering a black man. To Jessie, this is racist because, well, I can’t think of a reason since lawyers always evaluate prospective jurors based on such things as their race, sex and ethnicity.
The ending, which I won’t reveal, is also beyond dumb because so much of it doesn’t make sense, including the prosecutor’s actions, the grandfather’s actions, the main witness’s behavior, and the murky motives of some of the characters.
Despite the ridiculousness of the plot, I did want to find out how this ended. But I can’t see myself reading another book by this author.
March 29, 2022
Jessie Black had left the District Attorneys office and is now at a criminal defense law firm, Hammond, Rose & Rivera. But when lawyer Oliver Bowers heard that his 14 year old granddaughter, Brooke Sutton, was under arrest for murder, Jessie had to get involved. Not only is Brooke being held in a jail for adults, but she is accused of murdering her 14 year old ex-boyfriend, Shawn Marrow, Brooke being white and Shaun being black, with racist implications. In the upcoming trial Jessie is confronted with one obstacle after another. Leary is investigating Brooke’s case. But when he encounters two teenage “bullies”, he is harassed by them and ends up in an altercation which sends him to jail. Things went from bad to worse and Jessie called Detective Emily Graham for help. What happened next is truly unbelievable. The new District Attorney, Damon Faber, is out to get Jessie and he will do anything to “erase” her. A convuled plot ensues. I won’t tell you what happens, but you will be surprised at the ending. I read this book in record time—could not put it down. This is one of the best Jessie Black books I have read. Hope you like it as much as I did!
April 4, 2022
Jessie faces off with Faber, the new D.A., as a 14 yr old girl is accused of murder. But Jessie is the Defense Attorney, this time. With her husband, Mark Leary, she is trying to carve her place into the world of white collar crime. However, with the trial of a granddaughter of a lawyer at her new firm, she is pulled back into the world of murder. A 14 yr old kid is depending on her, but Faber is undermining her every move.
This book kept me turning pages as fast as I could. I couldn't wait to see Jessie's next move.
I recommend #9 very much and suggest you start at book #1 if you haven't already. The whole series (and the prequel) will grab your interest and take you on a ride you're sure to enjoy.
This book kept me turning pages as fast as I could. I couldn't wait to see Jessie's next move.
I recommend #9 very much and suggest you start at book #1 if you haven't already. The whole series (and the prequel) will grab your interest and take you on a ride you're sure to enjoy.
April 4, 2022
Another excellent addition to the series…
A real page-turner! The chapter lengths are perfect – propelling you forward to the next one and the next one until you cannot put it down, at least, not for long. The plot, characters and descriptive surroundings are very well developed and draw you in and keep you intrigued from the beginning to end. It is such a pleasure to pick up a novel that is thoughtfully composed and very well written. The portrayal of the legal system felt genuine (although, you cannot help but question how it works) and held my interest as did the subplots and unexpected occurrences and the questionable direction of Jesse’s career – a most satisfying read that left me with a curiosity for what comes next…I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
A real page-turner! The chapter lengths are perfect – propelling you forward to the next one and the next one until you cannot put it down, at least, not for long. The plot, characters and descriptive surroundings are very well developed and draw you in and keep you intrigued from the beginning to end. It is such a pleasure to pick up a novel that is thoughtfully composed and very well written. The portrayal of the legal system felt genuine (although, you cannot help but question how it works) and held my interest as did the subplots and unexpected occurrences and the questionable direction of Jesse’s career – a most satisfying read that left me with a curiosity for what comes next…I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
August 20, 2023
Frankly I was disappointed.
I loved the writing - loved the characters - the plot was strong, and even though the conflicts among characters were strongly drawn, things did move.
But then it all came apart. There were "easy" resolutions, no real resolution - the trial melted away, the charges for the male protagonist sort of evaporated and suddenly it was all over, with only a hint about a future. Rather like hearing about a great dish at a restaurant and being hold after the appetizers were ordered that they were all out of that item.
I suspect I will be staying away from this author.
I loved the writing - loved the characters - the plot was strong, and even though the conflicts among characters were strongly drawn, things did move.
But then it all came apart. There were "easy" resolutions, no real resolution - the trial melted away, the charges for the male protagonist sort of evaporated and suddenly it was all over, with only a hint about a future. Rather like hearing about a great dish at a restaurant and being hold after the appetizers were ordered that they were all out of that item.
I suspect I will be staying away from this author.
April 5, 2022
This continuation of the Jessie Black series is a great read. She is a former Assistant DA working in the private sector after being forced out by an unscrupulous DA. She planned to work on white collar crime but one of the named partners pulled her into defending his 14 year old granddaughter who was charged with capital murder. As always plenty of things go wrong Jesse; her husband and investigator, Mark; her friend and police detective, Emily; and her assistant, Aliyah help her. Great job, Larry. Waiting on #10!
Thanks for the ARC. These is my true and honest remarks.
Thanks for the ARC. These is my true and honest remarks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2022
Another enjoyable Jessis Black novel.
As usual, there are lots of twists and turns, some moral dilemmas, and lots of action.
I've now read all 9 of the novels and have enjoyed them immensely.
I am not a lawyer so I don't know how a supposedly great lawyer would react to having his 14-year-old granddaughter accused of murder would act. But, . . . the character Bower's actions seemed way over the top.. What vaguely competent lawyer would keep giving HIS answers to Jessie's questions to his grandaughter?
As usual, there are lots of twists and turns, some moral dilemmas, and lots of action.
I've now read all 9 of the novels and have enjoyed them immensely.
I am not a lawyer so I don't know how a supposedly great lawyer would react to having his 14-year-old granddaughter accused of murder would act. But, . . . the character Bower's actions seemed way over the top.. What vaguely competent lawyer would keep giving HIS answers to Jessie's questions to his grandaughter?
August 13, 2023
Bullied into taking a case by one of the senior partners Jessie has to fight to save his 14 year old grand daughter accused of murdering her boyfriend despite the machinations of Faber, the new DA who has a vendetta against her and will stop at nothing to bring down her and all those dear to her thinking himself to be above the law but Jessie has help and brings him down instead along with beating him in court. Good story keeps the interest and sets a good pace and Jessie gets a bonus at the end.
August 30, 2023
Life is never easy for Jessie, and this case just makes life more difficult. She discovers the truth to the statement: You're not paranoid if they are after you!
Unfortunately a lot of people get injured in this case. Things go sideways in totally unexpected ways, evil lurks deeper and further than you can imagine. The reader is left with some unanswered questions but overall an enjoyable read. The author certainly pulls you along to experience the next bump in Jessie's case, life and career.
Unfortunately a lot of people get injured in this case. Things go sideways in totally unexpected ways, evil lurks deeper and further than you can imagine. The reader is left with some unanswered questions but overall an enjoyable read. The author certainly pulls you along to experience the next bump in Jessie's case, life and career.
April 4, 2022
Jessie Black has left the DA’s office and is working for a private firm. When the Granddaughter of one of the partners is arrested for murder. Jessie reluctantly agrees to defend her. The Grandfather is not a nice person and continually interferes in the case. The book moves fast and I liked the story line. I liked the main characters and there were also a few despicable ones that I was hoping would get their due.
April 13, 2022
Private Practice
Having left her job as a prosecutor to work defending white collar crimes, Jessie finds herself representing the granddaughter of one of the partners, a teenager accused of murder. Corruption on both sides of the law, her friends & Leary targeted, where does it end ? This installment kept my interest from the get go. I couldn't put it down. The best so far, in my opinion .
Having left her job as a prosecutor to work defending white collar crimes, Jessie finds herself representing the granddaughter of one of the partners, a teenager accused of murder. Corruption on both sides of the law, her friends & Leary targeted, where does it end ? This installment kept my interest from the get go. I couldn't put it down. The best so far, in my opinion .
April 25, 2023
Throughout the Jesse Black novels, Larry Winters demonstrates the ability to colorfully create settings for his plot lines, aided by his prose - often simple and eloquent, for example: “The ground offered watery reflections of the store windows and the changing colors of the traffic light at the end of the block.” In Murder Charge (#9), Winters takes our heroine Jesse Black‘s accomplishments to a new level set within a sophisticated and multilayered story. I can’t wait to read #10!
August 26, 2023
Purchased this item on August 11, 2023, from Amazon for free. Enjoyed the difficulties that were overcome in defending a young girl. However, the real murderer remained ambiguous. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset. Read Kindle book using Alexa audio asset.
A free prequel was offered at the end of the Kindle book and was accepted however it was not readable by using Alexa audio asset.
A free prequel was offered at the end of the Kindle book and was accepted however it was not readable by using Alexa audio asset.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2023
Pick a favorite job, lawyer or prosecutor
How long can you swim with sharks before they destroy or kill you? How long can you work beside crooked cops, crooked lawyers and murderers before you call it quits?
This married couple finds that working in a private law practice expects them to disregard their ethics in order to win cases. They won't comply and their lives are at stake.
How long can you swim with sharks before they destroy or kill you? How long can you work beside crooked cops, crooked lawyers and murderers before you call it quits?
This married couple finds that working in a private law practice expects them to disregard their ethics in order to win cases. They won't comply and their lives are at stake.
August 12, 2024
Every Jessie Black novel revolves around a crime plus various side stories that make the story unique and interesting. Up to the end I couldn’t figure out the “who done it” part and to form the author surprises you. The side stories revolving around the main story are dynamic and personal, so I. Not going to give away anything but I’d recommend this book to anyone interested in a terrific well written story.
March 27, 2022
I was fortunate to be able to read this book early as a part of the ARC group. Jessie. This is an awesome read and has many twists and turns. Jessie and Leary are in the fight of their careers and lives in a quest save a young girl charged with an awful crime. I would never have guessed the outcome!! Definitely a must read and a great continuation of the Jessie Black series.
April 8, 2022
I love the newest addition to the Jessie Black Legal Thrillers series. My only complaint is, it's too short! I always read these books quickly when they come out because I can't put them down, and then I'm sad when I've finished reading them and have to wait for the next in the series to be published! Highly recommend this series for any lovers of mystery/crime thrillers.
January 2, 2024
Stunning
What can I say, corruption of people either jealous or brimming with hatred of people who have been strong, and not bothered about the consequences or collateral damage.
On the other side of the argument, corruption of people with money, buying people's testimony and creating issues within the court system.
Absolutely brilliant crafted plot by a great author.
What can I say, corruption of people either jealous or brimming with hatred of people who have been strong, and not bothered about the consequences or collateral damage.
On the other side of the argument, corruption of people with money, buying people's testimony and creating issues within the court system.
Absolutely brilliant crafted plot by a great author.
June 22, 2024
another Inspiring offer from the man behind Jessie Black. Thanks Larry.
I just can’t get enough of Larry A Winters’ books about Jessie Black.
I find a fault or two with the proofreading
and an occasional error, but they do NOT keep me from getting the next book. They are that good!
I just can’t get enough of Larry A Winters’ books about Jessie Black.
I find a fault or two with the proofreading
and an occasional error, but they do NOT keep me from getting the next book. They are that good!
March 26, 2025
I have always enjoyed reading Larry Winters novels. I am a fan of "legal Thrillers" anyhow, especially Jesse Black. His novels read very simply while garners a feeling with in that you become personally involved. I would also note there is no "fluffy" words just straight forward story lines built to build interest in the characters situations. For me it was another good read.
April 8, 2022
Just Wow!
I love the Jessie Black series and I do believe this one was the best! I will be eagerly awaiting the next one. I highly recommend! I simply could not put it down. I Read it in one day! Excellent!
I love the Jessie Black series and I do believe this one was the best! I will be eagerly awaiting the next one. I highly recommend! I simply could not put it down. I Read it in one day! Excellent!
April 8, 2022
captivating
I love the book before this one and bought this to continue with the series. I will buy the next one when it comes out.
Keeps your attention and hides the villain until the end of the story to keep you in suspense
A great read
I love the book before this one and bought this to continue with the series. I will buy the next one when it comes out.
Keeps your attention and hides the villain until the end of the story to keep you in suspense
A great read
April 11, 2022
Murder Charge
Another fantastic Jessie Black thriller by Larry A. Winter! If you like thrillers and are not reading this series, then you are missing out on great stories! I can't wait to read the next one.
Another fantastic Jessie Black thriller by Larry A. Winter! If you like thrillers and are not reading this series, then you are missing out on great stories! I can't wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews