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Blake County Legal Thriller #1
Legacy on Trial
When a small-town lawyer defends a local murder suspect, they are swept into a deadly international coverup.
Lee Acker is horrified by the violent killing of his childhood best friend.
And he is equally distraught to discover that he stands wrongly accused of the crime.
As a whirlwind of media frenzy and a high-profile investigation descend on Lee’s ordinarily quiet Georgia town, he boldly flees to Mexico in a hunt for answers.
But Lee barely has time to catch whispers of shady international dealings before he finds himself detained and extradited back to the United States to stand trial.
Now, Lee's last hope rests with the local legal community’s rising star, Maggie Reynolds, the only defense lawyer who is skilled—and determined—enough to clear his name. Caught in the crosshairs of a deadly game and armed only with the hints and rumors gleaned from Lee's brief time in Mexico, Maggie and Lee must work against the clock to put together the pieces of an increasingly shocking puzzle.
The picture that takes shape will turn the courtroom on its head...and expose a sinister conspiracy that extends far beyond this small Georgia town.
Joe Cargile's riveting Blake County Legal Thrillers are perfect for fans of John Grisham and Michael Connelly.
______________________
What readers are
★★★★★ "Superb..."
★★★★★ "Great ending!"
★★★★★ "...I was glued to this book."
★★★★★ "...excellent courtroom scenes..."
★★★★★ "If you like books by John Grisham, you will enjoy this one."
Lee Acker is horrified by the violent killing of his childhood best friend.
And he is equally distraught to discover that he stands wrongly accused of the crime.
As a whirlwind of media frenzy and a high-profile investigation descend on Lee’s ordinarily quiet Georgia town, he boldly flees to Mexico in a hunt for answers.
But Lee barely has time to catch whispers of shady international dealings before he finds himself detained and extradited back to the United States to stand trial.
Now, Lee's last hope rests with the local legal community’s rising star, Maggie Reynolds, the only defense lawyer who is skilled—and determined—enough to clear his name. Caught in the crosshairs of a deadly game and armed only with the hints and rumors gleaned from Lee's brief time in Mexico, Maggie and Lee must work against the clock to put together the pieces of an increasingly shocking puzzle.
The picture that takes shape will turn the courtroom on its head...and expose a sinister conspiracy that extends far beyond this small Georgia town.
Joe Cargile's riveting Blake County Legal Thrillers are perfect for fans of John Grisham and Michael Connelly.
______________________
What readers are
★★★★★ "Superb..."
★★★★★ "Great ending!"
★★★★★ "...I was glued to this book."
★★★★★ "...excellent courtroom scenes..."
★★★★★ "If you like books by John Grisham, you will enjoy this one."
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2023
1627 people are currently reading
201 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 18, 2023
DNF I made it to Chapter 14. I don't understand the high ratings. To me this was extremely boring.
November 20, 2023
Sorry, but this story did not reach thriller status for me. I like the author to stretch the boundaries of the characters, but keep them believable. Didn't happen this time. The ending was meant to be a surprise twist, but turned out to be a confusing disappointment, however it does set up a second book in the series.
April 18, 2023
A questionable legacy
A reputed lawyer, Jake Collins, who is the son of the Senator, is killed. His best friend, Lee Acker, is a suspect, especially because he leaves the country. Lee is trying to find out who is behind the murder and the reason why he is being framed? Will he be able to prove his innocence? A suspenseful thriller which exposes dark secrets of famous families. A page turner with an unexpected twist.
A reputed lawyer, Jake Collins, who is the son of the Senator, is killed. His best friend, Lee Acker, is a suspect, especially because he leaves the country. Lee is trying to find out who is behind the murder and the reason why he is being framed? Will he be able to prove his innocence? A suspenseful thriller which exposes dark secrets of famous families. A page turner with an unexpected twist.
December 15, 2023
A murder in the family.
Was it over a long ago high school lover?
Who was the father of this high school love affair baby. It was a good tale of family history gone amuck.
Was it over a long ago high school lover?
Who was the father of this high school love affair baby. It was a good tale of family history gone amuck.
April 18, 2023
I received an ARC through Severn Publishing and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with members of the GBI knocking on the door of Lee Acker's house. They wwnt to talk to him about the murder of Jake Collins. Lee has left the area and on his way to Mexico to meet up with an individual. The GBi is not having luck finding Lee and they aren't getting any answers from his family either. As time is approaching when it looks like Lee might need a lawyer, Maggie Reynolds, currently a public defender, is approached and agrees to take his case. No one his heard from Lee since he disappeared. Lee has finally made contact with the person that he wanted to see. Because of a video that was made of Lee when he was helping the Mexican police, they discovered he was in Mexico and the GBI was finally able to get an arrest warrant. Lee was finally escorted back to the U.S. because he was assaulted and dropped off at the American Embassy.
When Lee got back to the U.S. and was brought before the court, he was charged, but was able to get bail. Maggie and Tim Dawson, the GBI lead agent on the case, began preparing a defense to prove Lee innocent. Tim because of his dating of Maggie was let go by the GBI. The trial date arrives and the judge is trying to push the trial thru quickly. The prosecution had finiushed and it became time for Maggie to present her case. One of the witnesses that Maggie intended to call caused a major event to happen. In fact, it changed the whole tenor of the trial. Since this event related to a member of Lee's family, and once brought to the court's attention, Lee took action with help from the security head for the witness that seemed to upset the apple cart.
To find out how Cliff, Lee's brother, had bearing on the surprise witness, what event happened that caused Lee to drop everything and how the case worked out in the end, then you need to read this book. The ending clears it all up and it definitely misled as I read through the story. I didn't figure who the real killer was.
You don't want to miss this book. It is that good!!!
This story begins with members of the GBI knocking on the door of Lee Acker's house. They wwnt to talk to him about the murder of Jake Collins. Lee has left the area and on his way to Mexico to meet up with an individual. The GBi is not having luck finding Lee and they aren't getting any answers from his family either. As time is approaching when it looks like Lee might need a lawyer, Maggie Reynolds, currently a public defender, is approached and agrees to take his case. No one his heard from Lee since he disappeared. Lee has finally made contact with the person that he wanted to see. Because of a video that was made of Lee when he was helping the Mexican police, they discovered he was in Mexico and the GBI was finally able to get an arrest warrant. Lee was finally escorted back to the U.S. because he was assaulted and dropped off at the American Embassy.
When Lee got back to the U.S. and was brought before the court, he was charged, but was able to get bail. Maggie and Tim Dawson, the GBI lead agent on the case, began preparing a defense to prove Lee innocent. Tim because of his dating of Maggie was let go by the GBI. The trial date arrives and the judge is trying to push the trial thru quickly. The prosecution had finiushed and it became time for Maggie to present her case. One of the witnesses that Maggie intended to call caused a major event to happen. In fact, it changed the whole tenor of the trial. Since this event related to a member of Lee's family, and once brought to the court's attention, Lee took action with help from the security head for the witness that seemed to upset the apple cart.
To find out how Cliff, Lee's brother, had bearing on the surprise witness, what event happened that caused Lee to drop everything and how the case worked out in the end, then you need to read this book. The ending clears it all up and it definitely misled as I read through the story. I didn't figure who the real killer was.
You don't want to miss this book. It is that good!!!
March 15, 2023
3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Lee Acker is accused of the violent killing of his childhood best friend and flees to Mexico for answers.
He’s quickly detained and extradited back to the US to stand trial.
Now, Lee's last hope rests with Maggie Reynolds, the only defense lawyer who is skilled--and determined-enough to clear his name. Maggie and Lee must work against the clock to put together the pieces of an increasingly shocking puzzle.”
💭What I loved: Maggie’s character is amazing. I love everything about her. None of the characters were really developed through the book, but it is a legal thriller, so I knew character focus was not going to be big in this and I didn’t mind. Tim Dawson was also (minimally) great. I didn’t really care for the other characters.
I actually really loved the ending! It was nothing I expected and super frustrating but I’m the best way possible. It’s not your typical ending and sometimes we need this in books to throw us off our balance a little 😜. I also liked how Cargile followed multiple POVs.
💭What I didn’t like as much: For me, there was too much political talk. It’s just something I personally don’t like reading about, but the talk was still Interesting and necessary to the storyline. I also felt like there was a lot of random story telling that made it feel longer. The writing style is not what I imagined the characters sounding like: a big lack on contractions (It is… were not.. “he is a sleazebag,“) but it seemed out of context and out of character most times (unless in court).
There were also some holes or unanswered questions in the story… but I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll leave the questions be for now!
I would still recommend this book, as I really enjoyed the read! Legal thrillers are quickly becoming one of my favorite genres!
Thank you @netgalley for selecting me to read this advanced copy! ☺️
“Lee Acker is accused of the violent killing of his childhood best friend and flees to Mexico for answers.
He’s quickly detained and extradited back to the US to stand trial.
Now, Lee's last hope rests with Maggie Reynolds, the only defense lawyer who is skilled--and determined-enough to clear his name. Maggie and Lee must work against the clock to put together the pieces of an increasingly shocking puzzle.”
💭What I loved: Maggie’s character is amazing. I love everything about her. None of the characters were really developed through the book, but it is a legal thriller, so I knew character focus was not going to be big in this and I didn’t mind. Tim Dawson was also (minimally) great. I didn’t really care for the other characters.
I actually really loved the ending! It was nothing I expected and super frustrating but I’m the best way possible. It’s not your typical ending and sometimes we need this in books to throw us off our balance a little 😜. I also liked how Cargile followed multiple POVs.
💭What I didn’t like as much: For me, there was too much political talk. It’s just something I personally don’t like reading about, but the talk was still Interesting and necessary to the storyline. I also felt like there was a lot of random story telling that made it feel longer. The writing style is not what I imagined the characters sounding like: a big lack on contractions (It is… were not.. “he is a sleazebag,“) but it seemed out of context and out of character most times (unless in court).
There were also some holes or unanswered questions in the story… but I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll leave the questions be for now!
I would still recommend this book, as I really enjoyed the read! Legal thrillers are quickly becoming one of my favorite genres!
Thank you @netgalley for selecting me to read this advanced copy! ☺️
November 2, 2023
District Attorney Jake Collins has been murdered in his hometown of Georgia. Law enforcement believes that Lee Acker, Jake's childhood friend, is responsible for the crime. Before any conversation is possible, they must locate Lee. Is Lee merely a person of interest, the perpetrator of the crime, or innocent beyond a shadow of a doubt?
The novel has 2 sections: Book 1 and Book 2. Book 1 is the backstory. Book 2 is the courtroom drama. At first, I was wondering if Book 1 was lingering too long, and yet I was engaged to learn more about Lee, a man on the run, and what he was hoping to achieve beyond his innocence. But is he innocent? As the backstory progresses, there are more puzzling questions than reveals. Politics, corruption, and long-held family secrets were being brought to light.
I love legal thrillers. I loved this one as it was plotted differently, changing the standard fare of legal thriller presentation. It may not appeal to everyone. I applaud debut authors. I applaud debut authors even more who are willing to tell it their way, changing it up within a genre.
The author is an attorney, and Book 1 of this series has captured this reader's attention. I'm keen to read what other stories the author has to tell.
The novel has 2 sections: Book 1 and Book 2. Book 1 is the backstory. Book 2 is the courtroom drama. At first, I was wondering if Book 1 was lingering too long, and yet I was engaged to learn more about Lee, a man on the run, and what he was hoping to achieve beyond his innocence. But is he innocent? As the backstory progresses, there are more puzzling questions than reveals. Politics, corruption, and long-held family secrets were being brought to light.
I love legal thrillers. I loved this one as it was plotted differently, changing the standard fare of legal thriller presentation. It may not appeal to everyone. I applaud debut authors. I applaud debut authors even more who are willing to tell it their way, changing it up within a genre.
The author is an attorney, and Book 1 of this series has captured this reader's attention. I'm keen to read what other stories the author has to tell.
September 13, 2023
Not sure why this book is so highly rated. Yes, it entertained and is a fast-paced read. But it leaves a lot out and unknown to this reader is simply a launching point for the series featuring Charlotte Acker. Given its attempted southern charm and backwater views a "lawyering" I wanted to like this book. It starts off with Charlottes father Lee on the run in Mexico. Lee is a likable, successful businessman who is wrongly accused of murdering his powerful childhood friend. How the murder was committed is never given a chapter. Only in the end is it so briefly revealed. The entire book is about this murder, and we are never taken there in detail. It is alluded that Lee did it, and he is going on trial. I will leave it there. So many loose and unexplored aspects about a murder and too much Harlequin love connection between the GBI investigator and our trial lawyer Maggie. Meh. If you like diet lite, gluten free legal thrillers this one is for you. I am one and done with this series. I'll give it three stars because I finished it.
April 18, 2023
This book will keep you guessing till the end!
Do you enjoy legal thrillers that keep you guessing throughout the entire book? Or you enjoy stories with a cast of characters who are all multidimensional and each have their own individual flaws. Then give Legacy on Trial a shot, I’m betting you won’t be disappointed. Legacy on Trial is one of those rare legal stories that not only has excellent courtroom scenes but also contains excellent coverage of background on the area and parties involved making you feel you have lived in Blake County with the rest of the cast. When the book’s description compared Joe Cargile to John Grisham & Michael Connelly, I was skeptical – after reading Legacy on Trial I would have to agree Joe is right up there in the same league as them. I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and chose to provide my review.
Do you enjoy legal thrillers that keep you guessing throughout the entire book? Or you enjoy stories with a cast of characters who are all multidimensional and each have their own individual flaws. Then give Legacy on Trial a shot, I’m betting you won’t be disappointed. Legacy on Trial is one of those rare legal stories that not only has excellent courtroom scenes but also contains excellent coverage of background on the area and parties involved making you feel you have lived in Blake County with the rest of the cast. When the book’s description compared Joe Cargile to John Grisham & Michael Connelly, I was skeptical – after reading Legacy on Trial I would have to agree Joe is right up there in the same league as them. I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and chose to provide my review.
July 8, 2024
Destiny
So the Ackers and Collins clans continue their feud, with all sorts of family members eventually involved. A few killings and messy interactions regarding business and politics. I just wish that I could believe the reality as it was portrayed. Many of these characters did very little to make themselves the people that they were supposed to be. A senator, a top-notch defense attorney, the judge, the big business CEO (soon to be drug kingpin), and many of the righteous fathers and mothers. So few of these incidents and characters came together as I would expect them to, possibly because there was so limited description leading to their placement in the story line. Even the ending left us hanging, but not necessarily to advance a desire to peruse next volume in the series.
So the Ackers and Collins clans continue their feud, with all sorts of family members eventually involved. A few killings and messy interactions regarding business and politics. I just wish that I could believe the reality as it was portrayed. Many of these characters did very little to make themselves the people that they were supposed to be. A senator, a top-notch defense attorney, the judge, the big business CEO (soon to be drug kingpin), and many of the righteous fathers and mothers. So few of these incidents and characters came together as I would expect them to, possibly because there was so limited description leading to their placement in the story line. Even the ending left us hanging, but not necessarily to advance a desire to peruse next volume in the series.
April 7, 2023
Legacy on Trial is an extremely interesting book tracing the history of two feuding families over many years. There is a lot going on in this novel — a public defender who gets romantically involved with an investigator with the local authorities, a senatorial campaign and race, murder, lies and deceit, a trip to Mexico as well as drugs and illegals crossing into the country from Mexico. All of these are neatly tied together in a great court room trial and, of course, there are several unexpected surprises in store for the reader.
Readers of this genre will not be disappointed. I eagerly await another novel by Joe Cargile (an author previously unknown to me) and thank NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.
Readers of this genre will not be disappointed. I eagerly await another novel by Joe Cargile (an author previously unknown to me) and thank NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book prior to publication.
September 4, 2023
Ok, so where do I begin on this book. Honestly the story started out more interesting when Leo was on the run and able to be in Mexico. It "kind of" left you guessing, but the truth is that it really wasn't all that surprising. Turns out it was the Senator who cared more about winning his election then he did about his own family (specifically because his wife is the one who shot and killed her son... and then killed Leo) and yet the entire family "can't press charges" even with all the eye witnesses and the truth and the lawyer saying that she has "client confidentiality" because of something he said in the end. Really, really hated how the book ended and the who premise there, it was alright before, not the best mystery but man... what a terrible ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2024
Lee Acker is accused of killing his childhood best friend, who also happens to be the County’s District Attorney. His daughter and wife waking up to the police searching for him, because he’s a person of interest, showing the daughter and wife’s perspective and how it affects them.
The story continues to focus on Acker’s quest trying to clear his name and understand why he is being framed for a murder he didn’t commit. As he searches for answers, he is forced to stand trial with the local legal community’s rising star, Maggie Reynolds, in her first private case.
I’m not a fan unfortunately. The story while unbelievable is kinda boring. The strength of this book is character development, but even if it’s good, it’s not enough to redeem this book for me.
2*
The story continues to focus on Acker’s quest trying to clear his name and understand why he is being framed for a murder he didn’t commit. As he searches for answers, he is forced to stand trial with the local legal community’s rising star, Maggie Reynolds, in her first private case.
I’m not a fan unfortunately. The story while unbelievable is kinda boring. The strength of this book is character development, but even if it’s good, it’s not enough to redeem this book for me.
2*
May 29, 2024
Legacy on Trial: A Legal Thriller (Blake County Legal Thrillers Book 1), my second read from author Joe Cargile and the first Blake County Legal Thrillers Book. A 12-hour 16-minure/464-page legal thriller. “I got this back in August of last year and until I read The Burden of Power: A Legal Thriller (Blake County Legal Thrillers Book 4) there was no urgency to read it, just another good sounding book on my TBR list. That cahanged after reading The Burden of Power. Now I chose to read it next & am voluntarily leave a review." These two books are so good I'm going back and reading In Defense of Charlotte: A Legal Thriller (Blake County Legal Thrillers Book 2), I just have to go get it first. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
April 17, 2023
This is an interesting legal thriller. The storyline has a lot going on, which keeps the reader engaged until the final unexpected conclusion. There isn’t a lot of in-depth character development, but there’s enough for readers to get a basic understanding of each character and what motivates them.
I did struggle a bit with the writing style. There wasn’t much use of contractions during conversations which made those conversations seem stilted and unnatural. People just don’t talk that way.
Fans of legal thrillers will find much to enjoy in this book and I am interested to see where the series goes.
I did struggle a bit with the writing style. There wasn’t much use of contractions during conversations which made those conversations seem stilted and unnatural. People just don’t talk that way.
Fans of legal thrillers will find much to enjoy in this book and I am interested to see where the series goes.
August 21, 2023
I got this as an Audible Daily Deal. Were it not for that, and the book’s high reviews, I likely would have never picked it up.
It’s essentially a mass market legal thriller, clearly written by a man, for men. (Dear god, the long winded football and Formula 1 analogies. And don’t even get me started on the female characters of Maggie and Alex - I almost rolled my eyes into my head.)
I think it’s safe to say this was not written for my tastes. There are also many plot points both large and small that simply don’t make sense. I actually cannot believe I was able to finish this.
It’s essentially a mass market legal thriller, clearly written by a man, for men. (Dear god, the long winded football and Formula 1 analogies. And don’t even get me started on the female characters of Maggie and Alex - I almost rolled my eyes into my head.)
I think it’s safe to say this was not written for my tastes. There are also many plot points both large and small that simply don’t make sense. I actually cannot believe I was able to finish this.
November 12, 2023
As a fan of mystery/crime novels, I regularly read Scandinavian, Scottish and now, Southeastern US novels! I enjoyed the real feel of the Southeast in this book. The characters are realistic and well drawn. The action in the book ranges from SW Georgia to Laredo to central Mexico, but the heart of the story is set in SW Georgia near the Alabama border. As someone who grew up in that part of the US, I thought the settings felt real and the story was compelling. I recommend to anyone who is looking for a new, regional take on the mystery/crime novels.
January 21, 2025
The book is categorized as a thriller, but I feel it did not quite reach that status for me. Some portions were exciting to read, but the majority of it was not. The random story telling throughout the book convoluted the true plot and made it confusing. I would have given this book four stars, but the ending changed my opinion. There are so many unanswered questions! The conclusion felt rushed and more so a set up for the next book. I'm on the fence about finishing the series. If I do, it will be because of Maggie's character. I loved her!
April 22, 2023
A legacy of power and murder
This is a poor reminiscent of the Hatfield and McCoy’s. Theaker is accused of killing Jay Collins in the story begins there. But the real story begins I need generations ago. I found a book a very good read and the plot was full of twists and turns and you can imagine. I like the characters in the book and the action in the book. I recommend this book for all crime thriller readers.
This is a poor reminiscent of the Hatfield and McCoy’s. Theaker is accused of killing Jay Collins in the story begins there. But the real story begins I need generations ago. I found a book a very good read and the plot was full of twists and turns and you can imagine. I like the characters in the book and the action in the book. I recommend this book for all crime thriller readers.
May 23, 2023
Fabulous start to a new series! When Lee Acker is accused of murdering his childhood friend, only one attorney is skilled enough to represent him…Maggie Reynolds, who is tough, smart and tireless. Expertly crafted, with interesting characters, and a tight plot, this book kept me up past my bedtime. Highly recommended! 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.
May 25, 2023
Jake Collins was murdered, and Lee Acker left town shortly after, guess who's the prime suspect? But, is Lee the murderer? Lawyer Maggy Reynolds takes on the job of defending Lee even though all evidence leads to him. This is an excellent murder mystery that has so many twists and turns and an explosive ending.
A 5 plus book.
A 5 plus book.
September 23, 2023
I really cannot figure out how this book is rated so highly. I read probably five bucks a month and this one was very very hard to get through. The storyline jumped around so much and there were so many characters. Plus, the basis of the story was extremely confusing to me and I hated the ending. I feel like I just totally wasted eight hours of my life.
October 26, 2023
🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🎧
I really enjoyed the first 75% of this. Five stars and then it felt like a different writer took over for the ending. I’m still not entirely sure why Lee went to Mexico at the beginning. The trial portion fizzled out. Ending was very disappointing. Will not read the second book in this series.
I really enjoyed the first 75% of this. Five stars and then it felt like a different writer took over for the ending. I’m still not entirely sure why Lee went to Mexico at the beginning. The trial portion fizzled out. Ending was very disappointing. Will not read the second book in this series.
November 3, 2023
Interesting storyline involving decades old feud between two families whose ancestors built the town and the stakes become much higher when Collins is murdered and the evidence points to old rival Lee. Enter A fire brand ( Maggie) is taking the case to defend Lee. Adding to the drama is a secret that is the key to the murder
November 25, 2023
Couldn't read fast enough
This was my first read by Joe Cargile, but won't be my last. As the mystery built, I couldn't read fast enough to see what was going to unfold. I wasn't totally shocked at the end, but sad at a part of it. I don't want to spoil the book for readers, so I won't say more.
This was my first read by Joe Cargile, but won't be my last. As the mystery built, I couldn't read fast enough to see what was going to unfold. I wasn't totally shocked at the end, but sad at a part of it. I don't want to spoil the book for readers, so I won't say more.
January 1, 2024
Great but Confusing!)
I loved the storyline and characters and the writing was compelling and fluid! My problem (For not giving 5 stars) was the ending... it was abrupt , convoluted, disjointed, and confusing, not to mention, disappointing! (Oh! I just mentioned disappointing!) Looking forward
Pete the the next one, I think!
I loved the storyline and characters and the writing was compelling and fluid! My problem (For not giving 5 stars) was the ending... it was abrupt , convoluted, disjointed, and confusing, not to mention, disappointing! (Oh! I just mentioned disappointing!) Looking forward
Pete the the next one, I think!
April 21, 2023
An exceptional book of murder and suspense. A great beginning to a new series. A lawyer in a small town is accused of murder, did he do it. There’s no stopping until you find out the answer. Can’t wait for the next one.
April 26, 2023
EXCELLENT BOOK.
I honestly was unsure of this book. It’s not really my kind of thing to read but I have to admit that I was glued to this book. The author kept me on my toes. I didn’t see the twists coming. Can’t wait for the second book!!!!
I honestly was unsure of this book. It’s not really my kind of thing to read but I have to admit that I was glued to this book. The author kept me on my toes. I didn’t see the twists coming. Can’t wait for the second book!!!!
May 21, 2023
An excellent story. I accidentally read the next book in this series before reading this story without knowing who was responsible for the murder in this story even though the next book referred to what happened in this book. I look forward to reading more stories in this series from Mr. Cargile.
August 18, 2023
I thought this book fell between 3-4 stars. It was 4 stars until the ending. It felt like the writer had to turn it in and just hurried to end it. I wasn’t satisfied with the outcome. I believe the author was really just setting the stage for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews