In Defense of Charlotte

Blake County Legal Thriller #2

by Joe Cargile

A decades-long family feud culminates in murder, and a small-town lawyer must uncover the truth...before more lives are ruined. The national exposure of the Lee Acker case put the trial skills of Maggie Reynolds on full display. Now she is intent on pursuing more profitable victories in the courtroom. Leaving behind her work as a criminal defense lawyer, Maggie is hot on the tail of her highest-profile job a personal injury case with the potential for an incredible paycheck. Maggie hopes that a win will give her the recognition―and the bank account―that she deserves. Even if it means contending with shady lawyers who are willing to cut corners and backstab anyone for easy money. But when Blake County native Charlotte Acker is accused of murdering Lucy Kelley Collins, the wife of a Georgia senator, Maggie is pulled back into the world of criminal defense...and immersed in a local drama, generations in the making. Charlotte's guilt seems undeniable. Her hatred of the victim is well-known; a product of bitter and longstanding tensions between the Acker and Collins families. In a case that appears to be open-and-shut, Maggie must unravel the complicated history between the two families in order to clear Charlotte’s name...all against the ticking clock of a senatorial election. Torn between the lucrative payout of a personal injury case and the satisfaction of a career-defining murder trial, Maggie must reconcile her ambitions with her calling. Joe Cargile's riveting Blake County Legal Thrillers are perfect for fans of John Grisham and Michael Connelly.

Genres: Legal Thriller, Audiobook

276 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 2023

About the author

Although 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.

Reviews

[Tina Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joe Cargile’s second book in the series focuses on the daughter of the first book’s ‘defendant’. Charlotte is accused of killing the woman who killed her dad. Charlotte’s character is flushed out with emotion and grit. The sheriff was one of my favorite characters. However, the lawyer—and main character— (Maggie), is not consistent. She morphs from one type of person to another. This is not believable. The storyline runs a bit smoother than the first book’s. But, the end leaves a lot of loose ends. This annoys me enough to say that I will NOT be reading the last book in the series.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. This one kept me up at night always reading one more chapter. Each chapter left you wanting to read on. The characters are great and believable. Love the setting of small town in South Georgia. This book also left me wanting more books and to finish some of the story lines started in this book. Maggie is the best lawyer and works hard for her clients. Will like to see Charlotte in the next books as well. Looking forward to many more books from Blakston, GA.

[Erin Cassell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ended kind of abruptly but not bad. Not going directly into the next book. Two books, neither trial actually ended.

[Danielle Dugdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, loved it except for the ending.

[Linda Obannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

confusing

The book went on with the lead up to the conclusion which happened in the last page and did not make any sense

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Defense of Charlotte: A Legal Thriller (Blake County Legal Thrillers Book 2), my third read from author Joe Cargile and the second Blake County Legal Thrillers Book. A 351-page legal thriller. , my first read from author Joe Cargile. A 291-page legal thriller. “I received a Kindle copy of The Burden of Power: A Legal Thriller (Blake County Legal Thrillers Book 4) this book back in early April and even though I hadn't read the first book in the series, Legacy on Trial: A Legal Thriller (Blake County Legal Thrillers Book 1) I chose to read it & voluntarily leave a review. I got Legacy on Trial back in August of last year and until I read The Burden of Power there was no urgency to read it, just another good sounding book on my TBR list. That changed after reading The Burden of Power. Now I'm hooked. These three books are so good I'm going back and reading The Wiregrass Witness: A Legal Thriller (Blake County Legal Thrillers Book 3) next. " The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Maureen Workman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually scrolled through all the reviews to see if anyone felt the same way I do. I read this book after reading the first one and I'm still scratching my head wondering what happened. It seems there are quite a few plot holes, some characters are barely mentioned (what's up with the mom missing and estranged?) There is mention of events that I never read about, in either book. Maggie starts off as dedicated to the clients lawyer, then turns into a money grabbing accident chaser. The end was a big disappointment. Both books feel very strongly like the story was supposed to be much larger, but the publisher said to cut it down. In the process, some of the story lines have holes in them. (When was Charlotte kidnapped by John Deese?) The most disappointing part is I bought all four books. I hope the next two are better.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s important to note that this is the second book in the Blake County Legal Thrillers series. The books build on one another and to really get full appreciation and enjoyment of this book, it’s important to have read the first book, ‘Legacy on Trial’. I enjoyed this book. The storyline and characters are interesting. The dialogue is still a bit stilted, but I did think there was an improvement over the first book. There are questions left unanswered and another facet of the storyline that went unresolved. Another installment in the works? I hope so because I want to have my questions answered and some closure on the Acker and Collins ongoing saga.

[Doreen Fernandes]

Dark Deception

Charlotte is coping with the loss of her murdered father. Now Charlotte is accused of the murder of her father's murderer. All the evidence points to Charlotte. If Charlotte is innocent, then who is the culprit? Her lawyer, Maggie Reynolds is determined to get justice for Charlotte in spite of being up against a very devious criminal. A legal thriller with a shocking twist. The psyche of the characters is well portrayed.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely riveting ! This legal thriller has defense attorney Maggie Reynolds defending a local girl in an impossible to win situation. Exceptionally well drawn characters, a tight plot and skilled writing make this book hard to put down. 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.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Defense of Charlotte is one of those books that once you start reading you just don't want to stop! There's so much deceit and lies, so many people playing a game to cover up crimes and making it almost impossible to find the truth. The story is fast-paced, well-written, and has a great plot with fascinating characters.
I thank the author and his publisher for providing me with a copy of this book.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheer entertainment

Cargile paints scenes in my head in a unique way. I was drawn into the series, plunged right into corruption and intrigue in a small town. The legal portion was spot on and I am going to miss the people from Blake County until the next novel comes out. Definitely a great read.

[Thomas R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Defense of Charlotte Reveiw

The 2and Book in this series takes place a couple of years after Lee Collins was murdered, Maggie and Tim moved into together and relocated to Florida. They came back to Georgia to defend Lee's daughter whose was charged with murder
Great storyline with a great ending.

[Msgadget · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in this series validated the extensive character development in the first so it moved more quickly. The ending felt more like an abrupt tying up than the culmination of a build-up but the book was still engaging enough for me to head on to #3.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story! I really like how Mr. Cargile kept multiple plots going at the same time, which kept you wanting to keep reading until the end. I look forward to reading more stories from Mr. Cargile.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in this series doesn’t disappoint. To get the most from this book, the first installment should be read prior. This is a well written murder mystery.

[Laurali Hollister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake County legal thriller

Loved this 2nd book of the series more than the first!!!
Great writing and super surprising twists and turns.
Excited for book number 3!

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging

[Curt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than first Book of the series . Character development continues in this series and I cant wait for Book 3 and 4!

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Recommend reading in sequence.

[Kathy Goldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Spun . . .Ready for More

I read the first book and was hooked. The story continued and I bit down. Enjoyed how the story wove together seemlessly. Let's go

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy story to get interested in. I’m ready for the next in the series.

[Indra Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good read.
Could have used an epilogue. There were quite a few things going on. It was like juggling 5 balls caught 1 and let the others fall.

[KH Khaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read of Joe Cargile's books. Not a bad one. Enough to go to the next book

I started with this book and then went to book #1. Now rereading this book makes more sense and I enjoyed it thoroughly