I really tried to like this book. I started it 4 times before I called it quits. I couldn't connect to the characters and had a hard time following along. I honestly dont think it was a bad book, it really wasnt. I think thriller lovers will enjoy this, but it wasn't for me.

"Legacy on Trial" is a captivating novel that delves into the complex history of two feuding families spanning several years. The plot is rich with intrigue, featuring a public defender who becomes romantically entangled with a local police investigator, a heated senatorial campaign, murder, deception, and a journey to Mexico. The story also touches on the sensitive topic of illegal immigration, with drugs and undocumented individuals crossing the border from Mexico.

The various plotlines are masterfully woven together, culminating in a thrilling courtroom trial that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel is full of unexpected twists and turns that will leave readers guessing until the very end.

Overall, "Legacy on Trial" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, suspenseful story. The author's skillful writing and attention to detail make for a truly immersive reading experience.

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 police, a senatorial campaign and race, murder, lies and deceit, a trip to Mexico as well as drugs and illegals crossing into the country illegally 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.

This book was very good and I was really getting into it, waiting to see what happened! Then that ending?! I found myself kind of totally lost?! Maybe it was just me?! I don't know but I'm definitely lost! Lol anyway the main part of the book was very good as I said it had suspense, intrigue, action, murder, mobsters, cartel, and good detective work! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle! But also like I said that ending just lost me?! I will recommend reading this book, it was really worth reading! Hopefully you don't get as lost as I did! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

BOOK REVIEW
Legacy on Trial by Joe Cargile
Legal Thriller — 344 pgs
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! ☺️