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The Bloodied Client

A Legal Thriller (Maggie Gallagher Legal Thriller Series, Book 2)

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About this listen

A teenage girl is charged with the unthinkable…

The crime? The brutal murder of her own parents. The prosecution’s argument seems airtight. But small town defense attorney Maggie Gallagher senses something isn’t right…

Months earlier, Zoey Conrad had already faced her worst nightmare when two men broke into her room. In the terrifying struggle that followed, one intruder ended up dead. The judge declared it self-defense and dismissed the charges, allowing Zoey to rebuild her life in their small town. But now, with her parents found murdered under disturbingly similar circumstances, the evidence against Zoey quickly piles up.

Maggie knows Zoey and she wants to believe the girl is no killer. Yet the more she learns about the twisted life the Conrads led, the stronger her compassion for Zoey grows. But the deeper she digs, the worse things get. Especially since Maggie’s own son has gotten personally involved.

As the prosecution builds an ironclad case and the clock ticks down, Maggie must race to expose the truth. If she fails, Zoey’s fate is sealed—and an innocent life could be shattered forever.

©2025 Relay Publishing (P)2026 Relay Publishing Crime Thrillers Thriller & Suspense Crime Exciting
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Listener received this title free

I enjoyed this book on the kindle but I think I enjoyed it even more as an audio book. It not only tugs on your heart strings but also takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions, as you get swept up in the complex case. Like Maggie I didn't want Zoey to be responsible but with all the lies and evidence against her, I couldn't see how she couldn't have been behind it or how Maggie was going to prove her innocent. Good job Maggie was on the case and not me.
It's scary how people treat each other and think it's okay, it makes me appreciate what I have and I am glad I only experience the troubles through stories, like this one. I liked the characters and the family bond, which is only growing stronger with each book. The addition of the puppies added a lighter side to the story. As for the case, it was well worked and stayed entertaining throughout as it kept me guessing. The courtroom scenes are a real war of words, as both sides try to get the witness to say things they don't want to, very entertaining, especially as Maggie's own son was heavily involved in this case. I can't wait for the next book.
The last thing Maggie needs is for a teenage girl covered in blood to come hanging on her door, especially as that is how she learns her son is dating. To be accused of murder once is bad enough but for to happen to the same teenager for a second time is even worse. Especially as this time she is accused of killing her parents, the same parents that instigated the situation that made her kill the first time. Can Maggie put her fears for her son aside and defend his girlfriend for a second time? She will have to workout the lies from the truth in order to provide the best defence but it's not just the teenage defendant who is lying.I
I think the narrator does an amazing job and multiple times it felt like I was listening to a number of narrator's and not just one, She did that many different sounding voices.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Good job Maggie is on the case

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Listener received this title free

There is irony in that the previous book relates how our heroine has moved to her childhood small town to save her family from the harshness of urban life. This is the second shooting she has defended, but is the first where the client is a blood stained teenager pleading for help at Maggie's front door. Not only does she have an impossible sounding case to defend, but Maggie's own teenage son is emotionally tied in with the teen girl client. Problems, setbacks and obstacles are piled on, but a band of helpers and a new technology recruit help in overcoming them. The reader has a sense of relief, but then our troubled teen's parents are murdered and she becomes prime suspect once agan with her peril becoming magnified. Maggie has to adapt her strategy during the trial after all her care to exclude any damning evidence. There is a dramatic ending and we learn who is the true culprit.
I have not given five stars because, unlike other tales from this author, the lawyer seems to have no other cases and unlimited resources to defend an orphan minor without established title to any estate.
The narrator does an excellent job of conveying emotion, mood and context as well as consistently voicing older and younger male and female voices.
I received a free copy, and am leaving this review voluntarily..

Female lawyer defends lying teen, twice.

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Listener received this title free

I really enjoyed this audiobook
When maggies sons girlfriend is charged with murder she asked to defend her the evidence points to her andmaggie doesn’t want it to be her really you’d at your heart a good listen or read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Good

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Listener received this title free

This is my second listen, in this series. I enjoy the way the author has weaved the story to include Maggie’s personal life along with her career. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Great legal series

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Listener received this title free

Brilliant narration from Carrie Coello who brings the drama to your ears


Maggie finds herself defending Zoe, her son’s Ian's girlfriend. It’s not the first time but this time Zoe is being charged with murdering her parents.
Oh I love how Maggie and a certain PI work together. Digging deep to find the truth, the twists, who is innocent and battling the legal system.
Oh the ending.
This book is a great thriller, it has twists that will keep you on your toes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Bloodied

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