This is a legal mystery. That will definitely keep you reading.
Chase Crandall a defense attorney, kind of happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. When the judge assigns him a case that he would rather not have. Then he kind of gets the help of an overzealous law professor. Margeaux Robbins has a personal interest in this case. Her student Annalise Richer is accused of killing her roommate. Margeaux does not believe that Annalise could have murdered anyone. And she’s gonna make sure that Chase does all he can to get her off on this charge. I loved how they ended up working together. There was a lot of other twists and turns that definitely held my interest.
A real page turner that you won’t want to put down until the very end.
I received this ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in return for my honest review.

A quiet international student from Germany is pursuing her college degree in the US when tragedy strikes her popular athletic roommate. She quickly finds herself accused of the murder and is plunged in to the unknowns of a foreign legal system.
From the start things aren't adding up but the commonwealth is determined to convict this outcast roommate. Putnam takes readers on a mysterious adventure of following a college professor who teaches introductory law and a top notch defense attorney as they race to fight for justice, for the deceased and the accused.
I liked this story and the mystery the pages held. The author kept me engaged and wanting to know more and figure out what happened. I would give this one 3.5 stars, if there was a way, as there are loose ends that still have me wondering. I'm hopeful there is a third book in this series that might answer some of my nagging questions. :o) I rounded up and went with 4 stars as the writing and story line are captivating and worth investing in.
Side note: this is book 2 in a series. While you don't have to read book 1 to follow book 2 there are some spoilers in book 2 about book 1. I'd recommend starting with book 1 The Vanished and then read book 2 The Accused.
Thank you to the author, Kregel Publications, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this legal drama. I'm anxious to read what comes next! All opinions are my own.

I love a good legal thriller. Cara Putnam knows how to pen a suspense-filled legal drama that will have you biting your nails as you are taken through the halls of American justice.

When a popular college student is murdered, her roommate, Anneliese, finds her body. She is an international student who is enrolled in an American college to obtain her degree. She is covered in her blood, and she is the prime suspect.

Law professor Margeaux Robbins does not believe for one minute that the meek young woman is capable of hurting anyone, much less murdering them. She vows to help her in any way that she can.

Chase Crandall does a lot of appointed work for the downtrodden who have no money to pay an attorney. He is already on the precipice of giving up and heading in a different direction with his law practice. Tragedy struck with his last case, which has really pushed him over the edge. When he is forced to represent Annaliese, he is not happy about it, and neither is Margeaux. These two are like oil and water, but they will have to learn to put aside their differences as a young woman's future is at stake.

This was a puzzle with many missing pieces. However, as Cara Putman builds her case in this legal drama, every single piece of the puzzle will fall neatly into place. You will be shocked at some of the reveals. I loved both of the main characters. Margeaux was a fixer, and wanted to help all of her students. She truly cared about them. Sometimes her assistance was detrimental, but her fiery spirit for justice was awe-inspiring. Chase was a special kind of person as he defended those less fortunate. The rewards were definitely not monetary, but he truly cared about his clients. He defended these individuals with everything he had in him. Assumptions can be catastrophic, as you will learn in this book. I have no problem giving this one five stars, as it deserves many more.

Thank you to Kregel Publications, NetGalley and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This legal thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat, believing the innocence of the defendant and then wondering if you are wrong. Anneliese is an international student at Monroe College learning about America. Unfortunately, one of her roommates is murdered and the blame is laid at her feet. Margeaux Robbins, a law professor at the college, along with Chase Crandall, an attorney that is tired of it all, find themselves working together to prove Anneliese’s innocence.

With plenty of courtroom detail and learning about the search for proof of guilt, this well written legal mystery will make you wonder how many people miss out on adequate representation when confronted with charges, guilty or innocent. An early copy to Secret to Keep #1 was received through Kregel Publications and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

An amazingly written story. A lonely foreign student is accused of murdering her roommate. Her teacher believes she's innocent. Every time they turn around, more evidence appears. Is the evidence real or manufactured? Are there characters with an agenda? I loved how it got me invested in the characters and storyline, making me want to keep reading to see if it would turn out well or settle for not horrible.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley, the publisher, and author Cara Putman. All opinions are my own.

Cara Putman's The Accused reurns to the town of Kedgwick Virginia.In this new legal thriller Professor Margeaux Robbins and defense attorney Chase Crandall must find a way to work together to defend German student Annieliesse against charges that she murdered her roomate. This book was full of suspense. I found that the main story was good and the book was made even better by the sub plots. Ms. Putman's writing skills grow witheach new book she writes. I highly recommend the Accused to all who enjot leagal thrillers and romantic suspense.

I was given a copy of the Accused. All thoughts are my own.

The Accused is a legal thriller, which was actually quite good. Since legal thrillers aren't exactly my favorite genre.

When a college student is murdered, her roommate, Anneliese, becomes a prime suspect. But law professor Margeaux Robbins doesn't believe that she is a killer.

Enter Chase Crandall, a defense attorney who's ready to be done with criminal law. Especially after the loss of his last client to tragedy, he's ready for a corporate law position.

When Chase is assigned to Anneliese's case, Margeaux isn't at all happy. She doesn’t want him to provide legal counsel for her, not after what happened to his past client. And since the evidence that is incriminating, Anneliese seems to be piling up. Margeux wants someone she has faith in.

In spite of it all, they work together to find the killer and prove Anneliese's innocence. But will they be able to solve the mystery before the wrong person is charged with murder? And what about their growing feelings they have for one another? Will they even be able to give a relationship a chance?

I received this book from the publisher through the NetGalley review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own."

This was so good. Innocent until proven guilty is so true. The main characters are great. Margeaux and Chase have their work cut out for them to prove Annelise is innocent. The law is against her.

I received a copy of this book.
Great Story and wonderful characters.
Full of mystery and plot twists.
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Definitely recommend to others.

Author Cara Putman has written an intriguing legal thriller. Margeaux Robbins teaches law to undergrad students and is devoted to helping them however she can, but their apathy in class weighs on her. Chase Crandall is a criminal defense attorney that has lost his passion for his clients and has developed a fear of trials. Annaliese Richter, a German student doing a year of study abroad, has a hard time fitting in and then is accused of murder. These complex characters are so well-developed that I found it easy to relate to them even though their lives are very different from my own. They undergo much growth throughout the story. The dialogue flows well while serving to reveal different aspects of the characters and to advance the engaging plot, which has some twists and turns that truly surprised me. The ending feels satisfying and complete, but I hope to see these characters again in the second book in the Secrets to Keep series. I highly recommend this book to readers that enjoy legal thrillers with a touch of romance.
I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this extremely well-written book.

The Accused is a great legal thriller full of mystery and a bit of romance. A "ripped from the headlines" type of story, The Accused kept me turning pages and guessing links between characters and who the murderer might be. I loved learning more about how our justice system works. This is a story I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
"Sometimes you have to do what's right when it could cost you everything."
She stepped closer. "Even for a stranger?"
"Even so." His answer was steady and sure--a superhero in plain clothes.

Another amazing legal suspense book from Cara Putman.

When a German college exchange student, Anneliese, is accused of murdering her roommate, her professor, Margeaux, and Chase, a criminal defense attorney, must partner together to represent Anneliese. The case is full of surprises, twists, secrets and betrayal. You will be surprised by the ending.

The story captivated me from the beginning and I could not put it down. If you like thrillers with a bit of romance, you will want to read this book.

I received an ARC from the publisher. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Quite a page turning legal thriller! This book hooks you from the start and you can't help but keep turning the pages to see how it's all going to end. If you are a fan of legal dramas you won't want to miss this one.
Annelise is an international exchange student whose roommate is found murdered in their apartment. She swears she didn't do it, and her professor Margeaux gets caught up in it all while trying to help Annelise out. Chase Crandall gets assigned as Annelise's defense attorney, even though he isn't necessarily sure he even still wants to be a defense attorney.
Right from the start of this book I thought I knew how it was going to go. The author did a great job of keeping me guessing by throwing in some surprise twists, especially towards the end of the book. I also really enjoyed getting a behind the scenes look at the life of a defense attorney and all the work and stress that goes into that profession.
This was the first legal thriller I've read by this author, but it certainly won't be the last. Cara Putman did a great job writing layered characters that you come to care about, and keeping the suspense even throughout the book so that you wanted to keep reading to see how it would all turn out.
If you enjoy legal thrillers with a ripped from the headlines feel, I think you'll enjoy this book.
*I read an early ARC from the publisher. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

When Anneliese, a German native college student is put on trial for the murder of her roommate, it is up to her professor, Margeaux Robbins, and her attorney, Chase Crandall, to prove that she is innocent. But, with few friends or connections with her other housemates, it was extremely difficult for Margeaux and Chase to get any answers and change the jury’s mindset. I loved being a part of the investigation. I also enjoyed the quick wrap up to the case. There is a plot twist as to who actually committed the crime. This is the second book in the Secrets to Keep series, but it can be read as a standalone. If you enjoy legal thrillers, then this will be one to read.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher, AustenProse, and NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Wow! What a wild ride!! This story keeps unfolding more and more as it goes. There are lots of twists and turns! I read it all in one day!! You'll love it! Order it now!!
Thank you to the author for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Twists and turns. Unexpected happenings. A story filled with suspense and intrigue. This one kept me wondering "who did it?" all the way to the end. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

Margaux Robbins, a law professor at a small college has never really practiced law. She loves teaching and cares deeply about her students. Chase Crandall, defense attorney is about burnout trying to grow his firm while handling the court appointed cases that are slow to pay.

When two of Margaux’s students become Chase’s defendants she gets involved which irritates Chase. As the one case continues they try to work together to find the truth.

Cara Putman, a lawyer herself knows the ins and outs of litigating a case. In The Accused, book two of Secrets to Keep, you see the complexities of trying a case and all that is involved. She has you wondering what really happened and who did kill Lauren.

I received a complimentary copy and have reviewed it voluntarily.

A college German exchange student in the United States is accused of murdering one of her three roommates. Chase Crandall is given no choice when a Judge sees him in the courtroom and quickly assigns him the case as a public defender. The reader can see a lot of the background work for a criminal attorney in a murder case by reading this story. The police immediately focus on the one potential person as the suspect, seemingly not taking the time to consider others. The book is well written and easy to read. There are a lot of twists and turns that defense is thrown into and a rather interesting trial with its own surprises. If you like a good look at the defense in a “who done it” story with the trial and its conclusions, this book is for you. I found it well worth the read and highly recommend it!
I read an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Another good story from Cara Putman! I gave this book 4 stars because although it was a good story I like a,bit more action, even the romance was a bit light. Also I enjoy the ending to be clearly defined and it laid out step by step who did what, when and how. Although there's nothing wrong with a little mystery, maybe the next book in the series will explain a bit more. But like I said the story itself had a very intriguing plot and complex characters, it definitely held my interest. The courtroom drama was off the charts and the chemistry between Margeaux and Chase was palpable! The story revolves around the murder of a popular college student Lauren. Accused of the murder is international college student Anneleise who claims she's innocent!. Her professor Margeaux Robbins definitely believes her and she's determined to help prove it at all costs!! With sharp dialogue and lots of twists and turns through the courtroom this story had me holding my breath to the very end! I definitely recommend this series! I want thank Netgalley and Independent Publishers Group/ Kregel Publications.

The Accused is a compelling beginning to the Secrets to Keep series with overworked defense attorney Chase Crandall and law professor Margeaux Robbins teaming up to prove that German international college student Anneliese Richter is innocent of killing her roommate. This captivating story sparked my interest early on and kept me reading well into the night! The expertly plotted storyline flows at a fitting pace with surprising twists and revelations that kept me guessing at the outcome. I love courtroom drama and Cara Putman sure knows how to make it exciting and suspenseful! Complex characters propel the story forward to a well-rounded conclusion ensnaring my emotions along the way. I enjoyed the way Margeaux and Chase's personal relationship, as well as their professional one, evolves. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.