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Dean Lincoln Legal Thriller #1
Reckoning Hour
Murder. Arson. Secrets. Justice is about to come home.
Big-city defense lawyer Dean Lincoln left his picturesque hometown of Beaufort years ago. But now, the lure of small-town life and a family matter have drawn him back.
Amidst the sultry heat and the Spanish moss, and beneath the facade of Southern small-town charm, Lincoln begins work again and is immediately thrown into two cases: a rich kid charged with murder and a poor kid accused of arson. Both swear they are innocent. Both feel the system is trying to crush them. And in this corner of the South, guilt is rarely decided in the courtroom…
Lincoln’s return has stirred a long-standing grudge, and it could cost him everything—his career, his clients, even his life. As the clock runs out on the truth, trouble is closing in fast.
Big-city defense lawyer Dean Lincoln left his picturesque hometown of Beaufort years ago. But now, the lure of small-town life and a family matter have drawn him back.
Amidst the sultry heat and the Spanish moss, and beneath the facade of Southern small-town charm, Lincoln begins work again and is immediately thrown into two cases: a rich kid charged with murder and a poor kid accused of arson. Both swear they are innocent. Both feel the system is trying to crush them. And in this corner of the South, guilt is rarely decided in the courtroom…
Lincoln’s return has stirred a long-standing grudge, and it could cost him everything—his career, his clients, even his life. As the clock runs out on the truth, trouble is closing in fast.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 462 reviews
September 21, 2025
the setup…
Defense attorney Dean Lincoln and his wife Emma have returned to their hometown of Beaufort, South Carolina, leaving Chicago for at least a year while her mother deals with a health crisis. In the meantime, he’ll be working at the law office of his former mentor, Bruce Hawthorne, immediately taking on two criminal cases, one a murder. They are challenging enough but not more than the town itself who now considers him a “city boy” who needs to respect how things are done in Beaufort.
the heart of the story…
I’m not sure which was tougher, navigating the legal system in Beaufort or representing the two clients whose prospects for avoiding jail looked dim. Their approach to justice reminded me of the true life Murdaugh family and the power and control they yielded. I loved how Dean wasn’t intimidated by the power brokers and stood firmly in his values, even when if felt dangerous.
the narration…
Troy Duran sounded like how Dean was described and behaved. He was no nonsense in his storytelling and focused on the law. I enjoyed his performance.
the bottom line…
I like when a legal thriller delivers those courtroom moments as this one did, ups and downs. There was a lot of info regarding courtroom protocols, which I already knew but it didn’t slow me down. Beaufort culture was as much a character as the people involved in the story. There weren’t a lot of heroes but lots of characters with good intentions and flaws. It made this a much more compelling listening experience and the case resolutions were far from predictable. I’m excited to start the next book in the series and have a new author whose backlist I’m dying to explore.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Defense attorney Dean Lincoln and his wife Emma have returned to their hometown of Beaufort, South Carolina, leaving Chicago for at least a year while her mother deals with a health crisis. In the meantime, he’ll be working at the law office of his former mentor, Bruce Hawthorne, immediately taking on two criminal cases, one a murder. They are challenging enough but not more than the town itself who now considers him a “city boy” who needs to respect how things are done in Beaufort.
the heart of the story…
I’m not sure which was tougher, navigating the legal system in Beaufort or representing the two clients whose prospects for avoiding jail looked dim. Their approach to justice reminded me of the true life Murdaugh family and the power and control they yielded. I loved how Dean wasn’t intimidated by the power brokers and stood firmly in his values, even when if felt dangerous.
the narration…
Troy Duran sounded like how Dean was described and behaved. He was no nonsense in his storytelling and focused on the law. I enjoyed his performance.
the bottom line…
I like when a legal thriller delivers those courtroom moments as this one did, ups and downs. There was a lot of info regarding courtroom protocols, which I already knew but it didn’t slow me down. Beaufort culture was as much a character as the people involved in the story. There weren’t a lot of heroes but lots of characters with good intentions and flaws. It made this a much more compelling listening experience and the case resolutions were far from predictable. I’m excited to start the next book in the series and have a new author whose backlist I’m dying to explore.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
October 5, 2025
I’ll admit to picking this audiobook because it’s set in Beaufort, SC. So, I was disappointed to find it immediately started relying on stereotypical caricatures of southern bad guys.
Dean Lincoln returns to his hometown of Beaufort when his wife’s mother needs help during her cancer treatment. A Chicago defense lawyer, he agrees to help his old mentor with two cases, one being a murder trial. The other involves property damage. But everyone in the legal community is a good old boy just looking to cut a deal and do justice their way. The author uses the phrase “that’s not how we do it down here” way too many times.
The book definitely improves once it gets to court. O’Mahoney does a good job keeping the court case interesting and suspenseful. The ending was satisfactory. I doubt I’ll be continuing with this series. It just wasn’t strong enough.
Troy Duran did a decent job as the narrator.
Dean Lincoln returns to his hometown of Beaufort when his wife’s mother needs help during her cancer treatment. A Chicago defense lawyer, he agrees to help his old mentor with two cases, one being a murder trial. The other involves property damage. But everyone in the legal community is a good old boy just looking to cut a deal and do justice their way. The author uses the phrase “that’s not how we do it down here” way too many times.
The book definitely improves once it gets to court. O’Mahoney does a good job keeping the court case interesting and suspenseful. The ending was satisfactory. I doubt I’ll be continuing with this series. It just wasn’t strong enough.
Troy Duran did a decent job as the narrator.
May 16, 2025
Book Review: Reckoning Hour by Peter O’Mahoney
A Gritty Legal Thriller with Small-Town Soul
Peter O’Mahoney’s Reckoning Hour delivers a gripping legal drama that pits big-city cynicism against small-town secrets. When defense lawyer Dean Lincoln returns to his picturesque hometown of Beaufort, he’s drawn into a high-stakes case that forces him to confront buried family wounds and the moral gray areas of justice. With taut pacing and razor-sharp dialogue, O’Mahoney crafts a story that’s as much about redemption as it is about courtroom theatrics.
Key Strengths
-Compelling Protagonist: Dean Lincoln is a refreshingly flawed hero—world-weary yet principled, with a backstory that adds emotional weight to his legal battles. His internal conflict between professional detachment and personal ties drives the narrative.
-Atmospheric Setting: Beaufort’s idyllic surface conceals a undercurrent of tension, making it a character in its own right. O’Mahoney excels at contrasting urban legal brutality with rural complexities.
-Plot Twists: The courtroom scenes crackle with tension, and the mystery unfolds with enough misdirection to keep readers guessing without feeling contrived.
Potential Considerations
-Familiar Tropes: Fans of legal thrillers may recognize some genre conventions (e.g., the “reluctant hero” arc), though O’Mahoney executes them with finesse.
-Pacing: The middle section lingers on procedural details, which could test patience for readers craving relentless action.
Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A tightly wound coil of suspense and moral reckoning.
-Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) – Dean Lincoln’s depth elevates the genre.
-Setting: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Beaufort’s duality is masterfully rendered.
-Originality: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5) – Classic thrills with a fresh emotional core.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Like a late-night gavel strike—resonant and impossible to ignore.
Ideal Audience
-Devotees of John Grisham or Michael Connelly seeking smaller-scale stakes.
-Readers who enjoy legal dramas with a strong sense of place.
-Anyone intrigued by protagonists who wrestle with ethics beyond the courtroom.
Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Peter O’Mahoney for the advance review copy. Reckoning Hour is a testament to the power of second chances—both for its characters and its readers.
Final Verdict
O’Mahoney’s novel is a standout in the legal thriller genre, balancing pulse-pounding suspense with poignant introspection. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it polishes it to a brilliant shine.
Note: This review reflects the ARC edition; minor changes may appear in the final publication.
A Gritty Legal Thriller with Small-Town Soul
Peter O’Mahoney’s Reckoning Hour delivers a gripping legal drama that pits big-city cynicism against small-town secrets. When defense lawyer Dean Lincoln returns to his picturesque hometown of Beaufort, he’s drawn into a high-stakes case that forces him to confront buried family wounds and the moral gray areas of justice. With taut pacing and razor-sharp dialogue, O’Mahoney crafts a story that’s as much about redemption as it is about courtroom theatrics.
Key Strengths
-Compelling Protagonist: Dean Lincoln is a refreshingly flawed hero—world-weary yet principled, with a backstory that adds emotional weight to his legal battles. His internal conflict between professional detachment and personal ties drives the narrative.
-Atmospheric Setting: Beaufort’s idyllic surface conceals a undercurrent of tension, making it a character in its own right. O’Mahoney excels at contrasting urban legal brutality with rural complexities.
-Plot Twists: The courtroom scenes crackle with tension, and the mystery unfolds with enough misdirection to keep readers guessing without feeling contrived.
Potential Considerations
-Familiar Tropes: Fans of legal thrillers may recognize some genre conventions (e.g., the “reluctant hero” arc), though O’Mahoney executes them with finesse.
-Pacing: The middle section lingers on procedural details, which could test patience for readers craving relentless action.
Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Plot: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A tightly wound coil of suspense and moral reckoning.
-Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) – Dean Lincoln’s depth elevates the genre.
-Setting: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Beaufort’s duality is masterfully rendered.
-Originality: ⭐⭐⭐ (3.5/5) – Classic thrills with a fresh emotional core.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Like a late-night gavel strike—resonant and impossible to ignore.
Ideal Audience
-Devotees of John Grisham or Michael Connelly seeking smaller-scale stakes.
-Readers who enjoy legal dramas with a strong sense of place.
-Anyone intrigued by protagonists who wrestle with ethics beyond the courtroom.
Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Peter O’Mahoney for the advance review copy. Reckoning Hour is a testament to the power of second chances—both for its characters and its readers.
Final Verdict
O’Mahoney’s novel is a standout in the legal thriller genre, balancing pulse-pounding suspense with poignant introspection. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it polishes it to a brilliant shine.
Note: This review reflects the ARC edition; minor changes may appear in the final publication.
June 8, 2025
I took a chance on this book after picking it from the June First reads selections. I thought this was fast paced and I enjoyed the story line. I was rooting for the defense team and defendant. I liked reading some of the southern touches in here. I will try more for this author!
June 4, 2025
2.5 ⭐️. I really enjoy a good courtroom thriller so I was excited for this. And though it had a lot of potential it just read very…. Idk. YA? Is there even such a thing as YA Legal thrillers?
The dialogue was just so cheesy. A lot of it felt forced if that makes any sense. I kept thinking “well this must be his first book and so it’s a good effort”. But then at the end it started reading off all the other series he wrote and I was proven so absolutely wrong lol.
Anyway it scratched an itch I guess 🤷🏻♀️… kinda…like in the ‘when someone with no nails scratches the itch you can’t reach and it’s not as satisfying as you want it to be but it will do for now’ kind of way.
But I will probably never think about this book again.
The dialogue was just so cheesy. A lot of it felt forced if that makes any sense. I kept thinking “well this must be his first book and so it’s a good effort”. But then at the end it started reading off all the other series he wrote and I was proven so absolutely wrong lol.
Anyway it scratched an itch I guess 🤷🏻♀️… kinda…like in the ‘when someone with no nails scratches the itch you can’t reach and it’s not as satisfying as you want it to be but it will do for now’ kind of way.
But I will probably never think about this book again.
June 22, 2025
Is this the worse book I've ever read? No. Is it close? Yeah, pretty close.
The problem(s)? Fifth grade writing coupled with a ridiculous plotline. The author tried to "merge" two separate story lines into one big courtroom drama--but failed miserably. There were too many unanswered questions, too many coincidences, too many "big reveals"--just too many unbelievable actions.
There was also the problem of stereotyping. An example? The town was named Beaufort, it was in the south, and it had a sheriff/prosecutor/rich guy combo that "controlled" everything. Not kidding. Except this author took it one step further into the ludicrous side--the rich guy also controlled the legal system in ways that are more than unbelievable.
Add to the silliness involved with the legal system the unfortunate circumstance of a car accident that caused the death of Dean's (the lead lawyer) sister and the resultant threats/desires/nonsense of his brother-in-law threatening to kill the driver of the "other" car and Dean easily talking him down by reminding him that he had children to take care of. This happened at least three times! This is not a spoiler, just an alert--the last page of the book consisted of the brother-in-law repeating the threat.
Just skip this one. Save your brain cells.
The problem(s)? Fifth grade writing coupled with a ridiculous plotline. The author tried to "merge" two separate story lines into one big courtroom drama--but failed miserably. There were too many unanswered questions, too many coincidences, too many "big reveals"--just too many unbelievable actions.
There was also the problem of stereotyping. An example? The town was named Beaufort, it was in the south, and it had a sheriff/prosecutor/rich guy combo that "controlled" everything. Not kidding. Except this author took it one step further into the ludicrous side--the rich guy also controlled the legal system in ways that are more than unbelievable.
Add to the silliness involved with the legal system the unfortunate circumstance of a car accident that caused the death of Dean's (the lead lawyer) sister and the resultant threats/desires/nonsense of his brother-in-law threatening to kill the driver of the "other" car and Dean easily talking him down by reminding him that he had children to take care of. This happened at least three times! This is not a spoiler, just an alert--the last page of the book consisted of the brother-in-law repeating the threat.
Just skip this one. Save your brain cells.
May 19, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.
This is my first novel by Peter O'Mahoney and I enjoyed it very much. It's a courtroom drama with the odds stacked against the main character, the defence lawyer. These stacked odds include American deep South, small town prejudices and biases. There are twists and bits of humour and these all add up to an easy satisfying read.
This is my first novel by Peter O'Mahoney and I enjoyed it very much. It's a courtroom drama with the odds stacked against the main character, the defence lawyer. These stacked odds include American deep South, small town prejudices and biases. There are twists and bits of humour and these all add up to an easy satisfying read.
June 5, 2025
I can better understand Alex Murdough.
I did not find the lead characters believable as people. At times they were just too much stereotypically good or bad.
The
I did not find the lead characters believable as people. At times they were just too much stereotypically good or bad.
The
January 19, 2026
I chose this book because it is a mystery/courtroom drama set in my home state of SC.
Any stereotypes you have seen or read about the south and the "good 'ol boy" network are portrayedin this book, which turned me off. Multiple instances where a character tells the MC ( who is a Chicagoan)
~"respect your elders"
~" this is MY town"
~'boy" and I think "We do things differently here" was included so many times that even the main character was tired of hearing it.
A local SC lawyer enlists the assistance of a former "big time Chicago lawyer," who is the MC, Dean, to defend two teenagers accused of two separate crimes; one murder and one arson of sweet potato crop. There's also a rich Daddy's boy that killed the MC's sister in a car crash and got out of jail after five months, which Dean's BIL threatens to kill.
The story includes lots of explanations of SC laws and the last fourth of the book are the trials.
Any stereotypes you have seen or read about the south and the "good 'ol boy" network are portrayedin this book, which turned me off. Multiple instances where a character tells the MC ( who is a Chicagoan)
~"respect your elders"
~" this is MY town"
~'boy" and I think "We do things differently here" was included so many times that even the main character was tired of hearing it.
A local SC lawyer enlists the assistance of a former "big time Chicago lawyer," who is the MC, Dean, to defend two teenagers accused of two separate crimes; one murder and one arson of sweet potato crop. There's also a rich Daddy's boy that killed the MC's sister in a car crash and got out of jail after five months, which Dean's BIL threatens to kill.
The story includes lots of explanations of SC laws and the last fourth of the book are the trials.
July 3, 2025
Too much "you big city slickers don't know how small towns work" that distracted from a fine plot
The legal plot is fine, and the errors in the courtroom scenes are forgivable (a few objections for leading the witness and speculation would have been appropriate) but it takes almost three quarters of the book before people stop telling the protagonist that "you're used to the big city and that's not how things work around here" in every conversation. It's incredibly repetitive and unsubtle, and over time somehow gets worse. The lawyer makes a legal argument in a courtroom and is told by the prosecutor "that was a good legal argument, but that sort of thing won't make you any friends around here." People in small towns still know how institutions work!
If you can get past that particular refrain, there is a fine courtroom trial and investigation
The legal plot is fine, and the errors in the courtroom scenes are forgivable (a few objections for leading the witness and speculation would have been appropriate) but it takes almost three quarters of the book before people stop telling the protagonist that "you're used to the big city and that's not how things work around here" in every conversation. It's incredibly repetitive and unsubtle, and over time somehow gets worse. The lawyer makes a legal argument in a courtroom and is told by the prosecutor "that was a good legal argument, but that sort of thing won't make you any friends around here." People in small towns still know how institutions work!
If you can get past that particular refrain, there is a fine courtroom trial and investigation
July 3, 2025
It’s just chock full of the most stereotypical characters, dialogue and setting descriptions that I’ve come across in a very, very long time. While some Southern folksy-stuff can normally help set the mood, this author just took it all to an absurd level that was really off-putting. The legal dramas weren’t enough to keep the book interesting when slogging through all that cheesy muck. I also thought it was a first-time novelist, but was surprised to see the author has lots of other titles out there. I don’t think I will be checking those out.
June 30, 2025
The author did an excellent job of cramming every southern, small town and courtroom cliche that he could fit.
August 27, 2025
it has been a while since I read a legal suspense book. I liked the descriptive South Carolina setting. Well written. I sat this one done multiple times while I read two other books. it was easy to jump back in after a break.
January 18, 2026
Book Club • This was an engaging law thriller with solid characters. I liked that the story moved at a brisk pace with lots of mentions of an area of the country (South Carolina Lowcountry) that is dear to my heart. This is the first in a series and I look forward to reading the next two books.
June 20, 2025
Chose this from the First Reads selection and was not disappointed. It was a great story, nothing too suspenseful. I look forward to the next in the series.
July 13, 2025
I came across this in the Prime Reads selection a month or so ago and I'm so happy I chose it. It's the first in a series featuring Dean Lincoln who finds himself dealing with a small town South Carolina justice system which is a world away from what he was used to in Chicago. His partner seems more eager to negotiate for a deal every time to avoid going to trial. Dean is determined to change this when they are defending a local young man charged with the killing of his ex girlfriend.
This was a riveting read all the way through. I loved the way Dean is targeted for being an outsider and how it made him more determined to get justice for his client. There is a second case he is also involved in and I loved how cleverly this was worked into the overall story. The courtroom scenes were great. I have already downloaded the next book which I am eager to read as soon as possible.
This was a riveting read all the way through. I loved the way Dean is targeted for being an outsider and how it made him more determined to get justice for his client. There is a second case he is also involved in and I loved how cleverly this was worked into the overall story. The courtroom scenes were great. I have already downloaded the next book which I am eager to read as soon as possible.
June 16, 2025
I enjoyed this legal thriller so much. I loved the southern charm, compelling plot and the characters (both good and bad). It's mostly a courtroom drama but with more complexity in and out of the courtroom. In a market saturated with domestic thrillers by female authors, it was refreshing to have a First Reads choice that's a male author (especially one that I am familiar with). I have read a few of this author's Joe Hennessy series and those were quite good. Strong start for a new series here. It wraps up nicely but I look forward to reading more.
August 10, 2025
As someone who is from this actual town depicted in the book, I picked this book from Amazon first reads because it was so neat seeing my small town in a book. However, reading the book was tough. I had to keep putting it down and coming back to it.
The amount of cliché sayings for a southern town was hard to get through. I lost count of how many times I saw the line 'that's not how it's done around here' or something along those lines. Not all small southern towns are filled with people doing shady backhanded things and afraid of 'going woke' like this book brought up a few times.
Also having well known families in legal trouble who are also involved in the legal world of this small town really feels like the author watched the case for Alex Murdaugh who unfortunately has ties to Beaufort and ran with it. The storyline was obvious halfway through the book, and the writing style wasn't for me.
The amount of cliché sayings for a southern town was hard to get through. I lost count of how many times I saw the line 'that's not how it's done around here' or something along those lines. Not all small southern towns are filled with people doing shady backhanded things and afraid of 'going woke' like this book brought up a few times.
Also having well known families in legal trouble who are also involved in the legal world of this small town really feels like the author watched the case for Alex Murdaugh who unfortunately has ties to Beaufort and ran with it. The storyline was obvious halfway through the book, and the writing style wasn't for me.
June 13, 2025
I rated this against other legal thrillers. I didn't think i was going to like it, but by the time the jury read the verdict, I was holding my breath. I will read the next in the series when I can find it.
August 24, 2025
Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Thriller......ALL of these are NOT this book. It is sooooo incredibly slow! I found myself skipping all the descriptive parts trying to get to the bases of this book.
Two storylines; one guy who is charged with arson but is born on the "wrong side of the tracks....." and another guy on trial for murder. The plotline is a little ridiculous. Weevils....this book is about weevils. The final courtroom scene fell FLAT because there was nothing to pull from.
Whew! Glad its over...will NOT read anything that has the sub section "legal" in it again just in case I have to endure something like this again.
Two storylines; one guy who is charged with arson but is born on the "wrong side of the tracks....." and another guy on trial for murder. The plotline is a little ridiculous. Weevils....this book is about weevils. The final courtroom scene fell FLAT because there was nothing to pull from.
Whew! Glad its over...will NOT read anything that has the sub section "legal" in it again just in case I have to endure something like this again.
July 11, 2025
Not a great book. I thought he just repeated himself over and over again. Not really plot twist, I kind of expected it. I also found the main character annoying but that could have been the point but it didn’t work for me. I don’t know how it got such good reviews. I will not be continuing the series I’m sorry to say.
October 22, 2025
Being from the lowcountry I’m always hypercritical of details in books about the area. His descriptions were spot on and built the setting of the story well. I was invested in the storyline and characters the whole time, and didn’t want to put it down, because I wanted to see how it played out. I’m excited to read the rest of the series.
June 9, 2025
A Kindle first read.
The positive:
Good premise, some reasonable plot twists.
The disappointing:
Overdone imagery, heavy-handed treatment of good ol’ southern boy vs virtuous incomer. Not much depth to the characters.
I don’t think I’ll read more from this author.
The positive:
Good premise, some reasonable plot twists.
The disappointing:
Overdone imagery, heavy-handed treatment of good ol’ southern boy vs virtuous incomer. Not much depth to the characters.
I don’t think I’ll read more from this author.
August 30, 2025
Is this book a legal thriller, or an advertisement for small town living vs the big ole evil cities? The plot seemed decent, but I found myself just skipping pages and pages of small town idealist life, it was so monotonous.
DNF.
DNF.
June 8, 2025
I gave this book 2 stars because it was not a thriller. Also, the writing seemed to be written by a high school student. Expected a lot more.
July 4, 2025
A diluted, cliched wannabe Lincoln Lawyer/Atticus Finch that should have been pulped.
July 24, 2025
so boring
I can’t say anything about this book is good. It reads like a middle school book. It is a cliche.
I can’t say anything about this book is good. It reads like a middle school book. It is a cliche.
October 31, 2025
A good legal story but got a bit fed up with the constant references to “that’s the way we do things around here”. A lawyer from the big city moved to a Southern county town to take on a case.
August 9, 2025
It is hard for me to believe I had never heard of Peter O'Mahoney and am delighted to learn that he has written a number of legal thrillers I can look forward to reading!
This book has everything I look for in a good read:
A good legal thriller, a genre I enjoy because they give me the puzzles of a mystery to solve coupled with insights into the legal system.
A good setting, in this case Beaufort, SC, sophisticated enough to have some depth but still small enough to have a fun small-town southern atmosphere.
Nicely drawn characters I find credible, fallible but (mostly) likable.
And finally, a well-done denouement!
All of the above are done beautifully, and the bonus is that a second in the series has been published and a third is on the way!
This book has everything I look for in a good read:
A good legal thriller, a genre I enjoy because they give me the puzzles of a mystery to solve coupled with insights into the legal system.
A good setting, in this case Beaufort, SC, sophisticated enough to have some depth but still small enough to have a fun small-town southern atmosphere.
Nicely drawn characters I find credible, fallible but (mostly) likable.
And finally, a well-done denouement!
All of the above are done beautifully, and the bonus is that a second in the series has been published and a third is on the way!
August 13, 2025
Dean Lincoln was originally from the south, but he and his wife settled in Chicago. He was a very successful lawyer. When his mother-in-law becomes ill, they move back to their home town to care for her. He becomes involved in two cases, but his methods from Chicago don't seem to work here. This town is used to influential people running things their way. This does not set right with Dean as he is used to justice handled correctly.
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