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Dean Lincoln Legal Thriller #2
Fatal Verdict
Small-town secrets. Dangerous liaisons. Hidden lives. Lawyer Dean Lincoln must risk everything to find the truth.
There’s a hurricane brewing over Beaufort, South Carolina.
And in the calm before the storm, big-city lawyer Dean Lincoln finds himself defending Haley Finch, a beautiful young woman accused of murdering her older boyfriend. Her supposed motive? He’d just won big on the lottery—and then changed his will in her favor. In the South, with Haley’s estranged husband suspiciously missing for the past two years and their marital funds dwindling fast, that’s motive enough.
But Lincoln knows nothing is ever quite as it seems down here, and once again finds himself scratching beneath the cracked veneer of the famous Southern charm. In Beaufort, money and influence all too often outweigh justice, so if Lincoln is going to dig right down to the truth, he’ll have to risk everything he loves…
There’s a hurricane brewing over Beaufort, South Carolina.
And in the calm before the storm, big-city lawyer Dean Lincoln finds himself defending Haley Finch, a beautiful young woman accused of murdering her older boyfriend. Her supposed motive? He’d just won big on the lottery—and then changed his will in her favor. In the South, with Haley’s estranged husband suspiciously missing for the past two years and their marital funds dwindling fast, that’s motive enough.
But Lincoln knows nothing is ever quite as it seems down here, and once again finds himself scratching beneath the cracked veneer of the famous Southern charm. In Beaufort, money and influence all too often outweigh justice, so if Lincoln is going to dig right down to the truth, he’ll have to risk everything he loves…
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
June 7, 2025
I downloaded the first book in this series for my pick for Amazon First Reads. I read that one pretty quickly, so I jumped into this one a couple days later.
I was a bit disappointed with this one. While the story itself was good. (If I'm being honest, I only finished it because I wanted to know how it turned out.) The writing in this book was not so great. This book felt like a copy and paste of the first book with different character names. There were whole parts of the book that were word for word the exact same as in the first book. And not just once or twice, but a handful of times. That's poor writing and poor editing. This book followed the exact same blueprint from start to finish as the previous book. I want some variety. Show me you are a creative person and give me something different with each book.
Aside from the things I disliked, I enjoyed the story. I admit I wasn't positive on the whodunit. But by the middle, I had it figured out. But I was still pleased once I got to the end.
I was a bit disappointed with this one. While the story itself was good. (If I'm being honest, I only finished it because I wanted to know how it turned out.) The writing in this book was not so great. This book felt like a copy and paste of the first book with different character names. There were whole parts of the book that were word for word the exact same as in the first book. And not just once or twice, but a handful of times. That's poor writing and poor editing. This book followed the exact same blueprint from start to finish as the previous book. I want some variety. Show me you are a creative person and give me something different with each book.
Aside from the things I disliked, I enjoyed the story. I admit I wasn't positive on the whodunit. But by the middle, I had it figured out. But I was still pleased once I got to the end.
November 7, 2025
Better than the first in the series. I like the courtroom action.
June 26, 2025
This sequel was just as good as the first. Dean Lincoln is still in Beaufort, SC working as a defense attorney on a new case. Yet again, the prosecution’s evidence is circunstancial, and it’s up to Dean and Bruce to prove reasonable doubt for their new client. Yet again a seemingly unrelated case helps the two defense attorneys put the pieces together to give their best defense. And yet again, O’Mahoney leaves us with a satisfyingly shocking twist ending. I can’t wait to read more cases featuring Dean Lincoln!
May 28, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance reader copy. If you want a synopsis, click on the book.
I enjoyed the first book in this series so I was keen to read this one and it didn't disappoint. There are twists and turns, characters to like and dislike and the main character has lots of personal issues to deal with while he's fighting for his client. If you're a fan of courtroom dramas, you'll enjoy this book.
I enjoyed the first book in this series so I was keen to read this one and it didn't disappoint. There are twists and turns, characters to like and dislike and the main character has lots of personal issues to deal with while he's fighting for his client. If you're a fan of courtroom dramas, you'll enjoy this book.
June 9, 2025
A good (not great) legal thriller. I like the genre.
June 8, 2025
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Sammy is not the brightest individual in any room, but a stroke of luck makes him an instant five-times millionaire. He cannot believe his luck. Friends who had seemed to write him off years ago are suddenly back wanting to spend time with him.
Sammy rewrites his will and five days later is discovered dead. His most recent fling is now a suspect, but his brother Ken is brought in for questioning. Ken swears that he had nothing to do with the killing but that the money rightfully belongs to him. Adding insult to injury, Sammy paid off some of Ken’s debts; but would not give Ken any money!
Haley is a beautiful and vivacious thirty-something who discovered Sammy’s fortune and immediately latched on to him. The new will leaves all of the money to Haley. Ken is livid and threatens Haley feeling the money was his rightful inheritance! He has a solid alibi.
This story features a prosecuting attorney who has been hired to defend Haley. He puts together a great defense team and the climax is very entertaining. Enjoy! 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review these books. Any opinion expressed here is my own.
Sammy is not the brightest individual in any room, but a stroke of luck makes him an instant five-times millionaire. He cannot believe his luck. Friends who had seemed to write him off years ago are suddenly back wanting to spend time with him.
Sammy rewrites his will and five days later is discovered dead. His most recent fling is now a suspect, but his brother Ken is brought in for questioning. Ken swears that he had nothing to do with the killing but that the money rightfully belongs to him. Adding insult to injury, Sammy paid off some of Ken’s debts; but would not give Ken any money!
Haley is a beautiful and vivacious thirty-something who discovered Sammy’s fortune and immediately latched on to him. The new will leaves all of the money to Haley. Ken is livid and threatens Haley feeling the money was his rightful inheritance! He has a solid alibi.
This story features a prosecuting attorney who has been hired to defend Haley. He puts together a great defense team and the climax is very entertaining. Enjoy! 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review these books. Any opinion expressed here is my own.
October 9, 2025
Simple-minded Sammy suddenly becomes more interesting when he wins the lottery. Now, he has friends he didn’t know he had coming to him to ask for money. He also has a brother of dubious background with debts he needs Sammy to pay. In the mix is Haley, a beautiful thirty-something who claims to love Sammy for his refreshingly kind and simple ways. When Sammy dies, his new will leaves everything to Haley, something that Ken contests as he believes he should be the beneficiary.
When Haley is charged with Sammy’s murder, defense attorney Dean Lincoln puts together a strong defense for her but the old adage applies: If something is too good to be true, it usually is. Dean finds this out in spectacular fashion in the twist ending to this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
When Haley is charged with Sammy’s murder, defense attorney Dean Lincoln puts together a strong defense for her but the old adage applies: If something is too good to be true, it usually is. Dean finds this out in spectacular fashion in the twist ending to this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2025
Having read all the Joe Hennessey series (Southern Lawyer), I was anxious to read the newest Dean Lincoln entry. I really enjoyed the first of this series, Reckoning Hour, and this one was good but perhaps not quite as good. I do like the way O'Mahoney writes- smooth, entertaining when it needs to be, and thrilling in the courtroom scenes.
This book centers around Dean's defense of a young widow accused of killing her husband for his money. I will admit I was really surprised by the ending and that was good, but the alternate suspects were just a bit too stereotypical. I'm glad Dean's partner has gotten over wanting to settle every case (no pushback on that this time around), but all the gluey Southerness is just a bit too much for me. The descriptions of the South Carolina Lowcountry, the feeling of the humidity,etc. got kind of wearing, but the racism found in the earlier book was very much cut back. Which is nice, but not reality in that part of the world.
Still, I really recommend this series if you like courtroom drama and a good whodunit. I was saddened by the lack of appearance by the Great Seal of South Carolina and hope the author hasn't remove her from the justice system!
Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book centers around Dean's defense of a young widow accused of killing her husband for his money. I will admit I was really surprised by the ending and that was good, but the alternate suspects were just a bit too stereotypical. I'm glad Dean's partner has gotten over wanting to settle every case (no pushback on that this time around), but all the gluey Southerness is just a bit too much for me. The descriptions of the South Carolina Lowcountry, the feeling of the humidity,etc. got kind of wearing, but the racism found in the earlier book was very much cut back. Which is nice, but not reality in that part of the world.
Still, I really recommend this series if you like courtroom drama and a good whodunit. I was saddened by the lack of appearance by the Great Seal of South Carolina and hope the author hasn't remove her from the justice system!
Thanks to the author and publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
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October 14, 2025I will not rate it because I only read 25% , but I was not enjoying it.The emphasis on drugs turns me off and tools much of it was like the first book ( which I DID like). I thought it might just be me, but another reader said the same thing!!
May 13, 2025
Peter O'Mahoney's Fatal Verdict is a masterclass in suspense, a legal thriller that grips you from the opening gavel and refuses to release its hold until the final, shocking revelation. The true brilliance of this novel lies in its intricately woven plot, a labyrinth of possibilities and red herrings that keeps the reader perpetually off-balance and second-guessing their every assumption.
July 6, 2025
I enjoyed this book. Although not as much as the first book, well until the finale few characters and the twist takes place. This is because in the middle there was a lot of focus on the home life drama and while I liked it in the first book there was a bit too much focus in this book. It was still a good book and hasn't put me off jumping into the third book when it comes out. This book sees Dean Lincoln taking on two cases, which are very different from each other. The main case is to defend a woman who has been accused of killing her boyfriend for his money. This case makes it to court and a legal battle provides the entertainment and wonder of how he is going to clear her name. This case was quiet involved and with also a missing person in the mix there was a lot going on and suspects The lesser case sees him going up against his archnemesis who has refused to pay for work done. The archnemesis is the kind of guy everybody hates but with his money and influence people are afraid to cross, so of course I spent the whole time rotting for his comeuppance. Other than mister nasty I liked the characters. Looking forward to the next battle of words
When Dean and Emma return to there home town to take care of an ailing mother, it sees him partnering up with his old mentor in court. There latest case has them defending a woman of killing her boyfriend. Her first husband is supposedly missing and with her boyfriend having only changed his will days before his death, things don't look good. Can Dean and Bruce prove she isn't the killer the town thinks she is? At the same time the man who killed Dean's sister and his rich father are still causing problems. For not only Dean and his family but the whole town, Dean has to defend a man who ripped up Dean's archnemesis driveway after non payment. Can the little guy take on the big guys of the world and come out on top? Dean is about to find out.
I liked the narrator. He helped bring the story to life with just the power of his voice and took you along in a roller coaster ride of emotions along side the characters.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
When Dean and Emma return to there home town to take care of an ailing mother, it sees him partnering up with his old mentor in court. There latest case has them defending a woman of killing her boyfriend. Her first husband is supposedly missing and with her boyfriend having only changed his will days before his death, things don't look good. Can Dean and Bruce prove she isn't the killer the town thinks she is? At the same time the man who killed Dean's sister and his rich father are still causing problems. For not only Dean and his family but the whole town, Dean has to defend a man who ripped up Dean's archnemesis driveway after non payment. Can the little guy take on the big guys of the world and come out on top? Dean is about to find out.
I liked the narrator. He helped bring the story to life with just the power of his voice and took you along in a roller coaster ride of emotions along side the characters.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 6, 2025
📚Fatal Verdict
✍🏻Peter O'Mahoney
Blurb:
There’s a hurricane brewing over Beaufort, South Carolina.
And in the calm before the storm, big-city lawyer Dean Lincoln finds himself defending Haley Finch, a beautiful young woman accused of murdering her older boyfriend. Her supposed motive? He’d just won big on the lottery—and then changed his will in her favor. In the South, with Haley’s estranged husband suspiciously missing for the past two years and their marital funds dwindling fast, that’s motive enough.
But Lincoln knows nothing is ever quite as it seems down here, and once again finds himself scratching beneath the cracked veneer of the famous Southern charm. In Beaufort, money and influence all too often outweigh justice, so if Lincoln is going to dig right down to the truth, he’ll have to risk everything he loves…
My Thoughts:
This is book #2 in the Dean Lincoln series, wish I would have read book #1 first "Reckoning Hour. Sammy suddenly becomes more interesting when he wins the lottery. Now, he has friends he didn’t know he had coming to him to ask for money. He also has a brother of dubious background with debts he needs Sammy to pay. In the mix is Haley, a beautiful thirty-something who claims to love Sammy for his refreshingly kind and simple ways. When Sammy dies, his new will leaves everything to Haley, something that Ken contests as he believes he should be the beneficiary.
The meat of the story is focused on the murder trial of Haley, accused of killing her much older boyfriend. And up until the very last minute, you're left wondering "whodunit!" I have never been so enthralled by what nearly felt like a court-transcript reading in a few places. The story builds with careful precision, leading to several satisfying twists that kept me guessing.I would definitely recommend this book to those that love a good legal thriller/mystery.. IF you like John Grisham books then this is the book for you.
Thanks NetGalley, Thomas&Mercer and Author Peter O'Mahoney for the copy of "Fatal Verdict", I am leaving my review in appreciation
#NetGalley
#Thomas&Mercer
#PeterO'Mahoney
#FatalVerdict
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Peter O'Mahoney
Blurb:
There’s a hurricane brewing over Beaufort, South Carolina.
And in the calm before the storm, big-city lawyer Dean Lincoln finds himself defending Haley Finch, a beautiful young woman accused of murdering her older boyfriend. Her supposed motive? He’d just won big on the lottery—and then changed his will in her favor. In the South, with Haley’s estranged husband suspiciously missing for the past two years and their marital funds dwindling fast, that’s motive enough.
But Lincoln knows nothing is ever quite as it seems down here, and once again finds himself scratching beneath the cracked veneer of the famous Southern charm. In Beaufort, money and influence all too often outweigh justice, so if Lincoln is going to dig right down to the truth, he’ll have to risk everything he loves…
My Thoughts:
This is book #2 in the Dean Lincoln series, wish I would have read book #1 first "Reckoning Hour. Sammy suddenly becomes more interesting when he wins the lottery. Now, he has friends he didn’t know he had coming to him to ask for money. He also has a brother of dubious background with debts he needs Sammy to pay. In the mix is Haley, a beautiful thirty-something who claims to love Sammy for his refreshingly kind and simple ways. When Sammy dies, his new will leaves everything to Haley, something that Ken contests as he believes he should be the beneficiary.
The meat of the story is focused on the murder trial of Haley, accused of killing her much older boyfriend. And up until the very last minute, you're left wondering "whodunit!" I have never been so enthralled by what nearly felt like a court-transcript reading in a few places. The story builds with careful precision, leading to several satisfying twists that kept me guessing.I would definitely recommend this book to those that love a good legal thriller/mystery.. IF you like John Grisham books then this is the book for you.
Thanks NetGalley, Thomas&Mercer and Author Peter O'Mahoney for the copy of "Fatal Verdict", I am leaving my review in appreciation
#NetGalley
#Thomas&Mercer
#PeterO'Mahoney
#FatalVerdict
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 27, 2025
BLUF: I haven't been this riveted by a pure legal thriller ever!
Overall: 4.5🌟
Spice: 0.5 🫑
Plot: 5📍
Mystery: 4🔍
This was my first Peter O'Mahoney book and Wow! I really, really enjoyed this one!
Folks who followed the Murdaugh case will see hints and elements of that real-life spectacle sprinkled in this story, However, those aren't the main course. And where most legal thrillers, the lawyers suddenly are also stellar amateur detectives, with stellar skills such as picking locks, jumping over fences, and some light B&E, Dean, and his co-chair Bruce are just brilliant lawyers. Human, flawed like the rest of us, trying not to let our outside 'life' interfere with our professional one.
The meat of the story is focused on the murder trial of Haley, accused of killing her much older boyfriend. And up until the very last minute, you're left wondering "whodunit!" I have never been so enthralled by what nearly felt like a court-transcript reading in a few places. The word play in the examination and cross-examination really showed the importance of language, nuance, and verbal exactness.
Side cases Dean takes on are dabbed here and there through the story with additional characters both delightful and deceitful. As this is to be a series, I do hope we get to see more of them as well!
A giant thank you to Peter O’Mahoney, Thomas & Mercer, & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book! I can't wait to dig into another O'Mahoney story!
All opinions are my own.
Overall: 4.5🌟
Spice: 0.5 🫑
Plot: 5📍
Mystery: 4🔍
This was my first Peter O'Mahoney book and Wow! I really, really enjoyed this one!
Folks who followed the Murdaugh case will see hints and elements of that real-life spectacle sprinkled in this story, However, those aren't the main course. And where most legal thrillers, the lawyers suddenly are also stellar amateur detectives, with stellar skills such as picking locks, jumping over fences, and some light B&E, Dean, and his co-chair Bruce are just brilliant lawyers. Human, flawed like the rest of us, trying not to let our outside 'life' interfere with our professional one.
The meat of the story is focused on the murder trial of Haley, accused of killing her much older boyfriend. And up until the very last minute, you're left wondering "whodunit!" I have never been so enthralled by what nearly felt like a court-transcript reading in a few places. The word play in the examination and cross-examination really showed the importance of language, nuance, and verbal exactness.
Side cases Dean takes on are dabbed here and there through the story with additional characters both delightful and deceitful. As this is to be a series, I do hope we get to see more of them as well!
A giant thank you to Peter O’Mahoney, Thomas & Mercer, & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book! I can't wait to dig into another O'Mahoney story!
All opinions are my own.
July 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Another Great Legal Thriller!
Fatal Verdict is the second book in Peter O’Mahoney’s Dean Lincoln Legal Series, and I’ve got to say — I liked this one even better than the first!
In this story, Dean and his boss Bruce are back in the courtroom, this time defending Haley Finch, a woman accused of murdering her husband after he mysteriously disappears. To make things more complicated, there’s talk about her ex also going missing — though she insists that situation was resolved and he’s very much alive. Dean and Bruce have to dig deep into the gritty details to uncover the truth and try to prevent a guilty verdict.
I really enjoyed both reading and listening to this one via the audiobook. The pacing was solid, and the courtroom scenes were compelling without being over-the-top. Bruce, who came off a bit pushy in the first book (especially with all those plea deals), seemed a lot more level-headed this time around — a change I appreciated. It also felt like Dean got a little more well-rounded here, with glimpses into his family life and a bit more personal depth.
The audiobook narration was excellent — smooth tone and good flow that made the story easy to follow and kept me hooked.
Overall, this was a strong follow-up in the series, and I’m really hoping there’s a third book on the way. If you're into legal thrillers with smart twists and strong characters, definitely give this one a try.
Five stars again for Peter O’Mahoney!
Fatal Verdict is the second book in Peter O’Mahoney’s Dean Lincoln Legal Series, and I’ve got to say — I liked this one even better than the first!
In this story, Dean and his boss Bruce are back in the courtroom, this time defending Haley Finch, a woman accused of murdering her husband after he mysteriously disappears. To make things more complicated, there’s talk about her ex also going missing — though she insists that situation was resolved and he’s very much alive. Dean and Bruce have to dig deep into the gritty details to uncover the truth and try to prevent a guilty verdict.
I really enjoyed both reading and listening to this one via the audiobook. The pacing was solid, and the courtroom scenes were compelling without being over-the-top. Bruce, who came off a bit pushy in the first book (especially with all those plea deals), seemed a lot more level-headed this time around — a change I appreciated. It also felt like Dean got a little more well-rounded here, with glimpses into his family life and a bit more personal depth.
The audiobook narration was excellent — smooth tone and good flow that made the story easy to follow and kept me hooked.
Overall, this was a strong follow-up in the series, and I’m really hoping there’s a third book on the way. If you're into legal thrillers with smart twists and strong characters, definitely give this one a try.
Five stars again for Peter O’Mahoney!
July 9, 2025
Fatal Verdict by Peter O'Mahoney is the second book in the new Dean Lincoln Legal series and this book was excellent just like his first. It was fast paced and full of brilliant twists and turns that will have you turning the pages to find out what happens next.
Dean Lincoln who is a big-city lawyer is still living in Beaufort in South Carolina with his wife Emma, But there is unrest amongst the residents as Dean finds himself defending Haley Finch, who is a beautiful young woman who is accused of murdering her boyfriend.
But, what is her supposed motive?
Well, he had just won big on the lottery, and then he changed his will in her favour.. . . . Now, Haley’s estranged husband has suspiciously gone missing for the past two years and their marital funds dwindling fast,. . . .
So, this is an Excellent motive
However, Dean knows nothing is ever quite as it seems down here, and once again finds himself scratching beneath the cracked veneer of the famous Southern charm. In Beaufort, with money and big influence all too often outweigh justice,
Now, if Lincoln is going to dig right down to the truth, he’ll have to risk everything he loves…. . . . and is his life and his wives life safe?
I highly recommend this series. Another 5 ⭐️ read
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance reader copy.
Dean Lincoln who is a big-city lawyer is still living in Beaufort in South Carolina with his wife Emma, But there is unrest amongst the residents as Dean finds himself defending Haley Finch, who is a beautiful young woman who is accused of murdering her boyfriend.
But, what is her supposed motive?
Well, he had just won big on the lottery, and then he changed his will in her favour.. . . . Now, Haley’s estranged husband has suspiciously gone missing for the past two years and their marital funds dwindling fast,. . . .
So, this is an Excellent motive
However, Dean knows nothing is ever quite as it seems down here, and once again finds himself scratching beneath the cracked veneer of the famous Southern charm. In Beaufort, with money and big influence all too often outweigh justice,
Now, if Lincoln is going to dig right down to the truth, he’ll have to risk everything he loves…. . . . and is his life and his wives life safe?
I highly recommend this series. Another 5 ⭐️ read
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advance reader copy.
June 16, 2025
4* Decent legal thriller with sinister undertones and shady characters that, please, dear author, need their comeuppance in the next book in the series.
Book 1 in this series was a bit of a shocker in how small-town America 'justice' works. But, sadly, too, all too believable because of what's happening in the US today with the orange cheeto and his indoctrinated sheeple minions. Book 2 just has more of the same 'justice', and Dean Lincoln refuses to cower or kowtow. And damn right, too.
There's a decent case, and also a more, for me, satisfying secondary case where someone wronged who's got nothing to lose, takes on a corrupt character - there's more than one in this series - and wins. That was pretty satisfying. The ending, too, especially after the reveal in the main case, was the icing - no, make that the syrup - on the cake for me, and no doubt Dean and his team.
There was a touch of personal sadness for him, too, something I hope to see change in a future tale.
This series has been a really good find, and I'm looking forward to more.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer, for my reading pleasure.
Book 1 in this series was a bit of a shocker in how small-town America 'justice' works. But, sadly, too, all too believable because of what's happening in the US today with the orange cheeto and his indoctrinated sheeple minions. Book 2 just has more of the same 'justice', and Dean Lincoln refuses to cower or kowtow. And damn right, too.
There's a decent case, and also a more, for me, satisfying secondary case where someone wronged who's got nothing to lose, takes on a corrupt character - there's more than one in this series - and wins. That was pretty satisfying. The ending, too, especially after the reveal in the main case, was the icing - no, make that the syrup - on the cake for me, and no doubt Dean and his team.
There was a touch of personal sadness for him, too, something I hope to see change in a future tale.
This series has been a really good find, and I'm looking forward to more.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer, for my reading pleasure.
July 3, 2025
Fatal Verdict by Peter O’Mahoney is a tightly woven legal thriller that effortlessly blends small-town suspense with courtroom drama. When a murder rocks a quiet community, all eyes fall on a single suspect—a woman desperate to clear her name. Her only hope lies with Dean, a high-powered city lawyer who finds himself far from his comfort zone and in the middle of a case that’s more complicated than it first appears.
O’Mahoney crafts a layered narrative, balancing the central murder trial with a compelling side case that adds depth and urgency to Dean’s journey. The pacing is sharp, the stakes steadily rising as secrets unravel and motives are questioned. Dean is a strong, well-drawn protagonist—reluctantly pulled into a mess that demands both his legal skills and his instincts for uncovering the truth.
What sets this novel apart is its ability to maintain suspense on multiple fronts. The story builds with careful precision, leading to several satisfying twists that keep readers guessing. With crisp writing, smart plotting, and a strong emotional core, Fatal Verdict delivers a gripping and satisfying read from start to finish.
O’Mahoney crafts a layered narrative, balancing the central murder trial with a compelling side case that adds depth and urgency to Dean’s journey. The pacing is sharp, the stakes steadily rising as secrets unravel and motives are questioned. Dean is a strong, well-drawn protagonist—reluctantly pulled into a mess that demands both his legal skills and his instincts for uncovering the truth.
What sets this novel apart is its ability to maintain suspense on multiple fronts. The story builds with careful precision, leading to several satisfying twists that keep readers guessing. With crisp writing, smart plotting, and a strong emotional core, Fatal Verdict delivers a gripping and satisfying read from start to finish.
June 22, 2025
I received an ARC through "NetGalley" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story has Dean Lincoln returning from Chicago to Beaufort working in Bruce Hawthorne's office. Dean and Bruce have been hired as defense attorneys for Haley Fitch who has been accused of murdering Sammy Turner, her boyfriend. Haley had initially reported Sammy as missing and 5 weeks later, his body was discovered. The arrest was premised on Haley being the last person to see Sammy as well as the fact that the murder weapon she acknowledged as coming from her home. In addition, Haley was also being pestered by her husband's folks since no one had heard from for the last two years.
Read along and learn what steps Dean and Bruce took as they prepared their case. Follow the trial and see how both sides presented in order to get a verdict. Learn what issue Dean had to handle in addition to trial preparation.
The ending will provide all the answers. This is a story well worth reading, don't miss out!
This story has Dean Lincoln returning from Chicago to Beaufort working in Bruce Hawthorne's office. Dean and Bruce have been hired as defense attorneys for Haley Fitch who has been accused of murdering Sammy Turner, her boyfriend. Haley had initially reported Sammy as missing and 5 weeks later, his body was discovered. The arrest was premised on Haley being the last person to see Sammy as well as the fact that the murder weapon she acknowledged as coming from her home. In addition, Haley was also being pestered by her husband's folks since no one had heard from for the last two years.
Read along and learn what steps Dean and Bruce took as they prepared their case. Follow the trial and see how both sides presented in order to get a verdict. Learn what issue Dean had to handle in addition to trial preparation.
The ending will provide all the answers. This is a story well worth reading, don't miss out!
July 7, 2025
Another hit legal thriller from Peter O’Mahoney. This sequel in the Dean Lincoln series draws you into to Beaufort scenery.
There’s a hurricane brewing over Beaufort, South Carolina.
And in the calm before the storm, big-city lawyer Dean Lincoln finds himself defending Haley Finch, a beautiful young woman accused of murdering her older boyfriend. Her supposed motive? He’d just won big on the lottery—and then changed his will in her favor. In the South, with Haley’s estranged husband suspiciously missing for the past two years and their marital funds dwindling fast, that’s motive enough.
But Lincoln knows nothing is ever quite as it seems down here, and once again finds himself scratching beneath the cracked veneer of the famous Southern charm. In Beaufort, money and influence all too often outweigh justice, so if Lincoln is going to dig right down to the truth, he’ll have to risk everything he loves
There’s a hurricane brewing over Beaufort, South Carolina.
And in the calm before the storm, big-city lawyer Dean Lincoln finds himself defending Haley Finch, a beautiful young woman accused of murdering her older boyfriend. Her supposed motive? He’d just won big on the lottery—and then changed his will in her favor. In the South, with Haley’s estranged husband suspiciously missing for the past two years and their marital funds dwindling fast, that’s motive enough.
But Lincoln knows nothing is ever quite as it seems down here, and once again finds himself scratching beneath the cracked veneer of the famous Southern charm. In Beaufort, money and influence all too often outweigh justice, so if Lincoln is going to dig right down to the truth, he’ll have to risk everything he loves
July 9, 2025
Fatal Verdict is a gripping legal thriller that delivers steady tension, smart twists, and a compelling courtroom drama. I was immediately pulled into the case and the stakes, and I appreciated how the legal elements felt authentic without being overly technical.
The pacing worked well, fast enough to keep me turning pages (or in this case, listening straight through), with just enough time spent building character depth. The protagonist was easy to root for, and the way the mystery unfolded kept me guessing until the end.
The audiobook narration was strong and really helped set the tone. This is a great pick for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted legal thriller with layers of suspense and solid storytelling.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions as a NetGalley reviewer.
The pacing worked well, fast enough to keep me turning pages (or in this case, listening straight through), with just enough time spent building character depth. The protagonist was easy to root for, and the way the mystery unfolded kept me guessing until the end.
The audiobook narration was strong and really helped set the tone. This is a great pick for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted legal thriller with layers of suspense and solid storytelling.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions as a NetGalley reviewer.
August 23, 2025
Dean Lincoln is still in Beaufort, South Carolina, still in the year he committed to being there while his mother-in-law undergoes chemo. This time, he’s taking on a new case with his partner Bruce defending Haley Finch, a beautiful young woman accused of murdering her wealthy boyfriend.
Haley’s no stranger to small town gossip having made a name for herself when she arrived in town and married much older, wealthy man. Gossip escalated when her husband suspiciously went missing.
Her supposed motive is that her marital funds had been dwindling fast ing the two years he’d been missing, so she found herself a new man, one who’d just won big on the lottery—and then changed his will in her favor. In the South, people are suspicious of outsiders, so they don’t like with Haley who came from out of state and has a past they neither know nor approve of.
Lincoln knows that nothing is ever quite as it seems, and once again finds himself scratching beneath the cracked veneer of the famous Southern charm. In Beaufort, money and influence all too often outweigh justice, so if Lincoln is going to dig right down to the truth in this case full of twists, he’ll have to risk everything he loves to do it.
I enjoyed this second book in the series, but I think book one was better. With this one, I was able to figure out the ending far ahead of time, and felt that O’Mahoney got more than a little repetitive about the atmosphere of the area. However, he is good at creating imagery that makes you feel that you are there in South Carolina with the characters. Despite being easy to resolve, it was a fun read, and I would certainly read more in the series should the author choose to continue. 3
Haley’s no stranger to small town gossip having made a name for herself when she arrived in town and married much older, wealthy man. Gossip escalated when her husband suspiciously went missing.
Her supposed motive is that her marital funds had been dwindling fast ing the two years he’d been missing, so she found herself a new man, one who’d just won big on the lottery—and then changed his will in her favor. In the South, people are suspicious of outsiders, so they don’t like with Haley who came from out of state and has a past they neither know nor approve of.
Lincoln knows that nothing is ever quite as it seems, and once again finds himself scratching beneath the cracked veneer of the famous Southern charm. In Beaufort, money and influence all too often outweigh justice, so if Lincoln is going to dig right down to the truth in this case full of twists, he’ll have to risk everything he loves to do it.
I enjoyed this second book in the series, but I think book one was better. With this one, I was able to figure out the ending far ahead of time, and felt that O’Mahoney got more than a little repetitive about the atmosphere of the area. However, he is good at creating imagery that makes you feel that you are there in South Carolina with the characters. Despite being easy to resolve, it was a fun read, and I would certainly read more in the series should the author choose to continue. 3
August 22, 2025
Exceptional Story
Dean Lincoln is a Chicago lawyer, one who love the hustle and bustle of the big city. However, as his wife’s mother is diagnosed with cancer, she convinces Dean to move the their hometown, to care for her.
Dean joins a small one person legal defense firm, and they are asked to defend Haley Finch, a beautify lady accused of murdering her boyfriend. Her motive? He had recently won big in the lottery, and she convinced him to change his will.
And Haley’s wealthy estranged husband? Missing for two years…..
People in town want her convicted, some more than enthusiastically. And they are not above letting Dean and his partner know, and they also have the power of the town against them.
Can they make sense of this case, and provide a proper defense?
Not without many hair raising moments, and times where it appears doubtful….
Dean Lincoln is a Chicago lawyer, one who love the hustle and bustle of the big city. However, as his wife’s mother is diagnosed with cancer, she convinces Dean to move the their hometown, to care for her.
Dean joins a small one person legal defense firm, and they are asked to defend Haley Finch, a beautify lady accused of murdering her boyfriend. Her motive? He had recently won big in the lottery, and she convinced him to change his will.
And Haley’s wealthy estranged husband? Missing for two years…..
People in town want her convicted, some more than enthusiastically. And they are not above letting Dean and his partner know, and they also have the power of the town against them.
Can they make sense of this case, and provide a proper defense?
Not without many hair raising moments, and times where it appears doubtful….
June 20, 2025
A solid follow up to Reckoning Hour. Dean Lincoln is dealing with two cases. In one, he is faced with defending a woman who the town is convinced has killed two men. One, her ex-husband, is still ‘missing’, while she is tried for the murder of the other. With a drug-addicted brother -in -law addicted others in town bent on keeping their drug trade thriving, who really is responsible for her partner’s death? In the other case, he has to work hard to keep his client from meting his own justice.
Steeped in Southern atmosphere and tradition, this legal thriller is a fast paced, fun read. The courtroom drama is great and perfect for a TV mini series. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance read in exchange for an honest review.
Steeped in Southern atmosphere and tradition, this legal thriller is a fast paced, fun read. The courtroom drama is great and perfect for a TV mini series. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance read in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2025
Kept My Interest
This story did keep my interest, but I'm not sure I'll read another book by this author. I really hovered between 3 and 4 stars, but I gave it four because I was interested enough to finish it.
O'Mahoney does love South Carolina. The constant references to how life is more polite and slower and more caring and on and on for tiresome. The formality of the Mr. or Mrs. In reference to a character (sometimes multiple times in a paragraph), it got very tiresome. Seriously, anytime someone was dressed professionally or formally, they always had on a white shirt/blouse, black jacket, and black pant/skirt! It was like the town was a cult. These issues took away from the story. I really doubt I'll read another.
This story did keep my interest, but I'm not sure I'll read another book by this author. I really hovered between 3 and 4 stars, but I gave it four because I was interested enough to finish it.
O'Mahoney does love South Carolina. The constant references to how life is more polite and slower and more caring and on and on for tiresome. The formality of the Mr. or Mrs. In reference to a character (sometimes multiple times in a paragraph), it got very tiresome. Seriously, anytime someone was dressed professionally or formally, they always had on a white shirt/blouse, black jacket, and black pant/skirt! It was like the town was a cult. These issues took away from the story. I really doubt I'll read another.
August 4, 2025
Dean Lincoln is back with another riveting case in his new home away from home in the South.
On temporary leave from his big city legal life in Chicago, he finds himself beginning to enjoy the slower pace in Beaufort, as his wife supports her mother through cancer treatments.
Taking on the case of a local woman accused of killing her much older boyfriend, becomes more of a a challenge than he expected for a case based on purely circumstantial evidence. He ad Bruce, the lawyer whose firm he is temporarily working with, find themselves in the midst of threats, and threatening intimidation.
Great read with characters that so completely fit their surroundings.
Dean is as likeable as ever and the suspense was non-stop with riveting action.
Looking so forward to the next chapter
Great Netflix material!!!
On temporary leave from his big city legal life in Chicago, he finds himself beginning to enjoy the slower pace in Beaufort, as his wife supports her mother through cancer treatments.
Taking on the case of a local woman accused of killing her much older boyfriend, becomes more of a a challenge than he expected for a case based on purely circumstantial evidence. He ad Bruce, the lawyer whose firm he is temporarily working with, find themselves in the midst of threats, and threatening intimidation.
Great read with characters that so completely fit their surroundings.
Dean is as likeable as ever and the suspense was non-stop with riveting action.
Looking so forward to the next chapter
Great Netflix material!!!
September 8, 2025
A Little Less Impressive
This wasn’t as enjoyable as the first book for me, but it was still interesting. I was hoping to get some answers to lingering questions from the previous book. I liked seeing how Lincoln would find a loophole to keep his client from being found guilty. I didn’t like when he was trying to act like a gun-toting lead in an action film. His client, Haley, was such an awful person. The references to how she physically abused her partner were upsetting. I wanted her to pay for that. I figured out the plot twist right before it was revealed. I should’ve seen it coming sooner. This installment was a little open ended like the previous book, but it was easy to fill in the blanks.
This wasn’t as enjoyable as the first book for me, but it was still interesting. I was hoping to get some answers to lingering questions from the previous book. I liked seeing how Lincoln would find a loophole to keep his client from being found guilty. I didn’t like when he was trying to act like a gun-toting lead in an action film. His client, Haley, was such an awful person. The references to how she physically abused her partner were upsetting. I wanted her to pay for that. I figured out the plot twist right before it was revealed. I should’ve seen it coming sooner. This installment was a little open ended like the previous book, but it was easy to fill in the blanks.
July 18, 2025
3.5 stars
Book 2 of the Dean Lincoln series. It’s a pretty quick read, or listen. I used both formats to get to the whodunnit.
The southern heat and humidity are major characters of this book. That got tiresome.
Dean was a hot shot Chicago lawyer, now back in the Low Country for family reasons. He admits there’s a lure to his childhood town. Although between the humidity and the stereotypical small town Southern politics, I’m not sure why he’s enchanted.
I was quite surprised by who actually committed the murder in this trial. There were several candidates.
And there’s a set up for a third book at the end.
Book 2 of the Dean Lincoln series. It’s a pretty quick read, or listen. I used both formats to get to the whodunnit.
The southern heat and humidity are major characters of this book. That got tiresome.
Dean was a hot shot Chicago lawyer, now back in the Low Country for family reasons. He admits there’s a lure to his childhood town. Although between the humidity and the stereotypical small town Southern politics, I’m not sure why he’s enchanted.
I was quite surprised by who actually committed the murder in this trial. There were several candidates.
And there’s a set up for a third book at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2025
Dean and Bruce are defending a beautiful woman who has been accused of murdering her wealthy boyfriend and there's hearsay that she had previously murdered her husband. During their investigation for her trial they'll find a drug ring and that the police did not make a full investigation before pointing her as the main suspect. But did she do it? They do not believe it and will do their best at court. Dean is also always questioning himself if they'll move back to Chicago and is torn between the choice of seeing his wife extremely happy or his career moves being entertained.
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for the free copy of this book.
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for the free copy of this book.
August 23, 2025
Audiobook Review
Story: I give it 4 stars. I enjoyed it, but didn’t think it was amazing. It was a bit slow, but still interesting and exciting enough to want to listen to the whole book. I think the story being slow also plays into how the story talks about life in their town is a slower pace, so it works.
Narrator: I give 5 stars. In general I just liked this narrator’s voice and the southern accent (not sure if it’s natural or not for this narrator). I thought he did a great job with Dean’s voice and I think it matched well with the character. I wasn’t a big fan of the narrator’s female voices, but I’m just not a fan of men speaking women’s parts in general.
Story: I give it 4 stars. I enjoyed it, but didn’t think it was amazing. It was a bit slow, but still interesting and exciting enough to want to listen to the whole book. I think the story being slow also plays into how the story talks about life in their town is a slower pace, so it works.
Narrator: I give 5 stars. In general I just liked this narrator’s voice and the southern accent (not sure if it’s natural or not for this narrator). I thought he did a great job with Dean’s voice and I think it matched well with the character. I wasn’t a big fan of the narrator’s female voices, but I’m just not a fan of men speaking women’s parts in general.
July 1, 2025
Book #2 of Dean Lincoln Legal Thriller series. The first book in the series had a great story line so I was excited to read the second book......it's better than the first one!
The plotline might not be original but the treatment by Peter O'Mahoney kept me reading with a few breaks for necessities. When a lottery winner dies 5 days after getting the money....the suspects are many, the clues are few. These characters kept the story rolling quickly as defense lawyer Dean Lincoln tries to work magic and prove his client innocent.
The plotline might not be original but the treatment by Peter O'Mahoney kept me reading with a few breaks for necessities. When a lottery winner dies 5 days after getting the money....the suspects are many, the clues are few. These characters kept the story rolling quickly as defense lawyer Dean Lincoln tries to work magic and prove his client innocent.
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