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Dublin Rogue

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A BRAND NEW gripping gangland read, perfect for fans of Mobland and Peaky Blinders, from the bestselling author of Double Trouble. Meet the O'Connors... 🍀🩸 London, 1975.

Dublin-born Sean O’Connor rules the streets of Kilburn with his charm and his fists. But the locals don’t take kindly to an Irishman muscling in on their patch—and they’re out for blood.

As a turf war heats up, Sean digs in deeper, determined to protect his empire and his family. But every move he makes pulls him further from the life he promised his wife, Josie, and their young daughter, Orla.

Josie just wants out—a quiet life far from the violence and vendettas. But with Sean risking it all, escape might no longer be an option.

The streets are closing in. Loyalties will be tested. And not everyone will make it out alive.

This Dublin rogue might have built an empire, but he's got a war to fight.

Don't miss the start of a gripping new gangland series that will keep you on the edge of your seat! 🩸😮

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2025

89 people are currently reading
25 people want to read

About the author

Stephanie Harte

22 books42 followers
Stephanie Harte was born and raised in North West London.

After leaving school, she trained in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy at London College of Fashion. Stephanie went on to teach beauty workshops at a specialist residential clinic for children with severe eating disorders for ten years. She also previously worked as a Pharmaceutical Buyer for the NHS and an international medical export company.

While taking a break to raise her two children, Stephanie began writing as a hobby. She signed a contract in March 2019 with Head of Zeus. Stephanie wrote seven crime novels for the publisher before signing a contract with Boldwood Books in June 2023. She is currently writing a new series, The Kennedy Twins. The first book, Double Trouble, will be released on 10th April 2024.

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5 stars
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31 (26%)
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19 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Maureen .
1,721 reviews7,530 followers
October 16, 2025
London 1975. Dublin born bootlegger Sean O’Connor rules the streets of Kilburn, London, but obviously the local mobsters don’t take too kindly to this interloper muscling in on their business - this means war, but Sean’s a fighter and nobody will take his business from him, not when he has his wife Josie and young daughter Orla to look after, no sir, if the local gangsters want war, then war they shall have!

I won’t go any further into the synopsis, but book 1 of this gangland crime thriller is an action packed story of love, revenge, and loyalty, and what a fantastic start to this new series. It had me gripped right the way through, and if book 2 was published immediately, I would be more than happy! Recommended.

*I was invited to read “Dublin Rogue” by the publisher and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Profile Image for Nancy Yager.
102 reviews15 followers
October 17, 2025
Dublin Rogue by Stephanie Harte is a gritty gangland thriller that drops you straight into the dangerous world of 1979 London, where three rival families are fighting for control over the smuggling of illegal alcohol. I’m honestly not sure how common this kind of operation really was in the late ‘70s, but Harte makes it feel entirely believable. Her writing and scene-setting pull you right into the streets and smoky bars of the time. You can practically smell the tension and see every punch thrown.

The story is fast-paced and full of drama, revenge, and betrayal. Harte’s descriptions are so vivid that I could picture every fight scene clearly in my head, like I was watching it unfold on screen. The female lead is written to be strong and determined (a somewhat tired theme in my opinion), holding her own in a brutal, male-dominated world. I appreciate what Harte was doing here, showing that toughness comes in many forms, even if sometimes it feels like everyone in this world is caught in an endless loop of violence and payback.

By the end, I couldn’t help asking myself: does this cycle of revenge ever really stop? Are any of them better off for all the bloodshed and bitterness? That’s what makes Dublin Rogue so thought-provoking beneath all the action; it should make you question the price of loyalty and the cost of pride.

If you enjoy gritty, old-school crime dramas with vivid writing and layered characters, this one is worth the read. Stephanie Harte captures both the danger and the desperation of that world perfectly.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the Advanced Readers Copy.
Profile Image for Booklover BEV.
1,731 reviews52 followers
October 15, 2025
O'connor book one.
London gangland.
Dublin born Sean O'connor in the streets of Kilburn, and the locals are not liking an Irishman taking their empire.
A Dublin rogue, his wife Josie just wants a quiet life bringing up their daughter Orla, and his not taking any notice of his little woman indoors.
A rogue with a good heart, and doesn't answer to nobody ready for whoever crosses his path, his family are his world and Reggie Bennett is on the war path ready to turf him out.
This is one slap banging start to a new series that I enjoyed so much leaving me looking forward to what next in store.
What a book absolutely fantastic read.
This is the authors best work, and felt all my emotions running while when reading, bring on book two.
Profile Image for Els .
2,278 reviews52 followers
October 14, 2025
Some men thrive on a life of crime and don’t hesitate to use violence to mark or defend their territory. In this world, revenge is often a guiding principle: touch what’s mine, or hurt someone I care about, and you can expect a reaction. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth—or even escalating the violence to eliminate your enemy once and for all—is what drives these people.

Gangs form, loyalty is a priority, and a lot of importance is placed on it. There’s a lot of money involved, which tempts many to join—or stay.

As long as you’re only responsible for your own life, it’s your choice and your decision. But once you have a family, the drive for money and respect should give way to a sense of responsibility to provide them a safe life. Unfortunately, this is often an impossible task for our ‘bosses’ who want to maintain their status.

This is exactly Sean’s situation. His wife Josie has asked him multiple times to find a safer way to earn money, but he either can’t or won’t let go of what he’s built. His tunnel vision and anger make it very difficult for him to step back…

It’s a gripping story and a gem for fans of gangland crime. Revenge, lies, loyalty, stubbornness, manipulation are just a few of the ingredients, but love and standing up for yourself also play a role.

People who are big, muscular, and have a certain reputation are both feared and respected—but the saying “small but brave” wasn’t invented for nothing.

I found myself, along with Josie, angry at Sean for his reckless behavior and stubbornness—but now I’m applauding her from the sidelines.

A great book: strong story, compelling characters, and it leaves you wanting more. Bring on the next book! 5 stars.
Profile Image for Lady MacDeath.
372 reviews196 followers
November 10, 2025
I love these gangland thrillers, they are my guilt pleasure, and I always have a lot of fun reading them.

This is Book 1 in a new, exciting series about the O’Connor family, who are Irish immigrants, now living in 1970’s London. Sean O’Connor is the leader of his gang who control Kentish Town, a big Irish community in London. He’s one of the best bare knuckle fighter’s around, but his main source of income is smuggling whisky from Ireland into London. This of course, ruffles a few feathers, especially Declan Kelly and his gang, who has a longstanding feud with Sean O’Connor.
There’s violence, kidnapping and lots of skullduggery throughout this book, and I CANNOT wait to read the 2nd book.
Highly recommended to all, who love a page turner full of excitement and suspense.

Thanks to Boldwood Books, the author, and NetGalley for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.

5 (whisky soaked) ⭐️

Available: 19th November 2025

Profile Image for Miriam.
953 reviews
October 16, 2025
The saying if you live by the aword, then you die by the sword is very apt with Sean in this book and his quest to be the best had terrible consequences for those around him. When I read the blurb for this and saw that it's the start of a new series, I knew after the first chapter that I'm already looking forward to reading what's coming next . Netgalley is a great way of discovering new authors and aa I haven't come across thus author before, I will be checking out her other books.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
3,215 reviews27 followers
November 28, 2025
❤️ Yes The Queen is back with another excellent book! ❤️

WoW.......Dublin Rogue by Stephanie Harte was another excellent book and the first book in a new series called The O'Connors 🍀 which is set in London, 1975. We meet a new character called Sean O'Connor who is Dublin-born and he rules the streets of Kilburn with his charm and his fists. No one crosses him and the locals don’t take kindly to an Irishman muscling in on their patch! Now, they’re out for blood.

Now, a turf war heats up, Sean digs in deeper, and he is so determined to protect his empire and all of his family. But with every move he makes pulls him further from the life he promised his wife, Josie, and their young daughter, Orla. WoW!!

But, Josie just wants out. . . . all she wants is a quiet life and far from the violence and vendettas. But with Sean risking it all, escape might no longer be an option.

Now, the streets are closing in. around Sean O'Connor and his loyalties will be tested. Not everyone will make it out alive.

Sean who is a Dublin rogue might have built an empire around him, but he's got a war to fight.

But, who will survive? and still rule the streets of Kilburn?

Superb book from start to finish and a fantastic read. I highly recommend this new series and I am looking forward to the next book in The O'Connors series! 5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
592 reviews4 followers
October 17, 2025
I absolutely love Stephanie Harte’s books, so I was really looking forward to starting this first instalment in her new series — and what a start it is.

Set in London, 1975, Dublin Rogue dives straight into the gritty world of gangland rivalry at its very best. I loved that it’s not just one or two, but three gangs all vying for the top spot. When enemies turn against each other, lines are crossed, and the battle for control truly begins. The O’Connors really stood out for me, especially Josie — watching her grow into someone she never thought she could be is going to be fascinating as the series continues. The story is well told, gripping, and full of gasp-out-loud moments that kept me completely hooked. My only complaint? We have to wait until June 2026 for book two! For lovers of a cracking, gripping gangland read, this is an absolute must. Stephanie Harte has once again delivered a winner.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,761 reviews165 followers
November 1, 2025
Set in London in the mid 1970’s, Dublin born Sean O’Connor rules the streets of Kilburn. But the locals are not that happy about it especially as he is controlling the shipments of illegal Alcohol. But Sean is a fighter, and he does all he can to keep it that way. His wife Josie has other ideas. She wants Sean to settle down and own a pub and look after his wife and his daughter Orla.
But an incident happens, and Josie Orla gets kidnapped by a rival gang. Will Sean find her before it is too late?
Dublin Rogue is the first book in a new gangland series by Stephanie Harte. This is a gripping read set in the 70’s. It is action packed gritty crime drama with lots of unsavoury characters, and I couldn’t stop reading I read it in 24 hours. It has a good storyline about rivalry, loyalty and protecting the people you love most. I really enjoyed this, and I can’t wait for book 2 which is already on pre order to see how this series develops.

43 reviews
November 19, 2025
Thanks to Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is book opens up with a fantastic conflict scene and at the time I hoped that this linked to the overall book beside I have seen so many books open with scenes that have nothing to do with the conflict within the book. I'm so glad this was the inciting incident and I liked the characters immediately. I have read her books before and I struggled to connect with the characters due to how similar the POV's were but this time I felt these could be more easily differentiated between. Sean is a very interesting character and the plot really pulled me in. There were times that I found myself skimming but overall this was an exciting and twisty thriller. I am glad that this is the first in a series and I cannot wait to read on to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Louise Wilson.
3,676 reviews1,690 followers
November 7, 2025
The O'Connors #1

Set in London in the 1970s. Three rival families are fighting to get control of smuggling illegal alcohol. Dublin born Sean O'Connor rules the streets of Kilburn. He is controlling the illegal amounts of alcohol. His wife Josie has other ideas.

Filled with revenge and betrayals, this is a story of gangland rivalry. We have three gangs all eager to win the top spot. Lines are crossed as the battles intensify. This new series has started off with a bang. The characters are strong and well-developed. This is an action-packed read.

Published 19th November 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Boldwoodbooks and the author #StephanieHarte for my ARC of #DublinRogue in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Leanne.
2,170 reviews44 followers
October 31, 2025
Oh my goodness! What a start to a new series. Sean O'Connor rules the street and will do anything for his family and protect his wife and daughter. I was entangled in the world of gangs from the beginning and every time I started to relax something else would happen to get the adrenaline pumping on high alert. Loyalty, love and revenge seems to be the name of the game and boy is it played dirty with no mercy. I came to really like Sean's wife and daughter and wanted the best outcome for them. I can't wait for the next book to see how they are travelling. I only just finished this book and I already feel super impatient for the next.
215 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2025
London 1975. The first book in a brand new gangland saga.
The O’Connor’s are bootleggers, with a lucrative business running whiskey from Ireland to Kilburn via the docks.
But Sean & Josie O’Connor are not the only family wanting to be on top in 1970’s London. They have the Kelly’s and the Bennetts to deal with and all three families are prepared to fight for their turf.
This a good old fashioned gangster book, we have a variety of well developed characters, we have feuds, family loyalty, attacks and revenge.
This book is a good solid mix without trying to be something it isn’t. It sticks to its genre and does it bloody well!
Look forward to book 2.
Profile Image for Leona.
1,514 reviews
November 23, 2025
Dublin Rogue is the first book in a brand new series and it was a superb gangland thriller read. From the very start to the final chapter I was completely drawn into the life of Sean O’ Connor and his family. Sean rules the streets of Kilburn but along the way he is making enemies and they are out to get him and don’t care how they do it. I felt the characters were portrayed so well by the author and this was one of those books I just wanted to keep on reading when I reached the end of a chapter. I’m absolutely delighted that Stephanie Harte has a new thriller series out and I can’t wait for book two to see how life is going for the O’Connor family.
Profile Image for Rachel Brimble.
Author 55 books998 followers
November 21, 2025
Over and over again, Stephanie Harte's books have caught my eye, but I still didn't get around to reading one until now. And I'm so glad I did!

I am an avid crime reader with a good gangland book thrown in for good measure and Dublin Rogue, the first book in a brand new series, did not disappoint. We are immediately thrown into the action and quickly introduced to the turf war being fought over by the O'Connor and Riley gangs. The tension soon heats up, but as the fight tactics turn personal so does the danger and violence.

Brilliantly written and skilfully building into the next book, I loved this opening instalment and will definitely continue reading, especially now my favourite character, Josie, is coming to the fore. A must read for fans of Martina Cole!
Profile Image for Martha Brindley.
Author 2 books34 followers
October 27, 2025
Set in London in 1975, this is the first in a new gangland thriller which is full of nasty characters! The writing is good and very descriptive which pulled me right into the murky streets of north London. I felt the violence and revenge theme was going round in circles with no end in sight but if you like a good gangland thriller, with plenty of action and suspense, you will enjoy the read. A good start to a promising new series. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
Profile Image for mrsbookburnee Niamh Burnett.
1,104 reviews22 followers
November 19, 2025
This was an exciting start to a new series, featuring an Irish family living in London. This is one dramatic family, I instantly wanted to know more about them, especially Josie.

Amongst the gangland/criminal activities, there was plenty of violence and even more blood! The rivalry between the families were described perfectly, I was hooked and am looking forward to seeing what happens with them all next.
Profile Image for Kim.
484 reviews4 followers
November 21, 2025
What a start! Set in London in 1975, this book instantly captured my attention. It’s the first in a new series featuring the O'Connors, a family of Irish immigrants living in London.

The characters are great, and the story is gripping, filled with themes of money, gangland revenge, and deception. Some moments gave me goosebumps and made me gasp; this book will keep you turning the pages quickly. I can't wait for the second installment!
Profile Image for Caroline O'Neill.
272 reviews2 followers
January 1, 2026
Stephanie Harte maintains her page turning gangland thrillers reputation with Dublin Rogue, the first book in the O'Connors series.

If you expect strong families, bitter rivalries, violence by the bucket load and a few deaths here and there, this is the book for you!

If you love Kimberley Chambers and Martina Cole, add Stephanie Harte's books to your reading lists, you will not be disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Concha.
551 reviews9 followers
October 17, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books.
Three gangs share control of the city and, despite their feuds, manage to maintain a precarious balance.
After an incident, hostilities break out and betrayal and revenge take control.
An action-packed novel with a memorable female character who emerges in an exciting conclusion that leaves us wanting more.
Profile Image for Christi.
125 reviews3 followers
December 8, 2025
Amazing! Stephanie Harte has a true talent for drawing you in to the main characters and making you feel for them. One minute you're rooting for Sean to be able to keep up his territory, and the next your heart is breaking for his wife as she wishes for peace and solace with her family. Brilliant storytelling from start to finish, this one will have you turning pages long into the night!
Profile Image for patrick Lorelli.
3,768 reviews37 followers
January 7, 2026
A gangland book set in London, 1975. I was really able to connect to this story and the characters. The main character, Sean O’Connor, is from Dublin, and the tale grips you from the very beginning and does not let up, even to the point that I was surprised when I came to the last page. Excellent characters along with the story.
Profile Image for Kelly Egan.
214 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2025
This is a new series by Stephanie Harte....and it does not disappoint! Such a good storyline that grabs you by the neck and not letting go
223 reviews
November 27, 2025
First but not the last of SH. Can't wait for the O'Connors book 2 out in March. I will read the other series too.
Profile Image for Shorti.
26 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2026
I'm impressed! Very well written, I listened to the audiobook version and thoroughly enjoyed the narrators. The story gives a "Peaky Blinders" vibe.
Profile Image for Anne.
760 reviews
November 9, 2025
Dublin Rogue is a good and enjoyable gangland crime book set in the mid 70s. It has strong characters, some likeable, some not who want to rule Kilburn as their own. The authors writing style is good and very descriptive at times and I could imagine the settings and characters in my mind when reading. Josie steps up to run her husbands business - can she get the better of her rivals though? This is a good start to a gangland series and I'd like to see what's ahead for Josie in the next book.
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