Murder in the South: A Legal Thriller

by Jack Abrahams

A rising star is murdered. A crusader is accused. And in a town built on secrets, the truth is the darkest thing of all.

Rosie Beckett had a bright future—a political intern with charm, ambition, and a long list of admirers. But her life ends on a quiet Georgian backstreet, her body found shot and thrown into a dumpster behind a row of houses in small southern town, Brunswick. And standing at the center of it all is Jake Tully.

The host of a popular anti-corruption podcast, Tully has spent years exposing the dark secrets of the powerful, earning him fans—but too many enemies to count. Now he’s the one in the spotlight—with his DNA on Rosie’s jacket and fingerprints at the crime scene, the prosecution wants the public to believe one case closed.

But defense attorney Ryan Noble isn’t buying it. Noble digs deeper, taking on a case that grows darker with every witness, unraveling a web of lies, to discover something sinister—something calculated that reaches into the rotten heart of the town’s power. With time against him and the walls closing in, Noble must race to uncover the truth—before another body turns up in Brunswick.

483 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2025

Reviews

[Matt]

I’ve often found great reads at the most opportune times, and Jack Abrahams is one worth noting. Having recently devoured another of his novels, I was intrigued to pick up this legal thriller series, and it didn’t take long before I was completely invested. The debut was addictive and this second book followed suit. Set in the community of Brunswick, Georgia, the novel explores some straightforward legal themes and courtroom maneuvers while building to a dramatic reveal. It was a great read and I am eager to keep seeing what Abrahams has to offer.

The discovery of Rosie Beckett's body shocks the small community of Brunswick, Georgia. An up and coming political intern, Rosie had it all and was hoping to make a difference. At the centre of the investigation is Jake Tully, a blogger who seeks out corruption and tries to bring it down, He was also out with Rosie the night before, leaving many to feel he took her life when she would not cooperate with his journalistic digging. While Tully has amassed many enemies, he vows that he is innocent and hires Ryan Noble to defend him in court. DNA samples show that there is some of Tully's blood on Rosie's coat, alongside a number of fingerprints at the scene of the crime. The high-powered prosecutor seeks to use this to convince the public the killer has been found. Noble is not so convinced and puts all his efforts into learning the truth, while crossing paths with a powerful political figure along the way. This case has so many forks, but Noble cannot rely on nuance. He's sure that his client's innocence can convince a jury, if only he had the time to prove it all before someone serves Jake Tully up on a platter. Jak Abrahams impresses once more with this stellar legal thriller.

Jack Abrahams was once more able to captivate me from the opening pages of this book. The narrative begins swifty, as it works to keep the reader wondering what will come next. From there, the story moves into something edgy, where short chapters ensure heightened tension and clear momentum. Before long, the investigation shifts to a courtroom clash, where the truth is to be parsed and determined. The flow of the story and its numerous turns ensures this is one thriller that will keep readers pushing through, if only to discover the truth in the final chapters.

The characters serve the novel well, as Abrahams does a real service by creating personalities whose histories and perspectives add depth to the story in ways that are sure to impress attentive readers. Ryan Noble is particularly compelling with an ongoing backstory that solidifies his protagonist role. He is still trying to find his feet in Brunswick and there are hints that the permanency for him might be just around the corner. Still, there is a spark of legal passion in him, as he seeks to fill the void his mother left in the legal community. Secondary characters become effective in their own way, ensuring the investigation and courtroom clashes provide entertainment and a more complete story for all to ponder. Some have returned for more action in this second novel, while others appear for the first (and last?) time.

The plot delivers a suspenseful direction, finding its footing early on. Abrahams peppers twists in to keep things edgy and ensures the surprises help the reader eager to uncover the truth. That Ryan Noble is a simple man is not in question, but the fast pace of the story leaves many doubts as to the choices he makes. These developments strengthen the story and leave me needing to get to the third novel before long. This was another gripping legal and courtroom thriller, which has me eager to follow Jack Abrahams along his journey, if only to see what awaits with the next high-impact case.

Kudos, Mr. Abrahams, for keeping me wondering throughout.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
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[Clifton Rankin]

“Murder in the South” is a legal thriller written by legal investigator, Jack Abrahams, that takes place in the small Georgian town of Brunswick. Just as I remembered being cold the entire time I read “Dr. Zhivago,” I felt the oppressive heat and humidity of Georgia as I read this thriller. Jake Tully is an investigator who made his mark by chasing down corruption in small towns, and he finds himself accused of murdering a young, political intern. Ryan Noble, an attorney who has moved back to his home town to help care for his mother who is battling cancer, has the unenviable task of defending Tully. The story moves quickly, the court room scenes are interesting, there are twists, turns, and surprises in the plot, and I was concerned the entire book about Noble’s mom’s health. This book affected my sleep as I kept saying to myself, “One more chapter…” This was book two of his series, so I will be going back to read his first novel. And, remember, in that Georgia heat, “Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.” (377 pages)

[Kay Hagan-Haller]

2nd in the series following Ryan Noble, defense attorney through a big trial full of danger, intrigue, corruption, and personalities. Ryan knows his client is innocent -as opposed to not guilty. He uses all of his resources which include talks with his brilliant mother who was a famous attorney, his investigator, and his assistant, an honest beat cop, and an FBI agent. They live in Brunswick, GA a beautiful old coastal city. Noble grew up here but left for Atlanta to work a an attorney. He moved back to Brunswick to take care of his mother who was recently diagnosed with cancer, since his dad had already passed away. She is frail physically but her mind is still strong and a great sounding board with her finger on the pulse of Brunswick. Noble fights hard for his client and really cares more about justice than the limelight his big cases draw. Looking forward to #3 Betrayal in the South.

[Beth]

I am a new reader of Mr. Abraham’s books. This is the second one I have read sequentially after completing his first book in the Noble Legal series. Next up is the third book in the series.

While I have each book four stars (I rarely give 5s), I would have given this one 4.5 stars if I could have. This is why I like to read authors new to me in sequence, hopefully following their progress in writing/telling a good story. With Ryan telling his mother at the end of this book what he wants to do with his career and his attitude regarding others telling him what to do, my wish that he would become the DA is probably not possible. Regardless, I hope he has a long career providing Mr. Abraham with lots of ideas for more books in the series.

[Karon Greyer]

Definitely A Legal Thriller

An excellent book, well written, with characters that are relatable as well as courageous. The storyline moves fast, and the courtroom drama has a few surprises. It’s definitely a powerful legal thriller that keeps the reader on the edge of his or her seat trying to predict and find out what happens next.

[Karen C Fletcher]

Ryan knows the law

Ryan Noble created by Jack Abrahams balance the letter of the law with people living to beat corruption in a way thing can happen..No righteousness by Perry Mason.excellent legal thriller read.

[June Giffen Mathieu]

Another great story

The attorney Ryan Noble really had hos work cut out for him this time. Lots of twists + turns in thIs tale.
When he was found guilty I was shocked but then the story continued...

[Loretta Gabriel]

A very intriguing crime story.

The author has written a great story of power and it’s hold and control of everything until it is taken to far and begins to come get over confident. A intriguing and powerful story that will keep you engaged and entertained.

[Linda H. York]

thriller series

The first two books in this series have been excellent - well written with good character development. I am in the middle of a very enjoying read.

[Melenda Williams]

Very good legal thriller. I liked all the characters and always appreciate a mystery/thriller without romance thrown in.

[Matthew Westmoreland]

Great read!

Kept me turning the pages until there weren’t any more to turn! What an ending, looking forward to the next one!

[James M Brown]

Not realistic

No defense lawyer does what noble did. Trials give prosecutor last chance at presenting evidence and making closing argument. This book was absurd

[Mary E Kilpatrick]

Wonderful!

Ryan is a terrific attorney looking for the truth. Feels confident enough to challenge police. Wants to clean up his town of corruption.

[Randall Gibson]

Excellent!

Such a great book with amazing characters, lots of twists and turns, courtroom drama and so much intrigue. Can't wait to read Abrahams next book!

[Roger Soderberg]

Great read. I really didn’t want to put it down. Looking for other books by the author

[paul lanzoni]

good read with constant pace

Fun book with a bit of legal details . Worth the read for sure when you have the time. Always

[Shirley]

Very good did not want it to end