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

[Clifton Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

“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)

[Karon Greyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Matthew Westmoreland · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[paul lanzoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good did not want it to end