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The O'Connors #2
Dublin Widow
The BRAND NEW instalment in Stephanie Harte's gripping, gritty new gangland series, perfect for fans of Mobland, House of Guinness and Peaky Blinders, from the bestselling author of Double Trouble. Meet the O'Connors...
She danced with the devil once...now she’s back for more.
A decade after her husband Sean’s murder, Josie O’Connor has built his empire into something feared across London’s underworld. But respect is still in short supply. To the men circling her, she’s just a widow keeping the throne warm… and they’re impatient to take what Sean left behind.
Josie hasn’t forgotten the night Sean died—or the men responsible. And she’s finally ready to settle the score, no matter how bloody the path to justice becomes.
But danger isn’t only lurking on the streets. At home, her teenage daughter Orla is slipping out of Josie’s grip, testing boundaries and attracting the wrong kind of attention. As Orla rebels, Josie’s enemies see their chance to strike where she’s most vulnerable.
With rivals plotting her downfall and traitors hiding in plain sight, Josie must decide who she can trust—before the Dublin widow loses everything she’s fought to protect.
She danced with the devil once...now she’s back for more.
A decade after her husband Sean’s murder, Josie O’Connor has built his empire into something feared across London’s underworld. But respect is still in short supply. To the men circling her, she’s just a widow keeping the throne warm… and they’re impatient to take what Sean left behind.
Josie hasn’t forgotten the night Sean died—or the men responsible. And she’s finally ready to settle the score, no matter how bloody the path to justice becomes.
But danger isn’t only lurking on the streets. At home, her teenage daughter Orla is slipping out of Josie’s grip, testing boundaries and attracting the wrong kind of attention. As Orla rebels, Josie’s enemies see their chance to strike where she’s most vulnerable.
With rivals plotting her downfall and traitors hiding in plain sight, Josie must decide who she can trust—before the Dublin widow loses everything she’s fought to protect.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2026
About the author
Stephanie Harte
18 books47 followersStephanie 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 16, 2026
It seems quite fitting, that I’m leaving this review, on St Patrick’s Day ☘️
It’s ten years since Sean O’Connor was killed, and wife Josie, is trying to carve out a living for herself and her daughter Orla. Not so easy, in a man’s world, but Josie is determined to build a future for them both, though 15 year old Orla, is not making it easy, and fights her mum, all the way. She’s trying to deal with the death of her dad Sean, and feels as though her mum is ignoring her, and instead spending all her time running the “business”.
This is the second book in the Dublin Rogue series, and it was just as good as the first, if not better. The writing is powerful and gritty, and I burned my way through each page. Once again, the ending was perfect and I can’t wait to read the third instalment. These gangland books are my guilty pleasure, and Stephanie Harte is one of the best.
Thanks to Stephanie Harte, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
5 ⭐️
Available: 30th March 2026
It’s ten years since Sean O’Connor was killed, and wife Josie, is trying to carve out a living for herself and her daughter Orla. Not so easy, in a man’s world, but Josie is determined to build a future for them both, though 15 year old Orla, is not making it easy, and fights her mum, all the way. She’s trying to deal with the death of her dad Sean, and feels as though her mum is ignoring her, and instead spending all her time running the “business”.
This is the second book in the Dublin Rogue series, and it was just as good as the first, if not better. The writing is powerful and gritty, and I burned my way through each page. Once again, the ending was perfect and I can’t wait to read the third instalment. These gangland books are my guilty pleasure, and Stephanie Harte is one of the best.
Thanks to Stephanie Harte, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
5 ⭐️
Available: 30th March 2026
March 31, 2026
If you were glued to Peaky Blinders, then Stephanie Harte’s latest novel, Dublin Widow, is the book for you.
Josie O’Connor’s life had been turned on its head when her husband Sean had been murdered. The ensuing decade had been tough, but Josie had persevered and managed to build an empire that strikes terror in the hearts of some of the toughest members of the criminal underworld in London. Josie may be feared, but the Dublin Widow knows that she isn’t respected and that her enemies are just waiting for the right time to strike and snatch what she has fought so hard for. Josie, however, refuses to be cowed. She’s never forgotten who murdered Sean – and she has certainly never forgiven them.
Her enemies keep circling around her, but Josie vows to stay strong and not let them win. But there is a chink in her armour: her daughter Orla. The teenager is pushing the envelope, testing boundaries and attracting the wrong kind of attention. With her rivals hiding round every corner and nobody she can trust, the Dublin widow stands to lose everything she cares about. But there’s one thing for sure: she will not give up without a fight!
Stephanie Harte’s Dublin Widow is a first-rate gangland thriller about strong women, high stakes and dangerous alliances that packs plenty of punch. Exciting, enthralling and so enjoyable you will find it hard to put down, Dublin Widow by Stephanie Harte is a brilliant read that is a must-buy for Martina Cole fans.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Josie O’Connor’s life had been turned on its head when her husband Sean had been murdered. The ensuing decade had been tough, but Josie had persevered and managed to build an empire that strikes terror in the hearts of some of the toughest members of the criminal underworld in London. Josie may be feared, but the Dublin Widow knows that she isn’t respected and that her enemies are just waiting for the right time to strike and snatch what she has fought so hard for. Josie, however, refuses to be cowed. She’s never forgotten who murdered Sean – and she has certainly never forgiven them.
Her enemies keep circling around her, but Josie vows to stay strong and not let them win. But there is a chink in her armour: her daughter Orla. The teenager is pushing the envelope, testing boundaries and attracting the wrong kind of attention. With her rivals hiding round every corner and nobody she can trust, the Dublin widow stands to lose everything she cares about. But there’s one thing for sure: she will not give up without a fight!
Stephanie Harte’s Dublin Widow is a first-rate gangland thriller about strong women, high stakes and dangerous alliances that packs plenty of punch. Exciting, enthralling and so enjoyable you will find it hard to put down, Dublin Widow by Stephanie Harte is a brilliant read that is a must-buy for Martina Cole fans.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dublin Widow by Stephanie Harte is a powerful and gripping follow-up to Dublin Rouge, and it certainly does not disappoint. Josie O’Connor is back — stronger, tougher, and more determined than ever. Trying to carve out her place in a man’s world, she is focused on building her own empire and getting her new club up and running. But success never comes easy, especially in the ruthless world she inhabits. The memory of her husband Sean is never far from her mind.
At the heart of the story is the strained relationship between Josie and her daughter, Orla. Orla is fighting against her mother every way she can. She needs her mum more than ever, yet feels pushed aside as Josie pours everything into securing their future. The stubbornness between mother and daughter is written with such realism — it’s raw, emotional, and completely believable.
This is another well-told, sharp gangland fiction read that keeps the pages turning. The tension builds brilliantly throughout, with twists, danger, and emotional punches that make it impossible to put down. Stephanie Harte really knows how to write characters the reader can fully engage with — flawed, fierce, and unforgettable.
The ending was fantastic — a great build-up to the next book — and it leaves Josie facing even more trouble ahead. I genuinely can’t wait to see what happens next. Superb from start to finish. A gritty, emotional, and utterly gripping read.
At the heart of the story is the strained relationship between Josie and her daughter, Orla. Orla is fighting against her mother every way she can. She needs her mum more than ever, yet feels pushed aside as Josie pours everything into securing their future. The stubbornness between mother and daughter is written with such realism — it’s raw, emotional, and completely believable.
This is another well-told, sharp gangland fiction read that keeps the pages turning. The tension builds brilliantly throughout, with twists, danger, and emotional punches that make it impossible to put down. Stephanie Harte really knows how to write characters the reader can fully engage with — flawed, fierce, and unforgettable.
The ending was fantastic — a great build-up to the next book — and it leaves Josie facing even more trouble ahead. I genuinely can’t wait to see what happens next. Superb from start to finish. A gritty, emotional, and utterly gripping read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Dublin Rogues #2
A decade after her husband Sean's murder, Josie O'Connor has built his empire into something feared across London's underworld. But respect is still in short supply. To the men circling her, she's a widow keeping the throne warm - and they're impatient to take what Sean left behind. Josie hasn't forgotten the night Sean died - or the man responsible. And she's finally ready to settle the score, no matter how bloody the path becomes. But danger isn't only lurking on the streets. At home, her teenage daughter Orla is slipping out of Josie's grip, testing boundaries and attracting the wrong kind of attention. As Orla rebels, Josie's enemies see their chance to strike where she's most vulnerable.
This is an action-packed and well-written gangland crime book. Men are after Josie O'Connor's territory, but she won't give it up without a fight. Her fifteen-year-old daughter Orla is testing the boundaries. The suspense builds throughout. The characters are well-developed and the pace is fast. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Published 30th March 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #StephanieHarte for my ARC of #DublinWidow in exchange for an honest review.
A decade after her husband Sean's murder, Josie O'Connor has built his empire into something feared across London's underworld. But respect is still in short supply. To the men circling her, she's a widow keeping the throne warm - and they're impatient to take what Sean left behind. Josie hasn't forgotten the night Sean died - or the man responsible. And she's finally ready to settle the score, no matter how bloody the path becomes. But danger isn't only lurking on the streets. At home, her teenage daughter Orla is slipping out of Josie's grip, testing boundaries and attracting the wrong kind of attention. As Orla rebels, Josie's enemies see their chance to strike where she's most vulnerable.
This is an action-packed and well-written gangland crime book. Men are after Josie O'Connor's territory, but she won't give it up without a fight. Her fifteen-year-old daughter Orla is testing the boundaries. The suspense builds throughout. The characters are well-developed and the pace is fast. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Published 30th March 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #StephanieHarte for my ARC of #DublinWidow in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2026
This is another outstanding book by Stephanie, returning us to the world of the O'Connors. After the murder of Sean, his widow, Josie, takes over his empire. This second installment is just as gripping as the first. Josie has to work twice as hard to prove herself, while her 15-year-old daughter, Orla, resents her and constantly argues with her. Josie's primary focus is on getting the club refurbished and operational, which leaves little time for their relationship.
This book contains everything you want in a gangland thriller: emotion, danger, grit, and plenty of action, all leading to a satisfying conclusion. The characters are well-developed and relatable.
This book contains everything you want in a gangland thriller: emotion, danger, grit, and plenty of action, all leading to a satisfying conclusion. The characters are well-developed and relatable.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dublin Widow is the second book of a series and I for one think that the pages turn themselves. The writing is superbly gritty, emotional and hard. Josie O'Connor has to be hard and tough in a man's world and is trying to build a life for herself and her daughter though her daughter doesn't make it easy and fights her all the way. I was enchanted in the gangland world of wars, danger, payback and emotional attachment. The ending is exceptionally good and sets the scenes for the start of the next book which I feel excited for.
September 17, 2026
Stephanie Harte writes great, pacy gangland thrillers and this one is no exception!
Dublin Widow is the second in the O'Connors series and concentrates on the story of Josie O'Connor who is doing her best to keep her dead husband's business empire running whilst maintaining respect from her competitors whilst doing so. Josie should not be underestimated and is prepared to take a stand to show her worth.
I'm looking forward to book three!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
Dublin Widow is the second in the O'Connors series and concentrates on the story of Josie O'Connor who is doing her best to keep her dead husband's business empire running whilst maintaining respect from her competitors whilst doing so. Josie should not be underestimated and is prepared to take a stand to show her worth.
I'm looking forward to book three!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book.
May 11, 2026
The second book in the O’Connors series and 10 years have now passed since Josie O’Connor lost her husband Sean.and this edition follows the aftermath and fall out as Josie tries to prove herself in a man's world whilst balancing the needs of her wayward teenage daughter Orla.
No surprises with this one it's a gangland novel the story is fast-paced and full of drama, revenge, and betrayal.
No surprises with this one it's a gangland novel the story is fast-paced and full of drama, revenge, and betrayal.
May 28, 2026
Been a great series so far and look forward to book 3,,, full of intregue
July 27, 2026
Great book for easy reading
Great story lines and very easy to understand ,the characters were very believable .A book I would recommend to my friends and colleagues
Great story lines and very easy to understand ,the characters were very believable .A book I would recommend to my friends and colleagues
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Loving the new series.
This is the 2nd book in the O'connor series. After Shawn is murdered, Josie his wife takes over the business, rivals thinks she is a soft touch, but is she? Men do not like taking orders from women but will they? Josie and her daughter Orla are constantly at logger heads but why?
This had so many twists! What is Orla hiding? Why are people trying to stop Josie opening a new nightclub? That belonged to a current rival?......... Brilliant..... can't wait for book 3.......
This is the 2nd book in the O'connor series. After Shawn is murdered, Josie his wife takes over the business, rivals thinks she is a soft touch, but is she? Men do not like taking orders from women but will they? Josie and her daughter Orla are constantly at logger heads but why?
This had so many twists! What is Orla hiding? Why are people trying to stop Josie opening a new nightclub? That belonged to a current rival?......... Brilliant..... can't wait for book 3.......
June 11, 2026
I enjoyed the first book better. It is definitely a man's world and I feel sorry for Josie trying to keep her husband's memory alive and dealing with a stroppy teenager. It is still worth reading.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It’s been 10 long years since Josie O’Connor’s husband, Sean, was murdered, and naturally, she’s still nurturing a deep seated resentment against those responsible. However, against all the odds, Josie has built up Sean’s empire, and her name now instills fear across London’s underworld.
Sean’s murder is the one thing that has never been addressed, the men responsible for his death lived to tell the tale - but not for much longer, Josie’s adamant about that! However, she needs to watch her back, as there are rivals waiting in the shadows, intent on taking over her turf.
Unfortunately, that’s not her only problem. Josie’s 15 year old daughter, Orla, is doing what most teens do, getting angry with her mum because she feels she’s not being respected, and because she’s not allowed the space to do what she wants. Likewise, Josie gets angry because she can’t handle the fact that she’s no longer in control of her wayward daughter, and totally disagrees with Orla’s crazy decisions - and Josie has very good reason to worry about said decisions!
This is book 2 in the series, and it was great to be reacquainted with the O’Connors and their cohorts. I was duly rewarded with another gritty page turner, and it would be great to see these characters return, as I think they richly deserve another outing.
*I was invited to read Dublin Widow by the publisher, and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Sean’s murder is the one thing that has never been addressed, the men responsible for his death lived to tell the tale - but not for much longer, Josie’s adamant about that! However, she needs to watch her back, as there are rivals waiting in the shadows, intent on taking over her turf.
Unfortunately, that’s not her only problem. Josie’s 15 year old daughter, Orla, is doing what most teens do, getting angry with her mum because she feels she’s not being respected, and because she’s not allowed the space to do what she wants. Likewise, Josie gets angry because she can’t handle the fact that she’s no longer in control of her wayward daughter, and totally disagrees with Orla’s crazy decisions - and Josie has very good reason to worry about said decisions!
This is book 2 in the series, and it was great to be reacquainted with the O’Connors and their cohorts. I was duly rewarded with another gritty page turner, and it would be great to see these characters return, as I think they richly deserve another outing.
*I was invited to read Dublin Widow by the publisher, and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
April 19, 2026
Josie widow after her husband Sean is killed by reggie
Reggie on hs knees after loosing everything
A great gritty read.
Josie is trying to keep the business going after her husbands Sean’s murder , she’s commanding respect. Her daughter Orla feels abandoned and like she’s already lost one parent to this business will she loose another. So she does what teenagers do best. Rebel ! She pushes back with drink , skipping school making it difficult all the way.
Reggie’s on his knees and out for revenge. Will he get it ?
Having to keep your wits about you , run a business and have an off the rails teen. It’s all going on. It’s a great page turner. I hadn’t read the first book but that didn’t distract and this one didn’t disappoint
I had a free copy of this from net galley.
Reggie on hs knees after loosing everything
A great gritty read.
Josie is trying to keep the business going after her husbands Sean’s murder , she’s commanding respect. Her daughter Orla feels abandoned and like she’s already lost one parent to this business will she loose another. So she does what teenagers do best. Rebel ! She pushes back with drink , skipping school making it difficult all the way.
Reggie’s on his knees and out for revenge. Will he get it ?
Having to keep your wits about you , run a business and have an off the rails teen. It’s all going on. It’s a great page turner. I hadn’t read the first book but that didn’t distract and this one didn’t disappoint
I had a free copy of this from net galley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another very good read by the author in the gangland series featuring the O'Connors and jumping between Dublin and London. Josie is struggling to keep control and her teenage daughter, Orla, is out of control which is not making Josie's life any easier. There are plenty of rivals looking to oust Josie from her position and the book is fast paced, filled with tension and plenty of action. If you like gangland thrillers, this is one for you, although it is book 2 in a series. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Now she's in charge she danced with the devil once... now she's back for more.
Josie O'connor.
The London underworld
As she buried her husband Sean in frozen grounds, she becomes tougher, she is not giving up her husband's empire, having no Intentions of going back to Ireland, her fifteen years old daughter Orla has to be kept in line, all this is for her.
She is not giving up.
This is book two after Dublin Rogue and its one cracking read once again from the author, its got unforgettable chapters that you never see coming.
It will leave readers eagerly awaiting for the next instalment.
Josie O'connor.
The London underworld
As she buried her husband Sean in frozen grounds, she becomes tougher, she is not giving up her husband's empire, having no Intentions of going back to Ireland, her fifteen years old daughter Orla has to be kept in line, all this is for her.
She is not giving up.
This is book two after Dublin Rogue and its one cracking read once again from the author, its got unforgettable chapters that you never see coming.
It will leave readers eagerly awaiting for the next instalment.
March 30, 2026
This is the second book in the O’Connors series and 10 years have now passed since Josie O’Connor lost her husband Sean. It didn’t take me long to get pulled into the story and discover how life was going on for Josie. She certainly isn’t having an easy time of it with business and personal life causing her a lot of worries. This was another gripping gangland crime thriller that had me hooked from the start. I can’t wait to read the third book in the series which is coming in October .
April 4, 2026
#dublinwidow #stepahieharte #instagram #boldwoodbooks This is the 2nd book in ‘an East end crime family’ series!
Publication- 30th March 2026
With her husband Sean no longer being around …Josie now takes care of their daughter AND his family business. Some people seem to have an issue, with a woman being in charge. Josie knows how to handle people like that!
Another great read from this author.
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Publication- 30th March 2026
With her husband Sean no longer being around …Josie now takes care of their daughter AND his family business. Some people seem to have an issue, with a woman being in charge. Josie knows how to handle people like that!
Another great read from this author.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews