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Jack Valentine Thrillers #1
Gates of Power
Justice is a dangerous game...
When Chicago’s most revered newsreader, Brian Gates, is found murdered in his dressing room, all the evidence points to one man—professional computer gamer Alfie Rose.
Desperate to prove his innocence, Rose defies the advice of his legal team, hiring private investigator Jack Valentine to dig into the case.
Still reeling from a personal tragedy, the relentless Valentine embarks on the most dangerous case of his career—battling against the far-right, the complex world of lawyers, and media corporations that will do anything to deliver the news first.
With a community on edge, Valentine turns leads into danger and friends into suspects, but what he uncovers will change him forever…
This private investigator thriller will take you for a ride through the streets, twisting and turning until it reaches an ending you won’t see coming.
When Chicago’s most revered newsreader, Brian Gates, is found murdered in his dressing room, all the evidence points to one man—professional computer gamer Alfie Rose.
Desperate to prove his innocence, Rose defies the advice of his legal team, hiring private investigator Jack Valentine to dig into the case.
Still reeling from a personal tragedy, the relentless Valentine embarks on the most dangerous case of his career—battling against the far-right, the complex world of lawyers, and media corporations that will do anything to deliver the news first.
With a community on edge, Valentine turns leads into danger and friends into suspects, but what he uncovers will change him forever…
This private investigator thriller will take you for a ride through the streets, twisting and turning until it reaches an ending you won’t see coming.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2019
2330 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 2, 2022
This was a little cliched for my taste - hardworking, dogged PI working out of a dingy office, soldiering on after suffering a tragic loss, etc - but the story was solid. As usual the subtitles screaming out "gripping crime thriller" are lying. Most of the book is Jack following clues, interviewing people and piecing together evidence to reveal the killer. Necessary work yes, but not thrilling. I predicted who the killer was early on so there wasn't much suspense involved. Author needs an editor badly, the mistakes really take away from the story
Not a really memorable novel, but certainly better then a lot of these $1.99 books I've bought lately. I hear his other series is better, so I'll try that
Not a really memorable novel, but certainly better then a lot of these $1.99 books I've bought lately. I hear his other series is better, so I'll try that
July 13, 2023
DNF at about the 60% mark (my latent masochism).
August 23, 2019
I loved this book. It was fast paced and gripping with believable characters and a great twist at the end. It is the first Peter O’Mahoney book I’ve read, but it certainly wont be the last.
November 10, 2023
Gates of Power is book one in the Jack Valentine Thrillers series by Peter O'Mahoney. When newsreader Brian Gates is found dead in his dressing room, law enforcement's prime suspect was professional computer gamer Alfie Rose. After a personal tragedy, private investigator Jack Valentine accepts Alfie Rose as his new client, who, against his lawyer's advice, asks Jack Valentine to investigate the murder of Brian Gates to prove him innocent of his murder. However, for Jack Valentine, this case would change him forever, and would he prove Alfie Rose's innocence? The readers of Gaters Of Power will continue following Jack Valentine's investigation to discover what happens.
Gates Of Power is the first book I have read by Peter O'Mahoney, and I did enjoy reading this book. At first, I was not sure I would enjoy reading this book. However, I was wrong; I did engage with the story and the characters of Gates of Power. I love Peter O'Mahoney's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. Gates Of Power is well-written and researched by Peter O'Mahoney. I like Peter O'Mahoney's description of the settings of Gates of Power, which complements the book's plot.
The readers of Gates of Power will understand the danger of selling guns to people who do not know what damage they can do to others. Also, readers of Gates Of Power will learn about being a private investigator and their role in the community.
I recommend this book.
Gates Of Power is the first book I have read by Peter O'Mahoney, and I did enjoy reading this book. At first, I was not sure I would enjoy reading this book. However, I was wrong; I did engage with the story and the characters of Gates of Power. I love Peter O'Mahoney's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. Gates Of Power is well-written and researched by Peter O'Mahoney. I like Peter O'Mahoney's description of the settings of Gates of Power, which complements the book's plot.
The readers of Gates of Power will understand the danger of selling guns to people who do not know what damage they can do to others. Also, readers of Gates Of Power will learn about being a private investigator and their role in the community.
I recommend this book.
June 1, 2024
it’s ok, I would still recommend
This was a hard book to read for me. Maybe I got to get used to the author penmanship, his style of writing. The book started slowly and confusing. I been trying to read this book for 3 days since I started. Every time I start, I couldn’t get but 2or 3 pages in, then I put it down. It just wouldn’t ignite for me, but I’m also the reader who believes in reading a book to the end once I started. I don’t like to begin a book and not finish. So, I finished and I’m kinda of conflicted. The storyline was iffy. To me, it wasn’t that much of a page turner. I’m glad for Alfie and I’m so happy the school shooting was solved. Now, Valentine can be at peace. For some reason I figured the culprit at the beginning. I’m going to take a chance on book 2.
This was a hard book to read for me. Maybe I got to get used to the author penmanship, his style of writing. The book started slowly and confusing. I been trying to read this book for 3 days since I started. Every time I start, I couldn’t get but 2or 3 pages in, then I put it down. It just wouldn’t ignite for me, but I’m also the reader who believes in reading a book to the end once I started. I don’t like to begin a book and not finish. So, I finished and I’m kinda of conflicted. The storyline was iffy. To me, it wasn’t that much of a page turner. I’m glad for Alfie and I’m so happy the school shooting was solved. Now, Valentine can be at peace. For some reason I figured the culprit at the beginning. I’m going to take a chance on book 2.
June 29, 2022
Tries hard but doesn't succeed
From the beginning I didn't care for the writing style but thought I would keep reading. Not sure I'm glad I did. There were several issues for me. I don't care for books that immediately focus on a suspect with little or no evidence. That tells you right away they didn't do it, it is just a lame attempt to fool the reader. The other issue was that Alfie, the wrongly accused, was beaten almost to death but was in court a week later with barely a mention of any injuries. Out main character seemed able to assault people and vandalize property with no criminal charges. So unfortunately I won't be reading other books by this author.
From the beginning I didn't care for the writing style but thought I would keep reading. Not sure I'm glad I did. There were several issues for me. I don't care for books that immediately focus on a suspect with little or no evidence. That tells you right away they didn't do it, it is just a lame attempt to fool the reader. The other issue was that Alfie, the wrongly accused, was beaten almost to death but was in court a week later with barely a mention of any injuries. Out main character seemed able to assault people and vandalize property with no criminal charges. So unfortunately I won't be reading other books by this author.
March 23, 2023
ok so this book involves a PI and his pursuit of justice.
So Jack Valentine is a very well respected PI who hunts for justice on behalf of his clients to all avail
He is very successful strong minded individual always looking for justice.
In this case it was to find the real killer of Brian Gates as Alfie is by all accounts the guilty killer. Having to protect his client from many death threats and striving to keep Alfie safe Jack. Must keep him safe and find the real killer before Alfie is convicted of the murder and by all accounts be sending him to jail and his death.
Keep reading like me you WILL SURPRISED 😲 OF THE ENDING
So Jack Valentine is a very well respected PI who hunts for justice on behalf of his clients to all avail
He is very successful strong minded individual always looking for justice.
In this case it was to find the real killer of Brian Gates as Alfie is by all accounts the guilty killer. Having to protect his client from many death threats and striving to keep Alfie safe Jack. Must keep him safe and find the real killer before Alfie is convicted of the murder and by all accounts be sending him to jail and his death.
Keep reading like me you WILL SURPRISED 😲 OF THE ENDING
September 20, 2021
Once again we have a writer who cant keep there political views in tact. This POS even goes as far as degrading his mother in law for flying Old Glory in her suburbia home. A real class act. I would give it 0 stars if I could. Please dont waste your time or money on anything Omahoney
Dont waste your time on this anti American authors books. VERY LIBERAL. Complained of his mother in law flying Old Glory at her suburbia home even. Better off repainting your fence than giving this author one second of your time..If you lean left you wil enjoy.
Dont waste your time on this anti American authors books. VERY LIBERAL. Complained of his mother in law flying Old Glory at her suburbia home even. Better off repainting your fence than giving this author one second of your time..If you lean left you wil enjoy.
November 15, 2021
Extra star for a few tears
Found this book in books for borrowing as an Amazon Prime member with a catchy description. I love mysteries and police procedures with the climax of court room drama.
Jack Valentine, PI, fighter for justice, a nagging mother-in-law, and husband still in hopeless love with his deceased wife. He manages to solve a mystery or two that give way to a few tears.
Nicely done, Mr. O’Mahoney
Found this book in books for borrowing as an Amazon Prime member with a catchy description. I love mysteries and police procedures with the climax of court room drama.
Jack Valentine, PI, fighter for justice, a nagging mother-in-law, and husband still in hopeless love with his deceased wife. He manages to solve a mystery or two that give way to a few tears.
Nicely done, Mr. O’Mahoney
January 14, 2023
So realistic.
It’s the scourge of this age. Media manipulation; fake news; sensationalism; information overload; unthinking masses easily swayed - idle minds that become the devil’s worshop.
No morality; sex as it’s own end; too much greed.
Jack Valentine solved two crimes at the sane timw. Deus ex machina. But okay. I accept it.
But reading through this story is not good for the soul.
It’s the scourge of this age. Media manipulation; fake news; sensationalism; information overload; unthinking masses easily swayed - idle minds that become the devil’s worshop.
No morality; sex as it’s own end; too much greed.
Jack Valentine solved two crimes at the sane timw. Deus ex machina. But okay. I accept it.
But reading through this story is not good for the soul.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2024
Another Peter O’Mahoney Hit
Peter O’Mahoney always grabs the reader and locks the reader in. I, the reader, got locked in on this Jack Valentine mystery. I did not want to ever stop reading. His jokes are funny but he makes your heart melt with his character.
Jack Valentine is a private detective who pushes for justice, not only for his client but for his murdered wife.
The only fault of O’Mahoney’s books, is that you can’t put them down!
Peter O’Mahoney always grabs the reader and locks the reader in. I, the reader, got locked in on this Jack Valentine mystery. I did not want to ever stop reading. His jokes are funny but he makes your heart melt with his character.
Jack Valentine is a private detective who pushes for justice, not only for his client but for his murdered wife.
The only fault of O’Mahoney’s books, is that you can’t put them down!
May 5, 2025
Different than Peter O’Mahoney’s other books
Jack Valentine, a private investigator, not a lawyer. There were times during this read that I expected him to be going to court to defend the character that he was working for, but no he is the investigator and working for the accused not the lawyers, so he also doesn’t work with them, they actually don’t even appreciate him and what he is doing to find the killer. Enjoyed the book and moving on to book 2.
Jack Valentine, a private investigator, not a lawyer. There were times during this read that I expected him to be going to court to defend the character that he was working for, but no he is the investigator and working for the accused not the lawyers, so he also doesn’t work with them, they actually don’t even appreciate him and what he is doing to find the killer. Enjoyed the book and moving on to book 2.
October 26, 2025
DNF I read the Kindle edition, which was riddled with typos and contorted syntax. The plot was OK, being and, but the way of solving it was quite infantile — having Valentine, the private detective, confront suspects and trap (?) them into a confession. I skipped through so many pages of drivel looking for an intelligent plot twist, but in vain. I am having trouble identifying this author with the same one who wrote the Dean Lincoln, Southern Lawyer books. DNF
July 22, 2020
Justice is sweet
While reading a great novel I rarely review them and never give spoilers. Peter O'Mahoney is quite talented at telling multiple stories at once and leaving the reader to untangle plot clues all the way to the murderers downfall. This book is definitely worth reading.
While reading a great novel I rarely review them and never give spoilers. Peter O'Mahoney is quite talented at telling multiple stories at once and leaving the reader to untangle plot clues all the way to the murderers downfall. This book is definitely worth reading.
August 2, 2020
A new author to me. Pleasantly surprised!
The characters were well developed, the dialog was smooth and believable, and the storyline plausible. There were a couple of sub stories, which kept it interesting. Great twist at the very end. Will read this author again.
The characters were well developed, the dialog was smooth and believable, and the storyline plausible. There were a couple of sub stories, which kept it interesting. Great twist at the very end. Will read this author again.
September 2, 2020
Powerful Main Character
Easy and fast paced storyline, but knew obvious suspect was not the culprit because of clues too pat. Felt great empathy for characters as the writer engulfed me in their lives.
Easy and fast paced storyline, but knew obvious suspect was not the culprit because of clues too pat. Felt great empathy for characters as the writer engulfed me in their lives.
November 22, 2021
Book was OK, I probably will not order the others in this series. Reading the dialogue, I felt like I was in the middle of a Humphry Bogart movie, which is not a bad thing, but it gets old. Story was a good read, but his other books were much better.
July 2, 2022
Intriguing!!
A very good read! And very well written. I love it that this author did not feel the need to use profanity and take the Lord’s name in vain, but was still able to write a very good book!! Please keep the ones without profanity coming-there aren’t enough of them!!
A very good read! And very well written. I love it that this author did not feel the need to use profanity and take the Lord’s name in vain, but was still able to write a very good book!! Please keep the ones without profanity coming-there aren’t enough of them!!
August 4, 2022
The truth comes out
This story was very exciting and spellbound always changing. The plot was never clear trying to find out who was guilty. Jack was relentless on trying to find the truth. He won in the end.
This story was very exciting and spellbound always changing. The plot was never clear trying to find out who was guilty. Jack was relentless on trying to find the truth. He won in the end.
November 3, 2023
Gates of Power
The struggle that Jack walked through was an honest experience in his own life. Jack's view of the Legal World grew out of the death of his wife.
He was able to get beyond his sorrow as he reached out to the sorrows of those in need.
The struggle that Jack walked through was an honest experience in his own life. Jack's view of the Legal World grew out of the death of his wife.
He was able to get beyond his sorrow as he reached out to the sorrows of those in need.
January 21, 2024
Gates of Power by Peter O’Mahoney
Excellent crime story with some courtroom theatrics added in. I liked the sincerity of purpose and perseverance that Jack Valentine shows in pursuing justice.
Excellent crime story with some courtroom theatrics added in. I liked the sincerity of purpose and perseverance that Jack Valentine shows in pursuing justice.
May 21, 2020
Absolutely brilliant enjoyed every page. Will definitely add Peter O’Mahoney to one of my favourite authors. I am now reading the second Jack Valentine book.
September 17, 2020
Great Story
I enjoyed the characters & look forward to reading the next. Keep writing more. So enjoy your writing. Want more.
I enjoyed the characters & look forward to reading the next. Keep writing more. So enjoy your writing. Want more.
Read
September 23, 2020I enjoyed this book and would definitely put it in the "Can't put down" category!
May 27, 2021
Counsel, not Council
It is a good read! Small matter-the author uses the term "council" when he means to use the term "counsel".
It is a good read! Small matter-the author uses the term "council" when he means to use the term "counsel".
September 11, 2021
Excellent
I really enjoyed this book!! Jack Valentine is a great character. There’s a lot of action and suspense. Great read.
I really enjoyed this book!! Jack Valentine is a great character. There’s a lot of action and suspense. Great read.
January 3, 2022
Fast paced with twist and turns
The book was full of action making one think and wonder the next step. Good suspense and drama by settings and twist not viloncel
The book was full of action making one think and wonder the next step. Good suspense and drama by settings and twist not viloncel
January 23, 2022
Emotionally charged
The start was confusing but all came together. I preferred the courtroom drama of the Text Hunter series. The end was so emotional and fitting.
The start was confusing but all came together. I preferred the courtroom drama of the Text Hunter series. The end was so emotional and fitting.
February 2, 2022
A great story.
What a great story a real page turner. The characters are very real. Enjoy. I did not see the ending coming.
What a great story a real page turner. The characters are very real. Enjoy. I did not see the ending coming.
April 6, 2022
Bekka
It was down to earth but kept me guessing through the whole book. I would recommend this book and this author to everyone.
It was down to earth but kept me guessing through the whole book. I would recommend this book and this author to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews