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Joe Hennessy Legal Thriller #2
The Southern Criminal
Justice is a deadly game…
When one of South Carolina’s most powerful lawyers is charged with the murder of his wife, criminal defense attorney Joe Hennessy agrees to be part of the defense team. As Hennessy builds a legal defense, he’s thrown into a world of danger and corruption, cruelty and violence.
Despite his full caseload, Hennessy agrees to defend a folk singer charged with drug trafficking. As he prepares for the trial, Hennessy digs into a world of lies, manipulation, and exploitation.
Fighting to find the truth in both cases, Hennessy battles against violent criminals, corrupt businessmen, and ruthless felons. He follows the evidence trail, digging deep into the criminal underworld and finds more than he bargained for.
With the clock ticking, the pressure builds from all sides of the law.
The evidence Hennessy uncovers provides the chance to expose a deadly secret. But to do that, to take that gamble, to take that chance, Joe Hennessy must risk everything he loves…
The Southern Criminal is the second book in an epic new legal thriller series!
When one of South Carolina’s most powerful lawyers is charged with the murder of his wife, criminal defense attorney Joe Hennessy agrees to be part of the defense team. As Hennessy builds a legal defense, he’s thrown into a world of danger and corruption, cruelty and violence.
Despite his full caseload, Hennessy agrees to defend a folk singer charged with drug trafficking. As he prepares for the trial, Hennessy digs into a world of lies, manipulation, and exploitation.
Fighting to find the truth in both cases, Hennessy battles against violent criminals, corrupt businessmen, and ruthless felons. He follows the evidence trail, digging deep into the criminal underworld and finds more than he bargained for.
With the clock ticking, the pressure builds from all sides of the law.
The evidence Hennessy uncovers provides the chance to expose a deadly secret. But to do that, to take that gamble, to take that chance, Joe Hennessy must risk everything he loves…
The Southern Criminal is the second book in an epic new legal thriller series!
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2022
3773 people are currently reading
899 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
August 7, 2022
There has to be another. Ready for more.
I like the style of this writer. I like way he brings you along into the courtroom. Especially like how he lays his character wide open, but not so open that you become offended. No gory details, no extra information from the bedroom. But lots of information from the courtroom. I don't normally read this style of writing. But I'm glad I did this time. And I will search for more books from this author. It was a good read, indeed.
Now I just have to find out what happened to Luca. Looking forward to the next installment in this series.
I like the style of this writer. I like way he brings you along into the courtroom. Especially like how he lays his character wide open, but not so open that you become offended. No gory details, no extra information from the bedroom. But lots of information from the courtroom. I don't normally read this style of writing. But I'm glad I did this time. And I will search for more books from this author. It was a good read, indeed.
Now I just have to find out what happened to Luca. Looking forward to the next installment in this series.
August 13, 2022
Deceptive Advertising
I'm a big fan of legal novels and I have enjoyed both of the Joe Hennessy books. But I have a big complaint about both books. The information on both inflates the number of pages. In both books each new chapter begins with a blank page with only the chapter number, yet each of those blank pages are numbered. In this latest book that means that 60 of the pages are actually blank. That's a huge rip-off.
I'm a big fan of legal novels and I have enjoyed both of the Joe Hennessy books. But I have a big complaint about both books. The information on both inflates the number of pages. In both books each new chapter begins with a blank page with only the chapter number, yet each of those blank pages are numbered. In this latest book that means that 60 of the pages are actually blank. That's a huge rip-off.
November 7, 2022
This is my second book by Peter O'Mahoney. This one did gain a little more ground as a legal thriller, but in my opinion is still not quite there. I did like how the author shows the many sides to grief in the loss of a loved one, especially a child. The author has snagged me through the many conflicts of the main character as he struggles with his loss of faith, anger, and a need for revenge. I will read the the third book.
March 14, 2023
Reading this legal thriller feels like coming home. Picturing the locations mentioned in the novel located in Charleston which are so very familiar to me, really make the story come to life. Charleston is more than a city, it’s an experience, the people, the places, the culture, are all rolled into everyone who lives in there. It seeps into your bones. Listening to all the legalities from the courtroom scenes of the laws broken or not broken has been fascinating. The blend of wonderfully constructed characters as well as the depths of the legal & criminal minds involved is seamless. Highly recommend this series if you love Southern culture, Charleston, or the law. ❤️
August 10, 2022
Loved this novel and look forward to the sequel
This novel is about Joe Hennessy, a talented southern lawyer who represents a legal force that follows an unusual path of honesty and respect. The mystery and sadness surrounding the death of his son is a big influence in his life. The desire to keep his vineyard in Greenville thriving, the vineyard named for his son, Luca, requires him to return to Charleston to practice defense law in order to raise funds to support the vineyard.
This novel is about Joe Hennessy, a talented southern lawyer who represents a legal force that follows an unusual path of honesty and respect. The mystery and sadness surrounding the death of his son is a big influence in his life. The desire to keep his vineyard in Greenville thriving, the vineyard named for his son, Luca, requires him to return to Charleston to practice defense law in order to raise funds to support the vineyard.
December 17, 2022
Could have been better
Good legal thriller but enough about the pluff mud and sights and smells of SC and he's really trying to drag out the dead son storyline. Trying to sell his next book. No thanks
Good legal thriller but enough about the pluff mud and sights and smells of SC and he's really trying to drag out the dead son storyline. Trying to sell his next book. No thanks
February 1, 2024
Another Mahoney Hit
Joe Hennessy does it again. This book has me wanting to move to Charleston . The weather, the food and the homes. Just hoping Mahoney keeps writing about the exploits of Joe Hennessy.
Joe Hennessy does it again. This book has me wanting to move to Charleston . The weather, the food and the homes. Just hoping Mahoney keeps writing about the exploits of Joe Hennessy.
January 22, 2025
Guess I’ll read the 3rd! Although a break to reread fourth wing + iron flame might make a stop in my tracks. These are fine, and we need to know about Luca (although obvs saw that coming in book 1)
February 7, 2025
I am enjoying this series so much. I love Joe Hennessy and his supporting characters. On to the next.
February 25, 2024
The evil characters in this book--a spoiled rich lawyer who murdered his wife, his beast of a father, a famous singer who is framed by a manager he fired, and the hero of the series are all shallow and over the top.
The hero, lawyer Joe Hennessy, is a knight in shining armor, is dealing with an emotional problem—the death of a son. His grief is described in terms that are repetitive, unrealistic, and boring. His grief makes the book go in circles. While people often get stuck in extended grief, writers need a realistic and healthy way to present the issue. This writer does not do that.
If you want a thriller, where the good guys--most of them--live happily ever after, and you don't want to think too deeply--this book fills the bill.
The hero, lawyer Joe Hennessy, is a knight in shining armor, is dealing with an emotional problem—the death of a son. His grief is described in terms that are repetitive, unrealistic, and boring. His grief makes the book go in circles. While people often get stuck in extended grief, writers need a realistic and healthy way to present the issue. This writer does not do that.
If you want a thriller, where the good guys--most of them--live happily ever after, and you don't want to think too deeply--this book fills the bill.
August 11, 2022
When Elliot McGovern is charged with his wife's murder, his lawyer asks Joe Hennessy to be co-counsel. McGovern is from a rich and powerful family. For generations, the rich have been able to avoid justice, but new politicians are changing that. Joe is a local lawyer. McGovern's lawyer hires him to charm the people.
Joe is also juggling a case against Zach Miller. He's facing several charges when a backpack full of drugs is found in his dressing room. Although Hennessy is able to negotiate a sweet deal with the prosecutor, Miller refuses and claims innocence.
Joe is a tireless and dedicated lawyer who works hard for his clients. Even though the deal offered to Zach Miller is incredible, Joe continues to fight when Zach refuses to take it. Joe is a fighter and continues to move forward. Although an old, unsolved case hangs over his head, he perseveres.
Even Elliot McGovern is an incredible character. His family is filthy rich, and he can have anything with the snap of his fingers. But the one thing he doesn't have is control. Elliot is a grown abused child. He's suffered under his father's abusive hand as a child; even as an adult, his father exerts control over him. Elliot enjoys his lavish lifestyle, but he knows that his father can withdraw it at any moment.
When Elliot is charged with his wife's murder, he realizes that, like it or not, he needs to use his father's pull to avoid prison. Still a spoiled child at heart, he tosses around the thought of just abandoning everything and starting over.
I really enjoyed this novel. Every legal thriller I've read involves a lawyer working on one case. In real life, that's a luxury. Joe needs to divide his time between two cases. Although one case involves murder charges, he treats both clients equally.
I really enjoyed this novel. It was hard to put down.
Joe is also juggling a case against Zach Miller. He's facing several charges when a backpack full of drugs is found in his dressing room. Although Hennessy is able to negotiate a sweet deal with the prosecutor, Miller refuses and claims innocence.
Joe is a tireless and dedicated lawyer who works hard for his clients. Even though the deal offered to Zach Miller is incredible, Joe continues to fight when Zach refuses to take it. Joe is a fighter and continues to move forward. Although an old, unsolved case hangs over his head, he perseveres.
Even Elliot McGovern is an incredible character. His family is filthy rich, and he can have anything with the snap of his fingers. But the one thing he doesn't have is control. Elliot is a grown abused child. He's suffered under his father's abusive hand as a child; even as an adult, his father exerts control over him. Elliot enjoys his lavish lifestyle, but he knows that his father can withdraw it at any moment.
When Elliot is charged with his wife's murder, he realizes that, like it or not, he needs to use his father's pull to avoid prison. Still a spoiled child at heart, he tosses around the thought of just abandoning everything and starting over.
I really enjoyed this novel. Every legal thriller I've read involves a lawyer working on one case. In real life, that's a luxury. Joe needs to divide his time between two cases. Although one case involves murder charges, he treats both clients equally.
I really enjoyed this novel. It was hard to put down.
April 12, 2024
I've read two of O'Mahoney's "legal thrillers" now and find too much bland, not enough thrill, and pages and pages of similarity among them. Read one, read 'em all. Much of the thinking, some of it catchy and worth a second thought, is repeated between and within the books. On the other hand, the descriptions are colorful and worthy.
Court procedures and explanations, formal indictments, behavior, jury instructions, and the like are all repeated verbatim case to case, book to book. On the one hand this is instructive, on the other just filler to skip over.
Joe Hennessy's son, Luca, as been murdered (some twenty years before) and we hear about it from every angle a viewer might take and how it influences Hennessy's thinking and acting. Hennessy owns a vineyard that struggles to remain solvent and it too takes up a lot of space. Neither of these - Luca or the vineyard - are at all related to the cases, which, presumably, are the staple of these books.
I giving four stars because as a standalone it fills the bill - sort of. Not as good as Turow or Grisham, but okay one book through.
Court procedures and explanations, formal indictments, behavior, jury instructions, and the like are all repeated verbatim case to case, book to book. On the one hand this is instructive, on the other just filler to skip over.
Joe Hennessy's son, Luca, as been murdered (some twenty years before) and we hear about it from every angle a viewer might take and how it influences Hennessy's thinking and acting. Hennessy owns a vineyard that struggles to remain solvent and it too takes up a lot of space. Neither of these - Luca or the vineyard - are at all related to the cases, which, presumably, are the staple of these books.
I giving four stars because as a standalone it fills the bill - sort of. Not as good as Turow or Grisham, but okay one book through.
December 15, 2024
This is the second of the Joe Hennessy series and a fascinating read. The investigation of two separate big cases is very convoluted and fascinating. Joe is working hard to help save his vineyard, which is named in memory of his deceased son. The first book was intriguing, and the trial description was fascinating. Here, he is representing a singer who is very famous and is charged with drug possession with intent to sell. The second case is a murder case with a wealthy, horrible client, and he is just the second chair and only takes the case because of the money. These cases play out in very different ways, with lots of suspense and investigation by his hired detective, leading to exciting results. It is a fast and exciting read.
June 9, 2025
this series of books is very captivating and allows you to get close to the primary character in the book Joe Hennessy. The backdrop of Southeast Carolina offers a glimpse into the southern way of life which also adds depth and color to the story. Each book is well written, however, the author sometimes uses plot twists, which are a little bit of a stretch to believe, for instance, in the southern criminal series, one of the witnesses for the prosecution throws out a laptop computer in his trash, offering insight into his communication. This seemed a bit contrived to me and a little hard to believe. However, the books are captivating and I plan on continuing the series as they give me comfort as I read them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2025
marketing for Charleston businesses?
O’Mahoney comes up with some good stories. I like bouncing back and forth between a couple cases. The writing is good and has good flow. I only have 2 issues with these books. First, in this book and the first in the series, The Southern Lawyer, the cases in both books were conveniently tied together by a common thread enabling unexpected justice all around. A little too coincidental for me that there was a common witness in both books that put a perfect little bow on the end results. Secondly, the descriptions of the Charleston businesses sound like commercial breaks in the book. Almost as if he was paid to market these businesses in the writing. All that being said, I enjoyed the first two and will continue this series.
O’Mahoney comes up with some good stories. I like bouncing back and forth between a couple cases. The writing is good and has good flow. I only have 2 issues with these books. First, in this book and the first in the series, The Southern Lawyer, the cases in both books were conveniently tied together by a common thread enabling unexpected justice all around. A little too coincidental for me that there was a common witness in both books that put a perfect little bow on the end results. Secondly, the descriptions of the Charleston businesses sound like commercial breaks in the book. Almost as if he was paid to market these businesses in the writing. All that being said, I enjoyed the first two and will continue this series.
April 3, 2024
a good series, highly recommend
Still enjoying the Joe Hennessy Series. I kinda felt a little Deja Vu from book 1. I felt like some of this book was a repeat of book 1, but only a small portion. Regardless, I was still engrossed in the story. Elliott had me fooled, I was trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. But his childhood and a father like that makes you pity him a little. His father was a heartless and foul monster, cared about nothing but himself and money, who treated his wife and son like crap. I was hooraying for Zach. I’m praying 🙏🏿 Joe and his family find solace and closure regarding Luca death. After 20 years, their grieving process is still raw.
Still enjoying the Joe Hennessy Series. I kinda felt a little Deja Vu from book 1. I felt like some of this book was a repeat of book 1, but only a small portion. Regardless, I was still engrossed in the story. Elliott had me fooled, I was trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. But his childhood and a father like that makes you pity him a little. His father was a heartless and foul monster, cared about nothing but himself and money, who treated his wife and son like crap. I was hooraying for Zach. I’m praying 🙏🏿 Joe and his family find solace and closure regarding Luca death. After 20 years, their grieving process is still raw.
August 14, 2022
I gave the first book in this series a seriuoously bad review for descending into too much rligious stuff. So it was with some trepidation that I decided togive the series a second chance.
A wise decision, because this turned out to be a pretty good courtroom drama. Well, a lawyer drama, because we're not in a courtroom that often. It's a pretty good story, well written. It's not the world's best lawyerly thriller, but it's certainly a nice way to spend a few hours reading. I will certainly read a third episode.
A wise decision, because this turned out to be a pretty good courtroom drama. Well, a lawyer drama, because we're not in a courtroom that often. It's a pretty good story, well written. It's not the world's best lawyerly thriller, but it's certainly a nice way to spend a few hours reading. I will certainly read a third episode.
August 19, 2022
Joe Hennessy is back in this second novel. He agrees to be part of the defense team of one of the most corrupt and evil lawyer. But he also agrees to defend a folk singer charged with drug trafficking.
Fighting to find the truth in both cases, Hennessy battles against violent criminals, corrupt businessmen, and ruthless felons. He follows the evidence trail, digging deep into the criminal underworld. With the clock ticking, the pressure builds from all sides of the law.
Honnestly it would be a perfect legal thriller. If it has a 100 pages more of character and back story development.
4,5*
Fighting to find the truth in both cases, Hennessy battles against violent criminals, corrupt businessmen, and ruthless felons. He follows the evidence trail, digging deep into the criminal underworld. With the clock ticking, the pressure builds from all sides of the law.
Honnestly it would be a perfect legal thriller. If it has a 100 pages more of character and back story development.
4,5*
September 14, 2022
Consuming
Thank you Mr O'Mahoney for another look into the life of a successful attorney and sharing terrific stories of believable characters. It's always intriguing that you always have more than one client in need of attorney representation in entirely different circumstances. I found this book hard to put down plus sometimes finding myself dozing off into places and in my mind, taking your story down a different path. Coming to my senses, I sometimes had to re-read part of a chapter to get back on track.
Thank you Mr O'Mahoney for another look into the life of a successful attorney and sharing terrific stories of believable characters. It's always intriguing that you always have more than one client in need of attorney representation in entirely different circumstances. I found this book hard to put down plus sometimes finding myself dozing off into places and in my mind, taking your story down a different path. Coming to my senses, I sometimes had to re-read part of a chapter to get back on track.
April 25, 2024
This was another good book in this series. Like in the first book, sometimes the legal jargon and procedures are a little boring but ultimately the courtroom/legal aspect is interesting. I do wonder if all of Joe’s cases will involve someone being framed and a wealthy but shady character Joe has to involve himself with. I was also hoping to get more information about Joe’s son’s murder but that didn’t happen until almost the end of this book. Overall, it was enjoyable and there were twists to the story I didn’t predict. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2024
Loving this Series
I'm so glad I stumbled onto this series. I don't always enjoy legal thrillers, but I do love the "Lincoln Lawyer" series and the "Joe Dillard" series that takes place in Johnson City, TN. This series has the same sort of feel to it, and I'm totally loving it. It's got the same touch of southern noir as Joe Dillard since this lawyer, Joe Hennessey, is based in SC. The locations are great, and his love of the area is wonderful. But it's the characters that make this such an enjoyable listen for me; great characters and superb story lines with just the right pacing.
I'm so glad I stumbled onto this series. I don't always enjoy legal thrillers, but I do love the "Lincoln Lawyer" series and the "Joe Dillard" series that takes place in Johnson City, TN. This series has the same sort of feel to it, and I'm totally loving it. It's got the same touch of southern noir as Joe Dillard since this lawyer, Joe Hennessey, is based in SC. The locations are great, and his love of the area is wonderful. But it's the characters that make this such an enjoyable listen for me; great characters and superb story lines with just the right pacing.
October 1, 2025
Blank Page Cheating
Kindle Unlimited must pay authors by the number of pages, because this one adds about 20% additional pages to each book. How does he do this? He keeps each "chapter" to no more than a couple of pages, then he puts Chapter # on an otherwise blank page, adding page bloat. This particular book has 317 pages but subtract the extras, there are really only 258. I find this rather annoying and disingenuous thus the single star rating. Amazon, reduce his pay - he's worth 20% less than you pay him now.
Kindle Unlimited must pay authors by the number of pages, because this one adds about 20% additional pages to each book. How does he do this? He keeps each "chapter" to no more than a couple of pages, then he puts Chapter # on an otherwise blank page, adding page bloat. This particular book has 317 pages but subtract the extras, there are really only 258. I find this rather annoying and disingenuous thus the single star rating. Amazon, reduce his pay - he's worth 20% less than you pay him now.
September 21, 2022
Hennessey Defends His Client, but is he guilty?
Joe Hennessey defends his clients, sometimes not knowing their guilt or innocence. Joe is always prepared at trial, provided he has
All of the facts. In this case Joe's client may be guilty because of a theft of money. All the way up till the end, Joe still has not found out about the money or the whereabouts of the guilty. This is great read!
Joe Hennessey defends his clients, sometimes not knowing their guilt or innocence. Joe is always prepared at trial, provided he has
All of the facts. In this case Joe's client may be guilty because of a theft of money. All the way up till the end, Joe still has not found out about the money or the whereabouts of the guilty. This is great read!
February 24, 2024
Joe Hennessy is a straight-shooting, honest lawyer. But he faces people who are other than that. This is the second book in the series, and I can't wait to start #3.
One thing that I totally appreciate about Peter Mahoney is that he writes books that are engaging, and I honestly can't figure out what is going to happen next. However, he writes these great books without using any vulgar language and explicit sex. I really appreciate this.
One thing that I totally appreciate about Peter Mahoney is that he writes books that are engaging, and I honestly can't figure out what is going to happen next. However, he writes these great books without using any vulgar language and explicit sex. I really appreciate this.
June 22, 2024
“The quickest path to happiness is to find someone to help.”
“Money is worth nothing if you have too much. It is worth everything if you don’t have enough.”
“The intensity of grief never changes…some people think so, but that’s not it. What changes is your body’s ability to accept it. Once it learns how to deal with it, it becomes easier.”
“” I know you’ve never forgiven yourself…, But it’s time. Forgiveness strips you of anger, and resentment. And it allows for growth in God. Forgiveness allows growth in life… holding onto that grief, all that pain, only suffocates you.””
“Money is worth nothing if you have too much. It is worth everything if you don’t have enough.”
“The intensity of grief never changes…some people think so, but that’s not it. What changes is your body’s ability to accept it. Once it learns how to deal with it, it becomes easier.”
“” I know you’ve never forgiven yourself…, But it’s time. Forgiveness strips you of anger, and resentment. And it allows for growth in God. Forgiveness allows growth in life… holding onto that grief, all that pain, only suffocates you.””
August 6, 2022
Even better than the first
I really hoped that Peter O'Mahoney would be able to live up to the first book in the series when he published the second one. And I wasn't disappointed. I couldn't put the book down and the only thing I'm disappointed about is that the third one isn't published yet! This series is definitely one to read for lovers of legal thrillers.
I really hoped that Peter O'Mahoney would be able to live up to the first book in the series when he published the second one. And I wasn't disappointed. I couldn't put the book down and the only thing I'm disappointed about is that the third one isn't published yet! This series is definitely one to read for lovers of legal thrillers.
November 24, 2022
Randi's Review
Enjoyed series book 2 maybe not as much as the first but kept my interest and enjoyed the legal speak - not sure we never hear anything about his daughters but only about his deceased son where it's clear Longstreet is involved- The McGovern family was a little far fetched for me but like Hennessey 's style.
Enjoyed series book 2 maybe not as much as the first but kept my interest and enjoyed the legal speak - not sure we never hear anything about his daughters but only about his deceased son where it's clear Longstreet is involved- The McGovern family was a little far fetched for me but like Hennessey 's style.
February 21, 2023
Loved the book, but do wish the story could move on from the grieving over the dead son. That part needs to be buttoned up. Also, the overly in-depth and continual descriptions of the climate and moss/strewn trees has become a bit much. The legal aspects of the trial and the story line are spot on - will definitely read the next book by this author.
March 13, 2023
The southern criminal.
Quiet gripping I truly enjoyed this book. Did not want to put it down. Exciting since I already was familiar with many of the characters. I love close families. Wendy came over as sweet and supportive wife. Hennessy a good and honest heart. He just cannot pass thru the church door. Plan to start #3 soon.
Quiet gripping I truly enjoyed this book. Did not want to put it down. Exciting since I already was familiar with many of the characters. I love close families. Wendy came over as sweet and supportive wife. Hennessy a good and honest heart. He just cannot pass thru the church door. Plan to start #3 soon.
October 19, 2023
Great read!
This is the second book in the series. Thoroughly enjoyed it. An easy rad also because chapters are short and move along well. I enjoy Peter O'Mahoney's writing style. The plot is easy to follow and interesting. I will definitely be checking bout his other books to read them.
This is the second book in the series. Thoroughly enjoyed it. An easy rad also because chapters are short and move along well. I enjoy Peter O'Mahoney's writing style. The plot is easy to follow and interesting. I will definitely be checking bout his other books to read them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews