What do you think?
Rate this book
Joe Hennessy Legal Thriller #3
The Southern Killer
When criminal defense attorney Joe Hennessy uncovers information about his son's unsolved murder, he must fight against the system to expose the truth…
In Charleston, South Carolina, eighteen-year-old Alicia Fenton is arrested for the murder of her stepfather. In exchange for information that has been buried for twenty years, attorney Joe Hennessy joins her defense team.
Desperate to know the truth about the past, Hennessy battles to prove Alicia is innocent. Fighting against corrupt cops, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and ruthless prisoners, the evidence leads Hennessy into the dangers of the criminal underworld.
Despite his full caseload, Hennessy agrees to defend a building construction manager against a charge of Grand Larceny. The further Hennessy works into the case, the more he finds that everything is connected.
As the cases progress, Hennessy uncovers a secret about his murdered son that has remained hidden for twenty years.
But to reveal the truth, to take that risk, Joe Hennessy must battle the entire system…
In Charleston, South Carolina, eighteen-year-old Alicia Fenton is arrested for the murder of her stepfather. In exchange for information that has been buried for twenty years, attorney Joe Hennessy joins her defense team.
Desperate to know the truth about the past, Hennessy battles to prove Alicia is innocent. Fighting against corrupt cops, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and ruthless prisoners, the evidence leads Hennessy into the dangers of the criminal underworld.
Despite his full caseload, Hennessy agrees to defend a building construction manager against a charge of Grand Larceny. The further Hennessy works into the case, the more he finds that everything is connected.
As the cases progress, Hennessy uncovers a secret about his murdered son that has remained hidden for twenty years.
But to reveal the truth, to take that risk, Joe Hennessy must battle the entire system…
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2022
2530 people are currently reading
699 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
January 17, 2026
I really am enjoying each book in this series. Each book Joe handle 2 big cases that may be related. I this book teenager Alicia Fenton is accused of killing her stepfather,Dennis Fenton a disgraced police officer. Joe is summoned to a prison to talk with an inmate who is suspected of killing Joe’s son. The inmate, John Cleveland, tells Joe that Alicia is his daughters d if Joe defends her and gets her acquitted he will tell Joe who was behind the death of Joe’s son. Joe accepts and find that disgraced or not,many on the police force don’t want the truth about Dennis Fenton to come out. His second case is a man is accused of robbing a liquor store n taking 4 very valuable bottles of whiskey. Good courtroom drama and I’m learn much about southern food and the SC legal system.
come out
come out
July 25, 2024
Hennessy is given the opportunity to find out what happened to his son - if he will defend the number one suspects estranged daughter on murder charges. Meanwhile he is also defending a family man accused of stealing from a liquor store.
July 31, 2023
The series keeps getting better with each book, now I need to wait for the last in the series to be released. The best summer reads I've read in a long time.
January 25, 2024
Superb
Peter Mahoney outdid himself w/ this #3
about the Southern Lawyer!.
My emotional wellbeing .. rode rollercoasters along w/ Joe Hennessy!
Peter Mahoney outdid himself w/ this #3
about the Southern Lawyer!.
My emotional wellbeing .. rode rollercoasters along w/ Joe Hennessy!
February 8, 2025
I love this series and these characters! In this third book in the series, we finally get some answers regarding Hennessy's son. Looking forward to more.
January 13, 2023
A Griping Story of Justice and Injustice
The author paints a brilliant story of a Lawyer, a good man, who loves his family, his friends and co-workers and is loved in return. He fights diligently to prove his clients innocence. Personal tragedy in his past color his life and work. He finally learns who was responsible for that tragedy but, will that knowledge help him or increase the grief he carries? This author is a great story teller!
The author paints a brilliant story of a Lawyer, a good man, who loves his family, his friends and co-workers and is loved in return. He fights diligently to prove his clients innocence. Personal tragedy in his past color his life and work. He finally learns who was responsible for that tragedy but, will that knowledge help him or increase the grief he carries? This author is a great story teller!
April 9, 2023
Well it's kind of one book in three
Mr. Mahoney knows the process of South Carolina law. It was made clear in book 1, then again in books 2 and 3. Lots of repeated descriptions of feeling jurisprudence and objective that could have been convinced into one book. The writing regarding Charleston were really good. Even the description of his truck were good, brought back memories of my own truck. However the repetition put me to sleep so many times it took me almost two weeks to read the last book. Please less .
Mr. Mahoney knows the process of South Carolina law. It was made clear in book 1, then again in books 2 and 3. Lots of repeated descriptions of feeling jurisprudence and objective that could have been convinced into one book. The writing regarding Charleston were really good. Even the description of his truck were good, brought back memories of my own truck. However the repetition put me to sleep so many times it took me almost two weeks to read the last book. Please less .
February 26, 2023
Good story for me
OK story but lacks more suspense. Maybe the politics of a sons death was finally revealed and revenge was what Joe really wanted.
OK story but lacks more suspense. Maybe the politics of a sons death was finally revealed and revenge was what Joe really wanted.
May 21, 2023
Easy read, predictable ending.
June 23, 2024
“No words, strength or drive can cure the deep agony of unresolved grief. The unanswered questions can sit, heavy, deep in a person’s soul. Weighing them down until they learn to accept its dark embrace. For some, they learn to tolerate that pain—to sit with it and then move forward—step after step, moment after moment, task after task. They progress to new experiences, holding onto the memories that are a part of them. For others the burning questions are unshakeable so they run.”
“The beauty of Charleston ran deeper than the picture-perfect streets and well-maintained history. The real beauty of the southern city lay in the small cafes and bars—in the hidden restaurants. It was off the beaten track, down the alleyways-behind the facade the buildings untouched by time-standing strong…it was in the genuine hospitality that made a person feel like family-instantly. It was in the outdoor lifestyle where people of all social classes spent their days on the water-boating, swimming or fishing. It was the beat of the year-round summer lifestyle that made the place special.”
“Where the law ends tyranny begins.”
“The beauty of Charleston ran deeper than the picture-perfect streets and well-maintained history. The real beauty of the southern city lay in the small cafes and bars—in the hidden restaurants. It was off the beaten track, down the alleyways-behind the facade the buildings untouched by time-standing strong…it was in the genuine hospitality that made a person feel like family-instantly. It was in the outdoor lifestyle where people of all social classes spent their days on the water-boating, swimming or fishing. It was the beat of the year-round summer lifestyle that made the place special.”
“Where the law ends tyranny begins.”
May 16, 2024
OMG ish, what a beautiful ending, I too want Lighthouse behind bars.
I love how this book is more realistic than most fictional/drama books, I have ever read. I had a strong feeling though how the author kept hinting to the riots that there was going to be a death of one of his witnesses to find closure to his sons' death. And sure enough I was right. I would dedicate this book, RIP, to my beloved mother and to all people who have lost a loved one and how the justice system failed us. At the end of the story, I also loved how the author brought on the lovingkindess of GOD's ability to see to it that Lucas Vineyard gets its natural resources. Keep Psalms 46:1 in mind, "God is our refuge and strength, A help that is readily found in times of distress". So we don't have answers to what happened to our love ones but rest assure that GOD saw and GOD knows.
I love how this book is more realistic than most fictional/drama books, I have ever read. I had a strong feeling though how the author kept hinting to the riots that there was going to be a death of one of his witnesses to find closure to his sons' death. And sure enough I was right. I would dedicate this book, RIP, to my beloved mother and to all people who have lost a loved one and how the justice system failed us. At the end of the story, I also loved how the author brought on the lovingkindess of GOD's ability to see to it that Lucas Vineyard gets its natural resources. Keep Psalms 46:1 in mind, "God is our refuge and strength, A help that is readily found in times of distress". So we don't have answers to what happened to our love ones but rest assure that GOD saw and GOD knows.
August 5, 2023
If it were just the writing of a great story that kept me interested and turning pages, this would have been a 5 rating. However, the plot just seemed to contrived to me. As a criminal defense attorney for over 50 years, I've never encountered a court case that went this way, or had relationships with convicted (and non-convicted) felons of the nature depicted here. I don't think that a judge would have allowed a trial to drag on with so much repetitive evidence. On the other hand, I like Joe Hennessy. I like his investigator. I liked the prosecutor. I enjoyed the bad guys who were really well drawn, and truly bad. I've got two more books to read in this series, and I'll see if I have five star rating in one or both of them. Four stars is not a bad rating. Check it out.
February 25, 2024
Joe Hennessy, defense lawyer extraordinaire, comes to the aid of Alicia Fenton, an 18 year old black woman accused of killing her stepfather. Ordinarily, this would have been an open and shut case of self-defense: the stepfather had raped her before and was in the middle of attempting to do it again. But the stepfather was also a corrupt police officer, an addict, a former prisoner, and associated with a criminal motorcycle gang.
Hennessy has to use his legal skills, his fists, and his gun to see if he can get her off from a life sentence.
It is an outrageous, unrealistic story. The characters are rigidly stereotyped as good or evil. But since I don’t drink to escape my day, I enjoyed this—for the most part.
Hennessy has to use his legal skills, his fists, and his gun to see if he can get her off from a life sentence.
It is an outrageous, unrealistic story. The characters are rigidly stereotyped as good or evil. But since I don’t drink to escape my day, I enjoyed this—for the most part.
April 4, 2024
another great book, highly recommend
I’m so glad Joe and Wendy finally found closure about Luca. I know it was hard for Joe to accept the truth but now he can be at peace. This felt so real, that I felt Joe grieving and pain. It was so intense. I’m thankful for your books and your remarkable penmanship. Your storyline makes me feel like I’m sitting in a real court and trial, so realistic. And I’m learning some court jargon too. I love how Joe represents his clients in court and out of court. He develops bonds with his clients and he’s loyal to them. He fights to the end. He’s smart and knowledgeable in his laws.
I’m so glad Joe and Wendy finally found closure about Luca. I know it was hard for Joe to accept the truth but now he can be at peace. This felt so real, that I felt Joe grieving and pain. It was so intense. I’m thankful for your books and your remarkable penmanship. Your storyline makes me feel like I’m sitting in a real court and trial, so realistic. And I’m learning some court jargon too. I love how Joe represents his clients in court and out of court. He develops bonds with his clients and he’s loyal to them. He fights to the end. He’s smart and knowledgeable in his laws.
January 31, 2023
Can’t wait for the next book.
I love Peter O’Mahoney’s books. I’m am going move on to the Tex Ritter series. I am hoping they are as good as the Joe Hennessy series. The story lines are very life like and he really draws you in. I like how he goes over the past in small details to help you remember without it seeming repetitive I’m glad Peter gave Joe “some” closure, but left it open for him to be able to write another book. I don’t want to give too much information but I really recommend this series and I’m so looking forward to the next book in July.
I love Peter O’Mahoney’s books. I’m am going move on to the Tex Ritter series. I am hoping they are as good as the Joe Hennessy series. The story lines are very life like and he really draws you in. I like how he goes over the past in small details to help you remember without it seeming repetitive I’m glad Peter gave Joe “some” closure, but left it open for him to be able to write another book. I don’t want to give too much information but I really recommend this series and I’m so looking forward to the next book in July.
February 8, 2023
Teenage Alicia Fenton is arrested for the murder of her stepfather. In exchange for information that has been buried for twenty years, attorney Joe Hennessy agree to take her case pro bono. As the cases progress, Hennessy uncovers a secret about his murdered son that has remained hidden for twenty years. But to reveal the truth, to take that risk, Joe Hennessy must go to his limits.
This is the third installment of the Hennessy serie and honnestly one of the best legal thriller I’ve read. I can’t wait next July for the next and maybe final installment of this serie!
This is the third installment of the Hennessy serie and honnestly one of the best legal thriller I’ve read. I can’t wait next July for the next and maybe final installment of this serie!
August 28, 2024
Joe finds the truth
In the next volume in his series about Joe Hennessey, author, Peter O'Mahoney, pens a real emotional page turner.
Joe fulfills his role as a brilliant Defense Attorney in two entertwined cases that ultimately leads to the answer Joe and his wife Wendy have searched for twenty years to discover, the answer to their son, Luca's death with a perfect setup for the next volume.
The reader will not want to put it down and is left with bated anticipation for the next book, Southern Trial.
In the next volume in his series about Joe Hennessey, author, Peter O'Mahoney, pens a real emotional page turner.
Joe fulfills his role as a brilliant Defense Attorney in two entertwined cases that ultimately leads to the answer Joe and his wife Wendy have searched for twenty years to discover, the answer to their son, Luca's death with a perfect setup for the next volume.
The reader will not want to put it down and is left with bated anticipation for the next book, Southern Trial.
January 14, 2023
As with the previous two books in the series there is repeated descriptions of the city of Charleston (chapter fillers?)
By the time the final piece of information was noted I had figured a huge part of it and wondered what took them so long.
I’m assuming there is a fourth book in the series to be published, and I will read it and go through Charleston’s sites and history again to get to the meat of the story.
By the time the final piece of information was noted I had figured a huge part of it and wondered what took them so long.
I’m assuming there is a fourth book in the series to be published, and I will read it and go through Charleston’s sites and history again to get to the meat of the story.
December 16, 2023
I started with the first, The Southern Lawyer, and thought that it was a little better than ok. Needed something to read so I downloaded The Southern Criminal and enjoyed it a lot more.
So I downloaded The Southern Killer and like it even more. The characters and settings are really growing on me and I will continue the series. Do I think that they are “Epic Legal Thrillers”? Wouldn’t go that far but I am in for the series.
So I downloaded The Southern Killer and like it even more. The characters and settings are really growing on me and I will continue the series. Do I think that they are “Epic Legal Thrillers”? Wouldn’t go that far but I am in for the series.
January 15, 2024
O’Mahoney’s vivacious writing is sure to keep you reading!!
Peter O’Mahoney has a marvelous way of arranging words to ensure his readers feel they are a part of the plot! His vivid descriptions and attention to detail kept me reading into the wee hours of the night!
The story line kept my attention & kept me on my toes with so many twists and turns! His storyline easily read, his narrative professionally written & his chapters flowed smoothly!!
Peter O’Mahoney has a marvelous way of arranging words to ensure his readers feel they are a part of the plot! His vivid descriptions and attention to detail kept me reading into the wee hours of the night!
The story line kept my attention & kept me on my toes with so many twists and turns! His storyline easily read, his narrative professionally written & his chapters flowed smoothly!!
January 30, 2024
This is the best of the first three books with this lawyer character. I could hardly put the book down. The ending was upsetting though. And I don’t like it when authors drag on parts of a story through multiple books, unless they advertise in advance (like a trilogy, for example). It seems like they think they have to compel you to read the next book. That is completely unnecessary, if they are a good writer.
June 24, 2024
Oooh this one really had me going! Seeing the hoops this guy has to jump through just for a smidgen of info on his boy’s killer is admirable. The people he has to deal with and the way his mind works figuring out these scenarios is impressive. I am loving Barry as well. The ending makes me really look forward to the next in the series. I listened to this on audio. Bradford Hastings is wonderful as all these characters. He definitely levels this book up!
June 15, 2025
Luca’s killer is revealed!
Hennessy represents a young black woman accused of murdering her stepfather. She is the daughter of a man who has been in prison for murder for decades. Her stepfather is an ex cop disgraced, but the blue brotherhood still stands behind him. The girl’s biological father makes a deal with Hennessy that if he gets his daughter off, he will tell him what happened to his son.
Great tension and suspense. Must read!
Hennessy represents a young black woman accused of murdering her stepfather. She is the daughter of a man who has been in prison for murder for decades. Her stepfather is an ex cop disgraced, but the blue brotherhood still stands behind him. The girl’s biological father makes a deal with Hennessy that if he gets his daughter off, he will tell him what happened to his son.
Great tension and suspense. Must read!
January 29, 2023
Kept me reading and caring.
When I found this I didn't intend to read for hours, but I did. Could barely put it down and was impatient at interruptions.
The characters were real, their situations mattered, and the suspense pulled me along until I had the whole of their stories.
More, please.
When I found this I didn't intend to read for hours, but I did. Could barely put it down and was impatient at interruptions.
The characters were real, their situations mattered, and the suspense pulled me along until I had the whole of their stories.
More, please.
June 24, 2023
The Southern killer
His son's killer was someone Mr Hennessey knew all along. Mr Hennessey was a good lawyer and worked hard to defend a girl , unintentionally killed her stepfather, who abused her. He was able to get her released from prison and her father, who was in prison, told Mr Hennessey, who killed his son. A good thriller!
His son's killer was someone Mr Hennessey knew all along. Mr Hennessey was a good lawyer and worked hard to defend a girl , unintentionally killed her stepfather, who abused her. He was able to get her released from prison and her father, who was in prison, told Mr Hennessey, who killed his son. A good thriller!
September 21, 2023
Great story with constant twisting plots
Since I live in Hilton Head, SC, I really appreciate his great reviews of Charleston. The story fits perfectly in this gorgeous city. The story is riveting and sad at times. But, it's really realistic and makes you want to keep reading the great writing.
Since I live in Hilton Head, SC, I really appreciate his great reviews of Charleston. The story fits perfectly in this gorgeous city. The story is riveting and sad at times. But, it's really realistic and makes you want to keep reading the great writing.
November 12, 2023
Another good entry to this series
The Joe Hennessey legal series holds the readers interest. The courtroom scenes are well done… Genuinely interesting without being tedious.
The only thing that gets just a bit tiresome is the constant refocus on the lead character’s motivation for working as a lawyer (the 20 year ago murder of his son), but that is a minor irritant.
The Joe Hennessey legal series holds the readers interest. The courtroom scenes are well done… Genuinely interesting without being tedious.
The only thing that gets just a bit tiresome is the constant refocus on the lead character’s motivation for working as a lawyer (the 20 year ago murder of his son), but that is a minor irritant.
December 4, 2023
Better and Better!!
We are getting closer and closer to nailing the guy that killed Joe's son, but in the meantime, these clients are keeping things right on the edge of our seats!! I love it. I highly recommend this series!! Not detailed gore and sex but good suspense with a little humor thrown in here and there. Great books!
We are getting closer and closer to nailing the guy that killed Joe's son, but in the meantime, these clients are keeping things right on the edge of our seats!! I love it. I highly recommend this series!! Not detailed gore and sex but good suspense with a little humor thrown in here and there. Great books!
June 23, 2024
A real page turner just like the other books in this series. Keeps you guessing right up to the very end. Lots of fast moving action and courtroom drama. The characters are very well developed and interesting. Mr. O’Mahoney knows how to write an action packed mystery but he keeps it clean and easy to read. I love his style!! I’m moving directly into the fourth and final book of this series.
December 29, 2024
Go Joe. You are getting closer to the evil "real" killer of Luca. I don't want you to lose your mind in the process but I do have concerns. I am glad you saved the girl and guy by using GPS....who would have figured that out.
I guess now I have to hide this review because of spoilers and in the mean time I am off to the next adventure with The Southern Trial...number 4.
I guess now I have to hide this review because of spoilers and in the mean time I am off to the next adventure with The Southern Trial...number 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews