O'Brien's Law: A Romantic Thriller

by John McNellis

Brand-new lawyer Michael O'Brien has no clue the case his law firm handed him is a total loser. That's because he would rather chase women, play basketball, or do almost anything other than practice law. O'Brien is struggling with the drudgery first-year associates face, especially since it's the swinging '70s in San Francisco. He's just too good-looking, easily bored, and cocky to care. But when Malcolm Knox, one of the city's wealthiest men, drops dead, the young man from Boston is suddenly charged with finding $50 million in bearer bonds missing from the estate. Given his myriad distractions-he's wooing a former fashion model who owns a small bakery chain-O'Brien seems destined to fail. As missteps accumulate, and practicing law becomes dangerous O'Brien risks losing his job, his girlfriend, and even his life.

314 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2022

Reviews

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an author I haven’t read before with a story about a young attorney trying a case the managing partners have dumped on him. The setting in seventies San Francisco was well incorporated and lent a historical element.
Michael O’Brien is extremely inexperienced and focused on drinks with his buddies and chasing skirts. He hasn’t developed a work ethic and is quickly way over his head. His firm’s original attorney presumably lost or stole a fifty million dollar estate. The executor, Malcolm Knox, is a bully, a liar and probably a criminal. He’s the client any law firm should avoid at all costs.
O’Brien falls for a former model, coffee shop/bakery entrepreneur. Marybeth is smart, beautiful and already engaged to someone else. The romantic component was well intertwined with the overall plot. The case takes many dark turns, complications with Knox depositions and hearings, then his love life fizzles. O’Brien is in over his head and now lives are at stake. Will he recover and win the case or run home to Boston?
I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this story, the character development is good, wonderful setting and uniquely framed plot. I will certainly recommend and would read this author again.
Thanks extended to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “O’Brien’s Law” by John McNellis published by Hubbard House. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

[Juli · Rating 5 out of 5]

F. Michael O'Brien is a new lawyer. Mr. McNellis has set this delightful story in the San Francisco of the 1970s. Michael has just been dumped by his girlfriend when he is assigned to work with John Buckley on a case.

This is a quick read. It has a great leading man, plot twists, bad guys, and a cute romance with a baker. I want to see more of Michael O'Brien!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC. The review is my own.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that was very enjoyable to read. A protagonist that everyone likes is a lawyer who is great at everything except practicing law finds himself given a case he’s expected to lose. Mixing in romance, office politics, and a scummy client gets you a recipe for an excellent story.

[Jackie Cyr · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was unsure if I was going to enjoy this type of book. It seemed more of a "mans book" but after reading it I found to be a a quick read and enjoyable read. The characters and plot make it a must read.

[GEORGE H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book. Great story of San Francisco and Marin in the 1970s. Filled with eccentric, murderous, and loveable characters.