Reckoning Hour debuts a new series and new character from author Peter Mahoney. Dean Lincoln, a well-known Chicago criminal defense lawyer, has reluctantly agreed to return to his South Carolina hometown with his wife Emma. Her mother requires chemotherapy and they are going to help there. While there, he has arranged to work with Bruce, an older local lawyer who is Dean's former mentor and friend. At this point, Dean's experience in an urban area gave him more opportunities to handle complex and high profile cases, so his help is much needed on Bruce's first murder defense case. A young man is accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend. He's not been in trouble before but the circumstantial evidence against him is strong and the sheriff is not looking for any other suspects. Dean is to second chair this case and first chair a pro bono arson case for another young man who is accused of burning down a barn and a field with crops worth quite a bit of money. If he did it, it would be totally out of character.

Dean is reluctant to go home to Beumont, because of a tragedy that struck his family just a few years ago. Talking about this more than this would be a spoiler, but it sets the stage for how wealthy/privileged people in town have tremendous power over local government and can make very unfair things happen. The novel then takes us through Dean's investigation of the cases, his run ins with a wealthy/privileged person that hurt plea deals his mentor is trying to get for both cases. Dean has tried a lot of cases and tries to convince Bruce that some cases should be tried. Bruce prefers not to take chances and to plead everyone out. In the town of Beaumont, no lawyers work big city lawyer hours and, actually much like most places, criminal cases get resolved without trials.

Mahoney's characters and the plot of the novel were very enjoyable. His writing is good, but less my taste The style is largely people talking with only necessary information to connect the dots among scenes. I enjoy more literary fiction writers. However, this is a 4.5 stars rounded to 4 on NetGalley but kept at 4.5 for StoryGraph. That reflects my personal preference more than the objective quality of the book, which I recommend. The narrator, Troy Duran was good.

Peter O’Mahoney’s Reckoning Hour delivers a taut legal thriller infused with suspense, moral ambiguity, and a protagonist grappling with justice on multiple fronts. The narrator Troy Duran gave the character’s depth and brought them to life. If you’re into shows like The Lincoln Lawyer or books by John Grisham, this one’s worth a spot on your shelf.

Reckoning Hour by Peter O'Mahoney and narrated by Troy Duran is the first book in the new Dean Lincoln Legal series and I really enjoyed it. especially as it was a novel that just flowed nicely. Plus, you get to know Dean Lincoln who is the main character within this new series. Dean Lincoln is a Big-city defence lawyer, in Chicago City, and now he is returning back to his picturesque hometown of Beaufort, where he left behind many years ago. But, this time he is returning with his wife Emma, which is also her childhood hometown. They're both going to find it hard to settle back into small town life but they have to make it work, especially as Emma is returning to help look after her mother who is poorly.. . . . It is only for 1 year they’ve committed for.

Dean begins to work again and is immediately thrown into two cases: where a rich kid charged with murder and a poor kid accused of arson. Both candidates swear they are both innocent and they feel the system is trying to crush them into this corner. . . . Where Guilt is is rarely decided in the courtroom. . . . . . .

But, trouble has followed Dean, who challenges the mindset of the people who live in Beaufort, which puts things at risk to fight for change to happen, especially as the residents do like change.

Will Dean win this challenge and make changes in Beaufort for the better?

Now, Dean's return has stirred a long-standing grudge and it could cost him everything, his career, his clients, and even his life.

Now, the clock is ticking and the truth is bubbling to the surface. . . . .

WoW.this book was a 5⭐️ read and for the authors first book within this series. I loved it. Superb writing!

The Narrator Troy Duran was excellent from start to finish.

I highly recommend this book and looking forward to read book 2 which I have waiting!

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for my ARC.

Big-city defense attorney Dean Lincoln returns to his sleepy Southern hometown of Beaufort for family reasons, but his quiet homecoming is anything but. Thrust into defending two young men, one wealthy, one poor, accused of serious crimes, Lincoln soon finds himself up against not only the justice system, but also old grudges that threaten his clients, his career, and his life.

I listened to the audiobook version of this one, and I have to say, Troy Duran’s narration was absolutely spot-on. His deep, smoky baritone gave Dean Lincoln the perfect edge and grit, making the story feel even more immersive. As a long-time fan of legal thrillers, I’m always hoping for that slow unraveling of a case, the kind that pulls you deeper with each chapter, and this book delivered exactly that. The plot was smart and complex, packed with ethically murky lawyers who were supposed to be on the side of justice, though it was clear those waters were anything but clean, and Dean Lincoln knew it.

What made this story even more special was the setting. O’Mahoney chose Beaufort, South Carolina as the backdrop for the novel, and his descriptions of the area were nothing short of magical. It’s one of the most beautiful places, and he captured its charm and atmosphere so vividly, from the sultry heat to the Spanish moss draped across oak trees, that it became a character in its own right.

The pacing was sharp, the twists well-placed, and I found myself fully caught up in the intricacies of the story. Dean was a character I rooted for from the beginning. I wanted him to fight back, and I was completely invested in seeing how things would play out. What I appreciated most was that this wasn’t just a thrilling ride, it was thought-provoking, too. The kind of book that gets your mind going and keeps you thinking about the choices people make under pressure.

Peter O’Mahoney is a new author to me, but certainly not for long. I was thrilled to find that many of his titles are available on Kindle Unlimited, with companion audio through Audible. You can bet I’ve already stocked my library. Reckoning Hour was an excellent listen, and I highly recommend it to fellow legal thriller lovers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the gift of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Recokoning Hour

The Reckoning Hour is the first novel by this author Peter O’Mahoney that I have read or listened to. This story Starts with Dean Lincoln a Lawyer who was originally from South Carolina with teir to Beaufort had went to work in Chicago but comes back to Beauort South Carolina to help his wife take care of her mother after a Cancer Diagnosis.It starts with him and his wife getting Pulled over by a snotty cop/ Sheriff but they get let go . While back in Beaufort Dean Connects with the head attorney of a Law Firm.

Dean is assigned 2 cases one is to help try to defend a young man accused of arson and the other is to second chair a murder trial for his new boss. However dean quickly learns that the justice system works different in Beaufort then it did in Chicago it seems his boss does not like to try and go to trial and wants to plead out cases and guilt is not decided in the courtroom .

Dean has big battles on his hands in and out of the courtroom trying to do what is right for his clients and his family but can he change how the justice system is in his new temporary home/ Job in Beaufort or will he be sent back packing to Chicago ?

As a legal Suspense thriller I really enjoyed this it reminded me of the Likes of works from those like John Grissm , James comey and more.
I read this book and also listened to the Audio book which was Narrated by Troy Duran. I really liked the flow of the book listening to it at 1.25X speed. The Narrator was believable and well into the story bringing the characters from the page to life .

I would give this 5 Stars . I did receive advanced Copies of the book and Audio From both Thomas & mercer & Brilliance Audio Via Netgalley which allowed me to write this honest review. Thank you to them and the NetGalley Platform for allowing me the chance to read and listen to this story. I am looking forward to future stories in what seems like a new series.

Reckoning Hour is a taut, smart legal thriller that kept me locked in from the very first chapter. Peter O’Mahoney has a talent for weaving complex cases with deeply human stakes, and this one did not disappoint. The story builds with steady intensity, layering suspense and emotion without ever feeling overdone.

The characters are well-drawn and believable, especially the lead, sharp, flawed, and easy to root for. The courtroom scenes had just the right balance of legal realism and drama, and I appreciated the moral gray areas threaded throughout the plot. Nothing here feels black and white, which only adds to the tension.

The audiobook narration was strong and really brought the story to life. If I had one minor critique, it would be that a few scenes slowed the pacing just a bit, but overall, this was a tight, well-crafted thriller that stuck the landing.

4.5 stars from me. If you're a fan of legal suspense with a thoughtful edge and a few sharp twists, this one is absolutely worth your time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Troy Duran does a fantastic job narrating this story.

I am new to this author and really enjoyed this start of a new series!

This is a gripping legal drama that pits big-city cynicism against small-town secrets. Dean and his wife return to their childhood area due to a mother’s cancer treatment. Dean helps a friend with his caseload and takes on a couple of criminal court cases that include threats, working with the good old boys, vandals, a comeuppance, and a surprising jury verdict.

I found this to be very fast paced and an engaging listen. Highly recommend!!!

Dean Lincoln and his wife, Emma, take time out from their busy Chicago lives to return to their small home town in South Carolina. Emma’s mother is gravely ill and they want to make her time left as easy as possible. this is just the excuse for their return and does not figure into the novel much. Meanwhile Dean’s early mentor has invited him to help with a murder trial. The way it’s done in their town is to get the best deal possible without going to trial. But that means jail time and the accused insists he is innocent. Dean must convince his mentor that it is worth the effort to take on the case and see it through, despite most of the town seemingly already convinced of the outcome. The second half of the novel is the trial and the ongoing research and last-minute witnesses that help decide the outcome. It’s like a western with a new sheriff in town: Dean is the big-city lawyer that is going to help fight the corruption rampant in this small town where “everything” is run by or owned by one powerful family. Dean and his family have good reasons to want to take them down. I enjoyed the story and characters in this engaging legal drama.
Although more of a big-city person myself, I can appreciate the beauty of the small town as well-described by the author and well narrated in the audiobook.
Clearly this will be a continuing series and I look forward to reading and listening to more. My thanks to the author, publisher, @BrillianceAudio, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook of #ReckoningHour for review purposes. It is now available.

If you like your legal thrillers with strong Grisham vibes, Reckoning Hour by Peter O’Mahoney delivers. It’s character-driven, smartly paced, and packed with just enough mystery to keep you flipping pages. There were a couple minor plot holes, but honestly? They were easy to overlook because the story had momentum and the main character was easy to root for. Solid, satisfying, and exactly what you’d want from a courtroom drama with a little extra punch.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
Rated PG-13 for language, legal tension, and some violent content.

In Reckoning Hour, Peter O’Mahoney delivers a gripping tale of justice, redemption, and the weight of the past. The return of Dean to his small hometown sets off a wave of disruption, but his presence is far from unwelcome—he’s there to help two boys whose lives couldn’t be more different, yet are both in desperate need of intervention. O’Mahoney skillfully unravels the layers of their stories, exploring themes of identity, truth, and second chances. The novel brings emotional depth and tension in equal measure, highlighting the complexities of fighting for what’s right in a world that often resists it. Reckoning Hour is a compelling, thoughtful mystery that balances character-driven storytelling with a satisfying sense of urgency.

I always enjoy a good legal thriller and this one fits the bill. I especially enjoy a journey through southern life as was portrayed in Reckoning Hour. The setting is coastal South Carolina and the book sets up life in a town that serves justice based on a hierarchy of the haves and have nots. There may be a bit of an exaggeration about the lengths that folks in the south will go in order to "serve their brand of justice" but I have a feeling that there is a grain of truth in the good 'ole boys ways. Living in Coastal NC, I can tell there is a version of that type of life here so it's not so unbelievable.

I really enjoyed Dean Lincoln's character as a lawyer raised in Beaufort but moved to Chicago and practiced law for 10 years there. He comes back to town with his wife so she can take care of her sick mother. He co-chairs two cases with a local lawyer. One is a murder and he's set to defend a young man who is accused (without a lot of proof) of her murder and the other is an arsonist who may have had special circumstances surrounding his actions. This felt a lot like John Grishams style of writing southern lawyers and mannerisms. The pace felt like it kept a nice flow and I never felt like there was a lull in the action. I think I would have loved a bit more of Dean and Emma's background and why the town didn't consider them locals that moved back. They kept referring to Dean as a city boy. The cases were interesting (only one or two plot holes that were brushed off a bit as poor prosecution efforts when I think it would never have gone in that direction in real life, referencing a witness committing perjury).
I look forward to the next book in this series! **Audiobook narrator was excellent

This was my first Peter O’Mahoney novel and I enjoyed it. He did a great job of laying out the scenery and bringing the story together.

Big-city defense lawyer Dean Lincoln left his picturesque hometown of Beaufort years ago. But now, the lure of small-town life and a family matter have drawn him back.

Amidst the sultry heat and the Spanish moss, and beneath the facade of Southern small-town charm, Lincoln begins work again and is immediately thrown into two cases: a rich kid charged with murder and a poor kid accused of arson. Both swear they are innocent. Both feel the system is trying to crush them. And in this corner of the South, guilt is rarely decided in the courtroom…

Lincoln’s return has stirred a long-standing grudge, and it could cost him everything—his career, his clients, even his life. As the clock runs out on the truth, trouble is closing in fast

Are you a thriller lover?? Don’t skip Reckoning Hour by Peter O’Mahoney. This was a great one! It’s available now!

I enjoyed this book. I am a cosy mystery fan at heart but every now and again I will pick up a legal thriller for a change and boy am I glad I did. I was hooked right from the start. I love all the verbal sparring between the characters in and out the court room, it reminds me of growing up watching Perry Mason. The whole looking for the right piece of evidence to prove the client innocent. Actually thinking about it that is where my love of mysteries probably started and this story was full of them. There are two cases for defence lawyer Dean Lincoln to work on and I spent the whole time hoping his clients would turn out to be innocent. I might have become emotional invested in the characters and had a fear tears at one point in the story. This is because as well as working on the cases we also got to know Dean and his family. Normally I wish the author would just stick to the investigation but Dean's home life drama is a big part of the story and I was just as hooked as with the court room drama. I am off to start the next book.

With his wife's mother battling cancer, Big-city defence lawyer Dean Lincoln and his wife returns to there home town to help her. Dean gets a job with his old mentor and becomes second chair to the first Murder case the town has seen. A rich boy has been accused of killing his girlfriend and it's up to Dean to provide him with the best defence he can provide. The boys alibi is shaky and finding a jury of his peers who doesn't already think he is guilty is hard enough but can be keep him out of jail in a town where most of the negotiations take place on the good course. At the same time he is defending a teenager from the poorer side of town on an arson charge. The boy refuses to take a deal and the bad blood between Dean and the riches man in town could see the young man going away for a long time. Can Dean help both of his clients?
I liked the narrator. He is new to me but I hope he sticks with the series. He provided such an entertaining listen I would like to hear him again.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.