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Joe Hennessy Legal Thriller #6
The Southern Vineyard
One last case. One final gamble. Joe Hennessy is all in.
Desperate to save his vineyard from financial collapse, criminal defense attorney Joe Hennessy agrees to defend Bernard Palin, an accountant accused of embezzling millions of dollars from a children’s charity—a shameful and scandalous crime.
Promised a hefty payday that could fund his retirement, Hennessy dives into the case, fighting against corrupt law enforcement, hardened criminals, and shadowy powerbrokers. Unraveling decades of corruption, deceit, and betrayals, Hennessy risks everything to win the case for his client.
As the case progresses to trial, Hennessy must outmaneuver those determined to bury the evidence. But to expose the truth, to win the case for his client, Joe Hennessy must risk everything he loves…
Desperate to save his vineyard from financial collapse, criminal defense attorney Joe Hennessy agrees to defend Bernard Palin, an accountant accused of embezzling millions of dollars from a children’s charity—a shameful and scandalous crime.
Promised a hefty payday that could fund his retirement, Hennessy dives into the case, fighting against corrupt law enforcement, hardened criminals, and shadowy powerbrokers. Unraveling decades of corruption, deceit, and betrayals, Hennessy risks everything to win the case for his client.
As the case progresses to trial, Hennessy must outmaneuver those determined to bury the evidence. But to expose the truth, to win the case for his client, Joe Hennessy must risk everything he loves…
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2024
670 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 2, 2025
I enjoyed this entire series! I loved how it came together at the end. Actually am sorry that it is over.
January 31, 2026
Loved this series. Sorry to see it end. Joe Hennessy takes a case because the fee he will earn will solve his money problems and save his vineyard. Unfortunately, the man he is defending is hated by everyone but Joe gives it his best.
August 14, 2025
The Southern Lawyer
Peter O'Mahoney has brightened my days as I have been drawn to most of his writings.
The Southern Vineyard has been a mixed experience. I even sat down the book for several weeks. I was thinking that the story might be to much for me. I'm glad that I took the book with me when I was going to the hospital to fight cancer. Peter became part of my life! Thank you!
Peter O'Mahoney has brightened my days as I have been drawn to most of his writings.
The Southern Vineyard has been a mixed experience. I even sat down the book for several weeks. I was thinking that the story might be to much for me. I'm glad that I took the book with me when I was going to the hospital to fight cancer. Peter became part of my life! Thank you!
January 26, 2025
Great Series
I read the Southern Lawyer series and found that it is a series filled with the letter of the law and a deep love of the South and particularly Charleston, SC. I share that love and the author took me there, to drink in the charm and simple dignity of the South. As a seventh generation Southerner, it refreshed my devotion to the lifestyle we blessed Southerners are graced to live. Beyond his love of the South, his portrayal of Joe Hennessey is interesting in the layers the readers peel back learning what a devoted lawyer he is. These books are well written and so worth the time to read!
I read the Southern Lawyer series and found that it is a series filled with the letter of the law and a deep love of the South and particularly Charleston, SC. I share that love and the author took me there, to drink in the charm and simple dignity of the South. As a seventh generation Southerner, it refreshed my devotion to the lifestyle we blessed Southerners are graced to live. Beyond his love of the South, his portrayal of Joe Hennessey is interesting in the layers the readers peel back learning what a devoted lawyer he is. These books are well written and so worth the time to read!
January 3, 2026
Sad to see this enjoyable series end. It's simple and contains "dad jokes." How can you knock that?!
""...With a woman who isn't your wife.""...My wife has dementia and can barely remember who I am anymore. What am I supposed to do all day? Hold her hand and reminisce? No thanks! She has a nurse to look after her. I still need to live my life...a man has to have fun.""
"Your duty is to the courts and the justice system...If you put people away because you "think" they are guilty, you are going down a slippery slope to tyranny."
""My grandma says air conditioning has put end to evening socializing in the southern states. She remembers when people had to leave their houses in the evenings and sit on porch to enjoy the cooler weather. People would be inclined to wander over to the neighbor's porch or visit friends down the street just to get out of the house and enjoy the cooler air. She says that once people started putting a/c in their nobody went outside in the evenings anymore...that comfort ended the sense of community." "The side effects of progress.""
"That's what capitalism does...It makes people greedy. That's the whole idea of capitalism. It's not about helping each other or looking after the planet. The idea of capitalism is to win. It's not to look after your community or help your fellow person or care for nature. It's about winning and to win you need to be greedy."
""...With a woman who isn't your wife.""...My wife has dementia and can barely remember who I am anymore. What am I supposed to do all day? Hold her hand and reminisce? No thanks! She has a nurse to look after her. I still need to live my life...a man has to have fun.""
"Your duty is to the courts and the justice system...If you put people away because you "think" they are guilty, you are going down a slippery slope to tyranny."
""My grandma says air conditioning has put end to evening socializing in the southern states. She remembers when people had to leave their houses in the evenings and sit on porch to enjoy the cooler weather. People would be inclined to wander over to the neighbor's porch or visit friends down the street just to get out of the house and enjoy the cooler air. She says that once people started putting a/c in their nobody went outside in the evenings anymore...that comfort ended the sense of community." "The side effects of progress.""
"That's what capitalism does...It makes people greedy. That's the whole idea of capitalism. It's not about helping each other or looking after the planet. The idea of capitalism is to win. It's not to look after your community or help your fellow person or care for nature. It's about winning and to win you need to be greedy."
February 13, 2025
This was a great way to conclude this Southern Lawyer series. This entire series has been one great read after another. I didn’t think O’Mahoney could top the last book but this one was definitely a masterpiece if you like courtroom drama and legal suspense!! The main characters that carry over from each book are so well developed and you are drawn into the life of Joe Hennessy. The plot of the story is so well done and it has so many twists and turns that you can’t see coming. I couldn’t put it down until I found out what happened next. O’Mahoney is a master storyteller. I’m anxiously awaiting his new legal series that will be set in Beaufort SC. I know it’s going to be as exciting as this series was!! I highly recommend this series!!
March 15, 2025
This is the exclamation point of the Joe Hennessy story and it was a good one!
In this one, Hennessy agrees to defend Bernard Palin, an accountant accused of embezzling millions of dollars from a children’s charity. As usual things do not go as planned. The accused is really unlikeable and we despise him as much as his lawyer who defends him out of principles… and a big payday in order to save finally his vineyard, named in honor of his late son, killed horribly 20 some years before.
The epilogue will bring a smile and a tear to your eyes.
A solid 5* book and a must read for every legal thriller aficionado!
In this one, Hennessy agrees to defend Bernard Palin, an accountant accused of embezzling millions of dollars from a children’s charity. As usual things do not go as planned. The accused is really unlikeable and we despise him as much as his lawyer who defends him out of principles… and a big payday in order to save finally his vineyard, named in honor of his late son, killed horribly 20 some years before.
The epilogue will bring a smile and a tear to your eyes.
A solid 5* book and a must read for every legal thriller aficionado!
October 18, 2025
Really enjoyed this series.
This was my first stab at legal.
thrillers and it did not disappoint.
Happy to say I was not familiar with court proceedings but I am now.
If you can get a great lawyer... The skies the limit.
Hennessey is da bomb.
I loved his depiction of the South and especially because I have two dear friends living. They left Maryland for Gods country.
But for some reason they have never heard of pluff mud.
I also discovered a new favorite author.
More limitless skies.
Enjoy.
This was my first stab at legal.
thrillers and it did not disappoint.
Happy to say I was not familiar with court proceedings but I am now.
If you can get a great lawyer... The skies the limit.
Hennessey is da bomb.
I loved his depiction of the South and especially because I have two dear friends living. They left Maryland for Gods country.
But for some reason they have never heard of pluff mud.
I also discovered a new favorite author.
More limitless skies.
Enjoy.
February 9, 2025
My rating is a 4.25. I’ve simply loved this series about Charleston Lawyer Joe Hennessy and his family and friends. This is the sixth and final edition in the series. It was a fitting finale-a complex and intriguing legal case and a fond goodbye to a man fulfilled as he retires to his beloved vineyard. I’ll await the launch of a new series this summer. Definitely recommend this - and the entire series.
September 21, 2025
Loved Joe Hennessy
I feel like this was the perfect way to end the series. I loved all of The Southern Lawyer books and was very curious to see how it ended. At one point I was terrified that it was going to end up with Joe hurt or worse but it was done beautifully. Just the right amount of suspense as you know you’re nearing the end. Oh and that last line of the book *chefs kiss* absolute PERFECTION!
I feel like this was the perfect way to end the series. I loved all of The Southern Lawyer books and was very curious to see how it ended. At one point I was terrified that it was going to end up with Joe hurt or worse but it was done beautifully. Just the right amount of suspense as you know you’re nearing the end. Oh and that last line of the book *chefs kiss* absolute PERFECTION!
December 21, 2025
This was the last book in the Joe Hennessy series and it was a good way to round it out. There were some parts of the story that really intrigued me and then others that fell flat, there were characters mentioned that I thought were going to have more of an overall impact to the story.
These books are easy to read and a few of them are better than others in the entire series, worth a read if you love the south and Charleston, SC and good trial lawyer books!
These books are easy to read and a few of them are better than others in the entire series, worth a read if you love the south and Charleston, SC and good trial lawyer books!
January 2, 2025
I really hate to see this series end. This final entry was the best yet. Fast moving plot, lots of courtroom time and drama. Joe Hennessy, his family, and his office staff have ended up to be friends.
Best read in order, this six part series kept my interest all the way through.
Most of all, I shall miss The Great Seal of South Carolina and her presence in the courtroom!
Best read in order, this six part series kept my interest all the way through.
Most of all, I shall miss The Great Seal of South Carolina and her presence in the courtroom!
January 9, 2025
I will miss Joe and Wanda, Barry, Jacinta and the motley characters that were part of the six Joe Hennessy "thrillers". This last one tied up ends and gave me the opportunity to know that evil doesn't win and a future does exist even with all the sadness that can befall a family.
Thanks for the memories.....
Thanks for the memories.....
January 10, 2025
Great final chapter of a great character!
I immediately took to Joe Hennessy. Old school good guy on a mission.
I am happy for him finding closure at last and hopefully peace . But, something tells me he'll be back in Charleston on a case....
Loved these stories and characters. Thanks Peter!
I immediately took to Joe Hennessy. Old school good guy on a mission.
I am happy for him finding closure at last and hopefully peace . But, something tells me he'll be back in Charleston on a case....
Loved these stories and characters. Thanks Peter!
January 14, 2025
A good man and great lawyer!.
I have read this entire series and enjoyed every word. The stories are all filled with twists and surprises while Joe Hennessy performs his remarkable job as a criminal defense attorney! I love books that make me feel like part of a content and loving family and sad when the end comes. I will miss the Hennessey’s.
I have read this entire series and enjoyed every word. The stories are all filled with twists and surprises while Joe Hennessy performs his remarkable job as a criminal defense attorney! I love books that make me feel like part of a content and loving family and sad when the end comes. I will miss the Hennessey’s.
February 10, 2025
Great end to the series
I liked each one of the books. This has a great cast of characters and drama around the laws of our country. Joe as an attorney with morale and integrity showed how our laws work to protect us but also to target those who decide the laws don't apply to them. Joe is the example of how an attorney should practice and how a man should live. Great story!
I liked each one of the books. This has a great cast of characters and drama around the laws of our country. Joe as an attorney with morale and integrity showed how our laws work to protect us but also to target those who decide the laws don't apply to them. Joe is the example of how an attorney should practice and how a man should live. Great story!
May 31, 2025
A great end to this series
Is there any doubt that Joe will win his last case? This could be his toughest case of the series. A fitting end to out time with The Southern Lawyer, Joe Hennessey.
I have really enjoyed this entire series. It has been a welcome break from my normal series of spy novels, former Navy Seals novels, and the like.
Is there any doubt that Joe will win his last case? This could be his toughest case of the series. A fitting end to out time with The Southern Lawyer, Joe Hennessey.
I have really enjoyed this entire series. It has been a welcome break from my normal series of spy novels, former Navy Seals novels, and the like.
June 23, 2025
nice stories, terribly written
Writing cliches abound in these nice, black and white, good and evil stories. Good premise. The author would like to be John Grisham, but comes across very middle school in language and description. I’ve read all of them and each one has been a bit more painful than the last.
Writing cliches abound in these nice, black and white, good and evil stories. Good premise. The author would like to be John Grisham, but comes across very middle school in language and description. I’ve read all of them and each one has been a bit more painful than the last.
December 30, 2024
A beautiful finish.
I've read the whole series and loved every one. This one is special. The ending left me with tears in my eyes. Everything from the series is wrapped up and ends beautifully. The best and most complete legal thriller series I've ever read.
I've read the whole series and loved every one. This one is special. The ending left me with tears in my eyes. Everything from the series is wrapped up and ends beautifully. The best and most complete legal thriller series I've ever read.
January 1, 2025
Enjoyed this book just as much as the previous 5 books in this series. The final book tied everything together! I enjoyed the characters in this series & appreciate the sacrifices Joe made for his family, including keeping his son’s legacy alive.
January 12, 2025
A exciting end to a lawyer’s career.
The author has written a very intriguing and exciting story that allows Joe to finally close the doors of law practice and retire to his vineyard in the upstate. Very intriguing and enjoyable reading.
The author has written a very intriguing and exciting story that allows Joe to finally close the doors of law practice and retire to his vineyard in the upstate. Very intriguing and enjoyable reading.
Read
January 13, 2025Joe's client is a real loser
But Joe needs the money so he accepts the case, which turns out is full of lies and deceptions so stand by for a crazy trial that is also full of lies and deceptions.
But Joe needs the money so he accepts the case, which turns out is full of lies and deceptions so stand by for a crazy trial that is also full of lies and deceptions.
January 15, 2025
Southern vineyard
I followed this series from the very first book. I have waited in anticipation for the next book. Finally its over. Loved this series. Sorry its over. I have also read other books by him. He is an amazing author.
I followed this series from the very first book. I have waited in anticipation for the next book. Finally its over. Loved this series. Sorry its over. I have also read other books by him. He is an amazing author.
January 26, 2025
Couldn't put it down!
I couldn't wait to start the next book in this series! Usually I end up starting a series and don't finish, usually from boredom. But this serves held my attention...will definitely read more by this author.
I couldn't wait to start the next book in this series! Usually I end up starting a series and don't finish, usually from boredom. But this serves held my attention...will definitely read more by this author.
February 10, 2025
Fantastic series.
Thoroughly enjoyed the six books of this series. The characters were complex and very likable. The stories were believable with the included twists and turns leading to a good read.
Definitely recommended reading .
Thoroughly enjoyed the six books of this series. The characters were complex and very likable. The stories were believable with the included twists and turns leading to a good read.
Definitely recommended reading .
April 25, 2025
I have really enjoyed this series and it has been good to get a satisfactory conclusion. Last book was the perfect ending.
All six books have been read next to the pool (3 in Asia and the last 3 in French Polynesia) - the perfect holiday reads!
All six books have been read next to the pool (3 in Asia and the last 3 in French Polynesia) - the perfect holiday reads!
July 13, 2025
Great story
Peter O’Malley writes a great book. I like them because the stories are good keeps you interested and there’s no cussing our bedroom scenes. Thanks a lot for a great stories.
Peter O’Malley writes a great book. I like them because the stories are good keeps you interested and there’s no cussing our bedroom scenes. Thanks a lot for a great stories.
July 26, 2025
good book
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and looked forward to reading each book as I finished the book I was reading. What a genuine lawyer who took on each case to win it no matter what was thrown at him.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and looked forward to reading each book as I finished the book I was reading. What a genuine lawyer who took on each case to win it no matter what was thrown at him.
July 26, 2025
A very engaging read.
The characters were well developed
and relatable. Your description of the weather with the humidity and the smells of coastal Carolina added so much depth to the storyline.
The characters were well developed
and relatable. Your description of the weather with the humidity and the smells of coastal Carolina added so much depth to the storyline.
August 15, 2025
Fitting ending
Well written with the proper amount of subterfuge and intrigue. Proper ending to this story and to this series. Really enjoyed the weaving of the beauty and history of Charleston into this series.
Well written with the proper amount of subterfuge and intrigue. Proper ending to this story and to this series. Really enjoyed the weaving of the beauty and history of Charleston into this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews