Buried Lies
- Judith D Collins
- Mar 17
- 5 min read
Dean Lincoln Legal Thriller #3
By: Peter O'Mahoney
Narrator: Troy Duran
ISBN: 978-1662525414
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Publication Date: 03/03/2026
Format: e-book
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC)
A murdered judge. A broken system. And one lawyer who risks everything to expose the truth.
When Dean Lincoln takes on the high-profile appeal of a man accused of killing a respected South Carolina judge, he knows the case is stacked against him. But as Lincoln digs deeper, he uncovers more than procedural missteps―he finds a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power.
With dangerous men closing ranks and witnesses going silent, Lincoln must risk everything to unravel a web of corruption before it buries him next.
Because in a town where justice is just another commodity, exposing the truth might be the deadliest move of all.
Dean Lincoln Legal Thrillers
My Review
In Peter O'Mahoney's riveting (Dean Lincoln Thriller series #3) BURIED LIES, defense attorney Dean Lincoln steps away from traditional trial work to tackle a high-profile appellate case. The story follows his attempt to overturn the conviction of a man accused of murdering a respected South Carolina judge.
This gripping series is known for its moral gray areas and psychological depth, with Dean Lincoln serving as the emotional anchor who challenges a system stacked against his clients.
O'Mahoney skillfully explores the tension between small-town Southern traditions and the pursuit of objective truth. The series questions what happens when the law fails to protect the people it was meant to serve. In Buried Lies, this is highlighted by a justice system that is reluctant to admit errors in high-profile convictions.
A recurring motif is that in Beaufort, money and political influence often outweigh actual justice
Highlights...
The Accused:
Dean defends a man who has already been convicted of murdering a respected local judge. The character is a social outcast whom the rest of the community—and even other lawyers—refuse to support.
A High-Level Conspiracy:
As Lincoln investigates, he realizes the case isn't just about a potential wrongful conviction. He uncovers a deep-seated conspiracy involving the highest levels of South Carolina's power structure.
A Second Subplot:
While handling the murder appeal, Lincoln also defends a veteran accused of being too aggressive with a customer at her bar. He soon discovers that this seemingly simple case is also being manipulated by hidden figures behind the scenes.
Personal Stakes:
The investigation turns deadly as witnesses go silent and "dangerous men" close ranks. Lincoln must navigate a system where justice is treated as a commodity, eventually risking his own life to reveal the truth.
My thoughts...
Dean Lincoln, the series' protagonist, is a brilliant but "troubled" big-city defense attorney who left a high-powered career in Chicago to return to his hometown of Beaufort, South Carolina, with his wife to take care of her mother.
O'Mahoney explores the "cracked veneer" of Southern charm, revealing hidden lives and dangerous secrets beneath the picturesque surface of Beaufort. The cases often contrast the treatment of the "advantaged" versus the "disadvantaged."
Character-driven and morally conflicted, Dean faces complex and internal battles as he navigates small-town politics and legal ethics. O'Mahoney, a criminologist, brings technical realism to the courtroom and investigative scenes.
The tone is high-stakes, where justice and corruption overlap in this gritty, broken system, where justice is often treated as a commodity for the powerful. Thought-provoking, readers will question the fairness of the legal system and the cost of the truth.
I recently stumbled upon a remarkably talented author and an engrossing legal series that has captivated me from the very first book. As a devoted fan of legal thrillers, I found myself fully engrossed in the narrative. The latest installment of the Dean Lincoln Legal Thriller series takes readers deeper into Lincoln's compelling journey as he grapples with the complexities of justice in the picturesque Southern town.
A relatable character having left behind his bustling career in Chicago, Lincoln is now faced with the unique challenges and intricate dynamics of a small-town legal landscape that offers its own set of thrilling twists and turns.
In this gripping installment, Lincoln delves into a high-profile appeal involving a man charged with the shocking murder of a revered South Carolina judge. This time, the narrative shifts its focus significantly, offering readers an eye-opening glimpse into the arduous journey of challenging legal convictions.
As Lincoln navigates the complexities of the legal system, the story highlights the formidable obstacles faced by those advocating for justice, illustrating the often relentless struggle against a system that is reluctant to acknowledge its own mistakes. The tension builds as the battle for truth unfolds in a world where errors can have devastating consequences.
Nestled in the enchanting town of Beaufort, South Carolina, the course unfolds against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. Moss-draped trees sway gently in the warm Southern breeze, adding an air of mystery to the charming streets.
Atmospheric and sultry, the novel captures the heavy, humid heat of the South Carolina Lowcountry, where the Spanish moss landscape adds a gothic, mysterious feel. The setting itself feels like a living character, steeped in history and secrets. Like the "moss-draped" setting, secrets in the Lowcountry have a way of clinging to the present; the story emphasizes that you cannot move forward until you confront what was hidden away.
Theme...
A major theme is that the legal system is often more interested in maintaining its own image and "finality" than in admitting it made a mistake. The core takeaway of BURIED LIES is that the truth is never truly "buried," but the cost of digging it up can be devastating.
Essentially, the book serves as a reminder that the law and justice are not always the same thing, and fighting for the latter requires a willingness to risk everything
The audiobook...
I recently had the delightful experience of immersing myself in this captivating book, and the audiobook, beautifully narrated by the talented Troy Duran. His narration breathes life into the story, vividly capturing the sultry atmosphere of the Low Country, with its lush landscapes and warm, lingering nights. The narrative skillfully explores the complex dynamics of power and the poignant themes of legal injustices that plague the characters, drawing me deeper into the rich tapestry of emotions and societal struggles.
Upcoming...
I am looking for Dean Lincoln #4, DEADLY SECRETS, coming September 22, 2026.
Special thanks to Thomas & Mercer, Brilliance Audio, and NetGalley for providing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDColins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Mar 03, 2026
About the Author
Peter O’Mahoney is the author of the bestselling Joe Hennessy, Tex Hunter, and Jack Valentine thrillers. O’Mahoney was raised on a healthy dose of Perry Mason stories, and the pace and style of these books inspired him to write, and he hasn’t stopped since. O’Mahoney loves to write fast-paced stories filled with exciting characters, thrilling legal cases, and mind-bending plot twists. His thrillers have entertained hundreds of thousands of readers around the world.
O’Mahoney is a criminologist, with a keen interest in law, and is an active member of the American Society of Criminology. When not writing or spending time with his family, O’Mahoney can be found in the surf, on the hiking trials, in the boxing gym, at home reading, or staring at a beautiful sunset in wonder. WEBSITE
