O’Brien’s Law

“Romance and thriller genre readers are in for a treat with O’Brien’s Law, which deftly weaves elements of both into a story set in 1979 San Francisco, where Michael O’Brien works at the notable law firm Drummond, Upton and Isherwood. His latest case, a big-ticket suit over an inheritance, involves him in a crime that both profiles and tests his investigative skills as much as his legal prowess.

John McNellis provides a gripping story as Michael evolves from a brash new lawyer whose position in the firm and in his career is uncertain, to an investigator charged with locating missing estate money.

McNellis is adept at portraying increasing threats that test the psyches of not only Michael, but Marybeth Elliott and others who may not have intended the results they achieve in protecting their special interests, hearts, and lives. Swift action combines with intrigue and romance as Michael faces threats to Marybeth and his own career, suddenly coming to realize that both matter more than he’d thought.

McNellis presents a novel of growth, intrigue, and special interests which blends legal and thriller elements in an unexpected manner… Readers interested in stories that embrace elements of love and adversity alike will find O’Brien’s Law a gripping study in revised life approaches and a young man’s real coming-of-age test of not just maturity, but ethics and love.”

“O’Brien’s Law by John McNellis follows the journey of hot-headed but ultimately extremely likable Michael O’Brien, a junior associate at the firm Drummond, Upton, and Isherwood. Even though it covers complicated legal matters and contains legal jargon and issues in the business world, it’s completely accessible to those with little former knowledge of these areas.

The story takes the reader through an exciting journey, covering themes such as justice, romance, and mystery. The plot is superbly well-crafted and packed full of unexpected twists and turns. Additionally, McNellis’ characters are fully fleshed out with their flaws and imperfections. The protagonist, Michael O’Brien, is a particularly well-portrayed character with whom it’s easy to empathize. The author’s writing style is engaging and integrates moments of comedic relief while becoming emotional at specific points. I would recommend this novel to those interested in a fun read that covers engaging legal issues.

O’Brien’s Law by John McNellis is an adrenaline-filled and fast-paced read that keeps the reader in the story and eager to discover what happens next. This is a romantic thriller that readers will not want to miss out on, as the suspense will have them hooked from the opening lines.”

“A gripping legal thriller that captures the essence of 70’s San Francisco.

After escaping a rough childhood in Boston, Michael (Flipper) O’Brien feels like he’s moving up in the world. He’s landed a job at a prestigious law firm, has a swathe of gorgeous women vying for his attention, and spends long afternoons in the pub or on the court.
Little does he know that law can be as cut-throat as the streets he grew up on. Buckley, the most ruthless lawyer in the firm, has had it out for Flipper since he arrived. Now with a disgruntled client to please, Buckley can see a way to rid himself of two problems at once. By offloading the case to Flipper in return for the client, Malcolm Knox’s, promise not to pursue legal action against the firm.
O’Brien’s Law encapsulates the crux of 1970s San Francisco. The laidback attitude to work, the comparative simplicity of relationships, and, most importantly, the hair. While the setting and time period feel authentic, it never feels like the author is cramming his research into the novel. The atmosphere stays where it’s meant to be: the background. Still, there are little nods to the place and time that readers will appreciate. Certain landmarks, comments on the terrain. One that stood out to me was the very subtle acknowledgement of San Francisco’s place in the early LGB movement.

There aren’t a lot of frills to McNellis’s writing. It’s simple and to the point, but there’s something about how he writes that evokes so much. A clipped but exact set-up of a café can carry the whole scene. Emotions are filtered through character’s dialogue and action more than their internal monologue, but there is a wealth of information in the things not being said. O’Brien’s Law is a perfect example of functional writing. While uncomplicated, it paints the scene so vividly that a lot of this novel reminded me of a movie.

There are a lot of moving parts in O’Brien’s Law. The romance, the time period, and the legal aspects are all pretty fantastic. It’s a quick, entertaining read that will hold attention throughout. The author clearly understands the intricacies of the legal world and has done great research into the setting to more than carry the novel.”

“John McNellis’s debut work of fiction, O’Brien’s Law: A Romantic Thriller, is set in San Francis-co and opens when a wealthy older man, Malcolm Knox, is found dead in the bathtub in his pent-house hotel room. The room was full of valuable art, antiques, and a safe with tons of bearer bonds and stock certificates. Suspicion arises about whether it was an accident or if someone was after Knox’s fortune.

In Michael O’Brien, a first-year law graduate… McNellis has effectively created a protagonist who is not merely captivating but also multi-dimensional and relatable. With a proper harmony of ten-sion and playfulness, the story keeps the reader engaged from kickoff to the end. And McNellis loses no time in organizing the tale, deftly scattering breadcrumbs along the way, and leaving us with many unanswered questions.

Throughout the narrative, McNellis masterfully places us in the scenes, immersing us in the world he has shaped and making us experience first-hand the characters’ emotions. From the tense mo-ments of ambiguity to the heartfelt instances of connection, every moment seems convincing and sincere.

In summary, McNellis has crafted an engaging work of fiction, with a well-constructed protago-nist, a perfect combination of suspense and humor, and an immersive plot that sustains the reader’s interest.”