Step into the thrilling world of the O’Malley series, where heart-pounding suspense meets heartfelt romance and unshakable faith! Crafted by bestselling author Dee Henderson, this Christian romantic suspense saga follows the O’Malley siblings, a chosen family of seven orphaned or abandoned teens who forge their own path as a tight-knit clan. With gripping plots and deep spiritual undertones, it’s a series that keeps you turning pages late into the night.
Blending high-stakes action with tender love stories, the O’Malley books have captivated readers who crave clean romance, edge-of-your-seat thrills, and thoughtful explorations of faith. Whether you’re new to Christian fiction or a longtime fan, the O’Malleys offer a unique journey that’s as heartwarming as it is exhilarating.
How O’Malley Began
Dee Henderson, a lifelong Illinois resident and daughter of a pastor, poured her faith and storytelling passion into the O’Malley series. After a decade as an engineer, she began writing fiction in 1996, drawing on her Christian upbringing to create novels that weave suspense with spiritual depth. Inspired by the idea of a found family, Henderson crafted the O’Malleys as a group who chose their surname and stood by each other through joy and danger, launching the series with The Negotiator in 1999.
Henderson’s background in computer science and her knack for intricate plotting gave the series its sharp, suspenseful edge. Her goal? To craft stories that thrill while exploring complex questions of faith, love, and resilience, making the O’Malleys a standout in Christian fiction.
The Heart of O’Malley
The O’Malley series spans seven books, including a prequel, each focusing on a different sibling’s high-stakes adventure and romance. Danger in the Shadows, the prequel, introduces Sara Walsh, a woman in witness protection whose romance with Adam Black sets a suspenseful tone. The Negotiator follows Kate O’Malley, a fearless hostage negotiator, as she navigates love with FBI agent Dave Richman and wrestles with her skepticism about faith. The Guardian centers on U.S. Marshal Marcus O’Malley, protecting a witness while rediscovering his lost faith through romance with Shari. The Truth Seeker dives into forensic pathologist Lisa O’Malley’s dangerous investigation into a serial killer, with U.S. Marshal Quinn Diamond by her side.
Set in Chicago, the series blends gritty crime scenes with tender family moments, exploring themes of trust, redemption, and the power of chosen family. Henderson’s clean, faith-driven romances avoid preachiness, instead weaving spiritual growth into each sibling’s journey. Readers love the balance of adrenaline-fueled suspense and heartfelt character arcs, with each book offering a standalone story tied together by the O’Malleys’ unbreakable bond.
The series’ style is accessible yet profound, tackling theological questions—like why bad things happen to good people—while keeping the pace brisk. Fans rave about the siblings’ witty banter and the way Henderson crafts realistic, relatable characters who face danger with courage and faith.
Why O’Malley Resonates
The O’Malley series has left a lasting mark on Christian romantic suspense, earning nominations for prestigious awards like the Christy and RITA. Its blend of clean romance, gripping suspense, and authentic faith journeys has won a devoted fanbase, with readers calling it a “page-turning masterpiece” that they revisit again and again. The series’ focus on found family resonates deeply, offering a sense of belonging that mirrors the O’Malleys’ own story.
Henderson’s ability to balance thrills with spiritual depth has inspired other authors in the genre, cementing her as a trailblazer. Even years after its conclusion in 2003 with The Rescuer, the series remains a beloved escape for readers seeking stories that uplift and excite.
- Number of Books: 7 (including prequel)
- First Published: 1999 (The Negotiator)
- Key Awards: Nominated for Christy, RITA, and ECPA Gold Medallion
Ready to join the O’Malley family? Grab The Negotiator and dive into a world of suspense, romance, and faith that’ll keep you hooked from the first page!