Step into the thrilling world of The O’Connells, where small-town secrets, family loyalty, and heart-pounding suspense collide! Lorhainne Eckhart’s mystery suspense series follows the six O’Connell siblings in Livingston, Montana, as they navigate love, danger, and hidden truths. With its gripping blend of romance, redemption, and second chances, this series keeps readers hooked from the first page to the last.
Whether you’re a fan of taut thrillers or heartfelt family sagas, The O’Connells offers something special. Each book dives into the lives of these flawed yet fiercely devoted siblings, raised by a single mother after their father’s mysterious disappearance. Ready to uncover the secrets of Livingston? Let’s explore this captivating series!
How The O’Connells Began
Lorhainne Eckhart, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, launched The O’Connells in 2020 as a spin-off from her wildly popular Friessen family series. Known as the 'Queen of the family saga,' Eckhart drew inspiration from her love of raw, relatable stories about family dynamics. She crafted The O’Connells to blend romantic suspense with the emotional depth of a close-knit family, setting it in the rugged, small-town charm of Livingston, Montana. Eckhart’s goal? To create a series that tugs at heartstrings while keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
The Heart of The O’Connells
The series kicks off with The Neighbor, where park ranger Ryan O’Connell reconnects with Jenny, a past fling, only to discover her troubled daughter Alison is his own. When Alison goes missing, Ryan and Jenny race against time, unraveling secrets that could tear the family apart. In The Third Call, deputy Marcus O’Connell responds to mysterious calls from a six-year-old girl named Eva, leading to a desperate rescue mission. The Secret Husband follows lawyer Karen O’Connell, whose hidden past with her ex-husband Jack resurfaces when he’s accused of murder. Later, The Fallen O’Connell dives into the enigmatic return of the siblings’ father, Raymond, whose shadowy past puts the family in danger.
At its core, The O’Connells weaves themes of redemption and second chances through its suspenseful plots. Livingston, Montana, serves as more than a backdrop—it’s a character, with its whispered secrets and tight-knit community. Eckhart’s style blends fast-paced mysteries with emotional depth, exploring sibling rivalry, family loyalty, and the courage to start over. Fans praise the series for its relatable characters and unexpected twists, making each book a page-turner.
Why The O’Connells Resonates
The O’Connells has carved a niche in the romantic suspense genre, earning accolades like the Readers’ Favorite Award for Suspense and Romance. Fans adore its balance of heart-wrenching drama and pulse-pounding thrills, often comparing it to a modern-day soap opera with a mystery twist. Eckhart’s focus on family loyalty and moral dilemmas resonates deeply, offering readers not just escapism but a mirror to real-life struggles. With 18 books and counting, the series’ staying power lies in its ability to evolve, introducing new characters and challenges while staying true to its roots.
- First Book Published: 2020 (The Neighbor)
- Number of Books: 18 (as of 2025)
- Awards: Readers’ Favorite Award for Suspense and Romance
- Setting: Livingston, Montana
Dive into The Neighbor and get swept away by The O’Connells’ world of mystery, romance, and unbreakable family bonds. Trust us—you won’t want to leave Livingston!