Wakefield Author Tim O'Leary Releases New Novel

WAKEFIELD, MA — Wakefield resident Tim O'Leary recently released his second novel, "Robes," a sprawling mystery that takes readers on a journey across eastern Massachusetts, from the back room of a mob-associated auto body shop, to the offices of the Archbishop of Boston and up to the state Supreme Court.

"Robes neither make judges just, nor priests devout. They are garments signifying a profession, and can be used to hide who and what the wearer is," O'Leary says. That insight lies at the heart of "Robes," which follows disbarred lawyer and former state representative Connor McNeil as he unravels the murder of a controversial judge.

The character of McNeil is drawn from O'Leary's own troubled past; the former state representative resigned from the Legislature and spent nine months in jail after being indicted for embezzlement in 1992.

"I hope readers enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed writing it," O'Leary said in a statement. "My wife and I took several day trips to scout locations for critical scenes. One was the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord, and another was to the historic district in New Bedford. Both trips added reality to the novel and gave Pat and I a good time together."

O'Leary is the former deputy director of the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health and served three terms in the Massachusetts State Legislature. He and his wife, Patricia, have lived in Wakefield since 2002.

"Robes" is the sequel to O'Leary's debut novel, "The Day Job." Both books are available for purchase on Amazon. Recent reviews describe the novel as "a great read in the style of Robert Parker" and "a fast-paced and twisting plot with great characters and an expert blend of suspense and humor."

O'Leary is currently at work on his third novel, which is expected to be released in time for Christmas 2021.