The Legacy Child book cover by James Hanlon

New Release · 2026

The Legacy
Child

A Thriller

“An immersive, wild, and intense ride!”
— R. Scott GemmillCreator of HBO Max series The Pitt

The Story

About the Book

On a quiet morning in 2001, a four-year-old girl stands outside a Long Island church wrapped in her father's FDNY uniform, as his flag-draped coffin is carried past her.

A photograph taken that day would define a generation. The press would christen her The Legacy Child.

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Praise

What Readers Are Saying

With the 25th anniversary fast approaching, many have forgotten about 9/11/01. Though fiction, this book is an important reminder that history repeats itself, and to stay vigilant. I'm proud to call James Hanlon a friend for not forgetting and writing a compelling and entertaining book that honors the FDNY and the military. As a retired FDNY firefighter and 9/11 responder, I don't say that lightly. Buy it, read it, and never forget.

Terry Rivera

Retired FDNY firefighter & 9/11 responder

Great book. Great writer. Read this book now!

Gary Lennon

Acclaimed writer, executive producer & showrunner (Power Book IV: Force, Euphoria, Orange Is the New Black)

Immersive and authentic, Hanlon's real-life experience and expertise are on full display as he and his characters explore the horror and sacrifice of one of the country's darkest days. Their search for answers and justice is not only a wild and intense ride but ultimately an exercise in forgiveness and finding grace and closure in the midst of tragedy.

R. Scott Gemmill

Creator of HBO Max award-winning TV series The Pitt

The Legacy Child grabbed me from the first page. James Hanlon is a true New Yorker; his years with the FDNY and his service on 9/11 bring a depth of experience that can't be manufactured.

John Joseph

Author of The Evolution of a Cro-Magnon and frontman of the legendary Cro-Mags

James is an inspiration and a true American hero!! NYFD veteran and great human being! This book is amazing and the story can only be told by a first responder of 9/11. Great story and journey of a young woman and a real page turner!!! This book has real soul!!

Matt Levy

Engaging from the get-go! Beautiful to experience a strong, young woman's life story evolve from the devastation of 9/11. JoJo's loss of her firefighter dad leads her into a world of covert intelligence, secrecy, and obsession with linking the past to the still looming attacks on America. I didn't want to put it down; fantastic character that I cheered on throughout!

Jennifer Jackino

Riveting and thrilling tale of a young woman's journey to reconcile her father's untimely passing and all involved, the expected and unexpected players. Great plot twists. Can't wait for the next book!

Elina F. C.

Step Into the Story

Get your copy of The Legacy Child today and discover the thriller readers are raving about.

James Hanlon, author

The Author

About James Hanlon

James Hanlon, a decorated, retired FDNY firefighter and 9/11 survivor, moved through fire and smoke to document the day that changed the world.

An award-winning television director, cinematographer, and executive producer, Hanlon has earned multiple Emmy Awards, the George Foster Peabody Award, and the Edward R. Murrow Award for his eyewitness storytelling of the September 11th attacks.

He has directed hundreds of hours of television, including NCIS: Los Angeles, Animal Kingdom, Chicago Fire, and Station 19, and is best known for his landmark CBS documentary series 9/11, narrated by Robert De Niro.

The New York Times called his work “history in the making.”

The Legacy Child is his first novel.