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Indefensible
A lawyer gets uncomfortably close to a former client, crossing a dangerous line, in this edgy debut thriller. Daniel, a criminal barrister, is working all hours on a sensational trial at the Old Bailey, defending a client he believes is wrongfully accused of a grisly murder. Determined to keep Rod out of prison, he begins to neglect his wife—and soon afterwards suspects she’s having an affair. After Daniel triumphs in court, the bond he’s formed with his newly acquitted client grows even stronger. Then Rod offers Daniel a favour that he really shouldn’t accept . . . When things take a catastrophic turn, Daniel realises his conduct has veered from unprofessional to indefensible—and that he’s trapped in a nightmare of his own making . . .
- GenresCrime
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2024
39 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
James Woolf
2 books16 followersJames Woolf is a London based writer. His job in professional ethics inspired him to write his debut novel, Indefensible, which was published in January 2024 and quickly became an Amazon best seller. His second novel, The Company She Keeps, was released in July 2024. James has also written many professionally produced stage plays. His short stories have been widely published.
James is always happy to attend events such as book clubs and conferences. He can be contacted through his website or social media.
James is always happy to attend events such as book clubs and conferences. He can be contacted through his website or social media.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
July 9, 2024
This is James Woolf’s debut and he sure can write a good multilayered mystery thriller.
Daniel is a barrister who has split from his wife and there are more than a few issues there. Against the backdrop of the Fred and Rose West trial he meets journalist Michaela who works for the Mirror Group. A new love interest maybe? Daniel is appointed to defend Rod Bannister charged with the infamous Head in the River murder of property developer James Liddell.
This keeps me engaged from start to finish. There’s plenty going on from courtroom scenes to relationships to questionable friendships. The courtroom scenes are particularly good as they feel really authentic. There’s tension and suspense and numerous occasions when you want to yell Nooooo at characters!!! All are portrayed well and are complex, flawed individuals. The plot keeps surprising you with good twists and turns. The 90’s timescale is done well and reminds me of things I’d forgotten!!
I’ve read both this authors novels now and rated them highly, I do hope he’s well underway with number three!!!
Available on Kindle Unlimited
Daniel is a barrister who has split from his wife and there are more than a few issues there. Against the backdrop of the Fred and Rose West trial he meets journalist Michaela who works for the Mirror Group. A new love interest maybe? Daniel is appointed to defend Rod Bannister charged with the infamous Head in the River murder of property developer James Liddell.
This keeps me engaged from start to finish. There’s plenty going on from courtroom scenes to relationships to questionable friendships. The courtroom scenes are particularly good as they feel really authentic. There’s tension and suspense and numerous occasions when you want to yell Nooooo at characters!!! All are portrayed well and are complex, flawed individuals. The plot keeps surprising you with good twists and turns. The 90’s timescale is done well and reminds me of things I’d forgotten!!
I’ve read both this authors novels now and rated them highly, I do hope he’s well underway with number three!!!
Available on Kindle Unlimited
December 2, 2023
A brilliant debut novel!!
December 20, 2023
This book is un-put-downable. I thought I had it all worked out but there were some unexpected plot twists. It's cleverly crafted with characters that are more complex than you realise at first. Very enjoyable. I want to read more by this author.
December 30, 2023
This book is streets ahead of any other thriller I have read in 2023. James Woolf has written a dark and disturbing debut clearly calling upon his successful apprenticeship as short story writer, playwright and author of radio plays.
The writing is stylish and compelling, the plot is original and unconventional, and it is packed full of characters who might well have stepped straight out of a Patricia Highsmith classic.
Not many writers have the skill to make long court scenes work. Not many writers are brave enough to even attempt them but James Woolf pulls them off with nail-biting precision.
I love the exploration of the paradoxes of human behaviour and the vagaries of desire.
I can't wait to read this author's future novels and look forward to seeing his name in the bestsellers charts.
The writing is stylish and compelling, the plot is original and unconventional, and it is packed full of characters who might well have stepped straight out of a Patricia Highsmith classic.
Not many writers have the skill to make long court scenes work. Not many writers are brave enough to even attempt them but James Woolf pulls them off with nail-biting precision.
I love the exploration of the paradoxes of human behaviour and the vagaries of desire.
I can't wait to read this author's future novels and look forward to seeing his name in the bestsellers charts.
December 21, 2023
Indefensible by James Woolf
This is a gripping, suspenseful, psychological thriller. Daniel is an up and coming criminal barrister. He’s anxiously waiting for that ‘big” case that will elevate his status.
The day finally comes. A severed head is found floating in the River Thames. Once identified, a childhood friend, Rod. is arrested. It’s Daniel’s job to defend this man. Once acquitted, Daniel enters into a personal friendship with his ex-client.
Tormented by the idea that his wife is having an affair, Daniel asks Rod to follow her so he can find out whether or not he is right. The story begins to twist and turn as the barrister and the ex-client embark on a personal friendship. Does this cross a line? Should Daniel be friends with Rod?
Woolf has created a wonderful background and believable characters. The reader easily enters the courtroom and other places with realistic ease. The personality of the main characters are intense. This novel checks all the boxes, making it an excellent addition to a reader’s collection.
This is a gripping, suspenseful, psychological thriller. Daniel is an up and coming criminal barrister. He’s anxiously waiting for that ‘big” case that will elevate his status.
The day finally comes. A severed head is found floating in the River Thames. Once identified, a childhood friend, Rod. is arrested. It’s Daniel’s job to defend this man. Once acquitted, Daniel enters into a personal friendship with his ex-client.
Tormented by the idea that his wife is having an affair, Daniel asks Rod to follow her so he can find out whether or not he is right. The story begins to twist and turn as the barrister and the ex-client embark on a personal friendship. Does this cross a line? Should Daniel be friends with Rod?
Woolf has created a wonderful background and believable characters. The reader easily enters the courtroom and other places with realistic ease. The personality of the main characters are intense. This novel checks all the boxes, making it an excellent addition to a reader’s collection.
January 11, 2024
A fantastic story with a mixture of rollercoaster things going on. A homeless woman sees a man throw a head into the Thames from the top of a bridge. Daniel, a criminal lawyer suspects his wife is having an affair.
Part of page 2 and 3
“I was on the bridge when I saw it.”
“Which bridge would this have been? And what time of day?”
“Tower Bridge. It was late. And I saw a man with a carrier bag. I was kipping down, you know how it is. But he looked suspicious.”
The way she said this last word, it would have rhymed with fishes. And her eyes briefly went from one side to the other, a recognition perhaps she hadn’t quite nailed the pronunciation. “What happened next?”
“Well, he takes this head out of a bag and throws it off the bridge.”
“What do you mean, he take’s this head out of the bag?”
“I mean a head. It had long hair this golden colour” she said this wishfully, as if it would be nice to have golden hair. “And then he threw it.” She mimed throwing the head with two hands, like a footballer taking a throw-in. “He threw a head off the bridge?”Barbara couldn’t wait to tell her colleague about this one. “It’s not funny young lady,” the woman said.
“All right shall we start from the beginning? With your name and date of birth?”
“Jackie Levine. Twenty-fourth November, nineteen forty-eight.”
They went through the whole story again with Barbara taking notes as best as she could, pressing the woman for clarity. She didn’t get a good look at the man, she said. But on the other hand, she would definitely recognise him again. Without a shadow of doubt. She said twice, sounding pleased with the phrase.
“And is there any reason why you didn’t report this earlier?” Barbara asked.
“I just didn’t get round to it.”
“Well thank you for getting round to it now.”
The comment was meant to be ironic, but the woman smiled, exposing two missing teeth at the front.
“No problem love. Now I don’t suppose you have one of them nice cells free this evening?”
You simply have to read on it’s such a brilliant novel. One not to be missed!
Part of page 2 and 3
“I was on the bridge when I saw it.”
“Which bridge would this have been? And what time of day?”
“Tower Bridge. It was late. And I saw a man with a carrier bag. I was kipping down, you know how it is. But he looked suspicious.”
The way she said this last word, it would have rhymed with fishes. And her eyes briefly went from one side to the other, a recognition perhaps she hadn’t quite nailed the pronunciation. “What happened next?”
“Well, he takes this head out of a bag and throws it off the bridge.”
“What do you mean, he take’s this head out of the bag?”
“I mean a head. It had long hair this golden colour” she said this wishfully, as if it would be nice to have golden hair. “And then he threw it.” She mimed throwing the head with two hands, like a footballer taking a throw-in. “He threw a head off the bridge?”Barbara couldn’t wait to tell her colleague about this one. “It’s not funny young lady,” the woman said.
“All right shall we start from the beginning? With your name and date of birth?”
“Jackie Levine. Twenty-fourth November, nineteen forty-eight.”
They went through the whole story again with Barbara taking notes as best as she could, pressing the woman for clarity. She didn’t get a good look at the man, she said. But on the other hand, she would definitely recognise him again. Without a shadow of doubt. She said twice, sounding pleased with the phrase.
“And is there any reason why you didn’t report this earlier?” Barbara asked.
“I just didn’t get round to it.”
“Well thank you for getting round to it now.”
The comment was meant to be ironic, but the woman smiled, exposing two missing teeth at the front.
“No problem love. Now I don’t suppose you have one of them nice cells free this evening?”
You simply have to read on it’s such a brilliant novel. One not to be missed!
December 28, 2023
A cracker of a debut novel from this author.
After reading so many books on police procedures, it was certainly refreshing to read about a crime and court procedures from a barrister's point of view.
The book fairly zipped along, keeping me enthralled as to where the story was heading.
Intertwined with Daniel, our protagonist's professional life are the ongoing tribulations in his personal life dealing with an ex-wife, three children, and a girlfriend.
No spoilers in this review, but suffice to say things don't turn out for Daniel as he hoped.
I felt the ending was a bit rushed but didn't deter from my enjoyment.
I'll certainly be following this author in future.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC.
After reading so many books on police procedures, it was certainly refreshing to read about a crime and court procedures from a barrister's point of view.
The book fairly zipped along, keeping me enthralled as to where the story was heading.
Intertwined with Daniel, our protagonist's professional life are the ongoing tribulations in his personal life dealing with an ex-wife, three children, and a girlfriend.
No spoilers in this review, but suffice to say things don't turn out for Daniel as he hoped.
I felt the ending was a bit rushed but didn't deter from my enjoyment.
I'll certainly be following this author in future.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC.
December 20, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable read. Brought back memories of watching Crown Court on TV when I was a kid. Fast-paced read and couldn't get it read quick enough, but I was so disappointed when it did end. I wanted to live in that world forever. Brilliantly written, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
December 14, 2023
A really good debut novel. I found the story kept me totally gripped and engaged throughout. Although parts of the story I had figured out, so a few unsurprising elements to it. Would definitely read more by this author
January 4, 2024
James Woolf's Indefensible is set in early 1990s London, somewhere the author has encyclopaedic knowledge of. Many readers of this book - and I hope there are many - may enjoy eating in the restaurants and walking in the streets, following in the footsteps of the novel's protagonists. If you're above fifty you may also remember the events which lend the backdrop to this story: the rotting decline of the John Major government, as what would evolve into the Brexiteer wing of the Conservative Party became mired in corruption and was, eventually, exposed for its greed and deceit. An early foretaste of today's broken Britain, you might say. And then there's the parallel narrative of the real-life trial of Rose West after she and her husband were found to have kidnapped, raped and murdered not just random young women hitch-hikers but also their own daughters. Into these real world histories is interwoven the story of a grizzly murder: the victim, a not very likeable businessman whose head is found floating down the Thames. In some senses this is a whodunnit in the best sense of that word. But actually it's more than that. When the novel begins it could almost be nodding in the direction of a police procedural but actually where the focus lies is in the legal world - as the man charged with the crime goes on trial and is defended by barrister Daniel, our suitably flawed hero. If you're not familiar with the world of the English criminal court system this fast-paced, action-packed tale takes you through a murder trial at the conclusion of which you realise that there is so much more of this story still to unfold. When we first meet Daniel his personal life has unravelled and professionally he feels stalled. But then he meets a young crime reporter, Michaela, with whom he strikes up a romance just as his legal practice gets a shot in the arm. Amid the fictional characters we find real life legends of the legal scene as we are taken on a journey which sees Daniel and Michaela fall prey to a serial killer while the author examines the competing ethical tensions of two parallel worlds where trials occur - in the court room and in the media. Indefensible is a cracking read with brilliantly drawn characters - a masterclass in authentic courtroom drama.
January 3, 2024
Strong debut from Mr. Woolf. The insider knowledge gives a strong foundation to a gripping thriller, and the legal wisdom is lightly worn. Went down very easily with the turkey and mince pies.
December 28, 2023
Took me a while to get into this book but once I did it had me hooked.
Take my advice, if a book doesn’t hook you straight away just keep reading , ii was definitely glad I did.
Take my advice, if a book doesn’t hook you straight away just keep reading , ii was definitely glad I did.
December 24, 2023
Good read, enjoyed the lead character and the complexity of friendships in the legal world. Great debut.
January 21, 2024
A lawyer crosses a dangerous line with a former client and discovers that some decisions are indefensible…
I really enjoyed this book - it felt like a mash up of part legal thriller and part psychological thriller. I felt like the join worked really well together and I have never read anything like that before. I struggled to put this book down as I was so interested in what was going to happen next.
I wasn’t sure how all of the timelines would come together as there was a lot of them and I did sometimes get confused about them. However, when it came to the courtroom aspect of the book, it made sense. I really loved the courtroom aspect of the book, which made me enjoy the book more as I did find the start to be a bit slow.
I didn’t dislike nor like some of the characters but there was some that I didn’t like and found suspicious. I really liked the descriptions of the different settings as I could picture them clearly in my mind.
Thank you read media & bloodhound books for my copy!
⚠️ CWs: cursing, alcohol use, sexual assault, transphobia, homophobia, cheating, sex, serial killers (Fred and Rose West), death by suicide, gun use; mentions animal murder and masturbation ⚠️
I really enjoyed this book - it felt like a mash up of part legal thriller and part psychological thriller. I felt like the join worked really well together and I have never read anything like that before. I struggled to put this book down as I was so interested in what was going to happen next.
I wasn’t sure how all of the timelines would come together as there was a lot of them and I did sometimes get confused about them. However, when it came to the courtroom aspect of the book, it made sense. I really loved the courtroom aspect of the book, which made me enjoy the book more as I did find the start to be a bit slow.
I didn’t dislike nor like some of the characters but there was some that I didn’t like and found suspicious. I really liked the descriptions of the different settings as I could picture them clearly in my mind.
Thank you read media & bloodhound books for my copy!
⚠️ CWs: cursing, alcohol use, sexual assault, transphobia, homophobia, cheating, sex, serial killers (Fred and Rose West), death by suicide, gun use; mentions animal murder and masturbation ⚠️
February 21, 2024
One of the best debut books I've read in a very long time. Seldom you read something which is not conventional and actually dares to make choices which most writers shy away from. James Woolf is an exception.
There is nothing better than a writer knowing what he wants from the book and what it is trying to achieve. Being a playwright as well you can see there's an inner dialogue going with Daniel which makes it more authentic and involves you in a way like a play would do. Comparing his last play The play with Speeches which is a meta dark comedy to this brutal and moody piece of literature is just criminal both in bad & good ways. The genre shifting is commendable and handled with precision.
Fantastic, brutal and minutely written. Better call Saul meets True detective.
There is nothing better than a writer knowing what he wants from the book and what it is trying to achieve. Being a playwright as well you can see there's an inner dialogue going with Daniel which makes it more authentic and involves you in a way like a play would do. Comparing his last play The play with Speeches which is a meta dark comedy to this brutal and moody piece of literature is just criminal both in bad & good ways. The genre shifting is commendable and handled with precision.
Fantastic, brutal and minutely written. Better call Saul meets True detective.
March 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this book; it's well paced, engaging & keeps you guessing right up to the end. The writer deals skillfully with questions raised in the narrative about professional (and personal) ethics; how things are not always clear cut, and how easily what you think are 'red lines' can become blurred.
For me there was at times a little too much prosaic detail that I felt slowed down the narrative a bit - such as what people were wearing, or eating - sometimes this felt a little like stage directions (which may be because the author has written several stage plays!), but not always necessary in a novel.
This isn't my usual type of novel, but I highly recommend it - especially if you like crime thrillers.
For me there was at times a little too much prosaic detail that I felt slowed down the narrative a bit - such as what people were wearing, or eating - sometimes this felt a little like stage directions (which may be because the author has written several stage plays!), but not always necessary in a novel.
This isn't my usual type of novel, but I highly recommend it - especially if you like crime thrillers.
January 8, 2024
“The odd thing about our adversarial system […] is that it’s not really about reaching the truth of what happened.”
Daniel, an ordinary barrister coming to terms with losing his children to a divorce he regrets, has a turn of luck when he meets a free-spirited journalist and lands a sensational defence case. Yet when life goes well for Daniel, you get a disconcerting sense that he is going to screw it up.
Whether he will manage to keep on the right side of those he loves, as well as the law, and how he deals with the shocking consequences of his choices keeps you turning the pages right to the end. An extremely propulsive legal thriller set in a vividly conjured up 90s North London.
Daniel, an ordinary barrister coming to terms with losing his children to a divorce he regrets, has a turn of luck when he meets a free-spirited journalist and lands a sensational defence case. Yet when life goes well for Daniel, you get a disconcerting sense that he is going to screw it up.
Whether he will manage to keep on the right side of those he loves, as well as the law, and how he deals with the shocking consequences of his choices keeps you turning the pages right to the end. An extremely propulsive legal thriller set in a vividly conjured up 90s North London.
August 29, 2024
James Woolf’s thriller, indefensible, takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the murky waters of justice, as Daniel, a dedicated barrister, finds himself tangled in a web of deceit, ambition, and unforeseen consequences. As he balances his demanding case and a crumbling marriage, the tension builds like a slow burn, igniting into a cataclysmic twist that’ll leave you breathless!
With a captivating plot and nail-biting suspense, this book is a perfect blend of legal drama and personal turmoil. Buckle up for a wild ride—you won’t want to put it down! 🕵️♂️💔⚖️
5 stars
With a captivating plot and nail-biting suspense, this book is a perfect blend of legal drama and personal turmoil. Buckle up for a wild ride—you won’t want to put it down! 🕵️♂️💔⚖️
5 stars
January 11, 2024
A really good legal page turning thriller.that got off to a slow start but was definitely worth sticking with.The court scenes were well written and at no time did I zone out unlike some you can read that are far to drawn out.The second half of the story was intriguing as you are shown how easy it is for anyone to be blindsided by someone that thought they know.Looking forward to reading more by the author.
January 29, 2024
James Woolf has crafted a compelling and convincing evocation of early-to-mid 1990s London - its legal locales, topography and atmosphere - in a darkly twisted tale that sidles up to you, grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go. A thoroughly absorbing read, with flashes of mordant humour, vividly depicting the human tendency to press the self-destruct button at critical moments.
February 8, 2024
Great Courtroom Drama!
I enjoyed this book and the plot. I love courtroom dramas and this had it all. It was written well but could have done with some polishing. I will definitely read the next book James writes. It would be great to see the main character Daniel again - I liked him.
I enjoyed this book and the plot. I love courtroom dramas and this had it all. It was written well but could have done with some polishing. I will definitely read the next book James writes. It would be great to see the main character Daniel again - I liked him.
January 8, 2024
I received this book for free from Bloodhound Books.
I love books with a slow burn. We get to explore the characters and their motivations.
This book did that very well and exploded into an exciting climax.
I would definitely read more by this author.
I love books with a slow burn. We get to explore the characters and their motivations.
This book did that very well and exploded into an exciting climax.
I would definitely read more by this author.
January 17, 2024
Twisty
We have to live with the choices we make. Full of conflicted people, flawed, yet resilient. We sometimes torture ourselves with idiotic questions and forget about those that really matter in our lives. Conrad Samayoa.
We have to live with the choices we make. Full of conflicted people, flawed, yet resilient. We sometimes torture ourselves with idiotic questions and forget about those that really matter in our lives. Conrad Samayoa.
January 17, 2024
A thoroughly enjoyable thriller with a great and different story line, well developed characters and twists and turns that keep you guessing to the end I was surprised that this is this author’s first work!! A must-read I will anxiously be awaiting the next book !!
February 3, 2024
What a brilliant debut cannot wait to read more from this author.
I loved the characters and especially the fact that it was defence lawyer you never really get a story from that side of the fence.
A good overall thriller would def recommend
I loved the characters and especially the fact that it was defence lawyer you never really get a story from that side of the fence.
A good overall thriller would def recommend
January 31, 2024
A little bit of a slow start in my opinion, but a great read. Easily identified with the characters & couldn't wait to see what happened
February 24, 2024
Excellent debut novel, captivating legal thriller - a real page turner! Would highly recommend!
March 4, 2024
Great read
An enjoyable legal thriller. Intriguing characters with lots of twists and turns. I would highly recommend it. Look forward to the next book by this author
An enjoyable legal thriller. Intriguing characters with lots of twists and turns. I would highly recommend it. Look forward to the next book by this author
June 10, 2024
Enjoyable read, kept the pages turning for the best part, just felt the ending with Daniel and Michaela was unlikely, perhaps even indefensible.
February 22, 2024
4.5⭐️s
This is a terrific legal thriller, it’s slick, sharp and dripping in tension, effortlessly drawing us into Daniel’s chaotic world. The gripping plot and engrossing writing kept me hooked, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!
We meet Daniel as he’s dealing with major upheaval in his personal life and he’s becoming increasingly frustrated at work. A high-profile case comes along propelling him onto a path of destruction leaving devastation in its wake.
The story is skilfully spun as the twisting plot unravels leaving everything hanging in the balance! I enjoyed the past and present weaving together and the different perspectives enabling us to learn more about the characters as we try to piece it all together.
I loved the entertaining courtroom scenes, the intricacies involved and how the reader has a front row seat to proceedings. We see Daniel in his element as he tries to spin the evidence in the defendant’s favour.
Events takes a dark turn – there’s fractured relations, simmering secrets and escalating danger. Through Daniel’s actions we see how quickly everything can spiral out of control, the panic, desperation and fear were palpable, with no resolution in sight. I had no clue how Daniel’s story would end…
Indefensible is a brilliant thriller keeping the reader on the very tip of their toes! It’s full of suspense and intrigue as it explores moral dilemmas and the unintended consequences actions can bring.
With thanks to @Crudites_, @Read_Media, @Bloodhoundbook and @WoolfJames for my copy and place on the Tour.
This is a terrific legal thriller, it’s slick, sharp and dripping in tension, effortlessly drawing us into Daniel’s chaotic world. The gripping plot and engrossing writing kept me hooked, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!
We meet Daniel as he’s dealing with major upheaval in his personal life and he’s becoming increasingly frustrated at work. A high-profile case comes along propelling him onto a path of destruction leaving devastation in its wake.
The story is skilfully spun as the twisting plot unravels leaving everything hanging in the balance! I enjoyed the past and present weaving together and the different perspectives enabling us to learn more about the characters as we try to piece it all together.
I loved the entertaining courtroom scenes, the intricacies involved and how the reader has a front row seat to proceedings. We see Daniel in his element as he tries to spin the evidence in the defendant’s favour.
Events takes a dark turn – there’s fractured relations, simmering secrets and escalating danger. Through Daniel’s actions we see how quickly everything can spiral out of control, the panic, desperation and fear were palpable, with no resolution in sight. I had no clue how Daniel’s story would end…
Indefensible is a brilliant thriller keeping the reader on the very tip of their toes! It’s full of suspense and intrigue as it explores moral dilemmas and the unintended consequences actions can bring.
With thanks to @Crudites_, @Read_Media, @Bloodhoundbook and @WoolfJames for my copy and place on the Tour.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews