A Trial in Three Acts

by Guy Morpuss

'Rather splendid' - FINANCIAL TIMES
'Admirably ingenious' - THE TIMES
'A delicious mystery' - DAILY MAIL

A trial is rather like a play.
We wear our costumes. We perform to the audience.
And on a good day no-one gets murdered.

Six nights a week the cast of the smash-hit play Daughter of the Revolution performs to a sold-out audience. A thrilling story of forbidden marriage and a secret love child, the critics say it'll run for years. That is until one night the third act ends not in applause but in death, when leading lady Alexandra Dyce is beheaded live on stage.

Every cast member has a motive, but it is the dead woman's co-star - and ex-husband - Hollywood legend Leo Lusk who is charged with the crime. When defence barrister Charles Konig is brought in last minute, he knows this ought to be the case of a lifetime. But Charles would rather be on his holiday trekking up K2, and he isn't interested in celebrities, especially ones that seem to be mysteriously trying to derail their own defence. But as he and his co-counsel New York lawyer Yara Ortiz sift through the evidence, it becomes clear that clues may lie in the play itself. And that Charles's only chance of victory is to identify the real murderer...

A delightfully clever legal mystery with as many layers as an onion. Perfect for readers of Janice Hallett, Tom Hindle, Rob Rinder and Richard Osman.

'Multi-layered, clever and compelling' - JENNIE GODFREY
'My all rise for a future book of the year' - JANICE HALLETT
'An excellent courtroom drama' - HARRIET TYCE
'Brilliant. Charles Konig is a wonderful character' - IAN MOORE

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Crime

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 6, 2025

About the author

Guy is a London-based barrister whose cases have featured drug-taking cyclists, dead Formula 1 champions and aspiring cemetery owners.

His favourite books involve taking a twist on reality, and playing with the consequences. Which led to his debut novel, FIVE MINDS, about five people sharing one body - possibly with a murderer.

His second novel, BLACK LAKE, will be published in 2022.

He is currently working on his third novel, HIGHLIGHTS.

Guy lives near Farnham, England, with his wife and two sons. When not writing he can usually be found walking or running in the Surrey Hills.

Reviews

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re expecting this new offering by Guy Morpuss to screw with your head, make it spin like a scene from The Exorcist, and blow your mind to smithereens as his predecessors did, you’re going to have to adjust your expectations. ‘A Trial in Three Acts‘ is nothing at all like this author’s previous books and I think it pays to know that before you dive into it.

What is it then, you may ask? Well, a cleverly plotted courtroom drama in – you guessed it – three acts. The basics are rather simple. Actor Leo Lusk (wonder whose name inspired that one) is on trial for the murder of his ex-wife Alexandra Dyce. It’s rather safe to say that nobody quite misses Alexandra as she was a massive “word starting with a b and ending in itch’. A narcissist, a racist, a homophobe … you name it, she was it. As extremely unlikeable as she was, can anyone truly be sure that Leo killed her? It seems obvious that every single one of the cast members could have had a motive to want to get rid of her permanently as well.

Are the clues to be found in the play these characters were involved in? Hm. Maybe. The play centres around the possibility of George Washington having had an illegitimate daughter. Some parts are historical facts, some are entirely made up. Don’t worry if you’re unable to figure out what’s what, as the author is nice enough to explain it all at some point. I must admit there were certain moments where parts of the play were introduced that had me slightly baffled as to their relevance. The same goes for the American lawyer, Yara. I didn’t really understand why she was there, except to be someone Charles could bounce his thoughts off on.

I can’t ignore the fact that the first act was somewhat of a struggle for me. I completely understand the need to set the scene, so to speak, but I felt the prosecutor’s side of things dragged on a tad too long to keep me interested. Things most definitely started to pick up from the moment Charles Konig was allowed to do his thing. I didn’t really need the play to figure out if Leo was guilty of murder, or not. I rather quickly made up my mind, stuck to my theory, and felt particularly smug when it turned out I was right.

Despite that initial wee struggle, I thoroughly enjoyed ‘A Trial in Three Acts‘. It definitely showed me that there is a massive gap in the legal thriller genre that someone desperately needs to fill for readers like myself, who enjoy the back and forth between prosecution and defence. And even though Konig is quite a difficult character to get to know as he gives very little away, he grew on me along the way and I wouldn’t mind at all if he were to return for another investigation and trial. Also, death by guillotine will always get my attention!

All in all, a solid and engaging offering from Guy Morpuss. I look forward to what’s next.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is why Goodreads should have half stars. It was better than a 3 star which can often be faint praise but just not sure it was a four star which would be a book I would recommend to all.

This was enjoyable, don't get me wrong. A cosy, legal thriller with some nice British humour and a good whodunnit. Kinda like if Richard Osman and John Grisham decided to combine their writing skills.

What the hell, I'm going to round up.

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great gritty courtroom drama unpicking the murder of Alexandra Dyce. Charles Konig KC and instructing solicitor New Yorker Yara Ortiz are defending the prime suspect Leo Lusk. At many points the evidence appears so overwhelming that it is difficult to see whether the team will hit a breakthrough. What comes is something that I’ve never encountered before which was really refreshing.
I loved the realism of the courtroom and felt that we were gaining a proper insight into conducting a trial. I really enjoyed the format of scenes from the play interwoven with evidence and I would really love to see Charles (& Yara) in future stories.
I wasn’t so keen on the ‘romance’ plot but this is a tiny point based on how fab this book is.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book

[Linda Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Trial in Three Acts is a really witty and clever locked room murder mystery that I found highly entertaining, with a brilliant insight into both theatre and people. My full thoughts are on the My Weekly website.

[AdiTurbo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clever plotting, and I loved learning more about the much more "adult" British litigation system (than the one we're used to watching on TV). However, not much else. The characters are quite cardboard and I spotted the killer a mile away. A good flight book when you don't have the patience for depth, but I think this author can do better.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for this spin on a legal thriller.
Loved the trial elements. Could have done without the transcripts of scenes from the play. Just didn’t feel the chemistry in the romance. Guessed the killer about halfway.

Full review to come

[Victoire Delforge · Rating 4 out of 5]

The « Who did it » was predictable. The « how » on the other end was a surprise.
Very enjoyable !

[KathVBtn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly twisty turny legal thriller with a fascinating family case at its heart. Every chapter revealed something new, a juicy insight about the case that turned everything on its head again and again. I would love to read more about these characters and in these chambers.

[Shanequa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most entertaining legal thriller I’ve read. I had a really fun time with it

[AtomicBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything I love about reading, clever, a bit quirky, and very witty. This book is brilliant from beginning to end.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been delaying adding my review of A Trial in Three Acts as I’ve been trying to come up with clever words to describe just how much I enjoyed this book. However, I’m not a writer, merely a reader and have failed! Let me just say that if you enjoy an intriguing and clever mystery, a fantastic courtroom drama and a wonderful array of characters, then you need to read this book immediately. The writing is superb and Charles Konig is quite simply my favourite character so far this year. I’m going to be mortified if this is his only outing and this isn’t the start of a lengthy series.

I was nervous at first with the list of characters and the different ways of story telling, with scenes from the play, witness statements and newspaper articles, but the writing was so good that it kept me enthralled and entertained.

Thanks to NetGalley and Viper, Serpent’s Tail & Profile Books for an eARC of this book.

[BookswithLydscl | · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this one didn't work for me. I struggled with the story, narrative voice, and characters. I loved the premise and there was so much potential in the story but right now unfortunately it didn't land for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Serpent's Tail / Viper / Profile Books | Viper for this digital review copy of "A Trial In Three Acts" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

[Kez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperate to get away on a trekking holiday after a trial, Charles Konig KC finds himself instructed by American lawyer Yara Ortiz to defend a Hollywood actor, accused of the murder of his wife.

Leo Lusk took on a role in a play he co-wrote for a chance to reconnect with his daughter, Francesca. Since his divorce from Alexandra Dyce, he believed Alexandra was turning Francesca against him. However, Leo finds himself sharing the stage not only with his daughter, but also his ex-wife as Francesca has insisted her mother also be given a role.

Unsurprisingly, tensions flare up during the production. Alexandra was not a nice person, putting up the backs of many of her fellow actors and production staff. When the execution scene goes wrong and she is guillotined for real, live on stage, Leo is the prime suspect and put on trial for her murder.

The historical play about the illegitimate daughter of George Washington had run for over a year of sold out shows. Staged in a cemetery in London, it may hold the answers as to what happened.

While the play is a drama staged by actors, the novel gives us an insight into the theatrics of court and the egos of KCs. Casting the accused as an American actor with an American lawyer allows us to compare how trials work on both sides of the Atlantic, contrasting British court process with what many of us are familiar with in American movies and series.

Primarily set in the courtroom, the cross examinations of witnesses, and Yara Ortiz being unfamiliar with the British courts system allows the processes to be explained to the reader without overwhelming us with legalese, making this a very readable story.

The dramatics of the courtroom are interspersed with the theatrics from the stage, as excerpts from the play are submitted in evidence, and we get to see what happened on the stage and behind the scenes, how the tensions spilled over into the performance. Did Leo really murder his ex-wife? Charles Konig, while wanting to create reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury to have his client acquitted, is given plenty of opportunity to point the finger elsewhere. But after putting his client on the stand, it becomes clear that the only way to win the case is to find out what really happened that night on stage.

An excellent legal mystery with plenty of dry humour and drama, and I hope to see Charles and Yara again soon!

Thank you to the author, Viper Books and NetGalley for a digital advance copy for review.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this book was a whole lot of fun. Combining two of my favourite things - a good, old fashioned murder mystery and the theatre - Guy Morpuss has brought us all a legal thriller with a difference. Yes this is, if taken at face value, a courtroom drama, an attempt by one very clever and skilled, if initially reluctant Barrister, Charles Konig, to prove the innocence of his client - at least in the eyes of the law. It is also a foray into the theatre world, in particular the life and times of former husband and wife duo, Leo Lusk and Alexandra Dyce. The victim? Why, Ms Dyce. The accused, Mr Lusk. The murder weapon? Well that is where it gets interesting and where our dear author, had me well and truly hooked.

The victim in this sorry tale was murdered in full view of an entire audience of people, killed by one of the props in the play. The question is less of the what, more the exact how and the why of the case, although given all that is revealed about the victim and those around her, the why is perhaps less in question too. The suspected motive is one of the oldest of them all - greed. But nothing is ever as simple as it seems and Guy Morpuss has done a brilliant job of muddying the waters when it comes to this particular victim. She wasn't portrayed as the most likeable of personalities, and whilst there is never an excuse for murder, it was fairly easy to understand why people may have been tempted to exact a kind of vengeance against her. And I am using the word people deliberately there as whilst the police may have honed in on a single suspect, Konig is very adept at ensuring the potential motives of all of the key played in this case are made very clear for all to see.

I love how the author has used his own personal experience to inform this story. Because of this the story oozes authenticity, even if scenes and circumstances have been amplified and exaggerated for dramatic effect. This is not like a dramatic American Legal drama, and the gaps between the two cultures are heavily emphasised when looking at the solicitor who has engaged Konig's services. frustrated by the lack of action, and objection, in the more staid courts of the UK, Yara Ortiz is a character almost too large for the courtroom to contain and I really liked her. Liked her spirit, liked her determination, and liked how she was a perfect counter for Konig. I'd more than happily read about both of them again. The author has really sold them to me. Made me invested in their ability to win a case, even if I wasn't entirely engaged by the people they were representing.

There is a strangely intriguing scientific element to this story too, about whether or not DNA manipulation, or a person's genetic make up would be responsible when someone acts out of character, or even used as a defence against an accusation of murder. Not so much an insanity plea as my genes made me do it. This stretches the bounds of possibility more than a touch, but lends itself to the case perfectly, brining a touch of humour to proceedings. Extremely tenuous links indeed, but enough to make you think, if just for a second. What do you say to a man who says 'George Washington made me do it ...'? Whether the defence works ... well you'll have to read the book to find out.

Fun, fresh, with brilliant characters, a twisted storyline and enough misdirection to keep you confounded to the very end, I loved this. Definitely recommended.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Viper for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I had heard so many good things about this book that I knew I had to get a copy, even though I've never read any of his books before. But sadly it didn't live up to my expectations.

It takes a lot of brain work, a lot of concentration. Particularly in the opening 10%, there's a lot of historical names thrown around, historical and current, so I almost needed a notepad to keep up.

I am definitely on the fence with this. I think the concept was very good, it was so detailed with such depth, so many layers. But I found it very confusing and hard to read. Whilst I'm aware I said the depth was a positive thing, it's also one of the drawbacks. It's so involved that at times I was really struggling to keep up with it.

It flits between current narrative, articles, text messages, and website copy. It might be a formatting thing on my copy, but there's wasn't much definition between the styles, and so you're reading it and then all of a sudden you realise you're actually reading a newspaper article and you have to go back to the beginning to make sure you're reading it in the right light.

I believe Guy has legal experience himself which gives an added extra to the courtroom scenes. Yes there's artistic licence but generally it feels real. Which is to its credit. But on the flip side, there is a lot of legal detail and it tends to get bogged down i nthat.

None of the characters endeared themself to me, there's so many of them but they had no real...character to them. They were quite flat, quite pantomime.

It started off strongly, but I'd say by about a quarter of the way through it lost its way, not really knowing what it was. It was a mashup of formats and confusion and didn't seem to have much direction.

Overall, it had promise, it was a great concept, with thorough detail throughout. But it didn't live up to what I had read. It felt clumsy, too detailed at times, a bit all over the place, and by the end it felt like a book I had to just get through.

[Maine Colonial · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve read the book description, you already know that the murder occurs during the hit play Daughter of the Revolution, when lead actress Alexandra Dyce is beheaded instead of a dummy. The Crown Prosecution Service charges Leo Lusk, Alexandra’s ex-husband and co-writer, producer and director of the play. The couple had a particularly bitter divorce, with Alexandra lying and manipulating their daughter, Francesca, to estranger her from her father. But for Leo to be able to cast Francesca, as he wanted, Alexandra’s sway over Francesca meant he had to case Alexandra as well.

Despite being a celebrated actress, Alexandra was despised by nearly everyone in the play. She was a narcissist, a racist, a homophobe, and a strident “anti-woke” warrior. Charles Konig, the barrister chosen by US-based lawyer Yara Ortiz to defend Leo, decides he must figure out who managed to rig the guillotine the night of Alexandra’s beheading, if he is to get Leo acquitted.

This was a fairly entertaining courtroom drama, though there were elements that detracted from the enjoyment for me. The idea that a play about a set of obscure events in American history would be a smash hit expected to run for years is questionable, at best. (Sure, Hamilton was and is a huge success, but the description of this play makes it clear this lacks any of the attractions of Hamilton.) The introduction of the whole woke/anti-woke stuff was a clunky and contrived-feeling potential motive. Finally, this is yet another book in which an English writer and editor couldn’t be bothered to have an American character’s dialog briefly checked so that it reflects American vocabulary and usage (and, in the case of the audiobook, sometimes pronunciation).

3.5 stars, rounded to 4 (though I really wish I could keep it at 3.5 stars)

[Kelly Van Damme · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Guy Morpuss’s books since day one and so A Trial in Three Acts was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025. While I must admit it wasn’t my favourite of his novels, I still had a great time with it.

I’m not the biggest fan of legal thrillers or courtroom dramas, it’s certainly a subgenre I can enjoy but in moderation, it’s not one I seek out. Having said this, I really did enjoy the courtroom scenes in A Trial in Three Acts, and I loved the denouement, and I’m sure that if legal thrillers and courtroom dramas are your bag, you will gobble this one up! While reading, it’s clear that the author knows what he’s talking about, and from the afterword, it would appear that multiple real-life anecdotes made it into the book.

Based on that aspect of A Trial in Three Acts, as well as the murder mystery and the main characters and their interaction, I’d give it a solid five stars. However, two other aspects worked less for me personally. Firstly, the letters to The Times, which apparently is something the author does himself. While entertaining enough, those short intermezzos didn’t further the plot, and they took me out of the story a little bit. For me, incorporating those texts in another way, like having Charles weave them into a conversation, would have been more effective. But maybe I’m missing something? Is this a typically British custom I didn’t know about?

Secondly, and I really don’t know what happened there, I’m surprised at myself, and not in a good way, the historical facts behind the play just didn’t appeal to me all that much. While reading, I did appreciate why the historical bits and the play elements mattered, and in hindsight it’s even more clear just how much they matter. It’s just that, for some reason unbeknownst to even myself, I wasn’t as fascinated by them as I should have been.

All in all, I did have a really good time with A Trial in Three Acts. Despite the things that didn’t entirely work for me, I found it an engrossing read that kept me guessing for a long time.

Massive thanks to Viper Books and NetGalley for the DRC. All opinions are my own.

[UKDana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollywood star Leo Lusk is on trial for murdering his ex-wife. Charles Konig, the leading barrister in the country is engaged to defend him. Konig has his work cut out for him as Lusk refuses to deny he carried out the murder which took place in front of a theatre audience.

I love murder mysteries. I love legal thrillers. Combine the two and I'm salivating. Throw in a little bit of historical information and you have a surefire winner for me. A Trial In Three Acts by Guy Morpuss offers all three of these. With an effortless writing style, engaging characters, touches of humour and a plot line that is at once utterly ridiculous and in another moment almost plausible you have a thriller that will keep you turning the pages.

Leo Lusk, movie star, has spent the past year in London starring in a play alongside his ex-wife, Alexandra Dyce. Following an acrimonious divorce, Dyce managed to turn the couple's daughter against her father and Lusk had hoped that the three of them working together on the production would allow him to rekindle some father-daughter bonds. Unfortunately, Dyce has continued to pour poison into her daughter's ear. When she is gruesomely murdered in full view of the audience suspicion immediately falls on Lusk.

Working alongside Konig in defense of Lusk is an American attorney, Yara Ortiz. The interactions between Ortiz and Konig highlight how different the legal systems are in America and the UK. The author has managed to write a story that flows easily and is immensely readable, avoiding all the boring stuffiness that takes place in the British court system.

I found the book impossible to put this down. The pace never let up and there was lots of misdirection. I had figured out the "who" very early on but was completely in the dark regarding the "how" until the big reveal. Let's hope that we see more of Charles Konig, KC, in the future.

If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/

or follow me on Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
or on Bluesky; @debbiehartuk.bsky.social

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I have read a good court procedural but this has been worth the wait. Charles Koenig KC spend his time at the Central Criminal Court in London. He is planning a trip to Nepal when he is asked to take on the case of the famous actor Leo Lusk who has been accused of murdering his ex wife, the actress Alexandra Dyce. In a most gruesome manner she has been guillontined on stage in front of an audience. Told in multiple ways as the courtroom case includes scenes from the play, newspaper articles and of course witness statements which certainly added to the story.

Briefly, although not really interested in defending a celebrity, Charles, is ably assisted by the solicitor who instructed him, the delectable Yara Ortiz, from New York and he is facing his foe John Varley for the Prosecution. The case involves the play about the illegitimate daughter of George Washington and a company owned by Lusk and his ex which purports to sell the DNA of dead people to enhance their own talents. Yep balderdash!

This is an entertaining read, the unbelievable becomes even more unbelievable by the page, but results in an engaging story. I loved how Charles laid out the English court procedure so meticulously contrasting it with the equivalent US system. A really enjoyable legal drama with plenty of humour amongst the courtroom drama. I particularly enjoyed the verbal banter between Charles and Yara and I really hope the author brings them back in another book. 4.5⭐️

[The Cookster · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 2.3/5

I had been looking forward to reading "A Trial in Three Acts", but all too frequently it failed to live up to my hopes and expectations. In fact, there were times when I found it annoyingly frustrating.

There are some very positive aspects to this novel. The plot is clever (perhaps a little too much so, at times). The central protagonist, Charles Konig, has a number of endearing qualities, which could potentially lead to him having a series built around him, rather than just appearing in a one-off outing. It is a pity, therefore, that the overall impact is spoiled by the excessive inclusion of procedural legal elements that is likely to alienate members of the reading audience who do not have significant knowledge and / or interest in this professional field. These sections may well be legally accurate, but they do not make for enjoyable fictional drama. The same is true of the lengthy extracts from the historical play that are incorporated into the narrative. These sections may well be quite clever and contain some key elements that are essential to the plot progression and ultimate resolution, but they are unnecessarily protracted to the point of becoming an unhelpful and dull distraction.

Ultimately, this is a novel that is intriguing at times, but is prevented from achieving its potential by being dull and protracted at others.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Beth Reads Crime]

𝘈 𝘛𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘴, the third novel from barrister Guy Morpuss KC, blends courtroom drama with a Christie-esque locked room murder mystery.

Six nights a week, the smash-hit play 𝘋𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 performs to a sold-out audience – until one fateful evening when the leading lady is beheaded live on stage. Each cast member has a motive, but it's her ex-husband who stands accused. Enter defence barrister Charles Konig, a staunch traditionalist with a sharp legal mind, determined to uncover the truth.

The novel unfolds primarily in the courtroom, but we also follow the characters to the play’s unusual venue – a chapel – while mixed-media elements, including excerpts from legal gossip blog Cicero’s Law and Charles’ amusing attempts to get his letters published in The Times, add variety to the narrative.

I was particularly drawn in by the murder itself, especially the mystery surrounding the guillotine – how it was adapted and used was fascinating. The dynamic between Charles and Yara was also a personal highlight, bringing some charm to the story.

I think this will really appeal to fans of theatre and historical fiction, particularly those who love Hamilton. The rich backstory surrounding figures like George Washington and Lady Dunmore adds depth for readers who enjoy that kind of detail. If you like your crime fiction with a theatrical flair, this is worth checking out!

Thank you to Viper for the ARC.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leading lady Alexandra Dyce is murdered on stage and even though a lot of the cast have a motive, it’s her ex husband who is charged. Defence barrister Charles Konig is brought in and it becomes clear that the clues are in the play itself.

Having read previous books by this author I trust him to create unique, well crafted stories. This was another intriguing mystery with more focus on the courtroom element, which I liked. I also enjoyed the premise of this being combined with a murder in a theatre. As the author works in this field, you can tell the environment and legal aspects are factual. I was interested to gain new knowledge in this respect. However saying that, at times it felt as though I wasn’t reading a fictional novel with the excess legal elements, which hindered my enjoyment.

I found the overall story to be quite slow and although I enjoyed that the story wasn’t told traditionally and instead in mixed media, I found that I did not really enjoy the play transcripts, finding these hard to follow. Even though the storyline was clever and complex, it required full attention to decipher what was going on and I found I had to reread parts as it was easy to get lost. Overall though I appreciate the quirkiness and idea behind this and am interested to see what the author comes up with next. 2.5 - 3 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.

[Leanne J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cozy thriller set in the world of law where a barrister represents a Hollywood actor who is accused of killing his ex wife by guillotine during a play.

It contained scenes from the play which I didn’t love but didn’t hate. I understood why they were there. I like a book with a bit of mixed media which this did have. The story, the script, letters and a few text messages. I know some people don’t like this but I do.

I liked the choice of scene of the murder. Something different. It was atmospheric and gave an opportunity for a whodunit. I did guess quite early whodunit but that never really bothers me as long as the story is still good.

I love that the author is a barrister and it’s so refreshing that the legal process is accurate (allowing for a bit of artistic licence). Having the majority of the book set in court was a change and working in the legal system, I know how chaotic it really is.

This definitely picked up towards the end. It was an easy read so if you’re looking for cozy crime easy read then this is for you. I’d probably it’s a 3 - 3.5⭐️. I don’t know why I can’t quite decide!

Thanks to Viper Books and the author for the arc and to @readwatchdrinkcoffee for the buddy read!

[Shawne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story, the way the trial unfolded alongside the play made me think of classic whodunits. The format was very clever as well laying out scenes from the play, clippings from newspapers, witness statements and the storyline in a way that was seamless and so engaging to follow. The main character was also brilliant, unassuming enough to allow the trial to happen and for us to forget who we are watching it through at points, but with enough character to make him someone that the reader feels invested in.

It was also a breath of fresh air to read a story based in an English court trial, American court drama is also fun but I feel like that is what you see more commonly in books and film/tv. Reading the methodical way that our main character laid out his case made it difficult to put the story down, I kept saying one more witness, one more article and the next thing I knew I was finished.

I hope the author writes more books especially if they were to write another book with our main character back for another trial.

I read an arc of this book through netgalley

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story:
When a death occurs during the performance of a historical play, not only those in the room but an entire livestream audience witness the tragedy. But was it a terrible accident, or is something more sinister at play?

Sensationally, lead actor in the play, the famous Leo Lusk and ex-husband of the deceased, is arrested. Charles Konig KC is the barrister in charge of the case. But if his client isn’t the murderer, who is?

My thoughts:
“A Trial in Three Acts” is the third book I’ve read by Guy Morpuss (following “Five Minds” and “Black Lake Manor”), both of which I loved!

On the face of it, this is a less fantastical story than the author’s previous mysteries (featuring body-sharing and time travel, respectively!). However, Morpuss’s creativity still shines through with the concept of ‘SoulGene Therapy’ — the implantation of celebrity DNA (from anyone from Churchill to Oscar Wilde), to confer the celebrated characteristics of the donor on their modern day recipient. In fact, this concept provides a potential defence for the murder suspect Leo Lusk, who has received DNA from George Washington himself — could this have conferred uncontrollable war-like tendencies leading to the murder?

The defence rests in the hands of the main protagonist, reserved loner and King’s Council Charles Konig, along with his instructing solicitor Yara Ortiz — who is determined not only to win the case but also break Charles out of his shell. The two make a great team, and I enjoyed seeing them working together to uncover the dramatic truth of what really occurred that night on stage.

Morpuss was a barrister himself, and this really comes across in the detail of the courtroom battle (although as the author says himself in his Author’s Note, “I have tried to keep the courtroom experience as authentic as possible, while cutting out the dull bits”!). And one feature of the book I particularly enjoyed were Konig’s witty letters to The Times newspaper, which are interspersed throughout — and from the author’s acknowledgements, it seems this is also a hobby of his own!

This is a book that will appeal to fans of courtroom-based mysteries, and also has enough of the fantastic to satisfy Morpuss fans. Another great read!

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read if you like;
-Courtroom drama
-Mixed media
-Theatre
-Short Snappy chapters

I’ve not read a lot of Legal thrillers lately, so I was super intrigued to see how A Trial In Three Acts was going to plan out. It was a well crafted murder mystery with a variety of characters.

The first act was a little slow for me to get into, there was a fair bit of historical names and present character names to remember. However, once you got through the first 10% we really picked up speed.

The short chapters, text messages, new articles all worked really well for this novel! The only thing that I wasn’t keen on and didn’t really get was the letters to the times.

Frankly, A Trial in Three Acts shows that there is clearly a big gap in the legal thriller genre that needs to be filled more! The scientific and parental alienation element was so well done and I found it so interesting.

Overall, an enjoyable legal murder mystery with an ending that is nicely concluded and answers all your questions!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trial by three acts by Guy Morpuss is a quirky murder/mystery courtroom drama.
When Alexandra Dyce is beheaded on stage of a play by guillotine in Act three, her ex-husband movie legend Leo Lusk who is also acting in the play becomes the main suspect of her murder.
I thank the publisher for a copy of Guy Morpuss’ latest novel. I found this to be an interesting whodunnit. With its original storyline due to the way it was written. The courtroom is set and with the jurors are talked through what happened in the play. I find though there was quite a lot of history of went on through the book, which at times I felt it made the story kind of slow. Some of which I found it to be a bit farfetched, but it added to the quirkiness of it. This is a kind of book that you must be full invested to get the whole gist of the story. 3.5 stars from me.

[Charlie Morris (Read, Watch & Drink Coffee) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely a new direction for author Guy Morpuss, who actually worked as a barrister for 30 years, so you know you can trust his account of what really goes on in a courtroom.

There's a slight sci-fi twist to this one, which is what I have loved his other books for. But this one is definitely more of a cosy crime.

Think Richard Osmand meets Janice Hallett! It's slower-paced but still very intricate, and it gets your mind ticking as you try to decipher any potential clues.

The setting gives the story a really unique twist, and the end soon picks up the pace. I enjoyed the concluding part as the answers were finally revealed, although I was expecting the sci-fi elements to come into play more.

But if you enjoy a slower crime, especially one set in a courtroom, you're sure to enjoy something different from this author.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Guy Morpuss and, having looked at his previous books, I am unsure it is typical - if that is an appropriate word - for his work. However, it is his latest book and as he is appearing at a book festival I am attending this summer and have never read anything by him, it was the one I opted for.

The novel is set out as a court case, with barrister, Charles Konig, defending American actor, Leo Lusk, from killing his ex-wife during a play they were both appearing in. As such, we have the cast members giving evidence, speculation as to what really happened and a little romance. Konig also delights in sending letters to The Times, which add fun interludes, as does a legal blog, which does a running commentary on the case. A fun read and I will definitely be exploring more by this author.

[Shell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very clever legal novel, which compares the drama and performance of the theatre with that of the courtroom. In a long-running historical play, the audience watch on in horror as the Guillotine, which was supposed to be just a prop, removes the head of the leading lady. Arrested and put on trial is her ex-husband Leo Lusk, who had ample motive after his wife poisoned their daughter against him. The family business, which digs up old famous corpses to inject the DNA into recipients hoping to gain the skills and abilities of the deceased donor, is also now up for grabs.
I don't normally like crime books set around the theatre, but this one was so interesting and kept surprising me with unexpected twists. Just when I thought I had worked out where the book was going, it took a totally different direction. I hope this will become a series.