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Trial
A thrilling adventure into the real world of criminal law, a rich and powerful novel that deals with murder, the morality of justice and the perils of love, Clifford Irving's novel sets a new standard for courtroom fiction.
A twisting, relentless thriller, Trial follows Texas lawyer Warren Blackburn as he defends two accused murderers in two separate cases. One of his clients is a former beauty queen and brazen owner of a topless nightclub, who shot her multimillionaire doctor lover - she claims - in self-defense; the other is a homeless illegal alien accused of killing a man for his wallet.
Without warning, the two cases merge and become one, and Warren's entire life and career are threatened. William Safire in The New York Times called this "the novel of the year."
A twisting, relentless thriller, Trial follows Texas lawyer Warren Blackburn as he defends two accused murderers in two separate cases. One of his clients is a former beauty queen and brazen owner of a topless nightclub, who shot her multimillionaire doctor lover - she claims - in self-defense; the other is a homeless illegal alien accused of killing a man for his wallet.
Without warning, the two cases merge and become one, and Warren's entire life and career are threatened. William Safire in The New York Times called this "the novel of the year."
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1990
607 people are currently reading
961 people want to read
About the author
Clifford Irving
54 books69 followersClifford Irving was the author of 20 published books & just released 12 of his works as Kindle/Nook eBooks; he was currently writing a memoir called Around the World in 80 Years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
August 8, 2014
A gripping legal thriller with some spellbinding courtroom moments. A slow first couple of chapters but the story develops in to an exceptional read. The author has created a character in Warren Blackburn I definitely want to meet again.
June 6, 2015
I'm going to be really, really kind and give this one 3 stars. It is right up there towards the top of the most over-written books I've read. When the narrator says that something is going to be boring and goes ahead and tells it anyway...not just once, but several times, I have to wonder who is editing this stuff. After going through page after page of boring testimony then we have to go through page after page of defense and then prosecutorial summation! Blah, Blah Blah!!
So whatever happened to the discovery phase?? There was so much that was sprung in the trial that should have been brought out in discovery...I know it might have hurt the plot line, but other writers get around this issue.
There was page after page of marriage, divorce, soul searching, etc., etc., that had NOTHING to do with the main plot. I kept hoping he'd tie it in somehow, but never did. Neither were the affairs.
On top of all of this, this was a book that was SCREAMING to be told in first person. Instead of the author TELLING us what was his characters were thinking and doing, why not just let them say it for themselves??
That was the bad. The good, and only redeeming thing about this book was that the story...minus all the meaningless crap...was fairly compelling.
So whatever happened to the discovery phase?? There was so much that was sprung in the trial that should have been brought out in discovery...I know it might have hurt the plot line, but other writers get around this issue.
There was page after page of marriage, divorce, soul searching, etc., etc., that had NOTHING to do with the main plot. I kept hoping he'd tie it in somehow, but never did. Neither were the affairs.
On top of all of this, this was a book that was SCREAMING to be told in first person. Instead of the author TELLING us what was his characters were thinking and doing, why not just let them say it for themselves??
That was the bad. The good, and only redeeming thing about this book was that the story...minus all the meaningless crap...was fairly compelling.
April 24, 2018
A Lawyer's Novel
As a practicing public defender, I found much to appreciate in Mr. Clifford's work. I identified with the main character, Warren Blackburn. Warren displayed many of the sentiments I experience daily: his disdain for pretentious judges, his firm conviction in the rule of law in spite of its callous disregard by many judges and prosecutors, his open non-condensending respect for the less fortunate, especially his clients. Mainly, I was entranced by the manner in which Irving was able to construct his courtroom scenes with finely tuned, perfectly nuanced depictions of every day events which are the product of the advesary system of American law. Also, I rediscovered my own faith in the jury, and of the lawyers sacred duty to uphold, and strenthen what I like to call the greatest example of democracy this country as to offer - the jury trial. However, I think Clifford does miss the mark on two fronts. Blackburn was not justified in his final disposition of his sociopathic client because he did breach his ethical, and, I believe, moral obligation to this most contemptable person. His marital difficulties should have been excised. Neverthess, Trial is a delight.
As a practicing public defender, I found much to appreciate in Mr. Clifford's work. I identified with the main character, Warren Blackburn. Warren displayed many of the sentiments I experience daily: his disdain for pretentious judges, his firm conviction in the rule of law in spite of its callous disregard by many judges and prosecutors, his open non-condensending respect for the less fortunate, especially his clients. Mainly, I was entranced by the manner in which Irving was able to construct his courtroom scenes with finely tuned, perfectly nuanced depictions of every day events which are the product of the advesary system of American law. Also, I rediscovered my own faith in the jury, and of the lawyers sacred duty to uphold, and strenthen what I like to call the greatest example of democracy this country as to offer - the jury trial. However, I think Clifford does miss the mark on two fronts. Blackburn was not justified in his final disposition of his sociopathic client because he did breach his ethical, and, I believe, moral obligation to this most contemptable person. His marital difficulties should have been excised. Neverthess, Trial is a delight.
January 5, 2022
An excellent legal thriller almost on a par with the best of Grisham (and a lot better than his worst). Irving sets up a brilliant lead character with whom it is very easy to empathise. He then sets up two murder trials in which. his lawyer has to act for the defendant, under two totally different judges. But there is a big problem,which I cannot tell you about. The trials and the surrounding investigations are beautifully written and you want / need to keep turning the pages. I had not come across Irving before, but now his on my list. Highly recommended.
August 10, 2019
This is an oldie but most definitely a goodie. Save us all time and read the synapses. The writing is smart and doesn’t waste time with page fillers (unnecessary detail). The protagonist is put in a most unusual situation and there is also the matter of conscience vs. law. If you like John Grisham you’ll love this book.
September 16, 2017
Why haven't I read this before
Of course I am familiar with Clifford Irving, but for some reason have been focusing on some of the newest works by other authors. I came upon this title and decided to read it. It was a page turner and a good plot. If you read many legal thrillers one can often guess the end. I did guess the outcome, but it is always interesting to see how the author gets to that end. I was not disappointed. This a good read for those who enjoy court room drama.
Of course I am familiar with Clifford Irving, but for some reason have been focusing on some of the newest works by other authors. I came upon this title and decided to read it. It was a page turner and a good plot. If you read many legal thrillers one can often guess the end. I did guess the outcome, but it is always interesting to see how the author gets to that end. I was not disappointed. This a good read for those who enjoy court room drama.
June 13, 2020
Engaging. The bad choices lawyers make for the right reasons
December 21, 2020
An excellent novel, a real courtroom thriller as Warren Blackburn is appointed to two murder cases and gets drawn into conflict over lawyer- client confidentiality.
October 17, 2025
Totally awesome read!!
December 16, 2021
This book was a lot better than I thought it would be but the bar was very low. The book is 30 years ago & the dialogue around women hasn’t aged well. But a couple of good surprises.
June 19, 2024
Good story line. One Lawyer, two cases and a system stacked against him.
March 15, 2022
Complex challenges face defense attorney in trial and in personal life
Author provides the reader with extensive insight into moral & legal challenges of a trial attorney. In this well-developed plot two murders are interlaced but the killer is an ultimately devious one, able to create twists & turns of truth and lies, leading to legal peril for others. Attorney's legal duty requires total protection of facts disclosed by his own client - under the canons of "privileged information." A fast-paced story unfolds while the author saves several surprises for the finale!
Author provides the reader with extensive insight into moral & legal challenges of a trial attorney. In this well-developed plot two murders are interlaced but the killer is an ultimately devious one, able to create twists & turns of truth and lies, leading to legal peril for others. Attorney's legal duty requires total protection of facts disclosed by his own client - under the canons of "privileged information." A fast-paced story unfolds while the author saves several surprises for the finale!
May 28, 2018
A real look at a criminal law
This was a well-written book that kept you reading. Two stories that are being told separately suddenly become connected and the lawyer in both cases gets caught between a rock and a hard place. How he gets to where he wants to be is fun. The writer definitely knows how to build character in his book. If you like a good legal story, I definitely recommend this one.
This was a well-written book that kept you reading. Two stories that are being told separately suddenly become connected and the lawyer in both cases gets caught between a rock and a hard place. How he gets to where he wants to be is fun. The writer definitely knows how to build character in his book. If you like a good legal story, I definitely recommend this one.
February 6, 2016
This book was good, but not great. The author took a bit too long with the beginning and developing the story. The actual storyline was good and the way the two trials came together was shocking. So not a total loss.
I liked the ending here, but not sure I would read another by this author.
I liked the ending here, but not sure I would read another by this author.
July 10, 2017
Riveting.
I couldn't put it down. Not only is it a fun and captivating read, it gives a great deal of insight into how the legal system works. I would like to think all lawyers have the integrity of Warren but I must say that I have my doubts.
I couldn't put it down. Not only is it a fun and captivating read, it gives a great deal of insight into how the legal system works. I would like to think all lawyers have the integrity of Warren but I must say that I have my doubts.
November 7, 2017
One of the best legal thrillers I've read! And I've read hundreds!
Clifford Irving writes like a sonofabitch. I'm sorry I waited so long to read one of his books, but ecstatic to have found out that he's written a lot.
Clifford Irving writes like a sonofabitch. I'm sorry I waited so long to read one of his books, but ecstatic to have found out that he's written a lot.
January 15, 2019
A great read
Love the courtroom scenes. Very accurate. "Pass the witness" was unusual language. However, this a very a very well written novel with a great storyline. It presented some great ethical dilemmas that lawyers are confronted with.
Love the courtroom scenes. Very accurate. "Pass the witness" was unusual language. However, this a very a very well written novel with a great storyline. It presented some great ethical dilemmas that lawyers are confronted with.
July 9, 2019
A real page turner!
I literally could not put this book down. Warren Blackburn is the kind of lawyer we all want when unjustly accused. Irving paints Warren as very human, torn between his sense of justice and client confidentiality.
Give us more like this, please!
I literally could not put this book down. Warren Blackburn is the kind of lawyer we all want when unjustly accused. Irving paints Warren as very human, torn between his sense of justice and client confidentiality.
Give us more like this, please!
September 17, 2019
What did she thing......
I've been known , by friends and family, to get very passionate when I'm into a good mystery. I wanted to jump in, climb on the desk, and chock Judge Bingham. With that said, guess what would have happened if I met Warren's wife........
I've been known , by friends and family, to get very passionate when I'm into a good mystery. I wanted to jump in, climb on the desk, and chock Judge Bingham. With that said, guess what would have happened if I met Warren's wife........
June 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed and while I agree with other reviewers that the language used may leave something to be desired, it does fit with the times (unfortunately).
August 30, 2017
Excellent! As good as Steve Martini, better than Grisham!
August 4, 2020
This was a very well-constructed courtroom drama. The actual trials start in earnest at about the halfway mark although there’s a good bit of story and backstory prior to this. There’s a good mix of crime, legal and personal going on here with a variety of people whom you can root for or against.
Given the author’s background, I was a bit surprised at who winds up the villain and to be blunt, a bit let down as well, but then again likely Irving had had enough notoriety by the time he got to this book. A different set of good and bad guys would surely spark more. Since it’s set at the end of the ‘80s, I’m going go to guess it was written and initially published then too.
Unlike so many books read today set 20 or more years earlier, this holds up perfectly. If there were any groaners or anachronisms, I missed them. Change the dates and this could be set in 2020 (or later?) with few people the wiser. The only letdowns were the author’s amazing ignorance about firearms and the laws regarding them (even in the 80s). These missteps took me out of the story time and time again and in the end, had a major effect on how the story would have played out in real life.
Despite this big hole, the story hangs together very well, the drama wraps up with no loose ends and the courtroom drama, if not realistic, aside from the arrogance of some judges, does unwind with a great deal of excitement. If it were written today, it’d be the foundational volume of a new series. As things do stand and with Irving gone, it’s a one-off. Worth a read.
Given the author’s background, I was a bit surprised at who winds up the villain and to be blunt, a bit let down as well, but then again likely Irving had had enough notoriety by the time he got to this book. A different set of good and bad guys would surely spark more. Since it’s set at the end of the ‘80s, I’m going go to guess it was written and initially published then too.
Unlike so many books read today set 20 or more years earlier, this holds up perfectly. If there were any groaners or anachronisms, I missed them. Change the dates and this could be set in 2020 (or later?) with few people the wiser. The only letdowns were the author’s amazing ignorance about firearms and the laws regarding them (even in the 80s). These missteps took me out of the story time and time again and in the end, had a major effect on how the story would have played out in real life.
Despite this big hole, the story hangs together very well, the drama wraps up with no loose ends and the courtroom drama, if not realistic, aside from the arrogance of some judges, does unwind with a great deal of excitement. If it were written today, it’d be the foundational volume of a new series. As things do stand and with Irving gone, it’s a one-off. Worth a read.
April 24, 2024
Trial starts off slow but the backstory is worth it. It picks up steam when the court action starts and before long a real bonanza of thrills, mystery and suspense unravels. At times it is dark and cynical. “Happy is for adolescents, pop songs and idiots.”. At other times it offers enduring axioms. “The reason opportunity is often missed is that it usually comes disguised as hard work.”.
But the best part of ‘Trial’ is the antagonist/ protagonist relationship. Warren is a Boy Scout kind of lawyer. He believes in right and wrong, in the legal system. But he is stuck as a defense lawyer defending many that he doesn’t think are innocent and judged by some that are only concerned about their docket. Justice is a word not often used and seldom the goal. But Warren is still tenacious in seeking fairness for the accused. All of them, rich or poor. Johnnie Faye is a work of art. She is the personification of what is vile and evil, all wrapped up and dripping with sexual innuendo. And yet the reader can’t wait to read more of her part in this saga. She is so bad it makes the story so good. As well written as Max Cady in ‘Cape Fear’. When the verdict is finally read the tension is palatable. At 96% I still didn’t know how the author would pull it all together. A surprising twist or two awaits those who stick it out. This is my first Clifford Irving book but I’m sure it won’t be my last.
But the best part of ‘Trial’ is the antagonist/ protagonist relationship. Warren is a Boy Scout kind of lawyer. He believes in right and wrong, in the legal system. But he is stuck as a defense lawyer defending many that he doesn’t think are innocent and judged by some that are only concerned about their docket. Justice is a word not often used and seldom the goal. But Warren is still tenacious in seeking fairness for the accused. All of them, rich or poor. Johnnie Faye is a work of art. She is the personification of what is vile and evil, all wrapped up and dripping with sexual innuendo. And yet the reader can’t wait to read more of her part in this saga. She is so bad it makes the story so good. As well written as Max Cady in ‘Cape Fear’. When the verdict is finally read the tension is palatable. At 96% I still didn’t know how the author would pull it all together. A surprising twist or two awaits those who stick it out. This is my first Clifford Irving book but I’m sure it won’t be my last.
September 29, 2020
Flawed characters and rightful endings
Warren takes on two homicide cases in an effort to revive his failing criminal defense career. One with Hector, a struggling immigrant from Mexico who allegedly killed another immigrant from Vietnam. Although Hector did not know the victim, an almost insurmountable case is gathered against him. Warren slowly comes to believe that Hector is innocent.
Simultaneously, a doctor is shot to death by his girlfriend who claims she killed the doctor in self-defense. As the trials begin, Warren begins to peel back the truth about both crimes and how they may be interrelated, altering his beliefs about who innocent and who is guilty.
A formula theme that resolves itself with the right conclusions including the expected side story about love and loss.
Warren takes on two homicide cases in an effort to revive his failing criminal defense career. One with Hector, a struggling immigrant from Mexico who allegedly killed another immigrant from Vietnam. Although Hector did not know the victim, an almost insurmountable case is gathered against him. Warren slowly comes to believe that Hector is innocent.
Simultaneously, a doctor is shot to death by his girlfriend who claims she killed the doctor in self-defense. As the trials begin, Warren begins to peel back the truth about both crimes and how they may be interrelated, altering his beliefs about who innocent and who is guilty.
A formula theme that resolves itself with the right conclusions including the expected side story about love and loss.
January 2, 2019
Where was spell check when needed?
Lawyer Warren Blackburn was a very likeable character, and the storyline of Trial was terrific; however, the book was apparently published without the luxury of a competent proofreader or editor. The misspellings and typos were rampant to the point of distraction for me. I recognize that I was particularly sensitive to much of this as I am a native Houstonian. Major streets and significant locations were repeatedly misspelled and simply jumped off the page at me. In spite of this complaint, I enjoyed the read to the point that I am going to select another novel by Mr. Irving to see if his publisher corrects the error of his ways. For Heaven's sake, even the the author's notes uses "their" when it should have been "there"!
Lawyer Warren Blackburn was a very likeable character, and the storyline of Trial was terrific; however, the book was apparently published without the luxury of a competent proofreader or editor. The misspellings and typos were rampant to the point of distraction for me. I recognize that I was particularly sensitive to much of this as I am a native Houstonian. Major streets and significant locations were repeatedly misspelled and simply jumped off the page at me. In spite of this complaint, I enjoyed the read to the point that I am going to select another novel by Mr. Irving to see if his publisher corrects the error of his ways. For Heaven's sake, even the the author's notes uses "their" when it should have been "there"!
August 21, 2021
Great Courtroom Drama
I thoroughly enjoyed this storyline. The legal strategies and drama were outstanding. Loved the main character, Warren Blackburn. Two of his cases are found to be linked and he has to find a way to resolve the conflicts and remain true to the law. The reader will encounter racial prejudices that I found to be off putting, but the story is above that. The story is a generation old and unfortunately such talk was common then.
I thoroughly enjoyed this storyline. The legal strategies and drama were outstanding. Loved the main character, Warren Blackburn. Two of his cases are found to be linked and he has to find a way to resolve the conflicts and remain true to the law. The reader will encounter racial prejudices that I found to be off putting, but the story is above that. The story is a generation old and unfortunately such talk was common then.
February 8, 2022
3.5 the thing is that when I first start this was so boring for me, so slow. But in some point I got into it and actually start to progress really fast on it, and besides I didn't like the end more than anything because it didn't feel that realistic, I still like this one and I believed was interesting and entertaining, which was the whole purpose of this reading.
January 6, 2025
Absolutely a fantastic, well written suspenseful thriller!
This read was captivating, to the point of me foregoing doing anything else, other than getting to the next page! I haven't read such an emotionally enticing story in a long time. Thank you Clifford Irving, for crafting together such a phenomenal story!
This read was captivating, to the point of me foregoing doing anything else, other than getting to the next page! I haven't read such an emotionally enticing story in a long time. Thank you Clifford Irving, for crafting together such a phenomenal story!
September 4, 2017
Super!!!
A great legal book that actually involves two cases and involves some real maneuvering on Warren's part. It's a "page-turner" first class! I had trouble putting it down.
A great legal book that actually involves two cases and involves some real maneuvering on Warren's part. It's a "page-turner" first class! I had trouble putting it down.
February 14, 2019
Excellent book
I really enjoyed this read. Some of it was predictable, but there are enough twists to it that make it interesting and believable. Very well written. I highly recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this read. Some of it was predictable, but there are enough twists to it that make it interesting and believable. Very well written. I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews