Killer Instinct

Lee Mitchell #2

by Nicola Williams

THE GRIPPING, TWISTY NEW LEGAL THRILLER STARRING UNDERDOG BARRISTER LEE MITCHELL IN A CASE THAT STRIKES AT THE HEART OF HER CHAMBERS

‘British crime fiction has a dazzling new voice in Nicola Williams’ Tony Parsons

When the Head Clerk at her Chambers is murdered, Lee Mitchell doesn’t know who she can trust.

One of the last people to see him alive, the crime is pinned on Junior Clerk Dean who ‘seems like the type’. Working-class and still living on the estate where he grew up, he has the most to gain from Tom’s death.

But Lee knows how easily prejudices can snowball into convictions – and steps in to defend him. As the trial progresses, people Lee has worked with for years become suspects as her Chambers crumble into a world of chaos and deceit.

And, what of the diary, whispered about by those at Chambers? The one Tom used to blackmail Lee’s friends and enemies alike to do his bidding? The one containing secrets some might kill to keep hidden?

Maybe finding it will be the key to solving his murder. Or maybe some secrets are better left buried . . .

‘An authentic thought-provoking new voice in crime fiction’ Kate Ellis

288 pages, Hardcover

Published July 10, 2025

Reviews

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee Mitchell #2 (Book 1 = Until Proven Innocent)

The shadow of chief clerk, Tom Mannion, looms large over Maple Court Chambers as sure he has a killer instinct. However, maybe there’s someone who has reason to have an even deadlier killer instinct. Who is the last person from Chambers to see Tom alive? That would be his junior clerk, Dean Carter, currently struggling into work on the morning after the night before. The news of Tom‘s death spreads through Maple Court and has a tsunami impact. Why is Tom dead? Was it an accident or a deliberate act? Has it anything to do with Tom‘s extensive knowledge about people in Chambers? DCI Danny Wallace begins the investigation as deputy SIO on the case and eventually leads the inquiry.

If you like legal thrillers and lively courtroom scenes and exchanges, then this duo of novels with lead protagonist of legal rising star Lee Mitchell, are well worth reading. Although these are slow burners, they are full of intrigue and are thoughtful, thought provoking rather than fast paced. A standout feature is a very good portrayal of Chambers life and here we get several perspectives, not just Lee’s. There’s plenty going on, some of which is unsavoury, unsettling and creepy as well as power dynamics, infighting and intriguing vibes and tension between members of Maple Court. You feel the pressure put upon the barristers to win a case and to a secure conviction from the perspective of the police and the prosecution. I’ll leave the delight of making the acquaintance of the prosecuting lawyer to future readers.

There’s a good range of characters, some are very likeable, some are honourable, there are some to heartedly dislike, some you wouldn’t trust as far as you could throw them and one very interesting diamond in the rough. I really like Lee who feels very authentic. She’s had to claw her way to the top by being better than the average Joe as she’s black and female. She’s not perfect but goes the extra mile for her clients and her ups and downs with her partner David give further credibility to her character. There’s a good portrayal of Tom Mannion, warts and all.

These novels are good on a number of issues, especially race, privilege, corruption and loyalty versus truth. The courtroom scenes are good as evidence bats back and force with good interplay between the lawyers and the judge. There’s drama as it twists and turns its way to a resolution.

Another good read from Nicola Williams.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General UK for a much appreciated Epub in return for an honest review.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting story with lots of twists and turns that made the whole story very thrilling to read. Although there is a first book in this series which I have not read, this one can still be ready as a stand alone.
I would definitely look into reading the first book.

Many thanks to Penguin Random House for the early ARC to read and review this book and give my honest opinion. Thanks to Netgalley for making this possible.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I requested this from Netgalley I was immediately drawn in by the storyline however I didn't realise at the time it was the second book in the Lee Mitchell series. I don't normally like joining a series without reading them in order and I think I did miss out a little bit from not reading the first one.

Having said that, this was a really enjoyable legal thriller. When a Senior Clerk is found dead outside a fancy members-only bar, there is dubiety of whether he fell or was murdered. Dean, the Junior Clerk from a working-class background, was the last person to be with the victim and pressure is put on the Police to arrest and charge him despite his repeated denials.

What follows is a legal trial which was the best part of the novel. Dean is defended by Lee Mitchell and untangles deception and intrigue on a number of levels. Whilst there are a LOT of characters in this book, which I sometimes struggled to keep up with, the book moves towards a brilliant conclusion with significant fall-out.

Definitely a series I will be keen to follow up on.

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Kate O'Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect from this book but thoroughly enjoyed it.

Killer Instinct is a mix between a whodunnit and a court procedural and it works really well - although it does make you wonder exactly how many people end up in the system without deserving to be there.

Tom Mannion is Senior Clerk at Maple Court, a small but successful Chambers where he rules the roost. But it's not just wits or contacts that keeps Tom at the top of his game as Junior Clerk, Lee, finds out one night.

However Tom's reign at Maple Court is about to come crashing down and everyone at Chambers will be affected one way or another.

Nicola Williams has given us a tightly plotted, twisty and clever story that is hard to put down and extremely enjoyable. She's an author new to me but I'll definitely read more of her work.

Definitely recommended. Would make a great holiday read.

Thankyou to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the advance review copy.

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second outing for barrister, Lee Mitchell, sees her defending someone from her legal Chambers - Junior Clerk, Dean. Dean's boss, Tom Mannion, was found dead in a dark alley after a night out drinking, & Dean was the last person to be seen with him. Even though the evidence, what there is of it, is mostly circumstantial, the police & judiciary seem oddly keen to prosecute the case. Lee knew Tom too & knows that there are many others who had reason to dislike Tom but did they dislike him enough to kill?

I enjoyed this one slightly more than the first book. It was frustrating but true to life, to see the rich & [en]titled with their private clubs & 'old boys' networks conspire to focus attention on working class Dean. If there's a criticism, i would say that again the solution to the case literally walks through the door, it's not really found by Lee as such. I spent most of the book wondering why no-one had looked for the CCTV on the bus Dean caught back home, because it wasn't even mentioned until almost three-quarters of the way through. It's a solid legal thriller though & I'm kind of warming to Lee.

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Penguin UK/Hamish Hamilton, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in this series and, if you are going to read book one, I suggest you do that first as this book heavily refers to events contained therein. Actually, I would suggest you read it anyway as certain characters in this book have complicated relationships to others and I think you would benefit from having the complete backstories.
So... this book is focused around the death of Tom Mannion, the Head Clerk of the Maple Court Chambers where our MC, Barrister Lee Mitchell, works. It occurs soon after a heated argument between him and the speaker at an event the Chambers was sponsoring. But it is not to him that the Police turn. No, instead their focus is nudged towards his junior, Dean Carter. When they come to take him away, Lee is disheartened by head of chambers Giles who appears to be throwing him under the bus so she decides to defend him.
And so begins a cracking story which as well as being interesting, intriguing, and compelling, also includes great insight into both the working of a Chambers and also a Court Case. Both of which I am fascinated by. My boss at work's wife is a high profile civil and human rights barrister so I am already well familiar with the way things happen and found this to be wholly credible as well as highly entertaining.
Lee tries simultaneously to defend Dean and work out who actually killed Tom, if indeed it was murder and not an accident which is still in the room. There are also several other minor threads that meander around and about until eventually mostly all converging to an ending that I have to admit I never actually saw coming. I had suspicions about certain characters but never worked out the whole picture. Well done!
The characters are what really made this book pop for me. I love Lee and her backstory, her grit and determination to overcome the double minority she faces - being black and a women - in a white male dominated field. But the things that could have set her back, and her determination to succeed probably make her a better Barrister. She actually cares about what she does. It was also nice to catch up again with other familiar faces - DCI Danny Wallace for one.
What I also loved about this book was its portrayal and highlighting of privilege. Something I can easily believe is rife in the world still, despite any effort to clamp down. It still amazes me how they could prosecute Dean on the flimsy reasons they gave and I was horrified by a certain conversation Lee overheard at the end of the book. I would love to expand further but I can't.
All in all, a cracking follow up to what was already a well impressive series opener. I really can't wait for book three. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Denis Wheller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Senior Clerks in a top Barristers' Chambers are all powerful and also extremely well paid. Junior Clerks are neither of these things. Tom Mannion has been the Senior at Maple Court Chambers for many years, and during that time has accumulated not just prestige and wealth, but also secrets. Secrets he can use to not only coerce or blackmail his colleagues at the Chambers, but also a number of people in the wider world. Dean Carter is his Junior, only 24 but with eight years’ experience of working with Tom; despite which he knows nothing of those other activities. However. After a serious incident at a reception, Tom feels in need of a few drinks, and totally uncharacteristically invites Dean to his private members club, and Dean, reluctantly, goes along with him. During their conversation, Tom intimates to him that he has a diary containing material of a sensitive nature, and shows him a tatty old book. Dean leaves shortly after this, but Tom stays on for at least another half hour so. Next morning, Tom is found dead not far from the club, possibly due to an accidental fall, possibly due to an assault. He is still really wearing his expensive watch, which makes the latter option unlikely, but the diary is missing. For dubious reasons, Dean is charged with Tom's manslaughter and stands trial, represented by Lee Mitchell, a hot shot barrister colleague from Maple Court. .
This is the second book in the Lee Mitchell series, but is perfectly OK as a standalone. It is a courtroom Drama with the usual trappings, although the link between the defendant, the barrister and the deceased is unusual. It starts off a bit slowly, as if the author is struggling to find the right register, but it settles down quickly, although it does get a shade repetitive, frequently reminding the reader of facts they already know (or maybe that’s just me). The plot is linear, as is often the case with courtroom dramas, but the final reveals are surprising – mainly because they aren't really clued in the conventional sense. Working out whodunnit and why, relies on structural information rather than material information. The author also does seem to have a political, societal or perhaps moral agenda with regard to race issues. So I have some reservations about the structure, but I nevertheless found myself becoming quite immersed in the drama, quite anxious to know what was coming next. Overall it’s a 3 for structural reasons and a 4 for the story. That gives 3.5 which rounds to 4.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

[Claire - TheBookendReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy legal thrillers with gripping courtroom drama and complex power dynamics, this duo featuring rising legal star Lee Mitchell is well worth picking up. While both books lean toward the slower side, they’re rich with intrigue, layered character work, and thoughtful social commentary.

One of the standout elements is the authentic portrayal of Chambers life, seen through multiple perspectives - not just Lee’s. There’s a real sense of the pressure faced by barristers to secure convictions, with tense, often unsettling insight into the politics and personal dynamics within Maple Court. The depiction of infighting, privilege, and ambition feels sharp and uncomfortably real.

Lee Mitchell is a brilliant lead - clever, driven, and deeply human. As a Black woman in a competitive, often hostile legal world, she’s had to fight harder than most, and that reality comes through clearly in her character. She’s far from perfect, but her dedication to her clients and the complications of her personal life, especially with partner David, make her feel refreshingly authentic. Tom Mannion is also well-drawn, complete with flaws and nuance, and the supporting cast ranges from honourable to downright disturbing.

Themes of race, corruption, loyalty, and moral compromise run through both novels, and the courtroom scenes are a real highlight - tense, clever, and full of sharp exchanges between lawyers and judges. These may be slow burns, but they twist and turn their way to satisfying, thought-provoking conclusions.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thriller told from a different angle. This book is told from different viewpoints, mostly centred on a chamber of barristers based in London. After an evening "do" Dean, the junior clerk of the chambers is asked to go for a drink with his boss, Tom. Tom is the senior clerk and runs the chambers with an iron hand, but also has a book of secrets which he is able to use to manipulate . The next morning Tom is found dead, possibly killed and his diary of secrets is missing. As Dean is the last to have seen him alive, he becomes the main suspect. This book follows the investigation and the trial as well as the relationships between the people working at the chambers and their families. There are quite a few characters to follow, but as you get to know them, they do emerge as individuals.
THe book is slow to get going and the complicated legal system took some time to get my head around. In the lead up to the trial and once it started, the pace picked up and there were a couple of twists I did not see coming. The characterizations were very well written, you can picture the types from the descriptions. The human side, Lee's relationship and Ollie & Mary's family issues were also well portrayed.
Thanks to Net Galley for them ARC. 4 stars because of the first few chapters where I had difficulty getting into the plot

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in the Lee Michell Series and reads well as a stand-alone. Lee is a black female barrister, at Maple Court Chambers in London, originally from the Caribbean she knows how hard it is to fight your way to the top. Tom Mannion is the senior clerk in the Chambers. He is rich, successful and keeps a hidden diary holding his fellow Chamber members secrets. Dean is his Junior Clerk, from a working class background but determined to make something of himself, it is Dean who keeps the engines of the firm running.

Briefly, one morning a seemingly innocuous incident involving Tom and a woman at an underground station becomes the catalyst for events in the book. Following an office party Tom’s body is found in alleyway. Was he attacked or did he fall over drunk? With fingers being pointed at him Dean finds himself arrested and charged. He claims innocence but the police are only interested in charging him. Enter Lee who declares herself his Barrister.

I love a legal thriller and this is a very good one, full of twists and turns. I love the main protagonist, she’s one feisty lady who really is in the job to do what is right. I loved the descriptions of the inner machinations of the Chambers as it began to implode with every revelation. I loved the court case. You’ve got it. I loved this book! Great read.

[Jackiesreadingcorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for your next courtroom drama? This might be just the one! Book two in the series, but it easily works as a standalone.

When Tom Mannion, the powerful Chief Clerk of Chambers at Maple Court, is found dead after a night out with junior clerk Dean Carter, questions swirl. Was it an accident—or murder? With plenty of secrets stashed in his little black book, Tom had made more than a few enemies. DCI Danny Wallaceis is brought in to investigate, uncovering a web of power, corruption, and hidden truths.

This is a slow-burn legal thriller, filled with tension, sharp insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at life inside barristers’ chambers. I loved how the story unfolds from multiple perspectives—it added depth and nuance to the mystery.

There’s a rich mix of characters—some you root for, others not so much. Lee was a standout for me: determined, intelligent, and relatable. She’s had to work twice as hard to prove herself in a privileged world, and her personal struggles make her even more compelling.

The novel touches on important themes like privilege, race, loyalty, and justice, all while keeping the legal drama front and center. The courtroom scenes were particularly well written—smart, tense, and believable.

A thoughtful, intriguing read that kept me turning pages. Looking forward to more from this series!

[Sian Morant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom Mannion, chief clerk of Maple Court Chambers, is a man not to be trifled with. He is ambitious, antagonistic, and he doesn’t care who he upsets. Unfortunately, after attending a reception, Tom has appeared to upset someone just a little too much. The last person to be seen with Tom alive is his junior clerk, Dean Carter. Poor Dean rolls into work with the hangover from hell to find that not only is his senior clerk dead, but he, Dean, is now the principal suspect in Tom’s murder. Lee Mitchell, an up-and-coming star barrister in Maple Court Chambers, leads Dean’s defence. This brings her up against her old sparring partner, DCI Danny Wallace.

What follows is a legal thriller par excellence. Although reasonably slow-paced, the story itself never feels slow as it is packed full of intrigue and twists and turns. There are some first-class courtroom scenes. I especially liked the way Nicola Williams got to the heart of what it takes to be a barrister, and that winning a case may not necessarily involve the truth. There is certainly plenty of corruption in this story, and ultimately, a satisfying conclusion.
A well-constructed plot combined with brilliant writing equals 5 stars from me.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley, Nicola Williams and especially to Penguin for a the much-appreciated ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

[Elizabeth Currie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killer Instinct is the second book featuring black female barrister Lee Mitchell. I can never resist a legal thriller and William’s background as a criminal barrister is used to great effect in this gripping read.

When Senior Clerk at Maple Court Chambers Tom Mannion is found dead in an alley, suspicion falls on junior clerk Dean who was the last person seen with him. When Dean is charged with his manslaughter, Lee, a member of chambers, agrees to represent him - but his defence becomes complicated as it soon becomes clear that Tom was a man privy to many secrets and no shortage of enemies ….

Whilst this can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the first book, Until Proven Innocent, as this will give you some more insight into Lee and the challenges she has faced in her career at the Bar.

This is a story of race, privilege and corruption. Told from multiple perspectives, we get to know the cast of characters and see the machinations of a Chambers threatening to implode, weighed down by political manoeuvring and deceit. And things ramp up when we reach the courtroom and the trial takes place - and the threads begin to come together as it reaches its dramatic conclusion.

If you enjoy twisty courtroom dramas written with authenticity by someone who knows, then this is a series I recommend - and I look forward to hearing more from Lee Mitchell.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early Review: Killer Instinct by Nicola Williams (Coming July 2025)

Killer Instinct is a meticulously written legal thriller that plunges deep into the workings of the UK justice system. Nicola Williams delivers a richly detailed and courtroom-heavy narrative that will likely resonate most with readers already familiar with British legal procedures—or those willing to do some Googling along the way.

The writing itself is strong and precise, with a clear command of legal jargon and courtroom drama. However, the novel leans heavily into its trial scenes, resulting in a slow pace that may not appeal to those looking for a more dynamic or plot-driven thriller.

One noticeable drawback is the way some dialogue feels crafted more for the reader’s benefit than authentic conversation—certain lines serve as explanations that characters likely wouldn’t say aloud in real life, which can pull you out of the moment.

That said, Williams is clearly a talented writer, and fans of slow-burning legal fiction with a British twist may find a lot to enjoy here. Just don’t expect a fast-paced crime drama—this is a measured, methodical exploration of justice, truth, and the fine lines in between.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee Mitchell #2

When the Head Clerk at her Chambers is murdered, Lee Mitchell doesn't know who she can trust. One of the last people to see him alive, the crime is pinned on Junior Clerk Dean who "seems like the type." Working-class and still living on the estate he grew up, he has the most to gain from Tom's death. But Lee knows how easily prejudices can snowball into convictions - and steps in to defend him. As the trial progresses, people Lee has worked with for years become suspects as her Chambers crumbles into a world of chaos and deceit.

There were quite a lot of characters to remember. This is also a great legal trial where Junior Clerk Dean is defended by Lee Mitchell. The pace is on the slow side and it is told from multiple perspectives. Lee is such a feisty and intelligent character. The story covers corruption and race. Some of the characters you'll like, while others you definitely won't. This book could be read as a standalone.

Published 10th July 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley # PenguinGeneralUK and the author #NicolaWilliams for my ARC of #killerInstinct in exchange for an honest review.

[Danny Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book by Nicola Williams that I have read but if this one is anything to go by it will not be my last. A very good thriller with an interesting insight into courtroom procedures. Tom Mannion, the chief clerk of a reputable legal chambers in London, is found dead after a night out and the finger of suspicion falls on the last person to be with him, his junior clerk Dean Carter. As Carter is well known and liked in chambers he has no shortage of lawyers wanting to take on his case. Mannion, on the other hand was feared more than liked. He had a "little black book" filled with the names of many people in and around chambers and their misdemeanours which could end the careers of many of them.
As a result there was a lot of characters in this storyline which made it a little confusing at first but the author cleverly brought all the loose ends together. With many different twists and turns this turned out to be a very good thriller as the wheels of justice turned. Reading this book I had no idea that it was the second on the series. Not reading the first one did not detract from my enjoyment of it.

[Nicola Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't for me. I found this book quite unoriginal. From the blurb, it sounded like it would have a good plot, but I found it flat and felt like most of the themes had been covered before. A member of Chambers who is not popular is found dead in an alley after a work event and visit to private club. One suspect had an altercation with him in public but is rich so not an immediate suspect. Another has an incredible job at age 24, coming from a less wealthy background. The main Barrister is a hot shot of course. The dead man had a diary with things he had found out about colleagues etc. and the diary goes missing after his death. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, including 2 dads with disabled sons and we hear about their relationships with their sons which seems confusing for most of the story.
I do hope the book finds its audience. I did read it til the end so it wasn't badly written, so I'm sure there will be those who enjoy it.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

[Jayne Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 featuring barrister Lee Mitchell
A legal courtroom/chambers drama, filled with twists and turns.
The senior clerk from Maple Court Chambers is found dead in an alleyway, not far from the high end members bar where he had been drinking with his junior clerk, Dean Carter. Did he stumble and fall, or was he pushed?
The police are under pressure to make an arrest, despite Dean’s repeated denials he is charged with manslaughter.
Lee Mitchell from chambers knows Dean is a hard working young man from a working class family, she knows he is innocent and immediately decides to defend him.
There is an undercurrent in chambers, deception and secrets, the courtroom drama is tense, as Lee strifes to untangle the events leading up to Toms death, to steer the jury away from Dean, question who else had a motive for murder.
A clever twisty read with a brilliant conclusion.
I highly recommend this book and I will be hoping there will be a book 3
Many thanks to Net Galley and Penguin Random House for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom Mannion was brusque, sexist and proud of the fact that he held secrets over many people at the barristers' Chambers where he was senior clerk. After an event where he got into an altercation with another man and after drinking heavily, Tom is found dead in an alleyway. It's not certain where it was manslaughter or an accident but the police arrest his junior clerk, Dean. Now barrister Lee Mitchell has to defend one clerk for the manslaughter of another and the prosecution is pushing hard. However as Tom's secrets start to come out in the open, friendships are pushed.
I haven't read Williams' other novels so came to this with fresh eyes. Overall it's a solid enough novel and the courtroom bits are excellent. However, there's a lot here so some areas are not explored as much as they could be. What I did really like was the angle that Williams takes, the book is focused on those who lack privilege but are making the most of their chances to improve, not just because of race but also because of class.

[Abbeigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Tom, a Senior Clerk is murdered, scandal and corruption ensues. Dean, the junior clerk is charged with his murder having been the last person to be seen with him alive. Lee Mitchell steps in to defend him, but knows all too well that in the world of law, prejudice can hard to overcome. Who can and can’t she trust, when it’s her career on the line?

This is the second book in the Lee Mitchell series, and I really enjoyed it! I love legal thrillers as I’ve always found the trials and courtroom action fascinating. It’s definitely not a quick thriller read, which was a refreshing change from lots of other books on the market.

Nicola Williams covers the aspects of race, corruption and the privilege that others take for granted in a fantastic way. I really felt an emotional attachment to the characters in the novel, both good and bad. I’ll definitely have this book on my mind for a while.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series there are 2 books and it kept me reading until the early hours!!!

Blurb

When the Head Clerk at her Chambers is murdered, Lee Mitchell doesn’t know who she can trust.

One of the last people to see him alive, the crime is pinned on Junior Clerk Dean who ‘seems like the type’. Working-class and still living on the estate where he grew up, he has the most to gain from Tom’s death.

But Lee knows how easily prejudices can snowball into convictions – and steps in to defend him. As the trial progresses, people Lee has worked with for years become suspects as her Chambers crumbles into a world of chaos and deceit.

And, what of the diary, whispered about by those at Chambers? The one Tom used to blackmail Lee’s friends and enemies alike to do his bidding? The one containing secrets some might kill to keep hidden?

Maybe finding it will be the key to solving his murder. Or maybe some secrets are better left buried . . .

[Steve Capel · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I found it difficult to get into this book because I had not read the first book in this series, something I strongly recommended..
Lee Mitchell is a black female barrister working in a prestigious London chambers when the senior clerk is found dead in an alley after a firms social evening.. The police suspect murder and suspicion falls on his junior who had been seen drinking with him earlier..Lee is reluctantly drawn in to defending her colleague as secrets about the firm and its members are unearthed.. The story has several strands and the truth is found in an unlikely and surprising place. Racism, child grooming, blackmail and drug abuse are among the subjects in this sometimes dark story.. Alongside her work Lee is struggling with her personal relationships with friends and her partner.I am glad I persevered with this book as it turned out to be a very good read but as in many series would benefit from starting at book one.

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

If you enjoy a court room thriller, then you'll love this!

I read the second book in the series, Until Proven Innocent, back in 2023, and really enjoyed how it shone a light on systematic racism.

Yet again, this second book gives more brilliant insight into the world of law and the background is incredibly insightful. If you're a fan of Steve Cavanagh, then you get a similar vibe with this book, but set in the UK which makes it less popcorn thriller and more gritty.

There are many characters to question your trust in and it certainly kept me guessing. The ending is a satisfying one, and I really enjoyed following Lee and her team and to see how the case unfolded.

I'm yet to read the first book in the series but I'm definitely keen to! Nicola Williams has proven herself to be a British crime author to keep an eye on with this clever and tense crime thriller, and Lee is a character I'm loving getting to know!

[zoe Hitchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee Mitchell defence barrister returns for another case and this case really is close to home .
Tom Mannion the Head Clerk at Maple Court Chambers is found dead in an alleyway close to a private members’ club he was last seen in.
Mannion was a loathsome man with a fair few enemies .
The police are unsure if his death was accidental or something more suspicious.
Tom was last seen with his junior clerk Dean drinking in the Midas club .
Dean is a working class lad who lives on the local council estate and he’s got to be in the running for killing Tom hasn’t he?
Dean is charged and Lee defends him and truly believes he didn’t hurt or kill Tom .
Can she clear Dean’s name ?
This book was a slow burner but when the pace picked up it really hooked me in .
It’s nice to see a strong female lead character who can hold her own .
Looking forward to more cases from Maple Court Chambers and Lee Mitchell.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin General UK .

[ReadingInPyjamas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a juicy, twisty read! Packed with secrets, ambition, and courtroom drama, this one had me hooked from the first chapter.

The story centers on Dean, a junior clerk trying to get ahead, who suddenly finds himself accused of murder. Lee Mitchell, a brilliant and sharp-tongued barrister, takes on his case, but the deeper she digs, the messier things get. Everyone has something to hide and some will do anything to keep their secrets buried.

This book delivers:
🗝️ Backroom politics in posh legal chambers
⚖️ Strong female lead (go, Lee!)
📚 Twists, turns, and juicy secrets
🔍 A deep look at class, race, and justice

I flew through this and was totally hooked! if you love books like Anatomy of a Scandal or Apple Tree Yard, this one’s for you. Lost a star only because I wanted just a bit more from the ending, but still an addictive and thought-provoking read.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee Mitchell is a barrister at a high-profile chambers. She has overcome prejudices in many forms to get where she is, and it has taken its toll on her personal life. When Tom, the omnipotent head clerk of chambers, dies in suspicious circumstances, it casts a shadow on the chambers. Dean, the junior clerk, is charged with Tom's death, and Lee defends him in a complex and compelling trial. The story showcases the betrayal, deceit, prejudice and pressure to succeed in the legal world. Reputation is everything and is to be protected at all costs, regardless of the collateral damage. I appreciated the authentic portrayal of the legal world, the characterisation that presents the reader with an array of characters who are believably flawed and the socio-political elements that make this story contemporary and relevant.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Lorraine Woodall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into Killer Instinct without having read any of Nicola Williams’ other books, and it honestly didn’t matter at all. There were a few little mentions of past cases, but they just made me curious rather than confused.

Right from the start, I was pulled into barrister Lee Mitchell’s world, a mix of tense courtroom battles, office politics, and a murder case that’s about so much more than the obvious. The pace is spot on, and while the plot keeps you guessing, it also digs into things like prejudice, privilege, and the way people can be written off far too easily. Lee’s such a great character, clever, determined, sometimes a bit stubborn, but that’s what makes you root for her.

It’s sharp, addictive, and full of little twists that kept me turning the pages. By the end I was already looking up her earlier books.

[Jennifer TW · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book that that goes behind the scenes in chambers and tells the story of what people will do to protect their family, career and reputation. Dean is a young and brilliant clerk whose boss & colleague, Tom, dies after a night out in an exclusive members club. But Tom has been harbouring secrets which gives many a motive to harm him. A barrister at their chambers, Lee, agrees to advocate for the accused. A fantastically plotted book that goes behind the scenes and explores the challenges faced by those from different ethnic groups and exposes discrimination and prejudice. Absolutely fantastic reading. Highly recommend. Huge thanks to the author & publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Lee Mitchell series but reads well as a standalone. That being said, I have read the first one & I think you should too.

Tom Mannion, the senior clerk at Maple Chambers, is found dead in an alley the morning after the chambers attended a Marlowe Foundation event. They were the only barristers invited. Dean Carter, a junior clerk, is charged with the murder. Lee Mitchell, one of the Maple team, agrees to represent him. We follow Lee & Dean through this thriller, experiencing their highs & lows, as the truth is slowly revealed.

The story has a good pace & the characters are believable, drawing you in with unexpected twists which keep you wanting to read more. An enjoyable & entertaining read, which is highly recommended.

[Sue Plant · Rating 4 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

love a court room drama and this one had it all.... though we had to slog through half the book before we got to the court room but once there it soon hotted up nicely

tom is head clerk at chambers but that didnt stop him from being murdered....

who has it in for him the most....

with an array of suspects the one that is arrested is a junior clerk who also works at chambers

is he innocent or guilty .... lee doesnt think he is guilty at all and agrees to represent him

but lee has her work cut out for her... its not going to be easy.....

not a bad read... this is the 2nd book in the series its well worth a read if court room dramas are your thing