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The Trials of Gabriel Ward #2
A Case of Life and Limb
1901. Gabriel Ward KC is hard at work on a thorny libel case involving London's most famous music hall star and its most notorious tabloid newspaper, but the Inner Temple remains as quiet and calm as ever. Quiet, that is, until the mummified hand arrives in the post...
While the hand's recipient, Temple Treasurer Sir William Waring, is rightfully shaken, Gabriel is filled with curiosity. Who would want to send such a thing? And why? But as more parcels arrive - one with fatal consequences - Gabriel realises that it is not Sir William who is the target, but the Temple itself.
Someone is holding a grudge that has led to at least one death. It is up to Gabriel, and Constable Wright of the City of London Police, to find out who before the body count gets any higher. The game's afoot.
While the hand's recipient, Temple Treasurer Sir William Waring, is rightfully shaken, Gabriel is filled with curiosity. Who would want to send such a thing? And why? But as more parcels arrive - one with fatal consequences - Gabriel realises that it is not Sir William who is the target, but the Temple itself.
Someone is holding a grudge that has led to at least one death. It is up to Gabriel, and Constable Wright of the City of London Police, to find out who before the body count gets any higher. The game's afoot.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published November 18, 2025
147 people are currently reading
5522 people want to read
About the author
Sally Smith
5 books130 followersSally Smith spent all her working life as a barrister and later King's Counsel in the Inner Temple. After writing a biography of the famous Edwardian barrister, Sir Edward Marshall Hall KC, she retired from the bar to write full time. A Case of Mice and Murder, her first novel, was inspired by the historic surroundings of the Inner Temple in which she still lives and works and by the rich history contained in the Inner Temple archives. A Case of Mice and Murder is the first in a series starring the reluctant sleuth Sir Gabriel Ward KC.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
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August 14, 2025I liked the first in the series but this has jumped to a new level. An absolutely cracking murder mystery set in the Inner Temple (law land) with a wonderful period setting, an absolutely delightful lawyer lead and policeman sidekick, entertaining supporting cast and--despite the lawyerly detachment of the MC and narrative--a great deal of heart. Beautifully constructed, well written, deeply involving. This has gone straight into my Comfort Reads folder.
November 4, 2025
The brilliant Gabriel Ward KC is back...
Following on from the wonderful A Case of Mice and Murder, the reluctant sleuth is challenged to solve another series of puzzles within in the hallowed Inner Temple.
A series of boxes are delivered to residents of The Temple- containing a body part. resulting in the death of one much loved occupant.
Temple Treasurer Sir William Waring wants the events "hushed up' and for Gabriel to find a solution. Supported once again by Constable Wright, the duo set out to solve the crime- along the way confronting tabloid journalists, of the Nation's Voice, the joy of digestive biscuits! and a highly territorial cat called Delphinium.
Whilst trying to find a missing body and a possible murderer, Gabriel is defending musical hall singer Topsy Tillotson in a libel case - this shines a spotlight on the open chauvanism and misogyny of the time ( which still prevails today).
Told with warmth, humour but also exploring important issues of class politics and division; sexuality and sexism, Sally Smith has written a brilliant sequel.
The dynamic between Ward and Wright is pitch perfect as they both cross social borders to work together. But ultimately, it is the character of Gabriel Ward that is the winner - a man who has selected a path that has isolated him from society but is now confronting wider human interactions with compassion.
A superb crime read and highly recommended.( Do read book one in the series first for maximum enjoyment)
Can’t wait for Book Three.
New period vocab : Pteridologist Opprobrium Inculcated
Following on from the wonderful A Case of Mice and Murder, the reluctant sleuth is challenged to solve another series of puzzles within in the hallowed Inner Temple.
A series of boxes are delivered to residents of The Temple- containing a body part. resulting in the death of one much loved occupant.
Temple Treasurer Sir William Waring wants the events "hushed up' and for Gabriel to find a solution. Supported once again by Constable Wright, the duo set out to solve the crime- along the way confronting tabloid journalists, of the Nation's Voice, the joy of digestive biscuits! and a highly territorial cat called Delphinium.
Whilst trying to find a missing body and a possible murderer, Gabriel is defending musical hall singer Topsy Tillotson in a libel case - this shines a spotlight on the open chauvanism and misogyny of the time ( which still prevails today).
Told with warmth, humour but also exploring important issues of class politics and division; sexuality and sexism, Sally Smith has written a brilliant sequel.
The dynamic between Ward and Wright is pitch perfect as they both cross social borders to work together. But ultimately, it is the character of Gabriel Ward that is the winner - a man who has selected a path that has isolated him from society but is now confronting wider human interactions with compassion.
A superb crime read and highly recommended.( Do read book one in the series first for maximum enjoyment)
Can’t wait for Book Three.
New period vocab : Pteridologist Opprobrium Inculcated
December 8, 2025
A charming whodunnit about a barrister turned reluctant sleuth. At first I wasn’t sure how this was all going to come together in a relevant way but the story ended up working well. It’s written in an older style that feels like an Agatha Christie in a way.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Circle for sending me this!
Thank you to Bloomsbury Circle for sending me this!
November 23, 2025
I thought I couldn’t love her writing any more, and then I heard this audiobook.
Incredible historical series with a stellar cast and excellent mysteries. I loved the first, and perhaps love this sequel even more (don’t you love that?).
Incredible historical series with a stellar cast and excellent mysteries. I loved the first, and perhaps love this sequel even more (don’t you love that?).
August 24, 2025
3.5 stars
Superb period colour, and thoroughly convincing background in one of London's colonies of barristers, the Inner Temple. Gabriel Ward is an engaging protagonist, precise, introverted, logical, kind, and the mystery (although not really the point of the book) is at least plausible.
Superb period colour, and thoroughly convincing background in one of London's colonies of barristers, the Inner Temple. Gabriel Ward is an engaging protagonist, precise, introverted, logical, kind, and the mystery (although not really the point of the book) is at least plausible.
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August 16, 2025Truly wonderful. Rich, atmospheric murder mystery set at Temple in 1901, full of colour and vivid characters, with a wonderful amateur detective - an aristocratic silk called to the Bar thirty years earlier, aroace by modern standards, and mildly obsessive-compulsive, but Gabriel Ward leads a happy and contented life and has intense compassion for others. I adored this, will read as many of them as she puts out.
May 19, 2025
The second book featuring Gabriel Ward KC and set in the Inner Temple around the turn of the 20th century.. It's Christmas and members of the Inner Temple have received some unwanted boxes. Sir Gabriel is asked to look into it quietly whilst dealing with a sensational court case. This is quickly turning into a favourite series, the characters are interesting and entertaining, the historical detail is fascinating and the writing is excellent. One of the best lighter mystery reads, one to pick up and enjoy
July 31, 2025
This is an absolutely wonderful second book in a (for me) a terrific series! I am amazed in how the author is able to transport me into the time, setting and mystery and keep me there from start to finish.
I will be looking for the 3rd instalment next year!
I will be looking for the 3rd instalment next year!
February 14, 2025
I think I’ve found a new favourite character!
Sir Gabriel Ward is wonderful. His idiosyncrasies are charming and his humour and decency shine throughout the story.
This book takes place a few months after the events of book one: A Case of Mice and Murder. Once again Sir Gabriel has been tasked with discretely investigating some unpleasant happenings in Inner Temple and is assisted by his unlikely friend Constable Maurice Wright. At the same time he is preparing to represent a theatre darling in a libel case so his attention is very much divided.
The two cases are well devised and kept me engaged trying to predict what would happen next. The ending was deeply satisfying and I can’t wait to read more in the series! Highly recommended!
*** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher ***
Sir Gabriel Ward is wonderful. His idiosyncrasies are charming and his humour and decency shine throughout the story.
This book takes place a few months after the events of book one: A Case of Mice and Murder. Once again Sir Gabriel has been tasked with discretely investigating some unpleasant happenings in Inner Temple and is assisted by his unlikely friend Constable Maurice Wright. At the same time he is preparing to represent a theatre darling in a libel case so his attention is very much divided.
The two cases are well devised and kept me engaged trying to predict what would happen next. The ending was deeply satisfying and I can’t wait to read more in the series! Highly recommended!
*** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher ***
June 5, 2025
A Case Of Life and Limb is the second book in The Trials of Gabriel Ward series.
Sir Gabriel Ward KC is fast becoming one of my favourite characters.
Like its predecessor, this book is set in the Inner Temple London.
The treasurer, Sir William Waring, receives a box containing a mummified hand. It would seem someone has a grudge, but Sir Waring isn't the only one who receives such a box, as more parcels arrive.
Sir Gabriel (with help from Constable Wright) is tasked with finding out who is sending the macabre gifts and why.
This is a fabulous series, so far, and I highly recommend them.
Superb.
Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for the ARC.
Sir Gabriel Ward KC is fast becoming one of my favourite characters.
Like its predecessor, this book is set in the Inner Temple London.
The treasurer, Sir William Waring, receives a box containing a mummified hand. It would seem someone has a grudge, but Sir Waring isn't the only one who receives such a box, as more parcels arrive.
Sir Gabriel (with help from Constable Wright) is tasked with finding out who is sending the macabre gifts and why.
This is a fabulous series, so far, and I highly recommend them.
Superb.
Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for the ARC.
August 18, 2025
Dreieinhalb Sterne abgerundet. Ich mag Gabriel Ward und hatte nichts auszusetzen an der Krimihandlung, ich weiß nur jetzt schon, dass ich alles sofort vergessen und das Buch wahrscheinlich nicht noch mal lesen werde. Der erste Band war interessanter, weil man da die Figuren erst vorgestellt bekam, jetzt schnurrt alles schon so routiniert dahin. Ich werde den angekündigten dritten trotzdem lesen.
October 3, 2025
Delightful! Complex and intelligent! With much appreciation for language and the historical background.
April 1, 2025
If, like me, you enjoyed meeting Sir Gabriel Ward KC in last year’s A Case of Mice and Murder, you’ll be pleased to hear that he’s back again with another mystery to solve in A Case of Life and Limb! The book is again set in 1901 in and around London’s Inner Temple, one of the four Inns of Court, where Sir Gabriel lives and carries out his work as a barrister. It’s not necessary to have read the first book before this one, but I would highly recommend reading both anyway!
Early in the novel, Gabriel is approached by Topsy Tillotson, the latest young star of the London theatrical scene, who is determined to sue a tabloid newspaper for libel. Reluctant to accept the case at first, Gabriel ends up agreeing to represent her, feeling that Topsy doesn’t deserve to have her reputation tarnished by unscrupulous journalists. However, Gabriel soon finds that he’ll have to divide his time between this and another, more sinister, case…one which really is ‘a case of life and limb’.
Sir William Waring, Master Treasurer of the Inner Temple, has received a very unpleasant gift on Christmas Eve: a severed hand, presented in a box with a card asking Can I give you a hand? Gabriel happens to be visiting the Treasurer when the box is opened and, due to his previous success at mystery solving, Waring asks him to investigate. As the Temple is outside the jurisdiction of the City of London, Waring hopes the crime can be solved internally without involving the police, but when more body parts start arriving, Gabriel enlists the help of his friend, Constable Wright.
These two separate cases unfold in parallel, largely separate but intersecting now and then, and I enjoyed following both. The mystery surrounding the body parts gives Gabriel a chance to further develop his skills as a detective and the reader a chance to learn more about the residents of the Inner Temple, some of whom we met in the first novel and others who are newly arrived. I particularly loved getting to know Delphinium, the Temple cat! The Topsy Tillotson storyline, like the one involving Millie the Mouse in the previous book, takes Gabriel into the wider world outside the confines of the Temple and allows Smith to explore some of the social issues of the time – in this case, the double standards and prejudices affecting women working in certain professions and the ethical responsibilities of journalism.
I think, though, that it’s Gabriel himself who makes these books such a delight to read. He’s a genuinely nice person who is very easy to like, but he also has some eccentricities and signs of obsessive-compulsive behaviour which have restricted his social opportunities. In the first book there were some hints that he was starting to gain confidence and live a less isolated life; this continues in this second book as his friendship with Constable Wright grows stronger and he spends more time with people of other classes and backgrounds such as Topsy and her colleagues. It’s always good to see a character develop as a series progresses. I can’t wait for a third book as I’m sure it will be just as much fun as the first two!
Early in the novel, Gabriel is approached by Topsy Tillotson, the latest young star of the London theatrical scene, who is determined to sue a tabloid newspaper for libel. Reluctant to accept the case at first, Gabriel ends up agreeing to represent her, feeling that Topsy doesn’t deserve to have her reputation tarnished by unscrupulous journalists. However, Gabriel soon finds that he’ll have to divide his time between this and another, more sinister, case…one which really is ‘a case of life and limb’.
Sir William Waring, Master Treasurer of the Inner Temple, has received a very unpleasant gift on Christmas Eve: a severed hand, presented in a box with a card asking Can I give you a hand? Gabriel happens to be visiting the Treasurer when the box is opened and, due to his previous success at mystery solving, Waring asks him to investigate. As the Temple is outside the jurisdiction of the City of London, Waring hopes the crime can be solved internally without involving the police, but when more body parts start arriving, Gabriel enlists the help of his friend, Constable Wright.
These two separate cases unfold in parallel, largely separate but intersecting now and then, and I enjoyed following both. The mystery surrounding the body parts gives Gabriel a chance to further develop his skills as a detective and the reader a chance to learn more about the residents of the Inner Temple, some of whom we met in the first novel and others who are newly arrived. I particularly loved getting to know Delphinium, the Temple cat! The Topsy Tillotson storyline, like the one involving Millie the Mouse in the previous book, takes Gabriel into the wider world outside the confines of the Temple and allows Smith to explore some of the social issues of the time – in this case, the double standards and prejudices affecting women working in certain professions and the ethical responsibilities of journalism.
I think, though, that it’s Gabriel himself who makes these books such a delight to read. He’s a genuinely nice person who is very easy to like, but he also has some eccentricities and signs of obsessive-compulsive behaviour which have restricted his social opportunities. In the first book there were some hints that he was starting to gain confidence and live a less isolated life; this continues in this second book as his friendship with Constable Wright grows stronger and he spends more time with people of other classes and backgrounds such as Topsy and her colleagues. It’s always good to see a character develop as a series progresses. I can’t wait for a third book as I’m sure it will be just as much fun as the first two!
June 11, 2025
I love historical crime and this has all my favourites:
A quirky lawyer detective
Set in 1901
Cosy crime vibes
Well plotted mystery
Social commentary on hypocrisies of late Victorian England
Musical hall
This is the 2nd instalment of Sally Smith’s new detective series that follows Gabriel Ward KC who, whilst solving one legal case of a libelled musical hall star has to assist the police to solve the mystery as to why body parts keep being delivered to members of the temple.
It was a well plotted double mystery with lots of humour. The resolution was excellent too with lots of twists that although I didn’t guess, were believable.
The historical setting was excellent & I really enjoyed learning about the history of the Inner temple. The author is clearly an expert and has done extensive research and this really shines through the story. She also really brought 1901 London to life, doing it justice with many excellent supporting characters (the cat!) and historical details.
I liked Gabriel Ward and thought him a good detective. His growing friendship with the police detective was heart warming and his wit and kindness won me over.
My only issue (and this is a very ‘it’s a me problem’) is that the voice of the book and of Gabriel is very….posh. You spend a lot of the book with barristers and judges of the upper class living a very privileged lifestyle and this meant it took me a while to get into and enjoy the story and connect with Gabriel. Although there are other side characters with a working class voice, the narrators posh tone meant it took a while for me to warm to.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC to review.
A quirky lawyer detective
Set in 1901
Cosy crime vibes
Well plotted mystery
Social commentary on hypocrisies of late Victorian England
Musical hall
This is the 2nd instalment of Sally Smith’s new detective series that follows Gabriel Ward KC who, whilst solving one legal case of a libelled musical hall star has to assist the police to solve the mystery as to why body parts keep being delivered to members of the temple.
It was a well plotted double mystery with lots of humour. The resolution was excellent too with lots of twists that although I didn’t guess, were believable.
The historical setting was excellent & I really enjoyed learning about the history of the Inner temple. The author is clearly an expert and has done extensive research and this really shines through the story. She also really brought 1901 London to life, doing it justice with many excellent supporting characters (the cat!) and historical details.
I liked Gabriel Ward and thought him a good detective. His growing friendship with the police detective was heart warming and his wit and kindness won me over.
My only issue (and this is a very ‘it’s a me problem’) is that the voice of the book and of Gabriel is very….posh. You spend a lot of the book with barristers and judges of the upper class living a very privileged lifestyle and this meant it took me a while to get into and enjoy the story and connect with Gabriel. Although there are other side characters with a working class voice, the narrators posh tone meant it took a while for me to warm to.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC to review.
March 28, 2025
A Case of Life and Limb is a fabulous cozy mystery set in London at Christmas 1901.
Expectations of a serene and traditional Christmas at the Inner Temple are shattered on Christmas Eve, when Sir William Waring - Master Treasurer - receives a desiccated human hand disguised as a Christmas present! He immediately tasks Sir Gabriel Ward with finding the culprit and Sir Gabriel reluctantly agrees to do so - after the Christmas festivities have concluded of course.
Meanwhile, as desiccated body parts start to arrive with alarming frequency at the Inner Temple, Sir Gabriel is also dealing with a huge case - representing a young actress who is suing a Fleet Street tabloid for libel.
With the media and the Master Treasurer watching his every action, Sir Gabriel as ever diligently works to resolve both situations.
This is a fabulous book and worthy sequel to A Case of Mice and Murder, I loved that we get to see Sir Gabriel's shyness unfurl another little bit as he pushes the boundaries of his (self imposed) very structured lifestyle. The book is also very illuminating in terms of the double standards women were subjected to at the time which I found very interesting!
This book will appeal to lovers of historical cozy fiction and while it has the twists and turns one would expect from say, Agatha Christie, Sally Smith's writing style is uniquely her own and very enjoyable.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the review copy.
#ACaseOfLifeAndLimb
#NetGalley
Expectations of a serene and traditional Christmas at the Inner Temple are shattered on Christmas Eve, when Sir William Waring - Master Treasurer - receives a desiccated human hand disguised as a Christmas present! He immediately tasks Sir Gabriel Ward with finding the culprit and Sir Gabriel reluctantly agrees to do so - after the Christmas festivities have concluded of course.
Meanwhile, as desiccated body parts start to arrive with alarming frequency at the Inner Temple, Sir Gabriel is also dealing with a huge case - representing a young actress who is suing a Fleet Street tabloid for libel.
With the media and the Master Treasurer watching his every action, Sir Gabriel as ever diligently works to resolve both situations.
This is a fabulous book and worthy sequel to A Case of Mice and Murder, I loved that we get to see Sir Gabriel's shyness unfurl another little bit as he pushes the boundaries of his (self imposed) very structured lifestyle. The book is also very illuminating in terms of the double standards women were subjected to at the time which I found very interesting!
This book will appeal to lovers of historical cozy fiction and while it has the twists and turns one would expect from say, Agatha Christie, Sally Smith's writing style is uniquely her own and very enjoyable.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the review copy.
#ACaseOfLifeAndLimb
#NetGalley
August 21, 2025
Another thoroughly enjoyable book featuring Gabriel Ward KC , with all his eccentricities , solving crime whilst also conducting a high profile defence of an actress.
The good quality writing, tight plotting and character development make this a cut above many others in this genre. Think this is possibly better than the first book and I eagerly look forward to the next in this cosy crime series.
The good quality writing, tight plotting and character development make this a cut above many others in this genre. Think this is possibly better than the first book and I eagerly look forward to the next in this cosy crime series.
September 28, 2025
This is my review of A Life in Limb by Sally Smith, very kindly gifted to me by Bloomsbury as part of their Creator Circle. I loved the first book, so I was really pleased to get the second one — and I think it’s even better than the first. It has more murders, more gore, more death, and for a cosy crime novel, what more could you want?
It was lovely to see Gabriel return. He’s definitely grown since the first book, where he came across as introverted, anxious, and probably autistic. In this one he’s more confident and friendly, and people even comment on how much he’s changed. The murder case involves body parts being sent in the post with punny notes like “Need a hand?” attached to an actual hand. Darkly comic, but also very disturbing. Gabriel teams up again with Constable White, which is great to see. Their dynamic works so well — Gabriel, the prim and proper private-school barrister, alongside White, who is rough, ready, and very socialist. It pulls Gabriel out of his comfort zone and shows how much he’s grown.
The book also introduces gay characters, which feels very significant given the setting. At that time homosexuality was still illegal. One character is even sent away to Africa, with his grandfather preferring the family believe he’s dead rather than face the scandal. It’s heartbreaking. Sally Smith ties this to real history too, noting that Oscar Wilde was imprisoned in 1895, just a few years before the book’s events. I also learned something I hadn’t realised: homosexuality wasn’t fully decriminalised in the UK until 2000. It’s shocking to think how recent that really is.
Despite the bleakness, there are hopeful notes. The gay couple in the story are given a small happy ending, which stops the book from feeling too heavy. Gabriel himself also grows through his work. He takes on a case for Topsy Tereson, a music hall singer accused in the press of ruining her reputation with lewd songs. She wants to sue, and it’s a bold move for Gabriel to represent her, showing his increasing courage and sense of justice.
There are also sweet, lighter touches. A character named Delphinium — and her cat — stole my heart. It’s lovely to see Gabriel finding someone who cares for him, especially since he hasn’t had much love in his life. It seems he was raised mainly by a nanny, which was common at the time, but it left him emotionally distant. By the end, he’s even fitting a little cat door, which felt like such a tender symbol of growth.
As for the mystery, I tried so hard to figure out who the murderer was. I’ve read enough cosy crime that I should be able to guess, but I got it wrong yet again! The murders were brilliantly done, and the whole story kept me hooked.
Overall, I thought this was a fantastic sequel — darker, more gripping, and more layered than the first. I loved the setting, especially the barristers’ world, which felt fresh for the genre. I really hope there’s a third book, because I’d love to return to this time period and spend more time with Gabriel. Thank you so much to Bloomsbury — I absolutely loved it.
It was lovely to see Gabriel return. He’s definitely grown since the first book, where he came across as introverted, anxious, and probably autistic. In this one he’s more confident and friendly, and people even comment on how much he’s changed. The murder case involves body parts being sent in the post with punny notes like “Need a hand?” attached to an actual hand. Darkly comic, but also very disturbing. Gabriel teams up again with Constable White, which is great to see. Their dynamic works so well — Gabriel, the prim and proper private-school barrister, alongside White, who is rough, ready, and very socialist. It pulls Gabriel out of his comfort zone and shows how much he’s grown.
The book also introduces gay characters, which feels very significant given the setting. At that time homosexuality was still illegal. One character is even sent away to Africa, with his grandfather preferring the family believe he’s dead rather than face the scandal. It’s heartbreaking. Sally Smith ties this to real history too, noting that Oscar Wilde was imprisoned in 1895, just a few years before the book’s events. I also learned something I hadn’t realised: homosexuality wasn’t fully decriminalised in the UK until 2000. It’s shocking to think how recent that really is.
Despite the bleakness, there are hopeful notes. The gay couple in the story are given a small happy ending, which stops the book from feeling too heavy. Gabriel himself also grows through his work. He takes on a case for Topsy Tereson, a music hall singer accused in the press of ruining her reputation with lewd songs. She wants to sue, and it’s a bold move for Gabriel to represent her, showing his increasing courage and sense of justice.
There are also sweet, lighter touches. A character named Delphinium — and her cat — stole my heart. It’s lovely to see Gabriel finding someone who cares for him, especially since he hasn’t had much love in his life. It seems he was raised mainly by a nanny, which was common at the time, but it left him emotionally distant. By the end, he’s even fitting a little cat door, which felt like such a tender symbol of growth.
As for the mystery, I tried so hard to figure out who the murderer was. I’ve read enough cosy crime that I should be able to guess, but I got it wrong yet again! The murders were brilliantly done, and the whole story kept me hooked.
Overall, I thought this was a fantastic sequel — darker, more gripping, and more layered than the first. I loved the setting, especially the barristers’ world, which felt fresh for the genre. I really hope there’s a third book, because I’d love to return to this time period and spend more time with Gabriel. Thank you so much to Bloomsbury — I absolutely loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2025
The distinguished colleagues of the Temple are having body parts delivered to their doorsteps. A young woman’s virtue has been maligned on the front pages of a dirty tabloid. It is fully 1901 London. A space and time full of itself and its uneven moral rectitude. Who has both the compassion and the keen incisive mind to see through the misogyny and homophobia of the social times, to not only uncover the truth, but see that those who would hide in the comfort of their status, set things right? None other than Gabriel Ward, KC and his most able comrade, Constable Wright.
I could not love a series more. There is so much skill directed at both the setting and the characters, you can easily forget you are in the twenty-first century. The subtly with which sexism is addressed feels more of the time than so many books I’ve ready by 21st century authors who are so keen to give their characters a sudden wokeness. Yes, progressive ideas do come through but in an organic manner. Also, there is the cat.
For lovers of cozy mysteries, and sharp intelligence.
I could not love a series more. There is so much skill directed at both the setting and the characters, you can easily forget you are in the twenty-first century. The subtly with which sexism is addressed feels more of the time than so many books I’ve ready by 21st century authors who are so keen to give their characters a sudden wokeness. Yes, progressive ideas do come through but in an organic manner. Also, there is the cat.
For lovers of cozy mysteries, and sharp intelligence.
August 31, 2025
*3.5
a little disappointing. ward is still an interesting character and it is fun to spend time with him. but i just wasn't invested in those cases and the solution was even more disappointing than last time.
i enjoyed the discussion of the misogyny of the time (and let's be real, much of the things that were said might well be said today under slightly different circumstances). the discussion of class, however, again stayed very shallow. at one point they discussed how the copper apparently has "socialist tendencies", when a few chapters before that same guy talked about how he so likes to be stern and make sure everything stays orderly - that directly translates to criminalizing poverty and mental illness. socialist cop is an oxymoron. there's a reason why unions don't allow cops to join: the police was literally created to crash unions and defend private property.
a little disappointing. ward is still an interesting character and it is fun to spend time with him. but i just wasn't invested in those cases and the solution was even more disappointing than last time.
i enjoyed the discussion of the misogyny of the time (and let's be real, much of the things that were said might well be said today under slightly different circumstances). the discussion of class, however, again stayed very shallow. at one point they discussed how the copper apparently has "socialist tendencies", when a few chapters before that same guy talked about how he so likes to be stern and make sure everything stays orderly - that directly translates to criminalizing poverty and mental illness. socialist cop is an oxymoron. there's a reason why unions don't allow cops to join: the police was literally created to crash unions and defend private property.
October 25, 2025
Another great story. This time, I found the case in the Temple - body parts being sent with notes to barristers- more interesting than Gabriel's court case. I loved the parts with the cat and the slow shift in Gabriel's world as he is forced to interact with others and feel emotion. I'm hoping there will be many more in the series.
December 4, 2025
Once again, I request 100 more of these.
December 21, 2025
This is it for me with this series…but if late Victorian London and the finer details of the Inns of Court and the English legal system are your thing, have at it.
December 11, 2025
I love this detective and I really enjoy the language and style of the author, but I felt this mystery was a little muddled.
June 21, 2025
The second book in this cerebral and very delightful series, and once again we are in the rarified and cosseted world of Sir Gabriel Ward, KC, the inner Temple of London, home to the many lawyers and High Court Judges that make up his friends and acquaintances. This provides the contrast to the working class surroundings that is inhabited by Police Constable Maurice Wright, who works for the City of London Police, and who has struck up a growing friendship and working relationship in the previous novel.
Sir Gabriel is developing a growing awareness of those who work in serving roles for the Temple, whereas Wright is becoming more aware of the secrecy and paranoia of those who work in the hallowed grounds of law makers, and he is introducing Sir Gabriel to the strange, unfamiliar and slightly scary London streets and the life of the poor of society. The two men compliment each other in their opinions and beliefs.
Sir Gabriel has been given a brief to represent a young actress, Topsy Tillotson in her fight against a scandal mongering newspaper, her reputation has been sullied , she has chosen him to prove both her innocence and her belief that justice must be served. Sir Gabriel has also been charged with investigating who has been sending boxes of mummified body parts to his colleagues , this is a delicate matter, no hint of scandal must be attached to the law profession.
The story is set in the year 1910, and we are introduced to the climate of discriminatory behaviour towards the gay community, the snobbery and rigid values of the upper classes, and the environment of sexual harassment and perceived values placed upon the role and behaviour of women.
It is interesting to see how the law has altered over time. It is no wonder that there have been so many amendments to the statutes of law, usually done to improve and clarify how best to serve the concept of justice for all. The legal world is complex and puzzling to lay people, and very frustrating that law makers seem to be at such odds with those who have suffered from criminal acts that seem to have been given unduly lenient punishments.
I do hope there will be more cases for this unusual investigative team to put their minds to, it is a very enjoyable read and such very likeable central characters. I have rated this as a five star read and already recommended it to my local library and reading groups.
Sir Gabriel is developing a growing awareness of those who work in serving roles for the Temple, whereas Wright is becoming more aware of the secrecy and paranoia of those who work in the hallowed grounds of law makers, and he is introducing Sir Gabriel to the strange, unfamiliar and slightly scary London streets and the life of the poor of society. The two men compliment each other in their opinions and beliefs.
Sir Gabriel has been given a brief to represent a young actress, Topsy Tillotson in her fight against a scandal mongering newspaper, her reputation has been sullied , she has chosen him to prove both her innocence and her belief that justice must be served. Sir Gabriel has also been charged with investigating who has been sending boxes of mummified body parts to his colleagues , this is a delicate matter, no hint of scandal must be attached to the law profession.
The story is set in the year 1910, and we are introduced to the climate of discriminatory behaviour towards the gay community, the snobbery and rigid values of the upper classes, and the environment of sexual harassment and perceived values placed upon the role and behaviour of women.
It is interesting to see how the law has altered over time. It is no wonder that there have been so many amendments to the statutes of law, usually done to improve and clarify how best to serve the concept of justice for all. The legal world is complex and puzzling to lay people, and very frustrating that law makers seem to be at such odds with those who have suffered from criminal acts that seem to have been given unduly lenient punishments.
I do hope there will be more cases for this unusual investigative team to put their minds to, it is a very enjoyable read and such very likeable central characters. I have rated this as a five star read and already recommended it to my local library and reading groups.
December 5, 2025
This second book in The Trials of Gabriel Ward series (after the surprisingly terrific A Case of Mice and Murder earlier this year) isn’t exactly a holiday book. But it begins with Sir William Waring, the Treasurer of the Inner Temple, receiving what has to be one of the worst Christmas presents ever on Christmas Eve, just as the Inner Temple is about to recess for the holidays.
No one EVER expects a severed, mummified human hand under their Christmas tree. Or for that matter, on their doorstep or their desk. And yet, that’s exactly what has happened. A neatly cubical box was left on the doorstep with no indication of who delivered it or where it came from.
Inside, a severed hand, more mummified than skeletal, and a teasing card that read, “Can I give you a hand?” While everyone who sees it is properly appalled, this particular parcel couldn’t have been delivered to a more deserving recipient.
(As was more than clear in Gabriel Ward’s first investigation, Waring is a small man puffed up by a relatively small amount of power – and a bullying arsehole about it at all times. A long-dead severed hand and a teasing note is about the level of prank the man deserves.)
Of course Waring wants the incident investigated quickly and discretely. He doesn’t want the police to even KNOW about it and is frustrated beyond measure when Gabriel, in his quietly authoritative way, explains and re-explains and has to keep explaining to Waring, who is theoretically his superior (ONLY in theory) and did train for the bar just as Gabriel did, that sending old, dead body parts around is not, in and of itself, a crime. (Or at least it wasn’t in 1901 when this story takes place.)
Although of course Gabriel’s investigation finds a crime all the same. More than one, in fact. Along with a couple of outright crying shames and a perversion of justice or two that Gabriel is going to be able to hold over Waring’s head for the rest of their working association. Not that Gabriel is that sort at all, but Waring is and that’s all that Gabriel will need to keep him in line.
But first, Gabriel has to sort out a tangle of old, dead clues, several hushed-up disappearances, and a whole lot of metaphorical bodies that too many in the Inner Temple would prefer to remain safely buried – metaphorically or otherwise.
Along with a thorny legal case – because Gabriel never bothers with any other kind – on which hangs one young woman’s reputation. And quite possibly his own.
Escape Rating A: After a bit of a rocky start, I loved the first book in this series, A Case of Mice and Murder, and was primed to love this second book every bit as much. A Case of Life and Limb is EVEN BETTER than the series intro, as it starts out at a faster pace with an immediate bang. The first book began quietly, and Gabriel starts out entirely reluctant to step outside his rather proscribed comfort zone.
This time around, the opening is shocking to the participants, the reader is filled with a bit of glee that Waring so deserves the prank – and it does feel like a prank initially – AND, most important for the progress of the story – this time around Gabriel is just that bit eager to take up the reins of another investigation.
That in this case the investigation starts out with something scandalous but not gory or bloody makes it easier for him to, well, ease into things without slowing the pace down.
Which is the point where things get delightfully complicated. Just the way that Gabriel likes his cases. It’s clear someone is dead, but it’s just as clearly not a recent death which makes the puzzle part of the mystery rise to the top. By the time the case reaches the more recently decreased along with an actual murder investigation (which are fascinatingly not the same person) we’ve all got our teeth into the thing, including Gabriel.
The more that I read and/or listen to this series, the more I enjoy it. (The audio is EXCELLENT at 1.1x speed. I don’t normally specifically recommend speeding up audiobooks, and I seldom do it. Howsomever, in the case of this series, I definitely do. Gabriel’s speech pattern is slow and deliberate. He thinks a LOT before he speaks. The narrator, Jeremy Clyde this time around, does an excellent job of conveying that speech pattern, BUT it drove me bonkers. At 1.1x I still get the flavor of it without being bogged down in it. Your listening mileage may vary.)
Back to the story – or back to Gabriel himself. One of the difficult things about historical fiction/mystery that is written AS historical is the need for the author to reconcile historical attitudes with 21st century sensibilities without making the character seem a person of our time rather than their own.
The way that it’s handled in this series is interesting in itself, as it’s all wrapped up in Gabriel’s eccentric personality. It’s clear from our perspective that Gabriel is both ace and aro (asexual and aromantic) and is somewhere on the autism spectrum – none of which diagnoses were even known in his day. At the same time, the story doesn’t fall into the trap of making autism a superpower. It just is the way that Gabriel is and he’s accepted that, recognizes that he is different from others, and goes on with his life and work and is grateful that they dovetail so neatly AND that he was privileged to be able to become the person he was meant to be.
But it means that Gabriel isn’t steeped in the assumptions of his own time and kind because he’s aware that he doesn’t meet those assumptions himself. He accepts people as he finds them and doesn’t judge by class or circumstance – only by what they, themselves, do and say.
Which makes the legal case he’s involved in terribly fascinating, as it’s a case that relies on all of those assumptions. Gabriel forces the defense to PROVE those assumptions are true IN THIS CASE – and they can’t because they aren’t.
In the end, I raced through A Case of Life and Limb, switching between audio and text willy-nilly because I had to see if Gabriel had come to the same conclusions I did about whodunnit and why. I discovered that I had the who but not all of the whys, and part of what makes this series so much fun is that even though I thought I knew before Gabriel made his announcement, it doesn’t mean he didn’t also know – only that he couldn’t PROVE it and I didn’t have to.
I loved being inside Gabriel’s world, following his dogged investigation of the severed limbs AND his brilliant work on behalf of his legal client. But I was sorry to see the story end, just as sorry as Gabriel was to lose one of his oldest friends in the process. So I was delighted to discover that Gabriel’s third investigation is already in the planning stages, with his next adventure scheduled for publication in January of 2027.
Originally published at Reading Reality
No one EVER expects a severed, mummified human hand under their Christmas tree. Or for that matter, on their doorstep or their desk. And yet, that’s exactly what has happened. A neatly cubical box was left on the doorstep with no indication of who delivered it or where it came from.
Inside, a severed hand, more mummified than skeletal, and a teasing card that read, “Can I give you a hand?” While everyone who sees it is properly appalled, this particular parcel couldn’t have been delivered to a more deserving recipient.
(As was more than clear in Gabriel Ward’s first investigation, Waring is a small man puffed up by a relatively small amount of power – and a bullying arsehole about it at all times. A long-dead severed hand and a teasing note is about the level of prank the man deserves.)
Of course Waring wants the incident investigated quickly and discretely. He doesn’t want the police to even KNOW about it and is frustrated beyond measure when Gabriel, in his quietly authoritative way, explains and re-explains and has to keep explaining to Waring, who is theoretically his superior (ONLY in theory) and did train for the bar just as Gabriel did, that sending old, dead body parts around is not, in and of itself, a crime. (Or at least it wasn’t in 1901 when this story takes place.)
Although of course Gabriel’s investigation finds a crime all the same. More than one, in fact. Along with a couple of outright crying shames and a perversion of justice or two that Gabriel is going to be able to hold over Waring’s head for the rest of their working association. Not that Gabriel is that sort at all, but Waring is and that’s all that Gabriel will need to keep him in line.
But first, Gabriel has to sort out a tangle of old, dead clues, several hushed-up disappearances, and a whole lot of metaphorical bodies that too many in the Inner Temple would prefer to remain safely buried – metaphorically or otherwise.
Along with a thorny legal case – because Gabriel never bothers with any other kind – on which hangs one young woman’s reputation. And quite possibly his own.
Escape Rating A: After a bit of a rocky start, I loved the first book in this series, A Case of Mice and Murder, and was primed to love this second book every bit as much. A Case of Life and Limb is EVEN BETTER than the series intro, as it starts out at a faster pace with an immediate bang. The first book began quietly, and Gabriel starts out entirely reluctant to step outside his rather proscribed comfort zone.
This time around, the opening is shocking to the participants, the reader is filled with a bit of glee that Waring so deserves the prank – and it does feel like a prank initially – AND, most important for the progress of the story – this time around Gabriel is just that bit eager to take up the reins of another investigation.
That in this case the investigation starts out with something scandalous but not gory or bloody makes it easier for him to, well, ease into things without slowing the pace down.
Which is the point where things get delightfully complicated. Just the way that Gabriel likes his cases. It’s clear someone is dead, but it’s just as clearly not a recent death which makes the puzzle part of the mystery rise to the top. By the time the case reaches the more recently decreased along with an actual murder investigation (which are fascinatingly not the same person) we’ve all got our teeth into the thing, including Gabriel.
The more that I read and/or listen to this series, the more I enjoy it. (The audio is EXCELLENT at 1.1x speed. I don’t normally specifically recommend speeding up audiobooks, and I seldom do it. Howsomever, in the case of this series, I definitely do. Gabriel’s speech pattern is slow and deliberate. He thinks a LOT before he speaks. The narrator, Jeremy Clyde this time around, does an excellent job of conveying that speech pattern, BUT it drove me bonkers. At 1.1x I still get the flavor of it without being bogged down in it. Your listening mileage may vary.)
Back to the story – or back to Gabriel himself. One of the difficult things about historical fiction/mystery that is written AS historical is the need for the author to reconcile historical attitudes with 21st century sensibilities without making the character seem a person of our time rather than their own.
The way that it’s handled in this series is interesting in itself, as it’s all wrapped up in Gabriel’s eccentric personality. It’s clear from our perspective that Gabriel is both ace and aro (asexual and aromantic) and is somewhere on the autism spectrum – none of which diagnoses were even known in his day. At the same time, the story doesn’t fall into the trap of making autism a superpower. It just is the way that Gabriel is and he’s accepted that, recognizes that he is different from others, and goes on with his life and work and is grateful that they dovetail so neatly AND that he was privileged to be able to become the person he was meant to be.
But it means that Gabriel isn’t steeped in the assumptions of his own time and kind because he’s aware that he doesn’t meet those assumptions himself. He accepts people as he finds them and doesn’t judge by class or circumstance – only by what they, themselves, do and say.
Which makes the legal case he’s involved in terribly fascinating, as it’s a case that relies on all of those assumptions. Gabriel forces the defense to PROVE those assumptions are true IN THIS CASE – and they can’t because they aren’t.
In the end, I raced through A Case of Life and Limb, switching between audio and text willy-nilly because I had to see if Gabriel had come to the same conclusions I did about whodunnit and why. I discovered that I had the who but not all of the whys, and part of what makes this series so much fun is that even though I thought I knew before Gabriel made his announcement, it doesn’t mean he didn’t also know – only that he couldn’t PROVE it and I didn’t have to.
I loved being inside Gabriel’s world, following his dogged investigation of the severed limbs AND his brilliant work on behalf of his legal client. But I was sorry to see the story end, just as sorry as Gabriel was to lose one of his oldest friends in the process. So I was delighted to discover that Gabriel’s third investigation is already in the planning stages, with his next adventure scheduled for publication in January of 2027.
Originally published at Reading Reality
March 22, 2025
It's Christmas Eve, 1901. The snow is falling. Barrister Gabriel Ward is in his happy place, the Inner Temple Court. This is the place where he works in his chambers, everything organized just the way he likes it. It's also the place where he lives, his rooms filled with piles and towers of books, which make him feel safe. Gabriel is a man who needs his routine--going to bed at exactly half past midnight, walking around the Inner Temple gardens in a clockwise direction, and checking his door three times every time he leaves his rooms, for example. These things clearly give him a sense of control. On this day, he notices that the fallen snow has covered up the cracks in the path and he feels a sense of freedom because he can just walk without having to avoid stepping on them as he usually does. Gabriel is in a very good mood. And then he goes to discuss something with the treasurer of the Inner Temple and things take a turn for the gruesome. He finds the treasurer in quite a state of agitation due to the very unwelcome delivery of a box containing a severed human hand. Always rational Gabriel points out that there's nothing to be done on Christmas Eve. The hand has clearly not come from a newly deceased person and the police don't have jurisdiction in the Temple anyway. Gabriel assures the treasurer that after the festivities are over, he will make further inquiries. But by then, more parcels are delivered and he has more on his plate than he bargained for when a tough case falls in his lap. Fortunately, he has his new friend Constable Wright to help with both problems. And like his previous episode of detective work, Gabriel is forced to move a little bit out of his comfort zone at times as he makes his way towards a solution.
After reading (and loving) the first book in this series, I was so looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint. I loved this one just as much. This is quite a unique mystery series (at least in my experience), partly because of the setting, partly due to the plots, and partly because of the main character. Gabriel has clearly suffered some kind of trauma in the past, which may go some way toward explaining his compulsive behaviors. He is seen as eccentric, but also as extremely smart. He frustrates some people because he doesn't fit into the mold of what a barrister from a 'good family' should be. He's definitely an outsider who takes comfort and joy in books, thinking, learning, and working out the puzzles that are a part of giving his clients the best possible representation. He isn't pushing for career advancement, power, or prestige. He's also kind, gentle, caring, and well liked by many. I enjoy seeing how Gabriel grows as he is gently nudged out of his routine and into new situations.
Another highlight of these books is the Inner Temple itself. It's interesting to read about how the place worked over a century ago (it's still in existence) and how the barristers there interacted with their neighbors outside the Temple walls, such as the journalists in Fleet Street.
Finally, the plots are well crafted and the author, herself a barrister, weaves together the mystery and the court case together quite skillfully to create an immersive narrative. Once I started the book, I didn't want to put it down. When I had to, I was looking forward to picking it back up again. The only drawback to having read this book is that now I have a long wait for the next one. I will happily read on in the series. I'm so glad I discovered it and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes historical mysteries and/or classic mysteries.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a DRC.
After reading (and loving) the first book in this series, I was so looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint. I loved this one just as much. This is quite a unique mystery series (at least in my experience), partly because of the setting, partly due to the plots, and partly because of the main character. Gabriel has clearly suffered some kind of trauma in the past, which may go some way toward explaining his compulsive behaviors. He is seen as eccentric, but also as extremely smart. He frustrates some people because he doesn't fit into the mold of what a barrister from a 'good family' should be. He's definitely an outsider who takes comfort and joy in books, thinking, learning, and working out the puzzles that are a part of giving his clients the best possible representation. He isn't pushing for career advancement, power, or prestige. He's also kind, gentle, caring, and well liked by many. I enjoy seeing how Gabriel grows as he is gently nudged out of his routine and into new situations.
Another highlight of these books is the Inner Temple itself. It's interesting to read about how the place worked over a century ago (it's still in existence) and how the barristers there interacted with their neighbors outside the Temple walls, such as the journalists in Fleet Street.
Finally, the plots are well crafted and the author, herself a barrister, weaves together the mystery and the court case together quite skillfully to create an immersive narrative. Once I started the book, I didn't want to put it down. When I had to, I was looking forward to picking it back up again. The only drawback to having read this book is that now I have a long wait for the next one. I will happily read on in the series. I'm so glad I discovered it and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes historical mysteries and/or classic mysteries.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a DRC.
June 1, 2025
Sally Smith published her excellent first book about Sir Gabriel Ward last year. I almost wept with joy when I saw that she has a sequel ready: A Case of Life and Limb. This book is also set in Inner and Middle Temple, with several characters, like Sir Gabriel, re-appearing. The Temple is a small area in London that is dedicated to the legal profession. When the book was set, in 1901, lawyers such as Sir Gabriel still lived there, as well as working there. Smith’s opening paragraph invokes Dickens with an atmospheric description of pure snow, lying “pristine on every ledge and roof of the ancient buildings” and windows through which “the soft glow of oil lamps illuminated desks, their occupants deep in studious concentration.”
That’s what I love about Smith’s Gabriel Ward books: the descriptions; the characters’ behaviour, dress and speech; their journeys - everything evokes London around 1900. That accumulation of effect is important: one anachronistic phrase can shatter the illusion of being there and thus distance the reader from the narrative, making them less invested in the characters and the outcome. That can also result in a vague dissatisfaction with the book, rather than the full-blooded enjoyment author and reader both want.
There are three strands to the plot: firstly, Sir William Waring and other senior members of Inner Temple have received gruesome dismembered body parts (a hand, a foot, etc) in parcels left on their doorsteps. Sir William insists that Gabriel must discreetly investigate and find the perpetrator. Sir William has a horror of the outside world discovering a member of the Temple could do such a thing and vetoes any suggestion that the police should be involved.
Secondly, a famous actress, Topsy Tillotson has been libelled by a newspaper and wants to sue the paper. The newspaper claims that a member of the aristocracy has successfully seduced her. Topsy denies it vehemently, stating she has never even met the man. Because Gabriel was described to her as the cleverest barrister in England, she wants him to represent her – possibly the only man who just sees her as a client, rather than a beautiful desirable woman. Since both sides insist they are telling the truth, but their statements cannot both be true, I was greatly impressed by the way Smith resolves that sub-plot. Topsy’s plea, “I thought the law was about justice” is vindicated.
Thirdly, a new barrister, John Gibson, moves into Chambers as Gabriel’s neighbour at the same time as the Reverend Master of the Temple Church takes on a new Reader as his deputy. Gibson is (reluctantly) engaged to Sir William’s daughter – another reminder of how close the legal profession is, despite members taking opposing sides in court cases.
The resolutions to the sub-plots; the atmospheric description and – perhaps, above all – the affection we feel for Sir Gabriel make this a most satisfying book. Gabriel’s OCD means that he must place the ferrule of his cane in the middle of every paving slab; he must never tread on the cracks between the slabs; his pencils and his book must be placed just so. We twenty-first century readers understand this behaviour and feel both sympathetic and protective of him. I cannot praise the book highly enough – and I do hope Sally Smith has the appetite to write more books about Sir Gabriel.
#ACaseofLifeandLimb #NetGalley
That’s what I love about Smith’s Gabriel Ward books: the descriptions; the characters’ behaviour, dress and speech; their journeys - everything evokes London around 1900. That accumulation of effect is important: one anachronistic phrase can shatter the illusion of being there and thus distance the reader from the narrative, making them less invested in the characters and the outcome. That can also result in a vague dissatisfaction with the book, rather than the full-blooded enjoyment author and reader both want.
There are three strands to the plot: firstly, Sir William Waring and other senior members of Inner Temple have received gruesome dismembered body parts (a hand, a foot, etc) in parcels left on their doorsteps. Sir William insists that Gabriel must discreetly investigate and find the perpetrator. Sir William has a horror of the outside world discovering a member of the Temple could do such a thing and vetoes any suggestion that the police should be involved.
Secondly, a famous actress, Topsy Tillotson has been libelled by a newspaper and wants to sue the paper. The newspaper claims that a member of the aristocracy has successfully seduced her. Topsy denies it vehemently, stating she has never even met the man. Because Gabriel was described to her as the cleverest barrister in England, she wants him to represent her – possibly the only man who just sees her as a client, rather than a beautiful desirable woman. Since both sides insist they are telling the truth, but their statements cannot both be true, I was greatly impressed by the way Smith resolves that sub-plot. Topsy’s plea, “I thought the law was about justice” is vindicated.
Thirdly, a new barrister, John Gibson, moves into Chambers as Gabriel’s neighbour at the same time as the Reverend Master of the Temple Church takes on a new Reader as his deputy. Gibson is (reluctantly) engaged to Sir William’s daughter – another reminder of how close the legal profession is, despite members taking opposing sides in court cases.
The resolutions to the sub-plots; the atmospheric description and – perhaps, above all – the affection we feel for Sir Gabriel make this a most satisfying book. Gabriel’s OCD means that he must place the ferrule of his cane in the middle of every paving slab; he must never tread on the cracks between the slabs; his pencils and his book must be placed just so. We twenty-first century readers understand this behaviour and feel both sympathetic and protective of him. I cannot praise the book highly enough – and I do hope Sally Smith has the appetite to write more books about Sir Gabriel.
#ACaseofLifeandLimb #NetGalley
December 9, 2025
4 ⭐️
Picked this one up because I wanted a fun Christmasy mystery read and by golly did this meet the mark!
For some reason I had a bit of a hard time getting into this book and reading it. That might have had to do with the pacing—which wasn’t bad but was slower than the book I just finished or the langue that this book utilizes which is ‘old-timey’ so it requires a bit more concentration.
I’m a sucker for a more classical (and British) mystery that harkens back to ye olden days. There is just something so timeless and delicious about these stories which I also think are perfect for this time of year. Smith completely delivers on the style, the characterization, and the aesthetics of the original mystery novel while also including some modern aspects that make the novel even more compelling.
The plot is simple enough. There is a mystery going on in the Temple—several lawyers are receiving dead body parts. On top of this there is scandal, trial, and several murders and mysteries which keep the plot engaging. I was able to guess the big twist at the end but not until 60% of the way through the book and even then I wasn’t able to totally see how the story would wrap up which it does so nicely.
I really enjoyed our main character Gabriel who is a pretty classic eccentric savant and detective kind of character. I was pleasantly surprised to see what I interpreted as OCD representation in this character that leaned in a bit more to an accurate portrayal of what that mental illness is like and less into the stereotype of needing things to be a certain way. I think each character in the book was really distinct and had their own voice. Everyone served a purpose, no one felt like filler or forgettable. Even thought this is part of a standalone series we have enough information about the characters to ground us making their decisions and actions believable. I’m sure if they appear in the first or following book this is only enhanced but Smith crafts them well enough to stand on their own.
Smith does a wonderful job of emulating the language used in these stories and in the specific time period. So much so that like I said I found myself needing to lock in at certain times and be a bit more active in my reading that I was planning to be during this book. I personally really enjoyed our main this writing style but if you don’t you’ll absolutely hate this book so steer clear.
I enjoyed the character grow and development that takes place in this book. We get to see Gabriel grow not just solve a mystery which was a nice inclusion. I loved the queer and feminist elements that were included in this book. I think Smith does a great job of pointing out the real prejudices and inequities that were present during this time without feeding into them. She doesn’t always fully resolve them which I was fine with because that would be historically inaccurate but explores them and opens up discussion and windows of progress.
Overall a really fun read. I definitely enjoy this genre a lot and Smith executes it with talent and pizzazz. I will be reading more from this series and Smith in the future. Would love recommendations for books that fit this vibe because clearly it’s a favorite of mine!
Picked this one up because I wanted a fun Christmasy mystery read and by golly did this meet the mark!
For some reason I had a bit of a hard time getting into this book and reading it. That might have had to do with the pacing—which wasn’t bad but was slower than the book I just finished or the langue that this book utilizes which is ‘old-timey’ so it requires a bit more concentration.
I’m a sucker for a more classical (and British) mystery that harkens back to ye olden days. There is just something so timeless and delicious about these stories which I also think are perfect for this time of year. Smith completely delivers on the style, the characterization, and the aesthetics of the original mystery novel while also including some modern aspects that make the novel even more compelling.
The plot is simple enough. There is a mystery going on in the Temple—several lawyers are receiving dead body parts. On top of this there is scandal, trial, and several murders and mysteries which keep the plot engaging. I was able to guess the big twist at the end but not until 60% of the way through the book and even then I wasn’t able to totally see how the story would wrap up which it does so nicely.
I really enjoyed our main character Gabriel who is a pretty classic eccentric savant and detective kind of character. I was pleasantly surprised to see what I interpreted as OCD representation in this character that leaned in a bit more to an accurate portrayal of what that mental illness is like and less into the stereotype of needing things to be a certain way. I think each character in the book was really distinct and had their own voice. Everyone served a purpose, no one felt like filler or forgettable. Even thought this is part of a standalone series we have enough information about the characters to ground us making their decisions and actions believable. I’m sure if they appear in the first or following book this is only enhanced but Smith crafts them well enough to stand on their own.
Smith does a wonderful job of emulating the language used in these stories and in the specific time period. So much so that like I said I found myself needing to lock in at certain times and be a bit more active in my reading that I was planning to be during this book. I personally really enjoyed our main this writing style but if you don’t you’ll absolutely hate this book so steer clear.
I enjoyed the character grow and development that takes place in this book. We get to see Gabriel grow not just solve a mystery which was a nice inclusion. I loved the queer and feminist elements that were included in this book. I think Smith does a great job of pointing out the real prejudices and inequities that were present during this time without feeding into them. She doesn’t always fully resolve them which I was fine with because that would be historically inaccurate but explores them and opens up discussion and windows of progress.
Overall a really fun read. I definitely enjoy this genre a lot and Smith executes it with talent and pizzazz. I will be reading more from this series and Smith in the future. Would love recommendations for books that fit this vibe because clearly it’s a favorite of mine!
June 15, 2025
I absolutely loved this brilliant book by the author of A case of mice and murder which was published last year.
In A Case of Life and Limb, Gabriel Ward is asked to investigate the mystery of severed limbs which have been delivered to members of the temple. He has also been asked to represent a popular actress, Tilly Tillotson as she defends her reputation against a newspaper that thrives on scandal.
It’s Christmas 1901 and Sally Smith sets the scene brilliantly as she describes the snow covered courtyards of the Inner Temple. Sometimes, historical novels don’t quite work as authors use anachronistic language or don’t give the reader a clear enough sense of the setting but there is no danger of that here. The atmosphere is perfect and all of the characters and settings feel that they are perfectly part of their time with no jarring notes to pull the reader out of the story.
Gabriel is such a brilliant character. He’s very much a product of his time and stuck in his ways however, he is also openminded about people and doesn’t judge them because they are poor or not part of his social class. I really enjoyed the way his character was developed in this book and we saw more of his rituals that he uses to control his life such as the way he locks and unlocks the door every night.
The relationship between Gabriel and Constable Wright is a strong feature of the book. The two men should have nothing in common but are becoming friends as well as a very effective detective duo. The young constable who has ambitions to become a detective is a stronger character in this book and does a bit of investigating on his own initiative. It looked like there might be a romance developing in the last book but in this new adventure his affections have transferred completely and it will be interesting to see how this aspect of his character develops in any later novels.
The mystery of the severed limbs is brilliantly plotted and I really enjoyed the way that the investigation uncovered other secrets. The legal case was fascinating too and had modern overtones with the way that Tilly was viewed simply because of her profession. The closing scene of the trial was one of my favourite parts of the book. The author does a fantastic job at showing us other aspects of society during the investigations and Gabriel finds himself involved with characters who take him a long way out of his narrow comfort zone.
The two cases are intertwined really well and there are lots of plot twists to keep the reader on their toes. It’s not a book that’s laugh out loud funny but there were several moments that really made me smile. There are some darker sides to the story too which add depth to the story.
I loved this book every bit as much as the first book and really hope that we have more instalments in ‘The Trials of Gabriel Ward’.
In A Case of Life and Limb, Gabriel Ward is asked to investigate the mystery of severed limbs which have been delivered to members of the temple. He has also been asked to represent a popular actress, Tilly Tillotson as she defends her reputation against a newspaper that thrives on scandal.
It’s Christmas 1901 and Sally Smith sets the scene brilliantly as she describes the snow covered courtyards of the Inner Temple. Sometimes, historical novels don’t quite work as authors use anachronistic language or don’t give the reader a clear enough sense of the setting but there is no danger of that here. The atmosphere is perfect and all of the characters and settings feel that they are perfectly part of their time with no jarring notes to pull the reader out of the story.
Gabriel is such a brilliant character. He’s very much a product of his time and stuck in his ways however, he is also openminded about people and doesn’t judge them because they are poor or not part of his social class. I really enjoyed the way his character was developed in this book and we saw more of his rituals that he uses to control his life such as the way he locks and unlocks the door every night.
The relationship between Gabriel and Constable Wright is a strong feature of the book. The two men should have nothing in common but are becoming friends as well as a very effective detective duo. The young constable who has ambitions to become a detective is a stronger character in this book and does a bit of investigating on his own initiative. It looked like there might be a romance developing in the last book but in this new adventure his affections have transferred completely and it will be interesting to see how this aspect of his character develops in any later novels.
The mystery of the severed limbs is brilliantly plotted and I really enjoyed the way that the investigation uncovered other secrets. The legal case was fascinating too and had modern overtones with the way that Tilly was viewed simply because of her profession. The closing scene of the trial was one of my favourite parts of the book. The author does a fantastic job at showing us other aspects of society during the investigations and Gabriel finds himself involved with characters who take him a long way out of his narrow comfort zone.
The two cases are intertwined really well and there are lots of plot twists to keep the reader on their toes. It’s not a book that’s laugh out loud funny but there were several moments that really made me smile. There are some darker sides to the story too which add depth to the story.
I loved this book every bit as much as the first book and really hope that we have more instalments in ‘The Trials of Gabriel Ward’.
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