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The Trials of Gabriel Ward #2
A Case of Life and Limb
"I was immediately besotted . . . Brilliant." -Janice Hallett, internationally bestselling author of The Appeal
All is calm, all is bright . . . until reluctant sleuth barrister Gabriel Ward is tasked with finding the culprit of yet another grisly crime in the Inner Temple.
Christmas Eve, 1901. Gabriel Ward KC is hard at work on a thorny libel case involving London's most famous music hall star, Topsy Tillotson, and its most notorious tabloid newspaper, the Nation's Voice, but the Inner Temple remains as quiet and calm as ever. Quiet, that is, until a severed 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 realizes that it is not Sir William who is the target, but the Temple itself.
Someone is holding a grudge that has already led to at least one death. Now it's up to Gabriel, and Constable Wright of the City of London Police, to find out who, before an old death leads to a new murder.
All is calm, all is bright . . . until reluctant sleuth barrister Gabriel Ward is tasked with finding the culprit of yet another grisly crime in the Inner Temple.
Christmas Eve, 1901. Gabriel Ward KC is hard at work on a thorny libel case involving London's most famous music hall star, Topsy Tillotson, and its most notorious tabloid newspaper, the Nation's Voice, but the Inner Temple remains as quiet and calm as ever. Quiet, that is, until a severed 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 realizes that it is not Sir William who is the target, but the Temple itself.
Someone is holding a grudge that has already led to at least one death. Now it's up to Gabriel, and Constable Wright of the City of London Police, to find out who, before an old death leads to a new murder.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2025
177 people are currently reading
5615 people want to read
About the author
Sally Smith
5 books144 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 179 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.
December 27, 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.
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 ***
Read
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!
December 26, 2025
I love Sir Gabriel Ward, KC. The true heroine here is Delphinium, though <3
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.
December 27, 2025
Sir William Waring is fast becoming one of my favorite detectives. He is such a great character. His sidekick, Constable Wright isn't bad either. This sequel did not disappoint me and I found the mysteries intriguing even though some of it was predictable. I highly recommend these cozy historical mysteries.
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 25, 2025
Excellent! I would give this 10 stars if I could. So good I read slowly because I want to savor every word. As I’m reading, I want the book to never end. I really hope this is just the start of a very long 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.
January 14, 2026
The cat made this 5 stars tbh
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.
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