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The Stepmother
The grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien makes a thrilling debut as a novelist in this suspenseful courtroom drama that will have you guessing to the very end.
“Don’t let the author’s last name confuse you, for there are no Hobbits in this debut novel by the grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien, only a wonderful story of family, relationships, and suspense. . . . Part English cozy, part family saga, part courtroom drama, this genre-bending work of fiction is touching and enchanting.”
—Booklist (starred review)
“The book is fast-paced and crisply plotted, with Tolkien elegantly piecing together the different perspectives and introducing unexpected twists.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Tolkien’s skill as a storyteller is worthy of notice in this taut, well-paced legal thriller. The excellent courtroom drama and well-drawn, believable characters make this a good choice. . . . With an easily recognizable surname, a formidable Oxford education, and a successful career as a London barrister, the grandson of the author of The Lord of the Rings is bound to create a stir with this debut novel.” —Library Journal
One summer night, two men break into an isolated manor house and kill Lady Anne Robinson. Her son, Thomas, convinces the police that his father’s beautiful personal assistant sent the killers, but Thomas is known for his overactive imagination, and he has reasons to lie.
Thomas’s father, Sir Peter Robinson, the British minister of defense, refuses to believe his son. Instead, he marries his assistant, Greta Grahame, and will be giving evidence for the defense at her trial. Hewill be the final witness.
Author Simon Tolkien successfully combines legal suspense and psychological tension in this sharply etched portrait of four people whose lives are changed by a murder. Alternating between the trial in London’s Central Criminal Court and private moments among the characters, Tolkien expertly describes the art of the trial, the clash between Britain’s social classes, and, most notably, the complexity of family relations.
Who is telling the truth—the new wife or the bereaved son? What will Sir Peter tell the court? With tantalizing ambiguity, Tolkien keeps readers guessing about the true motivations of these characters until the final witness.
From the Hardcover edition.
“Don’t let the author’s last name confuse you, for there are no Hobbits in this debut novel by the grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien, only a wonderful story of family, relationships, and suspense. . . . Part English cozy, part family saga, part courtroom drama, this genre-bending work of fiction is touching and enchanting.”
—Booklist (starred review)
“The book is fast-paced and crisply plotted, with Tolkien elegantly piecing together the different perspectives and introducing unexpected twists.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Tolkien’s skill as a storyteller is worthy of notice in this taut, well-paced legal thriller. The excellent courtroom drama and well-drawn, believable characters make this a good choice. . . . With an easily recognizable surname, a formidable Oxford education, and a successful career as a London barrister, the grandson of the author of The Lord of the Rings is bound to create a stir with this debut novel.” —Library Journal
One summer night, two men break into an isolated manor house and kill Lady Anne Robinson. Her son, Thomas, convinces the police that his father’s beautiful personal assistant sent the killers, but Thomas is known for his overactive imagination, and he has reasons to lie.
Thomas’s father, Sir Peter Robinson, the British minister of defense, refuses to believe his son. Instead, he marries his assistant, Greta Grahame, and will be giving evidence for the defense at her trial. Hewill be the final witness.
Author Simon Tolkien successfully combines legal suspense and psychological tension in this sharply etched portrait of four people whose lives are changed by a murder. Alternating between the trial in London’s Central Criminal Court and private moments among the characters, Tolkien expertly describes the art of the trial, the clash between Britain’s social classes, and, most notably, the complexity of family relations.
Who is telling the truth—the new wife or the bereaved son? What will Sir Peter tell the court? With tantalizing ambiguity, Tolkien keeps readers guessing about the true motivations of these characters until the final witness.
From the Hardcover edition.
Author Biography: Simon Tolkien is the grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings. He studied modern history at Oxford and is a barrister in London, where he lives with his wife and their two children. Final Witness is his first novel.
From the Hardcover edition.
320 pages, Paperback
First published December 24, 2002
56 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Simon Tolkien
17 books253 followersSimon Tolkien is the author of No Man’s Land , Orders from Berlin, The King of Diamonds, The Inheritance, and Final Witness. He studied modern history at Trinity College, Oxford, and went on to become a London barrister specializing in criminal defense. Simon is the grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien and is a director of the Tolkien Estate. In 2022 he was named as series consultant to the Amazon TV series The Rings of Power. He lives with his wife, vintage fashion author Tracy Tolkien, and their two children, Nicholas and Anna, in Southern California. Follow Simon at https://www.simontolkien.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
December 15, 2007
Fairly intriguing plot and some interesting, authentic courtroom scenes (the author is a barrister). The writing, however, is weak. There are a lot of pointless flashbacks and redundant exposition. It was a bad sign that on the back of the book cover, instead of quotes of praise or a plot summary, there was an explanation by the author, the grandson of JRR Tolkien, of how he was not just riding the coat tails of his grandfather. Whether that is true or not, it reeks of insecurity...
August 25, 2022
This wasn't a top-level story. Not many surprises, we knew everything from the beginning and learned the story backwards. It was a typical story with a secretary who wants to get his rich boss for herself and get rid of the wife. The courtroom case was a bit boring and repetitive. I must admit I'm rather disappointed, especially considering the legacy of the name.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2020
It is for this quarantine that I have finished this book, other-wise it is not a story that kept me glued. The story is interesting in the beginning, but I was able to predict it during the court-room drama. The trail and the cross examination are gripping as well as I enjoyed reading Jane Martin as an witness, the way she is described is comical and laughable.
The defendant has been smart and shady, since the beginning, the victim is hapless, her husband only wants to work for the country and can be duped by any good-looking women. The boy shows a strong character fighting with his adrenaline and other teen-age emotions. The test of his character is when he does not give up on his rude and ruthless father.
My take-away is believe in your instincts, always.
The defendant has been smart and shady, since the beginning, the victim is hapless, her husband only wants to work for the country and can be duped by any good-looking women. The boy shows a strong character fighting with his adrenaline and other teen-age emotions. The test of his character is when he does not give up on his rude and ruthless father.
My take-away is believe in your instincts, always.
August 12, 2022
First things first: Simon Tolkien has a really weird nipple fetish.
Secondly, this really wasn't a *mystery* novel per se as from the very beginning we know what happened and how and we have a pretty good idea who was behind it. It was more of a courtroom drama, but I didn't mind that. After a relatively slow start it became quite a gripping read, even if leading to a predictable conclusion. The ending was quite tense and the characters well developed, even if the author was sometimes having problems with giving us their thoughts while at the same time not showing us whether they were guilty or not. Still, I enjoyed it.
Secondly, this really wasn't a *mystery* novel per se as from the very beginning we know what happened and how and we have a pretty good idea who was behind it. It was more of a courtroom drama, but I didn't mind that. After a relatively slow start it became quite a gripping read, even if leading to a predictable conclusion. The ending was quite tense and the characters well developed, even if the author was sometimes having problems with giving us their thoughts while at the same time not showing us whether they were guilty or not. Still, I enjoyed it.
January 29, 2018
not amazing, not terrible; reasonably engaging
June 18, 2021
Disappointed.Giving 2.5 rating just for attempt and as this was his first book.Not at all engaging.. slow start,slow middle and slow end.
No suspense,from beginning the killer was evident.
No suspense,from beginning the killer was evident.
June 18, 2024
Very well written, didn't want to put it down!
August 3, 2017
Simon Tolkien, grandson of the better known J.R.R. Tolkien of Lord of the Rings renown, wrote this book in 2002. The story is of an ambitious English politician who neglects both his wife and son in the family country estate while he and his smart assistant spend a lot of time together in London and visiting his constituency. Mom is lonely, prone to headaches and is trying to take good care of the son. Mom is murdered and son is convinced that assistant arranged the murder.
dad marries assistant and there is a serious rift between dad and son. The question of whether the murderer will be found guilty hangs on for many pages, during which I was rooting for the son to "save the day." Clever plot with lots of twists and turns.
dad marries assistant and there is a serious rift between dad and son. The question of whether the murderer will be found guilty hangs on for many pages, during which I was rooting for the son to "save the day." Clever plot with lots of twists and turns.
April 18, 2010
Tolkein's grandson. A Barrister. Good plot --- pretty good characters --- writing style improves toward middle of book. At first, he tries too hrd with too many adjectives, or desriptions that are off-putting.
Great illustration of Britain's trial system. His experience is really great here.
Great illustration of Britain's trial system. His experience is really great here.
June 29, 2011
Well this was ok. Pretty interesting throughout, but very, and I mean VERY, predictable. The problem for me was that I was expecting a great twist in the end as advertised, but what I got was the ending that I had in mind all along. So it's a good courtroom drama, but don't expect to be surprised or shocked in the end.
October 4, 2017
While the mystery was pretty good, it was far overshadowed by the cursing and sexuality/sensuality. Both could have been cleaned up and not affected the actual story. I wanted to see what sort of writer J.R.R. Tolkien's grandson was...and I did...but he's not the sort of writer I like, so I'll be avoiding the rest of his books. A pity, really.
July 10, 2010
I dont' remember how it ends so that must mean that I wasn't much impressed. :)
January 22, 2010
I picked this book at an used book store for little money. It's your typical courtroom drama, if you like such stuff you might give it a try, but don't expect something overtly original.
July 3, 2010
Awful. A waste of pages for what amounts to a poor plot, poor writing,and an obvious attempt to cash in on a famous name.
November 14, 2016
Very well written, nothing like his grandfather's books but that made it even more enjoyable. Very predictable and sometimes stressful but that meant that the writing was very engaging.
October 8, 2025
A year ago Thomas was tucked away as his mother was murdered. Now, initiated by his own assertions, his father's former personal assistant and second wife is to stand trial for the crime. As the trial proceeds we're taken back into the years before the murder to learn more about Thomas' home life. But is the situation as it seems? Or is it a hurt and scorned teenager's revenge.
"Final Witness" does have some good moments. The premise and setting have appeal even if they're not unique. The author has a way from time to time with phrasing that creates an interesting atmosphere or thought. And, to its credit, what time we do get to spend in the courtroom is snappy and engaging without being sensationalized. No over the top completely impossible interactions are thrown in for drama.
That, sadly, is where my praise will end. This book was quite difficult to get through. There was so much time spent regressing and rehashing events long after the plot point was made. Any momentum it had in the trials died out as the reader was dragged back again and again. The only time it felt like things started to be relevant was near the very end when what we started to learn wasn't just a repeat.
The character work, though, truly made me cringe. I don't mind an unlikable characters. they can often be the most complex and enjoyable in retrospect for how they're used to enhance the story. Greta and Peter however? As far as I'm concerned just made me seethe constantly. While the author tried to imply that Peter did carry some doubt and guilt--I cannot believe for a moment he really mourned all that hard for his wife and it is clear from page one his son is one of his last priorities. As for Greta, I can appreciate her backstory, but you won't convince me that early on in the book she wasn't leading on a young teenager when she was in her 20s.
The worst by far was Thomas himself. Let me put it this way. For some time I had the audiobook on so someone else could hear it. When I was venting a little of my disappointment they said what i was trying to be polite about. Thomas was written more like a nine year old than a fifteen year old. I understand entirely how hard it can be to gauge an age range in tone. But for a boy who's supposed to be quite intellectual some of the dialogue and thoughts that came out of him made me want to tilt my head.
Maybe I had my hopes up too high. But this was a big let down. Although , as stated, I did appreciate the scenes within the courtroom and handling of evidence. I can't say I'd never try this author again, but I would look for a more modern release hoping experience will help him grow in his plotting.
"Final Witness" does have some good moments. The premise and setting have appeal even if they're not unique. The author has a way from time to time with phrasing that creates an interesting atmosphere or thought. And, to its credit, what time we do get to spend in the courtroom is snappy and engaging without being sensationalized. No over the top completely impossible interactions are thrown in for drama.
That, sadly, is where my praise will end. This book was quite difficult to get through. There was so much time spent regressing and rehashing events long after the plot point was made. Any momentum it had in the trials died out as the reader was dragged back again and again. The only time it felt like things started to be relevant was near the very end when what we started to learn wasn't just a repeat.
The character work, though, truly made me cringe. I don't mind an unlikable characters. they can often be the most complex and enjoyable in retrospect for how they're used to enhance the story. Greta and Peter however? As far as I'm concerned just made me seethe constantly. While the author tried to imply that Peter did carry some doubt and guilt--I cannot believe for a moment he really mourned all that hard for his wife and it is clear from page one his son is one of his last priorities. As for Greta, I can appreciate her backstory, but you won't convince me that early on in the book she wasn't leading on a young teenager when she was in her 20s.
The worst by far was Thomas himself. Let me put it this way. For some time I had the audiobook on so someone else could hear it. When I was venting a little of my disappointment they said what i was trying to be polite about. Thomas was written more like a nine year old than a fifteen year old. I understand entirely how hard it can be to gauge an age range in tone. But for a boy who's supposed to be quite intellectual some of the dialogue and thoughts that came out of him made me want to tilt my head.
Maybe I had my hopes up too high. But this was a big let down. Although , as stated, I did appreciate the scenes within the courtroom and handling of evidence. I can't say I'd never try this author again, but I would look for a more modern release hoping experience will help him grow in his plotting.
February 9, 2020
8/2020📚
Final Witness by Simon Tolkien
My first time reading written by the said author. Intrigued by the title and curious to what the story might be about so took a chance since I read some legal novels too; mainly the works of John Grisham and Michael Connelly, to name a few.
.
This is a story about one proceeding of a murder case involving the wife of a minister; who is said to be killed by the second wife of the said minister. And the only witness of this kiling and the base of the title is the 15-years old son of the deceased.
Is the second wife guilty of planning the deed or is it the boy’s hyperactive imagination that conjure the case? That’s for me to know and for you to find out 😉
.
I liked the idea this book was based on, but I cannot say the same about the way this book is written. Somehow I feel kind of zoned out when I was reading this. But as it is with someone as curious as I am, I need to finish the book so I’ll get the answers to the questions that I have while I’m reading this 🤭
My Personal Rating : 3.3⭐️/5⭐️
Final Witness by Simon Tolkien
My first time reading written by the said author. Intrigued by the title and curious to what the story might be about so took a chance since I read some legal novels too; mainly the works of John Grisham and Michael Connelly, to name a few.
.
This is a story about one proceeding of a murder case involving the wife of a minister; who is said to be killed by the second wife of the said minister. And the only witness of this kiling and the base of the title is the 15-years old son of the deceased.
Is the second wife guilty of planning the deed or is it the boy’s hyperactive imagination that conjure the case? That’s for me to know and for you to find out 😉
.
I liked the idea this book was based on, but I cannot say the same about the way this book is written. Somehow I feel kind of zoned out when I was reading this. But as it is with someone as curious as I am, I need to finish the book so I’ll get the answers to the questions that I have while I’m reading this 🤭
My Personal Rating : 3.3⭐️/5⭐️
September 10, 2024
I am surprised by the largely mediocre reviews on Goodreads because the grandson did not live up to the fame of the grandfather. While Simon Tolkien is no J.R.R., as a barrister himself, he did write a compelling courtroom drama.
In this novel, teenager Thomas Robinson witnesses the murder of his mother, Lady Anne. Lady Anne’s husband, Sir Peter, is infatuated with his beautiful assistant, Greta, soon to be the next Lady Robinson. Thomas is immature, a bit of a mama’s boy and also has a crush on Greta. Yet he believes that Greta has conspired to have Lady Anne killed in order to acquire wealth and power. Greta is arrested, and the ensuing courtroom battle tests Thomas’s credibility. Sir Peter, the final witness, is caught between his attraction to Greta and his loyalty to his dead wife and estranged son.
While British courtroom procedure seems at odds with its American counterpart (such as leading the witness), Tolkien has written an exciting drama. I especially enjoyed the counsel for the defense, Martin Lambert.
In this novel, teenager Thomas Robinson witnesses the murder of his mother, Lady Anne. Lady Anne’s husband, Sir Peter, is infatuated with his beautiful assistant, Greta, soon to be the next Lady Robinson. Thomas is immature, a bit of a mama’s boy and also has a crush on Greta. Yet he believes that Greta has conspired to have Lady Anne killed in order to acquire wealth and power. Greta is arrested, and the ensuing courtroom battle tests Thomas’s credibility. Sir Peter, the final witness, is caught between his attraction to Greta and his loyalty to his dead wife and estranged son.
While British courtroom procedure seems at odds with its American counterpart (such as leading the witness), Tolkien has written an exciting drama. I especially enjoyed the counsel for the defense, Martin Lambert.
July 13, 2025
Interesting read, considering this author is the grandson of J R R Tolkien.
For this to be his 1st book, it was amazing.
I really enjoyed it.
What happens when your son believes that your secretary at the time is responsible for killing his mother & your wife.
Well, this is the storyline .
Boy, does it cause friction within the family .
Lady Anne comes from money, & Sir Peter has made his money from being the British Minister of Defense.
But Greta Grahame a young assistant to Sir Peter brings chaos & deceit.
All of which Thomas & Lady Anne recognize immediately.
And here the plot thickens.
Great read with some twist & turns, that surely one can appreciate.
Needless to say, I was impressed with this novel.
So much so, that I have got 2 other novels by this author.
Can't wait to see what they entail.
But for now, I am going to move to another book 📖.
Check this one out, because I am sure you won't be disappointed.
Until my next review, Happy Reading 📚!!!!
Ciao💋
ps. Simon Tolkien you ROCK!!!
For this to be his 1st book, it was amazing.
I really enjoyed it.
What happens when your son believes that your secretary at the time is responsible for killing his mother & your wife.
Well, this is the storyline .
Boy, does it cause friction within the family .
Lady Anne comes from money, & Sir Peter has made his money from being the British Minister of Defense.
But Greta Grahame a young assistant to Sir Peter brings chaos & deceit.
All of which Thomas & Lady Anne recognize immediately.
And here the plot thickens.
Great read with some twist & turns, that surely one can appreciate.
Needless to say, I was impressed with this novel.
So much so, that I have got 2 other novels by this author.
Can't wait to see what they entail.
But for now, I am going to move to another book 📖.
Check this one out, because I am sure you won't be disappointed.
Until my next review, Happy Reading 📚!!!!
Ciao💋
ps. Simon Tolkien you ROCK!!!
November 13, 2017
This contemporary courtroom thriller tells the story of the murder of an English aristocratic woman at her country home while her teenaged son watches from his hiding place. His father, a Cabinet minister, soon marries his secretary, and his son believes that the secretary conspired in the murder of his mother, and seeks to prove it. The book is an excellent combination of a strong plot, engaging characters, and an evocative setting. It has a page-turning plot without sacrificing character or setting.
May 18, 2025
I had to stop reading it. Unlike some other reviewers, I thought the writing style was excellent, but I did not like the explicit sexual dreams and incidents the author kept describing. It just pointed to a low tone of mind that he should feel it necessary to cater to prurient interests for no good reason. The book would have been fine without them. I was hoping to find a Wikipedia article that would describe the whole plot so I could see what happened without adding unwelcome images to my memory. No such luck, however.
January 15, 2017
A little hard to rate, actually. There were some aspects I really liked - the characters were very well done. Some other aspects just didn't keep me turning the pages. I put it down a few times and came back to it. I think I wanted to be really surprised by something, but ultimately I wasn't. Not even the "surprise" ending.
May 28, 2019
I’ll assume anyone reading this has read the summary. Very slow reading, definitely needed editing. And the police in England should be furious at the portrayal of their gross incompetence. Who would’ve thought a 16 year old teen would locate the key piece of evidence? I seriously believe that but for the name of the author, this never would have been published.
September 8, 2021
First time I have read this author. The grandson of JRR. Probably a good idea he does not write in the fantasy genre. Imagine having to be compared to your granddad!
He is obviously knowledgeable about the subject matter of this genre. I enjoyed the mix of mystery/thriller and into courtroom drama at the end. Enough red herrings to make you keep wondering who was telling the truth.
He is obviously knowledgeable about the subject matter of this genre. I enjoyed the mix of mystery/thriller and into courtroom drama at the end. Enough red herrings to make you keep wondering who was telling the truth.
February 11, 2017
The plot was full of holes, the characterization was inconsistent and the courtroom finale (ie. "the final witness") offered no proof of the murderer.
It had its moments and kept me reading to the bitter end. However, it was really disappointing.
It had its moments and kept me reading to the bitter end. However, it was really disappointing.
October 28, 2017
Workmanlike whodunit. Not my preferred genre, but I’ll occasionally turn to a murder mystery for entertainment, and this one kept me going. Among the subtle homages to Tolkien’s grandfather’s works is the fate of the blue jewel from India.
November 26, 2017
Simon Tolkien, grandson of the great J.R.R. Tolkien has been a barrister (lawyer) by trade. It appears he may have a new career writing court room drama! This was a very well constructed mystery and his characters are very well drawn out. One of the better books I have read this year!
December 1, 2022
Id give this book a 2.5 if i could it had a good story line and i felt bad for Thomas but i also dont like books based in other counties. For my first book by this author i didnt absolutely hate it and id be apt to give another one of his books a go if i come across one
August 27, 2024
I love legal stories and so this book was one of my favourite subjects, and done very well. It had just enough chill, mystery and intrigue in it. My first read by Simon Tolkien and I will certainly look for more by this author.
September 18, 2024
This is one of the most suspenseful stories I have read in a long time. It is very detailed and convoluted, and one moves back and forth as to who is telling the truth. The character development is excellent. You believe first one and then the other. A good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews