Junkies, Judges and Jail

by Stephen D. Smith

As 1983 draws to a close, the clients and associates of Wilford Smith Solicitors in Rotherham continue to produce equal measures of tragedy and farce. From career criminal, Jack Heptonstall and his vast brood to manic insurance broker, Sean Page, they're all bent on keeping Steve Smith's life interesting. Starting with the accidental theft of a boa constrictor - along with twenty thousand cigarettes and a Ford Transit - Steve struggles with Fifi DuPont and various other exotically named hookers, a ragbag of crimes both petty and large, villains and victims of all shapes and sizes, and a double migration by the Heptonstall family, to name but a few. But true to form, he finds both humanity and humour in everything life throws at him, and distils it all for our rich enjoyment...

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2007

Reviews

[Darla Ebert · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are some agreeable stories in this story, some heartbreaking, others hilarious. The Author has to have had a lot of patience and discernment with his clients. With the average criminal of the 80's having such besetting life happenings it is not hard to imagine how they wind up where they are. At the same time, trying to explain the deterioration into drugs, crime and a wasted life when the person has all the comforts and privileges, well that is well nigh impossible to understand or explain. And so, counting one's blessings just does not always figure into the person's life until they have ruined their own life as well as that of their friends and families. These stories take place in Great Britain and it is very sad to realize that the authorities there (as in the U.S.) are nowhere nearer to solving the crime problems, especially when it comes to drugs.

[Andrea Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining.

[Joseph McHale · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final set of tales from Rotherham solicitor Steve Smith, rounding up the infamous Albert saga and also contains many more hilarious anecdotes. A strong and consistent series where there’s never a dull moment. 10/10.

[Stargazer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for the pigeon called 'Arse' and its egg, 'son of Arse'alone, made me laugh out loud.

[Beverley]

Laugh out loud