Tina is young, her four children all in foster care. Charged with attempting to murder the youngest,her baby,she swears her innocence, and that of her boyfriend, Smiddy. Trouble is,he's a heroin dealer and she was one of his regular customers. Will they receive justice in the High Court of Parliament House in Edinburgh ? Can Brogan McLane find his way through the chaos of his clients' lives, and political cover ups to discover the truth of what really happened to Baby Luke ?? More Low Life in High Places in the Old Town of Edinburgh. The third novel in the Parliament House Books series featuring Brogan McLane.
John Mayer would love to be a top-flight blues guitar player and have dated Jennifer Aniston. But what he did achieve, amongst other things was to be a 1970s Indie Record Producer before becoming a top-flight Advocate in the Supreme Court of Scotland where he specialised in international child abduction: rescuing the children, not abducting them, of course.
In his youth, John was shot! Twice! Once in Glasgow, Scotland and once in New York City. John attacks everything he does with passion. And that's what he brings to his writing. The Parliament House Books. The Trial Book 1 The Order Book 2 The Bones Book 3 The Trust Book 4 available Nov 03 2017 Also now available three prequels; The Cross The Cycle The Boots Coming soon Nuclear Peace
I loved the first book, the second was brilliant but wow this is something else. I can not think of anything more horrific than child abuse in any form but when this story begins a young couple are waiting trial for the appalling abuse of their baby son. At only a few weeks old he already has 35 broken bones and in terrible pain. His drug dealer and alcoholic father and former drug addict and alcoholic mother are to be defended by Brogan McLane QC and now Keeper of the Advocates’ Library. After meeting both the parents Brogan wanted them to think about taking a deal, it is called 2 for 1 where I admits guilt and the other walks free. It is as much as money-saving for the courts than justice being served but it guarantees at least someone serves time for the crime. The thing was both parents insisted that they were innocent and that their other half was too. Brogan just felt that there was something about their sincerity that seemed honest. Smiddy, the baby’s father, takes devastating action to give his wife a chance of freedom and so she has to make a choice. A huge part of this story is set in the trial at the beginning of the book and I was riveted. It was like I was in court and cringing at the frustration that Brogan was facing. I hadn’t seen him like this, I mean how can you defend someone just on gut instinct when all the facts say differently? A life line was to come but it was like watching the train pull out of the station, it was too late. Losing a case like this was hugely damaging to his career but to fight it a second time would be suicide if he lost. John Mayer has written what has to be the best ever court procedural novel yet. These books would make a brilliant winner of a TV series with tension, a QC with a conscience and enough guts to do something about it. A man who will fight for the truth and put his career on the line for justice. Brogan McLane is my super hero both at work and at home. I normally like to build a character in my own mind but the picture on the front on the books is just perfect. I loved the research and the really get down and get dirty physical side to find the truth too. I was thrilled at the little catch up moments with Brogan’s home life to find out how Joanne and Ababuo were getting on, which is now two years further on in the story from the last book. At least these bits made me smile for her this time. There is a Glossary of court jargon at the beginning of the book which is worth a read over before you start but being on book 3 it all comes second nature now. If you wish there is also a sneak preview of the fourth book coming out soon called The Trust. Myself I dare not even venture so far I would desperately need more.
Now this was unforgettable. if you think John Mayer stepped all out by bringing child trafficking to the fore in The Order, you won't believe your eyes here..... A three week old baby's body is broken. Fractured. Lots and lots of fractures. Can you imagine the pain? Can you imagine the mental confusion of such a young child? And when the barely 20 mother stands trial for attempted murder, and the father commits suicide in prison, would you believe she is guilty? That they are guilty - given the fact he was a heroin dealer and she was a frequent user? Of course! They tried to kill their little child not so? So when the jury comes back with the verdict, even Brogan Maclane knew what it would be - guilty. His client is sentenced to 35 years. Her baby is placed in foster care. Her boyfriend is dead. There is no hope for this child abuser!
Good riddance right?
Then Brogan reads an article in a magazine and suddenly he realises that maybe, perhaps, if he can prove it beyond all reasonable doubt, this mother might not be guilty of anything!! Nothing. Nada. No way you say....until you take the trip to America with Brogan. From there to a cottage deep in Scotland, where another broken human could be healed. I literally could not put this down. This is one of the best legal fiction books I've read in my life. To me it's better than Grisham. I received a copy of this ebook and leave reviews here of all fiction I read.
Well done Mr Mayer! Can't wait to see what subject you tackle next.
Caught up in a destructive world of drug taking and depravity, the two defendants must feel hopeless. Who would believe that they could be innocent when all the evidence causes the prosecution and the reader to judge a verdict of guilty simply because their lives are destroyed by heroin and other drug abuse?
Brogan McLane QC, John Mayer’s lead character looks at what is true and right. Brogan has the ability to look beyond the filth and depravity of his drug user clients. In his determined, perseverative way Brogan keeps digging until he has the facts that appear to be completely outrageous. These facts are surely not possible until proof comes from a most unlikely source. At one point the truth comes too late, but not too late at another. The book uncovers layer upon layer of determined research that Brogan undertakes for his client. Each layer brings a fascinating look at discoveries in the medical field which tie up to discoveries in the legal field.
Unstoppable reading which leads to the understanding of Brogan being an endearing, strong humanitarian who believes in and fights for justice, particularly of the underdog.
Bonnie
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
Very interesting storyline but filled with a lot of legalese that slowed down the speed of reading this novel. Intriguing idea for a crime story and very fitting in today's world of DNA and forensic evidence. Brittle bone disease is often overlooked and mistaken for abuse. Intelligent telling of a difficult topic.
An intriguing story of a case in Scotland's Parliament House , that is the High Court, where Brogan McLane defends a young woman accused of attempted murder of her five week old child. She has no defence and is convicted but this is just the beginning of her Advocate's fight for justice. Recommended.