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Charles Holborne #3
The Lighterman
London, 1964
Life for Charles Holborne seems to be settling down. He has a steady girlfriend, is in demand at the courts, and is back in contact with his estranged family.
Unfortunately, though, he’s got on the wrong side of two of the most dangerous men in London: Ronnie and Reggie Kray.
A shock encounter leads to Charles taking on one of the most important briefs of his career.
But as old prejudices resurface and Charles’s past comes back to haunt him, it seems not only his reputation, but his life could be on the line…
Can Charles settle the score with the Kray Twins? Will he lay to rest the ghosts of the past?
Or will his defence of The Lighterman be the last case he ever takes...?
THE LIGHTERMAN is the third crime novel in an exciting historical series, the Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers — gritty, hard-boiled mysteries set in 1960s London.
Life for Charles Holborne seems to be settling down. He has a steady girlfriend, is in demand at the courts, and is back in contact with his estranged family.
Unfortunately, though, he’s got on the wrong side of two of the most dangerous men in London: Ronnie and Reggie Kray.
A shock encounter leads to Charles taking on one of the most important briefs of his career.
But as old prejudices resurface and Charles’s past comes back to haunt him, it seems not only his reputation, but his life could be on the line…
Can Charles settle the score with the Kray Twins? Will he lay to rest the ghosts of the past?
Or will his defence of The Lighterman be the last case he ever takes...?
THE LIGHTERMAN is the third crime novel in an exciting historical series, the Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers — gritty, hard-boiled mysteries set in 1960s London.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2017
114 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Simon Michael
17 books69 followersSimon Michael, often referred to as “the British John Grisham”, is a barrister and the author of the best-selling Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers.
The books are set primarily in London in the 1960s and 1970s, a period of huge social change, and they explore loyalty and prejudice, and what happens when justice collides with a corrupt Establishment. They’re historical and legal crime novels, but they’re also about memory, moral compromise, and the long shadow history casts over the present.
At their centre is barrister Charles Holborne, born Charlie Horowitz, a former East End heavyweight boxer and occasional criminal, who is drawn into cases shaped by gangs, organised crime, political interference and institutional corruption.
Moving between London’s courtrooms and the criminal underworld, the novels explore the tension between professional ambition and personal integrity, and the fragile line between justice and expediency. The series does not shy away from the class tensions and prejudices embedded within the legal profession of the time, including the racist, antisemitic and classist attitudes faced by those entering the Bar in the middle of the last century, echoes of which still resonate today. Combining legal authenticity with gritty urban realism, the series uses crime as a lens to examine how power operates within institutions, who the law ultimately serves, and what it costs to pursue truth when the system itself is under pressure.
The books are set primarily in London in the 1960s and 1970s, a period of huge social change, and they explore loyalty and prejudice, and what happens when justice collides with a corrupt Establishment. They’re historical and legal crime novels, but they’re also about memory, moral compromise, and the long shadow history casts over the present.
At their centre is barrister Charles Holborne, born Charlie Horowitz, a former East End heavyweight boxer and occasional criminal, who is drawn into cases shaped by gangs, organised crime, political interference and institutional corruption.
Moving between London’s courtrooms and the criminal underworld, the novels explore the tension between professional ambition and personal integrity, and the fragile line between justice and expediency. The series does not shy away from the class tensions and prejudices embedded within the legal profession of the time, including the racist, antisemitic and classist attitudes faced by those entering the Bar in the middle of the last century, echoes of which still resonate today. Combining legal authenticity with gritty urban realism, the series uses crime as a lens to examine how power operates within institutions, who the law ultimately serves, and what it costs to pursue truth when the system itself is under pressure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 24, 2018
"The Lighterman" is the follow up to the highly successful "The Brief" and "An Honest Man" featuring Charles Holborn in the legal thriller series set in London's 1960's.
I normally find courtroom dramas a little dull but I have to say that I have never been bored with a Charles Holborn story as you become so embroiled in his character and life that it's almost impossible to put the book down.
'When Charles Holborne's cousin, Izzy, is accused of murder, Charles must dig up the secrets of the past to defend him. But brutal gangland leader Ronnie Kray will stop at nothing to get his revenge on Charles for the events of 'An Honest Man.' Can Charles save his cousin...and his own life?'
What I like about the author Simon Michael is that he always includes snippets of London's historical architecture in the story and as he admits himself it's an important a character in its own right. Simon also knows how to engage a reader so that you are kept intrigued from the very start and in this particular story the involvement of the Kray Twins really peaked my interest as I have always been intrigued by them and their 1960's criminal underworld. The use of police and courtroom documents are once again used in the story which I do like to see and it's obvious that the author has incorporated an intense amount of his own many years of knowledge and experience as a barrister into his stories and this is evident in the authenticity of his plots.
"The Lighterman" is once again an excellent example of BritCrime at its best and I now eagerly await "Corrupted", the fourth in the series.
4 stars
I normally find courtroom dramas a little dull but I have to say that I have never been bored with a Charles Holborn story as you become so embroiled in his character and life that it's almost impossible to put the book down.
'When Charles Holborne's cousin, Izzy, is accused of murder, Charles must dig up the secrets of the past to defend him. But brutal gangland leader Ronnie Kray will stop at nothing to get his revenge on Charles for the events of 'An Honest Man.' Can Charles save his cousin...and his own life?'
What I like about the author Simon Michael is that he always includes snippets of London's historical architecture in the story and as he admits himself it's an important a character in its own right. Simon also knows how to engage a reader so that you are kept intrigued from the very start and in this particular story the involvement of the Kray Twins really peaked my interest as I have always been intrigued by them and their 1960's criminal underworld. The use of police and courtroom documents are once again used in the story which I do like to see and it's obvious that the author has incorporated an intense amount of his own many years of knowledge and experience as a barrister into his stories and this is evident in the authenticity of his plots.
"The Lighterman" is once again an excellent example of BritCrime at its best and I now eagerly await "Corrupted", the fourth in the series.
4 stars
June 8, 2017
The Charles Holborne series is without a doubt my favourite series in the legal thriller genre. It’s kind of weird as the fact that it is a legal thriller and set in the sixties are not the sort of thing that would usually appeal to me when choosing a book. Having read the other two books in the series though, I knew I would be in for an entertaining read and I certainly wasn’t wrong.
It was great to catch up with Charles again. His whole cheeky chappy attitude actually reminds me of Michael Caine. Looks wise they are nothing alike but Caine oozes a certain cockiness or self assurance and I found that Charles is the same. He is someone that without a doubt would be a hit with the ladies and in actual fact is.
The story line makes for some really interesting reading. They say you learn something new every day and for me reading this book introduced me to a lighterman and what they do. It’s something I’ve never come across before so I found it fascinating.
Izzy is a character that really stood out for me in this book. There was so much depth to him that I didn’t see coming. He was someone that really tugged on my heart strings and some parts of the story to do with him really make for an emotional read.
As with the other books, the Kray twins make an appearance and not in a good way. The story line to do with them reminded me how cruel and evil both of these men could be. My heart was literally in my mouth at times as to how Charles was going to get out of a predicament he was in.
The Lighterman is a truly riveting read with plenty of thrills. The author has created a really likeable protagonist that will appeal to readers and will have them becoming fans of the series in no time. My only issue is that The Lighterman has left me desperate for more!
My thanks to Urbane Publications for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
It was great to catch up with Charles again. His whole cheeky chappy attitude actually reminds me of Michael Caine. Looks wise they are nothing alike but Caine oozes a certain cockiness or self assurance and I found that Charles is the same. He is someone that without a doubt would be a hit with the ladies and in actual fact is.
The story line makes for some really interesting reading. They say you learn something new every day and for me reading this book introduced me to a lighterman and what they do. It’s something I’ve never come across before so I found it fascinating.
Izzy is a character that really stood out for me in this book. There was so much depth to him that I didn’t see coming. He was someone that really tugged on my heart strings and some parts of the story to do with him really make for an emotional read.
As with the other books, the Kray twins make an appearance and not in a good way. The story line to do with them reminded me how cruel and evil both of these men could be. My heart was literally in my mouth at times as to how Charles was going to get out of a predicament he was in.
The Lighterman is a truly riveting read with plenty of thrills. The author has created a really likeable protagonist that will appeal to readers and will have them becoming fans of the series in no time. My only issue is that The Lighterman has left me desperate for more!
My thanks to Urbane Publications for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
April 24, 2018
"The Lighterman" is the follow up to the highly successful "The Brief" and "An Honest Man" featuring Charles Holborn in the legal thriller series set in London's 1960's.
I normally find courtroom dramas a little dull but I have to say that I have never been bored with a Charles Holborn story as you become so embroiled in his character and life that it's almost impossible to put the book down.
'When Charles Holborne's cousin, Izzy, is accused of murder, Charles must dig up the secrets of the past to defend him. But brutal gangland leader Ronnie Kray will stop at nothing to get his revenge on Charles for the events of 'An Honest Man.' Can Charles save his cousin...and his own life?'
What I like about the author Simon Michael is that he always includes snippets of London's historical architecture in the story and as he admits himself it's an important a character in its own right. Simon also knows how to engage a reader so that you are kept intrigued from the very start and in this particular story the involvement of the Kray Twins really peaked my interest as I have always been intrigued by them and their 1960's criminal underworld. The use of police and courtroom documents are once again used in the story which I do like to see and it's obvious that the author has incorporated an intense amount of his own many years of knowledge and experience as a barrister into his stories and this is evident in the authenticity of his plots.
"The Lighterman" is once again an excellent example of BritCrime at its best and I now eagerly await "Corrupted", the fourth in the series.
4 stars
I normally find courtroom dramas a little dull but I have to say that I have never been bored with a Charles Holborn story as you become so embroiled in his character and life that it's almost impossible to put the book down.
'When Charles Holborne's cousin, Izzy, is accused of murder, Charles must dig up the secrets of the past to defend him. But brutal gangland leader Ronnie Kray will stop at nothing to get his revenge on Charles for the events of 'An Honest Man.' Can Charles save his cousin...and his own life?'
What I like about the author Simon Michael is that he always includes snippets of London's historical architecture in the story and as he admits himself it's an important a character in its own right. Simon also knows how to engage a reader so that you are kept intrigued from the very start and in this particular story the involvement of the Kray Twins really peaked my interest as I have always been intrigued by them and their 1960's criminal underworld. The use of police and courtroom documents are once again used in the story which I do like to see and it's obvious that the author has incorporated an intense amount of his own many years of knowledge and experience as a barrister into his stories and this is evident in the authenticity of his plots.
"The Lighterman" is once again an excellent example of BritCrime at its best and I now eagerly await "Corrupted", the fourth in the series.
4 stars
June 21, 2017
When the London underworld is gunning for you, where do you run?
Travel to the locations in the novel: Booktrail it to 1960s London
I didn’t know what a lighterman was but this book intrigued me for several reasons. The cover was very sparse and James Bond style in appearance but what I got was a very neat and layered thriller.
Charles, the central character has a very interesting and moving backstory which will make me go and read the other books in the series right away. This novel,with strands in ww2 and 1960s made for a cinematic effect and multilayered narrative. Charles works on one side of the law but straddles the thin line at times – in a London where the Kray twins roam. The sense of time and place more than moors you to the story and it bristles with tension and fear.
It was more than interesting to find out about the industry of the lightermen and their role in the city’s history. There’s a lot to this novel but it never gets in the way of the story and the intrigue.
Travel to the locations in the novel: Booktrail it to 1960s London
I didn’t know what a lighterman was but this book intrigued me for several reasons. The cover was very sparse and James Bond style in appearance but what I got was a very neat and layered thriller.
Charles, the central character has a very interesting and moving backstory which will make me go and read the other books in the series right away. This novel,with strands in ww2 and 1960s made for a cinematic effect and multilayered narrative. Charles works on one side of the law but straddles the thin line at times – in a London where the Kray twins roam. The sense of time and place more than moors you to the story and it bristles with tension and fear.
It was more than interesting to find out about the industry of the lightermen and their role in the city’s history. There’s a lot to this novel but it never gets in the way of the story and the intrigue.
November 24, 2017
The Lighterman is the third instalment in the legal thriller series staring barrister Charles Holburne. I have not read the previous two books, so can say that this book works very well as a standalone novel. This fantastic book, that is set in the 60s and at the time of the Krays, hooked me in from the very beginning. It's a fantastic thriller.
I'll start by saying that this thriller is hugely refreshing, partly I feel because It is a legal based thriller, as we follow Charles's story, as opposed to a police procedural, plus, it's set in the 60s, so has that wonderful retro feel. No one is glued to their iPhone or trawling the Internet, and I liked this. Charles is also a likeable character. I just couldn't help but fall a little bit in love with him, and I rooted for him, to keep safe and to seek justice. He oozes charm, is an educated man, but ultimately he talks to everyone as an equal. A cockney boy 'done good'.
The cousin Izzy was also a captivating character, that had me constantly questioning his intentions. However, even though I didn't completely trust him, I did like him, I also liked the descriptions of working on the river as a Lighteman, a term that I had never heard before. The atmospheric descriptions in this book, of when Charles worked on the barges on the River Thames with his cousin, really helped to shape the character that Charles was, and who he was to become.
I also loved the chapters in the book that described the Kray twins. They made my skin crawl and made the novel even more sinister, with the feeling that nothing good was going to happen by being involved with them.
The Lighterman is a fast paced legal thriller with a truly likeable and interesting protagonist. I now need to go back and read the previous two books in the series. If you love thrillers with great depth, captivating characters and a few unexpected twists along the way, then you'll love The Lighterman.
I purchased my own paperback copy.
I'll start by saying that this thriller is hugely refreshing, partly I feel because It is a legal based thriller, as we follow Charles's story, as opposed to a police procedural, plus, it's set in the 60s, so has that wonderful retro feel. No one is glued to their iPhone or trawling the Internet, and I liked this. Charles is also a likeable character. I just couldn't help but fall a little bit in love with him, and I rooted for him, to keep safe and to seek justice. He oozes charm, is an educated man, but ultimately he talks to everyone as an equal. A cockney boy 'done good'.
The cousin Izzy was also a captivating character, that had me constantly questioning his intentions. However, even though I didn't completely trust him, I did like him, I also liked the descriptions of working on the river as a Lighteman, a term that I had never heard before. The atmospheric descriptions in this book, of when Charles worked on the barges on the River Thames with his cousin, really helped to shape the character that Charles was, and who he was to become.
I also loved the chapters in the book that described the Kray twins. They made my skin crawl and made the novel even more sinister, with the feeling that nothing good was going to happen by being involved with them.
The Lighterman is a fast paced legal thriller with a truly likeable and interesting protagonist. I now need to go back and read the previous two books in the series. If you love thrillers with great depth, captivating characters and a few unexpected twists along the way, then you'll love The Lighterman.
I purchased my own paperback copy.
June 12, 2017
The Lighterman, by Simon Michael, is the third book in the author’s Charles Holborne series of crime thrillers. Set in 1960s London, in and around the historic law courts at the Old Bailey, Holborne is once again working as a barrister from chambers where his Jewish heritage is disdained. Family background is an important backdrop to the story. The key case being dealt with involves Holborne’s cousin, Izzy, with whom he worked on the Thames during the Second World War.
Following events from the previous intalments in the series, Holborne is on the Kray twins death list. The metropolitan police are unwilling to help as they still believe Holborne was complicit in the murder of his wife and therefore deserves whatever comes his way. With blackmail and bribery rife on both sides of the law he must risk all to save Izzy and himself.
Holborne is in a relationship with Sally who is unhappy with being sidelined when work continually demands her lover’s time and attention. Despite a tentative reconciliation with his family, his harpy mother’s continuing complaints about his life choices remain a thorn in Holborne’s side.
I began to understand some of the bad feeling harboured against Jews, that it is their rejection of assimilation, a refusal to accept a different way of living for the next generation, just as is the case for many other orthodox religions. Holborne chose to break away but cannot shake the feelings of guilt this has caused, stoked by his mother’s criticism. These personal conflicts are well presented within the context of a fast moving plot.
With Ronnie Kray determined to punish Holborne and a judge eager to support the river police, one of whom Izzy is accused of murdering, Holborne is forced to take matters into his own hands. He puts his career in danger to gather his evidence and must then go to court and give the performance of his life. This representation of a barrister’s role and thought processes remains a highlight as in the previous books.
The writing throughout is slick and engaging, the plot well developed with a strong sense of time and place. The ending sets up an interesting dilemma for subsequent intalments in the series to explore.
On a personal level I struggled to warm to the protagonist. Holborne is described as strong and muscular, able to hold his own in a fight. He works out by running and boxing. He has a high sex drive. Although portrayed as a tough, east end lad made good, with a moral compass that isn’t as strong as he would like where justice, as he sees it, is involved, his exploits reminded me too much of the typical male, all action hero. I had to remind myself that this was 1960s Britain and women were even more objectified than today. Sally is no shrinking violet but Holborne’s interest in her appears largely sexual and selfish.
An enjoyable read for those who like their heroes physically strong, their justice warriors slightly flawed. It is a well written page turner strengthened by its setting within the rarefied world of the courts of law.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Urbane.
Following events from the previous intalments in the series, Holborne is on the Kray twins death list. The metropolitan police are unwilling to help as they still believe Holborne was complicit in the murder of his wife and therefore deserves whatever comes his way. With blackmail and bribery rife on both sides of the law he must risk all to save Izzy and himself.
Holborne is in a relationship with Sally who is unhappy with being sidelined when work continually demands her lover’s time and attention. Despite a tentative reconciliation with his family, his harpy mother’s continuing complaints about his life choices remain a thorn in Holborne’s side.
I began to understand some of the bad feeling harboured against Jews, that it is their rejection of assimilation, a refusal to accept a different way of living for the next generation, just as is the case for many other orthodox religions. Holborne chose to break away but cannot shake the feelings of guilt this has caused, stoked by his mother’s criticism. These personal conflicts are well presented within the context of a fast moving plot.
With Ronnie Kray determined to punish Holborne and a judge eager to support the river police, one of whom Izzy is accused of murdering, Holborne is forced to take matters into his own hands. He puts his career in danger to gather his evidence and must then go to court and give the performance of his life. This representation of a barrister’s role and thought processes remains a highlight as in the previous books.
The writing throughout is slick and engaging, the plot well developed with a strong sense of time and place. The ending sets up an interesting dilemma for subsequent intalments in the series to explore.
On a personal level I struggled to warm to the protagonist. Holborne is described as strong and muscular, able to hold his own in a fight. He works out by running and boxing. He has a high sex drive. Although portrayed as a tough, east end lad made good, with a moral compass that isn’t as strong as he would like where justice, as he sees it, is involved, his exploits reminded me too much of the typical male, all action hero. I had to remind myself that this was 1960s Britain and women were even more objectified than today. Sally is no shrinking violet but Holborne’s interest in her appears largely sexual and selfish.
An enjoyable read for those who like their heroes physically strong, their justice warriors slightly flawed. It is a well written page turner strengthened by its setting within the rarefied world of the courts of law.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Urbane.
September 14, 2017
Loved this and can't wait for the next one, after that cliffhanger! Full review to follow.
January 7, 2023
I bought this at one of the author's events and although it was number 3 in the series all the books stand alone. I bought this as it mentioned the Krays and I remember newspaper reports from the time, so thought I would have some knowledge of the setting. All the books are set in the 60s. Overall I enjoyed the read and although parts are violent, the time in London was violent and the plot twists towards the end kept me hooked to the end of the book.
May 22, 2025
Great series, really enjoyable.
June 11, 2017
Love this series, couldn't put it down and left me thirsty for more. Can't wait for the next one.
June 20, 2017
Review originally posted on https://josbookblog.co.uk/
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the first two novels in the Charles Holborne series, The Brief and An Honest Man, and I was delighted to be invited to join the blog tour for the release of the third instalment, The Lighterman.
Simon Michael's follow up to the bestselling The Brief and An Honest Man, continues the adventures of criminal barrister Charles Holborne. The Lighterman provides more of Charles's personal history, dating back to the war years when he worked on the River Thames with his cousin Izzy. Gangland leader Ronnie Kray is not a man to forgive or forget. Holborne has 'taken liberties' and revenge will follow. But how to get at a tough and resourceful Brief with his own history of criminality and a penchant for violence? The answer: find a man who can't be hanged twice. Now Holborne must dig up the secrets of the past to save two lives... one of them his own. Simon Michael brings the past vividly back to life across a beautifully rendered 60s landscape, and delivers a gripping piece of thriller fiction that will excite any fan of the genre.
In the first two novels in the series, the reader is able to pick up little snippets about Holborne’s background, particularly his East End upbringing and the disagreements with his family when he anglicised his name, thereby rejecting, in their eyes, his Jewish heritage. One of the things I loved about The Lighterman was finding out more about his past, particularly his time in London during the Blitz when he worked on the river with his uncle and his cousin, Izzy. I thought that this allowed the reader to get a more complete picture of Holborne as a character, and helps to show how he got to where he is today.
Both The Brief and An Honest Man have made reference to the infamous Kray twins, and Michael has been building up to clash between Holborne and the two brothers, whose paths he crossed in his last outing. It was no surprise that they formed a much more significant part of this novel, as the Kray twins, and Ronnie in particular, seek to avenge themselves. Thus, Holborne finds himself in a great deal of trouble, and I found this to be an incredibly exciting storyline as things come to a head.
I’ve always found Holborne to be something of a loveable rogue, and this book brings out more of this side of his character as he is forced into some misdemeanours of his own in order to save not just his cousin’s life, but his own as well. It’s sometimes hard to know if a good man doing bad things is meant to garner sympathy from the reader – in Holborne’s case, his motivations are understandable, even if this doesn’t allow the reader to fully condone his actions. I was completely on board with Holborne, however – it seems that almost everyone in the 1960s was corrupt in some way, and I think that you sometimes have to play the bad guys at their own game in order to resolve a situation. As Green Day said “Nice guys finish last”.
I love a good courtroom scene, and Michael once again delivers a fantastically tense case against seemingly insurmountable odds. I love those moments – the questioning of the witnesses, and trying to bring the jury round to a particular way of thinking. Scenes like these, when done badly, can come across as dull and repetitive, but Michael has this down pat, which I’m sure stems at least partly from his own experiences in legal profession.
I think that The Lighterman is the best in the series yet, and I found it to be darker and grittier than the first two novels in the series, although still in keeping with the style and tone set in the preceding novels. I do recommend reading the first two novels in the series before this one – there are references to the previous stories in The Lighterman, and I think it helps to understand what Holborne has been through in the last two novels in order to get the most out of this one.
The Lighterman was published on 8 June. Many thanks to Matthew at Urbane Publications for the review copy, and to Michelle Ryles for inviting me to join the blog tour.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the first two novels in the Charles Holborne series, The Brief and An Honest Man, and I was delighted to be invited to join the blog tour for the release of the third instalment, The Lighterman.
Simon Michael's follow up to the bestselling The Brief and An Honest Man, continues the adventures of criminal barrister Charles Holborne. The Lighterman provides more of Charles's personal history, dating back to the war years when he worked on the River Thames with his cousin Izzy. Gangland leader Ronnie Kray is not a man to forgive or forget. Holborne has 'taken liberties' and revenge will follow. But how to get at a tough and resourceful Brief with his own history of criminality and a penchant for violence? The answer: find a man who can't be hanged twice. Now Holborne must dig up the secrets of the past to save two lives... one of them his own. Simon Michael brings the past vividly back to life across a beautifully rendered 60s landscape, and delivers a gripping piece of thriller fiction that will excite any fan of the genre.
In the first two novels in the series, the reader is able to pick up little snippets about Holborne’s background, particularly his East End upbringing and the disagreements with his family when he anglicised his name, thereby rejecting, in their eyes, his Jewish heritage. One of the things I loved about The Lighterman was finding out more about his past, particularly his time in London during the Blitz when he worked on the river with his uncle and his cousin, Izzy. I thought that this allowed the reader to get a more complete picture of Holborne as a character, and helps to show how he got to where he is today.
Both The Brief and An Honest Man have made reference to the infamous Kray twins, and Michael has been building up to clash between Holborne and the two brothers, whose paths he crossed in his last outing. It was no surprise that they formed a much more significant part of this novel, as the Kray twins, and Ronnie in particular, seek to avenge themselves. Thus, Holborne finds himself in a great deal of trouble, and I found this to be an incredibly exciting storyline as things come to a head.
I’ve always found Holborne to be something of a loveable rogue, and this book brings out more of this side of his character as he is forced into some misdemeanours of his own in order to save not just his cousin’s life, but his own as well. It’s sometimes hard to know if a good man doing bad things is meant to garner sympathy from the reader – in Holborne’s case, his motivations are understandable, even if this doesn’t allow the reader to fully condone his actions. I was completely on board with Holborne, however – it seems that almost everyone in the 1960s was corrupt in some way, and I think that you sometimes have to play the bad guys at their own game in order to resolve a situation. As Green Day said “Nice guys finish last”.
I love a good courtroom scene, and Michael once again delivers a fantastically tense case against seemingly insurmountable odds. I love those moments – the questioning of the witnesses, and trying to bring the jury round to a particular way of thinking. Scenes like these, when done badly, can come across as dull and repetitive, but Michael has this down pat, which I’m sure stems at least partly from his own experiences in legal profession.
I think that The Lighterman is the best in the series yet, and I found it to be darker and grittier than the first two novels in the series, although still in keeping with the style and tone set in the preceding novels. I do recommend reading the first two novels in the series before this one – there are references to the previous stories in The Lighterman, and I think it helps to understand what Holborne has been through in the last two novels in order to get the most out of this one.
The Lighterman was published on 8 June. Many thanks to Matthew at Urbane Publications for the review copy, and to Michelle Ryles for inviting me to join the blog tour.
September 8, 2017
A copy of The Lighterman came to me through a giveaway in conjunction with Matthew at Urbane Publications and Jo’s Book Blog. Not having read the first two books I was a little concerned, but happily there was enough back information woven into the story so that I didn’t feel confused at all or unable to follow the plot.
The story opens with a short prologue going back to September 1940 and the blitz. Charles Horowitz along with his brother, David, and parents, Harry and Millie, live in the East End and are taking shelter from the bombs in the depths of the school. When one of the bombs lands too close for comfort the family risk a race across the playground and just make it before the school suffers a direct hit. The Horowitz’s are evacuated to Carmarthen but after four weeks Charles runs away, back to London where he spends his formative years as a Lighterman with his cousin, Izzy.
Charles’ choice to anglicise his name, compounded by his ‘marrying out’ during his last Year at Cambridge was seen as a betrayal by his parents. However, his decision was prompted by the negative feelings for the Jewish community, fuelled mainly by their refusal to adapt and integrate. So Charles Holborne, as he is now known, is working in the Old Bailey, doing his best to navigate the corruption, bribery and crime which is rife in 1960’s London. The London of the notorious Kray twins. Charles has previously fallen foul of the twins, particularly Ronnie, and is on their ‘Hit List’. He gets no help from the police as they believe he was involved in the murder of his wife and deserves what he gets.
When Izzy is accused of murdering a Waterguard, the equivalent of todays River Police, Charles is forced to cross the line and break his own rules, as well as the law, in order to defend his cousin. His career, and both their lives, are in jeopardy but Charles is determined to do all he can to save his cousin. Charles’ methods may be questionable, but understandable under the circumstances, given the fact he didn’t know who he could trust.
The atmosphere of the 1960s is skilfully and evocatively portrayed. I had no idea what a Lighterman was and found the insights into their role on the River Thames, and how that aspect was woven into the story, fascinating and adds much to the characters of Charles and Izzy, both of whom are convincing, well drawn and engaging in their different ways. The tendency of the general public towards anti-Semitism, coupled with the suspicion surrounding his wife’s death, combine to give Charles an enigmatic quality.
Charles and Izzy’s relationship and the court case are at the heart of the story. The courtroom scenes are depicted wonderfully, with tension and drama. Awareness of the author’s background and knowledge adds immeasurably to the story’s credibility. An engrossing read, well crafted and with a great twist.
I chose to read and review The Lighterman. My thanks to Matthew, Jo and Simon Michael for my copy of the book.
The story opens with a short prologue going back to September 1940 and the blitz. Charles Horowitz along with his brother, David, and parents, Harry and Millie, live in the East End and are taking shelter from the bombs in the depths of the school. When one of the bombs lands too close for comfort the family risk a race across the playground and just make it before the school suffers a direct hit. The Horowitz’s are evacuated to Carmarthen but after four weeks Charles runs away, back to London where he spends his formative years as a Lighterman with his cousin, Izzy.
Charles’ choice to anglicise his name, compounded by his ‘marrying out’ during his last Year at Cambridge was seen as a betrayal by his parents. However, his decision was prompted by the negative feelings for the Jewish community, fuelled mainly by their refusal to adapt and integrate. So Charles Holborne, as he is now known, is working in the Old Bailey, doing his best to navigate the corruption, bribery and crime which is rife in 1960’s London. The London of the notorious Kray twins. Charles has previously fallen foul of the twins, particularly Ronnie, and is on their ‘Hit List’. He gets no help from the police as they believe he was involved in the murder of his wife and deserves what he gets.
When Izzy is accused of murdering a Waterguard, the equivalent of todays River Police, Charles is forced to cross the line and break his own rules, as well as the law, in order to defend his cousin. His career, and both their lives, are in jeopardy but Charles is determined to do all he can to save his cousin. Charles’ methods may be questionable, but understandable under the circumstances, given the fact he didn’t know who he could trust.
The atmosphere of the 1960s is skilfully and evocatively portrayed. I had no idea what a Lighterman was and found the insights into their role on the River Thames, and how that aspect was woven into the story, fascinating and adds much to the characters of Charles and Izzy, both of whom are convincing, well drawn and engaging in their different ways. The tendency of the general public towards anti-Semitism, coupled with the suspicion surrounding his wife’s death, combine to give Charles an enigmatic quality.
Charles and Izzy’s relationship and the court case are at the heart of the story. The courtroom scenes are depicted wonderfully, with tension and drama. Awareness of the author’s background and knowledge adds immeasurably to the story’s credibility. An engrossing read, well crafted and with a great twist.
I chose to read and review The Lighterman. My thanks to Matthew, Jo and Simon Michael for my copy of the book.
June 15, 2017
The third book in the series starring the barrister Charles Holborne by Simon Michael titled The Lighterman was released earlier this month and an outstanding legal thriller based in the 1960’s and is a terrifically absorbing read.
For anyone new to the series the barrister Charles Holborne was formally known as Charles Horowitz, why you may well ask. This you will have to dig a little deeper into the previous two in the series. 1960’s London and the Kray's are at their height and Holborne has had previous with the Krays and in this era of the gangs of London and the corruption that was going on at the time, it is all here in The Lighterman. Even within the police force there is corruption and Charles Holborne has to be at his very best to be ahead in the case. We will also have a glimpse into the time of the blitz when he was a teenager and his family were bombed out of their home and moved to the safety of Wales only for Charles to run away and heads back to London and stays with relatives. This is where he ends up working on the river as a ‘Lighterman’ These are formative years for Charles Holborne and when years later he began in the legal profession he had to change his name to be ‘accepted’.
This time around the case is very close to home as his has to defend his cousin Izzy who is accused of murder, but to confront the case the past also must be confronted and this will not be easy and the Kray's are never too far away and are keeping more than a keen eye on the case and also on our barrister.
For anyone who has not read the first two books in the series you need not worry this can be read as a standalone book as there is enough in the background of the story to give you an insight and will also make you want to read the previous two. I really enjoy a thrilling courtroom drama and this delivers. With the added Kray's lurking not too far away this is one book that anyone who enjoys a thriller will want to read. Question is will there be a book four? An ideal Father’s Day gift. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Thank you to Matthew at Urbane Publications for the advanced review copy.
For anyone new to the series the barrister Charles Holborne was formally known as Charles Horowitz, why you may well ask. This you will have to dig a little deeper into the previous two in the series. 1960’s London and the Kray's are at their height and Holborne has had previous with the Krays and in this era of the gangs of London and the corruption that was going on at the time, it is all here in The Lighterman. Even within the police force there is corruption and Charles Holborne has to be at his very best to be ahead in the case. We will also have a glimpse into the time of the blitz when he was a teenager and his family were bombed out of their home and moved to the safety of Wales only for Charles to run away and heads back to London and stays with relatives. This is where he ends up working on the river as a ‘Lighterman’ These are formative years for Charles Holborne and when years later he began in the legal profession he had to change his name to be ‘accepted’.
This time around the case is very close to home as his has to defend his cousin Izzy who is accused of murder, but to confront the case the past also must be confronted and this will not be easy and the Kray's are never too far away and are keeping more than a keen eye on the case and also on our barrister.
For anyone who has not read the first two books in the series you need not worry this can be read as a standalone book as there is enough in the background of the story to give you an insight and will also make you want to read the previous two. I really enjoy a thrilling courtroom drama and this delivers. With the added Kray's lurking not too far away this is one book that anyone who enjoys a thriller will want to read. Question is will there be a book four? An ideal Father’s Day gift. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Thank you to Matthew at Urbane Publications for the advanced review copy.
September 12, 2019
I’ve been avidly reading this historical thriller series set in 1960s London and this third book is, as ever, a compelling and interesting read.
Charles Holbourne, barrister extraordinaire, is called on to represent someone from his past who is accused of murder. Whilst trying to come to terms with his wife’s recent death and trying to mend bridges with his estranged family, Charles is forced to use all his skills to stop a death sentence being handed out to his client. He is also embarking on a new relationship with Sally, his former clerk, but although things appear to be going well, there are matters that Charles cannot discuss with Sally which leads to some major problems as the novel progresses.
Charles is trying to avoid the Kray twins who are keen to kill him as they believe he is responsible for their bent lawyer languishing in gaol. Charles has a lot on his plate! There is much in the plot to get your head round but one thing I can say is that this book is never dull!
I enjoyed The Lightermen- I really liked the period feel of the London East End in the 1960s. This book also reveals some of Charles’s early life in the Blitz and his life on the River Thames as a Lighterman during the war. Although a native Londoner, I knew nothing about this job and lifestyle so it was interesting to read about it in the book. Simon Michael has obviously done a lot of research on this subject.
As ever there is an edge of your seat court scene and a cliff hanging end to the novel which left me desperate to read the next book in the series.
5 stars from me for this excellent legal thriller, particularly as , like any good book, it left me wanting more!
Charles Holbourne, barrister extraordinaire, is called on to represent someone from his past who is accused of murder. Whilst trying to come to terms with his wife’s recent death and trying to mend bridges with his estranged family, Charles is forced to use all his skills to stop a death sentence being handed out to his client. He is also embarking on a new relationship with Sally, his former clerk, but although things appear to be going well, there are matters that Charles cannot discuss with Sally which leads to some major problems as the novel progresses.
Charles is trying to avoid the Kray twins who are keen to kill him as they believe he is responsible for their bent lawyer languishing in gaol. Charles has a lot on his plate! There is much in the plot to get your head round but one thing I can say is that this book is never dull!
I enjoyed The Lightermen- I really liked the period feel of the London East End in the 1960s. This book also reveals some of Charles’s early life in the Blitz and his life on the River Thames as a Lighterman during the war. Although a native Londoner, I knew nothing about this job and lifestyle so it was interesting to read about it in the book. Simon Michael has obviously done a lot of research on this subject.
As ever there is an edge of your seat court scene and a cliff hanging end to the novel which left me desperate to read the next book in the series.
5 stars from me for this excellent legal thriller, particularly as , like any good book, it left me wanting more!
September 14, 2019
‘All eyes in the court turn to Charles.’
London, 1964: gang warfare and police corruption are part of the landscape. Last year, Charles Holborne won an important case: could his life be finally settling down? He’s in touch with his estranged family, things seem to be going well with his girlfriend Sally, and his court work is picking up. But, as readers of the last book in this series will remember, Charles has upset the Kray twins and they want revenge. Charles’s success could be short-lived.
A chance encounter, a dock brief, leads to Charles accepting a capital case which takes him into the past. The Krays loom large, as a lighterman on trial for murder is made promises.
‘I can’t hang twice.’
Can Charles win this case, against the odds? And what about the Kray twins?
As in the previous novels, the courtroom scene is the highlight. Will truth be a casualty in the pursuit of justice? There are a few twists in this story, and to write much more about it will spoil the suspense. Suffice to say, it ends with a cliff-hanger, which leaves me keen to read Book 4 in the series. I’m starting to wonder just how many lives Charles Holborne has.
While the case itself is independent of the earlier books, I recommend reading them in order. We learn more of Charles Holborne’s backstory.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
London, 1964: gang warfare and police corruption are part of the landscape. Last year, Charles Holborne won an important case: could his life be finally settling down? He’s in touch with his estranged family, things seem to be going well with his girlfriend Sally, and his court work is picking up. But, as readers of the last book in this series will remember, Charles has upset the Kray twins and they want revenge. Charles’s success could be short-lived.
A chance encounter, a dock brief, leads to Charles accepting a capital case which takes him into the past. The Krays loom large, as a lighterman on trial for murder is made promises.
‘I can’t hang twice.’
Can Charles win this case, against the odds? And what about the Kray twins?
As in the previous novels, the courtroom scene is the highlight. Will truth be a casualty in the pursuit of justice? There are a few twists in this story, and to write much more about it will spoil the suspense. Suffice to say, it ends with a cliff-hanger, which leaves me keen to read Book 4 in the series. I’m starting to wonder just how many lives Charles Holborne has.
While the case itself is independent of the earlier books, I recommend reading them in order. We learn more of Charles Holborne’s backstory.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
April 27, 2025
In this third book of the Charles Holborne (né Horowitz) series, barrister Charles Holborne’s life seems to be settling down a little. His fraught relationship with his mother is in a truce, meaning he can now spend time with his beloved brother and father. He is enjoying his new relationship with Sally, and his law practice is going well. Life seems good, except for that threat that he is on big-time gangster Ronnie Kray’s “list.” Not only does Charles have to keep his eyes open for would-be gangland assassins, he has been assigned a “dock brief,” meaning a case he must defend without instructions from a solicitor. Not only that, but it’s a murder case to go to trial in three days, and the defendant is someone from Charles’s past.
I’m a fan of courtroom thrillers, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s a particular pleasure to read about English court cases, where judges take a much more active role than in the US, and where—at least in the 1960s—things move along at a fast pace. This particular case will bring surprises and real danger to Charles. It’s an intense and intriguing story that draws us more into Charles’s personal life and the corrupt world of 1960s gangland London.
While it’s possible to read this as a standalone, I strongly recommend you read the first two books in the series, The Brief, and An Honest Man, beforehand.
I’m a fan of courtroom thrillers, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s a particular pleasure to read about English court cases, where judges take a much more active role than in the US, and where—at least in the 1960s—things move along at a fast pace. This particular case will bring surprises and real danger to Charles. It’s an intense and intriguing story that draws us more into Charles’s personal life and the corrupt world of 1960s gangland London.
While it’s possible to read this as a standalone, I strongly recommend you read the first two books in the series, The Brief, and An Honest Man, beforehand.
October 3, 2019
The Lightermen is set in London 1964, Charles Halborne a barrister is called upon unexpectedly to defend an individual charged with murder and facing the death penalty. It seems his client isn't a stranger and things go from bad to worse when Charles realises both of their lives are at risk. Halborne has found himself on the Krays 'list'.
Can he get the verdict he wants to save his client and stay alive himself?
Halborne is a great character, he's not your usual barrister and doesn't fit in with his colleagues.
The trial scene was fantastic, I found myself holding my breath for the verdict.
The Lightermen is the third in the Halborne series but I didn't feel like I'd missed part of the storyline. It's such a great story, great characters and a great piece of writing. This book made me want to keep reading all the way to the end. I'll be adding the previous books to my TBR list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sapere Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my review.
Can he get the verdict he wants to save his client and stay alive himself?
Halborne is a great character, he's not your usual barrister and doesn't fit in with his colleagues.
The trial scene was fantastic, I found myself holding my breath for the verdict.
The Lightermen is the third in the Halborne series but I didn't feel like I'd missed part of the storyline. It's such a great story, great characters and a great piece of writing. This book made me want to keep reading all the way to the end. I'll be adding the previous books to my TBR list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sapere Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my review.
January 8, 2020
Charles is just starting to be accepted back into the law courts when he is given a case which seems impossible to win but when he meets up with the accused, it turns out to be his long lost cousin. Again in this third book we are given greater insight into Charles' life as a younger man, some of which was spent working on the barges on the Thames along with his cousin. He is still battling with his parents, his girlfriend and moreover the Kray twins who are still out to get him. I had to empathise with him when he said that nothing he ever did pleased his mother....I was the same! The story is a page turner along with great descriptive narrative of life on and alongside the Thames in the 1960's.
February 11, 2020
The Lighterman is the third book in the series set in the 1960’s featuring barrister Charles Holborne.
Picking up from where book two left Charles, he remains in deep water with The Krays and being ‘on Ronnie’s List’ is causing great problems for Charles in his professional and personal lives.
Charles is trying his best to stay on the straight and narrow, but with the Krays around every corner this is not proving easy for him.
Is it possible that Charles has met his match in the Krays? Can he get himself off of ‘Ronnie’s list’ or will he meet a sticky end?
Another brilliant book in the Charles Holborne series, recommend reading all three!
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Picking up from where book two left Charles, he remains in deep water with The Krays and being ‘on Ronnie’s List’ is causing great problems for Charles in his professional and personal lives.
Charles is trying his best to stay on the straight and narrow, but with the Krays around every corner this is not proving easy for him.
Is it possible that Charles has met his match in the Krays? Can he get himself off of ‘Ronnie’s list’ or will he meet a sticky end?
Another brilliant book in the Charles Holborne series, recommend reading all three!
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2024
Another enjoyable read featuring Charles Holborne, barrister and man of action. Charles is trying to keep out of the clutches of the Kray twins while defending a man on trial for his life, and to these ends is prepared to resort to GBH, burglary, blackmail and breach of numerous professional rules. An authentic mid-1960s atmosphere, replete with gangsterism and police corruption, and I kept breaking off my reading to look things and people up on Wikipedia. Only two reservations. I thought some of the events were a bit too contrived (eg what the defendant was originally supposed to do to Charles), and there was a bit too much for me about Charles's romantic life. But there’s a nice hook at the end of the book and I’ll definitely read the next in the series.
December 15, 2022
Absolutely loving this series and at the same time learning loads about things such as the Kray twins and how the police can be corrupted plus about the legal profession. This story gives a detailed account about all the effort needed to help the jury move from an emotional decision to been objective. How influential a judge can really be as opposed to been impartial.
October 5, 2023
Another cracking read/listen yhe author is fantastic how he puts the story across but my word the narrator is awesome all the different characters he has different voices for and I mean that when he speaks for a woman he doesn't try making her talk with a high pitched squeaky voice his different tones make the audio roll on book 4 cannot wait for it
January 8, 2024
I LOVED this book - I found the historical insights fascinating, and it feels so genuine. The characters grow with every novel in this series, and the individual cases are always interesting and intelligently written.
Set against a backdrop of the 2nd WW in the East End, with insights into the author’s Jewish roots, it was truly an enthralling read.
Set against a backdrop of the 2nd WW in the East End, with insights into the author’s Jewish roots, it was truly an enthralling read.
Read
October 1, 2019Thanks Netgalley for introducing this author. I love how he tells a story, they are well written and build the characters up in a way you feel like you know them. Holborne is a likeable character and the story kept building. Loved it
November 18, 2021
For me, this series really started to gel with this third instalment. The much-needed insight into Charles Holbourne's backstory enhanced that this is a complex, driven and conflicted character and added much necessary tension to the pivotal court and action scenes. A solidly good read.
October 20, 2017
A series that should be brought to an end.
October 2, 2018
Superb
Very difficult to put down very immersive right from the start. Can’t wait for the next instalment, the previous books are just as good too
Very difficult to put down very immersive right from the start. Can’t wait for the next instalment, the previous books are just as good too
October 31, 2022
Audiobook
May 11, 2023
This is a really gripping story, the back story being as interesting as the present day courtroom drama. Charles is fleshing out as a character. Looking forward to the next installment.
February 13, 2023
It's terrible.
Terrible story made even worse by terrible narration. The first two were excellent with an outstanding narrator.
Terrible story made even worse by terrible narration. The first two were excellent with an outstanding narrator.
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