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Benson and De Vere #1
Summary Justice
The last time Tess de Vere saw William Benson she was a law student on work experience. He was a twenty-one year old, led from the dock of the Old Bailey to begin a life sentence for murder. He'd said he was innocent. She'd believed him.
Sixteen years later Tess overhears a couple of hacks mocking a newcomer to the London Bar, a no-hoper with a murder conviction, running his own show from an old fishmonger's in Spitalfields. That night she walks back into Benson's life. The price of his rehabilitation - and access to the Bar - is an admission of guilt to the killing of Paul Harbeton, whose family have vowed revenge. He's an outcast. The government wants to shut him down and no solicitor will instruct him. But he's subsidised by a mystery benefactor and a desperate woman has turned to him for help: Sarah Collingstone, mother of a child with special needs, accused of slaying her wealthy lover. It's a hopeless case and the murder trial, Benson's first, starts in four days. The evidence is overwhelming but like Benson long ago, she swears she's innocent. Tess joins the defence team, determined to help Benson survive. But as Benson follows the twists and turns in the courtroom, Tess embarks upon a secret investigation of her own, determined to uncover the truth behind the death of Paul Harbeton on a lonely night in Soho.
True to life, fast-paced and absolutely compelling, Summary Justice introduces a new series of courtroom dramas featuring two maverick lawyers driven to fight injustice at any cost.
Sixteen years later Tess overhears a couple of hacks mocking a newcomer to the London Bar, a no-hoper with a murder conviction, running his own show from an old fishmonger's in Spitalfields. That night she walks back into Benson's life. The price of his rehabilitation - and access to the Bar - is an admission of guilt to the killing of Paul Harbeton, whose family have vowed revenge. He's an outcast. The government wants to shut him down and no solicitor will instruct him. But he's subsidised by a mystery benefactor and a desperate woman has turned to him for help: Sarah Collingstone, mother of a child with special needs, accused of slaying her wealthy lover. It's a hopeless case and the murder trial, Benson's first, starts in four days. The evidence is overwhelming but like Benson long ago, she swears she's innocent. Tess joins the defence team, determined to help Benson survive. But as Benson follows the twists and turns in the courtroom, Tess embarks upon a secret investigation of her own, determined to uncover the truth behind the death of Paul Harbeton on a lonely night in Soho.
True to life, fast-paced and absolutely compelling, Summary Justice introduces a new series of courtroom dramas featuring two maverick lawyers driven to fight injustice at any cost.
400 pages, Paperback
Published July 13, 2017
40 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
About the author
John Fairfax
35 books57 followersJohn Fairfax is the pen name of William Brodrick who practised as a barrister before becoming a full-time novelist. Under his own name he is a previous winner of the Crime Writers Association Gold Dagger Award and his first novel was a Richard and Judy selection.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
March 25, 2025
We are introduced to William on the first pages. He is a young man at University who has got into a fight with Paul Harbeton, and although he had several opportunities to leave Harbeton alone, he is found to have hunted the man down and killed him. He is sentenced to life.
Later, we learn that he told a trainee lawyer, Tess de Vere that he aspired to a career in the law, and although many tried to put him off over the years, he studied hard while in prison, and when he was released into the community, he managed to acquire the necessary qualifications. He could not find a position in Chambers so that he could gain the experience he needed in order to be able to become a full-time barrister; but then a woman accused of murder asks for him specifically, and the trainee lawyer he had met all those years ago is prepared to work with him to try to produce a defence.
Sarah Collingstone is accused of having an affair with her boss, and then, after an angry exchange, she is supposed to have broken a bottle of beer and stabbed him with it; watching him as he died.
She is a model witness. She has a son with a severe mental disability, a father who looked after her through thick and thin while fighting for help from Social Services, and when William looks at her he can see himself all those years ago when he too was accused of murder. The only problem with her defence is that her DNA is on the bottle that killed her boss.
This is a great thriller with some superb characters. No one is truly who they seem to be! The plot was utterly believable, the court scenes gripping, benefitting from the fact that the author John Fairfax was a practising barrister for some years.
Highly recommended.
Later, we learn that he told a trainee lawyer, Tess de Vere that he aspired to a career in the law, and although many tried to put him off over the years, he studied hard while in prison, and when he was released into the community, he managed to acquire the necessary qualifications. He could not find a position in Chambers so that he could gain the experience he needed in order to be able to become a full-time barrister; but then a woman accused of murder asks for him specifically, and the trainee lawyer he had met all those years ago is prepared to work with him to try to produce a defence.
Sarah Collingstone is accused of having an affair with her boss, and then, after an angry exchange, she is supposed to have broken a bottle of beer and stabbed him with it; watching him as he died.
She is a model witness. She has a son with a severe mental disability, a father who looked after her through thick and thin while fighting for help from Social Services, and when William looks at her he can see himself all those years ago when he too was accused of murder. The only problem with her defence is that her DNA is on the bottle that killed her boss.
This is a great thriller with some superb characters. No one is truly who they seem to be! The plot was utterly believable, the court scenes gripping, benefitting from the fact that the author John Fairfax was a practising barrister for some years.
Highly recommended.
February 10, 2017
This is a thoroughly enjoyable legal thriller that is fluently written, full of suspense and tension and easily engages the reader. It looks to be the first of a series which begins with Benson, a 21 year old philosophy student, being convicted of the murder of Paul Harbeton at the Old Bailey. He reiterates that he is innocent and his defence team and 19 year old Tess De Vere believes him. He wants to be a lawyer, which Tess tells him is possible despite the enormous obstacles in his path.
Eleven years later Benson is out on probation, and has set up his own chambers given that no-one else is willing to take him on. He has been helped by Archie, his clerk, and Archie's family. He has acquired a client facing a murder charge, Sarah Collingstone, who has sacked her entire legal team, Tess becomes aware of this and joins his legal team as the instructing solicitor. The case is seemingly unwinnable with Sarah's DNA indisputably on the murder weapon. Tess becomes wary of Benson and decides to investigate Benson's conviction for herself. Benson is having to cope with the relentless media spotlight that questions whether he should be allowed to practice, a public baying for his blood, Harbeton's family who want him back in prison and a legal community unwilling to accept him. He is stalked, beaten up, spat at and worse. In a case that stretches him to the utmost and where he believes Sarah is innocent, can he succeed in getting her acquitted?
This is an exciting and thrilling read that is both compelling and gripping. The characters and the plot are complex. There are numerous red herrings and a suitably satisfying conclusion. Benson goes over and above his brief to uncover precisely what is going on. I want to read more about Benson and De Vere, so I hope there is a sequel. A brilliant and engaging read that comes highly recommended. Thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
Eleven years later Benson is out on probation, and has set up his own chambers given that no-one else is willing to take him on. He has been helped by Archie, his clerk, and Archie's family. He has acquired a client facing a murder charge, Sarah Collingstone, who has sacked her entire legal team, Tess becomes aware of this and joins his legal team as the instructing solicitor. The case is seemingly unwinnable with Sarah's DNA indisputably on the murder weapon. Tess becomes wary of Benson and decides to investigate Benson's conviction for herself. Benson is having to cope with the relentless media spotlight that questions whether he should be allowed to practice, a public baying for his blood, Harbeton's family who want him back in prison and a legal community unwilling to accept him. He is stalked, beaten up, spat at and worse. In a case that stretches him to the utmost and where he believes Sarah is innocent, can he succeed in getting her acquitted?
This is an exciting and thrilling read that is both compelling and gripping. The characters and the plot are complex. There are numerous red herrings and a suitably satisfying conclusion. Benson goes over and above his brief to uncover precisely what is going on. I want to read more about Benson and De Vere, so I hope there is a sequel. A brilliant and engaging read that comes highly recommended. Thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
March 4, 2023
John Fairfax has an established, award-winning writing career under his given name, but has turned to a nom de plume to dazzle readers with this twist-filled legal thriller. While I read this book a few years ago, I chose to return to it, as I complete a series read of the William Benson novels. I am glad to have undertaken the refresher, as there is so much to pull from it. Fairfax weaves a chilling tale of murder, redemption, and a new courtroom case that is sure to keep the reader filling pages, as I did. There’s a great deal to handle in this book, forcing the reader to pay attention and take note, as the ride is sure to be intense!
William Benson has had an interesting life to say the least. Charged with a murder as a young man, Benson held firm that he was innocent, but agreed to plea to receive rehabilitation. A young legal student, Tess de Vere, attended the trial and took a shining to the defendant, having an epiphany to practice criminal law thereafter. After being sentenced, Benson kept his head down in prison, until he was paroled for good behaviour. While many men would have turned to a darker side, Benson chose to hone his skills and read law, earning his degree. While many felt this was hopeless, as he would not be called to the Bar, Benson proved them wrong, being taken on by a few barristers who thought he deserved a second chance.
After being supported by a secret financial backer, Benson spent a few years taking the legal scraps that were being offered. He opens his own shop, even though many still vilified him for his crimes. Knowing all the legal loopholes, Benson is is ready to help those who are pre-judged by society. When Sarah Collingstone approaches him to represent her in a murder in which she is accused of of stabbing a man to death with a broken bottle. Benson is prepared to mount the best defence he can, but will need some help with the media circus. In what can only be deemed a chance encounter, Tess de Vere re-emerges after some legal dealings in France and agrees to serve as his supervising solicitor. Together, they take the Collingstone case to trial, While Collingstone refuses to deny the evidence against her, she professed that she had done nothing wrong. Benson cannot help but wonder if there is more to the story than what his client is telling him.
As the trial continues, Benson is faced with continued adversity—both for his past crime and the evidence the prosecution had against Collingstone—but sees a great deal of himself in his client. While it would be easy to let the court system devour a hapless accused, Benson cannot turn a blind eye. Benson can only hope Lady Justice will look out for an innocent person, even when the evidence tells a cut and dry story. A fabulously crafted legal thriller that will keep the reader wondering about many of the storylines. Perfect for those who love a paced novel that does not skimp on thought-provoking moments.
Having never read John Fairfax, I was not sure what to expect with this piece, but am pleased that I took the time yet again. He has a wonderful way of laying out the scene and offering enough detail to pull the reader into the mix, without drowning them. The narrative floes well, taking on numerous time periods to cover all aspects of the novel, building up with each chapter. The important aspects of Benson’s past are not left to short snippets of backstory, but is developed throughout, in the preface and peppered in the early parts of each section of the book. The protagonists have their own stories, which propel the larger narrative forward, though it leaves the reader wanting more, particularly about Tess de Vere. Her return to London after some international legal matters in Strasbourg are only loosely addressed and will have readers begging Fairfax to offer more as the series progresses. Fairfax does a wonderful job at developing a multi-faceted William Benson, pulling on his vulnerabilities but also his strength and seeking justice for a woman who has little hope of acquittal. Fairfax is also stellar in his plot development through the legal cases, both inside the courtroom with wonderful testimony and outside as Benson tries to fend off those who would have him removed from the Bar. The revelations that come up during the trial are wonderful twists and turn the reader to wondering how innocent Sarah Collingstone just might be. I am pleased to see a series awaits me, which I can only hope will be filled with more legal matters and attempts to better understand the protagonists.
Kudos, Mr. Fairfax, for a wonderful story that kept me wanting more. I can see how you were awarded literary prizes and hope others discover your work in the near future.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
William Benson has had an interesting life to say the least. Charged with a murder as a young man, Benson held firm that he was innocent, but agreed to plea to receive rehabilitation. A young legal student, Tess de Vere, attended the trial and took a shining to the defendant, having an epiphany to practice criminal law thereafter. After being sentenced, Benson kept his head down in prison, until he was paroled for good behaviour. While many men would have turned to a darker side, Benson chose to hone his skills and read law, earning his degree. While many felt this was hopeless, as he would not be called to the Bar, Benson proved them wrong, being taken on by a few barristers who thought he deserved a second chance.
After being supported by a secret financial backer, Benson spent a few years taking the legal scraps that were being offered. He opens his own shop, even though many still vilified him for his crimes. Knowing all the legal loopholes, Benson is is ready to help those who are pre-judged by society. When Sarah Collingstone approaches him to represent her in a murder in which she is accused of of stabbing a man to death with a broken bottle. Benson is prepared to mount the best defence he can, but will need some help with the media circus. In what can only be deemed a chance encounter, Tess de Vere re-emerges after some legal dealings in France and agrees to serve as his supervising solicitor. Together, they take the Collingstone case to trial, While Collingstone refuses to deny the evidence against her, she professed that she had done nothing wrong. Benson cannot help but wonder if there is more to the story than what his client is telling him.
As the trial continues, Benson is faced with continued adversity—both for his past crime and the evidence the prosecution had against Collingstone—but sees a great deal of himself in his client. While it would be easy to let the court system devour a hapless accused, Benson cannot turn a blind eye. Benson can only hope Lady Justice will look out for an innocent person, even when the evidence tells a cut and dry story. A fabulously crafted legal thriller that will keep the reader wondering about many of the storylines. Perfect for those who love a paced novel that does not skimp on thought-provoking moments.
Having never read John Fairfax, I was not sure what to expect with this piece, but am pleased that I took the time yet again. He has a wonderful way of laying out the scene and offering enough detail to pull the reader into the mix, without drowning them. The narrative floes well, taking on numerous time periods to cover all aspects of the novel, building up with each chapter. The important aspects of Benson’s past are not left to short snippets of backstory, but is developed throughout, in the preface and peppered in the early parts of each section of the book. The protagonists have their own stories, which propel the larger narrative forward, though it leaves the reader wanting more, particularly about Tess de Vere. Her return to London after some international legal matters in Strasbourg are only loosely addressed and will have readers begging Fairfax to offer more as the series progresses. Fairfax does a wonderful job at developing a multi-faceted William Benson, pulling on his vulnerabilities but also his strength and seeking justice for a woman who has little hope of acquittal. Fairfax is also stellar in his plot development through the legal cases, both inside the courtroom with wonderful testimony and outside as Benson tries to fend off those who would have him removed from the Bar. The revelations that come up during the trial are wonderful twists and turn the reader to wondering how innocent Sarah Collingstone just might be. I am pleased to see a series awaits me, which I can only hope will be filled with more legal matters and attempts to better understand the protagonists.
Kudos, Mr. Fairfax, for a wonderful story that kept me wanting more. I can see how you were awarded literary prizes and hope others discover your work in the near future.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
February 23, 2017
In brief - The first 30% ish were ok - after that the book became very readable indeed. Tense and twisty - I'll certainly read the next in this series.
The full review
I liked the concept of this book. The introduction was good with Will Benson being sentenced to life for a murder he maintained he did not commit. Hearing him restate this is Tess de Vere a nineteen year old trainee solicitor. She believes him. After Will is released on parole, having admitted to the murder, Tess comes across him again. In that time their lives have taken very different paths in some ways though maybe not in others. The scene is well set.
To start with I found the style mostly quite light and easy. There is some humour in places as Tess meets up with her old friend Sally. There is even some humour for Will now outside prison but only on parole. However under this there is a feeling of things that might go wrong.
Up to about 30% in I found this book perfectly readable however it didn't feel like it was going to be memorable or grip me. After that I found out just how wrong I was! I do prefer not giving things away in reviews so I'll just say that a trial starts and the tension grows in a number of ways. The book became increasingly readable and far harder to put down. The story takes on a very twisty feel and the courtroom dramas are well played out to me.
I did find this straying briefly into the marginally incredible but it is worth it for the twists. The characters are well worked and believable. The pace later on is very good. I'd say I liked the ending but of course the story hasn't really ended yet has it… So I'll close with the fact that I want to read John Fairfax's next book in this series - I do hope he can maintain the very good start made her. Maybe 4.5/5 by the later part of the story but a very good read overall.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
http://viewson.org.uk/fiction/summary...
The full review
I liked the concept of this book. The introduction was good with Will Benson being sentenced to life for a murder he maintained he did not commit. Hearing him restate this is Tess de Vere a nineteen year old trainee solicitor. She believes him. After Will is released on parole, having admitted to the murder, Tess comes across him again. In that time their lives have taken very different paths in some ways though maybe not in others. The scene is well set.
To start with I found the style mostly quite light and easy. There is some humour in places as Tess meets up with her old friend Sally. There is even some humour for Will now outside prison but only on parole. However under this there is a feeling of things that might go wrong.
Up to about 30% in I found this book perfectly readable however it didn't feel like it was going to be memorable or grip me. After that I found out just how wrong I was! I do prefer not giving things away in reviews so I'll just say that a trial starts and the tension grows in a number of ways. The book became increasingly readable and far harder to put down. The story takes on a very twisty feel and the courtroom dramas are well played out to me.
I did find this straying briefly into the marginally incredible but it is worth it for the twists. The characters are well worked and believable. The pace later on is very good. I'd say I liked the ending but of course the story hasn't really ended yet has it… So I'll close with the fact that I want to read John Fairfax's next book in this series - I do hope he can maintain the very good start made her. Maybe 4.5/5 by the later part of the story but a very good read overall.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
http://viewson.org.uk/fiction/summary...
March 13, 2017
1999, William Benson is in court, charged with the murder of Paul Harberton. Whilst protesting his innocence, Benson admits to killing Haberton, and gets life imprisonment. The reason for his change of plea, he wants to become a lawyer and the only way is by admitting to a crime he states he didn’t commit.
Sixteen years later, Benson is out of prison and the lead defence in the trial of Mr Justice Kenneth Oakshott, R v Collingstone. Sarah Collingstone, single parent to Daniel, her disabled son, is up on a murder charge in the killing of her boss Andrew Bealing. She protests her innocence and Benson believes her. It’s his first big case and he is determined to win, to prove to the public who want him shut down that he can be a damn fine lawyer no matter what happened in his part.
Tess De Vere was a junior on Benson’s case in 1999, she believed he was innocent, and felt some kind of connection to him. Warned to stay away from him, sixteen years later Tess debuffs the warning and offers to help Benson as part of his defence team.
Is Sarah guilty? Can the defence team prove her innocence? Can Tess get rid of this unnerving feeling that she may of been wrong about Benson all those years ago?
Summary Justice is an outstanding fictional piece of work by John Fairfax. Before John became a novelist, he was a barrister, and you can certainly tell in his accuracy of his work.
Having sat on a jury panel more than once, I know the way a courtroom works. At times it felt like I was back there listening to the evidence. Watching as the defence and prosecution team brought witness after witness into the dock to question them. Glencoyne, the lead for the prosecution tells the jurors that they will feel pity for Ms Collingstone. I will admit that in the beginning I did feel pity for her, but as the trial went on I started to wonder whether she was so innocent after all. Back and forth my innocent or guilty verdict thoughts went.
This is what makes this book so unputdownable. You are in the courtroom, you are listening to the evidence and you feel like you are part of the story. You are swayed back and forth as twists keep cropping up, making you doubt yourself.
The book doesn’t just play out in the court room though. You get to hear how both Benson and Tess feel. You get to be there on the first day Benson enters his prison cell, learn how he has to hold his head up high when people are provoking him, spitting in his face, just waiting for him to make the wrong move, so they can see him back inside.
I felt a connection to both the main characters and became embroiled in their lives. I could understand why Tess started to doubt Benson, I mean I started to doubt his innocence too, as more and more information about his past was revealed.
I was truly intrigued and fascinated with the plot and the characters, and that’s what makes a great book. One you can sink your teeth into and forget about the real world around you, submerged in the fictional world that has been created for your enjoyment.
Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Sixteen years later, Benson is out of prison and the lead defence in the trial of Mr Justice Kenneth Oakshott, R v Collingstone. Sarah Collingstone, single parent to Daniel, her disabled son, is up on a murder charge in the killing of her boss Andrew Bealing. She protests her innocence and Benson believes her. It’s his first big case and he is determined to win, to prove to the public who want him shut down that he can be a damn fine lawyer no matter what happened in his part.
Tess De Vere was a junior on Benson’s case in 1999, she believed he was innocent, and felt some kind of connection to him. Warned to stay away from him, sixteen years later Tess debuffs the warning and offers to help Benson as part of his defence team.
Is Sarah guilty? Can the defence team prove her innocence? Can Tess get rid of this unnerving feeling that she may of been wrong about Benson all those years ago?
Summary Justice is an outstanding fictional piece of work by John Fairfax. Before John became a novelist, he was a barrister, and you can certainly tell in his accuracy of his work.
Having sat on a jury panel more than once, I know the way a courtroom works. At times it felt like I was back there listening to the evidence. Watching as the defence and prosecution team brought witness after witness into the dock to question them. Glencoyne, the lead for the prosecution tells the jurors that they will feel pity for Ms Collingstone. I will admit that in the beginning I did feel pity for her, but as the trial went on I started to wonder whether she was so innocent after all. Back and forth my innocent or guilty verdict thoughts went.
This is what makes this book so unputdownable. You are in the courtroom, you are listening to the evidence and you feel like you are part of the story. You are swayed back and forth as twists keep cropping up, making you doubt yourself.
The book doesn’t just play out in the court room though. You get to hear how both Benson and Tess feel. You get to be there on the first day Benson enters his prison cell, learn how he has to hold his head up high when people are provoking him, spitting in his face, just waiting for him to make the wrong move, so they can see him back inside.
I felt a connection to both the main characters and became embroiled in their lives. I could understand why Tess started to doubt Benson, I mean I started to doubt his innocence too, as more and more information about his past was revealed.
I was truly intrigued and fascinated with the plot and the characters, and that’s what makes a great book. One you can sink your teeth into and forget about the real world around you, submerged in the fictional world that has been created for your enjoyment.
Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
March 20, 2019
After a long break from legal thriller this is the second one I have enjoyed recently. William Benson is a lawyer with a difference, he is a convicted murderer.
Tess de Vere met Benson when she was a student on work experience and he was awaiting the verdict for his murder trial. He said he was innocent and she believed him. But in order to be paroled, after some years Benson has to admit his guilt So he does. He used his time wisely and studied, eventually earning a law degree. Although many roadblocks were put in his way there was no legal reason he could not practice law. Initially surviving on scraps, he opens up his own legal practice and soon gets his first client - a hopeless case. Tess comes on board and they work on defending Sarah Collingstone, accused of stabbing a man to death with a broken bottle. Benson and de Vere find that this seemingly open and shut case has many complexities and is far from the slam dunk the prosecutor believes. Proving it will not be easy though.
Benson takes the case because he sees similarities with his own situation. Tess is on board because she needs a change of direction but she continues to be troubled by the question of Benson's innocence or guilt. This was a compelling drama with many twists and turns. Benson is a relentless warrior for the cause and pursues this case with everything he has. It is well worth a read.
Tess de Vere met Benson when she was a student on work experience and he was awaiting the verdict for his murder trial. He said he was innocent and she believed him. But in order to be paroled, after some years Benson has to admit his guilt So he does. He used his time wisely and studied, eventually earning a law degree. Although many roadblocks were put in his way there was no legal reason he could not practice law. Initially surviving on scraps, he opens up his own legal practice and soon gets his first client - a hopeless case. Tess comes on board and they work on defending Sarah Collingstone, accused of stabbing a man to death with a broken bottle. Benson and de Vere find that this seemingly open and shut case has many complexities and is far from the slam dunk the prosecutor believes. Proving it will not be easy though.
Benson takes the case because he sees similarities with his own situation. Tess is on board because she needs a change of direction but she continues to be troubled by the question of Benson's innocence or guilt. This was a compelling drama with many twists and turns. Benson is a relentless warrior for the cause and pursues this case with everything he has. It is well worth a read.
March 5, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this legal thriller from John Fairfax (AKA William Broderick) it was full of bang on addictive quality, clever plotting and intriguing fascinating characters.
Our main two, Will and Tess have an emotional start to their interaction when Will is convicted of murder. Years later, having served his time and taken on the law as a career (not that easy with a murder conviction) Tess comes across him again - and again decides to help him. The levels of both characters are explored slowly but surely within the plot for this and that was one of my favourite things about it. I was drawn to these two for very different reasons.
Then there was the trial elements which were highly engaging and very twisty - as was the whole story surrounding Sarah Collingstone, in the dock accused of murdering her employer. John Fairfax throws a lot of curve balls at his protagonists, keeping the plot unpredictable and fast flowing, whilst also managing to keep a firm eye on developing the background plot of whether or not William Benson is in fact a murderer himself.
Key to this being so much fun to read were the little legal explanations of why things can or can't happen (I can't speak to the authenticity in reality of course but the authors background would suggest he knows what he is doing and it certainly FELT authentic) that kept your understanding of the legal maneuvers easy but without taking you out of the story or feeling lectured (believe me that is a huge plus) you felt like you were there on the ground so to speak, excellent stuff.
As a start to the series it was spot on - you learn so much about Will, about Tess, about those around them but there is a lot still to know - I'm genuinely looking forward to another instalment and hopefully finding out more. Both the main characters are brilliantly drawn, both have fascinating paths to where we find them here, both have a lot more to say.
As a legal mystery Summary Justice works very well indeed. As a character drama it is perhaps even better, put the two together and you have a genuinely absorbing and captivating read that I will happily recommend.
Lets have more!
Our main two, Will and Tess have an emotional start to their interaction when Will is convicted of murder. Years later, having served his time and taken on the law as a career (not that easy with a murder conviction) Tess comes across him again - and again decides to help him. The levels of both characters are explored slowly but surely within the plot for this and that was one of my favourite things about it. I was drawn to these two for very different reasons.
Then there was the trial elements which were highly engaging and very twisty - as was the whole story surrounding Sarah Collingstone, in the dock accused of murdering her employer. John Fairfax throws a lot of curve balls at his protagonists, keeping the plot unpredictable and fast flowing, whilst also managing to keep a firm eye on developing the background plot of whether or not William Benson is in fact a murderer himself.
Key to this being so much fun to read were the little legal explanations of why things can or can't happen (I can't speak to the authenticity in reality of course but the authors background would suggest he knows what he is doing and it certainly FELT authentic) that kept your understanding of the legal maneuvers easy but without taking you out of the story or feeling lectured (believe me that is a huge plus) you felt like you were there on the ground so to speak, excellent stuff.
As a start to the series it was spot on - you learn so much about Will, about Tess, about those around them but there is a lot still to know - I'm genuinely looking forward to another instalment and hopefully finding out more. Both the main characters are brilliantly drawn, both have fascinating paths to where we find them here, both have a lot more to say.
As a legal mystery Summary Justice works very well indeed. As a character drama it is perhaps even better, put the two together and you have a genuinely absorbing and captivating read that I will happily recommend.
Lets have more!
April 18, 2017
John Fairfax is a pen-name for William Brodrick who writes the excellent Father Anselm series, books with moral and ethical weight. This is much lighter fare and I suspect will work better for me as a TV serial than as a novel, especially if the casting is right.
The premise is the unlikely one of a convicted murderer qualifying for the Bar and then setting up as a barrister when he gets parole. His side-kick sat in on his trial 16 years ago as a law student and is now a solicitor, and they are helped by an ex-con legal clerk. This maverick trio take on what looks like an impossible defence, and conduct their own investigations alongside the trial and after it.
Fairfax writes in an elegant way and the court scenes are gripping - but I found myself having to suspend an awful lot of disbelief throughout. If you're a Brodrick fan as I am, then this may disappoint. But if you love a court drama for pure entertainment then this might do nicely.
Review copy from Amazon Vine.
The premise is the unlikely one of a convicted murderer qualifying for the Bar and then setting up as a barrister when he gets parole. His side-kick sat in on his trial 16 years ago as a law student and is now a solicitor, and they are helped by an ex-con legal clerk. This maverick trio take on what looks like an impossible defence, and conduct their own investigations alongside the trial and after it.
Fairfax writes in an elegant way and the court scenes are gripping - but I found myself having to suspend an awful lot of disbelief throughout. If you're a Brodrick fan as I am, then this may disappoint. But if you love a court drama for pure entertainment then this might do nicely.
Review copy from Amazon Vine.
May 8, 2024
What a clever and well written legal triller! The plot is intense, fast and full of red herrings and the sub-plot about Benson’s guilt or innocence keeps getting better. The characters in this book stay with you once you finish the book. What a great start to a series that now I want to revisit.
I have to admit that I almost didn’t read it, the author’s name is a pseudonym for William Brodrick, a former friar that is also a barrister and his first series is about a lawyer turned monk. I didn’t want this series to be peppered with religion so I passed on reading it a couple of times…what a big mistake! This series has an edge because of Fairfax (Brodrick) knowledge of the law but also I would venture to say that as a friar, he explored the feelings of guilt and the need of absolution in Benson wonderfully. Reading the next installment very soon.
I have to admit that I almost didn’t read it, the author’s name is a pseudonym for William Brodrick, a former friar that is also a barrister and his first series is about a lawyer turned monk. I didn’t want this series to be peppered with religion so I passed on reading it a couple of times…what a big mistake! This series has an edge because of Fairfax (Brodrick) knowledge of the law but also I would venture to say that as a friar, he explored the feelings of guilt and the need of absolution in Benson wonderfully. Reading the next installment very soon.
September 7, 2022
This was my ‘random-audiobook-from-the-mail-order-library-for-the-blind’ for this month but I have to say they sent me a corker this time. It has a very unusual premise: one of the two protagonists is a chap who was sent down for a murder he didn’t commit in his younger years but studied law while in prison and now, having finished his sentence, is working as a barrister.
I really liked the premise, although some parts of it were a bit of a stretch of the old suspension-of-disbelief, and I found the book very entertaining. It jogs along at a fair old clip and isn’t short of some twists, turns and thrills. I’ve not heard of this author before, but I’ll definitely be reading the rest of this trilogy.
Recommended for fans of crime novels, murder mysteries, courtroom drama and conspiracies.
I really liked the premise, although some parts of it were a bit of a stretch of the old suspension-of-disbelief, and I found the book very entertaining. It jogs along at a fair old clip and isn’t short of some twists, turns and thrills. I’ve not heard of this author before, but I’ll definitely be reading the rest of this trilogy.
Recommended for fans of crime novels, murder mysteries, courtroom drama and conspiracies.
Read
July 6, 2017Won in the Goodreads Giveaways - not read, passed to another reader.
February 21, 2017
I really enjoyed this courtroom drama by John Fairfax. William Benson, son of a Norfolk fisherman, is a barrister with a different. He has a murder conviction of his own. It should have been an ordinary Saturday evening in November. When twenty-one-year-old William went to the Bricklayers Arms in central London with his then girlfriend, Jessica. She described William as thoughtful and considerate. On that same evening Paul Harbeton had just done his night shift at a hospital and he went to the Bricklayers Arms Paul shoved William at the bar and spoke to William abruptly. William wasn't happy and he protested verbally back. At the end of the evening William and Jessica left the premises together but Jessica went one way and William went the other. Judge Rigby tells the court that William waited for Paul and struck Paul from behind and killed him. William is sentenced to eleven years and he wouldn't be free until he is thirty-two. But he swears he innocent. The question is do you believe him? John Fairfax is the pen name of William Brodrick who practiced as a barrister before becoming a full-time novelist.
March 18, 2017
Should a convicted murderer have a place in the courtroom protecting those accused of the same offence..?
The plot idea for Summary Justice really stood out to me when I picked it up earlier this year. A convicted murderer being allowed to practice law is both paradoxical and intriguing. The two main elements to this book that kept me reading were William Benson himself and the complexity of both his character and storyline. Benson is out of prison and is fighting all the animosity that comes with being a murderer. A burning passion for defending those wrongly accused has helped him overcome every obstacle between him and the courtroom. Finally becoming a criminal barrister, Benson is ready to rebuild his name.
Though the courtroom drama is a tried and tested format for excitement and plot twists, John Fairfax (William Brodrick) has managed to turn the scenario into something so much more complex and thought provoking. This is mainly down to Benson. His backstory is shady, filled with grey areas and contradictions, and we don't really get to find out what really happened and why. The mystery of why he may or may not have committed the murder all those years ago was always in the back of my mind, pulling me in, making me wonder and question everything.
Tess de Vere is the shield that keeps all the chaos at bay. She knew of Benson briefly before he went down. 16 years later, after finding out Benson is free, she finds him and for deeply personal reasons decides to help to get his career of the ground. Tess is desperate to believe that Benson is innocent of murder, but the uncertainty forces her to take a step back and try to figure out for herself if he was capable and for what reason.
The main plot follows Benson and Tess' first case which happens to also concern a murder charge. To start off with I thought that discerning what really happened with Sarah Collingstone was going to be fairly easy... I was wrong. Throwing so much detail at the reader and being able to keep it coherent and interesting is a true art form. John Fairfax did an exceptional job with the plot. I eventually gave up trying to figure it out and went along for the ride. I had a lot of fun just following the twists and turns of the case while trying to figure out Benson and his history.
Along with the court case there are several key sub-plots that mostly focus on Benson. We rarely get an idea of what Benson is truly experiencing as this book is set in the third person and Fairfax gives very little away. There are snippets of Benson's experience in jail which mainly consisted of fear, panic and developing coping mechanisms. I hope we get more details of his prison time in further instalments of the series. Tess' investigation into Benson's past is also a great chunk of mystery based goodness and again, I want more soon.
I am trying so hard to talk to much about the main details as they are spoiler central. Fairfax is an engaging writer who manages to make a story so compelling while giving almost nothing away. Fairfax manages to dodge quite a few of the courtroom cliches which is always appreciated. The element of the book I most enjoyed is the many different types of individual that Fairfax chose to include. From straight edge and sympathetic to brutal and unforgiving. Each character has a distinctive presence and they each do a great job of throwing readers of their game.
Summary Justice is rife with conflict, moral choices and mystery. I recommend to all those readers who enjoy a compelling story line that does not spell it out to the reader. I know I am going to be invested in this series for a long time so I suggest you join me. I have read a lot of courtroom dramas and they consistently put plot before characters. I was impressed that Fairfax was able to balance both sides adequately. I have given Summary Justice 4.5/5 stars as I enjoyed my time with the book and couldn't really find much to fault. The only frustrating part to reading this book is now having to wait for another one.
The plot idea for Summary Justice really stood out to me when I picked it up earlier this year. A convicted murderer being allowed to practice law is both paradoxical and intriguing. The two main elements to this book that kept me reading were William Benson himself and the complexity of both his character and storyline. Benson is out of prison and is fighting all the animosity that comes with being a murderer. A burning passion for defending those wrongly accused has helped him overcome every obstacle between him and the courtroom. Finally becoming a criminal barrister, Benson is ready to rebuild his name.
Though the courtroom drama is a tried and tested format for excitement and plot twists, John Fairfax (William Brodrick) has managed to turn the scenario into something so much more complex and thought provoking. This is mainly down to Benson. His backstory is shady, filled with grey areas and contradictions, and we don't really get to find out what really happened and why. The mystery of why he may or may not have committed the murder all those years ago was always in the back of my mind, pulling me in, making me wonder and question everything.
Tess de Vere is the shield that keeps all the chaos at bay. She knew of Benson briefly before he went down. 16 years later, after finding out Benson is free, she finds him and for deeply personal reasons decides to help to get his career of the ground. Tess is desperate to believe that Benson is innocent of murder, but the uncertainty forces her to take a step back and try to figure out for herself if he was capable and for what reason.
The main plot follows Benson and Tess' first case which happens to also concern a murder charge. To start off with I thought that discerning what really happened with Sarah Collingstone was going to be fairly easy... I was wrong. Throwing so much detail at the reader and being able to keep it coherent and interesting is a true art form. John Fairfax did an exceptional job with the plot. I eventually gave up trying to figure it out and went along for the ride. I had a lot of fun just following the twists and turns of the case while trying to figure out Benson and his history.
Along with the court case there are several key sub-plots that mostly focus on Benson. We rarely get an idea of what Benson is truly experiencing as this book is set in the third person and Fairfax gives very little away. There are snippets of Benson's experience in jail which mainly consisted of fear, panic and developing coping mechanisms. I hope we get more details of his prison time in further instalments of the series. Tess' investigation into Benson's past is also a great chunk of mystery based goodness and again, I want more soon.
I am trying so hard to talk to much about the main details as they are spoiler central. Fairfax is an engaging writer who manages to make a story so compelling while giving almost nothing away. Fairfax manages to dodge quite a few of the courtroom cliches which is always appreciated. The element of the book I most enjoyed is the many different types of individual that Fairfax chose to include. From straight edge and sympathetic to brutal and unforgiving. Each character has a distinctive presence and they each do a great job of throwing readers of their game.
Summary Justice is rife with conflict, moral choices and mystery. I recommend to all those readers who enjoy a compelling story line that does not spell it out to the reader. I know I am going to be invested in this series for a long time so I suggest you join me. I have read a lot of courtroom dramas and they consistently put plot before characters. I was impressed that Fairfax was able to balance both sides adequately. I have given Summary Justice 4.5/5 stars as I enjoyed my time with the book and couldn't really find much to fault. The only frustrating part to reading this book is now having to wait for another one.
August 20, 2017
Not for me!
I could not finish this book. The writing did not flow somehow,and the story itself lacked pace and didn't hold my interest.
I could not finish this book. The writing did not flow somehow,and the story itself lacked pace and didn't hold my interest.
March 24, 2017
It's been quite some time since I last read a courtroom drama, especially one set in Britain. Many years ago I read lots of John Grisham novels and always enjoyed finding out more about the drama of the law courts.
Summary Justice appealed to me because the barrister, William Benson is also a convicted criminal. I felt sure that this must be a huge mistake; surely a person who has served time in prison for murder cannot practice law? But, yes, they can, and Benson's past is central to the plot of what is a convincing and intriguing, fast paced and well written legal thriller.
Sixteen years ago Tess de Vere was a young law student when William Benson was found guilty of murder. She spoke to him as he was lead away from the court. He claimed he was innocent, and Tess believed him, Now, Benson is out of prison. He has spent his jail time studying law and is not a barrister. It is not an easy life, not many people want to be represented by a convicted killer, and no solicitor will instruct him. However, Tess remembers Benson, and his claims of innocence and when Sarah Collingstone, who is accused of murder, requires legal representation, Tess instructs Benson.
What follows is an intricate and impressive plot, full of twists and unexpected events. The reader is treated to two investigations when Benson works on Sarah's case and Tess re-examines Benson's murder trial.
Summary Justice is a fascinating look at the judicial system. Fairfax writes with authority and authenticity. His story flows well and the pace is perfect. Something a little different for me and I'd recommend this one to all crime fiction and thriller fans.
Summary Justice appealed to me because the barrister, William Benson is also a convicted criminal. I felt sure that this must be a huge mistake; surely a person who has served time in prison for murder cannot practice law? But, yes, they can, and Benson's past is central to the plot of what is a convincing and intriguing, fast paced and well written legal thriller.
Sixteen years ago Tess de Vere was a young law student when William Benson was found guilty of murder. She spoke to him as he was lead away from the court. He claimed he was innocent, and Tess believed him, Now, Benson is out of prison. He has spent his jail time studying law and is not a barrister. It is not an easy life, not many people want to be represented by a convicted killer, and no solicitor will instruct him. However, Tess remembers Benson, and his claims of innocence and when Sarah Collingstone, who is accused of murder, requires legal representation, Tess instructs Benson.
What follows is an intricate and impressive plot, full of twists and unexpected events. The reader is treated to two investigations when Benson works on Sarah's case and Tess re-examines Benson's murder trial.
Summary Justice is a fascinating look at the judicial system. Fairfax writes with authority and authenticity. His story flows well and the pace is perfect. Something a little different for me and I'd recommend this one to all crime fiction and thriller fans.
June 2, 2017
‘Anger doesn’t go way. It just gets buried. And the deeper you bury it, the more dangerous it gets.’
The author is in fact William Brodrick who writes the Brother Anselm series of mysteries. They are sophisticated stories which pose serious moral and spiritual dilemmas. This new novel retains the moral dimension but has less of the spiritual.
William Benson is a convicted murderer, who claims his innocence but has signed a confession in order to practise as a barrister. Solicitor Tess De Vere, an idealistic young woman, believes in Benson’s innocence and supports him in his first case. That case is an intricate and difficult one which has some strong similarities to Benson’s own. A woman is accused of killing her boss who may also have been her lover. Everything points towards her guilt, but Benson takes her case and pleads her defence against all the odds. The courtroom sections are excellent; the twists and turns of the plot are thrilling and startling; the growing tension about guilt or innocence within the courtroom and in Benson’s own instance is very well accomplished. A new case for a second novel is cleverly built into the narrative. Less demanding perhaps than the Brother Anselm novels, this is a novel and a series well worth pursuing.
The author is in fact William Brodrick who writes the Brother Anselm series of mysteries. They are sophisticated stories which pose serious moral and spiritual dilemmas. This new novel retains the moral dimension but has less of the spiritual.
William Benson is a convicted murderer, who claims his innocence but has signed a confession in order to practise as a barrister. Solicitor Tess De Vere, an idealistic young woman, believes in Benson’s innocence and supports him in his first case. That case is an intricate and difficult one which has some strong similarities to Benson’s own. A woman is accused of killing her boss who may also have been her lover. Everything points towards her guilt, but Benson takes her case and pleads her defence against all the odds. The courtroom sections are excellent; the twists and turns of the plot are thrilling and startling; the growing tension about guilt or innocence within the courtroom and in Benson’s own instance is very well accomplished. A new case for a second novel is cleverly built into the narrative. Less demanding perhaps than the Brother Anselm novels, this is a novel and a series well worth pursuing.
March 5, 2021
It's always a joy to discover a new mystery writer and Fairfax lives up to his promise.
His story line is tight, with a compelling plots that shifts just enough to keep this reader on the line. The characters are well developed, sympathetic and interesting.
I finished this novel, then went straight to the library to reserve his subsequent two books - can't wait to get hold of them.
His story line is tight, with a compelling plots that shifts just enough to keep this reader on the line. The characters are well developed, sympathetic and interesting.
I finished this novel, then went straight to the library to reserve his subsequent two books - can't wait to get hold of them.
March 4, 2017
This is a fast paced legal thriller that is unique in that the Case for the Defence is being given by an ex convict - a convicted murderer to be precise. Alongside the drama of defending a murder suspect runs the story of how Benson came to be practising law after his release from prison under licence.
The story line is excellent and holds the reader spell bound through a lot of twists and turns that are never seen coming. The characters are well rounded and very robust which makes the whole very readable and gripping.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/legal drama/thriller.
This is a Goodreads First Read
The story line is excellent and holds the reader spell bound through a lot of twists and turns that are never seen coming. The characters are well rounded and very robust which makes the whole very readable and gripping.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/legal drama/thriller.
This is a Goodreads First Read
January 15, 2023
Questo libro è stato una bella sorpresa, ero scettica, per quanto da un pò di tempo mi sia allontanata dai thriller made in USA devo ammettere che continuano ad avere il predominio per quanto riguarda il legal. Mi ero dimenticata che anche nel Regno Unito esiste quell'obbrobrio della giuria popolare e che quindi anche loro, in maniera più sobria ovviamente, possono mettere su processi da cui trarre spettacolo per le masse.
Il libro mi è piaciuto molto al 70%, un buon 20% mi è piaciuto con riserva, sono sicura che ci sarà un miglioramento nei prossimi libri e il 10% non mi è piaciuto tanto.
La cosa che non mi è piaciuta è stato il caso portato in tribunale, l'ho trovato macchinoso ed inverosimile, la parte dei cinesi e dell'agente sotto copertura Jock è qualcosa da dimenticare, e non mi ha fatto impazzire neanche che alla fine sia stato proprio Will a risolvere il caso come un novello Poirot.
Il protagonista, William Benson, mi è piaciuto tantissimo, anche l'avvocato Tess De Vere ha grosse potenzialità, ma in questo libro è ancora un pò marginale, è come se tenesse un piede fuori ed uno dentro, indecisa se buttarsi completamente o ad uscirne definitivamente.
Penso che comunque il personaggio predominante sarà sempre Benson, il suo carattere, la sua intelligenza e il suo background lo rendono troppo intrigante, a discapito degli altri personaggi.
Una cosa che mi sarebbe piaciuta vedere sin da subito sono i due avvocati lavorare in squadra, fare fronte comune, fidarsi l'uno dell'altra. Questo non è successo, ma ho capito le intenzioni dello scrittore.
Tess è un'impulsiva, ha creduto subito nell'innocenza di Will, e quando anni dopo lui ha avuto bisogno di aiuto, con la stessa impulsività si è buttata a capofitto nella missione di agevolarlo in ogni modo possibile.
Siamo tutti un pò Tess, come lei il lettore è portato a credere nell'innocenza di Will per poi farsi venire dei dubbi man mano che il libro procede e si scoprono retroscena che fanno sorgere qualche dubbio.
Will è un personaggio decisamente più enigmatico, ma se leggiamo bene c'è un punto in cui ci viene spiegato il suo comportamento.
C'è una parte in cui Benson ricorda quello che gli disse il suo compagno di cella e cioè " Non fidarti di nessuno, dì sempre che stai bene, prima di definire qualcuno amico sii sicuro e non crearti mai una cerchia troppo grande, devono essere pochi e fidati".
Questo è il mantra di Benson, è quello che ha fatto per la maggior parte della sua vita adulta ed è quello che lo ha tenuto al sicuro in carcere. Niente di strano che questa sua concezione della vita se la sia portata anche nel mondo esterno.
Capito questo i comportamenti di Will saranno molto più sensati e logici.
La serie si prospetta estremamente interessante e lascia un sacco di domande a cui mi piacerebbe avere risposta, purtroppo ho avuto la brutta sorpresa di scoprire che questo è l'unico libro che è stato tradotto, mentre nel RU sono già al terzo volume della serie. Spero che traducano gli altri libri, ma sono sinceramente sfiduciata. Peccato!
Il libro mi è piaciuto molto al 70%, un buon 20% mi è piaciuto con riserva, sono sicura che ci sarà un miglioramento nei prossimi libri e il 10% non mi è piaciuto tanto.
La cosa che non mi è piaciuta è stato il caso portato in tribunale, l'ho trovato macchinoso ed inverosimile, la parte dei cinesi e dell'agente sotto copertura Jock è qualcosa da dimenticare, e non mi ha fatto impazzire neanche che alla fine sia stato proprio Will a risolvere il caso come un novello Poirot.
Il protagonista, William Benson, mi è piaciuto tantissimo, anche l'avvocato Tess De Vere ha grosse potenzialità, ma in questo libro è ancora un pò marginale, è come se tenesse un piede fuori ed uno dentro, indecisa se buttarsi completamente o ad uscirne definitivamente.
Penso che comunque il personaggio predominante sarà sempre Benson, il suo carattere, la sua intelligenza e il suo background lo rendono troppo intrigante, a discapito degli altri personaggi.
Una cosa che mi sarebbe piaciuta vedere sin da subito sono i due avvocati lavorare in squadra, fare fronte comune, fidarsi l'uno dell'altra. Questo non è successo, ma ho capito le intenzioni dello scrittore.
Tess è un'impulsiva, ha creduto subito nell'innocenza di Will, e quando anni dopo lui ha avuto bisogno di aiuto, con la stessa impulsività si è buttata a capofitto nella missione di agevolarlo in ogni modo possibile.
Siamo tutti un pò Tess, come lei il lettore è portato a credere nell'innocenza di Will per poi farsi venire dei dubbi man mano che il libro procede e si scoprono retroscena che fanno sorgere qualche dubbio.
Will è un personaggio decisamente più enigmatico, ma se leggiamo bene c'è un punto in cui ci viene spiegato il suo comportamento.
C'è una parte in cui Benson ricorda quello che gli disse il suo compagno di cella e cioè " Non fidarti di nessuno, dì sempre che stai bene, prima di definire qualcuno amico sii sicuro e non crearti mai una cerchia troppo grande, devono essere pochi e fidati".
Questo è il mantra di Benson, è quello che ha fatto per la maggior parte della sua vita adulta ed è quello che lo ha tenuto al sicuro in carcere. Niente di strano che questa sua concezione della vita se la sia portata anche nel mondo esterno.
Capito questo i comportamenti di Will saranno molto più sensati e logici.
La serie si prospetta estremamente interessante e lascia un sacco di domande a cui mi piacerebbe avere risposta, purtroppo ho avuto la brutta sorpresa di scoprire che questo è l'unico libro che è stato tradotto, mentre nel RU sono già al terzo volume della serie. Spero che traducano gli altri libri, ma sono sinceramente sfiduciata. Peccato!
March 22, 2017
Summary Justice is set largely in the Old Bailey criminal court in London. For me (having read so many US based thrillers of late) it was good to return home to good old English justice…
William Benson is a barrister, but he is not your conventional barrister. He spent 16 years in gaol (not jail!) for a murder he may – or may not – have committed. Anyway, he always protested his innocence – not least to Tess de Vere who was a young intern working with his defence lawyers at the time. She believed him. Fast forward to when William is released, having spent his 16 confined years studying law. He has made it to be a barrister – though there is a petition afoot saying that no one who has been convicted as he was should be allowed to practice. Tess is now a successful lawyer in her own right… They connect again and Tess agrees to work with William (and his clerk, Archie, another ex-con) for the defence in a murder trial.
Sarah Collingwood, a single mum of a disabled child, is accused of killing her employer. It looks like an open and shut case – but William and Tess believe in her innocence. They research diligently (much more so than the original police investigation) and prepare their defence. The case goes to court… There is much calling of witnesses and cross examination. William is up against Rachel Glencoyne, a very high profile and successful barrister. The court scenes are well and comprehensively described (John Fairfax himself used to be a barrister…). There is many a twist and turn as the trial moves to its conclusion. Tess notes the many similarities to the case 16 years’ ago in which William was found guilty. William struggles outside court, but is majestic within it.
William and Tess fancy each other, but their relationship is of course not straightforward. Tess is presented with evidence that makes her doubt William’s innocence of the 16 year old murder, and this throws her whole life into turmoil. William is now clearly a ‘good’ man, but is he hiding his past? We (the readers) think we know the answer – but can we be sure?
The characters in Summary Justice are well and sympathetically drawn. They are believable. From Sarah struggling with her life as the single mother of a disabled child – and scared witless at the prospect of time in prison, to the split in William’s personality in and outside the court room, to Sarah’s failed actor father. It is well written and draws you in.
April 10, 2020
4.5 stars
Wow, this is the first legal thriller that made me cry. I’m not sure what I feel right now....but it’s definitely a touching story that I can feel my heart still grieving for prejudice and injustice in this world. I usually read US legal so this one is my first British legal thriller. He courtroom drama is totally different; less theatrical, less thrilling but emotional and very real. I’m always team underdog and Summary Justice is just that....outcast underdog lawyer struggling and fighting the currents. I love Benson’s vulnerability and humility. He is everything your typical legal thriller lawyers aren’t and he’s 100% more interesting than them.
Tess is another interesting character. She’s from a rich and well connected family but she’s smart and compassionated. Both characters have secret past that is not yet reveal and I hate it.....especially in Benson’s case!!! Anyway I hope John Fairfax would not torture me for long, though, otherwise I might die of curiosity.
Wow, this is the first legal thriller that made me cry. I’m not sure what I feel right now....but it’s definitely a touching story that I can feel my heart still grieving for prejudice and injustice in this world. I usually read US legal so this one is my first British legal thriller. He courtroom drama is totally different; less theatrical, less thrilling but emotional and very real. I’m always team underdog and Summary Justice is just that....outcast underdog lawyer struggling and fighting the currents. I love Benson’s vulnerability and humility. He is everything your typical legal thriller lawyers aren’t and he’s 100% more interesting than them.
Tess is another interesting character. She’s from a rich and well connected family but she’s smart and compassionated. Both characters have secret past that is not yet reveal and I hate it.....especially in Benson’s case!!! Anyway I hope John Fairfax would not torture me for long, though, otherwise I might die of curiosity.
June 30, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Summary Justice is a solid legal thriller with brilliant characterisation, a fluent and engaging writing style, and a plot complex enough to keep me guessing throughout. But what made it worthy of five stars, for me, was the fact that it features something I have never seen before: the main character is a defence barrister who has been convicted of murder. I love it when a book does something different, especially in the crime fiction genre which I read a lot of, and this particular feature made for an interesting plotline running alongside that of the case being defended. I would definitely recommend this one, and am looking forward to reading the second in the series.
June 23, 2017
This is the author William Broderick writing under another name. It's a well written legal thriller which keeps you gripped to the end. The story revolves around a barrister who himself was convicted of murder as a young man and having done time is called to the bar amidst much antagonism from the legal profession. The story culminates in a trial, which is well observed and true to life as you would expect from an author who himself was a barrister.
February 20, 2020
Libro quasi usa e getta
Come tutti i thriller tiene incollati alle pagine
La cosa che mi è piaciuta di più è che la rivelazione finale non è una roba da fantascienza tipico dei thriller.
L'assassino aveva effettivamente un movente, per così dire, realistico
Un'altra cosa che mi è piaciuta è la "depressione" del protagonista, che però viene solo un po' accennata perché questo libro fa parte di una saga
In ogni caso, non puoi fare una saga su due avvocati per poi farli indagare sugli omicidi
Non è quello il loro mestiere
Come tutti i thriller tiene incollati alle pagine
La cosa che mi è piaciuta di più è che la rivelazione finale non è una roba da fantascienza tipico dei thriller.
L'assassino aveva effettivamente un movente, per così dire, realistico
Un'altra cosa che mi è piaciuta è la "depressione" del protagonista, che però viene solo un po' accennata perché questo libro fa parte di una saga
In ogni caso, non puoi fare una saga su due avvocati per poi farli indagare sugli omicidi
Non è quello il loro mestiere
March 5, 2017
Exceptionally enjoyable legal thriller, about a man with a murder conviction who becomes a barrister. It's the story of a very high profile murder case he takes on - I'll be posting my review on the Blog Tour tomorrow at https://crimeworm.wordpress.com/
If you enjoyed the fabulous Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow, you will LOVE this.
If you enjoyed the fabulous Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow, you will LOVE this.
January 6, 2022
I adored this book! First in the series by an author new to me. I’ve already ordered the next book.
No violence or needless gore, just a good old courtroom drama full with a wonderfully flawed main character who you can’t help but warm to and want to succeed.
This is my first read of 2022 and it was a corker!
No violence or needless gore, just a good old courtroom drama full with a wonderfully flawed main character who you can’t help but warm to and want to succeed.
This is my first read of 2022 and it was a corker!
May 3, 2019
Unputdownable
July 24, 2017
An OK book, professionally written, with all the key ingredients of the genre, but which did not manage to get me truly emotionally involved neither in story nor in characters.
August 21, 2024
Review written as part of the blog tour by Little, Brown to promote this novel on my blog.
How to Get Away with Murder's Annalise Keating better watch her back, there's a new badass lawyer in town.
When I say that I couldn't put Summary Justice down, I wholly mean it. I didn't want to eat or sleep, I just wanted to get to the bottom of this case. After finishing this book in a day and a half, it's not hard to see why the rights have been snapped up by Potboiler Television (producers of The Constant Gardener, A Most Wanted Man and Trespass Against Us) to be turned into a multi-part television series based on this novel. It is one of most enthralling legal thrillers I have ever read. The last time part of me felt like I should've chosen law as my major was when I was listening to Serial and wrapped up in working out if Adnan did it or not. However, I don't think I'm as fierce as Tess and William.
I am, however, thrilled that this is the first in what appears will be a series of 'Benson and de Vere' novels as I need more! The author, John Fairfax, is actually the pen name of William Brodrick who practised as a barrister before becoming a full-time novelist and that knowledge and experience shows in his exquisitely planned and paced writing. I lived for the intense courtroom exchanges between Benson and Glencoyne, both as ruthless and determined to win the case as the other.
The plot is extremely intelligent. Packed with cruel, yet gripping red herrings that all lead up to a satisfying and shocking conclusion that you won't see coming. Towards the end, there were a few emotional surprises that made me gasp out loud (Oh, Needles and Papillion! No!) that I want to applaud Fairfax for. He certainly knows how to hold the reader's attention and keep them in suspense. Summary Justice never once lulled in excitement and action.
Yet, it was the characters that I was really invested in. Fairfax has written a sympathetic and likeable character in William Benson. I was much like Tess in wanting to believe that he wasn't guilty! You really do want to root for this guy especially as we see the attacks he suffers from those against him and the way being convicted has mentally affected him. I liked the use of ex-cons to help Benson solve the case. Not only do their encouraging words spur him on to make a difference, but they made for a poignant reminder that sometimes people do deserve second chances.
Miss De Vere is as strong as her colleague. Sacrificing her reputation and current job to help Benson out with his case. I adored the dynamic between this crime-fighting trio of Benson, Tess and Archie, but I also liked the subtle undertones of a possible budding romance between William Benson and Tess De Vere. I'm not sure if the next novels in the series will pursue this, but I thought the clues towards it being a possibility were well written and I like how Fairfax didn't rush into making it happen in this book.
I look forward to reading more of Benson and De Vere and fingers crossed, seeing a television adaptation on screens soon!
A big thank you to Little, Brown and John Fairfax for such a fantastic book!
How to Get Away with Murder's Annalise Keating better watch her back, there's a new badass lawyer in town.
When I say that I couldn't put Summary Justice down, I wholly mean it. I didn't want to eat or sleep, I just wanted to get to the bottom of this case. After finishing this book in a day and a half, it's not hard to see why the rights have been snapped up by Potboiler Television (producers of The Constant Gardener, A Most Wanted Man and Trespass Against Us) to be turned into a multi-part television series based on this novel. It is one of most enthralling legal thrillers I have ever read. The last time part of me felt like I should've chosen law as my major was when I was listening to Serial and wrapped up in working out if Adnan did it or not. However, I don't think I'm as fierce as Tess and William.
I am, however, thrilled that this is the first in what appears will be a series of 'Benson and de Vere' novels as I need more! The author, John Fairfax, is actually the pen name of William Brodrick who practised as a barrister before becoming a full-time novelist and that knowledge and experience shows in his exquisitely planned and paced writing. I lived for the intense courtroom exchanges between Benson and Glencoyne, both as ruthless and determined to win the case as the other.
The plot is extremely intelligent. Packed with cruel, yet gripping red herrings that all lead up to a satisfying and shocking conclusion that you won't see coming. Towards the end, there were a few emotional surprises that made me gasp out loud (Oh, Needles and Papillion! No!) that I want to applaud Fairfax for. He certainly knows how to hold the reader's attention and keep them in suspense. Summary Justice never once lulled in excitement and action.
Yet, it was the characters that I was really invested in. Fairfax has written a sympathetic and likeable character in William Benson. I was much like Tess in wanting to believe that he wasn't guilty! You really do want to root for this guy especially as we see the attacks he suffers from those against him and the way being convicted has mentally affected him. I liked the use of ex-cons to help Benson solve the case. Not only do their encouraging words spur him on to make a difference, but they made for a poignant reminder that sometimes people do deserve second chances.
Miss De Vere is as strong as her colleague. Sacrificing her reputation and current job to help Benson out with his case. I adored the dynamic between this crime-fighting trio of Benson, Tess and Archie, but I also liked the subtle undertones of a possible budding romance between William Benson and Tess De Vere. I'm not sure if the next novels in the series will pursue this, but I thought the clues towards it being a possibility were well written and I like how Fairfax didn't rush into making it happen in this book.
I look forward to reading more of Benson and De Vere and fingers crossed, seeing a television adaptation on screens soon!
A big thank you to Little, Brown and John Fairfax for such a fantastic book!
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