Walden of Bermondsey

Walden of Bermondsey #1

by Peter Murphy

When Charlie Walden takes on the job of Resident Judge of the Bermondsey Crown Court, he is hoping for a quieter life. But he soon finds himself struggling to keep the peace between three feisty fellow judges who have very different views about how to do their jobs, and about how Charlie should do his. And as if that’s not enough, there’s the endless battle against the "Grey Smoothies": the humorless grey-suited civil servants who seem determined to drown Charlie in paperwork and strip the court of its last vestiges of civilization. No hope of an easy life for Charlie then, and there are times when his real job—trying the challenging criminal cases that come before him—actually seems like light relief.

Genres: Suspense, Crime

416 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2018

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.

Peter Murphy was born in 1946. After graduating from Cambridge University he spent a career in the law, as an advocate and teacher, both in England and the United States. His legal work included a number of years in The Hague as defence counsel at the Yugoslavian War Crimes Tribunal. He returned to England in 2007 on his appointment as a judge of the Crown Court. He lives with his wife, Chris, in Cambridgeshire.

Reviews

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read the sample story from this book which is a separate download and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have seen gone on to read the full book now. I got quite a feel for Walden in the first story and must say the rest of this book has been a treat. There are six stories in total so they can be broken down to manageable read in one session stories.
I loved reading about not only the cases but the ins and outs of how the court worked, and on occasion the mischief and deals that were got up to behind the scenes. You really get the whole bundle with this book. Walden is a real fair man who confides in his wife’s better judgement at times. He calls her the ‘Reverend’, definitely my favourite character in the book. She always puts a new spin on the cases that he is struggling with.
The court has three other Judges too, Judge Rory ‘Legless’ Dunblane, Judge Herbert Drake and Judge Marjorie Jenkins. One of my favourite stories in the book was about ‘Legless’ and his directing the jury before sending them out to deliberate, it was hilarious. What it does is open up the extreme variety of cases that come to court and how much tradition is followed.
There are some bizarre cases that seriously worry Walden, the sort of cases that could bring attention to a judge that will make or break him. Walden is happy to fly under the radar of these and work towards his portrait hanging on the wall as a Judge severed his time and retired. I hope to see more of these characters very soon in a series. Really enjoyed this collection of stories.
I received this book from the publisher which I have honestly reviewed.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

The stories of a judge dealing with the day to day challenges felt somewhat dated and dull. I do think that others may enjoy the series a great deal as it has a pleasantness to it that charms.

[Abraham Mashood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few books truly deserve the moniker “unputdownable”, but this is undoubtedly one of them. What an absolute pleasure to read! Beg, borrow, steal (or else just buy if you don’t fancy a 10am appointment at your local magistrate’s), whatever you do, READ IT!

[Stephanie Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you know what? This wasn't half bad. It was a little repetitive - using the same phrase to refer to lunch breaks EVERY SINGLE TIME - but the stories were well written, engaging and very clever. It's also very realistic, the struggles of time, resources and banging your head against the wall will be familiar to anyone who works in that arena, at any level. That said, it's human, funny and I have no problem with recommending it.

For once the blurb was right. If you liked Rumpole of the Bailey (and I did) you'll enjoy this. And I did.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of a series of books concerning the fictional accounts of life in Bermondsey Crown Court. Full of gentle humour, some revelations and non technical facts concerning the law, this book records several cases dealt with by Charlie Walden, Resident Judge. Married to the local vicar, the Reverend Mrs Walden, who sometimes weighs in with advice and a greater world experience, Charlie is an amiable and able judge who tries to find and keep the middle line, which is not always easy with all of human life which appears before him. Furthermore, he is plagued by the constant interruptions of the “Grey Smoothies”, more correctly known as the supervisory administrators from the civil service who are seemingly ignorant of the work actually carried out in the court, with their cost cutting and streamlining of the operations of the courts. He also has to supervise and sometimes restrain the activities of the other three judges, although he admires Judge Marjorie Jenkins, whose knowledge of the law and procedure frequently silence him. With Judge “Legless” whose particular skills and abilities are sometimes especially remarked on, and Judge Hubert Drake of uncertain vintage and Garrick club membership, the judicial crew are aided and abetted by several court functionaries. With frequent mention of those who supply daily food and newspapers, this community is able to withstand the various trials and tribulations that come its way, hoping always not to make the front page of the tabloid press in a negative way. This early collection of stories from the court introduces not only the characters in the building, but those who appear before them in every sense. It is well worth a read, not only for fans of Rumpole but also those who enjoy a somewhat sideways view of contemporary life.

The book opens with a surprising case of arson which rapidly assumes all the excitement of a mini soap opera. Meanwhile, Marjorie must deal with a fight in a rugby match, dismissed by the knowledgeable Legless. We learn that the defendent is always referred to as “Chummy” by the judges, a fact which later confuses a civil servant. Political punch ups later emerge, as do the risks of pretending to be a solicitor. “Artistic Differences” deals with the perils of portraiture, while matters of a recently formed state confuse everyone in another case. The final case in the book concerns the keeping of an unusual business above an otherwise respectable restaurant. Always in the background the community of the courts keeps throwing in challenges big and small, and it is only by good luck and literally good judgement that the show is kept on the road.

I have already read and reviewed the third book in this series, and my enjoyment of both suggests that they can be enjoyed as standalone reads. The humour is sometimes robust, always gentle, and small victories are duly celebrated in a satisfactory way. I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the workings of the law in Britain, the complications of daily life, and enjoys a fictional memoir written in a humourous way.

[Cheryl M-M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think Judge Deed, with less moral constipation, with a flair of Kavanaugh QC and a smidgen of Rumpole of the Bailey. Walden of Bermondsey is the legal procedural equivalent of a cosy mystery.

I was highly amused by the way Charlie Walden kept referring to his wife as the Reverend. Their relationship is well-balanced, and she is the Tuppence to his Tommy. His hands are bound when he learns facts which could influence the outcome of a case he is presiding over, however legally he is not in a position to act upon the information.

His wife, the Reverend, seems to think she remembers the name of one of the men involved in the case Walden is concerned about. She stumbles upon something that could blow the whole case apart.

Murphy gives the reader fascinating insight into the UK legal system, combining facts with his fictional story to create a pleasurable read. He balances the legal case with a little mystery and a room full of cantankerous colleagues, who all have their very own personal input when it comes to legal cases.

Murphy is definitely an author I would recommend to readers who like Robert Thorogood or G.K. Chesterton. Readers who enjoy the more comfy read, as opposed to the crime read filled with gratuitous violence.
*I received a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher.*

[Sue]

Enjoyed reading this book. It is far away of modern day courtroom or legal stories; and yet, Peter Murphy managed to make it interesting and entertaining. No matter what story, some a common day occasions, some, like the first (Where There's a Smoke) quite extraordinaire, all told with a subtle intelligent manner reminding one of that particular old gentleman one feel blessed to have met. And there is also his wife, The Reverend Mrs. Walden - she deserves our praise just as much as him....
An enjoyable read, without being a thriller or a mystery. One could it put away easily and return to it later on, still expectant....

[Verity W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lot of fun. A fictional look inside the English (and yes, English, not Scottish - rules are different there!) courts system through the eyes of one of the judges. Charlie is in charge of his court - and it's motley band of judges, ushers, canteen staff and all - and waged in a constant battle against the bureaucracy of the judicial system - the Grey Smoothies - as well as dealing out justice. The book is a series of different cases from his work load and it made me laugh out loud more than once and start reading bits out to Him Indoors. I'm looking forward to book 2.

[Cybercrone · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, somehow my review of this book disappeared. I can only attempt to recall the bare gist of the review which was that I liked the book and plan on reading the rest of the series.
Great British sly humour - and of course word play. One of the sections was about the trial of sex workers and was titled For Whom The Belles Troll . Gave me a good giggle.
Anyone who has a large bureaucracy in a supervisory position to their work will enjoy his attempts to thwart the plans of the 'Grey Smoothies'.

[Gareth Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read the second in this series (I do hope there are going to more than two), and thoroughly enjoyed it. This book, the first, is equally as enjoyable. Both books are sold, old-fashioned story-telling. There is certainly a distinct, but not overwhelming, bouquet of Rumpole (cheroots and chateau Thames embankment perhaps?), a hint of very gentle Ealing comedy and a good dose of A J Cronin. Very satisfying

[AJW · Rating 3 out of 5]

Contains six entertaining stories written from the high seat of a Crown Court judge called Your Honour, sorry, Charlie Waldon. As well as being humorous, I found them to be educational, giving me an insight into how the law and court system operates in England. The endings in this book are probably happier than those that happen in real life, which made the book a nice satisfying read. I finished the book with a big smile instead of the grim and glum feelings which crime books can induce in me.

[Clive Bevitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting long time for a worthy successor to Rumpole and in Charles Walpole I think I may have found him. Really enjoyable short tales based around the cases of a judge, whilst maybe not quite up to the very high standards of John Mortimer at his best not very far away. I am looking forward to the next instalment.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable in the same vein as Rumpole with the neat twists and turns. The personality of the judge and his internicene battles does come across as perhaps a little bit wooden to me, but the plotting is cleverly worked out. A pleasant read.

[Ron Ede · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amusing

Brought back memories of practice at the independent bar and as a Crown Advocate. An amusing book written with both intelligence and humour.

[Janice mcewan · Rating 5 out of 5]

English legal novel

A brilliant and enlightening insight into the English criminal court scene. Wittily written, I can't wait to read the next one.

[Dr R Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dull for first half, so I was somewhat disappointed. The second half improved enormously and was much more like Rumpole. I will try another in the series

[Maria Maria1954 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Something to read in waiting room,or sick in bed where you cannot get away from. Not my cup of tea

[Atlas · Rating 4 out of 5]

* * * *

4 / 5

I quite like legal dramas, even when they are so obviously made up as this one. This was a quick, enjoyable read.

[Cybercrone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea how different the British legal system was from ours. I knew about the barrister/solicitor difference, but some of the court procedures seem quite different too.
Parts of it seem a bit boring, but they lead to large portions of sly, dry British humour. For example, one of the cases he adjudicated was titled 'For Whom The Belles Troll'. It was about a brothel, of course.

[Caroline · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't like the writing style. Couldn't settle into the story at all.

Chose to not finish again, as I have other books to read that are loudly calling me.