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Arthur Beauchamp #7
Whipped: An Arthur Beauchamp Novel
The toughest case of Beauchamp’s brilliant career features sex, slander, and dirty politics
Montreal journalist Lou Sabatino, under witness protection after nearly being gunned down by the Mafia, is sucked into the quirky world of a conniving Russian dominatrix who has secretly recorded herself putting the whip to the bare bottom of a high-ranking federal cabinet minister.
It’s the scoop of the century, but too hot a potato — if Lou breaks the story, he risks exposing himself to the mercies of the Mafia. Instead, he shows the video to Green Party leader Margaret Blake. The video is leaked, and Margaret is sued by the minister for $50 million.
Enter Arthur Beauchamp, Margaret’s husband and famed criminal lawyer, who had found — or so he hoped — blissful retirement on idyllic Garibaldi Island on the West Coast. But now he’s representing the woman he loves while tormented by fears that she’s embroiled in an affair.
Whether you’re encountering Arthur Beauchamp for the first time or have followed him from his first case, Whipped will entertain as it keeps you turning the pages.
Montreal journalist Lou Sabatino, under witness protection after nearly being gunned down by the Mafia, is sucked into the quirky world of a conniving Russian dominatrix who has secretly recorded herself putting the whip to the bare bottom of a high-ranking federal cabinet minister.
It’s the scoop of the century, but too hot a potato — if Lou breaks the story, he risks exposing himself to the mercies of the Mafia. Instead, he shows the video to Green Party leader Margaret Blake. The video is leaked, and Margaret is sued by the minister for $50 million.
Enter Arthur Beauchamp, Margaret’s husband and famed criminal lawyer, who had found — or so he hoped — blissful retirement on idyllic Garibaldi Island on the West Coast. But now he’s representing the woman he loves while tormented by fears that she’s embroiled in an affair.
Whether you’re encountering Arthur Beauchamp for the first time or have followed him from his first case, Whipped will entertain as it keeps you turning the pages.
- GenresMystery
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2017
20 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
William Deverell
63 books68 followersWilliam Deverell was born in 1937 in Regina, Saskatchewan. He put himself through law school by working as a journalist for the Canadian Press, Vancouver Sun, and Saskatoon Star-Phoenix. Deverell served as counsel for over a thousand criminal cases and is a founding director and former president of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association. He created the television series, Street Legal, and has written screenplays and radio plays. Deverell lives on Pender Island, British Columbia.
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
* 1998 – Trial of Passion – Winner
* 2006 – April Fool – Winner
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
* 1998 – Trial of Passion – Winner
* 2006 – April Fool – Winner
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 20, 2017
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, William Deverell, and ECW Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Having finally caught up in the Arthur Beauchamp series, I can bask in the superior writing style that William Deverell brings to Canadian legal thrillers, peppered with some tongue-in-cheek commentary on current events. Lou Sabatino and his family were forced into Witness Protection after an explosive four-part series hit the newswires. Now forced to hole-up in a dingy triplex, Sabatino hides from the Mob and must make the most of his new life. Sabatino is shocked when his neighbour, a Russian dominatrix, shows him a secretly-filmed session with Alberta Member of Parliament and federal Minister of the Environment, Emil Farquist. Minister Farquist shows himself in full BDSM glory and Sabatino knows a scoop when he sees one. Copying the video when no one is looking, he must now find a way to release it to the public. Meanwhile, eminent lawyer Arthur Beauchamp is still rattled upon learning of his wife’s brief affair. It plagues him as he remains firmly rooted on Garibaldi Island, along Canada’s West Coast, as Margaret Blake spends much of her time in Ottawa, Member of Parliament and Leader of the Green Party of Canada. Blake focusses her ire on Minister Farquist and his environmentally disastrous plans for the country. Sabatino knows of this and seeks a secret meeting with Blake, where he plays her a copy of the video. Blake and her assistant are caught discussing the matter on an hot microphone days later, which is recorded by a conniving journalist, who seeks to track down the validity of the claim. Somehow, the recorded conversation leaks through Twitter and Blake is hit with a massive defamation lawsuit by Minister Farquist. Using his hometown of Calgary as the central point for the legal action, Farquist denounces the apparent smear campaign by Blake and promises to end her political career. With no one else to help her, Blake turns to her husband. Beauchamp has never fought a defamation suit, but trusts his wife when she says she saw the video. Trouble is, no one can find either Sabatino or the dominatrix, leaving the defence without a copy of the alleged video and seriously hampering their argument. With the trial in March, depositions are set for just after Christmas, forcing both sides to make their star witnesses available for preliminary questioning. Beauchamp has moved mountains before in his legal career, but he may have bitten off more than he can chew here, as he fights to save his wife’s reputation. Deverell remains on his game with this novel and pulls series fans deep into the legal, political, and humerous aspects of his storytelling. Rich with its numerous plots, Deverell remains one of the premier writers of this genre that I have had to pleasure to discover. Perfect for series fans and those who want a uniquely Canadian legal thriller.
While I was eager to read this novel, I am happy that I located and read the previous six books before delving in. Save for the opening novel of the series (which earned numerously ill-deserved awards, in my opinion), the entire collection of Arthur Beauchamp books have taken readers on a wonderful series through his legal career and paved the way for this hands-on piece. Deverell introduces so many characters to his stories, but is able to juggle them effectively, plotting their development throughout the entire series. Arthur Beauchamp and Margaret Blake have made significant progress in six previous books and this novel is no exception. Playing on their personal and relationship foibles, Deverell sketches out a wonderfully complex banter between the couple, both as a unit and individuals pushed together by this legal matter. The premise of the novel is highly entertaining and educational on many levels, pulling on some of the lower-brow commentary one might expect when BDSM graces the pages, but also injecting a degree of justification and, at times, all-out exploration of it being a mainstream activity. Deverell never shies away from his direct approach in the narrative, which might offend the prudish reader, but goes to show that he makes no qualms of telling things as they are. I found the addition of the political (read: parliamentary) angle to be exactly what I have been looking for in a novel for many years. Deverell speaks with (mostly) error-free confidence about life in Ottawa and within the hallowed walls of Parliament. Any reader who enjoys this most unique aspect of the Canadian experience will revel in all that is revealed in this novel. Brilliant in its balance between series legal matters and off-the-cuff humour, Deverell’s latest is not to be missed by those who seek literary entertainment.
Kudos, Mr. Deverell for such an enthralling piece that does not let-up until the final paragraph. Now that I have finished the binge, I wait patiently to see what else you have in store for readers.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Having finally caught up in the Arthur Beauchamp series, I can bask in the superior writing style that William Deverell brings to Canadian legal thrillers, peppered with some tongue-in-cheek commentary on current events. Lou Sabatino and his family were forced into Witness Protection after an explosive four-part series hit the newswires. Now forced to hole-up in a dingy triplex, Sabatino hides from the Mob and must make the most of his new life. Sabatino is shocked when his neighbour, a Russian dominatrix, shows him a secretly-filmed session with Alberta Member of Parliament and federal Minister of the Environment, Emil Farquist. Minister Farquist shows himself in full BDSM glory and Sabatino knows a scoop when he sees one. Copying the video when no one is looking, he must now find a way to release it to the public. Meanwhile, eminent lawyer Arthur Beauchamp is still rattled upon learning of his wife’s brief affair. It plagues him as he remains firmly rooted on Garibaldi Island, along Canada’s West Coast, as Margaret Blake spends much of her time in Ottawa, Member of Parliament and Leader of the Green Party of Canada. Blake focusses her ire on Minister Farquist and his environmentally disastrous plans for the country. Sabatino knows of this and seeks a secret meeting with Blake, where he plays her a copy of the video. Blake and her assistant are caught discussing the matter on an hot microphone days later, which is recorded by a conniving journalist, who seeks to track down the validity of the claim. Somehow, the recorded conversation leaks through Twitter and Blake is hit with a massive defamation lawsuit by Minister Farquist. Using his hometown of Calgary as the central point for the legal action, Farquist denounces the apparent smear campaign by Blake and promises to end her political career. With no one else to help her, Blake turns to her husband. Beauchamp has never fought a defamation suit, but trusts his wife when she says she saw the video. Trouble is, no one can find either Sabatino or the dominatrix, leaving the defence without a copy of the alleged video and seriously hampering their argument. With the trial in March, depositions are set for just after Christmas, forcing both sides to make their star witnesses available for preliminary questioning. Beauchamp has moved mountains before in his legal career, but he may have bitten off more than he can chew here, as he fights to save his wife’s reputation. Deverell remains on his game with this novel and pulls series fans deep into the legal, political, and humerous aspects of his storytelling. Rich with its numerous plots, Deverell remains one of the premier writers of this genre that I have had to pleasure to discover. Perfect for series fans and those who want a uniquely Canadian legal thriller.
While I was eager to read this novel, I am happy that I located and read the previous six books before delving in. Save for the opening novel of the series (which earned numerously ill-deserved awards, in my opinion), the entire collection of Arthur Beauchamp books have taken readers on a wonderful series through his legal career and paved the way for this hands-on piece. Deverell introduces so many characters to his stories, but is able to juggle them effectively, plotting their development throughout the entire series. Arthur Beauchamp and Margaret Blake have made significant progress in six previous books and this novel is no exception. Playing on their personal and relationship foibles, Deverell sketches out a wonderfully complex banter between the couple, both as a unit and individuals pushed together by this legal matter. The premise of the novel is highly entertaining and educational on many levels, pulling on some of the lower-brow commentary one might expect when BDSM graces the pages, but also injecting a degree of justification and, at times, all-out exploration of it being a mainstream activity. Deverell never shies away from his direct approach in the narrative, which might offend the prudish reader, but goes to show that he makes no qualms of telling things as they are. I found the addition of the political (read: parliamentary) angle to be exactly what I have been looking for in a novel for many years. Deverell speaks with (mostly) error-free confidence about life in Ottawa and within the hallowed walls of Parliament. Any reader who enjoys this most unique aspect of the Canadian experience will revel in all that is revealed in this novel. Brilliant in its balance between series legal matters and off-the-cuff humour, Deverell’s latest is not to be missed by those who seek literary entertainment.
Kudos, Mr. Deverell for such an enthralling piece that does not let-up until the final paragraph. Now that I have finished the binge, I wait patiently to see what else you have in store for readers.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 16, 2020
First, Me and this WHIPPED have met in Translation Project. A chapter by chapter, I have a Q to the writer. Why on earth does the model of the car is so important? Why do I have to know if the car is rented or not? Why you write half sentences and drive me crazy trying to understand what you mean? Why you use Discovery for Questionnaire and Juice for power? Why you made me have the happiest-worst fortnight holiday?
***
It was my first novel to translate ever *_*
***
I'm not that bad to focus only on how WHIPPED drive me crazy, I gotta admit that I enjoyed to the most every single sentence in the laws court building. I appreciate the chance to read this and practice three different types of translation besides reading. It was all tiring fortnight but what I feel when I finish it is that my heart is so milky, and I wanna cry over that the project is finally done. This is literally mood-swings!!!
***
It was my first novel to translate ever *_*
***
I'm not that bad to focus only on how WHIPPED drive me crazy, I gotta admit that I enjoyed to the most every single sentence in the laws court building. I appreciate the chance to read this and practice three different types of translation besides reading. It was all tiring fortnight but what I feel when I finish it is that my heart is so milky, and I wanna cry over that the project is finally done. This is literally mood-swings!!!
May 16, 2024
Former lawyer, William Deverell pens his seventh Arthur Beauchamp novel in a complex tale of political scandal, an harassed reporter who's run afoul of both the mafia and his wife and family, a record lawsuit, and a new-age guru who's arrived on a B.C. island community for obscure reasons. All threads are masterfully tied together in this thriller which has a distinctly Canadian flavor. Another winner for Deverell. - BH.
October 5, 2017
I had the chance to read this book thanks to ECW Press in exchange for an honest review!
First I will preface this by saying I have not read any of William Deverell’s books before, so I am fresh to the world of Arthur Beauchamp. I think this affected my experience at least at the beginning of the book, because it took me longer to assess who was who, how people played/connected with one another, and it sounds like there are lots of things people enjoyed about this book based on their knowledge from previous books.
But beyond that colouration of the book, I think there are some interesting elements at play in terms of the threat of exposure to the Mafia, leaked scandalous video (definitely a great modern element here), and a lawyer/detective type being forced from retirement. I have encountered similar elements in some stories I really like, so they were a bonus for me.
I did a little background research and, someone can correct me if I am wrong here, but it appears as if the author used his personal experience as a criminal lawyer and seems to split his time between Canada and Costa Rica, kind of like the Garibaldi Island situation with Arthur in the book. I think things like this, when the author uses their personal experience about a technical thing (e.g. they use actual law and strategies, know how the police would approach an investigation, et cetera), make the book ring a little more authentic. Research can be a big help, of course, but the personal connection does add something different.
Overall, I would probably recommend starting with the beginning of the Arthur Beauchamp novels before diving into this one if you want to get the most out of it. But there are some merits to it regardless.
First I will preface this by saying I have not read any of William Deverell’s books before, so I am fresh to the world of Arthur Beauchamp. I think this affected my experience at least at the beginning of the book, because it took me longer to assess who was who, how people played/connected with one another, and it sounds like there are lots of things people enjoyed about this book based on their knowledge from previous books.
But beyond that colouration of the book, I think there are some interesting elements at play in terms of the threat of exposure to the Mafia, leaked scandalous video (definitely a great modern element here), and a lawyer/detective type being forced from retirement. I have encountered similar elements in some stories I really like, so they were a bonus for me.
I did a little background research and, someone can correct me if I am wrong here, but it appears as if the author used his personal experience as a criminal lawyer and seems to split his time between Canada and Costa Rica, kind of like the Garibaldi Island situation with Arthur in the book. I think things like this, when the author uses their personal experience about a technical thing (e.g. they use actual law and strategies, know how the police would approach an investigation, et cetera), make the book ring a little more authentic. Research can be a big help, of course, but the personal connection does add something different.
Overall, I would probably recommend starting with the beginning of the Arthur Beauchamp novels before diving into this one if you want to get the most out of it. But there are some merits to it regardless.
January 27, 2018
This was my first time reading anything by William Deverell. I almost gave up on the book at the beginning as I was having a hard time following all of the different characters. Am I ever glad that I persevered though! Once I figured out who the characters were, I flew through this book and had a hard time putting it down. I will definitely go back and read the previous books that feature Arthur Beauchamp.
October 7, 2017
Shenanigans in Canadian politics. Fun yarn all the same.
March 9, 2020
Retired QC Arthur Beauchamp is working hard to fit in with the yokels and enjoy retirement on Garibaldy Island. He’s having a tough time dealing with the disappointment of his wife, MP Margaret Blake’s indiscretion but he’s getting there. Tough on him, no question, but he loves her. He’s also a bit challenged by the culture of the settlement on Garibaldy, it’s not what he’s used to. Meanwhile, Margaret, leader of the Green Party is trying valiantly to keep her tiny party alive amid political back biting and noxious rumours.
She’s contacted by Lou Sabatino. Lou had written an expose on mafia dealings in Montreal. He needed to go into witness protection which resulted in him losing his job, his wife and his children. While in hiding, he acquired a very revealing recording of environmental minister Emil Farquist, Margaret’s main opposition. What to do, what to do. Of course Margaret can’t release the recording, there are slander laws and it would look really bad if she did that along with the question of how she’d come into possession of it. After all, she’s the leader of an upstanding party. A quandry indeed. But she can’t resist telling her co-worker. Unfortunately they were at a conference, at the head table and the mike was live.
The media does not jump on it initially but when they do, Margaret is served with a huge lawsuit. Against all rules, Arthur comes out of retirement to defend her.
She’s contacted by Lou Sabatino. Lou had written an expose on mafia dealings in Montreal. He needed to go into witness protection which resulted in him losing his job, his wife and his children. While in hiding, he acquired a very revealing recording of environmental minister Emil Farquist, Margaret’s main opposition. What to do, what to do. Of course Margaret can’t release the recording, there are slander laws and it would look really bad if she did that along with the question of how she’d come into possession of it. After all, she’s the leader of an upstanding party. A quandry indeed. But she can’t resist telling her co-worker. Unfortunately they were at a conference, at the head table and the mike was live.
The media does not jump on it initially but when they do, Margaret is served with a huge lawsuit. Against all rules, Arthur comes out of retirement to defend her.
September 8, 2021
When Green Party leader Margaret Blake accidentally discusses the content of a leaked video into a live microphone, famed lawyer Arthur Beauchamp finds himself in the uncomfortable position of having to defend his wife. The video shows a nemesis MP on full display with a Russian dominatrix. It was leaked by a crime journalist, now under the witness protection program, after his stories about Mob activity in Montreal. The MP wants to sue Margaret but is he also involved in secret Russian deals? And where is the journalist who can provide Arthur with valuable testimony? Once again Deverell combines courtroom drama with the domestic soap operas on Arthur's beloved Garibaldi Island. Its familiar cast of colourful characters seem to be falling under the influence of new Island residents from the US purporting to offer the path to perpetual bliss—much to Arthur's dismay. Deverell expertly sets up the ending of Whipped to have readers craving the next visit to Garibaldi Island.
December 4, 2017
Another good read from Wm Deverell. I always look forward to his Arthur Beauchamp novels. This one has some witty/hilarious political commentaries, based mostly around the previous government and election and parliamentary strategies.
I wasn't sure at first where the book was going; there seemed to be so many different plot lines. They do eventually come together and the book becomes more engaging.
I wasn't sure at first where the book was going; there seemed to be so many different plot lines. They do eventually come together and the book becomes more engaging.
March 4, 2018
It was nice to revisit Arthur Beauchamp and the cast of characters that make up the residents of Garibaldi Island. This is more of a 3.5 stars for me, as I was disappointed that we didn't get a big dramatic court scene at the end. The 'discovery' seemed a little watered down from Beauchamp's usual antics in court, although, still good. You just can't beat Deverell's story-telling prowess and I will continue to read any future books that he writes.
April 22, 2018
As always, Arthur Beauchamp stumbles and intuits his way through the political world and legal struggles of his wife Margaret (leader of the Green Party) and the chaotic local issues of his Garibaldi Island home. Ludicrous situations are created and then ultimately solved by his wise and cagey skills and by basic good luck. I laughed at his humorous repartee and his looney neighbours, and enjoyed his eventual risking of all he gained. Zany, fun.
December 4, 2019
Although it took me awhile to finish it, since I owned it and and I had library books to read on a deadline, this is one of the best of Deverell's Arthur Beauchamp novels I've ever read. A humorous romp with politics, quirky S&M sex denied in the face of clear evidence and Mr Beauchamp's semi hapless romance with his wife, the green party leader, this book calls to mind many recent political personalities and events. I thoroughly enjoyed this and would recommend it to anyone.
November 24, 2017
Love William Deverell, and this is one of the best!
December 12, 2017
Honestly this was slow for me in the beginning and it took me quite a while to read but it definitely got better and is worth reading.
October 28, 2018
Once again Arthur Beauchamp snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Highly entertaining.
September 11, 2020
A fan of William Deverell for ages I was keen to read this book! It was a disappointment. The story was all over the place involving politics, a cult and numerous other plot lines.
September 5, 2021
Fast read...not my favorite if the series but still entertaining
September 24, 2024
Great story as expected, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Ottawa all involved in this story. I think maybe the best of the series, but like any good series it’s best if you start at the beginning.
October 15, 2017
I found Whipped to be a compelling read. This was the first Arthur Beauchamp novel I have read, but I must say William Deverell did a wonderful job introducing the characters for those of us who are not familiar with the other books in the series. As the description aptly states, this is a story of seduction, love, trials and tribulations (both in the marital and legal senses), and showcases both Canadian culture and the workings of our political system in a refreshing take on Canadian life. I must say however that it did take me a couple of chapters to get into the book, but as the story progressed I became completely engrossed in the storyline. Deverell does a wonderful job of creating realistic characters, painting a beautiful picture of Garibaldi (where Beauchamp lives for those unfamiliar with the story), and writes a very riveting plot that has some rather unexpected twists.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews