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Blind Justice
Gareth Dawson is innocent. His main problem is that the British justice system doesn’t agree with him
He might be a part-time thief guilty of many things, but Gareth’s not a murderer. Staring at fifteen years inside Her Majesty’s Prison Whitemoor, he considers the events that led to the wrongful verdict which cost him everything he once loved: His dignity. His freedom. His wife.
A lawyer Paul Dewar claims to have information that will vindicate Gareth, but is it enough to set him free? As the threat against Gareth increases on the inside, Paul Dewar’s challenge and Gareth Dawson’s fight for freedom begins.
He might be a part-time thief guilty of many things, but Gareth’s not a murderer. Staring at fifteen years inside Her Majesty’s Prison Whitemoor, he considers the events that led to the wrongful verdict which cost him everything he once loved: His dignity. His freedom. His wife.
A lawyer Paul Dewar claims to have information that will vindicate Gareth, but is it enough to set him free? As the threat against Gareth increases on the inside, Paul Dewar’s challenge and Gareth Dawson’s fight for freedom begins.
390 pages, ebook
First published March 21, 2018
314 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Burrows
50 books163 followersNathan Burrows is a writer based in Norfolk in the United Kingdom. His debut novel, Blind Justice, was published in March 2018.
Nathan's a keen reader as well as a writer. He occasionally runs marathons, has a Norwich City football club season ticket, and is the proud part-owner of a Daschund puppy called Bertie.
Nathan's a keen reader as well as a writer. He occasionally runs marathons, has a Norwich City football club season ticket, and is the proud part-owner of a Daschund puppy called Bertie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 5, 2019
This pacey, prison drama caught me up in the web of the story from the very beginning. Reminding me very much of some of the court dramas I watch on television, I was desperate to know the story behind Gareth's imprisonment and how he would have the opportunity of appealing his sentence.
The novel opens with Gareth's cell door being slammed shut and he begins to consider how many more of these he will have to experience throughout his prison sentence for murder. We then are taken back in time to understand how Gareth was imprisoned. At first, I was really surprised with how much attention the writer pays to Gareth's past but, actually, it does let the reader know so much more about him as a character. His relationship with Jennifer is endearing, particularly as it encourages him to turn his life around and no longer be the petty criminal he is known for. However, as tragedy strikes, Gareth's life spins out of control, leaving him determined to seek justice when the criminal system has not.
I enjoyed the moments leading up to the crime. The novel itself is written in pretty short chapters and this helped add to the pace of the story. Tension builds as Gareth carefully lays his plans and as a reader, you do feel like this is flawless. However, as revealed in the subsequent re-trial, Gareth had overlooked key elements that resulted in his imprisonment.
If you are after a novel that focuses on prison life, then this isn't the one for you. I would say that this novel has three focuses: Gareth's past; his first trial and initial imprisonment; and finally his re-trial. It is only until you are about half-way through the novel that readers start progressing forwards with the re-trial and Gareth's hope of being freed. This was surprising as it is pretty much what the blurb reveals about the book; therefore, the main story does conclude quite quickly as a result. That being said, I think the writer paid the correct level of detail to these key events, otherwise the read would have become quite tedious.
The weakest part of the novel was the crime itself. Burrows provides plenty of detail and imagery about the night in question and whilst there are suggestions of other gangs involved in the murder, I found it quite obvious who the real perpetrator was. This is what made me give the novel just four stars, instead of five. I think if there was an incredible, totally unexpected, gasping plot twist at the end, this would have made this a completely, surprising read. As such, I found the plot just a little safe and predictable and whilst the execution was great, I wonder if the writer could have done more here.
This was an enjoyable read and I am really pleased that I have had the opportunity to review it. Our protagonist, Gareth, is quite an unusual character and I liked how much he tried to turn his life around as a result of his relationship with Jennifer. The court case was interesting and I liked how Paul Dawson, the lawyer, managed to overturn key evidence - it was just like watching a Hollywood film.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The novel opens with Gareth's cell door being slammed shut and he begins to consider how many more of these he will have to experience throughout his prison sentence for murder. We then are taken back in time to understand how Gareth was imprisoned. At first, I was really surprised with how much attention the writer pays to Gareth's past but, actually, it does let the reader know so much more about him as a character. His relationship with Jennifer is endearing, particularly as it encourages him to turn his life around and no longer be the petty criminal he is known for. However, as tragedy strikes, Gareth's life spins out of control, leaving him determined to seek justice when the criminal system has not.
I enjoyed the moments leading up to the crime. The novel itself is written in pretty short chapters and this helped add to the pace of the story. Tension builds as Gareth carefully lays his plans and as a reader, you do feel like this is flawless. However, as revealed in the subsequent re-trial, Gareth had overlooked key elements that resulted in his imprisonment.
If you are after a novel that focuses on prison life, then this isn't the one for you. I would say that this novel has three focuses: Gareth's past; his first trial and initial imprisonment; and finally his re-trial. It is only until you are about half-way through the novel that readers start progressing forwards with the re-trial and Gareth's hope of being freed. This was surprising as it is pretty much what the blurb reveals about the book; therefore, the main story does conclude quite quickly as a result. That being said, I think the writer paid the correct level of detail to these key events, otherwise the read would have become quite tedious.
The weakest part of the novel was the crime itself. Burrows provides plenty of detail and imagery about the night in question and whilst there are suggestions of other gangs involved in the murder, I found it quite obvious who the real perpetrator was. This is what made me give the novel just four stars, instead of five. I think if there was an incredible, totally unexpected, gasping plot twist at the end, this would have made this a completely, surprising read. As such, I found the plot just a little safe and predictable and whilst the execution was great, I wonder if the writer could have done more here.
This was an enjoyable read and I am really pleased that I have had the opportunity to review it. Our protagonist, Gareth, is quite an unusual character and I liked how much he tried to turn his life around as a result of his relationship with Jennifer. The court case was interesting and I liked how Paul Dawson, the lawyer, managed to overturn key evidence - it was just like watching a Hollywood film.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 13, 2018
The story starts with Gareth out in his local pub with a couple of his mates, or should I say, the other members of his small burglary team. Not houses or people, just businesses. They have been together for years, an easy way to make money when needed. While sitting in this pub planning their next job, a couple walk in, who definitely don’t look like they belong there. This is when Gareth sees Jennifer for the first time.
Gareth helps Jen out with her now ex-boyfriend, who didn’t take the news well and tried to get physical. She meets up with Gareth afterwards to say thanks and they start going out together. He tries to start sorting out his life, to make himself worthy of Jen. The ex is still messing about in the background.
Shortly after marrying the woman of his dreams, Gareth is arrested for murder! He is innocent, but ends up in a category A prison and his world has ended. He gets a surprise visit from a lawyer, who has been hired by a secret trust and says he has evidence that he is innocent and wants to get him a retrial. But, while stuck in prison, it seems someone else wants to cause problems for him. Will he survive until his retrial? Will he be set free?
This book gives you a rogue, who changes his ways for a woman, only to be accused of a heinous crime and locked away for life! Plenty of twists and turns which keep you guessing. Family and the truth are upmost. I would love to read some more books by this author.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Gareth helps Jen out with her now ex-boyfriend, who didn’t take the news well and tried to get physical. She meets up with Gareth afterwards to say thanks and they start going out together. He tries to start sorting out his life, to make himself worthy of Jen. The ex is still messing about in the background.
Shortly after marrying the woman of his dreams, Gareth is arrested for murder! He is innocent, but ends up in a category A prison and his world has ended. He gets a surprise visit from a lawyer, who has been hired by a secret trust and says he has evidence that he is innocent and wants to get him a retrial. But, while stuck in prison, it seems someone else wants to cause problems for him. Will he survive until his retrial? Will he be set free?
This book gives you a rogue, who changes his ways for a woman, only to be accused of a heinous crime and locked away for life! Plenty of twists and turns which keep you guessing. Family and the truth are upmost. I would love to read some more books by this author.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
July 27, 2018
Gareth Darrows killed the person who killed his wife......or did he? He has already been sentenced to life in prison for this crime. He has accepted it. His life is nothing without Jennifer anyway. She was the only good thing that ever happened to him and then she was gone. Killed by her ex boyfriend, Robert, who Gareth threatened in front of everyone in a court room when he was not charged with killing Jennifer, but driving drunk. Gareth carefully plans his revenge against Robert one night when he sees Robert driving the same car that hit Jennifer, even though he isn't suppose to be driving. But the best laid plans sometimes has a flaw in it, and Robert's did too. So he sits in prison. Then Paul Dewar approaches him. He wants to be Gareth's lawyer and re-try the trial. He believes Gareth is innocent. You will be hanging on by a thread, as you read how the trial unfolds with new evidence. But do they find out who killed Robert and why? Not going to tell, read the book. I voluntarily read a copy of this book.
April 2, 2018
Blind Justice is a legal thriller that is really thrilling. The plot is very good and well thought out and the characters are excellent (apart from at times the main character comes across as intelligent wanting to correct people’s use of double negatives and at other times not quite as intelligent as he has to have relatively simple words explained to him).
The first half of the book builds the story of what led the main character to prison while the second part goes at a faster pace dealing with the legalities of the British justice system and the re-trial. The second half is much more thrilling and exciting without feeling rushed.
An exciting legal thriller with an excellent little twist at the end, an enjoyable read.
The first half of the book builds the story of what led the main character to prison while the second part goes at a faster pace dealing with the legalities of the British justice system and the re-trial. The second half is much more thrilling and exciting without feeling rushed.
An exciting legal thriller with an excellent little twist at the end, an enjoyable read.
June 5, 2018
Satisfying story and ending, with a twist
Mr. Burrows delivers a very well-paced story of justice in a way that you won’t see coming. The first half of the book tells how the protagonist, Gareth, a small-time criminal, stumbles into a romance with a girl that appears to be out of his league. His world comes crashing down in one fateful night and he finds himself alone, and soon after fighting for his own freedom. The second half of the book details that struggle...and provides a twist at the end.
Well-written and full of suspense, Burrows presents a likable main character that a lot of us can relate to. You’ll be turning the pages to see how it all plays out!
If you’re a fan of crime/legal fiction, I’d recommend the read.
Mr. Burrows delivers a very well-paced story of justice in a way that you won’t see coming. The first half of the book tells how the protagonist, Gareth, a small-time criminal, stumbles into a romance with a girl that appears to be out of his league. His world comes crashing down in one fateful night and he finds himself alone, and soon after fighting for his own freedom. The second half of the book details that struggle...and provides a twist at the end.
Well-written and full of suspense, Burrows presents a likable main character that a lot of us can relate to. You’ll be turning the pages to see how it all plays out!
If you’re a fan of crime/legal fiction, I’d recommend the read.
July 24, 2022
This is the first book I've read by Nathan Burrows. I really enjoyed this Legal thriller, it was a page Turner, which I had to keep reading never saw the ending coming what a excellent twist it had. Brilliant 👏 Worth so much more than the 5 stars 🌟 I can give it
January 17, 2019
Great characters, a gripping court room drama and really descriptive writing.
I couldn't fault it.
I couldn't fault it.
April 10, 2018
First requirement for me to love a book is; fall for the protagonist, or more precisely to fall IN love with him. I did, immediately so; first box; 'tick'.
Second requirement; get caught up in the story FAST; 'tick'.
Third one; plot and unexpected plottwists; 'tick'.
Fourth one; a surprising ending; 'tick'.
Fifth one; combine the above elements in a perfect composed piece of writing; 'tick'.
So you end up with a 5 star rating.
Nathan, you delivered it! Your debut is brilliant and I am in for more.
And I am so happy that I was a witness of the making of it.
We connected through Twitter, I watched you struggling and I teased you with it. And you always replied with a joke.
Good luck for the future. I have no doubt that you have a great writing career in front of you.
CHEERS MATE!!!
Second requirement; get caught up in the story FAST; 'tick'.
Third one; plot and unexpected plottwists; 'tick'.
Fourth one; a surprising ending; 'tick'.
Fifth one; combine the above elements in a perfect composed piece of writing; 'tick'.
So you end up with a 5 star rating.
Nathan, you delivered it! Your debut is brilliant and I am in for more.
And I am so happy that I was a witness of the making of it.
We connected through Twitter, I watched you struggling and I teased you with it. And you always replied with a joke.
Good luck for the future. I have no doubt that you have a great writing career in front of you.
CHEERS MATE!!!
February 9, 2019
I received an advance review copy for free through Booksirens and I thank them and the author for the chance to review it. I have been a fan of John Grisham and Medical and Legal thrillers are my Fav. Though the book reminded me of John Grisham because of its gripping tale, I wouldn't call the author another Grisham but Unique Nathan Burrows because of the emotions in the tale. I really loved the book.
The story was taut, fast paced never a dull moment in the entire tale. The description of the characters their emotions and their inter relationships is the beautiful and unique aspect of this thriller.
There are two murders in this story and each murder justifies the title. While you feel angry the first time, the second time you feel angst and relieved
This is a must read for all fans of legal thrillers.
The story was taut, fast paced never a dull moment in the entire tale. The description of the characters their emotions and their inter relationships is the beautiful and unique aspect of this thriller.
There are two murders in this story and each murder justifies the title. While you feel angry the first time, the second time you feel angst and relieved
This is a must read for all fans of legal thrillers.
July 17, 2018
Surprised
Good solid read,court rooms to match grisham , very enjoyable, I like the main character Gareth and Paul is brilliant as a barrister would like to see a book about his past exploits
Good solid read,court rooms to match grisham , very enjoyable, I like the main character Gareth and Paul is brilliant as a barrister would like to see a book about his past exploits
April 21, 2018
A fabulous story with believable characters that could be your best buddies. I truly enjoyed this book and the ending was oddly satisfying.
December 8, 2018
This one is a 5* story but accompanied by 3* editing at the most so I've averaged it out. Such a real shame when a book should be 5* but it gets spoiled by a lack of decent proofreading. It's a very good courtroom drama and is an interesting case featured as well. You can imagine yourself in Gareth's position with very little difficulty. I liked him a great deal. He doesn't pretend he's an angel and is more than happy to admit to his own faults and it has you warming to him. Even his pals are dead likeable lads. They're real characters he's cleverly created so you care about them.
The most common mistakes are words missed from sentences. This happens loads in e-books but it occurred way too frequently here.....In this sentence it made a lot of difference-"He also pulled out a bunch of photographs of his briefcase..." A few times he needed paragraph breaks as it made confusing reading without them, jumping from one day to the next as it did. He also needs to look at his use of apostrophes and commas (or not).....and for a little variation there were missing speechmarks here and there, too.
He mentions a laptop at one point that someone is carrying yet a couple of pages in refers to it again, noting he'd not spotted it being carried in, which he clearly had !! Another time he mentioned a door being locked and that it had been left unlocked for the first time, yet he'd already referred to it happening the last time he had visitors !! At other points during the trial the CCTV to the pub is referred to yet Gareth had gone in and out of the rear entrance in order to avoid this !! An usher points a remote at a TV yet we'd just been informed he'd already passed said remote to Paul. So this was very sloppy. He had an odd way of repeating somebody's name, too, as opposed to using a pronoun. Here are a couple of examples: " "Morning, Mr Dawson," Mr McLoughlin said as he opened the door.....I thanked him and followed him...fumbling my way into the orange vest Mr Mcloughlin had given me" or ""Laura, good to see you." I extended a hand to Laura...."....it's a most peculiar way to write.
A couple of sentences gained an additional word "Maybe she had should have organised the visit" and "....I'd already handed in the paperwork in three times," deprecating is not spelt as depreciating, Sebastian he spelt this way before he suddenly altered it to Sebastien and he wrote gold course as opposed to golf course then their instead of there and hangar and not hanger !! I was less than impressed. All this type of thing should've been picked up and corrected before publishing it for consumer use.
He is lucky the story is so bloody good or I'd have packed it up, I must say.....I was even quite teary a couple of times near the end. However, I'd not race to read anything else by him, sadly......it was just too much of a chore to wade through.
The most common mistakes are words missed from sentences. This happens loads in e-books but it occurred way too frequently here.....In this sentence it made a lot of difference-"He also pulled out a bunch of photographs of his briefcase..." A few times he needed paragraph breaks as it made confusing reading without them, jumping from one day to the next as it did. He also needs to look at his use of apostrophes and commas (or not).....and for a little variation there were missing speechmarks here and there, too.
He mentions a laptop at one point that someone is carrying yet a couple of pages in refers to it again, noting he'd not spotted it being carried in, which he clearly had !! Another time he mentioned a door being locked and that it had been left unlocked for the first time, yet he'd already referred to it happening the last time he had visitors !! At other points during the trial the CCTV to the pub is referred to yet Gareth had gone in and out of the rear entrance in order to avoid this !! An usher points a remote at a TV yet we'd just been informed he'd already passed said remote to Paul. So this was very sloppy. He had an odd way of repeating somebody's name, too, as opposed to using a pronoun. Here are a couple of examples: " "Morning, Mr Dawson," Mr McLoughlin said as he opened the door.....I thanked him and followed him...fumbling my way into the orange vest Mr Mcloughlin had given me" or ""Laura, good to see you." I extended a hand to Laura...."....it's a most peculiar way to write.
A couple of sentences gained an additional word "Maybe she had should have organised the visit" and "....I'd already handed in the paperwork in three times," deprecating is not spelt as depreciating, Sebastian he spelt this way before he suddenly altered it to Sebastien and he wrote gold course as opposed to golf course then their instead of there and hangar and not hanger !! I was less than impressed. All this type of thing should've been picked up and corrected before publishing it for consumer use.
He is lucky the story is so bloody good or I'd have packed it up, I must say.....I was even quite teary a couple of times near the end. However, I'd not race to read anything else by him, sadly......it was just too much of a chore to wade through.
January 20, 2019
A Gripping Tale Exploring the Facets of Blind Justice
The story starts with a bang, as the protagonist, Gareth, enters his new home for the next 15 years...a prison cell. The novel first outlines how he went from petty thief to convicted murderer, which starts as a tale of a man reforming from his life of small-time crime after he meets the woman who will change everything. The author does a good job keeping us guessing throughout. We know there is going to be a murder...but who's the victim? Is Gareth really innocent? While telling of the past, the author leaves crumbs of vague clues pointing toward the inevitable without giving it away, just enough to tantalize to keep the reader turning pages.
As the story progresses, one murder sparks another. While the perpetrator of the first one gets off nearly scot-free, the accused of the other (Gareth) is convicted. We know that justice was indeed blind in the former, and the bulk of the book details how it is true in the latter as well. Most of the book is what I would call courtroom drama with first preparation for and minute-by-minute coverage of Gareth's retrial. The defense is brilliant and fantastic to watch unfold (especially as I am a long-time fan of Law & Order and other legal-type shows).
The author is great about giving details that pull you into this world. I loved the growing relationship between Gareth and his girl before everything goes wrong, which made the rest of the story so much more poignant. Gareth and Jennifer's romance is slow and sweet, as he aspires to a girl whom he first saw as being way out of his league. He finally has it all when his world is ripped apart. Unusual for a thriller, I found this story to be emotionally gripping, too, on several levels.
There is a major twist at the very end when the real killer revealed. But it was a perfect and fitting end. Justice was blind, thank goodness, one last time.
If you like legal thrillers, this is well paced with twists and turns and people you've grown to care about, give this book a try.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story starts with a bang, as the protagonist, Gareth, enters his new home for the next 15 years...a prison cell. The novel first outlines how he went from petty thief to convicted murderer, which starts as a tale of a man reforming from his life of small-time crime after he meets the woman who will change everything. The author does a good job keeping us guessing throughout. We know there is going to be a murder...but who's the victim? Is Gareth really innocent? While telling of the past, the author leaves crumbs of vague clues pointing toward the inevitable without giving it away, just enough to tantalize to keep the reader turning pages.
As the story progresses, one murder sparks another. While the perpetrator of the first one gets off nearly scot-free, the accused of the other (Gareth) is convicted. We know that justice was indeed blind in the former, and the bulk of the book details how it is true in the latter as well. Most of the book is what I would call courtroom drama with first preparation for and minute-by-minute coverage of Gareth's retrial. The defense is brilliant and fantastic to watch unfold (especially as I am a long-time fan of Law & Order and other legal-type shows).
The author is great about giving details that pull you into this world. I loved the growing relationship between Gareth and his girl before everything goes wrong, which made the rest of the story so much more poignant. Gareth and Jennifer's romance is slow and sweet, as he aspires to a girl whom he first saw as being way out of his league. He finally has it all when his world is ripped apart. Unusual for a thriller, I found this story to be emotionally gripping, too, on several levels.
There is a major twist at the very end when the real killer revealed. But it was a perfect and fitting end. Justice was blind, thank goodness, one last time.
If you like legal thrillers, this is well paced with twists and turns and people you've grown to care about, give this book a try.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 26, 2019
This review contains NO spoilers.
Ok, so I actually enjoyed 'Blind Justice' quite alot considering my initial impression of the book was not great. For the first 20 or so pages I felt myself physically wince countless times due to the horrific syntax, punctuation and grammar errors. SERIOUS lack of proof reading occurred for the first two chapters.....but I held on.
At first there was nothing catchy about the book. The plot was tiresome,the dialogue tedius and the characters one dimensional and boring. BUT about 35 pages in there was a definitive shift. The plot picked up, the dialogue was less cumbersome and the writing was less stilted. The proof reading certainly improved!
As I read on I began to like, really genuinely like the protagonist. The plot picked up and I was hooked.
For me I always evaluate and reflect upon a book by thinking about it's genre. Was it good for a horror? Did it scare me? Was I transported to a particular setting and time period? Did this tick all the boxes for a Thriller? You get my general drift...So was this a good Crime Fiction? Yes. Did it tick the genre's criteria? Most definitely. Would I recommend it? Absolutely!
I stayed up two hours later than I should have last night trying to finish the book, as such the last 120 pages were unputdownable.
I reached plot twist and then had to continue reading during my lunch break in work. Something I have honestly never done before.
Now you're probably wondering why I have just extolled the page turning qualities of this book, and yet only awarded it a 4 rather than 5 star rating? The beginning. For me I section book into introductions, main body and endings. The introduction (approximately first 30-40 pages) were tiresome, rigid and boring. The middle /main body was great, but the ending (the last 120 or so pages) were fantastic!!
If you enjoy Crime novels, you will certainly enjoy 'Blind Justice'. Realistic, likeable and multidimensional characters, great plot and refreshing twists and a cracking ending, what more could you want?!
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ok, so I actually enjoyed 'Blind Justice' quite alot considering my initial impression of the book was not great. For the first 20 or so pages I felt myself physically wince countless times due to the horrific syntax, punctuation and grammar errors. SERIOUS lack of proof reading occurred for the first two chapters.....but I held on.
At first there was nothing catchy about the book. The plot was tiresome,the dialogue tedius and the characters one dimensional and boring. BUT about 35 pages in there was a definitive shift. The plot picked up, the dialogue was less cumbersome and the writing was less stilted. The proof reading certainly improved!
As I read on I began to like, really genuinely like the protagonist. The plot picked up and I was hooked.
For me I always evaluate and reflect upon a book by thinking about it's genre. Was it good for a horror? Did it scare me? Was I transported to a particular setting and time period? Did this tick all the boxes for a Thriller? You get my general drift...So was this a good Crime Fiction? Yes. Did it tick the genre's criteria? Most definitely. Would I recommend it? Absolutely!
I stayed up two hours later than I should have last night trying to finish the book, as such the last 120 pages were unputdownable.
I reached plot twist and then had to continue reading during my lunch break in work. Something I have honestly never done before.
Now you're probably wondering why I have just extolled the page turning qualities of this book, and yet only awarded it a 4 rather than 5 star rating? The beginning. For me I section book into introductions, main body and endings. The introduction (approximately first 30-40 pages) were tiresome, rigid and boring. The middle /main body was great, but the ending (the last 120 or so pages) were fantastic!!
If you enjoy Crime novels, you will certainly enjoy 'Blind Justice'. Realistic, likeable and multidimensional characters, great plot and refreshing twists and a cracking ending, what more could you want?!
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 17, 2019
Blind Justice, a legal thriller set in the city of Norwich in England, is the debut novel by Nathan Burrows. It is the first-person narrative by the protagonist, Gareth Dawson, of what led to his life sentence for murder and what follows it.
Gareth is a small-time thief who mends his ways on meeting the beautiful Jennifer, with whom he plans to spend his life. But his plans go awry as Jennifer is killed in a supposed accident involving her ex-boyfriend and, a few months later, Gareth himself is convicted for the murder of the ex-boyfriend, which he hasn’t committed. A few months into the life sentence, he is approached by Paul Dewar, a lawyer who is confident that he can prove Gareth’s innocence. The rest of the novel is the account of the thrilling retrial that may or may not exonerate Gareth.
The author has written a well-paced, well-plotted story that is quite engaging from start to finish. The main characters are realistic and relatable for the most part and deserve the reader’s care as to what happens to them. The narrative flows seamlessly through the flashback detailing Gareth’s love story to his conviction and the court-room drama that follows. The author has a fine way of describing emotions with simple words that find the mark.
Unfortunately, all the good work the author has done has been undone to a great extent by the poor editing. I came across several grammatical errors, in addition to slipups in character names at some places. I also found discrepancies in the statements of time during the courtroom scenes. And, there were some contradictions in the sequences that could have been caught and corrected, had the book been edited properly.
To summarise, Blind Justice is a fast-moving legal thriller with a good plot and great characters that is let down by the lack of decent editing. My rating of it is 3 out of 5 stars, hugely influenced by the bad editing.
I received an advance review copy for free, through booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Gareth is a small-time thief who mends his ways on meeting the beautiful Jennifer, with whom he plans to spend his life. But his plans go awry as Jennifer is killed in a supposed accident involving her ex-boyfriend and, a few months later, Gareth himself is convicted for the murder of the ex-boyfriend, which he hasn’t committed. A few months into the life sentence, he is approached by Paul Dewar, a lawyer who is confident that he can prove Gareth’s innocence. The rest of the novel is the account of the thrilling retrial that may or may not exonerate Gareth.
The author has written a well-paced, well-plotted story that is quite engaging from start to finish. The main characters are realistic and relatable for the most part and deserve the reader’s care as to what happens to them. The narrative flows seamlessly through the flashback detailing Gareth’s love story to his conviction and the court-room drama that follows. The author has a fine way of describing emotions with simple words that find the mark.
Unfortunately, all the good work the author has done has been undone to a great extent by the poor editing. I came across several grammatical errors, in addition to slipups in character names at some places. I also found discrepancies in the statements of time during the courtroom scenes. And, there were some contradictions in the sequences that could have been caught and corrected, had the book been edited properly.
To summarise, Blind Justice is a fast-moving legal thriller with a good plot and great characters that is let down by the lack of decent editing. My rating of it is 3 out of 5 stars, hugely influenced by the bad editing.
I received an advance review copy for free, through booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 29, 2019
Blind Justice is touted as a legal thriller, and while there is an interesting courtroom drama here, it doesn't happen until the last forty percent or so of the book, and interesting doesn't necessarily translate to thrilling. At least not for me, which is where my problem lays with those subtitles, taglines, whatever they are that are so frequently placed next to titles lately. This one started out promising with the cell door slamming on an inmate. From there, it slows down considerably with the whole backstory that led to Gareth's incarceration, and I do mean the whole backstory. So much so that I was beginning to wonder if we were to ever actually get there. I appreciate details, but I feel like over half the book's journey was just a bit much, especially when I opened this one hoping for a thriller and was instead, reading what appeared to be more love story than anything else. Nevertheless, Gareth's plight is relatable. Not that I've ever been in prison or wrongfully accused of a crime, but the catalyst that leads to it all is something most people can relate to and empathize with. We do get a decent twist at the end, but while I didn't exactly see it coming, I did suspect something along that line. I certainly enjoyed the second half much more than the rather drawn out first half of the book. I realize that I'm in the minority here, but it is what it is. It isn't a bad story, but I didn't find anything that I would consider thrilling either, leaving me on the fence with this one.
January 3, 2019
Blind Justice is an engaging read from start to finish. The first person voice of Gareth works well and he is easy to like, despite his flaws. The book opens with Gareth contemplating his life in gaol for at least the next fifteen years and without spending too long here the story enticingly unravels to introduce the people in his life and what led to his crime. About a third of a way in I thought all was revealed and could not see what else needed to be told, but I was wrong. The stage had been set for the legal action and the courtroom scenes were magnificent! There was showmanship, intrigue and surprises galore – definitely at John Grisham’s standard. Interspersed were glimpses of prison life to keep it real. With a last twist it all came together in a satisfying ending. All in all, Blind Justice by Nathan Burrows was an excellent book that I have no hesitation in recommending. The pace was spot on and I did not feel tempted to abandon it at any stage. The characters were rich and well drawn and the reader is compelled to like not only Gareth but also his low life criminal friends and the love of his life, Jennifer, and her family, who all came with good and bad traits. Life is too short to read bad books – this book was definitely worth my time!
May 6, 2020
An innocent man sent to prison for life. A lawyer gives him a second chance. Can they overcome an unfair system to clear his name?
Gareth Dawson is innocent. He's not a murderer. His main problem is that the British justice system doesn’t agree with him. He might be a reformed thief guilty of many things in his past, but not murder. In the space of a few short months, Gareth has gone from being married to the woman of his dreams to facing a life sentence.
Inside Her Majesty’s Prison Whitemoor, a Category A prison in Cambridgeshire, Gareth’s got all the time in the world to go over the events that led to the guilty verdict. The guilty verdict which cost him everything in the world that he loved. His dignity. His freedom. His wife.
Gareth is approached by a lawyer, Paul Dewar, who claims to have information that will vindicate him. But is it enough to set him free? As threats against Gareth increase on the inside, Paul Dewar’s challenge, and Gareth’s fight for freedom, begins.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
Gareth Dawson is innocent. He's not a murderer. His main problem is that the British justice system doesn’t agree with him. He might be a reformed thief guilty of many things in his past, but not murder. In the space of a few short months, Gareth has gone from being married to the woman of his dreams to facing a life sentence.
Inside Her Majesty’s Prison Whitemoor, a Category A prison in Cambridgeshire, Gareth’s got all the time in the world to go over the events that led to the guilty verdict. The guilty verdict which cost him everything in the world that he loved. His dignity. His freedom. His wife.
Gareth is approached by a lawyer, Paul Dewar, who claims to have information that will vindicate him. But is it enough to set him free? As threats against Gareth increase on the inside, Paul Dewar’s challenge, and Gareth’s fight for freedom, begins.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
May 26, 2024
The story begins with Gareth Dawson in prison for murder. He had spent much of his life as a petty thief so this is somewhat a surprise. He never stole directly from people or places where he might run into people. He is ready to accept his fate however as he did hit a guy in the head with a mini baseball bat. Robert was an ex-boyfriend, recent stalker, and killer of Gareth's wife, his soulmate. Robert got away with a slap on the wrist for what Gareth feels was murder. But, a legal loophole let him free with less than $2000 fine for alcohol impaired driving.
When a mysterious lawyer takes over the appeals process for Gareth's murder conviction, it turns out his murder case may not have been as simple as it seemed during the original trial. There is more to it than the fact that Gareth used blind spots in a CCTV security system and got his friends to fake an alibi for him. He meant to hurt Robert, maybe even kill him. But, was repulsed by that first hit with the bat. However, there were details in the case that neither the police nor his original lawyer bothered to pursue.
This very well done story takes us through all the love Gareth felt with his wife and all the grief he feels in the aftermath of her death. It shows us the anger leading to the assault and the conflicting emotions of murder charges. Add in the twists and turns and red herrings Nathan Burrows throws into his book and you get a story that keeps you reading until the very end.
When a mysterious lawyer takes over the appeals process for Gareth's murder conviction, it turns out his murder case may not have been as simple as it seemed during the original trial. There is more to it than the fact that Gareth used blind spots in a CCTV security system and got his friends to fake an alibi for him. He meant to hurt Robert, maybe even kill him. But, was repulsed by that first hit with the bat. However, there were details in the case that neither the police nor his original lawyer bothered to pursue.
This very well done story takes us through all the love Gareth felt with his wife and all the grief he feels in the aftermath of her death. It shows us the anger leading to the assault and the conflicting emotions of murder charges. Add in the twists and turns and red herrings Nathan Burrows throws into his book and you get a story that keeps you reading until the very end.
March 6, 2020
This was Nathan Burrows debut novel and I am pleased to say I wouldn't have realised if I hadn't known beforehand as it definitely hit the ground running and kept up the pace until the end.
Gareth is a small time burglar when he is drinking in the pub with friends and he sees Jennifer and at that point his world changes. He gives up his criminal ways and settles down to married life but when tragedy strikes he finds himself out for revenge and he finds himself in prison facing a long sentence. One day a lawyer comes to see him and Paul tells him he has been commissioned to look at his case as there is new evidence. Paul tells him a secret trust has paid for his services so there is no cost to himself and the case goes to appeal but what new evidence have they got and what will the outcome be.
No spoilers here but I will say it is a very good read, Go in give it a go.
Gareth is a small time burglar when he is drinking in the pub with friends and he sees Jennifer and at that point his world changes. He gives up his criminal ways and settles down to married life but when tragedy strikes he finds himself out for revenge and he finds himself in prison facing a long sentence. One day a lawyer comes to see him and Paul tells him he has been commissioned to look at his case as there is new evidence. Paul tells him a secret trust has paid for his services so there is no cost to himself and the case goes to appeal but what new evidence have they got and what will the outcome be.
No spoilers here but I will say it is a very good read, Go in give it a go.
March 21, 2020
Outstanding and just Brilliant.
“This must be one of you top choices to read!” If you enjoy a really tight and enthralling thriller about justice; the legal system and young man called Gareth convicted of murder that you just can’t help to sympathise for. As you read and get into the book you become so engrossed and become part of the story.
It is seldom I read a book where I get so engrossed with the character that i not only feel I’m there with him but partly feel I am him seeing things through his eyes. This book is a masterpiece and so enjoyable to read, and follows the life and trials of a bit of a opportunist thief who falls in love with a girl called Jennifer. The story grips you and takes you along a roller coaster ride sometimes and has a great ending.
I highly recommend you give this a go.
“This must be one of you top choices to read!” If you enjoy a really tight and enthralling thriller about justice; the legal system and young man called Gareth convicted of murder that you just can’t help to sympathise for. As you read and get into the book you become so engrossed and become part of the story.
It is seldom I read a book where I get so engrossed with the character that i not only feel I’m there with him but partly feel I am him seeing things through his eyes. This book is a masterpiece and so enjoyable to read, and follows the life and trials of a bit of a opportunist thief who falls in love with a girl called Jennifer. The story grips you and takes you along a roller coaster ride sometimes and has a great ending.
I highly recommend you give this a go.
July 6, 2020
This is such a great start to a new series! The story starts out rather slowly for the first couple chapters to get the characters all set up, then BANG! The newlyweds have found their soulmates and have been married for less than a year, then disaster boomerangs! The husband finds himself unjustly jailed for a murder charge, and his wife is dead! Bleak, indeed!
Now the story gets rolling. (If you are old enough to remember the old Perry Mason lawyer shows on TV in the ancient past, this is what it reminded me of). The author really knows his way around the legal system and keeps you trying to imagine what the outcome will be!
PS I read the Amazon Kindle edition. I don't know why Goodreads thinks I read it twice, but it is worthy if you are so inclined!
Now the story gets rolling. (If you are old enough to remember the old Perry Mason lawyer shows on TV in the ancient past, this is what it reminded me of). The author really knows his way around the legal system and keeps you trying to imagine what the outcome will be!
PS I read the Amazon Kindle edition. I don't know why Goodreads thinks I read it twice, but it is worthy if you are so inclined!
February 1, 2019
Gareth is a decent man, a burglar but they can be gentlemen too. A woman comes along and makes him rethink his choice of profession. It starts out as a beautiful story of love and acceptance. And then it turns into a murder mystery- fast paced and constantly moving.
There was never a dull or slow moment in the entire book. After a point it was difficult to put down and just had to be done with to reveal the twists and turns.
I am waiting for the next one from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free,and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There was never a dull or slow moment in the entire book. After a point it was difficult to put down and just had to be done with to reveal the twists and turns.
I am waiting for the next one from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free,and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 16, 2019
The opening with the emotions of his cell, his room for the next fifteen years grabs us, does one think of this. He was guilty with his buddies of small business thief. Thoughts of when he first meet Jennifer, those green eyes, a romance, she was to good for him, and then murdered. by an ex boyfriend, The question did he or didn’t he then murder the guy. Approached to get a new trial, what was the new evidence. A captivating story told in two parts, with a surprise ending. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
March 9, 2020
Anne Kinslow.
I read this book last month but forgot to leave a review here on Goodreads, below is my review of BLIND JUSTICE.
The Title caught my eye so, I read the Blurb next and liked what I was reading so, I then got the book as I knew it would be a good read. I was caught within the first few words and I knew then that I couldn’t put this book down till I came to the end.
I was hooked! This was one of the best books that I have read recently and I went onto Amazon and bought more of his books. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
I read this book last month but forgot to leave a review here on Goodreads, below is my review of BLIND JUSTICE.
The Title caught my eye so, I read the Blurb next and liked what I was reading so, I then got the book as I knew it would be a good read. I was caught within the first few words and I knew then that I couldn’t put this book down till I came to the end.
I was hooked! This was one of the best books that I have read recently and I went onto Amazon and bought more of his books. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
July 30, 2020
Enjoyable page turner. Interesting twist.
I really liked the characterisation and started to care about the protagonists.
I spent the whole book asking why, and the plot twist at the end was unexpected.
The story is a bit predictable as it progresses, in the same way that an episode of A Touch of Frost or Midsomer Murders, is predictable. However, like those other police procedurals, Blind Justice has a steady cadence and a momentum which carries you to the end.
I really enjoyed it and I'm very happy to recommend it, as I have already started the next book in the series.
I really liked the characterisation and started to care about the protagonists.
I spent the whole book asking why, and the plot twist at the end was unexpected.
The story is a bit predictable as it progresses, in the same way that an episode of A Touch of Frost or Midsomer Murders, is predictable. However, like those other police procedurals, Blind Justice has a steady cadence and a momentum which carries you to the end.
I really enjoyed it and I'm very happy to recommend it, as I have already started the next book in the series.
March 6, 2019
I would like to give this book 4.5 stars. I had problems getting into the story. I stuck with it as I felt it would be something I would enjoy reading. Am I glad I did. It started picking up and didn't stop. The ending blew me away. Gareth is found guilty and sent to prison for a murder he did not commit. A new lawyer comes along and gets a new trial for Gareth based on evidence not brought up at the first trial.
June 6, 2020
my first novel by Nathan Burrows, and a really good read - it starts unusually at the end of the case. And with that unusual beginning you're drawn into the narrative - none of the characters in this novel are overly likeable but i think that adds to the story. It progresses along at a fab pace and leaves you guessing at the end. I found it fascinating and will definitely continue to read this series of novels. 4* from me
October 8, 2018
A legal thriller with a difference
I enjoy the genre of legal thrillers but this story approaches it from a different aspect and it works so well. All of the characters are strong and believable and the twist at the end is unexpected and worth waiting for. A really good read that kept me turning the pages till the end - even if I didn't see it coming!
I enjoy the genre of legal thrillers but this story approaches it from a different aspect and it works so well. All of the characters are strong and believable and the twist at the end is unexpected and worth waiting for. A really good read that kept me turning the pages till the end - even if I didn't see it coming!
April 19, 2018
Book was well written and resources,it also was believable and I forward to reading his next offerings .
I will certainly recommend this book to all my friends.john Gresham will have to watch out as I think Nathan is a better story teller .
I will certainly recommend this book to all my friends.john Gresham will have to watch out as I think Nathan is a better story teller .
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