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Best Defence #1
Relatively Guilty
#1 in the acclaimed Best Defence/Robbie Series 'Crime with an edge of dark humour. The Best Defence series could only come out of Scotland.' Tommy Flanagan, Braveheart, SOA, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Follow the trials of Scots criminal lawyer Robbie Munro as he joins battle in the fight for truth and justice - hoping truth and justice don't win too often because it's terribly bad for business. A policeman with a caved-in skull, his young wife found clutching the blood-stained murder weapon; it all looks pretty open and shut until Robbie detects the faint whiff of a defence and closes in on a witness who might cast a precious doubt on proceedings. So why is it, the nearer he gets to the truth and a possible acquittal, that Robbie's murder client becomes more and more eager to opt for a life sentence?
Short-Listed for the Dundee International Book Prize
The Best Defence/Robbie Munro
Relatively Guilty
Duty Man
Sharp Practice
Killer Contract
Crime Fiction
Last Will
Present Tense
Good News Bad News
Stitch Up
Fixed Odds
Bad Debt
Best Defence
Follow the trials of Scots criminal lawyer Robbie Munro as he joins battle in the fight for truth and justice - hoping truth and justice don't win too often because it's terribly bad for business. A policeman with a caved-in skull, his young wife found clutching the blood-stained murder weapon; it all looks pretty open and shut until Robbie detects the faint whiff of a defence and closes in on a witness who might cast a precious doubt on proceedings. So why is it, the nearer he gets to the truth and a possible acquittal, that Robbie's murder client becomes more and more eager to opt for a life sentence?
Short-Listed for the Dundee International Book Prize
The Best Defence/Robbie Munro
Relatively Guilty
Duty Man
Sharp Practice
Killer Contract
Crime Fiction
Last Will
Present Tense
Good News Bad News
Stitch Up
Fixed Odds
Bad Debt
Best Defence
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2011
73 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 31, 2015
“He been stabbed through the brain.” That first line is guaranteed to grab your attention. Robbie is a lawyer in Scotland (just like his creator) whose client is Ilsa Galbraith, a sweet young thing, charged with the vicious murder of her constable husband. She hit him with an axe first, then stabbed him in the head repeatedly with a Phillips screwdriver. Sounds like quite a case until he gets home and discovers his brother, whom he hasn’t seen in three years, asleep in his bed (jet lag following a one-hour flight from London) who announces he has killed Cat, his girlfriend, and Robbie’s erstwhile squeeze (until he found Malky and Cat doing their own form of squeezing in his bed one day.) How could you not like a book that starts off like that in just the first two chapters.
It’s not long before Robbie is trying to extricate himself from a “passing counterfeit money” charge while keeping Cat’s father from killing Malky whom he blames for Cat’s death in the car accident and at the same time provide good legal representation for Ilsa by getting her off on a justifiable homicide since her husband regularly beat her. Or so he thinks.
I loved this book. Not only does it provide a bit of insight into the Scottish legal system (I have never understood the relationship between barristers, solicitors, and QC’s and all that), but Robbie Munro has such a wise-ass view of the system. He’s got a great legal secretary from the old school, Mary Grace, and a wet-behind-the-ears legal intern, Andy and a hot receptionist, Zoe. Punny title, too.
It’s not long before Robbie is trying to extricate himself from a “passing counterfeit money” charge while keeping Cat’s father from killing Malky whom he blames for Cat’s death in the car accident and at the same time provide good legal representation for Ilsa by getting her off on a justifiable homicide since her husband regularly beat her. Or so he thinks.
I loved this book. Not only does it provide a bit of insight into the Scottish legal system (I have never understood the relationship between barristers, solicitors, and QC’s and all that), but Robbie Munro has such a wise-ass view of the system. He’s got a great legal secretary from the old school, Mary Grace, and a wet-behind-the-ears legal intern, Andy and a hot receptionist, Zoe. Punny title, too.
February 25, 2014
Robbie is a lawyer in Linlithgow, with a much more well-known (and liked) big brother, whose shenanigans always seem to end up as Robbie’s problems. When Malkie shows up uninvited, Robbie’s life takes a turn for the strange.
It’s a mystery, it’s a legal thriller, it’s a comedy, and it’s time for you to read it! The characters are humorous but believable, the dialog is spot-on, and the Scottish idioms and vernacular add a wonderful flavor to the story. Funny, well-plotted, and absorbing – I loved it!
It’s a mystery, it’s a legal thriller, it’s a comedy, and it’s time for you to read it! The characters are humorous but believable, the dialog is spot-on, and the Scottish idioms and vernacular add a wonderful flavor to the story. Funny, well-plotted, and absorbing – I loved it!
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July 24, 2024This came to me as a bookcrossing ray, and I still have to determine if it needs to travel further or if the ray ends with me. I had the impression I was at the end of the ray so took my time getting to it, but now I'm wondering if I should feel ... relatively guilty??
This was a very intriguing book. I can't say I felt much sympathy for the main character but it was rather eye opening as to the techniques and perspectives of a defense lawyer. I gather the author decidedly knows his stuff, so that felt a bit personal.
There were a number of very witty lines and bits which I greatly enjoyed. There didn't seem to be much to appreciate about Zoe, other than her satin blouses, which I found a shame, but perhaps in future books she and Grace-Mary will have more depth of character.
I have to admit that some of the procedures seemed quite arcane and not so easy to grasp, but on the whole it was an entertaining jaunt.
I did find the afterword well worth reading as well - some insight into the trials and tribulations of publishing. I'd be curious to see how this all evolves.
This was a very intriguing book. I can't say I felt much sympathy for the main character but it was rather eye opening as to the techniques and perspectives of a defense lawyer. I gather the author decidedly knows his stuff, so that felt a bit personal.
There were a number of very witty lines and bits which I greatly enjoyed. There didn't seem to be much to appreciate about Zoe, other than her satin blouses, which I found a shame, but perhaps in future books she and Grace-Mary will have more depth of character.
I have to admit that some of the procedures seemed quite arcane and not so easy to grasp, but on the whole it was an entertaining jaunt.
I did find the afterword well worth reading as well - some insight into the trials and tribulations of publishing. I'd be curious to see how this all evolves.
January 27, 2024
BX Link: https://bookcrossing.com/journal/1708...
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Where: current
When: Falkirk, Scotland
THOUGHTS/REFLECTIONS: Three & a half stars from me. The back cover proclaims ‘Everyone is guilty. Some more so than others.’ It’s an interesting trio of stories… our hero defense attorney Robbie Monro is plagued by a client who wants to plead guilty to murdering her husband, the return of a brother he hadn’t seen since he walked away with Robbie’s fiance, and charges against him for passing counterfeit currency. I loved the richly developed male characters (though I agree with a review I read – I wouldn’t trust *any* of them). I wish the author had given us a bit more insight into the female characters… I think there’s a lot more to both Zoe and Grace-Mary than what we see on the surface. I think some of the humorous bits went over my head, but there were several laugh out loud moments. This was definitely my most fun January read.
Some of my favorite quotes
"I tried not to get emotionally attached to my clients, especially those charged with murder — they often disappeared for long stretches — that said, I couldn't help liking Isla."
"For the Munro boys there was no such thing as too long a movie, only too few snacks."
"The only difference between our present society and anarchy was that the guardians of our present society had a bigger gang and more weapons."
"…a criminal defence agent refusing to take on clients because they were dishonest would be like a doctor turning away patients because they looked a little peaky."
"In my line of work laws were there for bending, how much bending generally depended on the size of the fee."
"You can't fool all of the people all of the time, but you only need to fool eight on a jury of fifteen to secure a not proven verdict."
"I didn't make the laws, I had to work with them, sometimes work around them."
"Justice was a moveable feast, a pie supper wrapped in tabloid newspaper."
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Where: current
When: Falkirk, Scotland
THOUGHTS/REFLECTIONS: Three & a half stars from me. The back cover proclaims ‘Everyone is guilty. Some more so than others.’ It’s an interesting trio of stories… our hero defense attorney Robbie Monro is plagued by a client who wants to plead guilty to murdering her husband, the return of a brother he hadn’t seen since he walked away with Robbie’s fiance, and charges against him for passing counterfeit currency. I loved the richly developed male characters (though I agree with a review I read – I wouldn’t trust *any* of them). I wish the author had given us a bit more insight into the female characters… I think there’s a lot more to both Zoe and Grace-Mary than what we see on the surface. I think some of the humorous bits went over my head, but there were several laugh out loud moments. This was definitely my most fun January read.
Some of my favorite quotes
"I tried not to get emotionally attached to my clients, especially those charged with murder — they often disappeared for long stretches — that said, I couldn't help liking Isla."
"For the Munro boys there was no such thing as too long a movie, only too few snacks."
"The only difference between our present society and anarchy was that the guardians of our present society had a bigger gang and more weapons."
"…a criminal defence agent refusing to take on clients because they were dishonest would be like a doctor turning away patients because they looked a little peaky."
"In my line of work laws were there for bending, how much bending generally depended on the size of the fee."
"You can't fool all of the people all of the time, but you only need to fool eight on a jury of fifteen to secure a not proven verdict."
"I didn't make the laws, I had to work with them, sometimes work around them."
"Justice was a moveable feast, a pie supper wrapped in tabloid newspaper."
November 27, 2018
This isn't for me and I've had to pack it in at 11%.......it was such an ordeal to try and read it. Another author setting a story in Scotland and writing it so only Scottish readers will understand it !! He does include a glossary of Scottish terms at the END of the book, which I found totally unhelpful, as each time I scrolled to look something up it didn't feature AND then it meant my reading devices also then registered I'd reached 100% in the book when I synched them. It should be at the beginning !!
There were also some very scrappy errors in the 40+ pages I laboured through. Ginormous spelt as gynormous, twice I spotted the word to missed from sentences-"I'm only here pass on the messages" and "....a far cry from trying bump you off" then this sentence got a needless extra word, "He scrunched up the a few pages from a Daily Record."
I had no idea what a bag of messages in a pushchair meant, then he wrote nine moons for nine months and I packed it in....I just couldn't be bothered with it any longer. It is probably super fun for Scots readers but I found it was just too much of a real chore for me to wade through.
There were also some very scrappy errors in the 40+ pages I laboured through. Ginormous spelt as gynormous, twice I spotted the word to missed from sentences-"I'm only here pass on the messages" and "....a far cry from trying bump you off" then this sentence got a needless extra word, "He scrunched up the a few pages from a Daily Record."
I had no idea what a bag of messages in a pushchair meant, then he wrote nine moons for nine months and I packed it in....I just couldn't be bothered with it any longer. It is probably super fun for Scots readers but I found it was just too much of a real chore for me to wade through.
September 23, 2024
I haven’t read William McIntyre before so it’s lucky that my first book was the first of his Best Defence series.
Robbie Munro is a defence lawyer navigating getting funds from the Legal Aid board to keep afloat, dealing with his more famous brother who is in more than a spot of bother, dodging the criminal fraternity who bear him and he s brother life-threatening grudges and, all the while trying to find some mitigation for a woman who has confessed to murdering her police officer husband.
Like boiling a frog, Robbie is put under increasing pressure as his team of Grace-Mary, Andy and Zoe try to help him out.
It would be nice to believe that lawyers would go to the lengths Robbie does.
The book is written with dry humour in the Brookmyre vein.
Book 1 down, 12 or so to go…
Robbie Munro is a defence lawyer navigating getting funds from the Legal Aid board to keep afloat, dealing with his more famous brother who is in more than a spot of bother, dodging the criminal fraternity who bear him and he s brother life-threatening grudges and, all the while trying to find some mitigation for a woman who has confessed to murdering her police officer husband.
Like boiling a frog, Robbie is put under increasing pressure as his team of Grace-Mary, Andy and Zoe try to help him out.
It would be nice to believe that lawyers would go to the lengths Robbie does.
The book is written with dry humour in the Brookmyre vein.
Book 1 down, 12 or so to go…
November 17, 2020
Another Tartan noir culled last summer from the Edinburgh Bookfest website and ordered via our excellent local bookseller. The provenance of this one is rather more interesting than the book itself -- it and its dozen sequels are written by a practicing attorney near Edinburgh, who self-published the first few before finding a local publisher. All the books feature lawyer Robbie Munro, sort of a Scottish Junior Bender, and are pretty standard fare. There's a predictable stable of characters on the order of Kingdom, the wonderful ITV series with Stephen Fry -- know-it-all secretary, feisty young assistant, rapscallion brother, lots of local characters.
June 21, 2021
I am a fan of "Tartan Noir" and McIntyre writes in that style, with an emphasis on flawed characters and darker plotlines. But his twist is to focus on criminal defense rather than on police procedure, although his main character engaged in investigative activities along the way. Along the way there is a healthy dose of odd characters, Scottish slang, local color, and multiple (sometimes eye-rolling) brushes with death. A fun read ...
November 27, 2023
Fascinating read
I have only just discover this author but I am so glad I did. I heard an interview with him on David Wilson’s Crime Files and decided to look up the books. Living near Linlithgow means that I recognise all the places talked about and this helped pull me in. I thought the book started a bit slowly but it was worth sticking it out! I look forward to reading more of Robbie Munro’s antics in the rest of the series.
I have only just discover this author but I am so glad I did. I heard an interview with him on David Wilson’s Crime Files and decided to look up the books. Living near Linlithgow means that I recognise all the places talked about and this helped pull me in. I thought the book started a bit slowly but it was worth sticking it out! I look forward to reading more of Robbie Munro’s antics in the rest of the series.
August 4, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyable
I've thoroughly enjoyed this tale about the trials and tribulations of a Scottish solicitor. The characters are well drawn and obviously from the authors experience. I especially like the use of the authentic local vernacular. Refreshing not to have mock scottishisms! Hoots mon!!
I've thoroughly enjoyed this tale about the trials and tribulations of a Scottish solicitor. The characters are well drawn and obviously from the authors experience. I especially like the use of the authentic local vernacular. Refreshing not to have mock scottishisms! Hoots mon!!
September 20, 2019
Great 1st book of the series
I picked this book after hearing William talk about it on Criminal Files.
I really enjoyed it as I live not far from where the book is set, and can picture all the areas Robbie Munro is talking about, which I find helps you enjoy a book so mucj more.
I picked this book after hearing William talk about it on Criminal Files.
I really enjoyed it as I live not far from where the book is set, and can picture all the areas Robbie Munro is talking about, which I find helps you enjoy a book so mucj more.
June 25, 2020
I liked this book alot. I enjoy reading a series with a character that you can follow their story arc through a series. There is a little bit of humour sprinkled throughout and plenty of rye references which I enjoy. There were a few slang words I didn't recognise but you could pretty much work out what they meant.
March 17, 2024
Was a little confused with this one as there are a lot of people involved. Not quite sure of how part of the ending came to be, however I will read the next one as I am sure as they go on and you get to know the writer and the characters they will improve. The author appeared on a programme with David Wilson about murders etc (Prime) and thought I would give the books a whirl.
April 10, 2025
I enjoyed this book as I have a fascination for legal stories, and there aren't too many about. I loved the writing style, and all of the characters were very believable. Good solid story line made .more enjoyable after reading the authors notes at the end.
it wasn't a turn a page trillerr, but a really good read.
it wasn't a turn a page trillerr, but a really good read.
May 16, 2025
Robbie Munro tries to defend a woman, Isla, for killing her husband in spite of the fact that she wants to plead guilty.
Robbie's brother, Malky, a semi famous soccer player, gets in trouble with a crime boss. The crime boss, Dexy, is the father of Malky's now dead wife. She was killed in a car wreck and Malky was the driver.
Robbie's brother, Malky, a semi famous soccer player, gets in trouble with a crime boss. The crime boss, Dexy, is the father of Malky's now dead wife. She was killed in a car wreck and Malky was the driver.
December 13, 2019
Such a good story, and coming from a similar part of the world as the protagonist, I had a good few laugh out loud moments. Really enjoyed the procedural elements, and have already downloaded the next one in the series.
December 29, 2025
Tried this author for first time. Had high hopes. Decent enough story but the whole premis on which the book is based doesnt get started till last quarter of book. Last part of ending very contrived. Good and bad bits.may try another though.
June 1, 2017
Reminded me of a less gory, lighter-hearted version of Stuart MacBride novel.
March 23, 2020
Excellent. Great main character, funny and unusual. Highly recommend.
April 21, 2020
Easy to get into and read - likeable characters
January 21, 2021
A new Find
This is the second of these I have read when struck down with the COVID. Looking forward to readied more of them and recovering from the virus
This is the second of these I have read when struck down with the COVID. Looking forward to readied more of them and recovering from the virus
February 16, 2021
Great read!
Fast, easy, great read. Funny and likeable characters. Stories weaved throughout are intriguing.
I likened it to early Stuart McBride.
Really enjoyed it.
Fast, easy, great read. Funny and likeable characters. Stories weaved throughout are intriguing.
I likened it to early Stuart McBride.
Really enjoyed it.
May 24, 2022
too muhc jargon to make it five star
May 3, 2023
3.5 stars
July 16, 2023
Good read with great characters and a dark sense of humour.
March 26, 2025
This is almost a really good book. Decent lead character, well-woven plot lines, good supporting cast, but it lacks pace and sharpness. Another edit would have improved it.
January 18, 2013
This is the first of four books in the series. I have read them all and think that they are brilliant. Set in Scotland, they are easy to read and great fun. I defy anyone to guess the endings. Perhaps the humour is too dry (dare I say sophisticated) for a lot of readers or maybe it's a Scottish thing (I'm a Scot living in England) but I don't now why these are not bestsellers. I am a fan of Chris Brookmyre but thought that these were just as good and less self satisfied. It's great for once to have a protagonist who is not perfect and has lots of human flaws. let's hope there are more to come!
July 29, 2016
A young lawyer Robbie Munro set to defend a woman who killed her husband, his brother Malky who has just accidently killed his wife Cat(formerly Robbie's girlfriend)and we have a number of interwoven plots. An interesting and enjoyable read.
May 8, 2015
Brilliant. Great characters, love Robbie, my kind of person, witty, intelligent! Great story, enough detail so you know whats what, no waffling and padding out, short chapters, loved it, can't wait to read the rest in the series.
December 4, 2011
An entertaining legal thriller set in Scotland, featuring a young solicitor trying to make his way in the legal world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews