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Ben Schroeder #7
Verbal
'A good police force is one that catches more crooks than it employs' - Sir Robert Mark
'A good police force is one that catches more crooks than it employs' - Sir Robert Mark
A clever, accomplished Cambridge graduate with a good job and an attentive lover, Imogen Lester seems to have the world at her feet. But when her parents are murdered abroad while working for the Diplomatic Service, she is suddenly thrown headlong into a murky world of espionage and organised crime.
When she is charged with drug trafficking, even Ben Schroeder's skills may not be enough to save her - unless a shadowy figure from Ben's past can survive long enough to unmask a web of graft and corruption...
'A good police force is one that catches more crooks than it employs' - Sir Robert Mark
A clever, accomplished Cambridge graduate with a good job and an attentive lover, Imogen Lester seems to have the world at her feet. But when her parents are murdered abroad while working for the Diplomatic Service, she is suddenly thrown headlong into a murky world of espionage and organised crime.
When she is charged with drug trafficking, even Ben Schroeder's skills may not be enough to save her - unless a shadowy figure from Ben's past can survive long enough to unmask a web of graft and corruption...
- GenresThriller
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2020
17 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Peter Murphy
14 books11 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.
Peter Murphy was born in 1946. After graduating from Cambridge University he spent a career in the law, as an advocate and teacher, both in England and the United States. His legal work included a number of years in The Hague as defence counsel at the Yugoslavian War Crimes Tribunal. He returned to England in 2007 on his appointment as a judge of the Crown Court. He lives with his wife, Chris, in Cambridgeshire.
Peter Murphy was born in 1946. After graduating from Cambridge University he spent a career in the law, as an advocate and teacher, both in England and the United States. His legal work included a number of years in The Hague as defence counsel at the Yugoslavian War Crimes Tribunal. He returned to England in 2007 on his appointment as a judge of the Crown Court. He lives with his wife, Chris, in Cambridgeshire.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 21, 2020
Peter Murphy's legal thriller featuring QC Ben Schroeder is set in a London and Britain in the period before the 1984 Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) that addressed a number of problematic issues in policing, and a culture where, for example, it was acceptable for police to verbal, meaning they made up things that people never said, purely to incriminate them. A Code of Practice set up with PACE meant the recording of interviews ensured this corrupt practice and some other aspects of police malfeasance came to an end. 'A good police force is one that catches more crooks than it employs', Sir Robert Mark's quote is based on a number of high profile policing scandals and is an appropriate quote, capturing a major theme in this story of the law, policing and the British security services.
Imogen and Damian Lester's parents, Michael and Margaret, are murdered on the streets of Sarajevo in Yugoslavia. Michael is a diplomat, and it seems rather strange that he should be in Sarajevo, particularly with his wife. Imogen travels there with her lover, Julia, representing her as a solicitor, to make sense of what happened, becoming aware of the two way East-West drug trade run by the ringleader Dragan, funding arms for nationalist groups in the fractured Balkans. On her return, the Met drug squad, under Detective Chief Superintendent Mellor and DI Thomas Beech raid Imogen's London home early in the morning, arresting and charging her and her brother, Damian, for being inn keepers, storing drugs for criminal gangs at their home. This courtroom thriller illustrates the shabby practice of verballing as it affects Imogen, as Ben Schroeder fights to prove her innocence.
There are a number of threads in this exciting blend of espionage novel and legal thriller, Murphy sets some of the story in the Balkans, a region that exploded into a horrifying and tragic mix of murderous nationalism and genocide in the 1990s. Murphy's primary aim is to remind us of the bad old days where a number of police officers were little different from the criminals they were supposed to be policing, arresting, and putting behind bars. Through the character of Imogen, fortunately with an excellent legal team, Murphy provides a great example of the police engaging in verballing in a trial where she stands to lose everything. This is a enjoyable and entertaining read, fast paced with its short snappy chapters, keeping my attention with ease. Many thanks to Oldcastle Books for an ARC.
Imogen and Damian Lester's parents, Michael and Margaret, are murdered on the streets of Sarajevo in Yugoslavia. Michael is a diplomat, and it seems rather strange that he should be in Sarajevo, particularly with his wife. Imogen travels there with her lover, Julia, representing her as a solicitor, to make sense of what happened, becoming aware of the two way East-West drug trade run by the ringleader Dragan, funding arms for nationalist groups in the fractured Balkans. On her return, the Met drug squad, under Detective Chief Superintendent Mellor and DI Thomas Beech raid Imogen's London home early in the morning, arresting and charging her and her brother, Damian, for being inn keepers, storing drugs for criminal gangs at their home. This courtroom thriller illustrates the shabby practice of verballing as it affects Imogen, as Ben Schroeder fights to prove her innocence.
There are a number of threads in this exciting blend of espionage novel and legal thriller, Murphy sets some of the story in the Balkans, a region that exploded into a horrifying and tragic mix of murderous nationalism and genocide in the 1990s. Murphy's primary aim is to remind us of the bad old days where a number of police officers were little different from the criminals they were supposed to be policing, arresting, and putting behind bars. Through the character of Imogen, fortunately with an excellent legal team, Murphy provides a great example of the police engaging in verballing in a trial where she stands to lose everything. This is a enjoyable and entertaining read, fast paced with its short snappy chapters, keeping my attention with ease. Many thanks to Oldcastle Books for an ARC.
July 19, 2020
My review on my website. www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
I have read two other books by Peter Murphy and Verbal is my absolute favourite legal thriller. I loved how this storyline was set out with the first half of what happened, and leads to part two twisting the story.
If you love reading crime novels with a twist in the tale look no further than Verbal that is a fantastic Ben Schroeder novel.
What to look forward to in the first half of the book.
Julia Cathermole a lawyer at the age of fifty five, and is the senior partner of Cathermole & Bridger. One evening as Imogen Lexter was fast asleep in zjukia’s house, Julia couldn’t sleep, and goes into her study, when she takes an important call. Julia is told to tell Imogen and Damian that their parents Michael and Margaret have both been bludgeoned to death. Julia knew Michael and Margaret through her father as he was Michael’s mentor in the service when Michael was a young officer.
It seems Michael had been working on something in Sarajevo. To make more complications, the embassy are not saying exactly what Michael was doing there, but his wife Margaret had been with him as presumably as a Diplomatic cover.
With Imogen to care for Julia couldn’t bring herself to to tell Damian by phone and got the police to go to the Lester family home in Hampstead Heath to break the deverstating news to him. Damian was unknown to the Hampstead police. A good police force is one that catches more crooks than it employs.
What’s to enjoy in the second half of the book.
A court case is held with Ben Schroeder QC who had applied to join the chambers twenty years ago and was well established in his profession. I’m keeping tight lipped about why there is a court case as I fear it will give too much away.
If you haven’t read any books by Peter Murphy perhaps now is the time look this author up and you may find some of his books for your next read. Peter Murphy writes with a genuinely good cast of characters. For your next read I have to highly recommend Verbal by Peter Murphy as the storyline is addictive as always. I
I have read two other books by Peter Murphy and Verbal is my absolute favourite legal thriller. I loved how this storyline was set out with the first half of what happened, and leads to part two twisting the story.
If you love reading crime novels with a twist in the tale look no further than Verbal that is a fantastic Ben Schroeder novel.
What to look forward to in the first half of the book.
Julia Cathermole a lawyer at the age of fifty five, and is the senior partner of Cathermole & Bridger. One evening as Imogen Lexter was fast asleep in zjukia’s house, Julia couldn’t sleep, and goes into her study, when she takes an important call. Julia is told to tell Imogen and Damian that their parents Michael and Margaret have both been bludgeoned to death. Julia knew Michael and Margaret through her father as he was Michael’s mentor in the service when Michael was a young officer.
It seems Michael had been working on something in Sarajevo. To make more complications, the embassy are not saying exactly what Michael was doing there, but his wife Margaret had been with him as presumably as a Diplomatic cover.
With Imogen to care for Julia couldn’t bring herself to to tell Damian by phone and got the police to go to the Lester family home in Hampstead Heath to break the deverstating news to him. Damian was unknown to the Hampstead police. A good police force is one that catches more crooks than it employs.
What’s to enjoy in the second half of the book.
A court case is held with Ben Schroeder QC who had applied to join the chambers twenty years ago and was well established in his profession. I’m keeping tight lipped about why there is a court case as I fear it will give too much away.
If you haven’t read any books by Peter Murphy perhaps now is the time look this author up and you may find some of his books for your next read. Peter Murphy writes with a genuinely good cast of characters. For your next read I have to highly recommend Verbal by Peter Murphy as the storyline is addictive as always. I
March 2, 2024
Enjoyed this immensely after not being too sure for first couple of chapters. Four hours on a train saw this finished pretty much in a day.
This is GF Newman territory with a sprinkling of espionage although its not really espionage in the le Carre sense. It's frightening to think what the police got away with during the 70s and 80s, especially the casualness of it all.
This is my first Peter Murphy. There are references to previous books but it didn't feel that reading the previous books was required to understand this one.
I'm not sure if the person who wrote the blurb on the back.of the book had actually read or just seen a synopsis which they misunderstood. It's nearly a description of the book but not quite.
This is GF Newman territory with a sprinkling of espionage although its not really espionage in the le Carre sense. It's frightening to think what the police got away with during the 70s and 80s, especially the casualness of it all.
This is my first Peter Murphy. There are references to previous books but it didn't feel that reading the previous books was required to understand this one.
I'm not sure if the person who wrote the blurb on the back.of the book had actually read or just seen a synopsis which they misunderstood. It's nearly a description of the book but not quite.
June 25, 2020
A clever, accomplished Cambridge graduate with a good job and an attentive lover, Imogen Lester seems to have the world at her feet. But when her parents are murdered abroad while working for the Diplomatic Service, she is suddenly thrown headlong into a murky world of espionage and organized crime.
When she is charged with drug trafficking, even Ben Schroeder’s skills may not be enough to save her, unless a shadowy figure from Ben’s past can survive long enough to unmask a web of graft and corruption.
This is my first book by this author and it was an enjoyable read. It was different to most of the books that I have read of recent.
Most part of the book takes place in a court trial and the plot itself focuses on the darker side of policing such as corruption and espionage. The title of the book has been aptly named "Verbal" to highlight one of the most unacceptable and unethical practice that had existed prior to the implementation of the 1984 Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE).
All in all, an well written book!
Thank You to NetGalley and Oldcastle Books for this ARC!!
When she is charged with drug trafficking, even Ben Schroeder’s skills may not be enough to save her, unless a shadowy figure from Ben’s past can survive long enough to unmask a web of graft and corruption.
This is my first book by this author and it was an enjoyable read. It was different to most of the books that I have read of recent.
Most part of the book takes place in a court trial and the plot itself focuses on the darker side of policing such as corruption and espionage. The title of the book has been aptly named "Verbal" to highlight one of the most unacceptable and unethical practice that had existed prior to the implementation of the 1984 Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE).
All in all, an well written book!
Thank You to NetGalley and Oldcastle Books for this ARC!!
May 9, 2024
My first foray into the works of Peter Murphy and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fast moving, it certainly captures your attention. Very easy to read and I absolutely love the nice, short chapters.
June 12, 2020
If you love legal thrillers, you do not want to miss the latest book in the Ben Schroeder series. It’s hot off the (digital) presses, timely, and binge-worthy! (And if you’re more into print, the paperback will be here in December, making it a perfect gift for the legal/crime thriller lover in your life.)
In a word: enthralling.
I read this book in one afternoon, not because I’m a fast reader or because it was short. No, it was because Verbal held me in its grip and I couldn’t look away.
Peter Murphy recreates the tumultuous Sarajevo of early 1980s, and the similarly tumultuous system of London policing.
In Sarajevo, the coming Winter Olympics means more Westerners behind the Iron Curtain; it also means a larger number of “watchers” keeping their eyes and ears on them. Yugoslavia may’ve been more “liberal” by Eastern European standards–but it wasn’t safe.
In London, certain police officers “verbal” suspects. To quote a frequently given definition, a “verbal” is “an oral admission made by a defendant when interviewed by the police, which on the advice of his solicitor he later denies.” It’s a false confession/statement written by the police themselves.
Imogen Lester gets to experience both worlds. After her parents murder, Imogen and her employer/lover Julia travel to Sarajevo to find answers in the couple’s death. More questions arise, especially after she returns to London and winds up arrested for drug trafficking.
Ben Schroeder defends her in a nail-biting trial. This trial kept me riveted. At times, I couldn’t bear to look away, afraid that I would miss a key detail as Schroeder battles an arrogant prosecutor, questions police officers, and reveals the nasty reality of verballing.
Murphy skillfully raises the tension notch by notch. The suspense grows steadily throughout the story, not with explosions or violence, but through quiet revelations that shake the very foundations of the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this dive into 1980s Cold War politics and intelligence work behind the Iron Curtain. Murphy does a great job showing the political tensions in Sarajevo. The animosity between Serbs and Croats, rumbling beneath the surface. The realities of life in the post-Tito Yugoslavia, where everyone is a watcher and everyone is watched. The inability to trust anyone. He works in various elements that give this portrayal a feeling of authenticity without ever feeling strained or like a lesson in history. (Though it is.)
He does a similarly terrific job of explaining complex legal issues to the non-legal minded (me) without resorting to lectures. Being an American, I wasn’t as familiar with the UK legal system and I learned a lot. While some of the terms were unfamiliar, it was easy enough to look them up on the internet. It was enlightening.
This is book seven in the Ben Schroeder series. While I felt at a small disadvantage because I didn’t know Ben or other characters, this wasn’t a major problem. There’s no need to have read the earlier ones. Be forewarned: from the blurbs of previous novels, Verbal might contain spoilers to previous works in this series.
One further thought
Note: I read and reviewed Verbal prior to the death of George Floyd and the explosion of protests against police violence across America and elsewhere. Now, I’m reconsidering Murphy’s work in light of these protests.
Obviously, this book is describing a different legal system and a different type of police corruption than what is being protested. Yet I can’t help but wonder how Imogen’s case would have played out in court if she were a person of color. She’s also very fortunate to have a QC of Ben Shroeder’s stature and the funds (through Julia) to pay for this defense; many people in lower economic brackets don’t have that option available to them.
The book raises a great number of questions, including whether the corruption is the result of a few corrupt people or the result of a corrupt system. Murphy and I might disagree on that issue. Nevertheless, the book is thoughtful and timely and deserves a wide audience to engage with its ideas.
One favorite thing . . .
I liked PC Roberts, the only female police officer to be on the scene when Imogen is arrested. She behaves like a professional and displays both common sense and compassion. She’s everything that a police officer should be.
Overall, this is a fascinating legal thriller. Highly recommended. 4 1/2 stars rounded up to 5.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions in this review are my own.
In a word: enthralling.
I read this book in one afternoon, not because I’m a fast reader or because it was short. No, it was because Verbal held me in its grip and I couldn’t look away.
Peter Murphy recreates the tumultuous Sarajevo of early 1980s, and the similarly tumultuous system of London policing.
In Sarajevo, the coming Winter Olympics means more Westerners behind the Iron Curtain; it also means a larger number of “watchers” keeping their eyes and ears on them. Yugoslavia may’ve been more “liberal” by Eastern European standards–but it wasn’t safe.
In London, certain police officers “verbal” suspects. To quote a frequently given definition, a “verbal” is “an oral admission made by a defendant when interviewed by the police, which on the advice of his solicitor he later denies.” It’s a false confession/statement written by the police themselves.
Imogen Lester gets to experience both worlds. After her parents murder, Imogen and her employer/lover Julia travel to Sarajevo to find answers in the couple’s death. More questions arise, especially after she returns to London and winds up arrested for drug trafficking.
Ben Schroeder defends her in a nail-biting trial. This trial kept me riveted. At times, I couldn’t bear to look away, afraid that I would miss a key detail as Schroeder battles an arrogant prosecutor, questions police officers, and reveals the nasty reality of verballing.
Murphy skillfully raises the tension notch by notch. The suspense grows steadily throughout the story, not with explosions or violence, but through quiet revelations that shake the very foundations of the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this dive into 1980s Cold War politics and intelligence work behind the Iron Curtain. Murphy does a great job showing the political tensions in Sarajevo. The animosity between Serbs and Croats, rumbling beneath the surface. The realities of life in the post-Tito Yugoslavia, where everyone is a watcher and everyone is watched. The inability to trust anyone. He works in various elements that give this portrayal a feeling of authenticity without ever feeling strained or like a lesson in history. (Though it is.)
He does a similarly terrific job of explaining complex legal issues to the non-legal minded (me) without resorting to lectures. Being an American, I wasn’t as familiar with the UK legal system and I learned a lot. While some of the terms were unfamiliar, it was easy enough to look them up on the internet. It was enlightening.
This is book seven in the Ben Schroeder series. While I felt at a small disadvantage because I didn’t know Ben or other characters, this wasn’t a major problem. There’s no need to have read the earlier ones. Be forewarned: from the blurbs of previous novels, Verbal might contain spoilers to previous works in this series.
One further thought
Note: I read and reviewed Verbal prior to the death of George Floyd and the explosion of protests against police violence across America and elsewhere. Now, I’m reconsidering Murphy’s work in light of these protests.
Obviously, this book is describing a different legal system and a different type of police corruption than what is being protested. Yet I can’t help but wonder how Imogen’s case would have played out in court if she were a person of color. She’s also very fortunate to have a QC of Ben Shroeder’s stature and the funds (through Julia) to pay for this defense; many people in lower economic brackets don’t have that option available to them.
The book raises a great number of questions, including whether the corruption is the result of a few corrupt people or the result of a corrupt system. Murphy and I might disagree on that issue. Nevertheless, the book is thoughtful and timely and deserves a wide audience to engage with its ideas.
One favorite thing . . .
I liked PC Roberts, the only female police officer to be on the scene when Imogen is arrested. She behaves like a professional and displays both common sense and compassion. She’s everything that a police officer should be.
Overall, this is a fascinating legal thriller. Highly recommended. 4 1/2 stars rounded up to 5.
Note: I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions in this review are my own.
June 25, 2020
This is a historical espionage legal thriller, with interesting characters and a lot of historical legal facts to learn, don’t be surprised if you get interested in the previous books of this series, the characters are so good and the plot is addictive, that anyone can be addicted to them.
I think this is the first time I have trouble trying to write a review, not because I didn’t like the book, but because I don’t want to make spoilers or tell too much about the plot! You only have to know that there are spies, secrets, trials and drugs; apart from that let the story captivate you, it’s really good.
There are a few characters involved in this plot, on one side we have Imogen Lester who has just lost both of her parents in Sarajevo, but the motive of why they were killed it’s not clear. Lucky for Imogen, her lover Julia has contacts on the secret spheres and as soon as they start to investigate the killing their lives turn upside down. Imogen and her brother will be arrested for drug trafficking, this is where Ben Schroeder will enter to the story, being Imogen’s lawyer. The story is not simple, it is full of layers and difficulties, but it’s interesting and you can’t stop reading it.
This is the 7th book of the series “Ben Schroeder Legal Thriller” but you can read it alone, the only problem is that the story is so good that you’ll want to read all the series! It’s like watching a “Law and Order” chapter, you start with one and in the end you’ll watch all the series! 😉
There are some unanswered questions at the end of the story but this is what makes the reader wanting to know more about the characters and their story. Julia is a great person and I really can’t wait to discover more about her and what adventures will have in the future.
I think this is the first time I have trouble trying to write a review, not because I didn’t like the book, but because I don’t want to make spoilers or tell too much about the plot! You only have to know that there are spies, secrets, trials and drugs; apart from that let the story captivate you, it’s really good.
There are a few characters involved in this plot, on one side we have Imogen Lester who has just lost both of her parents in Sarajevo, but the motive of why they were killed it’s not clear. Lucky for Imogen, her lover Julia has contacts on the secret spheres and as soon as they start to investigate the killing their lives turn upside down. Imogen and her brother will be arrested for drug trafficking, this is where Ben Schroeder will enter to the story, being Imogen’s lawyer. The story is not simple, it is full of layers and difficulties, but it’s interesting and you can’t stop reading it.
This is the 7th book of the series “Ben Schroeder Legal Thriller” but you can read it alone, the only problem is that the story is so good that you’ll want to read all the series! It’s like watching a “Law and Order” chapter, you start with one and in the end you’ll watch all the series! 😉
There are some unanswered questions at the end of the story but this is what makes the reader wanting to know more about the characters and their story. Julia is a great person and I really can’t wait to discover more about her and what adventures will have in the future.
June 30, 2020
Racing through this one wet, rainy afternoon, I have to say Peter Murphy is an author I’ll be adding to my list! This is one of a series based on QC Ben Schroeder, but can be read as a standalone.
Our story begins with a solicitor, Julia, and her young lover, Imogen. Imogen’s father is ostensibly a diplomat, and sidelines for the Security Services (though it’s never really outlined which service). He and his wife are killed on a trip to Yugoslavia.
Through twists and turns, Imogen becomes involved in a Security Services mission to repatriate a murderer, and on her return home, is arrested after her brother is caught with a shipment of drugs.
Much of the book takes place during Imogen’s subsequent court case, where Peter Murphy’s experience shines like the sun.
You can tell the story is written by one practising the legal profession – the sentences are long, commas considered an afterthought, and there is some assumed knowledge. For example, ‘taking the Silk’ is mentioned repeatedly, but no definition given as to what this is. (Though, after research, it’s based on the style of gown Queen’s Councillors are permitted to wear.) For those like me, with no knowledge beyond that fancy lawyers wear wigs in Britain, a little explanation would have been appreciated.
That said, the story flows at speed with engaging characters, believable plot lines, and made my rainy afternoon thoroughly enjoyable. The dips into corruption are both believable and shocking – not that it could be done, but that they were so brazen about it.
Heartily recommended for anyone who likes a good legal thriller, or appreciates tales of Sweeney-era UK.
Our story begins with a solicitor, Julia, and her young lover, Imogen. Imogen’s father is ostensibly a diplomat, and sidelines for the Security Services (though it’s never really outlined which service). He and his wife are killed on a trip to Yugoslavia.
Through twists and turns, Imogen becomes involved in a Security Services mission to repatriate a murderer, and on her return home, is arrested after her brother is caught with a shipment of drugs.
Much of the book takes place during Imogen’s subsequent court case, where Peter Murphy’s experience shines like the sun.
You can tell the story is written by one practising the legal profession – the sentences are long, commas considered an afterthought, and there is some assumed knowledge. For example, ‘taking the Silk’ is mentioned repeatedly, but no definition given as to what this is. (Though, after research, it’s based on the style of gown Queen’s Councillors are permitted to wear.) For those like me, with no knowledge beyond that fancy lawyers wear wigs in Britain, a little explanation would have been appreciated.
That said, the story flows at speed with engaging characters, believable plot lines, and made my rainy afternoon thoroughly enjoyable. The dips into corruption are both believable and shocking – not that it could be done, but that they were so brazen about it.
Heartily recommended for anyone who likes a good legal thriller, or appreciates tales of Sweeney-era UK.
September 20, 2023
I enjoyed this book, but I don’t think it is one of the author’s best. Maybe a personal view, but the prolonged espionage and organised crime scenes in Yugoslavia weren’t really my thing. The author’s strengths are normally in his descriptions of trials and of life in barristers’ chambers, and we have to wait a long time for these in this book (and, when they do arrive, they seem a tad tamer than normal). That said, one of the main themes of the book – the historic ‘verballing’ of suspects by corrupt police officers – is an interesting one, and there is a real ‘Sweeney-like’ feel to the London scenes – I just wish there had been a greater focus on this.
May 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, it’s fast paced and action packed. I like the short chapters and it had me hooked from the start as it seemed like a movie or tv series. I also enjoyed the two stories ongoing then concluding simultaneously. Will definitely be looking in to more of this author’s work
March 21, 2022
In my opinion one of the best in this series. Although it harks back to previous books, it would be a good independent read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews