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Walden of Bermondsey #3
Judge Walden: Call the Next Case
Charlie Walden, the irrepressible Resident Judge (RJ) of Bermondsey Crown Court is back with a new selection of cases. As ever, there is little rest for the RJ as he does his best to deal with: the church-going carer who steals from the old lady under her care; the cleaver-wielding chefs with different ideas about how to make a Caesar salad; the man with a penchant for "marrying" multiple women; and the astrological guru accused of fraud. Not to mention the shock-horror when colleagues get into trouble—Judge Hubert Drake for writing an angry letter to the press, and Judge Marjorie Jenkins for storing suspected pornography on her judicial computer. Oh, and not to mention the ongoing wars against the Grey Smoothies, who try to frustrate Charlie at every turn with their bureaucracy and their endless quest for value for money for the taxpayer.
- GenresFiction
416 pages, Paperback
Published October 25, 2019
12 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Peter Murphy
14 books10 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 28, 2019
Apparently this is the 3rd outing for the Resident Judge of Bermondsey, Charlie Walden, by Peter Murphy, but my first wonderful encounter with him. With a foreword by Baroness Hale of the Supreme Court, and a prologue by Judge Rinder, this is an entertaining look at the wily, compassionate, and wise Walden's court cases which give us a well researched look at the British legal system, with a healthy dose of authentic reality with the portrayal of the grey smoothies (GSs), a source of frustration, with their overt agenda of cutting costs, often to the detriment of achieving justice. Charlie is there to ensure the right outcome arises, even if he has to deploy unorthodox, occasionally illicit, means to get there, or tweak the circumstances a little. This applies even to his efforts to ensure fellow judges, the towering legal talent that is Marjorie Jenkins and the elderly outspoken Hubert Drake are protected from incompetent and malign forces.
Charlie is married to the local vicar, the strong, direct and independent Reverend Clara Walden, unapologetically her own woman, unafraid to dissent from Church party lines, whose thoughtful sermons often end up in places that her congregation, and Charlie, are surprised by and which often go on to inform Charlie's actions in his court cases. We see the judges, with the exception of Marjorie, struggle to come to terms with the paperless court, driven by the GSs, unfortunately not backed by the resources required for such initiatives. However, the taking advantage of the elderly, which Charlie feels intensely concerned by, after all he is edging ever closer to this state, has him presiding over the paperless crime of Laura Catesby, who swindles the 92 year old Muriel Jones. We have a meat cleaver wielding chef almost lethally stabbing a customer in a Italian restaurant, an angry protester convinced she is being discriminated because of her religious faith, an astrologer on trial for fraud, an inebriated mediation session in Cambridge and a wealthy banker with a penchant for getting married.
Peter Murphy showcases his expert knowledge of the legal profession and the running of the courts. There is a gentleness and wit in the narrative, and great characters that had me totally immersed in the novel. I am sure many readers will find it an eye opening education in the quintessentially British legal system and it will appeal to those who love Rumpole of the Bailey and courtroom dramas generally. The character of Charlie is a delight, willing to break with traditions and the letter of the law when he needs to, with a tender relationship with his wife, the formidable Clara. This is a brilliantly engaging read from beginning to end. Many thanks to Oldcastle Books for an ARC.
Charlie is married to the local vicar, the strong, direct and independent Reverend Clara Walden, unapologetically her own woman, unafraid to dissent from Church party lines, whose thoughtful sermons often end up in places that her congregation, and Charlie, are surprised by and which often go on to inform Charlie's actions in his court cases. We see the judges, with the exception of Marjorie, struggle to come to terms with the paperless court, driven by the GSs, unfortunately not backed by the resources required for such initiatives. However, the taking advantage of the elderly, which Charlie feels intensely concerned by, after all he is edging ever closer to this state, has him presiding over the paperless crime of Laura Catesby, who swindles the 92 year old Muriel Jones. We have a meat cleaver wielding chef almost lethally stabbing a customer in a Italian restaurant, an angry protester convinced she is being discriminated because of her religious faith, an astrologer on trial for fraud, an inebriated mediation session in Cambridge and a wealthy banker with a penchant for getting married.
Peter Murphy showcases his expert knowledge of the legal profession and the running of the courts. There is a gentleness and wit in the narrative, and great characters that had me totally immersed in the novel. I am sure many readers will find it an eye opening education in the quintessentially British legal system and it will appeal to those who love Rumpole of the Bailey and courtroom dramas generally. The character of Charlie is a delight, willing to break with traditions and the letter of the law when he needs to, with a tender relationship with his wife, the formidable Clara. This is a brilliantly engaging read from beginning to end. Many thanks to Oldcastle Books for an ARC.
November 27, 2020
The Judge Walden books just get funnier as they go along, as do the apparently honest mistakes he (the author) makes.
In this book he's got the Judge singing or listening to "Che sara sara" instead of 'Que sera sera'.
Maybe he just puts one major clanger in each book in order to ensure that it's imperfect, like the Muslims put one mistake or unfinished knot in their carpets - in order not to anger God?
In this book he's got the Judge singing or listening to "Che sara sara" instead of 'Que sera sera'.
Maybe he just puts one major clanger in each book in order to ensure that it's imperfect, like the Muslims put one mistake or unfinished knot in their carpets - in order not to anger God?
July 2, 2019
The third book in the Judge Walden by Peter Murphy series is great. A wonderful foreword by Baroness Hale of Richmond, President of the UK Supreme Court, recognises the brilliance of the book.
Judge Walden, Resident Judge in charge at Bermondsey Crown Crown Court, alongside fellow judges Marjorie, ‘Legless’ and Hubert, is back for another round of interesting cases.
Bermondsey Crown Court is being transformed into a paperless court. Will the judges embrace this with open arms? Will such a huge change run smoothly without any technical challenges? One can foresee it will not, even without being a astrologer, such as Gerard Busby who appears before Judge Walden charged with fraud. The charge arises when Mr Busby’s client does not get the job he said she that would. Judge Walden other cases include; a bigamist, dealing with a cleaver wielding chef, a complex theft from an 92 widow and sitting outside of London as a judge in a civil trial for the first time.
This is as well as having to deal with the ‘Grey Smoothies’.
With so much to contend with it is just as well that the Judge is supported by the great cast of court staff, Jeanie and Elsie in their sandwich bar and George at his newspaper stand. However, Judge Walden’s greatest support comes from his wife, Reverend Clara, who gives much needed love as well guidance to her husband on matters such as Caesar salad dressing, Mormons and the Prophet Daniel’s choice of career.
A very amusing read by a very talented author.
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Judge Walden, Resident Judge in charge at Bermondsey Crown Crown Court, alongside fellow judges Marjorie, ‘Legless’ and Hubert, is back for another round of interesting cases.
Bermondsey Crown Court is being transformed into a paperless court. Will the judges embrace this with open arms? Will such a huge change run smoothly without any technical challenges? One can foresee it will not, even without being a astrologer, such as Gerard Busby who appears before Judge Walden charged with fraud. The charge arises when Mr Busby’s client does not get the job he said she that would. Judge Walden other cases include; a bigamist, dealing with a cleaver wielding chef, a complex theft from an 92 widow and sitting outside of London as a judge in a civil trial for the first time.
This is as well as having to deal with the ‘Grey Smoothies’.
With so much to contend with it is just as well that the Judge is supported by the great cast of court staff, Jeanie and Elsie in their sandwich bar and George at his newspaper stand. However, Judge Walden’s greatest support comes from his wife, Reverend Clara, who gives much needed love as well guidance to her husband on matters such as Caesar salad dressing, Mormons and the Prophet Daniel’s choice of career.
A very amusing read by a very talented author.
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2019
Being a huge fan of legal memoirs yet also courtroom dramas, this book was the PERFECT mix of the two! With the full book being split into five different cases, yet full of all the dialogue and twists of crime fiction, I was able to race through Call The Next Case whilst simultaneously immersing myself in each individual story.
Each case had unique characters whose lives we explore with Judge Walden as the truth is revealed. As a reader I really felt like we were getting right under the skin, but often in a humorous and light hearted manner, which further made this book feel like a very accessible read.
Throughout there are references to the inner workings of a courtroom so not only do you feel like you gain knowledge about each case, but also that you are learning more and more about the process of the courts. Touching on the different roles and relationships between the professionals in the room was extremely interesting.
The cover of Call The Next Case bears a huge resemblance to the other titles in the series (Walden of Bermondsey and Judge Walden: Back In Session) which makes me want to dash off to complete the set - especially if they follow a similar format of presenting individual cases!
A great book to dip in and out of, and I really love the fact that you're getting five crime cases for the price of one! I would hugely recommend this for those who are fans of courtroom based fiction, and I gave it a smashing five star review on Goodreads.
Each case had unique characters whose lives we explore with Judge Walden as the truth is revealed. As a reader I really felt like we were getting right under the skin, but often in a humorous and light hearted manner, which further made this book feel like a very accessible read.
Throughout there are references to the inner workings of a courtroom so not only do you feel like you gain knowledge about each case, but also that you are learning more and more about the process of the courts. Touching on the different roles and relationships between the professionals in the room was extremely interesting.
The cover of Call The Next Case bears a huge resemblance to the other titles in the series (Walden of Bermondsey and Judge Walden: Back In Session) which makes me want to dash off to complete the set - especially if they follow a similar format of presenting individual cases!
A great book to dip in and out of, and I really love the fact that you're getting five crime cases for the price of one! I would hugely recommend this for those who are fans of courtroom based fiction, and I gave it a smashing five star review on Goodreads.
April 7, 2019
Gentle, fun, atmospheric, beautifully written and full of inside knowledge of the legal system as you would expect given the author's impeccable legal credentials and background, this is the third volume of Judge Walden's purported memories and accounts of cases heard in Bermondsey Crown Court, and is well up to snuff.
An easy but deeply enjoyable if unchallenging read this is great entertainment for anyone who has an interest in the criminal justice system and as one who has also had nightmare experiences of the so-called "paperless" court system I can attest to the accuracy of his astute observations.
As always, a delight from start to finish.
An easy but deeply enjoyable if unchallenging read this is great entertainment for anyone who has an interest in the criminal justice system and as one who has also had nightmare experiences of the so-called "paperless" court system I can attest to the accuracy of his astute observations.
As always, a delight from start to finish.
September 17, 2019
This is a brilliant book, with excellent forewords by Baroness Hale and Judge Rinder.
This book sees Judge Walden preside over several complex cases such as, a woman being injured by a knife wielding chef and an elderly woman being conned by a so called friend.
This is the third book in the Judge Walden series and I look forward to reading the others. It is brilliantly written with a great cast of characters, which include his fellow judges, his wife and the various people who appear before him in court. Alongside the cases, he reflects on the state of the justice system in this country and the lengths the establishment will go to reduce costs.
This book sees Judge Walden preside over several complex cases such as, a woman being injured by a knife wielding chef and an elderly woman being conned by a so called friend.
This is the third book in the Judge Walden series and I look forward to reading the others. It is brilliantly written with a great cast of characters, which include his fellow judges, his wife and the various people who appear before him in court. Alongside the cases, he reflects on the state of the justice system in this country and the lengths the establishment will go to reduce costs.
August 6, 2019
Loved Judge Walden, a brilliant creation. Very human, very wise and possessing great negotiating skills. With just a little touch of wry humour and such good man management skills. Will read some more. Although not the first book, this one stands alone.
October 11, 2022
An oasis of calm etc
I enjoyed this book immensely. In fact, I have thoroughly enjoyed all three novels by Peter Murphy. I am a solicitor and a novelist and well positioned to take a qualified view.
I enjoyed this book immensely. In fact, I have thoroughly enjoyed all three novels by Peter Murphy. I am a solicitor and a novelist and well positioned to take a qualified view.
January 8, 2021
Always enjoyable.
January 31, 2021
The third book in the Judge Walden by Peter Murphy series.
I enjoyed this and found it quite fuunny but didn't love it like I thought I would.
I enjoyed this and found it quite fuunny but didn't love it like I thought I would.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews