What do you think?
Rate this book
Benson and De Vere #3
Forced Confessions
William Benson.
Criminal barrister.
Convicted murderer....
Convicted of murder sixteen years ago, William Benson is ostracised by the establishment and his family. Supported by a close-knit group including solicitor Tess de Vere, he's defied them all and opened his own Chambers. Now he faces the case of his life - and the terminal illness of Helen Camberley who helped him leave his prison life behind
Jorge Menderez, a doctor from Spain, has been found dead in a deserted warehouse in East London. A troubled man, he'd turned to counsellor Karen Lynwood seeking help. Now Karen's husband, John, is accused of his murder. Who is Menderez, and why did he come to London? Benson is defending the couple against seemingly impossible odds, while secrets from his own past threaten to overwhelm him...
Praise for Summary Justice and Blind Defence
'Assured storytelling and highly intriguing moral complexity. I tore through it' Chris Brookmyre
'The courtroom scenes are brilliant, and Benson really comes alive under pressure. Stubborn, fitful and contradictory, he's a highly individualised creation' Spectator
'Punchy dialogue and devious plotlines . . . compelling' The Times
Criminal barrister.
Convicted murderer....
Convicted of murder sixteen years ago, William Benson is ostracised by the establishment and his family. Supported by a close-knit group including solicitor Tess de Vere, he's defied them all and opened his own Chambers. Now he faces the case of his life - and the terminal illness of Helen Camberley who helped him leave his prison life behind
Jorge Menderez, a doctor from Spain, has been found dead in a deserted warehouse in East London. A troubled man, he'd turned to counsellor Karen Lynwood seeking help. Now Karen's husband, John, is accused of his murder. Who is Menderez, and why did he come to London? Benson is defending the couple against seemingly impossible odds, while secrets from his own past threaten to overwhelm him...
Praise for Summary Justice and Blind Defence
'Assured storytelling and highly intriguing moral complexity. I tore through it' Chris Brookmyre
'The courtroom scenes are brilliant, and Benson really comes alive under pressure. Stubborn, fitful and contradictory, he's a highly individualised creation' Spectator
'Punchy dialogue and devious plotlines . . . compelling' The Times
Audible Audio
Published March 5, 2020
16 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
John Fairfax
35 books56 followersJohn Fairfax is the pen name of William Brodrick who practised as a barrister before becoming a full-time novelist. Under his own name he is a previous winner of the Crime Writers Association Gold Dagger Award and his first novel was a Richard and Judy selection.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 12, 2023
John Fairfax returns with another stunning courtroom drama, giving William Benson time to shine as the truth about his past is also simmering. I am fully committed to all the drama woven into the narrative and am so pleased to see Fairfax keeping multiple subplots moving so effectively throughout the series. The central case is again a murder, this time a doctor who may have some secrets that could destroy a family, with the husband as the accused for reasons that will become apparent to the reader. On the periphery, Tess de Vere pushes to learn the truth about Benson, who has risen through the ranks and was called to the Bar while still in prison for murder. What happened and could his initial pleas of innocence hold some merit? Tangential to this, the Secretary of State for Justice has his own plans to stymie Benson’s meteoric rise, but some revelations may put a pause on that, with political intentions coming to their forefront in Britain. Fairfax weaves this all together into a single novel, stunning those fans who have been following along throughout the previous two books. Not for those who want something superficial, but perfect for lovers of a courtroom thriller.
William Benson is still garnering headlines for his courtroom work, after being released from prison for a crime he denies having committed. Admitting to the crime to gain parole and be able to practice law, something he studied while incarcerated thanks to a secret benefactor, Benson is trying to remove the indelible mark that has split the country in how they feel about him. The Secretary of State for Justice, Richard Merrington, has been oscillating about how to handle things, but the ongoing support has him thinking it best to focus his attention elsewhere. When Benson takes on a new case, where a husband and wife are accused with murdering a Spanish doctor, the trial takes on a new life. It is alleged that Dr. Jorge Manderez has been working in London and sought the therapeutic services of Karen Lynwood. During their time together, the two appear to have forged a bond deeper than therapist/patient, which has led to a number of heated conversations, both within the Lynwood household as well as between the husband, John, and Dr. Manderez. Benson works his magic to hash out the truth of the prosecution’s case and insert some doubt before taking on the monumental task of trying to prove his clients’ innocence.
All the while, Tess de Vere, sometimes legal support to Benson, has been probing into her colleague’s past, sure that the pleas of innocence might ave some merit. There is an oddity at the crime scene, a bracelet that can be traced back to the Merrington family, which could open up many questions for all those involved. As de Vere probes deeper, she discovers a potential alternate set of events that could have led to the murder William Benson was convicted of committing. Can she bring it all to light without Benson knowing or distracting him mid-trial?
As Merrington tries to balance his role in Cabinet, he is eyeing a larger portfolio, possibly prime minister. However, some of the revelations within his family may derail that, unless he can get things in order. There is a polical waitng period and bluffing in order to get what he wants, but William Benson could be one pebble too many in his shoe. Talk of this family bracelet could cause Merrington many headaches, so it, too, must be explained away.
As the courtroom heats up and Benson presents his case, the alternate narrative comes to light, allowing the jury to ponder what could be true. Benson will stop at nothing to ensure it is all there for the court to see, even if it means taking some major leaps. In the end, the truth comes to the surface and no one is safe, as the jury is highly unpredictable. All that, with the truth about what happened the night Benson was accused of murder, offering new ideas on a case thought long resolved. John Fairfax is brilliant and had me reading well into the night (and early morning) to get the answers.
John Fairfax is one of those authors who crossed my radar by fluke, but must have been meant to enter my reading world. When first I read the series debut, I had little idea what I could expect, but was soon enthralled. Fairfax provides so much detail to all the subplots in the book, at times taking the reader on many journeys in tandem. The narrative is crisp and thorough, tackling all legal situations in their own way. Chapters build on one another and connect in ways I could not have expected. The two strong protagonists (William Benson and Tess de Vere) work their own magic and find ways of connecting, while pushing apart at the same time. Fairfax adds ongoing depth to William Benson, through his current legal career, as well as the apparent skeletons in his closet. Tess de Vere offers that investigative backstory that Benson cannot provide himself to get to the core of the past. The central legal plot is the courtroom case involving murder, which develops well, though is sometimes shelved for larger and more long-standing issues. With what came in the final chapters, I have no idea where John Fairfax will take things next, in the most recent publication. Stay tuned, as I am reaching for it now, hoping to devour it soon.
Kudos, Mr. Fairfax, for keeping me on the edge of my seat!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
William Benson is still garnering headlines for his courtroom work, after being released from prison for a crime he denies having committed. Admitting to the crime to gain parole and be able to practice law, something he studied while incarcerated thanks to a secret benefactor, Benson is trying to remove the indelible mark that has split the country in how they feel about him. The Secretary of State for Justice, Richard Merrington, has been oscillating about how to handle things, but the ongoing support has him thinking it best to focus his attention elsewhere. When Benson takes on a new case, where a husband and wife are accused with murdering a Spanish doctor, the trial takes on a new life. It is alleged that Dr. Jorge Manderez has been working in London and sought the therapeutic services of Karen Lynwood. During their time together, the two appear to have forged a bond deeper than therapist/patient, which has led to a number of heated conversations, both within the Lynwood household as well as between the husband, John, and Dr. Manderez. Benson works his magic to hash out the truth of the prosecution’s case and insert some doubt before taking on the monumental task of trying to prove his clients’ innocence.
All the while, Tess de Vere, sometimes legal support to Benson, has been probing into her colleague’s past, sure that the pleas of innocence might ave some merit. There is an oddity at the crime scene, a bracelet that can be traced back to the Merrington family, which could open up many questions for all those involved. As de Vere probes deeper, she discovers a potential alternate set of events that could have led to the murder William Benson was convicted of committing. Can she bring it all to light without Benson knowing or distracting him mid-trial?
As Merrington tries to balance his role in Cabinet, he is eyeing a larger portfolio, possibly prime minister. However, some of the revelations within his family may derail that, unless he can get things in order. There is a polical waitng period and bluffing in order to get what he wants, but William Benson could be one pebble too many in his shoe. Talk of this family bracelet could cause Merrington many headaches, so it, too, must be explained away.
As the courtroom heats up and Benson presents his case, the alternate narrative comes to light, allowing the jury to ponder what could be true. Benson will stop at nothing to ensure it is all there for the court to see, even if it means taking some major leaps. In the end, the truth comes to the surface and no one is safe, as the jury is highly unpredictable. All that, with the truth about what happened the night Benson was accused of murder, offering new ideas on a case thought long resolved. John Fairfax is brilliant and had me reading well into the night (and early morning) to get the answers.
John Fairfax is one of those authors who crossed my radar by fluke, but must have been meant to enter my reading world. When first I read the series debut, I had little idea what I could expect, but was soon enthralled. Fairfax provides so much detail to all the subplots in the book, at times taking the reader on many journeys in tandem. The narrative is crisp and thorough, tackling all legal situations in their own way. Chapters build on one another and connect in ways I could not have expected. The two strong protagonists (William Benson and Tess de Vere) work their own magic and find ways of connecting, while pushing apart at the same time. Fairfax adds ongoing depth to William Benson, through his current legal career, as well as the apparent skeletons in his closet. Tess de Vere offers that investigative backstory that Benson cannot provide himself to get to the core of the past. The central legal plot is the courtroom case involving murder, which develops well, though is sometimes shelved for larger and more long-standing issues. With what came in the final chapters, I have no idea where John Fairfax will take things next, in the most recent publication. Stay tuned, as I am reaching for it now, hoping to devour it soon.
Kudos, Mr. Fairfax, for keeping me on the edge of my seat!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
March 9, 2020
This is a terrific addition to an underrated series.
I enjoy a good courtroom drama but they can become a bit formulaic. However, this series combines interesting plots with a great central character. William Benson was jailed for murder when a student and released after serving 11 years in prison. It tells of his struggle to become a barrister, and the ongoing question of his guilt or innocence. The cast of memorable characters, the compelling nature of the courtroom scenes and the Benson story arc make me wonder why these books haven't gained more popular attention.
This book delves into some of the lesser known dark elements of the Spanish Civil War. There are plenty of twists and turns before the end, and it made me delve into the history books to learn more, always the sign of a good plot. The audiobook was well read by Daniel Weyman, who convincingly captured a variety of different characters and accents.
This felt like something of a conclusion to a trilogy, bringing the story of Benson's past to an end. I really hope the author decides not to end the series here because I would happily listen to more.
I enjoy a good courtroom drama but they can become a bit formulaic. However, this series combines interesting plots with a great central character. William Benson was jailed for murder when a student and released after serving 11 years in prison. It tells of his struggle to become a barrister, and the ongoing question of his guilt or innocence. The cast of memorable characters, the compelling nature of the courtroom scenes and the Benson story arc make me wonder why these books haven't gained more popular attention.
This book delves into some of the lesser known dark elements of the Spanish Civil War. There are plenty of twists and turns before the end, and it made me delve into the history books to learn more, always the sign of a good plot. The audiobook was well read by Daniel Weyman, who convincingly captured a variety of different characters and accents.
This felt like something of a conclusion to a trilogy, bringing the story of Benson's past to an end. I really hope the author decides not to end the series here because I would happily listen to more.
June 20, 2020
So many twists and turns in the third instalment of Benson & De Vere’s plot.
Heart wrenching and transformative in equal measure. Crossing my fingers that this isn’t John Fairfax’ final instalment in this brilliant series?!
Heart wrenching and transformative in equal measure. Crossing my fingers that this isn’t John Fairfax’ final instalment in this brilliant series?!
March 12, 2020
This was by far the best of the books so far. They're well written, the characters are believable and interesting, and the book is full of ethical dilemmas. By far the best 'law' fiction out there.
March 14, 2023
Absolutely superb
June 11, 2024
You know how people always say the second book in a series is never as good as the first? This book is the exception to that rule.
April 8, 2025
One of the best constructed legal/criminal novels i have ever read.
April 20, 2020
Finally William Benson is free. Free of all the guilt and shame, of secrets and lies, of the ghost of the past and the wall he built around himself and his heart. Forced Confessions is the start of Benson as a person who learn about life in court the hard way. I love how the story of his past keep us guessing until the end. You can guess but you would never ever be sure of the outcome. It’s a really good read that shows real life is not black and white and the Law is flaw but what matters is the truth....not in court, not with the media, but within you. A good story with lots of thought provoking moments when life is bombarded with deception and manipulation. I love every characters especially Benson....he’s one of kind and I hope to see Benson and De Vere together again.
August 22, 2020
This is the third outing for William Benson and for me, this is the best of the lot. Books predominately based around the court room and intricate court dealings can get lost in unnecessary detail, but not here. The author navigates all this with a delicately balanced plot, also intertwined with details about the backstory for Benson and what happened for him to be commuted of murder.
The writing moves along at a brisk pace and is very well written, fleshing our characters and details with intrigue to go along. I would have liked maybe one more unpredictable twist just to round off what was otherwise a very good book.
The writing moves along at a brisk pace and is very well written, fleshing our characters and details with intrigue to go along. I would have liked maybe one more unpredictable twist just to round off what was otherwise a very good book.
March 16, 2020
I do hope this isn’t the last instalment in this underrated series. Ongoing storylines came to a head alongside a fascinating insight into nefarious practices in Franco’s Spain.
However it’s the court scenes which make these books stand out, with real edge-of-the-seat drama delivered in crisp, understated cross examinations. They’re quite brilliant.
If anything I wish that Benson’s personal story had been simpler, and the resolution less contrived, as the eloquent legal battles were far more interesting.
And Daniel Weyman’s narration was pitch perfect throughout.
However it’s the court scenes which make these books stand out, with real edge-of-the-seat drama delivered in crisp, understated cross examinations. They’re quite brilliant.
If anything I wish that Benson’s personal story had been simpler, and the resolution less contrived, as the eloquent legal battles were far more interesting.
And Daniel Weyman’s narration was pitch perfect throughout.
March 31, 2020
This feels like the third of a trilogy as you finally get to know the truth about Benson’s past which is done extremely well. I managed to fell empathy with all of the characters, including the ones who had played very wrong roles in what had happened to him. Amidst this, he is defending a husband who is accused of murdering his wife’s lover. Benson is sure he is innocent but both he and his wife are hiding some very obvious secrets. The resolution to this involves some dark parts of Spain’s history and does not disappoint (despite seeming to half way through). Highly recommended.
November 6, 2020
Truth, not Justice
Hugely satisfying third volume in the Benson and De Vere series of crime/court-room novels. As Benson skillfully dismantles the prosecution's certainty of the guilt of a wronged husband in the murder of his wife's lover, De Vere uncovers the truth about Benson's own past. Is the husband innocent or guilty? For that matter, what about Benson himself? All is revealed in a series of revelations, like a row of dominoes come tumbling down. The result - truth, not justice.
Hugely satisfying third volume in the Benson and De Vere series of crime/court-room novels. As Benson skillfully dismantles the prosecution's certainty of the guilt of a wronged husband in the murder of his wife's lover, De Vere uncovers the truth about Benson's own past. Is the husband innocent or guilty? For that matter, what about Benson himself? All is revealed in a series of revelations, like a row of dominoes come tumbling down. The result - truth, not justice.
June 22, 2020
4.5 stars
September 26, 2020
Couldn’t put down!
Fast paced; intriguing everything you would expect of John Fairfax and more. Is it to much to hope for that we will hear more from Benson and Tess?
Fast paced; intriguing everything you would expect of John Fairfax and more. Is it to much to hope for that we will hear more from Benson and Tess?
October 26, 2021
I think I would have enjoyed this book much more had I read the earlier novels in this series. As it was , I found it hard to sort out the different characters and their relationships to each other . William Benson, a barrister who once served a prison sentence for murder, is called to defend a man accused of murdering a Spanish doctor found dead in East London. The accused man's wife who was the doctor's counsellor, is further accused of perverting the course of justice. There are many secrets behind the murder, and Benson and his team have great difficulty in determining the real reason for the dead doctor being in London. I did enjoy the story once I'd got over my confusion with the large number of characters introduced early on !
July 10, 2021
This is a complex novel which apart from having a gripping story gives the reader much food for thought. It is knowledgeable about the English judicial system giving an insight into the way criminal proceedings work.
Multi layered with well drawn, convincing characters this is a story of the search for truth and justice at the same time questioning what they really are. I couldn't put it down as layer after layer is pared back revealing both the nature of the characters involved and the widespread tentacles of the story.
I haven't read this author before but I will certainly be picking up his other books.
Multi layered with well drawn, convincing characters this is a story of the search for truth and justice at the same time questioning what they really are. I couldn't put it down as layer after layer is pared back revealing both the nature of the characters involved and the widespread tentacles of the story.
I haven't read this author before but I will certainly be picking up his other books.
January 27, 2023
Forced Confessions is the third book in a series of legal thrillers featuring William Benson, a defence barrister with a conviction for murder. I love the premise of this series, and I’m glad to have finally read the latest instalment, especially because it is in this book that we finally find out the truth about Benson’s conviction. I also generally enjoy courtroom dramas, and this series is one of the best.
SPOILER ALERT
Four stars rather than five, because Benson’s innocence dampens the appeal of this series for me, which lies in its moral ambiguity and in its originality of starring a criminal barrister with a murder conviction.
SPOILER ALERT
Four stars rather than five, because Benson’s innocence dampens the appeal of this series for me, which lies in its moral ambiguity and in its originality of starring a criminal barrister with a murder conviction.
November 1, 2022
This did a good (and surprising) job of bringing to a close the mystery of who really killed the man for whose murder Benson went to prison. I found the other thread (the Lynwoods' trial) less interesting. Although there were some fantastic courtroom scenes, the actual solution to why the Lynwoods had acted as they did came a bit out of left field. I also felt the pacing of the book generally was off. It seemed to come to a bit of a disappointing end and then there were various twists and turns and eventually it petered out.
May 1, 2021
The third in the series about William Benson, a convicted murderer who becomes a criminal barrister. All three books are crime with a courtroom setting. This one features crimes committed during Franco’s reign in Spain, but it also successfully concludes Benson’s story and we finally get to know how he came to be convicted and rescued. An enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
May 23, 2021
The third in his Benson and De Vere series, I approached Fairfax' latest novel hopefully. I enjoyed the previous two, but felt it was time that the principal character started to move along a bit.
Well move along he did, with lots of previously hinted at issues now out in the open. Story threads that could have become tiresome were resolved and now I can't wait for the next book in this engaging series.
Well move along he did, with lots of previously hinted at issues now out in the open. Story threads that could have become tiresome were resolved and now I can't wait for the next book in this engaging series.
March 15, 2023
This series really is quite excellent (and thanks to the family members who gave it as a Christmas gift 15 months ago!). The secrets of why our convicted murdered-turned-barrister was thrown in the pokey to start with now come to light. It's a fun thread to unravel, but even that's just the background to this novel's murder case, which has roots all the way back in the Spanish Civil War. Great courtroom scenes never hurt. And even a little romance . . . ?
July 20, 2024
This book has the makings of a really good 6-8 part tv drama. I loved the parallel storyline throughout, and that i was constantly trying to figure out what the next move was. I really wanted more romantic intrigue between Benson and Tess and was left hanging right at the end which infuriated me slightly. But otherwise the book was great! Like seeing the other side of a crime fiction novel. Who knew criminal proceedings were so detailed.
January 22, 2025
Ah, such a great installment of such a great series. The Benson and De Vere mysteries are beautifully-written and well-plotted, with characters who are far from formulaic. Some passages are so heart-breaking that they can be painful to read. This series is an impressive accomplishment by an author who is retired barrister and knows his legal stuff, but who is also a fine writer. I do not hesitate to recommend.
July 24, 2023
with a 1/2
My first introduction to Benson and De Vere and I quite enjoyed this court room drama.
I do not think reading them out of order has/will impede my enjoyment of this series.
We attorneys just love reading court room dramas :: especially when the protagonist is a convicted felon now at the English Bar : Rumpole would have loved him !!!!
My first introduction to Benson and De Vere and I quite enjoyed this court room drama.
I do not think reading them out of order has/will impede my enjoyment of this series.
We attorneys just love reading court room dramas :: especially when the protagonist is a convicted felon now at the English Bar : Rumpole would have loved him !!!!
June 3, 2024
Third book in the series, many parts to the story. The series also shows how often where the evidence in court though "circumstancially" pointing to the accused as the guilty party who in reality in these cases are not strictly fulfililling beyond reasonable doubt stricture. Regretably a common failing of the curent jury system as applied currently. I now looking forward to complete book 4
May 18, 2022
I wondered what was going on when Benson’s latest case seemed to be over halfway through the book! The third in the series and so much revealed. Although each book can be read in its own right, I would encourage everyone to read them in order.
June 30, 2023
This was a little too convoluted for me. The plot was great - but a simpler version of the novel would be better. Benson and De Vere´s relationship is annoying and one loses patience with it in the end.
June 23, 2021
At last, i know all...or do I? Fairfax writes such engrossing, educative and clever page-turners with cliff-hanging clues to further revelations. Let's hope there's more to come.
July 27, 2021
The Benson and De Vere series is really underrated. I’ve enjoyed all the books so far but this one was a standout. I hope they get more attention.
January 6, 2022
A multidimensional story cleverly told. Entertaining, moving..and educational. This series is highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews