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The Trial Trilogy #3
The Coincidence
Joy Stapleton is Ireland’s most infamous prisoner.
She was incarcerated for two life sentences, after the bodies of her two young sons were found buried in a shallow grave in the Dublin mountains.
But she has always maintained her innocence, and argues the only reason she was ever arrested in the first place comes down to mere coincidence.
But it’s a coincidence that didn’t convince detectives.
A coincidence that didn’t convince a jury.
And a coincidence that hasn’t impressed the inmates of Mountjoy Prison.
That is until eight years into her sentence, when new evidence emerges, and everybody — including Joy’s long-suffering husband Shay — is forced into a rethink.
Take your seat in the courtroom for the retrial of the century… and see just how wide you’re willing to allow a coincidence stretch your beliefs…
She was incarcerated for two life sentences, after the bodies of her two young sons were found buried in a shallow grave in the Dublin mountains.
But she has always maintained her innocence, and argues the only reason she was ever arrested in the first place comes down to mere coincidence.
But it’s a coincidence that didn’t convince detectives.
A coincidence that didn’t convince a jury.
And a coincidence that hasn’t impressed the inmates of Mountjoy Prison.
That is until eight years into her sentence, when new evidence emerges, and everybody — including Joy’s long-suffering husband Shay — is forced into a rethink.
Take your seat in the courtroom for the retrial of the century… and see just how wide you’re willing to allow a coincidence stretch your beliefs…
- GenresPsychological Thriller
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2020
422 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
David B. Lyons
25 books140 followersDavid B. Lyons is an international bestselling author from Dublin, Ireland
He writes psychological thriller novels and has achieved No.1 rankings in the Amazon crime charts in Ireland, the UK, Canada and Australia.
Former freelance journalist David grew up in Dublin - the city his novels are set - but currently spends his time between Birmingham in the UK and the Irish capital. David is married to a Brummie, Kerry, and they have one daughter, Lola.
Before becoming a novelist David was a football writer, a celebrity columnist and a music reviewer. He has lectured in Journalism and in Creative Writing in colleges and universities in both Ireland and in the UK.
You can connect with David here:
Website: TheOpenAuthor.com
Twitter: @TheOpenAuthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorDavidBLyons/
He writes psychological thriller novels and has achieved No.1 rankings in the Amazon crime charts in Ireland, the UK, Canada and Australia.
Former freelance journalist David grew up in Dublin - the city his novels are set - but currently spends his time between Birmingham in the UK and the Irish capital. David is married to a Brummie, Kerry, and they have one daughter, Lola.
Before becoming a novelist David was a football writer, a celebrity columnist and a music reviewer. He has lectured in Journalism and in Creative Writing in colleges and universities in both Ireland and in the UK.
You can connect with David here:
Website: TheOpenAuthor.com
Twitter: @TheOpenAuthor
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorDavidBLyons/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 2, 2021
What can I say. Yet another fab thriller from David , once again I missed the clues throughout the book. This is the third book in the trial trilogy yet they can all be read as stand alones I Read this in less than 24 hours. Can’t wait for the next book from this author.
December 27, 2020
Another mind-blowing legal psychological thriller from David's magic pen! Constantly keeps you an the edge and makes sure you enjoy the ride.
An absolute must read!!!
An absolute must read!!!
January 11, 2021
I absolutely love books set in the courtroom for their high drama and edge of your seat thrills and David. B. Lyons delivers drama and thrills in abundance in The Coincidence, the third book in The Trial Trilogy. It's such very compulsive reading and once you pick it up, it's impossible to put down. David B. Lyons’ writing is so vivid and immersive I actually felt as if I was sitting in the courtroom; in fact it felt like I was in the judge's seat as the reader is privy to judge Delia's thought processes.
The case in this book is a retrial so the defendant, Joy Stapleton, is already in prison serving two life sentences for the murder of her sons. Joy was convicted after being caught on CCTV near to the burial site, however, Joy claims it wasn't her in the video and the image isn't clear enough to confirm this. New evidence is brought before the court to cast doubt on the person's identity in the video and a retrial is granted.
David B. Lyons paints such a vivid picture of life behind bars that my kindle virtually hummed with the underlying tension and the threat of violence. An extra layer of suspense is added by the reader first meeting Joy 3,000 days ago when she is brought to Mountjoy Prison and the days count down to the verdict. As if there wasn't enough tension already, the countdown clock made me put on my literary running shoes so I could race to the end of this very cleverly crafted and completely addictive book.
I had to take a few moments at the end of the book to gather my thoughts as I had so many questions flying around my head. Some of these questions could have been answered along the way if I'd read a bit slower, but once I sat down and thought it over I fully appreciated the brilliantly clever plot.
The Coincidence is so gripping and fast paced, I couldn’t put it down; you’d think it was made out of chocolate the way I completely devoured it. With clues to collect along the way, there’s so much to absorb and discuss which makes The Coincidence the perfect read for book groups. A fantastic book and highly recommended.
Thank you to David B. Lyons for sending me an ARC to read; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The case in this book is a retrial so the defendant, Joy Stapleton, is already in prison serving two life sentences for the murder of her sons. Joy was convicted after being caught on CCTV near to the burial site, however, Joy claims it wasn't her in the video and the image isn't clear enough to confirm this. New evidence is brought before the court to cast doubt on the person's identity in the video and a retrial is granted.
David B. Lyons paints such a vivid picture of life behind bars that my kindle virtually hummed with the underlying tension and the threat of violence. An extra layer of suspense is added by the reader first meeting Joy 3,000 days ago when she is brought to Mountjoy Prison and the days count down to the verdict. As if there wasn't enough tension already, the countdown clock made me put on my literary running shoes so I could race to the end of this very cleverly crafted and completely addictive book.
I had to take a few moments at the end of the book to gather my thoughts as I had so many questions flying around my head. Some of these questions could have been answered along the way if I'd read a bit slower, but once I sat down and thought it over I fully appreciated the brilliantly clever plot.
The Coincidence is so gripping and fast paced, I couldn’t put it down; you’d think it was made out of chocolate the way I completely devoured it. With clues to collect along the way, there’s so much to absorb and discuss which makes The Coincidence the perfect read for book groups. A fantastic book and highly recommended.
Thank you to David B. Lyons for sending me an ARC to read; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
December 20, 2020
Joy Stapleton was convicted of the murder of her two sons , Oscar aged 8, and l Reece aged 4. Their little bodies found by a dog walker two years after they disappeared..Joy has served just over eight years of her sentence in Mountjoy Prison on a double murder charge ..Now there is about to be a re- trial as new evidence has been uncovered. All this time Joy has sworn Innocence..claiming it's a coincidence. And Coincidence though sometimes volatile..is at other times a slow spark that can rekindle our destiny ...Joy has lost everything..her husband Shay, a celebrity footballer has only visited her twice...her best friend is testifying against her..With Gerd Bracken defending her in front of Judge Delia McCormick...this is Joy's only chance ...And with the main Detective who arrested her never doubting her guilt ...you just pray that the outcome is the right decision..But it's not just the main Detective who wants Joy put away ..There is so much more going on here ..And as the story flickers from the first day of Joy's arrest, through her years in prison..This is a story that will leave you stunned...Shocking , Clever ...And Brilliant ..The Councidence is Lyons masterpiece...
November 11, 2021
I was kind of disappointed with this one. It was very well written but so much like the curious case of faith and grace just with a different ending and instead of a juror being blackmailed it was the judge.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2021
Highly recommended
I absolutely LOVED this book and found it really hard to put down. The story and characters are still with me and I found myself thinking about them for a long time afterwards which is a rare thing indeed. As an avid reader and fan of the psychological thriller it is so exciting to find a new favourite author. David B Lyons is a genius and is now just that! I would highly recommend his books to anyone.
I absolutely LOVED this book and found it really hard to put down. The story and characters are still with me and I found myself thinking about them for a long time afterwards which is a rare thing indeed. As an avid reader and fan of the psychological thriller it is so exciting to find a new favourite author. David B Lyons is a genius and is now just that! I would highly recommend his books to anyone.
February 5, 2021
Again a gripping, mind-blowing book from David B. Lyons. Once I started reading I just couldn´t put it down. This masterpiece will send you on a wild ride and leave you completely stunned!
I actually needed some time to gather my thoughts and let it sink in before I was able to fully comprehend the genius plot. But yet again, as so many times before, I missed close to all of the clues throughout the book (although I was so determined to find them this time!) I loved how the author cleverly plays with the main topic coincidence! David B. Lyons is undoubtedly a master in his field!
I actually needed some time to gather my thoughts and let it sink in before I was able to fully comprehend the genius plot. But yet again, as so many times before, I missed close to all of the clues throughout the book (although I was so determined to find them this time!) I loved how the author cleverly plays with the main topic coincidence! David B. Lyons is undoubtedly a master in his field!
January 3, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and was so sad to finish it as I was happily lost in it.
I love the style of writing that all these books are in and never seem to be able to guess the ending.
Can't wait for the next book.
I love the style of writing that all these books are in and never seem to be able to guess the ending.
Can't wait for the next book.
January 3, 2021
Brilliant yet again totally missed all the clues!!!
January 3, 2021
Read in a day
Yet another fantastic read from David B Lyons, true to form he keeps you guessing until the very end, every one should read
Yet another fantastic read from David B Lyons, true to form he keeps you guessing until the very end, every one should read
April 11, 2021
No such thing??
I loved this book! It was a bit of a slow burner but once I got into it, I thoroughly enjoyed it. So many great characters to follow and despise! My only teensy criticism would be the number of spelling errors, but I am a bit picky that way. I cannot wait to download more books.
I loved this book! It was a bit of a slow burner but once I got into it, I thoroughly enjoyed it. So many great characters to follow and despise! My only teensy criticism would be the number of spelling errors, but I am a bit picky that way. I cannot wait to download more books.
December 28, 2021
Needs a better editor. Typos drive me crazy.
February 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this book by David. Joy Stapeleton is married with two young boys who suddenly disappear one day. She is charged with their murder and is sent to prison for two life sentences but claims she is innocent. After serving eight years incarcerated in prison new evidence is found. Some of the inmates make Joy's life a misery.
There are a lot of coincidences in this gripping psychological thriller, blackmail, more murders, drug abuse. There is no jury this time round only a judge who suffers from anxiety as this case has many coincidences and she has a big decision to make.
I loved the last piece of the jigsaw which the Judge's son accidentally reveals whilst he is in her chambers and sheds a light on the case.
I had to watch David's Q & A videos for a couple of his books including this one as he does like leaving clues and red herrings in them. I missed quite a few but when I watched his videos he does explain.
The only gripe I have with David's books is that if one is an advanced reader one would grasp the red herrings and clues. Also if one did not have access to the internet how would one be able to have the clues and red herrings explained as the reader has to work them out. I missed a couple of murders in this book which were I assume placed as red herrings. Also his previous two books in the Trial Trilogy court cases were too long drawn out. Coincidence was the exception mainly due to no jury and the characters were more entertaining.
There are a lot of coincidences in this gripping psychological thriller, blackmail, more murders, drug abuse. There is no jury this time round only a judge who suffers from anxiety as this case has many coincidences and she has a big decision to make.
I loved the last piece of the jigsaw which the Judge's son accidentally reveals whilst he is in her chambers and sheds a light on the case.
I had to watch David's Q & A videos for a couple of his books including this one as he does like leaving clues and red herrings in them. I missed quite a few but when I watched his videos he does explain.
The only gripe I have with David's books is that if one is an advanced reader one would grasp the red herrings and clues. Also if one did not have access to the internet how would one be able to have the clues and red herrings explained as the reader has to work them out. I missed a couple of murders in this book which were I assume placed as red herrings. Also his previous two books in the Trial Trilogy court cases were too long drawn out. Coincidence was the exception mainly due to no jury and the characters were more entertaining.
May 17, 2021
Ok, it was good
However, I had a few danglers I wanted answers to. Who was the woman in black? Why did noone make a fuss when the judge landed in the corridor? Did the accused really confess to Crystal? How would one kill Nancy? Wouldn't bedding be missed? Where was Aiden during the retrial if he was so loyal?
However, I had a few danglers I wanted answers to. Who was the woman in black? Why did noone make a fuss when the judge landed in the corridor? Did the accused really confess to Crystal? How would one kill Nancy? Wouldn't bedding be missed? Where was Aiden during the retrial if he was so loyal?
March 7, 2021
The Coincidence is by David B. Lyons. In this book, Joy Stapleton, a young Irish Mother, has been given two life sentences for killing her two young sons and burying them in the forest. Her husband, Shay, had been out of town at his second job when this occurred. He doesn’t know what to believe. The evidence is slight but the final nail in her coffin is that “a young woman was seen coming out of the hills the night her boys were killed wearing a distinctive pink jacket.” You don’t see her face; but there was only one of those jackets in Ireland and she had bought it. She is sent to prison and part of the book is how she adapts to prison life and gets the inmates to believe her. A highly visible lawyer takes her case on to get a retrial. The book focuses on the hearing by the judge as to whether or not to retry the case. The judge in this case is being blackmailed by photos of her son, also a respected lawyer, masturbating to porn. The person sending the photos wants her to find Joy guilty.
April 14, 2021
Of course, as always... an amazing book made by an amazing author... I want to read more... I just can't get enough... I always want to know what happens after... the story is so interesting... it makes me want to read so much more further... I don't know what to say because it is so good... The concept, settings, characters, and of course "coincidences" are on point... Maximum gratitude to Mr. David B. Lyons...
July 24, 2021
Must read!
Honestly I don't review a lot of books. Not because I didn't enjoy them but because I read some many quickly I don't take the time to review them all. But this one was so good I had to take time to review it. I am not going to say much about the story itself to not ruin anything. This is a very well written book. A plus to the author. I'm very impressed over all. If you like physiological thrillers read this one!
Honestly I don't review a lot of books. Not because I didn't enjoy them but because I read some many quickly I don't take the time to review them all. But this one was so good I had to take time to review it. I am not going to say much about the story itself to not ruin anything. This is a very well written book. A plus to the author. I'm very impressed over all. If you like physiological thrillers read this one!
August 26, 2021
Wow! I did not expect that!
Brilliant book, read from start to finish in one sitting-i literally couldn't put this book down, and knew that the story line would keep me awake other wise. So here I am, at 02:42, reviewing a book that that has made me gasp and swear in shock after reading the final chapter. A surprising twist that was totally unexpected.
Now I won't sleep because I'm going to have to analyse the book. Well worth a sleepless night though.
Brilliant book, read from start to finish in one sitting-i literally couldn't put this book down, and knew that the story line would keep me awake other wise. So here I am, at 02:42, reviewing a book that that has made me gasp and swear in shock after reading the final chapter. A surprising twist that was totally unexpected.
Now I won't sleep because I'm going to have to analyse the book. Well worth a sleepless night though.
September 22, 2023
Jean38no
Interesting book on an apparently true crime story. In the beginning of the book I kept looking for anyone to be the abductor and killer of the children. Working in social services most of my working career. I immediately thought the dad had somehow done it. Then I thought the best friend. I think because the author like the judge kinda pulls you this and that way. I just didn’t understand the judges decision in the end!
Interesting book on an apparently true crime story. In the beginning of the book I kept looking for anyone to be the abductor and killer of the children. Working in social services most of my working career. I immediately thought the dad had somehow done it. Then I thought the best friend. I think because the author like the judge kinda pulls you this and that way. I just didn’t understand the judges decision in the end!
October 17, 2024
Intriguingly addictive
Really good story that keeps you guessing up to the last page. I love the fact that the author leaves the characters with more stories to tell. It leaves the reader with a swirl of what happened next in their heads.
Don't get me wrong, the story wraps up, but the characters seem to stay in the mind long after you've finished reading the novel.
Great storytelling and immersive for the reader.
Really good story that keeps you guessing up to the last page. I love the fact that the author leaves the characters with more stories to tell. It leaves the reader with a swirl of what happened next in their heads.
Don't get me wrong, the story wraps up, but the characters seem to stay in the mind long after you've finished reading the novel.
Great storytelling and immersive for the reader.
February 1, 2021
Very well written and interesting story, I am sorry the anticipation of a retrial is taken away from the reader as the second chapter begins with the retrial so you already know she gets it, also did not care for the toing and froing from her life in prison to the retrial but then that's just me, but for all that I really enjoyed this book.
April 2, 2021
A good read
Enjoyed the book very much but did get a bit confused over the "final revelation" I did try to download the link with the authors video of explanation but haven't received that yet. Enjoyed the court section very much. Very realistic. Prison section quite dark and was glad when I could escape that part with Joy!
Enjoyed the book very much but did get a bit confused over the "final revelation" I did try to download the link with the authors video of explanation but haven't received that yet. Enjoyed the court section very much. Very realistic. Prison section quite dark and was glad when I could escape that part with Joy!
January 21, 2021
Fast paced run frolick
Totally unbelievable in every way but such fun to read. I like the way the author just gets in with the story. No lengthy descriptions. Lots of clues to look out for. I really enjoyed it.
Totally unbelievable in every way but such fun to read. I like the way the author just gets in with the story. No lengthy descriptions. Lots of clues to look out for. I really enjoyed it.
April 17, 2021
Based on True Events
A good read that will get your attention right off the beginning. You will keep asking yourself till the last page and after Did she do it didn't she ? Well written with great character development and a stunning plot.
A good read that will get your attention right off the beginning. You will keep asking yourself till the last page and after Did she do it didn't she ? Well written with great character development and a stunning plot.
April 18, 2021
Another amazing story. I can’t get enough of his books. Lots of twists and turns, clues to have you trying to figure out the ending, and surprises at the end. The characters are vivid and unpredictable. Great read.
July 28, 2021
Absolutely loved this book which looks into a murder trial of a mother who has been convicted of killing her two sons. A story of her time
In prison and being brought to retrial. The trial trilogy has been top marks from me.
In prison and being brought to retrial. The trial trilogy has been top marks from me.
December 28, 2021
Guilty, or not?
Being in prison for any crime wouldn’t be a good thing! Being there for murdering your two young sons when you know you didn’t do it is horrible! Getting a retrial is a miracle after more than eight years of incarceration! What will the verdict be?
Being in prison for any crime wouldn’t be a good thing! Being there for murdering your two young sons when you know you didn’t do it is horrible! Getting a retrial is a miracle after more than eight years of incarceration! What will the verdict be?
January 22, 2022
5 star reading
Hands down the absolute best murder mystery I've ever read. I loved the way the chapters all went from one character to the next .The count down from joys court date . The way your mind constantly changes is she innocent or guilty ... I love it .
Hands down the absolute best murder mystery I've ever read. I loved the way the chapters all went from one character to the next .The count down from joys court date . The way your mind constantly changes is she innocent or guilty ... I love it .
February 10, 2023
Coincidence
I was a bit disappointed with the ending. Did I miss something? Otherwise it was a good read ; I am going to watch the interview... and pick the next David B Lyons book to read.
I was a bit disappointed with the ending. Did I miss something? Otherwise it was a good read ; I am going to watch the interview... and pick the next David B Lyons book to read.
January 7, 2024
3.5 stars. Kept me hooked and I couldn't put it down, but I have questions that can apparently be answered if I watch an hour Facebook video. Prob won't do that. Supposedly based on a true story, but I couldn't find any info on that. Third DBL book....I may need a break.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews