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Maggie Bainbridge #1
A Matter of Disclosure
Meet barrister Maggie Bainbridge. Forty-two and with her dreams of taking silk long gone up in smoke, she's facing a depressing future defending low-lifes, pimps and petty thieves. Then out of the blue she's appointed to defend the teenage terrorist accused of carrying out a horrific attack on a London primary school. Facial recognition technology has proved beyond doubt that Maggie's client is guilty - until at the last minute, new evidence appears which blows the prosecution case out of the water. But just as Maggie seems to be cruising to victory, she is accused of lying to the judge. Within days her life is shattered as she loses her marriage, her career and access to her beloved son Ollie.
As she tries to make sense of what has happened to her, she realises that she has been the victim of an outrageous frame-up. With the help of damaged ex-bomb squad officer Jimmy Stewart and his dissolute DI brother Frank, she begins to unravel the terrible truth, a truth that leads to the highest echelons of power.
If you love Ian Rankin, Ann Cleeves and LJ Ross, you'll love this powerful character-driven mystery.
As she tries to make sense of what has happened to her, she realises that she has been the victim of an outrageous frame-up. With the help of damaged ex-bomb squad officer Jimmy Stewart and his dissolute DI brother Frank, she begins to unravel the terrible truth, a truth that leads to the highest echelons of power.
If you love Ian Rankin, Ann Cleeves and LJ Ross, you'll love this powerful character-driven mystery.
- GenresFiction
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2021
172 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 27, 2021
A Matter of Disclosure is a fast paced and fun little crime thriller book. I got the sense that the author enjoyed writing this book, and it seemed a decent amount of research had been done in regards to locations and court proceedings (or at least the legal aspects seemed convincing to me). On a personal level I enjoyed this book as a large portion of it was set in my hometown, and I've never read about the place I grew up in a fictional context. There wasn't a boring moment in this story and I was excited to find out how everything played out in the end.
That's not to say this story didn't have it's faults, as the writing often seemed dated and questionable at times. For example there were racist undertones I couldn't quite ignore throughout the book, with Maggie pressuring the suspect to remove her headscarf before court (yikes) and Muslim men being described as wearing "nightshirts" (big yikes). I hate to say it but there were occasions that I, as a female reader, felt uncomfortable. There were misogynistic undertones surrounding almost all the female characters, with "red shag-me stilettos" and "cheap tart" and "one fit bird [...] And still in good nick by the looks of it." This kind of wording sounded very much to me like something you would overhear in pub.
Overall though I enjoyed the story and would be interested to read more from the author and see how the story develops.
A copy of this book was provided to me as a part of an ARC, however I was not forced to write this review and any opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
That's not to say this story didn't have it's faults, as the writing often seemed dated and questionable at times. For example there were racist undertones I couldn't quite ignore throughout the book, with Maggie pressuring the suspect to remove her headscarf before court (yikes) and Muslim men being described as wearing "nightshirts" (big yikes). I hate to say it but there were occasions that I, as a female reader, felt uncomfortable. There were misogynistic undertones surrounding almost all the female characters, with "red shag-me stilettos" and "cheap tart" and "one fit bird [...] And still in good nick by the looks of it." This kind of wording sounded very much to me like something you would overhear in pub.
Overall though I enjoyed the story and would be interested to read more from the author and see how the story develops.
A copy of this book was provided to me as a part of an ARC, however I was not forced to write this review and any opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
August 7, 2021
Thank you to BookSirens for a free copy of this book. Please find following my honest opinion.
.
.
I very nearly gave up on this book. But, I am glad I persevered.
Let me introduce Maggie Bainbridge, an okay, but not brilliant lawyer. She is ambitious and hoping to become a QC. Maggie has been handed the job of defending a woman accused of driving a van into a bunch of kids outside a London primary school, and then remotely detonating the explosives in that van.
Maggie will do just about anything to get her client declared 'not guilty'. Not because she believes her client is not guilty, but because Maggie Bainbridge wants to win.
A few days before the final day of the trial she is sent a document that will overturn the prosecution's primary evidence and prove her client is not guilty. Thinking that she is about to put one over on her opposing counsel, she times her disclosure of this document very carefully to ensure she wins the case.
Part courtroom drama, part thriller, part who-dunnit. Not a bad combination.
While I found the first quarter or so of the book problematic, I am pleased I persevered and kept reading, as the rest of the book contains enough plot development and tension to keep you interested to the end.
What I liked about this book: Once I got past the first quarter or so (see below), the story line and plot were quite clever. We know what happened - but we don't know exactly why. Is someone trying to fleece up Maggie, or is it only ever about the accused terrorist? There was a clever application and solid explanation of the facial recognition technology upon which the story relies.
There weren't any sudden twists and turns that changed the plot, or any last minute bits of evidence that suddenly appeared, which is good. The story line and the characters under suspicion remained in play for the whole book. And what an objectionable bunch of people they really are. Rob Wylie created a cast of characters that you really just cannot like. Brilliant.
What I didn't like:
The writing in the first part of the book was all over the place. It was choppy, then it was fluent, then choppy. The character development was inconsistent. This could simply be put down to the author finding their way into the book.
I also could not find any sympathy with Maggie Bainbridge. I found her to be very unpleasant pretty much through the entirety of the book. I don't know if this was Rob Wylie's intent, as later in the book there are attempts to make Maggie likeable. But I just found her too self centred to be entirely credible even in those scenes.
Rob uses WPC throughout the book in reference to the female police constables. This has not been used in the UK for a very long time, and while the book is definitely contemporary, the use of this out of date acronym jarred every single time I saw it, and quite frankly put me right off.
However, all of that being said, ultimately this is an enjoyable book, and many other readers may not have my issues as outlined above.
Worth the read.
.
.
I very nearly gave up on this book. But, I am glad I persevered.
Let me introduce Maggie Bainbridge, an okay, but not brilliant lawyer. She is ambitious and hoping to become a QC. Maggie has been handed the job of defending a woman accused of driving a van into a bunch of kids outside a London primary school, and then remotely detonating the explosives in that van.
Maggie will do just about anything to get her client declared 'not guilty'. Not because she believes her client is not guilty, but because Maggie Bainbridge wants to win.
A few days before the final day of the trial she is sent a document that will overturn the prosecution's primary evidence and prove her client is not guilty. Thinking that she is about to put one over on her opposing counsel, she times her disclosure of this document very carefully to ensure she wins the case.
Part courtroom drama, part thriller, part who-dunnit. Not a bad combination.
While I found the first quarter or so of the book problematic, I am pleased I persevered and kept reading, as the rest of the book contains enough plot development and tension to keep you interested to the end.
What I liked about this book: Once I got past the first quarter or so (see below), the story line and plot were quite clever. We know what happened - but we don't know exactly why. Is someone trying to fleece up Maggie, or is it only ever about the accused terrorist? There was a clever application and solid explanation of the facial recognition technology upon which the story relies.
There weren't any sudden twists and turns that changed the plot, or any last minute bits of evidence that suddenly appeared, which is good. The story line and the characters under suspicion remained in play for the whole book. And what an objectionable bunch of people they really are. Rob Wylie created a cast of characters that you really just cannot like. Brilliant.
What I didn't like:
The writing in the first part of the book was all over the place. It was choppy, then it was fluent, then choppy. The character development was inconsistent. This could simply be put down to the author finding their way into the book.
I also could not find any sympathy with Maggie Bainbridge. I found her to be very unpleasant pretty much through the entirety of the book. I don't know if this was Rob Wylie's intent, as later in the book there are attempts to make Maggie likeable. But I just found her too self centred to be entirely credible even in those scenes.
Rob uses WPC throughout the book in reference to the female police constables. This has not been used in the UK for a very long time, and while the book is definitely contemporary, the use of this out of date acronym jarred every single time I saw it, and quite frankly put me right off.
However, all of that being said, ultimately this is an enjoyable book, and many other readers may not have my issues as outlined above.
Worth the read.
June 24, 2021
This novel is billed as a legal thriller, though there are elements here of a good spy story too.
The heroine, Maggie Brooks, at midlife is beginning to recognise that her husband Phillip was not worth marrying. She fears that her performance to date as a lawyer may be mediocre. At least she does have an unbreakable relationship with her you d son. But perhaps her most recent case, defending a young terrorist, will be the making of her? There appear to be loose ends that could destroy her opponent I prosecution, complacent Old Etonian Cameron?
In fact, she is the one who is destroyed. Leaked evidence has it that the case against crucial face recognition software was i formation she should have received weeks, not days, ago. When her terrorist client abscond to terrorise again, the papers hound her as the 'most hated woman in Britain.' After a breakdown, she even loses access to her son.
A year later, trying to pick up the pieces of her ruined life, she encounters ex bomb man, James Stewart. Working together a a newly-formed detective agency, they soon realise that not only was Maggie stitched up, but the case could conceal something far, far bigger. Especially when key players rapidly start getting murdered........
But will they, as amateurs, and even with police assistance, be able to get to the bottom of things without getting killed themselves?
Readers should bear in mind that the description of terrorist attacks can be quite graphic. The writer doess seem to have a good understanding about the kinds of skullduggery that might lie beneath the surface of UK political life, lending this story an element of gritty realism. There is also an implicit warning about the dangers implicit in the use of face recognition technology, from an espionage point of view.
The suspense is sustained, creating a pretty satisfactory page turner, and the reveal manages not to be massively far fetched either.
Hope to see more from this writer.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The heroine, Maggie Brooks, at midlife is beginning to recognise that her husband Phillip was not worth marrying. She fears that her performance to date as a lawyer may be mediocre. At least she does have an unbreakable relationship with her you d son. But perhaps her most recent case, defending a young terrorist, will be the making of her? There appear to be loose ends that could destroy her opponent I prosecution, complacent Old Etonian Cameron?
In fact, she is the one who is destroyed. Leaked evidence has it that the case against crucial face recognition software was i formation she should have received weeks, not days, ago. When her terrorist client abscond to terrorise again, the papers hound her as the 'most hated woman in Britain.' After a breakdown, she even loses access to her son.
A year later, trying to pick up the pieces of her ruined life, she encounters ex bomb man, James Stewart. Working together a a newly-formed detective agency, they soon realise that not only was Maggie stitched up, but the case could conceal something far, far bigger. Especially when key players rapidly start getting murdered........
But will they, as amateurs, and even with police assistance, be able to get to the bottom of things without getting killed themselves?
Readers should bear in mind that the description of terrorist attacks can be quite graphic. The writer doess seem to have a good understanding about the kinds of skullduggery that might lie beneath the surface of UK political life, lending this story an element of gritty realism. There is also an implicit warning about the dangers implicit in the use of face recognition technology, from an espionage point of view.
The suspense is sustained, creating a pretty satisfactory page turner, and the reveal manages not to be massively far fetched either.
Hope to see more from this writer.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 3, 2021
Edging 3.5 stars because, despite the improbable plot and stereotypes for characters, it was nicely written and an easy read.
Maggie is so desperate to prove herself that she accepts a gift horse of a legal defense brief of a terrorist, without looking deeper. This sets in motion a series of events, as a result of which her life implodes. In its rebuilding, Maggie sets up an investigative agency, and recruits Jim, a retired bomb disposal expert, as her side kick. In their first case they quickly discover evidence to suggest that there was more behind the terrorist trial than previously thought.
I liked the premise of this novel, and the writing style and pacing made it an easy read. The embryonic relationship between Maggie and Jim worked nicely, suggesting that the dynamic of this duo could sustain a series. There are issues, though. I mentioned an improbable plot, which I can live with if the rest of a book rewards you for suspending your disbelief. Unfortunately not, in my case. There were too many stereotypes in the cast list - the plain-speaking Yorkshire-born cop shunted off to a department for the difficult or useless; the blinkered and ineffectual senior police officer; the rabid red top journalist, to name a few. And then there’s the depiction of Maggie - second rate intellect, entirely lacking in critical thinking, actions driven primarily by emotions. The author did keep her consistent throughout the book, which is a skill in itself, but sadly, as a result, she began to annoy me. Not a good reaction to have with the protagonist. So overall, not for me, and it’s unlikely I’ll give the next in the series a go.
I received an ARC of this book for free through BookSirens. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
Maggie is so desperate to prove herself that she accepts a gift horse of a legal defense brief of a terrorist, without looking deeper. This sets in motion a series of events, as a result of which her life implodes. In its rebuilding, Maggie sets up an investigative agency, and recruits Jim, a retired bomb disposal expert, as her side kick. In their first case they quickly discover evidence to suggest that there was more behind the terrorist trial than previously thought.
I liked the premise of this novel, and the writing style and pacing made it an easy read. The embryonic relationship between Maggie and Jim worked nicely, suggesting that the dynamic of this duo could sustain a series. There are issues, though. I mentioned an improbable plot, which I can live with if the rest of a book rewards you for suspending your disbelief. Unfortunately not, in my case. There were too many stereotypes in the cast list - the plain-speaking Yorkshire-born cop shunted off to a department for the difficult or useless; the blinkered and ineffectual senior police officer; the rabid red top journalist, to name a few. And then there’s the depiction of Maggie - second rate intellect, entirely lacking in critical thinking, actions driven primarily by emotions. The author did keep her consistent throughout the book, which is a skill in itself, but sadly, as a result, she began to annoy me. Not a good reaction to have with the protagonist. So overall, not for me, and it’s unlikely I’ll give the next in the series a go.
I received an ARC of this book for free through BookSirens. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
March 15, 2021
An awesome book even though I have to admit to having a bit of trouble getting into it; but that was more my fault than a fault with the story. Having read the second book first, I had formed a certain opinion of the main character and the person I encountered at the beginning of this book was not the person I had connected with in the second. However, as events unfolded I began to see the character I came to know and the story quickly drew me in. I enjoyed seeing how the three main characters met and how their relationships developed.
This is a strong mystery with plenty of action, great characters, realistic setting, and naturally flowing dialogue; everything I look for and need in a great story. I only had two issues with this book, one that's about to drive me crazy and the other, not that big a deal. The first is that the series is called "The Maggie Bainbridge Mysteries", at least they are now. This book is subtitled "A Kate Haworth Mystery". When did the name change (because now on Amazon it too says "A Maggie Bainbridge Mystery")? What happened? Did Mr. Wyllie just decide to change character names in mid-stream? Weird. The other is that the book really needed one more editing read-through. There weren't a lot of errors but enough that I noticed.
I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series. I received a review copy from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion. I want to thank them and Mr. Wyllie for the opportunity to read/review this book.
This is a strong mystery with plenty of action, great characters, realistic setting, and naturally flowing dialogue; everything I look for and need in a great story. I only had two issues with this book, one that's about to drive me crazy and the other, not that big a deal. The first is that the series is called "The Maggie Bainbridge Mysteries", at least they are now. This book is subtitled "A Kate Haworth Mystery". When did the name change (because now on Amazon it too says "A Maggie Bainbridge Mystery")? What happened? Did Mr. Wyllie just decide to change character names in mid-stream? Weird. The other is that the book really needed one more editing read-through. There weren't a lot of errors but enough that I noticed.
I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series. I received a review copy from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion. I want to thank them and Mr. Wyllie for the opportunity to read/review this book.
May 21, 2021
Okay. I want to say formally that I loved this book. While the female protagonist was a self centred lawyer with some squishy ethics, when her world falls apart and she hits rock bottom, the better side of her nature comes into play and the reader cannot help but root for her. The male protagonist is a likeable sort from the get-go and the two together make an awesome team. And they are going to require every bit of resolve and ability they can muster along with the help of Jimmy’s brother to get to the bottom of a deadly conspiracy that only gets worse as time goes on.
It begins with a young terrorist bombing a school. Using facial recognition technology she is quickly arrested and Maggie is hired to defend her. This where things go badly astray and when there is a mistrial, Maggie is the one holding the bag, her life professionally and personally shattered.
Enter Jimmy. What starts as a divorce investigation reveals some very dark secrets that they need to take to Frank, Jimmy’s copper brother.
Without going into detail and ruining the suspense, what they uncover is some earth shattering information that then leads to even deeper conspiracies and violence.
This is a story that grips you by the throat and does not let go. Fast paced and riveting, it is the kind of book that leads to late night marathons.
I am now going to check out the author’s other work. This one was good. Very good. Five purrs and two paws up.
It begins with a young terrorist bombing a school. Using facial recognition technology she is quickly arrested and Maggie is hired to defend her. This where things go badly astray and when there is a mistrial, Maggie is the one holding the bag, her life professionally and personally shattered.
Enter Jimmy. What starts as a divorce investigation reveals some very dark secrets that they need to take to Frank, Jimmy’s copper brother.
Without going into detail and ruining the suspense, what they uncover is some earth shattering information that then leads to even deeper conspiracies and violence.
This is a story that grips you by the throat and does not let go. Fast paced and riveting, it is the kind of book that leads to late night marathons.
I am now going to check out the author’s other work. This one was good. Very good. Five purrs and two paws up.
February 15, 2021
I was made aware of this thanks to an ARC reading pool that I am part of. I enjoy reading crime as it is an engaging topic and usually an intelligent wild ride. In my honest opinion, the book was all of those things.
I enjoyed the legal aspect and knowledge that the author used to tell the story. There was abundant crime and lots of twists and turns. The scenes were intense and dealt with very heavy and disturbing things, I feel they dealt with these well. The intensity of these themes drove the plot nicely and enticed you to read on and figure it out.
Although, I do have to stress that it depicts themes of terrorism, one instance of sexual violence, and of course, murder. I did have some issues with the dialogue around and relationships between other religions and races, but I do feel that this reflects the personality, upbringing and maybe status of the characters. It is not surprising, and it is represantitve of real and existing attitudes.
The characters were real, well rounded and likeable, to an extent. To find out what I mean, you should read the book because it was a very interesting read, and you can make your own mind up about the characters and their actions.
Overall, if you enjoy crime, I would recommend this book as it was an engaging crime read. I read it in one day, I didn't want to stop!
I enjoyed the legal aspect and knowledge that the author used to tell the story. There was abundant crime and lots of twists and turns. The scenes were intense and dealt with very heavy and disturbing things, I feel they dealt with these well. The intensity of these themes drove the plot nicely and enticed you to read on and figure it out.
Although, I do have to stress that it depicts themes of terrorism, one instance of sexual violence, and of course, murder. I did have some issues with the dialogue around and relationships between other religions and races, but I do feel that this reflects the personality, upbringing and maybe status of the characters. It is not surprising, and it is represantitve of real and existing attitudes.
The characters were real, well rounded and likeable, to an extent. To find out what I mean, you should read the book because it was a very interesting read, and you can make your own mind up about the characters and their actions.
Overall, if you enjoy crime, I would recommend this book as it was an engaging crime read. I read it in one day, I didn't want to stop!
March 4, 2021
Great book - not so tense I could not get through it; even though I did have to hold my breath a few times! This book is a "who done it" and a "good gals/guys vs bad gals/guys" book. There were times I became annoyed that Maggie was being treated so badly by her (soon to be) ex-husband, the media, and the judicial system. Yet, her newly formed partnership with Jimmy Stewart (who happened to have a brother who was a Detective Inspector) brought some humorous situations in this compelling drama. While Maggie is trying to rebuild her life and new career, she and her partner are hired to investigate the financial status of a well-known political figure who is in the middle of divorce. Maggie and Jimmy don't know it, but they will soon find themselves ensnarled in a complex web of lies that will put their own lives in danger. The book depicts an effective portrayal of Maggie trying to rebuild her shattered life and the dangerous deceit surrounding the investigation of her client's well-known husband. Of course, rebuilding her life would not be complete with the mayhem of fighting her ex-husband for custody of their son, while at the same time beginning to suspect that her husband may even have had a role in her downfall as a barrister. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2021
Really enjoyed this book! Loved the story - it felt a bit different to anything I'd read before and it definitely wasn't the classic lawyer/police drama. It kept me engaged the whole time and I found myself thinking about it even when I wasn't reading it. The plot didn't feel forced or contrived, the flow wasn't too fast or slow, and there was the right amount of action.
I got on well with the writing style too and generally found it comfortable and easy to read. The characters were well developed and felt not only realistic, but distinct. I was rooting for people when tense moments arose and felt like I was there with them.
I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series!
Note: I received a free book review copy of this novel from the publisher but I wasn't forced to write a review. All thoughts are honest and my own.
I got on well with the writing style too and generally found it comfortable and easy to read. The characters were well developed and felt not only realistic, but distinct. I was rooting for people when tense moments arose and felt like I was there with them.
I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series!
Note: I received a free book review copy of this novel from the publisher but I wasn't forced to write a review. All thoughts are honest and my own.
March 20, 2021
I read the first two books out of order but that didn't really matter, these books read well as stand a alone as well. After the first few pages the story sucks you in and it is hard to put down. Just when you think you have it all figured out something happens and you are back to square one again. I certainly didn't see the true villain coming. I love the way the characters interact and develop. Rob inserts some humour with the character development. It really balances out the stress of the life and death mystery unfolding before your eyes.
I do not read a lot of UK authors just because I am not familiar with them. I am really glad to have found this author. This is a wonderful series. I am really looking forward to reading the next installment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I do not read a lot of UK authors just because I am not familiar with them. I am really glad to have found this author. This is a wonderful series. I am really looking forward to reading the next installment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 13, 2021
The evidence is stacked against Maggie’s newest client; there seems no doubt that he’s guilty on all counts. When new evidence surfaces, it seems Maggie is finally on her way to a winning case. Until she’s accused of lying, and her life suddenly hangs in the balance.
A bit of a chore to get into, Disclosure was definitely worth the effort. There are some interesting characters here and the tale itself is convoluted . . . and potentially deadly for our heroine. This is Wyllie’s first entry in this series and though it reads quite well as a stand alone, this is one of those times that you’ll become so invested that you’ll want ensure you read them all.
[I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book from the author through BookSirens, with no obligations to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
A bit of a chore to get into, Disclosure was definitely worth the effort. There are some interesting characters here and the tale itself is convoluted . . . and potentially deadly for our heroine. This is Wyllie’s first entry in this series and though it reads quite well as a stand alone, this is one of those times that you’ll become so invested that you’ll want ensure you read them all.
[I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book from the author through BookSirens, with no obligations to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
March 16, 2021
I must thank BookSirens for helping me discover this new author & Maggie Bainbridge series. I really enjoyed this book, especially since it was not my usual legal mystery & a bit out of my comfort zone. I have read some British mysteries, but this has more political & world issues. There are many characters, sort of hard to get them all straight, but mostly well developed & believable. I struggled with some of the British abbreviations & terminology, but also felt like I gained knowledge & was entertained. There are plot twists & I didn't figure it all out before the end. Book doesn't leave you hanging so that you have to read the next one, but I will definitely read.
March 18, 2021
An enjoyable read with some violence but it certainly didn’t put me off. I loved the three main characters and the way they all came together to work on the case. The ending had a great twist which I definitely didn’t work out so well done on that. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series, which I already have, but the only downside is that my main character in this book was called Kate Brooks, nee Haworth, and not Maggie Bainbridge that she now appears to have become, so it will take a bit of getting used to. My thanks to BookSirens and the author for letting me read and review this book voluntarily.
August 31, 2024
A pleasant departure from the normal detective. Barrister, Maggie Brooke, is a but of a plodder, but then she is handed a brief to defend a terrorist who has ploughed a car into gates of a school with devastating consequences. When Maggie sees an email that provides an opportunity to exact revenge on her opponent, she grabs it with both hands. This action, sets of a chain of events that lead to several murders, secret police depts treading on the toes of major crime units and the uncovering of the very worst of human behaviour. Parts towards the latter end of the book relating to procedure/plot are somewhat unlikely, but I really enjoyed it, looking forward to reading more in the series.
May 30, 2021
What a great story! An excellent and well-developed plot that I´m so glad it´s only a work of fiction! There are so many lies, deceit, and hurt, it doesn´t matter who will be affected by the actions as long as the culprits continue in power and get their share of the money. The story is also written with good humor in spite of, sometimes, the situations been difficult and far from happy. This is the first book that I read by Rob Wyllie and it has been a very positive surprise!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 18, 2021
Rob Wyllie packs a lot of action and plot twists into one story. I already read the second book in the series and then got this one to learn more about Maggie, Jimmy and Frank. As smart as Maggie seems, some of her actions in this book seem hard to believe, which is why I’m not giving it five stars. Also, there were a few typos. Maggie, Jimmy and Frank are a bit flawed but enjoyable as characters. This particular story has some gore, so be forewarned. The humor and lighter parts of the story balances it out. Very good work, Mr. Wyllie.
September 27, 2021
3.5 .. I enjoyed story although found some aspects a bit of a stretch; Maggie is vulnerable and seemingly not that good at her job yet she shows some uncharacteristic behaviours … physically fighting, analysing details, etc. Jimmy similarly although perhaps his story will be better fleshed out in a later story. Premise of terrorist activity, family connections interesting and a change to be reading of a flawed lawyer rather than flawed detective. I would read a follow up.
July 20, 2022
Ignore first 3 chapters
The first three chapters had me reaching for the end button. I did carry on reading and was pleasantly surprised at the rest of the book. It had a good storyline finally and believable characters too. Loved the middle of the book but the ending was even better. I recommend this book.
The first three chapters had me reaching for the end button. I did carry on reading and was pleasantly surprised at the rest of the book. It had a good storyline finally and believable characters too. Loved the middle of the book but the ending was even better. I recommend this book.
January 21, 2021
Good reading legal thriller. This was my first book by this author. I plan to read more of the series. The story line held my interest and it was unique. The characters are well developed. Thanks to the author, I received a copy of this book. This review is voluntary.
April 20, 2021
Well-written whodunnit
Very interesting murder mystery set in England. Grabs you right from the start with a terrorist attack. Sympathetic characters with emotional backstories. First in a series. Free on Kindle Unlimited.
Very interesting murder mystery set in England. Grabs you right from the start with a terrorist attack. Sympathetic characters with emotional backstories. First in a series. Free on Kindle Unlimited.
July 8, 2021
I am voluntarily leaving this review of a free ARC because I genuinely enjoyed every moment I spent with Maggie and friends. I've always been intrigued trying to figure out who is pulling whose strings and why. Maggie and friends make it seem easy.
March 28, 2023
A Fast Moving Great Read!
Loved the main characters with all their little flaws. A fast moving story with lots of emotions . The main characters all all beautifully drawn . Away to read the next in the series.
Loved the main characters with all their little flaws. A fast moving story with lots of emotions . The main characters all all beautifully drawn . Away to read the next in the series.
September 11, 2024
Death after Dinner
I really couldn’t get into the book until I was about three quarters of the way through it but then it began to get really interesting . So did enjoy it but don’t know if I would read any more of the series
I really couldn’t get into the book until I was about three quarters of the way through it but then it began to get really interesting . So did enjoy it but don’t know if I would read any more of the series
January 15, 2021
Great legal thriller. This was my first book by this author but definitely won’t be the last. There was a great amount of mystery and characters. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
August 19, 2021
Great read
Original plot and characters with pacy action.
Highly recommended. Starting to follow this author .
Very enjoyable thriller for Maggie Bainbridge fans.
Original plot and characters with pacy action.
Highly recommended. Starting to follow this author .
Very enjoyable thriller for Maggie Bainbridge fans.
March 26, 2022
Excellent, excellent,excellent. Had all the things I enjoy in a book, gossip, a tough woman, a nasty husband and murder. Got to love the characters very quickly. Glad I stuck with the first part of the book as it all came together in the second part. Looking forward to the rest, hope they don't disappoint.
October 22, 2022
an excellent read
Intriguing plots all the way through but easy to read and difficult to put down. Well worth the download and will definitely read the next
Intriguing plots all the way through but easy to read and difficult to put down. Well worth the download and will definitely read the next
November 25, 2024
Excellent read!
Keeps you guessing till the end. Believable characters and plot.Well worth reading. Will now work my way through the series.
Keeps you guessing till the end. Believable characters and plot.Well worth reading. Will now work my way through the series.
March 29, 2025
Almost five stars
There were places where the storyline jumped forward too quickly, I personally would have liked these gaps filled.
Overall a very good read though.
There were places where the storyline jumped forward too quickly, I personally would have liked these gaps filled.
Overall a very good read though.
November 22, 2025
Couldn’t finish it. It didn’t hold my interest.
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