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Murder at the Bailey
A notorious loan shark is shot dead, in broad daylight, right outside the front doors of the Old Bailey. The killer is arrested at the scene and Adrian Stanford is lined up to take on the toughest defence case of his career. Can he steer his client past the no-nonsense Detective Chief Superintendent ‘Iron-Rod’ Stokes, hell-bent on achieving a murder conviction in his last case before retirement? That’s assuming he can keep his client alive in prison long enough for the trial to go ahead. Can his illustrious defence QC, Patrick ‘The Edge’ Gorman, swerve the case past the acerbic judge known to all as Mack the Knife, whose own resolve is being tested to the limit by an adulterous wife? And why is London underworld numero uno Big Jake Davenport showing such a keen interest in the proceedings?
A wickedly eccentric cast of brilliantly drawn characters populate this daring debut from one of Britain’s top criminal defence lawyers. Dripping with sparkling dialogue and delicious wit, Murder at the Bailey is a masterly picaresque romp through the courtrooms, custody suites and London restaurants graced by the cognoscenti.
A wickedly eccentric cast of brilliantly drawn characters populate this daring debut from one of Britain’s top criminal defence lawyers. Dripping with sparkling dialogue and delicious wit, Murder at the Bailey is a masterly picaresque romp through the courtrooms, custody suites and London restaurants graced by the cognoscenti.
321 pages, Paperback
Published November 16, 2021
5 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Henry Milner
22 books2 followersHENRY MILNER Political Scientist affiliated with Laval University in Canada and the University of Umea, Sweden
See also: Harry Milner Wodson
See also: Harry Milner Wodson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 2, 2022
Henry Milner uses his professional background as a criminal lawyer to great effect here, providing us with insights in this courtroom drama, which I listened to on audio. It is superbly narrated by Mark Elstob, not once did he lose my attention, he made the disparate characters all come vividly alive, it is over 8 hours long. There is no mystery of whodunnit here, a notoriously ruthless loan shark has walked free from the Old Bailey, only to be shot dead in broad daylight and in front of numerous witnesses outside the court. The perpetrator is dressed in barrister's clothing and makes no effort to escape, just waits to be arrested. He asks to be represented by the well known lawyer, Adrian Stanford, who rushes back from holiday for his police interview.
Chief Superintendent Stokes is determined to get a murder conviction, he cannot bear the thought of losing, he is on the cusp of retirement after a long career in the police. The case seems cut and dried, surely the verdict is all but predictable? Particularly as the trial is going to be presided over by the judge known as 'Mack the Knife' known for his harsh hardline approach to defendents, but he is distracted by issues at home. And why is criminal underworld king, Jake Davenport, showing such great interest in the case? This is a fun and entertaining debut and listen which I think will appeal to many readers, with a great cast of characters, one of my favourites being Daniel and his uncanny ability to intuit and deduce answers to questions that baffle others. Many thanks to the audio publisher for this wonderful book.
Chief Superintendent Stokes is determined to get a murder conviction, he cannot bear the thought of losing, he is on the cusp of retirement after a long career in the police. The case seems cut and dried, surely the verdict is all but predictable? Particularly as the trial is going to be presided over by the judge known as 'Mack the Knife' known for his harsh hardline approach to defendents, but he is distracted by issues at home. And why is criminal underworld king, Jake Davenport, showing such great interest in the case? This is a fun and entertaining debut and listen which I think will appeal to many readers, with a great cast of characters, one of my favourites being Daniel and his uncanny ability to intuit and deduce answers to questions that baffle others. Many thanks to the audio publisher for this wonderful book.
December 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a proper insight into the criminal trial process from arrest through to trial with all the steps in-between as it’s written by an ex-defence lawyer. All the characters are well thought out with their own little intricacies and you can genuinely see this story playing out in front of you despite some of the absurdities within it. And can you actually imagine someone being murdered at the Old Bailey?! What a way to end 2024.
August 23, 2022
The case seems pretty straightforward, man shoots other man in front of the court, man confesses, man gets put on trial. Then why would a secret benefactor pay the six figure bill for the legal defence?
Fast paced story, but not too fast. The narrator gave each character its own voice, which made listening very enjoyable.
Fast paced story, but not too fast. The narrator gave each character its own voice, which made listening very enjoyable.
November 10, 2021
When I was invited to join the tour for Murder At The Bailey I was intrigued by the blurb and excited to try a genre that I am don’t read often, but also a little intimidated by how much seemed to be in the book. I didn’t need to worry at all. The chapters are short and punchy which helped the plot to flow well and despite a large number of characters, it was an easy read (in a good way) and so much fun.
One of the things I enjoyed the most was seeing the different roles for each character e.g. lawyer, defence, judge, detective and jurors. Criminal law and the processes involved in trials fascinates me and seeing the different aspects through the eyes of the characters was so much fun. Despite there being a lot of embellishment (I hope) for creative purposes, it is obvious that Milner really knows the system well and has a strong knowledge of law, and the people you come across.
The mix of characters was so much fun. The majority of them were shady but I had a great time trying to suss them out, link them together and figure out the endgame for all the different characters.
It’s been a long time since I read a courtroom drama and I really enjoyed reading Murder At The Bailey. Quirky, shady but fun characters, a glimpse into the criminal lifestyle and a fast moving plot made this a very entertaining read.
One of the things I enjoyed the most was seeing the different roles for each character e.g. lawyer, defence, judge, detective and jurors. Criminal law and the processes involved in trials fascinates me and seeing the different aspects through the eyes of the characters was so much fun. Despite there being a lot of embellishment (I hope) for creative purposes, it is obvious that Milner really knows the system well and has a strong knowledge of law, and the people you come across.
The mix of characters was so much fun. The majority of them were shady but I had a great time trying to suss them out, link them together and figure out the endgame for all the different characters.
It’s been a long time since I read a courtroom drama and I really enjoyed reading Murder At The Bailey. Quirky, shady but fun characters, a glimpse into the criminal lifestyle and a fast moving plot made this a very entertaining read.
September 16, 2022
I don’t really know how to describe my feelings about this book! I was very excited to read it but the narrative just did not draw me in and I found myself wanting to finish it more to know how it would end rather than because I was enjoying it so much I just had to know the ending.
The storyline follows a loan shark who was quite notorious and looked for, who is shot at the Old Bailey. The killer was arrested on the scene then we are introduced to Adrian Stanford who will be taking the case. There are several twists and turns and many characters with particular interest in this case.
I think I found the narrative, as mentioned above, a bit difficult to follow, and I wasn’t as hooked in as I had expected to be! I have read other crime novels and those hooked me a bit better. Somehow I found myself spacing out of the story and really not understanding what is happening.
However I will say that the concept and story is incredibly fascinating and I haven’t read a legal crime novel before that is set in London and got to see a barrister’s perception.
Not too bad of a listen but not one that blew me away either - so very on the fence about it.
The storyline follows a loan shark who was quite notorious and looked for, who is shot at the Old Bailey. The killer was arrested on the scene then we are introduced to Adrian Stanford who will be taking the case. There are several twists and turns and many characters with particular interest in this case.
I think I found the narrative, as mentioned above, a bit difficult to follow, and I wasn’t as hooked in as I had expected to be! I have read other crime novels and those hooked me a bit better. Somehow I found myself spacing out of the story and really not understanding what is happening.
However I will say that the concept and story is incredibly fascinating and I haven’t read a legal crime novel before that is set in London and got to see a barrister’s perception.
Not too bad of a listen but not one that blew me away either - so very on the fence about it.
August 12, 2022
With thanks to the author, publishers W.F. Howes, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
The author uses his experience as a criminal lawyer to great effect in this book, to provide a wonderfully witty insight into the goings on in a murder trial at the Old Bailey, both in the courtroom and behind the scenes. We also get a fascinating and entertaining window into the criminal underworld with its levels of authority, and how business is done there. The plot is well woven, while the characters on both sides of the law are well developed with their good and bad points. The dialogue is lively and entertaining throughout, in what is overall a very enjoyable read. Hopefully the author has some more gems like the sleeve of his barrister’s robe.
The author uses his experience as a criminal lawyer to great effect in this book, to provide a wonderfully witty insight into the goings on in a murder trial at the Old Bailey, both in the courtroom and behind the scenes. We also get a fascinating and entertaining window into the criminal underworld with its levels of authority, and how business is done there. The plot is well woven, while the characters on both sides of the law are well developed with their good and bad points. The dialogue is lively and entertaining throughout, in what is overall a very enjoyable read. Hopefully the author has some more gems like the sleeve of his barrister’s robe.
August 17, 2022
Murder at the Bailey is a fast paced, addictive read that tells the tale of a notorious loan shark who is killed in plain sight at the Old Bailey. Readers are treated to the full courtroom experience as the trial progresses and we meet numerous excellent characters as the drama unfolds along the way.
There are SO many characters in this book! Ordinarily that would make it tricky for me to follow, however, they are so expertly characterised that I feel as though I know them all. I love a legal drama, so I thoroughly enjoyed the story and found it to be a quick and easy read.
The narrator was excellent and I loved that he did so many different voices and accents, it really made the audiobook for me.
My thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.
There are SO many characters in this book! Ordinarily that would make it tricky for me to follow, however, they are so expertly characterised that I feel as though I know them all. I love a legal drama, so I thoroughly enjoyed the story and found it to be a quick and easy read.
The narrator was excellent and I loved that he did so many different voices and accents, it really made the audiobook for me.
My thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.
July 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! You can tell the person who wrote it is well versed in the criminal and trial world, this came across very strongly in this book. I always enjoy books that incorporate real trial action, when well-written, and this book more than fulfilled this.
Some interesting characters are developed in this book and the story moved along well with some very good plotting, and some good twists in the story as it moved along. This was a very good foray into the fiction world for this author and I look forward to reading more from him.
This worked very well as an audiobook, and I really enjoyed the narration.
For anyone who enjoys a good legal thriller I would definitely recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Some interesting characters are developed in this book and the story moved along well with some very good plotting, and some good twists in the story as it moved along. This was a very good foray into the fiction world for this author and I look forward to reading more from him.
This worked very well as an audiobook, and I really enjoyed the narration.
For anyone who enjoys a good legal thriller I would definitely recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 23, 2022
***Audio ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.co.uk in return for an honest review ***
The book starts with the killing of a well-known criminal right outside of the Bailey; the perpetrator was arrested at the scene, but seems an old suspect for this case and pretty mild mannered. There follows interlinking narratives explaining how we got to this point.
A really enjoyable 'yarn'! This book is fast paced and kept my interest throughout. The narrator did a really good job of distinguishing the characters from each other. I would definitely recommend this, particularly as a chill out but engaging holiday read.
The book starts with the killing of a well-known criminal right outside of the Bailey; the perpetrator was arrested at the scene, but seems an old suspect for this case and pretty mild mannered. There follows interlinking narratives explaining how we got to this point.
A really enjoyable 'yarn'! This book is fast paced and kept my interest throughout. The narrator did a really good job of distinguishing the characters from each other. I would definitely recommend this, particularly as a chill out but engaging holiday read.
August 26, 2022
A man is killed in cold blood outside the old bailey. There are witnesses and he has admitted he did it. But when the man he killed is a notorious gangster and not many people are upset he is gone, it's now time for some of the gangsters to help someone get away with murder.
This was an unusual narrative that intrigued me from start to finish, with great individual characters who each give a unique personality to this book.
This is not a novel I have come across before and one I really enjoyed.
I will be looking out for more by Milner.
This was an unusual narrative that intrigued me from start to finish, with great individual characters who each give a unique personality to this book.
This is not a novel I have come across before and one I really enjoyed.
I will be looking out for more by Milner.
September 10, 2022
What makes this book is the author’s unique ability to use his own criminal law knowledge to expertly give us a witty, entertaining narrative, weaving characters and their shenanigans to create nothing short of a masterpiece!
I loved this audio book! The narrator was also exceptional, bringing each character to life with such great accent.
This was a fast paced novel with short, immersive chapters and the best court room drama I have read for a long time!
Cannot wait to see more from this author.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an ARC. How thankful and lucky am I!
I loved this audio book! The narrator was also exceptional, bringing each character to life with such great accent.
This was a fast paced novel with short, immersive chapters and the best court room drama I have read for a long time!
Cannot wait to see more from this author.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an ARC. How thankful and lucky am I!
September 15, 2022
I absolutely adored this audiobook. Not only are the characters distinct and memorable, the narrator, Mark Elstob, did a fantastic job of bringing them all to life – you wouldn't think it was just one guy who was doing it! The plot itself was brilliant and twisting, and the author used his own real-world experience of criminal law as a solicitor to bring this fabulous story to life. I can't wait to see what Henry Milner does next. I particularly liked the Sherlock Holmes-obsessed junior barrister – I wish my powers of deduction were half as good.
November 20, 2022
Although I finished this, I do have some issues with it - mainly that it was too long and gave stereotypical portrayals for most of its characters. It needed more editing which would have prevented the story delving into unnecessary details. The narrator keeps things moving and provides distinctive voices for each character, which I liked, but they are stereotypical - gangsters, policemen, lovers etc. This made it feel dated and the details, slowed the pace so that everything plodded along at the same pace. This could have been more exciting, sadly its not.
March 31, 2025
I really liked this strange audiobook, which reminded me a bit of the Rumpole stories because of the setting in the British court. The audio narration is fantastic, fully differentiating a slew of characters. It's an open-and-shut case, you would think: David Dennis disguises himself as a barrister and shoots a notorious loan shark in front of everyone on the very steps of the Bailey, takes the wig off to make sure the loan shark knows who's killing him, and shoots him again, then waits around to be arrested.
Dennis has a note in his pocket with a lawyer's name on it. It's the best defense lawyer around. Someone else is paying his exorbitant fees to defend Dennis. We see most of the story from that lawyer's perspective, as the jury is selected and the case begins, coming before a well-known hanging judge nicknamed Mack the Knife. Dennis writes out a lengthy explanation of how he got to the point of murder, but otherwise we hear very little from the man himself. There's another important set of characters outside the courtroom, led by a blustering big fellow named Jake.
The courtroom drama and machinations are woven together with what happens outside. There are fun bits about Sherlock Holmes - the junior defense lawyer is a fan, and has honed his own skills at deduction, and reminds everyone of the importance of the dog who didn't bark in the nighttime at a critical point in the case.
I'll be looking for more books by this author.
Dennis has a note in his pocket with a lawyer's name on it. It's the best defense lawyer around. Someone else is paying his exorbitant fees to defend Dennis. We see most of the story from that lawyer's perspective, as the jury is selected and the case begins, coming before a well-known hanging judge nicknamed Mack the Knife. Dennis writes out a lengthy explanation of how he got to the point of murder, but otherwise we hear very little from the man himself. There's another important set of characters outside the courtroom, led by a blustering big fellow named Jake.
The courtroom drama and machinations are woven together with what happens outside. There are fun bits about Sherlock Holmes - the junior defense lawyer is a fan, and has honed his own skills at deduction, and reminds everyone of the importance of the dog who didn't bark in the nighttime at a critical point in the case.
I'll be looking for more books by this author.
August 21, 2022
Fun court crime thriller. A murder outside the Old Bailey, the murderer waits to be arrested and says I did it. What sort of a defence could there possibly be? That’s part of the story here with interesting characters and lots of humour. But there is a lot of philosophy under the cover about life chances and the affect this has on the person we become. Thank you to W F Howes Ltd and NetGalley for the audio ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
October 28, 2022
Stories in reverse can be very entertaining when done right. This one however did not do it for me. There were detailed descriptions of oddly specific things that added nothing to the story, while the main plot itself felt unevenly executed. It felt like the author did not care much about it , only used the plot only as an ill serviced vehicle to deliver his clever humor and inside knowledge about the legal framework.
December 17, 2022
A wonderful romp through the criminal underworld and most famous court in the land, full of underhand dealings and skullduggery amongst the defendants, jurors and barristers.
I absolutely loved listening to this, some real chuckle moments and each side does their utmost to out do the other. The characters were beautifully described and wickedly brought to life by a perfect narration.
Highly recommended. 5*
I absolutely loved listening to this, some real chuckle moments and each side does their utmost to out do the other. The characters were beautifully described and wickedly brought to life by a perfect narration.
Highly recommended. 5*
January 17, 2023
2.5*
I was so confused. What exactly is this book? Like it wasn’t a mystery, it wasn’t a thriller, there wasn’t much lawyer in court stuff. General crime? I thibk that is the main problem with this book. It was too meh. If it had increased any of the above, it would’ve gone down better for me. It wasn’t bad but it felt like a waste. I read this when I could’ve read something I’d have thought more about
I was so confused. What exactly is this book? Like it wasn’t a mystery, it wasn’t a thriller, there wasn’t much lawyer in court stuff. General crime? I thibk that is the main problem with this book. It was too meh. If it had increased any of the above, it would’ve gone down better for me. It wasn’t bad but it felt like a waste. I read this when I could’ve read something I’d have thought more about
August 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, it's a fast pace well developed mystery with very witty and interesting set of characters.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mark Elstob, who does a great job giving each character a very distinct voice. I would definitely listen to more audiobooks narrated by him.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mark Elstob, who does a great job giving each character a very distinct voice. I would definitely listen to more audiobooks narrated by him.
October 6, 2022
The narration of Murder at the Bailey from narrated by Mark Elstob is simply amazing and adds much to the book's enjoyment.
Henry Milner's expertly delivered story is really enjoyable and believable particularly since the author himself is a criminal lawyer. The humour content is very welcome.
Would thoroughly recommend this book and particularly the narration version to any legal mystery fan.
Henry Milner's expertly delivered story is really enjoyable and believable particularly since the author himself is a criminal lawyer. The humour content is very welcome.
Would thoroughly recommend this book and particularly the narration version to any legal mystery fan.
May 30, 2024
I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves courtroom drama. It's relatively fast paced and super engaging. It has a good sense of humour and some very likable characters (even the "villains"!). I have to say I wish there were a little more twists towards the end, but it doesn't stop the book being a total page turner!
May 31, 2023
There were so many characters and I couldn’t keep track of everything happening. The ending was dumb and it made the whole book feel pointless. It kept my attention just enough for me to want to know how it ended but I don’t think I would recommend it.
November 18, 2024
Really enjoyed this book, well paced to keep your interest and to keep the story moving on well.
Love the insight into the process of a murder trial. Sounds crazy but I love the fact that each character’s outcome was summed up at the end of the book so there were no loose ends to wonder about!
Love the insight into the process of a murder trial. Sounds crazy but I love the fact that each character’s outcome was summed up at the end of the book so there were no loose ends to wonder about!
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June 16, 2022Others’ reviews are much better than I could hope to write. These notes are for my own recollection:
Loved the English setting and humour
Loved the English setting and humour
September 22, 2022
More of a John grisham than a murder mystery but enjoyed it.
January 7, 2023
This was quite enjoyable and the person who performed the audio book was amazing.
May 7, 2023
Brilliant tale
Veteran criminal lawyer turned author has created a very entertaining tale of lawyers at the Old Bailey and London villainee. A very enjoyable read.
Veteran criminal lawyer turned author has created a very entertaining tale of lawyers at the Old Bailey and London villainee. A very enjoyable read.
June 3, 2024
More of a legal drama and a Why-Dunnit rather than a Who-Dunnit and Murder Mystery. Not really my cup of tea. Maybe someone who would want a casual John Grisham
September 25, 2024
Really gripped by this. Liked the style of writing, interesting premise, and felt realistic in the way it was written. Couldn’t put it down and enjoyed reading it.
July 14, 2025
This was grand! What a nice change.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews