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Charles Holborne #6
Force of Evil
Charles Holborne is back in another tricky mystery! Perfect for fans of John Grisham, Robert Bailey, Michael Connelly and Robert Dugoni.
A seemingly simple case leads Charles to a shocking discovery…
London, 1965
After a series of successful cases, Charles Holborne’s reputation is on the rise.
He is asked to work pro bono to represent a widow in a recent accidental death case.
The deceased was a Sergeant Maynard, an RAF policeman who worked at the Cardington base in Bedfordshire.
It seems his death was the result of a tragic motorcycle collision, but Mrs Maynard insists her husband was murdered.
Though sceptical at first, Charles soon realises she could be right.
And as he delves further, he realises that the RAF base could be the centre of a much bigger criminal undertaking…
As rifts in the corrupt Metropolitan Police are revealed, and the threats to Charles and those he loves escalate, he begins to wonder — has he finally bitten off more than he can chew?
FORCE OF EVIL is the sixth crime novel in an exciting historical series, the Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers — gritty, hard-boiled mysteries set in 1960s London.
‘The Charles Holborne series is going from strength to strength. Riveting, gripping and breathtaking, Force of Evil is a stunning novel that had my heart racing and my palms sweating as the threats and danger increased. It isn't just unputdownable, it's completely unmissable; this is crime writing at its finest.’ – The Book Magnet Blog
THE CHARLES HOLBORNE LEGAL THRILLERS SERIES
BOOK The Brief
BOOK An Honest Man
BOOK The Lighterman
BOOK Corrupted
BOOK The Waxwork Corpse
BOOK Force of Evil
BOOK The Final Shot
BOOK Nothing But The Truth
A seemingly simple case leads Charles to a shocking discovery…
London, 1965
After a series of successful cases, Charles Holborne’s reputation is on the rise.
He is asked to work pro bono to represent a widow in a recent accidental death case.
The deceased was a Sergeant Maynard, an RAF policeman who worked at the Cardington base in Bedfordshire.
It seems his death was the result of a tragic motorcycle collision, but Mrs Maynard insists her husband was murdered.
Though sceptical at first, Charles soon realises she could be right.
And as he delves further, he realises that the RAF base could be the centre of a much bigger criminal undertaking…
As rifts in the corrupt Metropolitan Police are revealed, and the threats to Charles and those he loves escalate, he begins to wonder — has he finally bitten off more than he can chew?
FORCE OF EVIL is the sixth crime novel in an exciting historical series, the Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers — gritty, hard-boiled mysteries set in 1960s London.
‘The Charles Holborne series is going from strength to strength. Riveting, gripping and breathtaking, Force of Evil is a stunning novel that had my heart racing and my palms sweating as the threats and danger increased. It isn't just unputdownable, it's completely unmissable; this is crime writing at its finest.’ – The Book Magnet Blog
THE CHARLES HOLBORNE LEGAL THRILLERS SERIES
BOOK The Brief
BOOK An Honest Man
BOOK The Lighterman
BOOK Corrupted
BOOK The Waxwork Corpse
BOOK Force of Evil
BOOK The Final Shot
BOOK Nothing But The Truth
401 pages, Paperback
Published November 2, 2020
75 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Simon Michael
17 books67 followersI am the author of the semi-autobiographical Charles Holborne crime and courtroom drama series. I'm sometimes referred to as the “British John Grisham”. The series, currently nine books, is based on my East End Cockney roots and my 37 years as a barrister (trial attorney) during which I prosecuted and defended every sort of villainy, from murder to rape, to armed robbery. Set in 1960s gangland London, the thrillers feature the big political events and cases of the day, as we moved from crumbling Empire and grey post-war rationing, to the Kray twins, Profumo, Carnaby Street, flower power, sex drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. The books are populated by the mad judges, corrupt coppers, lying clients and charming rogues I encountered during what was the Wild West of British Justice. As Sir Robert Mark, a later Commissioner of Metropolitan Police was to say:."The CID was the most routinely corrupt organisation in London”, and so it was. But it sure was exciting for those in the trenches. I hope you'll enjoy the ride.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 2, 2020
Force of Evil is the sixth instalment in the Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers series, set in 1960s London. It is not necessary to have read any of the preceding books to enjoy this one as the case is self-contained and enough background is provided on the characters to bring new readers up to speed. When the widow of a Royal Air Force (RAF) policeman, who was stationed at Cardington in Bedfordshire, contacts Charles about the untimely death of her husband, he decides to take the case pro bono. It initially appears that the death of Sergeant Maynard was a tragic accident, however, a clandestine investigation, led by the RAF, into the incident indicates that it is likely there was a nefarious element to what happened. Mrs Maynard is adamant her husband was murdered and as Charles uncovers more and more information that supports her theory he and his family begin to receive threats and is told in no uncertain terms to leave the case well alone.
Meanwhile, Charles’s personal life is as complicated as ever. He regrets cutting off his relationship with former partner Sally and takes to writing her letters about his quotidian life in the hope that his anecdotes will woo her back into his arms. Charles’s mother, Millie, is beginning to fade as a person due to health issues, which is sad, and Charles must juggle helping out his parents alongside brother David and his caseload. This is a riveting, engaging and thoroughly engrossing historical thriller, which is the best of the series so far. Michael’s descriptive prose immerses you in the setting of 60s London and the case feels authentic as it is based on a true story; it is also informed by Michael’s own experiences as a barrister. Needless to say, the courtroom scenes and dialogue also ring true and are realistic, not to mention exciting. An enthralling, gripping and thoroughly entertaining read and one I highly recommend. Many thanks to Sapere Books for an ARC.
Meanwhile, Charles’s personal life is as complicated as ever. He regrets cutting off his relationship with former partner Sally and takes to writing her letters about his quotidian life in the hope that his anecdotes will woo her back into his arms. Charles’s mother, Millie, is beginning to fade as a person due to health issues, which is sad, and Charles must juggle helping out his parents alongside brother David and his caseload. This is a riveting, engaging and thoroughly engrossing historical thriller, which is the best of the series so far. Michael’s descriptive prose immerses you in the setting of 60s London and the case feels authentic as it is based on a true story; it is also informed by Michael’s own experiences as a barrister. Needless to say, the courtroom scenes and dialogue also ring true and are realistic, not to mention exciting. An enthralling, gripping and thoroughly entertaining read and one I highly recommend. Many thanks to Sapere Books for an ARC.
September 24, 2020
The Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers is a series I just can't get enough of and I couldn't wait to catch up with barrister Charles Holborne in the sixth instalment, Force of Evil, to see what scrapes he gets himself into this time. This is a book that you could definitely read as a standalone as Simon Michael brilliantly touches on a few elements from previous books so any new Charles Holborne readers won't feel like they're missing something and fans of the series will be reminded of certain events.
It was only 4 years ago that I read The Brief (the first book in the Charles Holborne series) and said that it was BritCrime at it's very best. Well, BritCrime just got better! Force of Evil is simply outstanding. Not only does Charles have an intriguing case to defend, but he has so much going on in his personal life that it's a wonder he isn't dizzy.
Charles takes on a pro bono case when he is contacted by the widow of an RAF serviceman; the death appears to be an accident but a secret RAF investigation into the incident shows that there is more to it than meets the eye. As Charles and his Irish policeman friend start to dig into Sergeant Maynard's death, they unwittingly put themselves and their loved ones in danger as someone wants to silence them at any cost.
If you've read any of the Charles Holborne series before, you'll know that Charles has a complicated love life and an even more complicated relationship with his mother. Charles realises that he made a mistake letting Sally go and I love that he starts writing letters to her, sharing stories from his day in the hope of rekindling their romance. I really have my fingers crossed for this couple. Charles' mother isn't as much of a battleaxe as we're used to in Force of Evil as her health is starting to fail. Millie may not have been the best mother but Charles remains the devoted son as he and his brother David do all that they can to help their parents.
The Charles Holborne series is going from strength to strength and long may it continue. Simon Michael is a storyteller extraordinaire, fully immersing the reader in 1960's London through his riveting, enthralling and beautifully descriptive writing. The courtroom scenes written by Simon Michael remain the best I've ever read as the reader sees all aspects of the trial through Charles Holborne's eyes.
As with the other Charles Holborne thrillers, Force of Evil is based on a true story and that is what makes it quite extraordinary. Simon Michael brings these long forgotten events to light through his magnificent storytelling and yet again produces an unputdownable book. This could be Charles Holborne's trickiest case yet as he is pitted against those who are meant to uphold the law.
Riveting, gripping and breathtaking, Force of Evil is a stunning novel that had my heart racing and my palms sweating as the threats and danger increased. Force of Evil isn't just unputdownable, it's completely unmissable; this is crime writing at its finest.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
It was only 4 years ago that I read The Brief (the first book in the Charles Holborne series) and said that it was BritCrime at it's very best. Well, BritCrime just got better! Force of Evil is simply outstanding. Not only does Charles have an intriguing case to defend, but he has so much going on in his personal life that it's a wonder he isn't dizzy.
Charles takes on a pro bono case when he is contacted by the widow of an RAF serviceman; the death appears to be an accident but a secret RAF investigation into the incident shows that there is more to it than meets the eye. As Charles and his Irish policeman friend start to dig into Sergeant Maynard's death, they unwittingly put themselves and their loved ones in danger as someone wants to silence them at any cost.
If you've read any of the Charles Holborne series before, you'll know that Charles has a complicated love life and an even more complicated relationship with his mother. Charles realises that he made a mistake letting Sally go and I love that he starts writing letters to her, sharing stories from his day in the hope of rekindling their romance. I really have my fingers crossed for this couple. Charles' mother isn't as much of a battleaxe as we're used to in Force of Evil as her health is starting to fail. Millie may not have been the best mother but Charles remains the devoted son as he and his brother David do all that they can to help their parents.
The Charles Holborne series is going from strength to strength and long may it continue. Simon Michael is a storyteller extraordinaire, fully immersing the reader in 1960's London through his riveting, enthralling and beautifully descriptive writing. The courtroom scenes written by Simon Michael remain the best I've ever read as the reader sees all aspects of the trial through Charles Holborne's eyes.
As with the other Charles Holborne thrillers, Force of Evil is based on a true story and that is what makes it quite extraordinary. Simon Michael brings these long forgotten events to light through his magnificent storytelling and yet again produces an unputdownable book. This could be Charles Holborne's trickiest case yet as he is pitted against those who are meant to uphold the law.
Riveting, gripping and breathtaking, Force of Evil is a stunning novel that had my heart racing and my palms sweating as the threats and danger increased. Force of Evil isn't just unputdownable, it's completely unmissable; this is crime writing at its finest.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
January 19, 2024
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
October 29, 2020
I started reading the Charles Holborn legal thriller series a few years ago. They are set in 1960s London at the time of the Krays and all 6 books including this one have been excellent reads which draw you in from page one.
Force of Evil was even better than the previous books if that is possible.
The author introduces some interesting new characters including Dr Alexandra, an exiled South African which enables him to discuss the political situation there as well as the racial prejudice around in London at the time. Both Charles and Alexandra also suffer from casual and institutional antisemitism. Unfortunately this racism and antisemitism is still around today, more than 50 years later.
I couldn’t put this book down, the plot was fast moving, the characters were well drawn and the storyline about the theft of RAF property leading to murder rang true. As the author mentions at the end of the book this is based on a real case!
The courtroom scenes were outstanding and I held my breath at this point in the novel- I almost felt as if I was there myself in the Old Bailey.
This is such a good series and comes highly recommended, particularly if you like legal thrillers. The fact that it is set in the 1960s gives it an added dimension. So much was different in those days including police corruption and the way investigations were conducted without the help of technology.
A great read which is worth every one of the five stars I’m giving it. Hurry up and write the next instalment Mr Michael!
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
Force of Evil was even better than the previous books if that is possible.
The author introduces some interesting new characters including Dr Alexandra, an exiled South African which enables him to discuss the political situation there as well as the racial prejudice around in London at the time. Both Charles and Alexandra also suffer from casual and institutional antisemitism. Unfortunately this racism and antisemitism is still around today, more than 50 years later.
I couldn’t put this book down, the plot was fast moving, the characters were well drawn and the storyline about the theft of RAF property leading to murder rang true. As the author mentions at the end of the book this is based on a real case!
The courtroom scenes were outstanding and I held my breath at this point in the novel- I almost felt as if I was there myself in the Old Bailey.
This is such a good series and comes highly recommended, particularly if you like legal thrillers. The fact that it is set in the 1960s gives it an added dimension. So much was different in those days including police corruption and the way investigations were conducted without the help of technology.
A great read which is worth every one of the five stars I’m giving it. Hurry up and write the next instalment Mr Michael!
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2020
What a great story. There aren't many authors where I will tell family to make sure you read them but Simon Michael is one of those. Although I thought it started a bit slowly it quickly took off and get me turning the pages. The stories of police corruption make your hair curl but take you back to a different time. Thanks for the ARC. Highly recommend this series
January 28, 2022
I have come to adore this series of books set in London in the 1960's. Simon has a great descriptive style especially when painting the scenes of life and work in and around the judiciary in London and how post war London is still struggling some 20 years later. Police corruption is rife and the infamous Kray twins seem to be at the centre of everything. This story tells of an investigation into serial thefts from an RAF base and the cover up of a murder. Charles who is the main character, always ends up involved in scenarios which he should be avoiding but has to see justice done. Although the book may be read on its own, I would strongly advise reading them all as for me they have become quite addictive!
July 1, 2024
Another cracking read in a series I am getting addicted to. This time the focus is on institutional police corruption in the 1960s London Met, and the storyline is as authentic and gripping as ever. With any other author I might have been sceptical about the plausibility of the shattering court room denouement, but I respect Simon Michael’s legal experience and knowledge and so was happy to take this on trust. The only thing I wasn’t keen on was all the space given (particularly towards the end) to the resurrection of Charles’s relationship with Sally, but other readers seem to like this so I may have to accept that mine is just a minority opinion. In any event, I’ve already bought the next book in the series and can’t wait to read it.
November 1, 2023
Another brilliant listen great story lots of various characters who are all enthralling I love all the streets mentioned as I live around the North London area so I'm quite familiar with them again the narrator is brilliant what I love is how he tells the story so elegantly no deep voices for men or high pitched for women a credit to the author they really work hand in hand so now it's on the next one in the series can't wait let's go !!!
April 22, 2021
Open and shut case. Guilty of being the best yet.
This is the sixth book in the Charles Holborne series and they have just got better and better. Which is quite an achievement when the first book in the series was excellent.
This latest outing sets a new benchmark for Mr. Michael. Superb storytelling and the usual exceptional characterization. Highly recommended.
This is the sixth book in the Charles Holborne series and they have just got better and better. Which is quite an achievement when the first book in the series was excellent.
This latest outing sets a new benchmark for Mr. Michael. Superb storytelling and the usual exceptional characterization. Highly recommended.
August 18, 2024
Another great romp
I have a soft spot to mid century period fiction, and Simon does it brilliantly. Charlie Holborne/Horowitz is a wonderful endearing and enduring character who I throughly enjoy. This was well paced and kept me turning the pages. I love the glimpses into the legal profession, and policing during those simpler times.
I have a soft spot to mid century period fiction, and Simon does it brilliantly. Charlie Holborne/Horowitz is a wonderful endearing and enduring character who I throughly enjoy. This was well paced and kept me turning the pages. I love the glimpses into the legal profession, and policing during those simpler times.
February 16, 2022
Another fabulous book in an outstanding series. I know the series is true to life, I had a friend, who worked for the Krays, and from what he told me of those times, I can vouch for their authenticity.
June 14, 2023
Another cracker from Simon Michael. I’ve now read 6 in a row and have the last 2 Holborne novels waiting to be read. I was born in London in 1960 and have always had a fascination with the Krays, the train robbers and the era in general and have found these books to be a delight.
May 26, 2025
Continuing my platonic love affair with this author
Another great read from this clever author. The plot twists and turns finally coming to conclusion with a nail biting well written end.
Already have the next book and can't wait to start reading.
Another great read from this clever author. The plot twists and turns finally coming to conclusion with a nail biting well written end.
Already have the next book and can't wait to start reading.
December 2, 2021
I really enjoyed the uninterrupted storyline in this book, which really built up the sense of tension as the story unfolded. Solidly plotted and very enjoyable.
October 15, 2022
excellent
Characters really come to life. Some real twists and turns. Difficult to put down.
Touch of romance for colour and a window into the world of the Krays
Characters really come to life. Some real twists and turns. Difficult to put down.
Touch of romance for colour and a window into the world of the Krays
March 2, 2023
These just get better and better. The fact they are 'based' on true events make them even more enjoyable. Glad Charles has sorted out his love life!
December 30, 2020
Another book in the Charles Holborne series (number 6) and possibly the best of them all. A great read that always evokes the times and places of 1960's London. Highly recommended.
November 3, 2020
’Accident or murder?’
London, 1965. While Charles Holborne is still treated with reserve by most members of the establishment, his reputation is definitely on the rise. He has had a series of successful cases, and if his personal life is in turmoil, his professional life seems to be improving.
He is asked to take a pro bono case, representing a widow before the coroner in a recent accidental death case. The dead man, Sergeant Maynard, was a RAF policeman who worked at the Cardington base in Bedfordshire. His death was considered to be the result of a motorcycle accident, but his wife insists he was murdered. Charles is not sure, but the closer he looks the more issues he discovers. And when he and others are warned off, he realises that there is more at stake than he thought.
This is the sixth instalment in the Charles Holborne series, and is just as enjoyable as the other five. Charles has a complicated personal life and while he is trying to get back together with his former partner Sally, his parents are ageing and need support as well.
I have enjoyed every book in this series: while the courtroom scenes are a particular highlight, London in the time of the Kray twins really adds to the atmosphere.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
London, 1965. While Charles Holborne is still treated with reserve by most members of the establishment, his reputation is definitely on the rise. He has had a series of successful cases, and if his personal life is in turmoil, his professional life seems to be improving.
He is asked to take a pro bono case, representing a widow before the coroner in a recent accidental death case. The dead man, Sergeant Maynard, was a RAF policeman who worked at the Cardington base in Bedfordshire. His death was considered to be the result of a motorcycle accident, but his wife insists he was murdered. Charles is not sure, but the closer he looks the more issues he discovers. And when he and others are warned off, he realises that there is more at stake than he thought.
This is the sixth instalment in the Charles Holborne series, and is just as enjoyable as the other five. Charles has a complicated personal life and while he is trying to get back together with his former partner Sally, his parents are ageing and need support as well.
I have enjoyed every book in this series: while the courtroom scenes are a particular highlight, London in the time of the Kray twins really adds to the atmosphere.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
November 6, 2020
I love this series - so much so that I bought this book to read on publication day!
Charles Holborne's legal reputation is on the up; the latest case he has taken on is pro-bono to help out a young widow who is convinced there is more to her RAF Police Sergeant husband's death than the authorities are letting on. Charles assumes that it will just be a matter of turning up at the inquest and putting the matter to rest but when he begins to look into things, it seems the widow may have been right. As the case goes deeper, Charles finds himself on the receiving end of some serious threats . . .
This is a great series! Charles Holborne is not your usual upper class barrister with an old boys network behind him, and it makes for gripping reading. The plot is very cleverly crafted, always keeping a little something hidden with which to surprise the reader. Whilst Charles' private life is touched upon, it is only a small part of the story and the main focus is very much on the legal aspects. I learn something about the court system with each book and this one was no different. Rapidly becoming one of my favourite authors, Simon Michael certainly knows how to pen a suspenseful, exciting thriller easily earning all five sparkling stars!
Charles Holborne's legal reputation is on the up; the latest case he has taken on is pro-bono to help out a young widow who is convinced there is more to her RAF Police Sergeant husband's death than the authorities are letting on. Charles assumes that it will just be a matter of turning up at the inquest and putting the matter to rest but when he begins to look into things, it seems the widow may have been right. As the case goes deeper, Charles finds himself on the receiving end of some serious threats . . .
This is a great series! Charles Holborne is not your usual upper class barrister with an old boys network behind him, and it makes for gripping reading. The plot is very cleverly crafted, always keeping a little something hidden with which to surprise the reader. Whilst Charles' private life is touched upon, it is only a small part of the story and the main focus is very much on the legal aspects. I learn something about the court system with each book and this one was no different. Rapidly becoming one of my favourite authors, Simon Michael certainly knows how to pen a suspenseful, exciting thriller easily earning all five sparkling stars!
November 18, 2020
This series gets better with every new release.
I pre-ordered Force of Evil months ago, such is my liking of Simon Michael's work. Once again he's contrived an intricate, believable, absorbing tale of criminality in 1960's London - and, in one of those strange quirks he's also based part of the story in an obscure part of Bedford that's become familiar to me since the summer when I started dating a girl from Smallstown, much changed over the past sixty years but still in the shadow of the huge airship hangars briefly referenced here.
I've spent the best part of today reading the book...wanting to get to the end, guess that makes it a page turner!
The twist on the final jury reckoning isn't one I've come across before, it has me scratching my head 're feasibility but as far as I could make out effects could transpire as imagined - bravo on that!
I also Googled the history of CCTV, and the origins of the Zimbabwean National Front as I thought they were anachronistic BUT again Mr Michael is spot on...double bravo!
I look forward to the next book...which the earpiece advises as being in the works...triple bravo
I found some minor typos but nothing worth complaining about.
Good use of a lockdown Wednesday, thank you.
I pre-ordered Force of Evil months ago, such is my liking of Simon Michael's work. Once again he's contrived an intricate, believable, absorbing tale of criminality in 1960's London - and, in one of those strange quirks he's also based part of the story in an obscure part of Bedford that's become familiar to me since the summer when I started dating a girl from Smallstown, much changed over the past sixty years but still in the shadow of the huge airship hangars briefly referenced here.
I've spent the best part of today reading the book...wanting to get to the end, guess that makes it a page turner!
The twist on the final jury reckoning isn't one I've come across before, it has me scratching my head 're feasibility but as far as I could make out effects could transpire as imagined - bravo on that!
I also Googled the history of CCTV, and the origins of the Zimbabwean National Front as I thought they were anachronistic BUT again Mr Michael is spot on...double bravo!
I look forward to the next book...which the earpiece advises as being in the works...triple bravo
I found some minor typos but nothing worth complaining about.
Good use of a lockdown Wednesday, thank you.
December 7, 2020
Another five stars for Simon Michael and Charles Holborne. I've gone through the superlatives in my previous reviews, and this book is no different. Charles Holborne is growing as a person and as a barrister, and I'm loving every minute of his experiences. Each book stands alone, and any back story is covered enough to allow new readers to know what's going on, and previous readers to be reminded of what has happened, but it's well worth reading all of them. The plot in this book is well thought out and gripping. I particularly like Irenna Alexandrova's character; as a South African (who also lived in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe), the southern African politics within the story resonates with me. The other side story which brought tears to my eyes was the issue with Charles's mum; she's a wonderful, strong character and it's hard for her to come to grips with her condition (I don't want to give spoilers), but I think Simon handled the situation very sensitively. These are the differences that make the characters very real and relatable.
November 5, 2020
This is the sixth legal thriller featuring Charles Holborne and it is just as good as all the others. Simon Michael has come up with a formula that really works. In Holborne he has created a sympathetic yet flawed hero struggling to overcome the prejudice that a Jewish barrister from an unprivileged background would have faced in the early 60s.
He has also mined his own experiences as a barrister to recall many cases fr0m that period which fall into Holborne's lap and dealt with expertly by what is a brilliant barrister. There is also much period detail which will appeal to many who lived or were brought up during these times.
The writing is fluent, the research exemplary and the legal details accurate.What more can you ask for.
I will not divulge the plot but it grabbed me from the beginning and after many twists and turns - including what occurs in a wonderfully depicted court scene, all ends well.
I cannot wait until the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
He has also mined his own experiences as a barrister to recall many cases fr0m that period which fall into Holborne's lap and dealt with expertly by what is a brilliant barrister. There is also much period detail which will appeal to many who lived or were brought up during these times.
The writing is fluent, the research exemplary and the legal details accurate.What more can you ask for.
I will not divulge the plot but it grabbed me from the beginning and after many twists and turns - including what occurs in a wonderfully depicted court scene, all ends well.
I cannot wait until the next instalment.
Highly recommended.
November 7, 2020
Simon Michael's legal thrillers set in the 1960s cleverly weave fact and fiction together. His attention to period detail permeates every page.
Charles Holborne is a criminal barrister working from chambers in central London. Taking on a pro bono case for a widow at RAF Cardington leads him into extreme danger.
There are some big names in this book, including the Kray twins, but it is the small details that made it so appealing. An excellent book.
Charles Holborne is a criminal barrister working from chambers in central London. Taking on a pro bono case for a widow at RAF Cardington leads him into extreme danger.
There are some big names in this book, including the Kray twins, but it is the small details that made it so appealing. An excellent book.
June 30, 2023
Loved the setting - England in the 1960s - and had no trouble staying in the mindset of the time as I read. The protagonist is a fascinating one and I enjoyed learning more about what it might have been like to be a Jewish legal professional in the 1960s. The book is full of information and action but structured in such a way as to be easily followed without having to constantly check back. I am excited to learn this is one of a series, so will be sure to read the others.
November 14, 2020
Michael has done it again. In Charles Holborne, he has crafted a character of steel, grit and modesty. Great storytelling, snappy dialogue and constant love letters to London as a historical city and all the stories it holds. Savour each book when it arrives
September 10, 2025
This might be my favourite series of all time. The really cool thing is, they are more or less true, well, partly true anyway. Great writing, great stories. Brilliant narration from Colin Mace. As good as it gets.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews