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Charles Holborne #8
Nothing But The Truth
The past has finally caught up with Charles
…
London, 1967
The psychopathic Kray twins rule London’s underworld, aided by their government connections, corrupt police and extreme violence.
Finally, Detective Superintendent “Nipper” Read’s taskforce has a chance to take them down.
The Read needs barrister Charles Holborne to testify against them, while the Krays have evidence against him which would end his career and send him to prison.
Caught in the middle, and with his pregnant partner’s life and his career at stake, this time Charles has no choices left.
Can Charles put his past behind him once and for all? Will the Krays twins’ criminal hold over London finally be put to an end?
Or will everything come crashing down for Charles Holborne…?
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH is the eighth crime novel in an exciting historical series, the Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers — gritty, hard-boiled mysteries set in 1960s London.
London, 1967
The psychopathic Kray twins rule London’s underworld, aided by their government connections, corrupt police and extreme violence.
Finally, Detective Superintendent “Nipper” Read’s taskforce has a chance to take them down.
The Read needs barrister Charles Holborne to testify against them, while the Krays have evidence against him which would end his career and send him to prison.
Caught in the middle, and with his pregnant partner’s life and his career at stake, this time Charles has no choices left.
Can Charles put his past behind him once and for all? Will the Krays twins’ criminal hold over London finally be put to an end?
Or will everything come crashing down for Charles Holborne…?
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH is the eighth crime novel in an exciting historical series, the Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers — gritty, hard-boiled mysteries set in 1960s London.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2022
53 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Simon Michael
16 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 12, 2022
‘Is this the end?’
London, 1967. Barrister Charles Holborne and his partner Sally are expecting their first child. Things are looking up for them, but Charles is unable to leave the past behind him. The Kray twins, rulers of London’s underworld, have something over Charles which would ruin his career and send him to prison. The threat has hung over Charles for some time, but the stakes are higher now than ever.
Detective Superintendent ‘Nipper’ Read’s taskforce has been working hard to take down the Krays, but he needs Charles Holborne to testify against them. Sally is threatened, and Charles is under no illusion about the threat to him, his family and his career. So, what can he do?
Strap yourself in for a rollercoaster ride as Charles Holborne faces his biggest threat. Mr Michael
takes us deep into 1960s London, into Kray territory where fact (sometimes, at least) seems stranger than fiction. There are some clever twists and some dramatic turns as this eighth instalment in the Charles Holborne series unfolds.
Yes, you could read this novel as a standalone, but the entire series is well worth reading in order. And now I wonder what Mr Michael will write next.
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, 1967. Barrister Charles Holborne and his partner Sally are expecting their first child. Things are looking up for them, but Charles is unable to leave the past behind him. The Kray twins, rulers of London’s underworld, have something over Charles which would ruin his career and send him to prison. The threat has hung over Charles for some time, but the stakes are higher now than ever.
Detective Superintendent ‘Nipper’ Read’s taskforce has been working hard to take down the Krays, but he needs Charles Holborne to testify against them. Sally is threatened, and Charles is under no illusion about the threat to him, his family and his career. So, what can he do?
Strap yourself in for a rollercoaster ride as Charles Holborne faces his biggest threat. Mr Michael
takes us deep into 1960s London, into Kray territory where fact (sometimes, at least) seems stranger than fiction. There are some clever twists and some dramatic turns as this eighth instalment in the Charles Holborne series unfolds.
Yes, you could read this novel as a standalone, but the entire series is well worth reading in order. And now I wonder what Mr Michael will write next.
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
October 31, 2022
I’ve been a big fan of Charles Holborne/ Horowitz since I read this author’s first book and I certainly hope this current one will not be the last as one or two loose ends are neatly tied up.
Charles has been threatened by the Kray twins since early on in the series and I for one was hoping that he would manage to get the better of them and they would get what they truly deserve.
In “Nothing But The Truth”Charles has to use all his legal knowledge and keen intelligence to try and outwit them, particularly when they threaten his own family and Sally, his girlfriend.
The plot is extremely clever and well laid out and of course the author has researched the Krays’ trial and uses that knowledge to good effect in the book.
I loved all the sixties background detail which made the novel all the more enjoyable. Charles does not have the benefit of any twenty first century technology to help him in his plan to ensure the Krays are sent to prison for good.
Nipper Read, the policeman who is endeavouring to bring down the Krays, wants Charles to testify against them and the Krays want Charles to ensure one of their cousins is wrongly convicted for a murder which they themselves committed. Charles wants to do neither and has to work hard to keep himself free of the gangsters and the police.
I also liked the back story of Charles’ family- his parents are now in a care home but his mother still bears animosity towards him despite her increasing dementia. The anti- semitism present in the nineteen sixties has been explored in the earlier novels but was also in the background of this one. It is quite shocking to read about but eminently believable.
I’m really hoping that us readers will get the chance to hear more about Charles and his exploits and that this book is not the conclusion of his story. I love these books and in my opinion they just keep getting better and better.
I recommend the whole series to anyone who enjoys an excellent and well researched legal thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for my advance copy.
Charles has been threatened by the Kray twins since early on in the series and I for one was hoping that he would manage to get the better of them and they would get what they truly deserve.
In “Nothing But The Truth”Charles has to use all his legal knowledge and keen intelligence to try and outwit them, particularly when they threaten his own family and Sally, his girlfriend.
The plot is extremely clever and well laid out and of course the author has researched the Krays’ trial and uses that knowledge to good effect in the book.
I loved all the sixties background detail which made the novel all the more enjoyable. Charles does not have the benefit of any twenty first century technology to help him in his plan to ensure the Krays are sent to prison for good.
Nipper Read, the policeman who is endeavouring to bring down the Krays, wants Charles to testify against them and the Krays want Charles to ensure one of their cousins is wrongly convicted for a murder which they themselves committed. Charles wants to do neither and has to work hard to keep himself free of the gangsters and the police.
I also liked the back story of Charles’ family- his parents are now in a care home but his mother still bears animosity towards him despite her increasing dementia. The anti- semitism present in the nineteen sixties has been explored in the earlier novels but was also in the background of this one. It is quite shocking to read about but eminently believable.
I’m really hoping that us readers will get the chance to hear more about Charles and his exploits and that this book is not the conclusion of his story. I love these books and in my opinion they just keep getting better and better.
I recommend the whole series to anyone who enjoys an excellent and well researched legal thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for my advance copy.
November 3, 2022
Final book in this brilliant series and although may be read as a standalone, I would urge you to read them all as they are in their own way a social history of the east end of London and the judicial system of that era. Simon Michael cleverly writes fact with fiction and throws some history in as well. His description of London in the 60's is just so vibrant and alive, you could be there alongside all of the characters - and there are plenty of those in the story in more ways than one! A very fitting ending to the series.
November 2, 2022
Ready for the Big/Small Screen.
Superb, as ever. I think I'd like to see the books serialised and that's the highest compliment I can think of without platitudes.,
Hope there are more.though. Holborne should be in silk.
Superb, as ever. I think I'd like to see the books serialised and that's the highest compliment I can think of without platitudes.,
Hope there are more.though. Holborne should be in silk.
October 31, 2022
Simon Michael writes evocatively about a bygone age, be it the 1950's or 60's. framed in taught legal thrillers with as combination of historical fact (The Kray twins) and his hero Charles Holborn, a jewish east end kid who becomes a barrister despite the prejudices of the time.This latest legal thriller combines a number of strands from earlier books with the Krays finally in the dock.
A great read.
A great read.
November 16, 2022
And so, after eight cracking yarns, we come to the end of Charles Holborne's escapades with the Kray twins, but hopefully Simon will not give up on whatever comes next as he's created a cast that deserves to keep on evolving.
Things are tied up nicely (though there is one massive suspension of belief - no spoilers BUT come on Simon, surely there would have have been head scratching at the complete news blackout that would have to be accepted following the first McVitie trial?)...that also a plot error involving meeting times which needs to be addressed on future releases, but that was a simple irritation, easily fixed.
I set a day aside to do the book justice - it hasn't felt like a day wasted...I've debated if I should take one or two stars off due to the SoB, but in the end felt I'd have been mean to the series overall to have come down too harshly.
I hope that the producers of Inspector George Gently are aware of the series as it cries out for TV or movie adaptation, and they did the sixties rather well
Things are tied up nicely (though there is one massive suspension of belief - no spoilers BUT come on Simon, surely there would have have been head scratching at the complete news blackout that would have to be accepted following the first McVitie trial?)...that also a plot error involving meeting times which needs to be addressed on future releases, but that was a simple irritation, easily fixed.
I set a day aside to do the book justice - it hasn't felt like a day wasted...I've debated if I should take one or two stars off due to the SoB, but in the end felt I'd have been mean to the series overall to have come down too harshly.
I hope that the producers of Inspector George Gently are aware of the series as it cries out for TV or movie adaptation, and they did the sixties rather well
October 28, 2022
This was the eighth and hopefully not the final episode in the exceptional Charles Holborne/Horowitz series of legal thrillers.
Well written, beautifully researched and full of accurate and arcane details of life in 60s London the author uses his legal background to paint a wonderful picture of the prejudice and discrimination faved by a East End born Jewish barrister in those less enlightened times.
Charles’s life is inextricably intertwined with those of the notorious Krause twins as it has been throughout the series and finally the end and denouement is nigh.
There is a magnificent and breathtaking sleight of hand which helps being about the solution which I shan’t reveal.
I have adored this series which is evocative and entertaining and hopefully there is more to come.
Well written, beautifully researched and full of accurate and arcane details of life in 60s London the author uses his legal background to paint a wonderful picture of the prejudice and discrimination faved by a East End born Jewish barrister in those less enlightened times.
Charles’s life is inextricably intertwined with those of the notorious Krause twins as it has been throughout the series and finally the end and denouement is nigh.
There is a magnificent and breathtaking sleight of hand which helps being about the solution which I shan’t reveal.
I have adored this series which is evocative and entertaining and hopefully there is more to come.
October 30, 2022
simply the Best…
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the series but. without doubt, this is simply the best!!!
Brilliantly written, fantastic plot, exciting twists and a believable protagonist…. As good as Grisham?
No, this author is far, far better!!!
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the series but. without doubt, this is simply the best!!!
Brilliantly written, fantastic plot, exciting twists and a believable protagonist…. As good as Grisham?
No, this author is far, far better!!!
December 18, 2022
WOW! I have loved every single book in Simon Michael's Charles Holborne series and if the previous seven books are the icing on the cake then Nothing But The Truth is the cherry on the top. It is OUTSTANDING! I don't think I've ever read a more perfect book; I was shocked, surprised, angered, amazed and I even cried.
Although it's the eighth book in the series, you can read it as a standalone as the essence of Charles' character is evident on every page, however, it is simply breathtaking for readers already invested in the series. Charles has a long history with the Kray twins and their reign of terror could finally be coming to an end as the police are closing in. Charles needs to be one step ahead of the twins if he's ever going to free himself from their grasp. Can he do it? You'll need to read the book to find out!
Weaving fact with fiction, Simon Michael has created a believable and atmospheric legal thriller that entertains from start to finish. The court case scenes are always brilliant in these novels but oh my word, this one is stunning; I was on the edge of my seat and completely gripped as Charles wielded and deflected every single virtual punch.
I have loved reading about the developments in Charles' personal life and he's a character I have come to know and love over the years. He's more settled than he's ever been now that his relationship with Sally is standing on firmer ground but his mother's feelings towards him don't seem to be improving, even though her health is declining. I love that Charles never gives up on her though - there really is nothing sharper than a mother's tongue and Millie's is particularly sharp.
Nothing But The Truth is a masterclass in crime writing; the characters are vivid and well-developed, the 1960s era is beautifully portrayed and the plot is sublime. Whether it's the last we read of Charles Holborne or not, Nothing But The Truth is simply perfect in every way.
I first used the word 'unputdownable' back in 2016 in my review of The Brief, the first book in the Charles Holborne series, and the eighth novel definitely deserves a similar accolade. Nothing But The Truth is unputdownable, unforgettable and unmissable - words than can be applied to the whole series, in fact. Very highly recommended.
I received a digital ARC from the author and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Although it's the eighth book in the series, you can read it as a standalone as the essence of Charles' character is evident on every page, however, it is simply breathtaking for readers already invested in the series. Charles has a long history with the Kray twins and their reign of terror could finally be coming to an end as the police are closing in. Charles needs to be one step ahead of the twins if he's ever going to free himself from their grasp. Can he do it? You'll need to read the book to find out!
Weaving fact with fiction, Simon Michael has created a believable and atmospheric legal thriller that entertains from start to finish. The court case scenes are always brilliant in these novels but oh my word, this one is stunning; I was on the edge of my seat and completely gripped as Charles wielded and deflected every single virtual punch.
I have loved reading about the developments in Charles' personal life and he's a character I have come to know and love over the years. He's more settled than he's ever been now that his relationship with Sally is standing on firmer ground but his mother's feelings towards him don't seem to be improving, even though her health is declining. I love that Charles never gives up on her though - there really is nothing sharper than a mother's tongue and Millie's is particularly sharp.
Nothing But The Truth is a masterclass in crime writing; the characters are vivid and well-developed, the 1960s era is beautifully portrayed and the plot is sublime. Whether it's the last we read of Charles Holborne or not, Nothing But The Truth is simply perfect in every way.
I first used the word 'unputdownable' back in 2016 in my review of The Brief, the first book in the Charles Holborne series, and the eighth novel definitely deserves a similar accolade. Nothing But The Truth is unputdownable, unforgettable and unmissable - words than can be applied to the whole series, in fact. Very highly recommended.
I received a digital ARC from the author and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
March 15, 2023
Princess Fuzzypants here: it is 1967 and the Kray twins rule the East End and much of London with a bloody and violent fist. They coerce Charles into doing their bidding. The police have been building a case against them and are getting closer and closer. Charles is caught in a vise that is tightening. The Krays want him to defend an associate whom they have chosen to take the fall for them in the murder of another confederate. Charles is flummoxed. He will not see anyone convicted of a crime they did not commit but his hand is forced and in spite of attempts to wriggle out of the brief, he is caught in the middle.
He comes up with an unorthodox plan to make sure the Krays pay for their crimes without getting himself and those he loves killed. It is brilliant and the reader will enjoy the action as Charles navigates some very tricky waters. I really enjoy reading these stories. Charles is such an interesting character. Cockney kid who gets a break and makes something of himself but whose past indiscretions come back to haunt him. It is a nail bitter from beginning to end peopled with lots of great characters. If you are a fan of gritty mysteries and love stories about London, this should not be missed. Five purrs and two paws up.
He comes up with an unorthodox plan to make sure the Krays pay for their crimes without getting himself and those he loves killed. It is brilliant and the reader will enjoy the action as Charles navigates some very tricky waters. I really enjoy reading these stories. Charles is such an interesting character. Cockney kid who gets a break and makes something of himself but whose past indiscretions come back to haunt him. It is a nail bitter from beginning to end peopled with lots of great characters. If you are a fan of gritty mysteries and love stories about London, this should not be missed. Five purrs and two paws up.
July 26, 2024
The penultimate book in the series, and the climax of the Kray twins' reign of terror over late 1960s London. Lots of gangster action and based to a considerable degree on real events (including the murder of Jack 'the Hat' McVitie). I wasn't completely convinced by the fictitious plot device which is central to the plot (notwithstanding the author's explanation at the end), but even so I found the book one of the most gripping of the series. Readers of my previous reviews will know that I've never been a big fan of the time given over to Charles Holborne's family relationships, but even I was moved by the final scene between him and his mother. I can't wait to read the final book in the series.
January 17, 2023
I've had this book in my to-read pile for a while now, but I kept putting off reading it because then the anticipation would be over! And sure enough, I've got that let-down feeling now, because I've nothing to look forward to. I love everything about these books: the characters, the setting (both time and location) and the plots. They're interesting, with the common theme of real criminals interlaced giving realism to the plots, while the back stories of Charles and his family resonate with me in so many ways. I really hope this isn't the last in the series! I'll have to consider reading them all again.
April 10, 2023
The perfect read for those who love: London, legal drama, engaging characters and a great story. Woven in to the books are clever references to social history of the 60s, as well as the remarkable criminal activity, and police corruption, in London at that time.
Beautifully written- easily read (I devoured 8 in 4 weeks) but such a use of language - I love words and am reasonably educated, but had to look up several words - which were exactly right once defined!
Beautifully written- easily read (I devoured 8 in 4 weeks) but such a use of language - I love words and am reasonably educated, but had to look up several words - which were exactly right once defined!
January 8, 2024
One of my favourite book series of all time - the entire series is so well written and this finalé is a blinder.
I love the fictional version of history that author Simon Michael shares with us, and this retelling of the Krays final hurrah is a fascinating one. Coupled with a likeable and “3D” protagonist, it was a brilliant read.
Highly recommend the entire series (narration on Audible is fab too).
I love the fictional version of history that author Simon Michael shares with us, and this retelling of the Krays final hurrah is a fascinating one. Coupled with a likeable and “3D” protagonist, it was a brilliant read.
Highly recommend the entire series (narration on Audible is fab too).
November 18, 2022
A Triumph!
Just finished Simon Michael’s latest book in the Charles Holborne series, and I’m so sad it’s finished. Simon built the suspense over the whole book, while at the same time filling it with wonderful family scenes. Hoping there will be another Charles Holborne book, whether a another “final” book, or as a prequel. Highly recommend this totally engaging tale.
Just finished Simon Michael’s latest book in the Charles Holborne series, and I’m so sad it’s finished. Simon built the suspense over the whole book, while at the same time filling it with wonderful family scenes. Hoping there will be another Charles Holborne book, whether a another “final” book, or as a prequel. Highly recommend this totally engaging tale.
March 13, 2023
A vEry enjoyable series
I have really enjoyed Charlie's journey and I do hope he and Sally feature again . Brilliant 60s era mixed with court room and legal drama ( with genuine and authentic details ) has made this series a real treat . Charles is a great character and I shall miss him.!the
I have really enjoyed Charlie's journey and I do hope he and Sally feature again . Brilliant 60s era mixed with court room and legal drama ( with genuine and authentic details ) has made this series a real treat . Charles is a great character and I shall miss him.!the
May 28, 2023
Over the last three days I have read and thoroughly enjoyed the last four books in this series. I liked the way now real people were interspersed with fictional characters. However the ending left me wanting answers.
Did Charles and Sally marry?
Did they move to Brighton?
Did Charles ever take silk?
Did Charles and Sally marry?
Did they move to Brighton?
Did Charles ever take silk?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2023
The last in an outstanding series of books. I binge read the lot. If you want to know what life is like in 60s gangland, London then read these books, but make sure you read them in order. Outstanding writing from a man who clearly knows what he’s talking about.
March 25, 2023
Wow! What an excellent ending to a excellent series of books. Love how, along with all the others there is some truth mixed in with fiction. The author has combined his knowledge and artistic licence well. Will miss Charles!
April 5, 2023
As always a good read!
Simon Michael is master of weaving a good tale from something in anyone else's hands would be mundane. I love Charles's wit and turn of phrase. Also, he very cleverly sets it exactly within its historical context. Many thanks for hours of reading pleasure.
Simon Michael is master of weaving a good tale from something in anyone else's hands would be mundane. I love Charles's wit and turn of phrase. Also, he very cleverly sets it exactly within its historical context. Many thanks for hours of reading pleasure.
November 9, 2022
After reading The Brief which I couldn’t put down, I read his following 7 books one after the other - all page turners - I’m now hooked and await his next novel.
Highly recommend this author
Highly recommend this author
October 25, 2023
A great read with a surprising plot twist. I thoroughly enjoyed this conclusion to the Charles Holborne series
November 23, 2023
Astounding a brilliant listen again the storyline is sublime and the krays are a bit more involved I won't spoil it ill let you enjoy it for yourself
November 8, 2024
Brilliant
A wonderful read. Could not put the book down until the last page. One doesn't know the ending until the end
A wonderful read. Could not put the book down until the last page. One doesn't know the ending until the end
September 22, 2025
This is a brilliant series. Read it!
Kinda glad the twins are gone (or are they). It does wear a little thin. Still... fantastic series
Kinda glad the twins are gone (or are they). It does wear a little thin. Still... fantastic series
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews