A Hallowed Place

Caper Court #4

by Caro Fraser

Behind the calm exterior of the elite barristers' chambers at 5 Caper Court rumour and uncertainty are rife. Cameron Renshaw, head of chambers, is dying; there's a move afoot to leave the chambers' comfortable, familiar premises in Middle Temple for Lincoln's Inn; and Leo Davies, the QC with the charmed but amoral life, is about to find his dubious past catching up with him. His ex-wife is ready to do anything to protect her son from his father, Sarah Coleman, who knows more of Leo's secrets than anyone, is now a pupil at 5 Caper Court, and Leo has unwisely compromised himself with a decadent and unreliable new young lover, Joshua.

Genres: Fiction

314 pages, Paperback

First published October 7, 1999

About the author

Caroline Georgiana ("Caro") Fraser was a novelist.

Fraser began her career as an advertising copywriter. She became a commercial and maritime lawyer, and practised until 1992, when she became a full-time writer.

Reviews

[Nikki H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The legal soap opera of barristers’ lives at 5 Caper Court continues in this the fourth book in the series. It is set towards the end of the last century – that time when computers and e-mail were in use, but when mobile phones were still virtually unknown (with all the plot consequences that follow). I’ve always found Leo a particularly unpleasant character, so I was amazed to find myself feeling a bit sorry for him in this book, as he becomes obsessed with a part-time rent boy and gets treated with the disdain that he has so often shown towards others. And I find him a more interesting character than Anthony, who, while superficially “nicer”, can often be morally bankrupt when faced with a willing and beautiful woman. Anthony may agonise and feel guilty over his poor decisions, but he takes them anyway. The delightfully wicked Sarah sums him up perfectly as someone who hides away from reality because he doesn’t know what he really wants romantically. The book ends with a cliff-hanger regarding the relationship between Leo and Anthony, so I will be straight onto the next book in the series to see what happens. Oh, and I am enjoying the budding romance between Henry and Felicity, which is also a lot more honest than the entanglements of the main characters.

[Maureen Hetzel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed the earlier books in the series, but this one was just "off" in tone. Writing still excellent, but the in depth focus on Leo was too much....particularly since the reader was expected to be sympathetic with his plight....which was all of his own making. His immaturity and self-centeredness was dwelled on for much of the book. And others were equally self-indulgent. Happy this time to leave them all to their unresolved problems. Not sure if I will bother with the rest of the series.

[Sue Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, an excellent feel good holiday read. Only downside is my own fault: I realised after a while that time had moved on a great deal since the last book I read and it turned out I read this one out of order! Nevertheless I ploughed on and enjoyed the story 😊

[Christine Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m hooked, have just ordered the next two books in the series

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book in the series. Really love all of the characters. Looking forward to next book.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I started this book I was irritated slightly by the soap opera style goings on. But I quickly re-engaged with the characters and found myself enjoying it. I felt rather sorry for Leo, although his problems were of his own making. The more I read of these Caper court books the more I like him - he is an idiot at times though. The ending though - oh my goodness what a place to end! I may need to read book 5 sooner than I had planned. Good light reading, for when you don't want to take life too seriously.

[JenniferB]

Easy to read, characters not really sympathetic, bit seedy