Summary Justice

Benson and De Vere, Book 1

By: John Fairfax

Narrated by: Daniel Weyman

The last time Tess de Vere saw William Benson, she was a law student on work experience. He was a 21-year-old, led from the dock of the Old Bailey to begin a life sentence for murder. He'd said he was innocent. She'd believed him.

Sixteen years later Tess overhears a couple of hacks mocking a newcomer to the London Bar, a no-hoper with a murder conviction, running his own show from an old fishmonger's in Spitalfields. That night she walks back into Benson's life. The price of his rehabilitation - and access to the bar - is an admission of guilt to the killing of Paul Harbeton, whose family have vowed revenge. He's an outcast. The government wants to shut him down, and no solicitor will instruct him. But he's subsidised by a mystery benefactor, and a desperate woman has turned to him for help: Sarah Collingstone, mother of a child with special needs, accused of slaying her wealthy lover. It's a hopeless case, and the murder trial, Benson's first, starts in four days. The evidence is overwhelming, but, like Benson long ago, she swears she's innocent.

Tess joins the defence team, determined to help Benson survive. But as Benson follows the twists and turns in the courtroom, Tess embarks upon a secret investigation of her own, determined to uncover the truth behind the death of Paul Harbeton on a lonely night in Soho. True to life, fast-paced and absolutely compelling, Summary Justice introduces a new series of courtroom dramas featuring two maverick lawyers driven to fight injustice at any cost.

©2017 John Fairfax (P)2016 Little Brown Book Group

Nice one!

This series was recommended when I did a search for books similar to the Robert Galbraith series, which I really enjoyed. Although it was quite different from that series, I found myself completely engrossed. The English justice system is different from the American one in many ways and I found myself inadvertently comparing the two as I listened to this story. It was stimulating on many levels! As for the story itself, I liked the characters and found the plot to be well-written and surprising in parts. There were twists and turns that kept me listening late into the night. Listeners will be left curious about what happens next to these characters.

My only criticism is that the pace of the story is fast in parts and I found myself getting characters confused. I had to replay several parts because the dialogue moves fast. I wanted to keep everything clear in my head. The narrator spoke quickly in parts and I found myself having to slow it down to follow along. Not a major problem, this did not detract from my overall enjoyment of this book. Definitely recommend and I look forward to the next installment in this series.

Fabulous British courtroom drama

Extremely well performed
, clever and engaging. I hope the sequel comes to Audible US soon.

Outstanding

This was an absolute pleasure to listen to. The book was well written, with compelling characters and an engaging story. The narration was superb.

Loved this!

Loved this and immediately went to purchase book 2…but it’s not available in the US. Only books 1, 3, and 4. What’s up with that, Audible?!

Great twists, phenomenal character development. The narration was excellent as well. Saw this recommended on a Cormoran Strike page and so glad I checked it out. I’m hooked, so looks like I have to track down a hard copy.

Couldn’t go to sleep once I’d started

Excellent legal procedural, well plotted and well read. If you are in a bit of a slump for reading this will pick you up and carry you right along…really looking forward to more!!!