The Verdict

By: Nick Stone

Narrated by: David Thorpe

Length: 21 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Terry Flynt is a struggling legal clerk, desperately trying to get promoted. And then he is given the biggest opportunity of his career: to help defend a millionaire accused of murdering a woman in his hotel suite. The only problem is that the accused man, Vernon James, turns out to be not only someone he knows, but someone he loathes.

This case could potentially make Terry's career, but how can he defend a former friend who betrayed him so badly? With the trial date looming, Terry delves deeper into Vernon's life and is forced to confront secrets from their shared past that could have devastating consequences for them both. For years he has wanted to witness Vernon's downfall, but with so much at stake, how can Terry be sure that he is guilty? And what choices must he make to ensure that justice is done?

Packed with twists, turns, and an unforgettable trial scene, The Verdict is the most page-turning British legal thriller in many years.

©2014 Nick Stone (P)2014 Isis Publishing Ltd

Critic reviews

"London now has its own John Grisham." (Mark Billingham)

Began well but sank into melodrama

The whiny it’s-not-fair tone of the narrator didn’t help either but when the central character insists on making really ill advised decisions again and again solely for the purpose of maintaining a pretty tedious set of subplots it’s time to find a better listen. The story potential is there but never really emerges from the boring and predictable scenery. Not recommended.

Riveting Story; Very Good Narration

Any additional comments?

The Verdict is a long book, but it never loses interest. There are many facets and subplots that come together very well. My only disappointment was the use of news headlines at one point to explain certain events. It seemed a bit lazy of the author to employ that method. That, however, might have shortened the book. So if the author was concerned about the book's length, then I might understand. This was the first time I have come in contact with Nick Stone, I would highly recommend this book and will read other books by him. The narrator did a very good job in portraying most of the various characters, though the Oxbridge accent could have been a little more clipped.

Now and again, a gem appears

If you could sum up The Verdict in three words, what would they be?

It's only infrequently that a newly discovered author produces a novel with a genuinely intricate plot woven into language that is balanced and evocative. And what's more, the narrator doesn't intrude into the story as some do (Scot Brick is the worst offender in this regard).

Any additional comments?

This is the first time that I've given any novel five stars in all categories. That says it all. Anybody who likes a mix of the private eye / legal thriller genre will love this novel.

Totally brilliant legal thriller - enthralling

So glad I went by the reviews not the publishers summary (which didn't sound overly exciting) because this is easily the best book I've listened to this year. Firstly it's so nice to have courtroom drama from the UK perspective, having worked as a court typist for a number of year I found it highly authentic, particularly the leering tones from the prosecutor! The narrator did a brilliant job with that. The story itself was engaging, kept me guessing and I couldn't stop listening. Most importantly, I'm sad now I've finished because I just want more. Witty, beautifully paced and clever - this is a must read!

Great plot

Great plot, enjoyable read. Would happily recommend to lovers of crime novels with a twisting plot. Go on, give it a go.

Good story, flawed performance

The story was satisfying, and the “voice” was largely convincing, but oh the farcical Australian accent! It is not easy to reproduce, and does need dedicated practice, even if you think it Is repellent.

A real surprise

What did you love best about The Verdict?

Great story

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Lots of unexpected twists and turns

Have you listened to any of David Thorpe’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Was 20 odd hours, but had had it on every chance I got

Any additional comments?

Great read.

Good in every respect

This book keeps you involved from the moment it starts and is enhanced by a superb rendering. Highly recommended to any fan of a great thriller coupled with an excellent courtroom drama.

Really Enjoyable

Wasnt quite sure what to expect from this listen, but thoroughly enjoyed this book.. Great courtroom drama, Well narrated by David Thorpe.

WOW!

What disappointed you about The Verdict?

Almost everything

Would you ever listen to anything by Nick Stone again?

NEVER!

How could the performance have been better?

By being more truthful to the genre.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

None

Any additional comments?

It is remarkable how much effort one needs to make to avoid being influenced by favourable reviews! A really substandard book; a mishmash of innuendos and east London tired clichés, poorly written, appallingly narrated.