When I started reading The Trial, I thought it would be like any other courtroom drama. You have a crime, a suspect, a twist and in the end, justice prevails. Luckally, this is a far cry from that. I’m all the way happier for it.

In law school, I learned that the law isn’t there for justice but for keeping order. So society has a set of rules to live by to prevent hell from breaking loose when people disagree. In my experience, you don’t see that in many courtroom books or tv/movies. It’s always about right and wrong.

In The Trial, you can feel the experience that Rob Rinder has in the way he tackles the themes in the book. How that trial by media precedes the actual trial. How the law is black and white, but life isn’t. How good people can do bad things and if that makes them bad people.

This book has all the twist end turns a engaging courtroom drama need, but still provides food for thought for dose who want.

As a Dutch reader who works whit the law, I can also appreciate the inside look of the world of barristers. The Trial is Rinder’s debut. I sincerely hope he will write more books like this. I love the sarcasm Rob Rinder has in his courtroom tv-show Judge Rinder. It would be delightful to read a book from him where his sense of humor and sharp witt can shine.

Obviously this courtroom drama is written by someone who knows the machinations of the legal system and it shows. The differences between Jonathan Taylor-Campbell - confident, entitled, serial womaniser, only interested in winning cases - and Adam Green his pupil barrister - totally unaware of his appeal to others, determined to do his best and seek justice for the innocent - is so extreme it gives depth to the story. Add to that the phone calls and messages from Adam's mother who wants the best for her son and a good marriage to a nice Jewish girl at all costs giving a touch of humour and normality to the story.
The trial itself and all the hours Adam has to devote to a far more important case (as far as Jonathan is concerned) add interest and intrigue.
Thoroughly enjoyable read and I can't wait to read more by Rob Rinder .... could this be the start of a series?
Many thanks to Netgalley/Rob Rinder/Random House UK for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

I was very pleasantly surprised when reading this book
It starts with drama and what a great hook!
A great read with surprises and twists galore
Keeping you turning the pages, wanting to know more.

I learnt so much about the judiciary,
The processes, training and more, you see,
Things I never knew of before
About the lawyers, their learning and law!

This insight is skilfully interwoven into this murder mystery,
Shared from the point of view of a barrister want-to-be,
His cases, tutor, research and detective work, too,
Along with what his Mum wants him to do!

An engaging story, that keeps you engaged,
Wondering how everything can be finally arranged.
I really hope it is the start of a series, too,
As I'd like to see what Adam next will do!

Folks say you should write about things you know well
And Rob Rinder has done that as readers can soon tell.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book
And highly recommend you also give it more than a look.

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

‘One murder. One Impossible Case. Who is Guilty?’ - cover tag line.

My thanks to Random House Cornerstone Century for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Trial’ by Rob Rinder.

The author is a well known criminal barrister, who in recent years has become a TV personality. This is his debut novel.

It opens dramatically with hero policeman Grant Cliveden dying just after he takes the witness stand at the Old Bailey. It is quickly determined that he was poisoned. The evidence points to one man: Jimmy Knight, who had been convicted of multiple offences and most recently been put away by Grant Cliveden, though Knight claimed that he had been framed by the policeman.

The defence case is taken on by Stag Court Chambers. Jonathan Taylor-Cameron isn’t pleased by the assignment, which he considers a lost cause. He is even less happy when his boss orders him to utilise Adam Green, a trainee barrister. Jonathan is technically Adam’s pupil master though he seems a rather reluctant mentor.

Yet Adam is very keen to prove himself and it soon becomes clear to him that Jimmy Knight wasn’t the only person with an axe to grind in Cliveden's life. No further details to avoid spoilers.

Overall, I found ‘The Trial’ a gripping legal procedural that kept me glued to my seat and delivered plenty of surprises. Rinder also provided a fascinating look behind the scenes of the British criminal justice system.

I felt that Adam was a very relatable protagonist and was pleased to read that this is the opening novel in a series of legal thrillers. I definitely will be looking out for future cases with Adam Green.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

The Trial is a very entertaining, accessible legal thriller which effectively blends humour, suspense and mystery to create a really fun read.

Adam is a trainee barrister, working all hours to try and impress his mentor and secure a permanent position as a barrister. They take on the defence case of Jimmy Knight, who is on trial accused of murdering popular Detective Grant Clivedon. It seems a fruitless battle, but Adam is determined to do what he can to ensure justice is served…

I didn’t realise until about halfway through the novel that this is written by celebrity Judge Rinder, but if that’s the kind of book you usually dislike, don’t let it put you off! This is a really addictive read. I found it so easy to race through and the characters, from sweet Adam who I was really rooting for to his unlikeable but entertaining pupil master Jonathan, made this book all the more enjoyable.

The mystery – did Jimmy kill Cliveden? And did Cliveden have some secrets of his own despite everyone thinking he was perfect? – is absorbing and easy to follow, and the added humourous elements throughout the novel keeps it hugely entertaining.

I really enjoyed The Trial – it would make a great holiday read – and am already hoping there’ll be future releases from Rob in this series!

Detective Inspector Grant Cliveden was a national hero. He took a bullet for the Queen herself, was famed for his dogged pursuit of the criminal underworld and was the face of Scotland Yard. So when he collapsed and died in the Old Bailey, a victim of Botox poisoning, the nation was up in arms. Heaven help the lawyer who has to defend the prime suspect.

Jimmy Knight had a history with the victim and seemed to have the perfect opportunity. It’s the first major case that trainee barrister Adam Green has worked on but he soon becomes convinced that this is far from an open and shut case – there are many questions concerning Jimmy’s guilt and plenty of other people who would wish Cliveden dead. It’s just a pity that the lead defence lawyer on the team is convinced that his client did it…

Two things to forgive here. First of all, sorry the blog is still going slow – this is a particularly busy time at school for a timetabler. You’ll also have to forgive my innocence here, but this is touted as another celebrity dipping their toe into crime fiction writing, following Richard Osman and Richard Coles. Now, if it’s not between 8 and 10 on a Sunday, or a football match, Sam Matterface notwithstanding, then ITV rarely makes an appearance chez Puzzle Doctor. I gather Robert Rinder (or Judge Rinder) is popular on daytime TV, but I’ve only got a vague awareness of him. Is he a celebrity? I guess so, but even so, does it matter? Well it would if this was a load of old tosh only being sold on the strength of his name. And this book, most assuredly, is not a load of old tosh…

It’s a legal thriller/mystery. I’ve not really enjoyed many serious attempts at the genre – Tragedy At Law and Excellent Intentions spring to mind – but the courtroom scenes in some classic mystery novels – The Judas Window – are an absolute delight. And of course, there are the barking-mad but enjoyable Steve Kavanagh thrillers. So, I figured this would either be right up my street or a complete wrong turn.

It’s the former, an absolute delight of a book. The lead character Adam has enough of a personal involvement in the story to draw the reader in, but not so much so his life becomes the focus of the book to the detriment of the plot. His colleagues all come across as “real” people – perhaps the lead lawyer in the case is a something of a caricature – and the relationships that develop come across as “real”.

Most importantly, the plot moves along at a good pace, conflicting Adam’s desire for the truth with the needs of his position as defence council. There’s a genuine surprise at the end of the book – that’s quite a rare thing for me – and a very satisfying conclusion, for the reader at least. I really hope this is the start of a series – looking forward to more from the author.

The Trial is out now in hardback and ebook from Century. Many thanks to the publisher for the e-review copy.

As you would expect, Rob Rinder has written a court room drama. Pupil, Adam, is hoping to be invited to join Stag Chambers but when his pupil master is given the case to defend a man who killed an iconic policeman, Adam thinks they have no chance of winning. The man is saying that he didn't do it and Adam is determined to prove it.
A fascinating insight into courtroom politics. The characters are beautifully described. Loved it. Hopefully we'll hear more about Adam's cases in further books

This was an excellent courtroom drama that kept you guessing right until the end.
Adam is a young trainee barrister who is competing with his rival Georgina, for a permanent place in chambers.
He is given the case of defending a cop killer, and has to build a case to try to get him off the hook.
There are a few twists to the tale, and some surprises in store for the reader.
A thoroughly enjoyable read. I would love to see more adventures for Adam.

A gripping courtroom thriller from start to end! I loved the amount of detail around the prosecution and defence cases, and the legal procedures involved.

I am a great fan of Legal and Courtroom dramas, probably because it is the polar opposite of my world, so when I was given the opportunity from Random House UK and NetGalley to read a pre-release copy of Rinder's debut read, I was excited.

Unfortunately, for my preference, this story began with too much of a slow pace and I found everything dragged during the first half. However, it picked up pace in the second half.

The storyline is built with well-written characters, and the murder mystery element was as expected from this author. The professionalism shines off the page!

Overall, this is a promising debut, just not that great. It hasn't put me off picking further work by this author; it just failed to hit the spot for me.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this being written by Rob Rinder, but I was pleasantly surprised. If you are a fan of courtroom drama with a bit of dry humour thrown in, then this is for you. I read it in one sitting as I couldn't put it down. It's so well written and the whole plot grabbed me from the start.

Detective Inspector Grant Cliveden is a well known, courageous, and well loved police officer. He is murdered as he is about to give evidence in a trial.

Jimmy Knight, who is an ex-con, is accused of poisoning Cliveden but is he the only person with a grudge?

Pupil barrister, Adam Green is coming towards the end of his 12 months placement and is hoping to be taken on as a full time qualified barrister. He needs to prove himself, so when his pupil master gets the case to defend Jimmy Knight, Adam knows he needs to step up his game and find evidence to convince the jury that there is resonable doubt!

As a court case, it's similar to a John Grisham novel but what I really loved was the chapters written from Adam's mum! Honestly, these were just so funny. Getting the balance between a murder trial and humour was just pure genius.

I do hope the author writes more as I would look forward to reading them.

I love a book where I learn something and I definitely had my eyes open to a few things with this one!

Grant Cliveden is one of those police officers who struts around basking in the public's glory for his crime fighting record. When he is called to give evidence at the Old Bailey, he collapses and dies - poisoned. General opinion - including that of his barrister - is that Jimmy Knight is as guilty as sin. But trainee barrister Adam Green thinks that ever person deserves a defence worthy of the name and, despite instruction from his senior to leave it alone, determines to do his best for Jimmy.

This is, without doubt, a sparkling debut. I love a good legal thriller and there is plenty going on in this one. Adam Green is desperate to succeed in his pupil year and get kept on at chambers but his competition comes from money and connections. Added to that, his training barrister leaves him very much to his own devices and he feels it's an uphill battle all the way. When Jimmy Knight's case comes along, he is unsettled that his senior isn't making an effort to create any sort of defence; Adam desperately needs a win if he has any chance of securing a position the following year. Whilst all this is a serious business, Rob Rinder's writing is sprinkled with humour and is entertaining in the extreme! A fantastic read and definitely an author to keep an eye on. Next book please! This one absolutely merits a full house of stars and my recommendation.

My thanks to the publisher for my copy via NetGalley; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.
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This breathtaking courtroom drama starts mildly with a seemingly simple clearcut case of poisoning. Interesting, mostly likeable characters with just the right amount of info about their private lives and insights into the hierarchies and workings of defence lawyers‘ chambers and the British courts as well as HMPs prisons make this a fascinating read. Lots of unexpected twists and turns increase the momentum of the clever plot page by page until you‘re perched at the edge of your seat until the very last page. Highly recommended!

Having read many police procedurals it was very refreshing to read this crime drama from the perspective of pupil barrister Adam Green. The book was written with genuine insight into the justice system and Rob Rinder's expertise in this field really comes through.

Adam is given a case involving the sudden death of a well known and acclaimed police officer.  His job is to defend Jimmy Knight, a serial offender and prove to his boss that he is up to the job. Adam works tirelessly on the case, even though it seems to be an open and shut case. Eventually he begins to unravel secrets which change everything.

 I loved how humour was added into the story by adding conversations between Adam and his overbearing mother. This was a fascinating insight into the British legal system with great storytelling and intriguing characters.

I started reading this thinking it might be light and comedic, but it turned out to be a more serious story of a young trainee barrister having to defend a cop killer. Without any help from his pupil master, Adam oversteps what he should be doing to investigate what really happened and is his client really guilty.
I enjoyed this and learned a few things about the UK court system.

Lighthearted easy read that gives you a good insight to the British judicial system. Well written by rob and I hope he continues to write more.

Judged a success! *****

Police poster boy DI Grant Cliveden walks to the Old Bailey for his appearance in a trial which he is sure will lead to yet another successful conviction, unaware that he will die of poison in the witness box before he can even take the oath. All the evidence points to Jimmy Knight who is just out of jail from a 10 stretch, having been put there by Cliveden, and with whom he had a meeting just prior to his attending court.

Pupil barrister Adam Green’s pupil master is assigned the defence of Knight but shows no interest in doing so, so it is Green that has to do his best to investigate and assemble a credible defence of the not guilty plea.

The question in Adam’s mind throughout the pre trial preparations is: is it possible that his client is guilty, as it would seem from all the circumstantial evidence, or is there more to it?

As the story progresses there is clearly more to it, but there are also parallel matters developing that between them give Adam a very hectic finish to his pupilage.

I will say no more. There are far too few books in the English legal drama genre so this is a very welcome addition, and a very good one too. It is full of twists and turns, plenty of courtroom drama, and several unexpected developments at the end. Highly recommended.

I read this book from a pre-publication copy kindly supplied by the publisher, but this is an honest review with no concession to their generosity.

When hero policeman Grant Cliveden dies from a poisoning in the Old Bailey, it threatens to shake the country to its core. The evidence points to one man. Jimmy Knight has been convicted of multiple offences before and defending him will be no easy task. Not least because this is trainee barrister Adam Green's first case. But it will quickly become clear that Jimmy Knight is not the only person in Cliveden's past with an axe to grind.
A debut novel from the author & a very good debut it was. I loved that he gave an insight into the behind the scenes at the Old Bailey. A well written captivating read it has twists, turns & surprises. The characters well portrayed & the pace was good. I thoroughly enjoyed it & look forward to more books by the judge / celebrity
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Policeman grant Clivedon tragically dies from poisoning in the old bailey. A hero in his own right, this death threatens to shake the country. The evidence points to one man alone, Jimmy Knight, defending him isn’t going to be an easy take sue to him just getting out of prison for a previous offence. The task is given to trainee barrister Adam Green, is he up to the challenge?

Happy Publication Day to this book!
I did not know what to expect going into this book, this is Rinder’s debut novel. I was interested to see how he did being as it’s like your typical ‘celebrity’ trying to write a book. One thing I did know is that no one could probably right more precise detail about the on goings of the court and a trial than a ex barrister and judge himself. This was an interesting legal drama, I enjoyed his writing style, the short chapters really kept the flow of the book. I also really enjoyed the break in the story with the short chapters of the phone calls between Adam and his mum they were just so sweet his mum is the cutest. This books also goes into great detail about the stress and pressures put on you being a trainee barrister which he would’ve known from experience.

Rinder has proved to be a great author and I’m excited to see what else he rights in the future.

Thankyou to NetGalley and random house for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised by this one, especially as ‘celeb’ books can be very divisive. Apart from the name dropping of one celebrity friend, which I could happily have done without as personally I can’t stand the woman, this did have a solid story with a very likeable lead.

I also enjoyed the very unusual method of murder and the humour. I did chuckle to myself at the term ‘little shits’ and wondered if Rob Rinder secretly thinks this of some of the people who have appeared before him.

With a police force full of corruption and a very lazy barrister it seems it is all down to one trainee to save the day. Being given the case nobody wanted, his own past troubles being used to scare him off and all when he is fighting for tenancy too.

A very easy and readable cosy crime/legal thriller which I hope could be the start of a great series.