An easy read that kept me guessing until the end. Very well written and super insightful into the working of the British legal system. Adam Green is a very likable main character I was rooting for him the whole way through. Over all a very positive read and 4.5 stars very close to 5.

National hero DI Grant Cliveden, at the height of his fame, has just pitched forward out of the witness box, convulsed, choked and died. The PM discovers that he was poisoned with botulinum toxin, and suspicion swiftly focuses on ex con Jimmy Knight, known to have had a grudge against Cliveden because he knew that his own earlier conviction for armed robbery was a stitch-up and that Cliveden must have arranged that. Evidence is a bit thin but it is clear that Knight had met with Cliveden in a dodgy back street pub and that Knight could have slipped the poison into his drink. The defence team comprises Jonathan Taylor-Cameron KC (supercilious, avaricious, thinks he’s God’s gift) Adam Green (pupil, not really experienced enough for a murder trial, anxious about his future in Chambers, constantly chivvied by his stereotypical Jewish mother, anxious that a family secret will leak out), Nisha Desai (Jimmy’s solicitor and harassed single mother). Jonathan want’s the client to plead guilty so doesn’t want to mount any sensible defence, while Adam is less certain of guilt and is not yet cynical about the legal process. He also suspects that Cliveden isn’t the paragon he has been painted. Which of them is closer to the truth? Will Adam still have a future if he goes against Taylor-Cameron and is proved right; or proved wrong?
This is largely a court-room drama, and the detailed exposition of the Chambers system, the roles of the various protagonists, the operation of the court and the mechanisms of an adversarial trial are, as would be expected from this author, clear and precise. The plot is well constructed, there are a few minor twists and the reader is kept on edge as to Jimmy’s guilt or innocence throughout. Adam is the central character and it is easy to identify with him, and to worry about his youthful naivete, his personal and private life, and his anxiety about his future. The resolution of the plot is surprising, which is always a good thing in a mystery story, but seems a bit scrambled together with a touch of Deus ex Machina. An easy and enjoyable read overall, with potential to take the characters forward, and I would happily read a sequel.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

I got The Trial by Rob Rinder for free from NetGalley for free for a fair and honest review


An open and shut case, a hero policeman Grant Cliveden is killed, just before giving evidence at the Old Bailey, but dies on the floor of the courtroom, by botox poisoning.

When an armed robber Jimmy Knight, who was arrested by Cliveden and released from jail weeks before is charged with murder, it seems an open and shut case.

Enter trainee Adam Green on his first major case, that seems to connect with the case on a personal level.

When you read a book by a debut writer there is always some form of trepidation, when that person is a celebrity, it only goes up, as there is always the chance that it got published because of the name rather than the story or writing.

The fears were somewhat lowered when you find out the story is about Rob Rinder’s profession of barrister in the English and Welsh Legal system. So on to the review.

For me what Rob Rinder did well was his ability to both tell an interesting story that had me engaged from the prologue to the epilogue, with both the way that the writing was well used with enough descriptions of the surroundings to really make you feel that you are in the locations of the story.

Especially when he took you into the heart of the Old Bailey down the corridors into the heart of the building. Meeting the people that make the place run on a day to day level. Even explaining some of the arcane processes and terms of the legal profession.

As for the heart of the story, the plot has enough intrigue twists and turns to make The Trial a page turner, with connections between participants that are hinted at throughout the book that when revelations happen the groundwork has been laid to make them fit in with what you as a reader already knows.

While the plot and all the twists and turns may seem to be far out, there is enough realism that Rinder has built into the story with the locations and character development, that makes the Trail firmly set on the right side of reality.

So if you're looking for your next legal thriller then you can do much worse than read Rob Rinder’s debut novel The Trial.

This is, I believe, the debut novel from Rob Rinder, and since he’s a judge I had high hopes for the behind the scenes insight we might get of the judicial system in action.

Well that wasn’t really what we get here, it’s more of a cosy crime novel with bits and pieces about the legal system thrown in.

Being honest, it’s very light and not terribly likely or convincing but it’s easy to read and bobs along nicely enough. If you’re looking for a holiday read with a light crime touch, this fits the bill.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Rob Rinder, of Judge Rinder and Strictly Come Dancing fame, is the latest celebrity to throw their hat into the novel writing ring. Thankfully The Trial follows the Richard Osman route to success rather than some of it's more dubious colleagues.

We meet promising young barrister Adam Green, an instantly loveable character who has been thrown in at the deep end with the case of his life. There are twists and turns a plenty as well as some innovative chapters featuring his (frankly underrated) Jewish mum. All of this makes for a superb debut that's just calling out for a swift sequel.

Rob Rinder’s debut novel so I was wondering what it would be like.
I can find court room novels hard going but this book got me from the begging.
An easy read, light hearted I really enjoyed it

The prologue had me invested in the story right from the first page, it follows Detective Inspector Grant Cliveden on his way to the Old Bailey.

We get to know all about who this Hero Policeman is, he’s the nations favourite policemen and something of a celebrity for his heroism in the line of duty.

When he gets to the Old Bailey he meets his deadly fate.

Pupil Barrister Adam Green is run ragged and trying to make his mark to gain a permanent position in the prestigious Stag Court Chambers.

Just when he thinks all hope is lost the case of the decade lands in his lap and he ends up being on the defence team for the murder of Grant Cliveden.

I entranced by Adam Green and his dogged determination to uncover the truth even thought at every stage everyone was against him, especially his pupil master Jonathan.

I was so shocked by the enormous amount of twists and revelations in this story that I didn’t see coming at all, it was fantastic and I was hooked!

I really hope this is going to be a series?, I can see lots more coming from Adam Green and his fight for justice.

Thanks as always to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

I finished this in 3 days and unfortunately the writing style didn't do it for me. I wasn't overly keen on the story or any of the characters and I just didn't enjoy this one.
I don't think it was a particular problem with the book but myself maybe.

Judge Rinder is the latest TV star to try their hand at writing fiction and this was a good debut.

After a police officer drops dead in the Old Bailey. only one person is a suspect.

The Trial follows Adam, a barrister in training as he is tasked with defending the suspect.

I enjoyed this, it was pretty fast paced and fun but I just found the climax a bit rushed and predictable. It was also very far fetched and unrealistic which I was surprised about considering Rinder was a barrister himself.

My favourite part was the phone calls and texts from Adam’s mum and if this goes on to become a series I think she should be a bigger character.

What a treat to find a new hero like Adam Green. He is a young trainee barrister whose pupil master is lead counsel in a high profile murder case that isn't what it seems. The unpleasant older lawyer leaves his pupil to do all the work, and Adam has to struggle to remain professional and not get over involved.
Written with intelligence and wit (I really loved the small cameo's of the clients in the magistrate courts!) The Trail is an easy read that will keep you guessing and have you cheering Adam on. There is a darker side, as Rinder highlights some misogynous and antisemitic language and views. But I really enjoyed The Trail and am glad I chose to read it. I'd definitely read a sequel. I am guessing that there will be one...

I like reading the odd court room drama but find they can be a little dry and lacking in excitement sometimes but The Trial isn't one of those books and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

In Rob Rinder's debut novel, he has created a veritable smorgasbord of excellent characters, a totally engrossing story with twists and turns and all written at a good pace. I particularly liked the chapters given over to conversations and messages between Adam and his mother, who is determined to marry him off to a good Jewish girl, which adds humour to the story.

Although a work of fiction, it is clear that Mr Rinder has put a lot of his own experiences into the book which added a level of authenticity and realism without it being dry and boring and I, for one, hope there is more to come as I want to know how Adam develops as a barrister and to make sure he is eating enough and/or whether he finds a nice Jewish girl!!!!

Many thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The Trial.

Without a shadow of doubt, this is ONE OF THE BEST DEBUT'S I HAVE EVER READ. A PHENOMENAL read. I love Adam Green, I was rooting for him to get to the truth, all the way through, he's determined and tenacious. The conversations with his Mum, made me laugh. The plot is gripping, it's definitely a "one more chapter" book, or in my case a one sit read. I absolutely loved it and I really hope Adam, his Mum and his colleagues will be back. I could not put this book down, I needed to know who the killer was. Plus there's a couple of twists, which left me shocked. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FABULOUS DEBUT.

Grant Cliveden a well respected policeman dies of poisoning in the Old Bailey .
The evidence all points to one man Jimmy Knight so this is a cut and dried case isn’t it?
Adam Green a trainee barrister serving his pupillage at Stag court is railroaded in to the defence of Jimmy Knight .
Adam is a tenacious investigator and leaves no stone unturned even though he has little belief in his own abilities, what Adam uncovers could turn both the police and legal community upside down.
This book was a great read and I felt sad that I’d finished it , I hope to read more about Adam Green in the future.
An enjoyable courtroom / legal thriller .
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK.

Adam Green is a Young working through his pupillage. His tutor, Jonathan Taylor-Green, not very helpful, being too full of his own importance and really only interested in cases that pay well . Adam works hard but lacks confidence & he worries that when the year is over he will not be the one kept on. The glamorous, confident Georgina looks unbeatable! When Grant Cliveden-celebrity police chief who once saved the queen, is poisoned as he comes into court. The defendant, Jimmy Knight is a recently released man. He is a Legal Aid case and he asks for Jonathan to be his barrister -needless to say Jonathan is furious and even more so when Jimmy insists on pleading 'Not Guilty'! Adam however is idealistic and intends to do all he can to properly defend their client.

I don't read many courtroom books but I'm glad I picked up this one. I enjoyed. The variety of characters, especially Adam and his matchmaking Jewish momma! The author led me down lots of false trails so I didn't know what to believe-I certainly didn't solve the mystery -no change there. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read and review this book.

I did like the main character in this book. The reader gets to know him quite well by the end of the book and he is very believable and relatable. I hope we get more books about Adam Green.
I had hoped that this wasn’t going to be a dry courtroom drama all legal posturing and lengthy debates. There was plenty of legal language as you would expect but it all aided the story rather than hindered it. The book moved at a good pace and the writing kept you engaged, all was well explained and it was entertaining. The exchanges with Adam’s mother kept it very human and provide light relief from Adam’s stresses of the trial.

When hero policeman Grant Cliveden dies from poisoning in the Old Bailey, it threatens to shake the full 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 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.

I didn't know what to expect when I requested this book. I knew the courtroom scenes would give the exact detail as Rob (Robert) Rinder used to be a barrister and judge. I was not disappointed; I loved this murder mystery. I was completely invested from the beginning. There was plenty of twists to keep you guessing. I really liked Rob's writing style and he brings with it his personal experiences as a criminal barrister. It's not often you hear of a murder at the Old Bailey, especially a policeman. This book gives a good insight into the justice system. The characters are well portrayed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I would like to thank #Netgalley #RandomHouseUK #Cornerstone and the author #RobRinder for my ARC of #TheTrial in exchange for an honest review.

What a wonderful book! I wasn't sure what to expect, I was kind of thinking it would be a light hearted, comedic story, however, it turned out to be a thoroughly engrossing crime and courtroom drama, and I know it's a cliche but I really could not put it down.

I loved the main character Adam, I really empathised with his struggles and emotions. That's what you want with a character, to be able to connect to them and feel their emotions. Additionally, Rinder skillfully weaves in personal elements, such as Adam's Jewish identity, experiences of discrimination, and his mother's persistent attempts at matchmaking.

Adam is on his first murder trial. Jimmy Knight, an ex con, has been accused of poisoning Grant Cliveden, a highly regarded police officer. It is an apparent open and shut case, but is it all as it seems? Adam fights with unwavering determination, through many obstacles, including the overwhelming skepticism of his superior who does little to nothing to help him. All whilst Adam's pupillage at Chambers is being decided, this makes it an incredibly important case for him.

I loved the detail of the courtroom drama, the clever way the author incorporated his extensive knowledge of courtrooms and barristers chambers was captivating, as well as impressive. I really am hoping that there will be a sequel.

Thank you to Netgalley and Randomhouse UK for an advance copy in return for an honest review. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an engrossing crime read.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Great read bringing the life of a pupil and the realities of the bar to life.

A great debut from Mr Rinder. I enjoyed this one. It was a little slow but very entertaining. The characters were quirky and funny at times. I hope he writes more. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

What a story, lots of twists and unexpected turns. I loved it.
Adam Green is a trainee solicitor linked to his pupil teacher Jonathan, and experienced criminal barrister. They get allocated the defence for Jimmy Knight who is accused of poising a police officer. Will they be able to prove his innocence? You will have to read the book to find out…
I enjoyed seeing the courts from trainee Barrister Adam Green’s perspective and not the usual police view. The life of a trainee is certainly not dull.
The story is fast paced and very well written.
Well done 5 ⭐️ from me