A twisty turning courtroom whodunnit. Morpuss has a knack for writing whodunnits, and I was keen to read this after reading Black Lake Manor. However, while this book was good, it didn’t quite live up to BLM for me. The initial scene setting wherein the plot of the play and the history, were convoluted and hard to follow. I like history, and yet for a long while I wasn’t entirely sure what was being described. However, I persevered and overall enjoyed the book, and Konig/Yara - perhaps we might read another story featuring them in the future?

This starts off slow, dry slow even. There is a mix of characters, and extracts from the play that is the scene for the murder as well as flashbacks into the past to the family relationships. The basis for the book is a courtroom and most of the action happens either in front of the judge and jury or as part of the evidence for the crime. There are some excellent interruptions to the book in the form of letters to the times by the hero barrister. A nice bit of sarcastic and funny relief to murder and parental abuse. The book all comes together in the last chapter or so as pennies drop and knows get untangled - suddenly the book and the quirks all make sense and I felt bright for having come on the journey and just about worked it all out!

A sort of mix of cozy mystery and legal thriller, plenty of humour, and a cast of intriguing characters.
A story featuring a victim that could be a perfect villain, twists and surprises, a solution that i liked
I would be happy to read other stories featuring Charles Konig and Yara Ortiz as they're an entertaining couple.
I had fun, enjoyed it, and read it quite fast.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

***advance review copy received from NetGalley in return for an honest review***
A really enjoyable murder mystery come legal drama, with a large dash of history thrown into the mix. If you enjoyed Rob Rinder’s similar legal mysteries (though I dare to say that this surpasses the second of the two) then you’ll find much to enjoy here. It could certainly be a series, and I for one hope it turns out to be.

Charles Konig, KC, is looking forward to his holiday trekking the remote areas around the base camp of K2. Very much more of a mountains man than a people’s person, the thought of a distinct lack of human contact for two whole weeks is very appealing, especially as he has been much in demand of late. Unfortunately his clerk has other ideas. Keen to get his boss further up the Cicero rankings, Geoffrey is angling for the holiday to be put on hold so that Charles can lead the defence in a high profile murder case. Not interested, Charles has no intention whatsoever until the carrot of representing a US President is dangled!

What a brilliant book this is. Amusing and clever, very theatrical with well developed characters. Not only a good plot but an insight into the workings of the legal system, every day a school day!

More from Charles please, he’s too good to be a one off.

Thank you NetGalley and Serpent’s Tail/Viper.

This was a really nice, cosy, quirky legal/whodunnit. It was the first book I have read from this author but I will defintiely be looking for more and this was right up my alley.

When leading lady Alexandra Dyce is beheaded live on stage in the third act, there are many people who are suspected. most wanted her dead but ger husband becomes the main suspect.

What a joy this book was to read. It is a fun read and I really enjoyed trying to work out the case. Of course I didn;t until nearer the end. It has an air of Agatha Christie, but much more clever and the mystery deepens before the thrilling climax

It is brilliantly told, I loved the theatric and Charles is a wonderful character. I am wondering if we will see him again in another book...