If, like me, you enjoyed meeting Sir Gabriel Ward KC in last year’s A Case of Mice and Murder, you’ll be pleased to hear that he’s back again with another mystery to solve in A Case of Life and Limb! The book is again set in 1901 in and around London’s Inner Temple, one of the four Inns of Court, where Sir Gabriel lives and carries out his work as a barrister. It’s not necessary to have read the first book before this one, but I would highly recommend reading both anyway!

Early in the novel, Gabriel is approached by Topsy Tillotson, the latest young star of the London theatrical scene, who is determined to sue a tabloid newspaper for libel. Reluctant to accept the case at first, Gabriel ends up agreeing to represent her, feeling that Topsy doesn’t deserve to have her reputation tarnished by unscrupulous journalists. However, Gabriel soon finds that he’ll have to divide his time between this and another, more sinister, case…one which really is ‘a case of life and limb’.

Sir William Waring, Master Treasurer of the Inner Temple, has received a very unpleasant gift on Christmas Eve: a severed hand, presented in a box with a card asking "Can I give you a hand?". Gabriel happens to be visiting the Treasurer when the box is opened and, due to his previous success at mystery solving, Waring asks him to investigate. As the Temple is outside the jurisdiction of the City of London, Waring hopes the crime can be solved internally without involving the police, but when more body parts start arriving, Gabriel enlists the help of his friend, Constable Wright.

These two separate cases unfold in parallel, largely separate but intersecting now and then, and I enjoyed following both. The mystery surrounding the body parts gives Gabriel a chance to further develop his skills as a detective and the reader a chance to learn more about the residents of the Inner Temple, some of whom we met in the first novel and others who are newly arrived. I particularly loved getting to know Delphinium, the Temple cat! The Topsy Tillotson storyline, like the one involving Millie the Mouse in the previous book, takes Gabriel into the wider world outside the confines of the Temple and allows Smith to explore some of the social issues of the time – in this case, the double standards and prejudices affecting women working in certain professions and the ethical responsibilities of journalism.

I think, though, that it’s Gabriel himself who makes these books such a delight to read. He’s a genuinely nice person who is very easy to like, but he also has some eccentricities and signs of obsessive-compulsive behaviour which have restricted his social opportunities. In the first book there were some hints that he was starting to gain confidence and live a less isolated life; this continues in this second book as his friendship with Constable Wright grows stronger and he spends more time with people of other classes and backgrounds such as Topsy and her colleagues. It’s always good to see a character develop as a series progresses. I can’t wait for a third book as I’m sure it will be just as much fun as the first two!

Although set in 1902 this is equally as relevant today. The secluded life of the Inner temple and it's QC's and hierarchy is still a mystery to most.
Body parts begin to be delivered to various members and finally a death occurs, who is responsible and why? Sir Gabriel and his friend Constable Wright are soon on the case and discover more than they thought possible. Sir Gabriel is also tied up in a libel case for an actress/singer who has had her reputation slandered by a local paper. Can they solve both mysteries and help other Temple residents to a satisfactory end, with the help of Delphinium, a cat, anything is possible.

A Case of Life and Limb is a fabulous cozy mystery set in London at Christmas 1901.
Expectations of a serene and traditional Christmas at the Inner Temple are shattered on Christmas Eve, when Sir William Waring - Master Treasurer - receives a desiccated human hand disguised as a Christmas present! He immediately tasks Sir Gabriel Ward with finding the culprit and Sir Gabriel reluctantly agrees to do so - after the Christmas festivities have concluded of course.

Meanwhile, as desiccated body parts start to arrive with alarming frequency at the Inner Temple, Sir Gabriel is also dealing with a huge case - representing a young actress who is suing a Fleet Street tabloid for libel. With the media and the Master Treasurer watching his every action, Sir Gabriel as ever diligently works to resolve both situations.

This is a fabulous book and worthy sequel to A Case of Mice and Murder, I loved that we get to see Sir Gabriel's shyness unfurl another little bit as he pushes the boundaries of his (self imposed) very structured lifestyle. The book is also very illuminating in terms of the double standards women were subjected to at the time which I found very interesting!

This book will appeal to lovers of historical cozy fiction and while it has the twists and turns one would expect from say, Agatha Christie, Sally Smith's writing style is uniquely her own and very enjoyable.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the review copy.

This is the second novel featuring Sir Gabriel Ward, a barrister living in London in 1902 in the privileged world of The Temple close to Fleet Street. When other residents of The Temple are sent body parts with an accompanying message, such as a toe with the message “ toe the line”, he and his police acquaintance Constable Maurice Wright try to discover who sent them and to find the mutilated body from which they came. In addition to this mystery Ward also has a brief to defend a young actress who has been maligned in a London newspaper whose offices are close to The Temple.
The novel addresses serious issues of the time by showing the distance between the elite of society and the poor and the exploitation of women. It is a thoughtful and engaging book. Its plot lines are nicely woven together and the characters’ conversations bring their personalities alive. Gabriel Ward is a wonderful character and the epitome of a “gentle”man. He and Wright make a great investigative pairing.
Sally Smith has a chosen a unique setting for her novel which mixes a true historic location with fictional events and people and the Temple is crucial to the atmosphere and events. I look forward to more mysteries for Ward and Wright to solve.

A very enjoyable and highly recommended read. Thank you very much to the publishers for the ARC.

It's Christmas Eve, 1901. The snow is falling. Barrister Gabriel Ward is in his happy place, the Inner Temple Court. This is the place where he works in his chambers, everything organized just the way he likes it. It's also the place where he lives, his rooms filled with piles and towers of books, which make him feel safe. Gabriel is a man who needs his routine--going to bed at exactly half past midnight, walking around the Inner Temple gardens in a clockwise direction, and checking his door three times every time he leaves his rooms, for example. These things clearly give him a sense of control. On this day, he notices that the fallen snow has covered up the cracks in the path and he feels a sense of freedom because he can just walk without having to avoid stepping on them as he usually does. Gabriel is in a very good mood. And then he goes to discuss something with the treasurer of the Inner Temple and things take a turn for the gruesome. He finds the treasurer in quite a state of agitation due to the very unwelcome delivery of a box containing a severed human hand. Always rational Gabriel points out that there's nothing to be done on Christmas Eve. The hand has clearly not come from a newly deceased person and the police don't have jurisdiction in the Temple anyway. Gabriel assures the treasurer that after the festivities are over, he will make further inquiries. But by then, more parcels are delivered and he has more on his plate than he bargained for when a tough case falls in his lap. Fortunately, he has his new friend Constable Wright to help with both problems. And like his previous episode of detective work, Gabriel is forced to move a little bit out of his comfort zone at times as he makes his way towards a solution.

After reading (and loving) the first book in this series, I was so looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint. I loved this one just as much. This is quite a unique mystery series (at least in my experience), partly because of the setting, partly due to the plots, and partly because of the main character. Gabriel has clearly suffered some kind of trauma in the past, which may go some way toward explaining his compulsive behaviors. He is seen as eccentric, but also as extremely smart. He frustrates some people because he doesn't fit into the mold of what a barrister from a 'good family' should be. He's definitely an outsider who takes comfort and joy in books, thinking, learning, and working out the puzzles that are a part of giving his clients the best possible representation. He isn't pushing for career advancement, power, or prestige. He's also kind, gentle, caring, and well liked by many. I enjoy seeing how Gabriel grows as he is gently nudged out of his routine and into new situations.

Another highlight of these books is the Inner Temple itself. It's interesting to read about how the place worked over a century ago (it's still in existence) and how the barristers there interacted with their neighbors outside the Temple walls, such as the journalists in Fleet Street.

Finally, the plots are well crafted and the author, herself a barrister, weaves together the mystery and the court case together quite skillfully to create an immersive narrative. Once I started the book, I didn't want to put it down. When I had to, I was looking forward to picking it back up again. The only drawback to having read this book is that now I have a long wait for the next one. I will happily read on in the series. I'm so glad I discovered it and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes historical mysteries and/or classic mysteries.

I’ve only just discovered Sally Smith’s two books set in the world of the Inner Temple, one of the four Inns of Court. A Case of Life and Limb is the second of the two stories, and while you don’t have to read the first one, A Case of Mice and Murder, to understand and enjoy her latest book, I really recommend you do because they’re both a delight.
Both novels feature the most wonderful, if slightly reluctant, amateur detective: Gabriel Ward KC. He’s an eccentric man and a brilliant barrister whose kindness and loyalty shine through even as he confronts crime, desperation, and brutality. His character development as he acquires the friendship of a young PC and an inherited cat is a joy to watch.
The book is set in the winter of 1901. Gabriel Ward KC is hard at work on a tricky libel case and then the calm of Inner Temple is shattered when a mummified hand arrives in the post. While the hand's recipient, Temple Treasurer Sir William Waring, is rightfully shaken, Gabriel is filled with curiosity. Who would want to send such a thing? And why? But as more parcels arrive - one with fatal consequences - Gabriel realises that it is not Sir William who is the target, but the Temple itself.
Someone is holding a grudge that has already led to at least one death. Now it's up to Gabriel, and Constable Wright of the City of London Police, to find out who, before an old death leads to a new murder.
This book featured pretty much everything I enjoy in a novel—the atmospheric historical setting, the drama of the law courts, and a great detective story.
Sally Smith knows more than most about the world of the Inner Temple. She is a barrister and KC who has spent all her working life there. After writing a biography of Sir Edward Marshall Hall KC, a renowned Edwardian barrister she retired from the bar to write fulltime. The research behind her novels is impressive, and helps immerse us into the world of Sir Gabriel in the early years of the C20th.
Having a son who was once a chorister at the Temple Church, I recognised many of the places featured in the book, and loved being taken back to the gardens where the boys played football with the Chapel Royal, and the Temple Church and the Master’s House where we would meet for drinks and mince pies on Xmas morning.
I hope this will be a long series of books and that I don’t have to wait too long for the next one.
With thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC.

The brilliant Gabriel Ward KC is back...

Following on from the wonderful A Case of Mice and Murder, the reluctant sleuth is challenged to solve another series of puzzles within in the hallowed Inner Temple.

A series of boxes are delivered to residents of The Temple- containing a body part. resulting in the death of one much loved occupant.
Temple Treasurer Sir William Waring wants the events "hushed up' and for Gabriel to find a solution. Supported once again by Constable Wright, the duo set out to solve the crime- along the way confronting tabloid journalists, of the Nation's Voice, the joy of digestive biscuits! and a highly territorial cat called Delphinium.

Whilst trying to find a missing body and a possible murderer, Gabriel is defending musical hall singer Topsy Tillotson in a libel case - this shines a spotlight on the open chauvanism and misogyny of the time ( which still prevails today).

Told with warmth, humour but also exploring important issues of class politics and division; sexuality and sexism, Sally Smith has written a brilliant sequel.

The dynamic between Ward and Wright is pitch perfect as they both cross social borders to work together. But ultimately, it is the character of Gabriel Ward that is the winner - a man who has selected a path that has isolated him from society but is now confronting wider human interactions with compassion.

A superb crime read and highly recommended.( Do read book one in the series first for maximum enjoyment)

Cant' wait for Book Three.

New period vocab : Pteridologist Opprobrium Inculcated

This was an excellent follow up to the first Gabriel Ward book - it expands on the world, interesting characters and delightful scenery as well as providing a great plot to enjoy as well. I liked the growing relationship between Gabriel and Constable Wright as their different strengths help further the investigation and push them to see the world from a slightly different perspective. As Gabriel pushes himself to explore more of the world beyond the Inner Temple it feels that the reader and Gabriel are seeing Victorian London together for the first time.
I wasn't wholly surprised by the final reveal for the plot but it was resolved in a satisfying way so this wasn't a disappointment - some readers may want more suspense/twists and turns but I don't think this book needed it.
Looking forward to seeing what Gabriel (and now Delphinium) do next!

Another masterpiece from Sally Smith who introduced us to the endearing, and whimsical Sir Gabriel Ward KC in "A Case of Mice and Murder" (2024)
On this occasion, poor Sir Gabriel who really only wants to be allowed to lead his orderly life surrounded by his books and legal papers becomes caught up in connected cases involving desiccated limbs, a case of slander against a young actress and perhaps the biggest problem of all - what to do with Delphinium, the Temple cat.

The twists of the plot are engaging and end with a satisfying sigh of contentment but what I most appreciated was the careful and deliberate use of language .Each of our senses are heightened as we share the freezing temperatures with Sir Gabriel as well as the sounds of the theatre and the law courts - and did I mention digestive biscuits?

It's a fabulous story and I look forward to the next.

My thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for this ARC

Second book in the series - you don't need to have read the first (but I'd recommend it because it's a good read).

Barrister Gabriel Ward KC has been tasked with finding out who's been sending body parts and pointed notes to members of the Inner Temple - and possibly stopping a killer. Meanwhile, he's working on a high-profile libel case of a young girl in the theatre. With the aid of Constable Maurice White, Gabriel investigates...

Beautifully written, very atmospheric (you're right there in the legal world of the early 1900s - and the research is both meticulous and lightly worn), good puzzles to solve, lots of twists and turns, and fabulous characterisation. (It's lovely to watch Gabriel gradually unfurl.) I loved the first book, but this one's even better, and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.

Thank you to the author, Bloomsbury and Netgalley for the ARC. I will be buying this for friends.

I loved this book. Gabriel Ward is an excellent and very likeable character, and I hope to read more about him in future books. The story is a good one, and the sense of period is well-done. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

I loved the first book in this series and the second does not disappoint. You know you’re in safe hands with the legal backdrop to the story, but Sally Smith has also created a lovely nuanced character and is brilliant in drawing the reader back over a hundred years. I look forward to reading the next one.

This is another book that kept reading till late in the night and enjoying it. High in my happy-sleep-deprivation chart.
I loved the first Gabriel Ward novel which was brilliant, this one is even better.
There's plenty of character evolution and Sir Gabriel is slowly opening to the world.
There're some moments when I can feel his confusion and sufference in facing the crowd and the noise (talking as an ADHD lady) but I can also feel how he's becoming stronger.
The complex plot is very enjoyable, twisty and I was surprised by the twists, the solution and thoroughly enjoyed it.
A book that made me smile and hooked. Cannot wait to read the next one
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Fantastic read! Sir Gabriel Ward is a truly endearing character, whose eccentricities and wit are skillfully woven throughout the narrative. This installment, a sequel to A Case of Mice and Murder, finds Sir Gabriel tasked with discreetly investigating a series of incidents at Inner Temple, aided by his trusted associate, Constable Maurice Wright. Concurrently, he is preparing to defend a renowned theatrical figure in a libel case, thereby dividing his attention. The dual plotlines are expertly crafted, sustaining engagement and inviting speculation. The conclusion is both satisfying and intriguing, leaving the reader eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

In the second book documenting the trials and tribulations of Gabriel Ward KC, our much loved barrister is tasked with a particularly odd puzzle. Several colleagues have been gifted body parts from an as yet known corpse, each with little notes alluding to some nefarious dealing. But one parcels brings fatal consequences and Gabriel must take action, albeit in his very genial manner, to find the culprit. Couple that with one of the most gossip-driven cases of his career and he’s got a lot on his hands. This is a perfectly pitched novel, set at the turn of the 20th century and peppered with plenty of clues to get your grey cells whirring. It’s very difficult not to have a fondness for Gabriel and long may his adventures last.

I think I’ve found a new favourite character!

Sir Gabriel Ward is wonderful. His idiosyncrasies are charming and his humour and decency shine throughout the story.

This book takes place a few months after the events of book one: A Case of Mice and Murder. Once again Sir Gabriel has been tasked with discretely investigating some unpleasant happenings in Inner Temple and is assisted by his unlikely friend Constable Maurice Wright. At the same time he is preparing to represent a theatre darling in a libel case so his attention is very much divided.

The two cases are well devised and kept me engaged trying to predict what would happen next. The ending was deeply satisfying and I can’t wait to read more in the series! Highly recommended!

*** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher ***