Book Review: The Protest by Rob Rinder

As someone who loves a gripping mystery with a dash of intrigue, The Protest by Rob Rinder absolutely hit the mark! From the very first page, Rinder pulls you into a world of high art, dark secrets, and high-stakes drama.

The story begins at a star-studded event at the Royal Academy celebrating the famous artist Max Bruce. The evening, full of glamour and anticipation, takes a shocking turn when a protester disrupts the event, throwing blue paint at Max. But the twist? The paint is laced with cyanide, and what was supposed to be a minor act of defiance turns into an attempted murder.

The setup is a perfect storm of tension, and I was hooked immediately. The book's central character, Adam Green, a newly qualified barrister, is thrust into a complex case where all evidence points to the protester as the culprit. But as Adam digs deeper, he starts to question whether the true villain has been caught or if the motives run much deeper. Could there be others who wanted Max dead? The mystery of the artist’s past, combined with his complicated relationships, creates a web of potential suspects, making the investigation all the more tantalizing.

Rinder’s writing is sharp and compelling, filled with clever twists and turns. Adam’s journey as a lawyer facing an almost impossible task is both captivating and relatable, especially with the moral dilemmas he faces while defending someone who may not be as innocent as they seem. The characters, especially Adam, feel real and nuanced, which added a lot of depth to the story.

The pace is fast, keeping you on your toes, and the drama builds to a satisfying, yet thought-provoking conclusion. It’s a mystery that stays with you long after the final page. The combination of high society, a world-class artist, and a deep dive into human nature makes The Protest a compelling read for fans of thrillers, legal dramas, and art world mysteries.

I absolutely loved how Rob Rinder brought his experience as a barrister to the table—there’s an authenticity to the legal proceedings and Adam’s character that adds a layer of realism. If you enjoy a twisty, well-crafted thriller with moral dilemmas and a touch of suspense, The Protest is a must-read. It's an absolute page-turner that doesn’t let up!

Artist Max Bruce is murdered in front of his many family and fans, spray painted in the face with blue paint. The paint, laced with cyanide, shows intent and all evidence points to a protestor. Adam Green – who we’ve met in Rob’s previous two novels – is tasked with defending the would-be culprit, alongside a very dashing KC. The media’s attention is on the case, Adam’s got personal and professional woes and another case that will tug at everyone’s heartstrings. There’s a lot going on but will he be able to separate the truth from fiction? The level of detail in this is impressive and Rob has created a character who doesn’t always get it right but whom you’re rooting for nonetheless.

We are once again back with Adam in the chambers. There are two cases. The most interesting is one where a ‘Stop the War’ protestor has sprayed a famous artist with a can of blue paint lined with arsenic which has killed him. The reaction on social media, the crowds outside and the inevitable filming of the death all seemed sadly real. Lexi, the defendant, wasn’t a particularly nice character which was unusual and made the book more believable. I enjoyed the characters of Jonathan and Georgina and Adam’s crazy mother. The reason for three stars this time is the ending. I won’t give anything away but I didn’t find it satisfying, Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.

Free courtesy of Netgalley

This is the 2nd book I have read of Rob Rinder, I really enjoyed the first one, so I was grateful to be asked to review this one. Even though I haven't read the 2nd book in this series it didn't really matter.

Adam Green is still working in Stag Court as a Barrister, but he has more experience now but still seems to feel like an imposter at times. This book follows him defending two crimes the first is working with the talented Morris Brown on the murder of a famous artist by a young girl Lexi, who has publicly sprayed blue paint in his face as a protest against the War, and secondary working with his friend Bobby on a court martial case.

The story is great but I felt that there was no real conclusion at the end of the book, but hopefully it is set up nicely for the next book. There are lots of things to explore with the next book, Adam needs to grow a bit of a backbone if he is going to one day be a star of Stag Court, and his relationship with his colleagues especially Georgina is something to look forward to. I love the relationship with his mother, it shows what kind of person he is. I would recommend this book but maybe read the first book, if you haven't already, to get a grounding of who Adam is

This is the third in the series of Rob Rinder's books that center around Adam Green, a new barrister at Stag Court in London. The story itself does standalone and doesn't require you to have read the previous two books, but it does contain some spoilers for those stories so if you're going to start somewhere... Start with 'The Trial's - largely because it's an excellent read.


In this book, Green has many cases to defend but it's the murder of artist and a court martial that are the feature cases here.

The story has some strong twists and turns and is a very engaging read but the ending wasn't as satisfying as in the other book, nor did it give me what I needed!

Rob Rinder's 'Adam Green' series is back for its third instalment in the gripping 'The Protest'. We follow Adam as he takes on a client in the centre of what the media is dubbing 'The Blue Face Case'. Acclaimed artist Max Bruce is the target of a climate protest and sprayed in the face with blue paint. Unlike previous harmless but messy protests by this environmental group, this can of paint is laced with cyanide. So we have a dead artist, a young woman in prison and Adam trying to work out who is responsible for the poisoning (he is getting a bit of an Agatha Christie reputation).

As this is book 3, we are a few years into Adam's career as a lawyer now. He is winning cases, but I am concerned he hasn't actually grown much. He is still overworked, overwhelmed and winning his cases through luck and people giving him tip offs. I appreciate the stories Rinder creates, particularly the court martial case in this novel which was fascinating, and how the details are so specific and realistic. However, I need Adam to get a clue in future books! He needs to grow a spine, let his hair down, and finally ask Georgina out. Maybe in Book 4 I will get my wish!

I really like this series and am clearly emotionally invested in these characters. 4 stars! And a request for Book 4 asap.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rob Rinder. is fast becoming one of my favour authors. This book doesn't disappoint.
.. Enjoyed getting to know the characters better as they are each book. Would definitelyThis recommend book

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3.5 stars rounded up!

This is the 3rd book in Rob Rinder’s series which centres around new barrister, Adam Green. Whilst it is a standalone story, it does contain some spoilers for earlier books - and I think some of the relationships between characters could be confusing for someone starting with this book. So I would recommend stepping away from The Protest right now, and going and getting yourself a copy of The Trial!

In this latest instalment, Adam is pretty settled into Stag Court now, and finds himself supporting an intimidating, experienced lawyer, Morris Brown, on the case everyone is talking about - the murder of famous artist Max Bruce in the name of the Stop the War campaign.

In a subplot, Adam works with his old friend Bobby on a military court case, where they suspect that a young soldier is being made a scapegoat for something more sinister.

Having really enjoyed the first 2 books, I found I didn’t quite get on with this one as well. I’m starting to find Adam a bit too passive a character - I know it’s not the job of a barrister to solve a crime, but given that the police don’t do anything in these books, it’s just a bit disappointing that things seem to just land in his in-tray rather than there being any clever investigation!

And the main storyline, in which a celebrity is poisoned to death in a public display - is kind of also what happened in the second book!? I actually found the secondary story about the young army corporal and the soldiers turning peacekeepers to be more gripping than the main story.

The twist towards the end was a good one - but the ending itself was not quite as satisfyingly conclusive as I would have liked!

The Protest is the third book in this wonderful legal series with Adan Green now a junior barrister doing well with his own cases but still expected to go above and beyond to assist more senior barristers as their second.
At an exhibition at a the Royal Academy a famous artist is there as one of his famous paintings is being shown. Suddenly he has blue paint thrown at him by an assistant at the academy in protest against war, unfortunately this paint has been laced with cyanide and the artist drops dead in front of all the attendees. As far as the police etc are concerned it’s an open and shut case as Lexi Williams action was not only witnessed by many it was also filmed by the artists son on his phone.
Adam is brought in as second chair for the defence whilst also having to assist in a court martial of a soldier accused of murdering a civilian child whist on duty in Kandistan.
With great characters , depth and humour and court scenes with sparkling dialogue this is another immensely enjoyable read from this talented author. I did suspect the twist at the end but not the unexpected finale.
These books would make a great TV series especially with the telephone conversations between Adam and his Jewish mother ( a role made for Maureen Lipman) I look forward to more of the lovely Adam Green and his growth as a barrister and person.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

Another intriguing story from the courts of law.
Up to date with the damage done by protesters to many priceless arts this is typical of a young girl who is bored during lock down and finds ways of amusing herself. Lexi seems to be confused young girl with one aim and sets about achieving this the way she has been taught, unfortunately for her someone else interferes and her tarfget dies. Can Adam and Brown save her? Will Adam perform miracles again at the last minute? I have a feeling this story isn't finished yet..........

I’ve been a long time lover of this series and I look forward to each new Rob book. I’ve found them to be so entertaining and such easy win reads.

I’ve loved Adam’s character and the insights into a busy legal career. It’s always filled with the best type of drama and there’s plenty to keep you hooked. I’m always hanging off every chapter and they go so quickly!

We have a bunch of new cases in this one, namely the ‘Blue face murder’ where a young protester gets herself into hot waters. Adam is assigned to her legal team along with a Court Marshal that sees him burning the candle at both ends. Talk about a workload! And I also live for his phone call chapters with his mum. Her sharp checking in is the absolute best.

After the ending, I could easily have read for a couple of extra 100 pages. I neeeeed to know what happens next!

It was another fantastic book and I enjoyed it massively.

I have read all of the Adam Green books now. I do enjoy them as I read, they are easy and light and there is always something compelling about the plot.

However, I'm ready for Adam to grow a bit now. His naive, unconfident persona started to grate a bit in this book.

I also found elements quite repetitive. So and so and her massive bag. One character 'still in her thin blue anorak', a defendent still in her white shirt and blue skirt... it was primarily descriptions, but they were repeated word for word throughout.

I liked the drama and unfolding once the courtroom kick started on the two main cases. But otherwise, I found the plots a repetitive cycle of Adam travelling places and despairing at his workload.

I do find the series compelling, but I don't think this was the strongest book in terms of writing, and as a series reader, I'm ready to see Adam move beyond insecurity and moaning about long work days.

Another great courtroom drama from Rob Rinder. I love the characters Rob creates, especially Adam, who is no longer a pupil, but a junior barrister. He is still being hassled by his mum for his lack of girlfriend.

In this book, Adam defends a young female activist accused of poisoning a famous artist. I liked that the story was relatively straightforward, which made it easy to follow. The beauty of these books is in the characters and their relationships.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Absolute love this, this a great edition to an ongoing series by a big name celeb that lives up to his big name in his writing. Stories are individual told with a real sense of heart and humour they keep you interest though out and you are forever rooting for Adam of whom is developing into a one of my favourite characters. Well done again judge I find you guilty of writing of a well plotted, well written quirky witty read!!!' More please

I enjoyed this but not as much as the first two books in the series. It felt a bit like the ending was rushed and I actually found the b plot much more interesting than the main crime.

Thank you for the opportunity to read the third book by Robert Rinder.
Adam Green is once again at the helm, and he is defending Lexi Williams’ who is accused of killing a well known person.
It was a great book full of twists and turns. I liked the ending too. That’s all I can sat without revealing any spoilers.
Thank you once again for the invitation to read this new book. Five stars 🌟

I have really enjoyed all of Rob Rinder's books. There were two things that jarred with me about this one. The first was the number of time he mentioned that Nisha carried a capacious handbag!! I got it the first time, but it was used, unnecessarily, for a further three or four times. Then there is the ending...I actually said NO! very loudly when I turned the last page. I really felt it was a cop-out and, if I am honest, spoilt the book for me. There is so much to like about it. Adam's character is very likeable and the Jewish Mother is perfectly captured and adds a little light relief throughout the story.
There were areas which I did not feel were fully explored/expanded. Why didn't Tony include Adam in the gossip of chambers? Did Georgina secretly 'fancy' Adam, and if so, why was she not more up-front with him? If is usual for someone like Stacey to just walk out of a chambers so soon after getting her place? I had more questions than answers by the end of the book.
However, as always, the various courtroom and prison scenes are painted with masterful brushstrokes, making them vivid. I am surprised that a TV series has not been made of one or all of his books but am very sad to say that this is not my favourite.

This is the third outing for Rob Tinder's Adam Green who is a junior barrister at Stag Court.

Adam is second chair on two high profile cases. Lexi is an activist accused of murdering a high profile artist.
Danny is a young soldier being court-martialed for murdering a young boy whilst on active service.

Adam must dig into these cases to establish the truth.

Rinder's books have some good solid characters to flesh out the plots and are well with reading.


I would like to thank Netgalley and Century Publishing for the chance to read and review this book

I was really pleased to get my hands on the ARC of this book. I loved the first 2 books in the series - the character development is great and you feel especially warmed to them in the third book. I love that multiple cases are followed, it really keeps the pace and hooks you in. The evidence unfolds in a creative way, keeping you guessing right up to the verdicts. This third book especially gives an insight into the stress and crazy workload in this profession! I am now very much looking forward to the next book in this series, fingers crossed for another ARC as I now don’t want to wait!

I was delighted to receive an arc for this book. It was good to catch up with Adam and his non stop whirl of legal cases. Without giving anything away I can’t wait for the next book. With likeable characters (I love Adam’s mother she always comes out with some totally strange ideas). A great read.