Bold Counsel

The Trials of Sarah Newby #3

by Tim Vicary

Some secrets are buried too deep for tears. Love, death and an ancient murder combine in this outstanding legal thriller. When Sarah Newby embarks on her first case in London’s Court of Criminal Appeal, she has little idea of the quest of horror she is about to uncover. With her marriage collapsing under the strain of her career, she finds a new lover. But dare she trust any man ever again? Yet when even the police oppose her fight for justice, what can one woman do all alone?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Legal Thriller, Suspense, Legal

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2011

About the author

Tim Vicary is an author and a recently retired university teacher from the university of York, England. His legal thrillers about a tough British barrister, Sarah Newby, have been compared to the works of John Grisham and Scott Turow. The second book in the series, A Fatal Verdict, was awarded a B.R.A.G Medallion for an outstanding independent novel, and the third book, Bold Counsel, was awarded the Awesome Indies Seal of Excellence. He is currently writing a fourth book in the series, entitled Broken Alibi.

His four historical novels have also won praise. Nobody's Slave, a novel about the Elizabethan slave trade, won first prize in the young adult category of the Kindle Book awards 2014. His three other historical novels, Cat & Mouse, The Blood Upon the Rose, and The Monmouth Summer, are all available individually or as a boxed set of three, entitled Women of Courage.

Tim has also written about twenty much shorter books, graded readers for foreign learners of English, published by Oxford University Press. In 2010 and 2011 two of these - Titanic and The Everest Story - were each the winners in their category for the Language Learner Literature Award for the Extensive Reading Foundation.

Tim lives in the English countryside, near York. When he's not writing he likes horse-riding, cycling, and swimming.

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved this series. However this book was nearly a 3 as found it difficult to get into. The characters did not gel together as well as they did in the previous 2. Ended up giving it a 4 because of the final 4 paragraphs, it all came together with lots of pace.

[Elyra Wynthorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have now read Books 1, 2, and 3, and Bold Counsel might be the most emotionally demanding of them all. The pressure on Sarah is intense, and the story never lets her, or the reader, relax. This book left a strong impression on me.

[Darian Hollowcrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that quietly takes over your thoughts. The legal drama is excellent, but the emotional tension is what truly drives the story. Sarah feels real in her doubts and determination. I finished this already wanting more.

[Emric Thorncrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an engaging and thoughtful continuation of the series. The characters feel more layered, and their fears feel realistic. I appreciated how the plot unfolded without rushing. It kept my attention from start to finish.

[Arlen Thornebrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book demands your attention rather than begging for it. The tension grows naturally, and the characters are given room to breathe. Sarah’s strength and vulnerability are both on full display. I would easily recommend this to anyone who enjoys serious thrillers.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bold Counsel – Tim Vicary

My Rating 4.5 / 5
Format Kindle


This is the third book in the Sarah Newby Trials, a series which follows lawyer Sarah Newby as she takes on a number of high profile cases in the British city of York.

Bold Counsel is slightly different to the first book, A Game of Proof. The book is less focussed on the court cases Sarah sees herself a part of, and more on her private life and a series of chance meetings which bring the story full circle.

Sarah finds herself at the Court of Appeal seeking to quash the verdict of a man who has served 18 years for a murder he has consistently denied. This is set against the backdrop of her personal life falling apart, her daughter is at University and her husband has left her.

Sarah wins her court of appeal case, and her life takes some unexpected twists as she opens herself up to a new life with a new man. This personal story is interspersed with the story of a young man who commits a number of offences against women and the complicated mood swings and connections of Sarah’s new man.

The book kept me guessing to the end about who had committed the various murders, which is no mean feat, I’m usually pretty good at working out a good murder mystery, however Vicary brings the story full circle and ties it all together neatly, leaving me guessing until the last page.

There is much more scope to develop the stories with Sarah Newby, her son Simon and the police officer Terry Bateson, and I hope to see more of the Sarah Newby Trials in the future.

This is another superb and accomplished British thriller by Tim Vicary, and is sure to be enjoyed by many a reader.

[Diana Hockley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book lurked on my kindle for months while I passed it over in favour of more recent ones. Now, on the one hand, I am sorry I did because I could have met these interesting characters sooner, but on the other, I can now savour it as being a treasure all the sweeter for waiting.

There are a number of major characters, however Mr Vicary keeps them all in line, well behaved and distinctive so the reader has no problem with identifying who is who at the zoo as they disappear and reappear throughout the story.

Tim Vicary has crafted an excellent tale, a plot which has more twists than a dead snake on an ant heap (Australian-speak). I was sure I had identified the killer, but in the last few chapters the plot turned inside out and left me stunned.

Good writing, superb plotting, excellent characterisation and some terrific imagery ensure this novel is a keeper and a return to the author's work. I do hope he is shredding his fingers to the bone on the laptop typing another Sarah Newby story...

[Corliss Emberlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book really deepened my connection to the characters, especially Sarah, who feels more real than ever here. The pressure she faces is constant, and you can feel how much it is changing her. I liked how the story did not rush the emotional moments but let them settle. This book shows growth, not just action, and that made it very satisfying to read.

[Varyn Westfell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book really deepened my connection to the characters, especially Sarah, who feels more real than ever here. The pressure she faces is constant, and you can feel how much it is changing her. I liked how the story did not rush the emotional moments but let them settle. This book shows growth, not just action, and that made it very satisfying to read.

[Torin Bellweather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Books 1 and 2 before starting Bold Counsel, I felt completely invested, but this book still managed to surprise me. The tension here is deeper and more psychological, and the pressure on Sarah Newby feels relentless. Every decision she makes carries real consequences, and that sense of weight never disappears. This is the kind of book that keeps you reading far later than planned.

[Carina Valecrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bold Counsel is where the series truly shows its confidence. The legal case itself is compelling, but what really stands out is how much emotional strain Sarah is under throughout the story. You feel her exhaustion, her doubt, and her determination in every chapter. If you enjoy serious, intelligent thrillers, you should absolutely get this book.

[Jareth Arlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book pulled me in slowly and then refused to let go. The pacing is measured, but the tension is constant, building layer by layer rather than relying on cheap shocks. Sarah Newby feels incredibly real here, flawed, thoughtful, and under immense pressure. I finished this feeling both satisfied and unsettled in the best way.

[Aryelle Whitvine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bold Counsel impressed me with how grounded and believable it felt. The legal drama never feels exaggerated, and the emotional stakes are handled with real care. Sarah Newby carries the story beautifully, and her choices feel painfully real. I would strongly encourage anyone on the fence to buy this book.

[Sevran Delmere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bold Counsel feels mature and confident, like a writer fully in control of the story being told. The pacing is steady, the tension is constant, and the emotional payoff is strong. Sarah Newby continues to be a fascinating and believable protagonist. Go and get this book if you enjoy intelligent crime fiction.

[Lyrica Thornvale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Books 1 and 2 back to back, and Bold Counsel felt like a natural but bolder continuation. Sarah’s choices here are fascinating and sometimes shocking, and the story never takes the easy route. The writing is confident, the pacing is excellent, and the tension builds steadily. This series just keeps getting better.

[Noémie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read Books 1 and 2 first, then jumped straight into this, and I am so glad I did. Bold Counsel feels like a turning point for the series. The plot is gripping, the courtroom scenes are sharp, and the emotional depth is outstanding. This is one of those books you keep thinking about after it ends.

[Étienne Lefèvre · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about this series is how each book builds on the last without repeating itself. Bold Counsel is darker, more psychological, and incredibly tense. Sarah’s growth across the three books feels earned and believable. Highly recommended.

[Felix Hartmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy legal thrillers with substance, this is it. Bold Counsel is smart, intense, and emotionally layered. The structure of the story works beautifully, and the pacing keeps you engaged throughout. Do yourself a favor and read it.

[Lara Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came into Book 3 already invested in Sarah Newby, and this book deepened that connection. The moral conflicts are tough, the story is gripping, and the writing is strong from start to finish. This series just keeps delivering.

TOP NOTCH!!!!

[Jonas Kübler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bold Counsel might be my favorite so far. The psychological tension adds a new dimension, and the legal drama feels incredibly authentic. It is rare to find a series that continues to grow stronger like this. Seriously, go pick this up.

[Annika Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book grabbed me early and never let go. The case is compelling, the emotional stakes are high, and the character development is excellent. Sarah Newby feels like a real person dealing with impossible choices. An excellent third entry in the series.

[Beatriz Martins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bold Counsel shows just how skilled this author is. The story is tightly constructed, the dialogue feels natural, and the tension is perfectly balanced. Anyone who liked the earlier books should absolutely continue the series.

[Diego Castaño · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this series does not shy away from difficult questions. Bold Counsel is intense, smart, and emotionally heavy in the best way. The courtroom scenes are gripping, but it is the psychological depth that really stands out. Go read this book.

[Mariana Lopes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This felt like a mature, confident installment in the series. The pacing is strong, the plot is engaging, and the characters continue to evolve in believable ways. Bold Counsel kept me hooked from beginning to end.

[Tomás Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing this, I immediately wanted to talk about it. The story is tense, the themes are powerful, and the character work is excellent. This is legal thriller writing done right. People seriously need to check this out.

[Alessia Greco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bold Counsel adds a darker tone that works perfectly for the series. The emotional complexity and psychological tension are handled very well, and the legal elements feel authentic. I am fully invested in this series now.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a good afternoon-on-the-dock book. the story moves well and is exciting enough to hold your attention. the characters are, mostly, believable and interesting. the descriptions of the area, the windmill house and the motorcycle chase are marvelous.

[Dilemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bold Counsel takes the Sarah Newby series in a darker and more personal direction, blending legal suspense with emotional and psychological depth.

This time, Sarah steps into London’s Court of Criminal Appeal, and the case quickly expands into something far more disturbing than she initially expects. The idea of an old, buried crime resurfacing gives the story a haunting quality, and the sense of resistance she faces not only from opposing counsel but even from the police raises the stakes considerably.

Alongside the legal drama, the novel explores Sarah’s private life as her marriage falters and she questions whether she can ever truly trust again. This personal turmoil is woven naturally into the plot and adds realism rather than distraction. Sarah remains a strong, flawed, and believable protagonist, which continues to be one of the series’ biggest strengths.

The pacing is steady, the legal elements feel authentic, and the atmosphere is tense without relying on constant twists. While the story unfolds more gradually than earlier books, it rewards patience with emotional weight and a satisfying sense of justice.

Overall, Bold Counsel is a thoughtful and engaging legal thriller that deepens both the series and its central character. Recommended for readers who enjoy courtroom drama with strong character development.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bold Counsel is a tense, fast-moving legal thriller packed with psychological depth and smart twists. Tim Vicary keeps the suspense tight as Sarah Newby’s professional ambition and personal life collide with deadly consequences. Compelling characters, a dark mystery, and an unsettling sense of mistrust make this a thoroughly absorbing read. A strong entry in the series and highly recommended for fans of British legal thrillers.

[SAM Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bold Counsel is a thrilling legal drama that kept me on the edge of my seat. Tim Vicary does a fantastic job of blending suspense with deep character development. Sarah Newby, struggling with both a challenging case and her personal life, is a compelling and relatable protagonist. The twists and dark secrets behind an old murder make this book impossible to put down. A gripping read with great emotional depth highly recommend!