At MP-turned-wellness-guru Adrian Wells’s glitzy launch event for a bath salt that promises to reverse ageing, someone is about to turn up the heat. . .
As Adrian lowers himself into the architectural copper tub to showcase his miracle product in front of countless influencers, it soon becomes clear that something is amiss.
The bath salt has been poisoned. And now Adrian is dead. His long-suffering assistant Jules is the prime suspect.
Barrister Adam Green is tasked with Jules’s defence, and he quickly realises that there were many more people with a score to settle against Adrian.
Walked into a secondhand bookstore. Made eye contact with a beautiful dog, patted her. Then spotted a glorious sight: the new Rob Rinder book. Disbelief. This was perfect timing before a weekend trip to Marseille.
Mr Rinder has created another great continuation of Adam Green’s story. I enjoyed the balance between the main case and the side case he was working on. I was guessing for quite a while but I think towards the very end it became fairly obvious what was going to happen. As this was only at the very end, it didn’t damper on my feeling towards the novel as a whole. I enjoyed the pace of new case information throughout - definitely kept me reading more and more wondering where it was going to eventually lead. I got sunburnt while stuck turning the pages.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.
This is my first time reading an Adam Green novel and I must say it won’t be my last. Rob Rinder’s spellbinding courtroom drama has you hooked from start to finish. The characters are either likeable or not depending on your perspective.
The Defence, is the fourth book in the Adam Green series by Rob Rinder. A well written mix of satire and courtroom drama. It’s a story that proves the wellness industry can be just as toxic as the poisons it claims to flush away.
Adrian Wells, a Member of Parliament turned wellness guru is appearing at the launch of a new miracle cure. The product is a bath salt that promises to reverse the aging process. In a grand promotional stunt, Adrian lowers himself into an architectural copper tub in front of a crowd of camera-wielding influencers. The demonstration appears to be going well until Adrian Well’s collapses dying from the “anti-aging” salts that have been lethally poisoned.
The police don’t have to look far for a suspect. Jules, Adrian’s long-suffering assistant, was the person closest to the tub and arguably the one with the most motive to see her demanding boss gone. With the evidence stacked against her, the case looks like a “slam dunk” for the prosecution. Barrister Adam Green, is tasked with defending Jules’s, and has he digs into Adrian’s past, he discovers that the wellness guru’s “inner circle” was a shark tank of resentment. From jilted business partners to exploited employees, the list of people who wanted Adrian dead is as long as a supermarket receipt.
This is a well written addition to the series that could easily be read as a standalone. I really enjoy legal thrillers especially when they are written by authors who bring authenticity to their novels. My favourite parts are the courtroom battles and in this novel Rob Rinder shows his legal expertise to craft a courtroom battle that feels authentic, tense, and expertly paced.
The wellness industry is a multi million pound business and Adam soon realises he is not only fighting for a verdict but faces a world of powerful people who will do anything to keep their own secrets submerged.
This is a well written Legal thriller that is well plotted and has a touch of humour. Adam Green is a very good protagonist, a well developed character that has many facets.
A captivating” mystery that balances the gravity of a murder trial with the levity of a social comedy.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Random House UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 4th book in the series featuring Barrister Adam Green so, for full enjoyment, and because they are all great reads, I would recommend you start at book one and read in order. So... we start with a rather bizarre death at a launch event for a new bath salt which promises to reverse the aging process. It doesn't really do that for its inventor, former MP, now wellness guru Adrian Wells, as his demonstration goes very very wrong, culminating in his death. Fingers swiftly point to his assistant Jules who the Police believe is the only one who could have done it! Adam already has a pretty full plate as usual, but is called to assist KC Ursula Elder with Jules' defence. The sting in this high profile tail is that his closest Chambers friend, Georgina, is prosecuting... Meanwhile, Adam is also defending a manslaughter case where his client is admitting the charge but disputing certain facts claimed by the prosecution, which is being heard in what they call a Newton hearing. Look it up, it's a new one on me...! Every day's a school day. Anyway... as per usual, Adam starts to make his own investigations. To try and find what he believes the Police missed. Other suspects, other ways the salts could have been tampered with, anything to assist Ursula with Jules' defence. All at the same time as trying to bat away his mother's attempts to pair him off, make him eat, sleep, relax, all the interfering things she does and he loves her for, really! I love this series. I love Adam as a character. How he stumbles around on occasion making mistakes, being totally human and just as flawed as the rest of us. But at the same time, working as hard as he can for the good of his clients, with his very best intentions. I especially love his mother and her interferences. They add a bit of comic relief from the. often, intense courtroom business. And, in this case, the romantic side of things... Oh and he also takes the micky out of himself in this book - IYKYK! The intrigue and suspense ramp up all the way to a wholly satisfying conclusion. All in all, a cracking addition to an already well impressive series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
As per usual, Adam has a lot on his legal plate. There’s his work with the GMC in Manchester and he’s called in to be part of the defence of Jules Quentin, accused of the spectacularly public murder of MP turned wellness guru, Adrian Wells. Is Jules guilty of poisoning his miracle product bath salts with wolfsbane or are there others with axes to grind? As if that’s not enough, he’s given a manslaughter case combined with homophobia. ‘Twas ever thus for a busy barrister from a well respected chambers.
This is a very interesting, engaging and contrasting mixed bag of cases, clearly demonstrating just how hectic Adam’s life is and the never-ending flow of cases. It’s excellent on the fluctuating dynamics, especially in the Jules Quentin case where he’s working under the leadership of Ursula Elder, whose resemblance to a Rottweiler is all too apparent. It brings him up against Georgina, his one good friend in Chambers, as she is the prosecutor of the case. As always, there’s the mother/son dynamic, his mother is quite hilarious and provides some smiles to counterbalance the grit. It’s a win-win for me.
The manslaughter case introduces something new to me, a Newton hearing, whereby a client disputes the facts put forward by the opposition. This is a very tricky case and Adam‘s ultimate confliction is very well done. As always, the courtroom scenes are excellent with a really good back-and-forth between all sides and, of course, the judge.
It’s a fast, free flowing, constant momentum and full steam head plot as Adam is pulled in all directions. It’s witty and clever, combined with legalese and a very good plot. The characterisation is excellent, I really like Adam, he’s a good central protagonist, his dogged, honourable and an all-round good human being.
Overall, this is a very compelling read and a series I continue to enjoy.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House U.K., Cornerstone for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Welcome back Adam Green. You have been missed. It may only have been a year, but it seems to have been a long time in the life of Rob Rinder's brilliant protagonist, spent stuck in the depths of corporate law, when his heart really belongs to more criminal pursuits.
Careful what you wish for, as it's not long before he finds himself caught in the midst of a complex case which sees high profile former-MP-turned-wellness-guru, Adrian Wells, dead in rather unpleasant, and very public, circumstances, and his long suffering employee, Jules Quentin, accused of the crime. It is Adam's job to help build a defence for Jules, and that is no easy ask. Let's just say she is an objectionable sort, hard to love, and not keen on helping herself, let alone her defence team. With evidence mounting against her, Adam sets out, as ever, to find that scrap of truth that can counter the prosecution's claims, unearthing a whole raft of suspicious types and assorted motives along the way.
I really do love Adam as a character. he is the kind of person who always sets out to do the right thing, although not always with the right results. He wears his heart on his sleeve, not always a good thing as a barrister, particularly in criminal law, but it does make him kind of adorable as a character, as well as innately, human. Rob Rinder has invested in his character an utterly charming character, sometimes a little inept, for sure, but with a heart of gold and a nose for the truth. He's somewhere between lawyer and Detective, going well above and beyond the day job to find the crucial counter to the save his clients. And boy does he often face a beating - and often from his own close colleagues. There is an authenticity to his personality, clearly developed from Rob Rinders understanding of the rule of law and courtroom etiquette, but not constrained by it otherwise this could be a rather dull book.
As ever, there is more than just a single case ongoing for Adam in this book, and this just serves to highlight the challenges of juggling priorities for Barristers, with multiple clients all needing his A game. The secondary case that takes up some of his attention is a somewhat emotionaly charged one - not that murder isn't - but this one is very relevant in today's society, with a ripped from the headlines feel. I like how the author played this particular thread out, not moving down the obvious route at all, and challenging his character to go beyond what felt comfortable in the need to do what was right.
What I enjoy about these books is that while we do get some recurring characters, such as Adam's best friend and, when it comes to Jules' case, opposing counsel, Georgina, his unofficial mentor, Bobby Thompson, and his former pupil master, Jonathan Taylor-Cameron, there are a plethora of new characters in each book. They all have rounded and larger than life personalities, and give each book a really new outlook, enabling to easily be read as standalones. And, as most come with some sort of legal baggage attached, they bring the drama in spade. There is a raft of humour, as well more emotional moments, and each is pitched perfectly to either drive the tension or pace of the story, as well as provide some lighter moments in what could otherwise be a very solemn read at times.
The series just keeps getting better, each new case bringing a whole new perspective on the law. Adam's mother is always on hand to set hims straight and remind him, somewhat unhelpfully, that he isn't yet married, although she also brings some real insight - via a third party or two - to this particular case, a well as some of the familiar, witty moments. If you have loved previous books, then this is another absolute winner. Adam Green has to be one of my favourite characters, the kind of person you would want defending you if it ever came to the worst, although with perhaps little less jeopardy attached to the verdict. Definitely recommended. What are you waiting for?
This fun series of cosy legal mysteries is written by Rob Rinder and unlike some books written by tv celebrities, it is actually very good. Adam Green is a junior barrister who is given two crime cases after a series of less interesting jobs. One is high profile, an ex MP who runs a wellness hotel for celebrities, is poisoned in front of a room full of guests whilst demonstrating “Well Water” ! His assistant Julia is accused of the crime with a lot of evidence against her- Adam and his team must try and find a defence which proves difficult. If she has been framed which is possible, Adam must find a plausible alternative perpetrator. The other is a case of a homophobic hate crime, resulting in death. Adam has to defend the culprit, a man who claims he is a reformed character, not a bigot. It is up to Adam as to whether he is credible and whether he can defend him. As ever Adam gets involved with investigating, in this case the wellness murder and visits the facility which is in Hadley Wood- an area very near where I live! I was trying to work out if Mr Rinder had based it on our local hotel! I liked Adam’s conversations with his mother which served to lighten the mood of the book and were very funny. In this book she even has a friend who works at the hotel which gives Adam easier access to investigate. There is even a possible love interest for Adam in the plot but the reader has to wait till the end to see if it works out. I really like these books as they are light reads but well written and obviously conceived by someone with a legal background. I definitely recommend “The Defence” and am now awaiting the next one in the series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
I absolutely love a good old-fashioned legal drama (RIP Rumpole of the Bailey), and Rob Rinder obviously knows what he's talking about in that regard. I've read all of his barrister Adam Green series, and I always enjoy them, even if I can never remember much about them afterwards. (But I read a LOT.)
In The Defence, the likeable Adam is acting as junior counsel for the defence in a high profile murder case. Adrian Wells has followed the rather unusual career trajectory of Conservative MP to wellness guru, running an expensive, celebrity-infested retreat which sounds frankly ridiculous. And now he's dead, his long suffering assistant Jules accused of his murder. It's an open and shut case, surely. Adam's friend Georgina, prosecuting, certainly thinks so, and is in need of a high profile win to cement her growing reputation. Jules, meanwhile, is not exactly helping herself.
Meanwhile, Adam is also defending a man accused of a homophobic attack which resulted in a man's death. Jordan Spencer admits the attack, but not the homophobia. Could he be telling the truth?
This was an enjoyable read, though one plot strand was a bit predictable (and disappointing). Main character Adam is a good egg with solid principles. Also, his mum is hilarious. There's an entanglement of sorts with an attractive journalist which has his mum hearing wedding bells...
I'd like to have heard a bit more about one character's stint on a TV reality talent show called Starcrossed (great name!) which seemed like it would've been fun to read about.
All in all an engaging, entertaining read and a good addition to the series.
This is another enjoyable addition that shows why these books have found such a loyal audience. The legal setting gives the story a fresh angle, and it’s fascinating to see how much work happens long before anyone steps into a courtroom.
The central case is intriguing from the outset, with the death of a high-profile wellness entrepreneur creating plenty of suspicion and several possible motives. Rather than relying on constant action, the story builds through careful questioning, clever observations and the gradual uncovering of hidden relationships. That made the resolution feel earned rather than forced.
Adam continues to be a protagonist worth spending time with. He’s conscientious, overworked and often conflicted, which makes him believable and easy to root for. His interactions with his mother remain one of my favourite parts of the series, providing warmth and humour without distracting from the more serious themes.
Rob Rinder’s professional experience adds authenticity to the legal aspects, but the book never feels weighed down by technical detail. Everything is explained naturally, allowing the plot and characters to stay front and centre.
Although this works as a standalone mystery, readers who have followed Adam’s journey will appreciate the ongoing development in his personal and professional life. Overall, it’s an engaging, well-crafted legal mystery with strong characters and an entertaining storyline that kept me reading until the final pages.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Uk, Cornerstone for providing this advanced copy
The Defence by Rob Rinder is book four in the Junior barrister courtroom drama involving Adam Green. Adrian Wells was once a well-known MP now turned a wellness and fitness guru. Is appearing in a new launch for some bath salts that are supposed to be a ‘miracle anti-aging cure’ When he lowers himself into a copper bath in front of influencers to promote it. Instead of reversal of the aging process. He suddenly dies of being poisoned from consuming the deadly ingredient of bath salts in the water. Instead of carrying out a full-blown investigation, they straight away looking at the assistant Jules that wasn’t given the credit that she came up with the idea in the first place and did all the research. Evidence showed that she had the most grievances to kill him. So, she became the main suspect. Adam Green is given the task with the rest of his team to defend her and as he investigates. Adrian Wells is not the squeaky-clean MP he is cracked up to be. This is another great addition to the Adam Green series. It is well written courtroom drama depicting a life of a barrister and the hectic life they lead. The story is written with a sense of humour, and the cases were an interesting read. The characters are likeable especially Adam who is trying to do the right thing but, doesn’t always get it right first time. This is another great and interesting read in the series I will look forward to the next one.
The Defence is the fourth book in this wonderful series with junior barrister Adam Green who is working long hours on many different legal cases. Adrian Wells previously an MP is now making millions as a fitness guru mainly from the inventions of his put upon assistant Julie. At his wellness retreat he starts to demonstrate his new bath salts that he declares will turn back the aging process etc, as he enters the bath water he suddenly collapses and dies killed by a poison in the salts. The police investigation leads to Julie being charged with his murder. Working for the defence Adam tries to find out as much as he can to prove Julie’s innocence so here we have a murder investigation and the court case. As usual from this author we have riveting arguments and cross examination from the prosecution and defence. There is much going on outside of court with different characters that are well described coming into play. The final scenes are heart pounding and brilliant. It is particularly great seeing Adam grow in confidence and ability and dare I hope even his personal life is looking as if it’s taking a turn for the better. The phone calls with his Jewish mother are so amusing and add much to this story. My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
An MP-turned-wellness-guru Adrian Wells glitzy launch event for a bath salt that promises to prevent ageing, someone is about to turn up the heat....
As Adrian lowers himself into the architectural copper tub to showcase his miracle product in front of countless influencers, it soon becomes clear that something is amiss. The bath salt has been poisoned. And now Adrian is dead. His long-suffering assistant Jules is the prime suspect. Barrister Adam Green is tasked with Jules defence, and he quickly realises that there were many more people with a score to settle.
Can Adam win the day, or is he in too deep?
The unusual death of an inventor of a new bath salt that promises to prevent ageing, ends up being poisoned and kills inventor Adrian Wells at the launch of his product. The police believe there is only one person that could have tampered with the salts - his long-suffering assistant Jules Quentin.
I love this series and the main character Barrister Adam Green. From the investigation to the court room drama - and everything in between - just intrigues me. It's well-written and Rob Rinder puts his law background to good use.
Published 18th June 2026
I would like t thank #NetGalley #RandomHouseUK #Cornerstone and the author #RobRinder for my ARC of #TheDefence in exchange for an honest review.
Barrister Adam Green is defending the prime suspect accused of murdering MP, turned wellness guru, Adrian Wells. The case has quickly become talk of the nation, when Adrian’s launch of a new anti aging bath salt ended in him being poisoned in front of countless influencers. It is clear that something is amiss and there are many people with a score to settle against Adrian. Will Adam manage to win the case?
I was looking forward to reading the fourth book in this series and hoped that it would continue with the same wit and interesting mystery that I have come to expect from these books. I was pleased that this continued in a similar style and found this to be one of the better ones in this series. I really liked the concept and mystery behind this one, the wellness aspect sounded intriguing and the characters were also interesting. Adam continues to be a strong character, as do the other returning ones.
I enjoyed the court scenes and watching the mystery play out, which was entertaining to read. I also liked the touch of humour. Despite cosy crime not being a favourite of mine, I still enjoyed this book and this is perfect to pick up for those who are already a fan of this series or are looking for a clever, compelling legal mystery. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
This is my first read by Rob Rinder and I enjoyed The Defence although it didn't wow me. The authors writing is good and engaging and the story flows well. The story has very believeable characters, I did like Adam who is part of a legal defence team where the client is accused of murder, and alongside this is given a separate case to work on. I think the plot is good, there are some good twists and the Stag Court parts make for fascinating reading. I really liked the court and trial parts and the snippets of Adam's conversations with his mum bring humour to the story. There are some good twists here but I did guess them before they were revealed. A shoddy police investigation, a trial by media and a development in Adam's personal life means he has to pull out all the stops with this case.
I did enjoy this book but it came across more as a cozy legal read to me. Yes, it is good, I just wasn't desperate to know more or find out what would come next. I like books with the main focus being the police investigation which is lacking here. If you like cozy legal reads you'll enjoy this and I'd recommend it. I think perhaps I'm not the right reader for this authors books if I'm honest.
I always look forward to follows up in this series and they never fail to capture me. It’s entertaining, addicting and I’m always intrigued to see how it’ll end up for Adam.
It’s such a novel perspective to be in the courtroom defending or presenting evidence against those accused of crimes, which Rob Rinder writes so well and in such a way you feel so absorbed into it. I’m used to the run of the mill whodunnits where it’s the police collating evidence, it’s nice to read what happens after that in the courtroom!
You can tell it’s not just superficial research but a real in depth knowledge and understanding which gives these books such a real feel of authenticity. It makes them so enjoyable and it also helps that by now, I’m so attached to the characters, I’m really rooting for them in every case.
I’ve never come across a book series so easy to read as this one. I can’t wait for more!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
This is the fourth book in the series about Adam Green, a new (ish) barrister. I flew through this book and loved it! I like reading a book in a series - you return to characters you already know and others come along and add something to the mix.
Adam is still working from the same chambers. He is missing criminal defence at the old bailey as he has been assigned some other jobs. He needs to be careful what he wishes for as he ends up with two cases, which stretch him in more ways than one!
I think I particularly like these books as they are crime fiction written from a different perspective. Quite different to a police procedural for example. The courtroom drama is described well and you really feel for Adam as the cases progress and you can sense his anxieties. I love the shorter chapters which are phonecalls with his mum. These inject some gentle humour but also feel very real and relatable.
I suppose I have to wait a year now for the next instalment!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This series just keeps getting better and better.
I absolutely adore Adam Green. I truly do. I genuinely think Adam Green feels real - I truly could imagine him in Stag Court dealing with all of these cases. The cases Adam faces can be truly morally complex and I understand the difficulties he face. I also love how he's much more than a barrister. I love his work as a 'mini detective' doing the work his clients deserve. Each mystery in the series is cleverly built. It is more than just a simple whodunnit. It's deducing clues and working out which clue actually works.
I hope this series continues because it is a reliable series. I can always trust it to steal a couple of hours away from me and I enjoy it every single time.
Finally, this is just for Rob Rinder: I NEED more Adam and Georgina. I DESERVE to know what happens next. They DESERVE happiness.
I really enjoyed The Defence by Rob Rinder and, having read all the previous books in the series, I think this was my favourite so far. One of the things I appreciate most about this series is the way Adam Green continues to develop as a character. With each book, he becomes more engaging, and in The Defence I felt that his personal and professional growth added an extra layer to an already compelling story.
The storyline itself was fascinating and kept me hooked from start to finish. Rob Rinder does an excellent job of combining legal drama with strong character development, creating plenty of twists and tension along the way. The pacing was excellent, and I found it difficult to put the book down.
The Defence is a gripping and well-written addition to the series. Fans of Adam Green will enjoy seeing his character continue to evolve, while the intriguing plot makes this a standout read. For me, it was the best book in the series yet, and I would highly recommend it.
As Adrian lowers himself into the architectural copper tub to showcase his miracle product in front of countless influencers, it soon becomes clear that something is amiss. The bath salt has been poisoned. And now Adrian is dead. His long-suffering assistant Jules is the prime suspect. Barrister Adam Green is tasked with Jules’s defence, and he quickly realises that there were many more people with a score to settle against Adrian. The fourth book in the series & another well written entertaining book. I really like Adam & have loved getting to know him you don’t need to have read the earlier books but I have to read a series in order! I loved how the author brought his experience in the court room to life & the court room scenes were riveting. I also loved the dash of humour that is ever present I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Oh, Adam, you do get yourself into sticky situations. Book 4 of the Adam Green series and hopefully many more. Adam has two cases. The biggest one is defending Jules Quentin, who is accused of murdering her boss. Looks like a simple open snd shut case. Guilty! She had the motive and the means. But is it as easy as that? Of course not. Adam is once again juggling work life and home life, which is something he is not very successful with. I love the phone conversations between Adam and his mother. She is hilarious. Still trying to marry him off. I love all the legal stuff. The behind the scenes that we don't get to hear about. I find it fascinating. Good to see the usual characters haven't changed. Jonathan has brought in his son Freddie as his pupil. Another riveting read, and I can't wait until the next one. Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK Cornerstone for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Thanks to @netgalley @robrinder & @randomhousebooks for the ARC in return for my honest review.
This is the 4th book in the Adam Green series and was once again brilliantly written and I love seeing the "behind the scenes" aspects of the British Judicial systems inner workings. Rob Rinder has combined his knowledge & experience of the law and added in quite a bit of wit & humour. This could be read as a standalone but it has been brilliant to see how Adam has grown up & matured throughout the series. I hope he & Georgina do get together! This could be made into a tv series! Some twists & turns throughout, it is a typical "whodunnit" case. Overall I really enjoyed reading this book.
Adam is feeling very uncertain about his future as a defence lawyer, but suddenly gets involved in the case of Juliet Quentin, accused of the murder of her high profile ex-MP boss. With all evidence pointing to his client, and a less than satisfactory police investigation, can Adam prove Juliet's innocence. With his friendship with his friend Georgina (the prosecution) on the line, is his job worth all of the personal difficulties. Juggling other cases, some of which do not go as expected, and a budding friendship with a journalist not all it might seem, Adam questions his career choice, but battles to save Juliet by proving police incompetence. This is the first book I have read by this author, but I will be looking for more. A great story with strong characters, very enjoyable.
Adrian Wells, an ex-MP who has turned himself into a health and wellbeing guru dies during the launch of a new product it is thought that he had a heart attack. But when it is ruled a murder, his assistant Jules Quentin is arrested. Adam is selected as her barrister and is up against Georgina, his friend from chambers who has something to prove. The case proves compelling in itself, but Adam also has other cases to deal with leaving him with little life outside chambers. The Quentin case is a media fest and the team know that they must find something extraordinary in their defence to ensure she walks free. A real page turner, I loved it.
Adam Green is back and this is yet another book hard to sum up without spoilers. It has drama, law, believable characters and definite commentary if society all wrapped up in one enthralling and easily digestible read.
There are references to the prior books in the series but this story does also standalone. I greatly enjoyed how Rinder writes; he builds tension and characters effortlessly whilst also charming the reader into such a believable world of absolutely drama. There's humour, emotion and wit. One I definitely recommend!
When ex-Tory MP and wellness guru Adrian Wells is murdered, junior barrister Adam Green is part of the defence team for the accused, Juliet 'Jules' Quentin. Jules was Wells's assistant and the brains behind his business, so she stands to lose a lot following her boss's death. However, animosity has flared between the pair recently. Could this be reason enough to commit murder?
The Defence by Rob Rinder is book 4 in the Adam Green Mystery series. This series is a cross between cosy crime and legal thriller. Over the series, we've seen Adam's career progress from pupillage at Stag Court, through to his current position as a junior barrister. Each of the four books works as a standalone novel, however, by reading them in order, you will gain a greater understanding of the life of a trainee barrister and the politics at play within the legal environment.
As we join Adam at the beginning of the novel, he is making progress in his career, but is having doubts. Not only did his last big case prove unsuccessful, but he seems to be doing nothing but mundane cases at the moment. Added to all this, his friend and colleague, Georgina, has been given a promotion. Being part of the defence team, working alongside a highly successful senior barrister, seems to have come just at the right time to bolster his spirits. Adam is his usual self, turning detective to try and find a defence for his client. Jules is a strange character; she's reluctant to say anything in her own defence. The reason for this becomes apparent as the story progresses.
The author takes the opportunity to have a little fun at the expense of the wellness industry and influencers. The way in which one of the characters speaks, non-stop platitudes and affirmations, was enough to make me feel nauseous. There's also some name-dropping, which makes the story feel very up-to-date.
Perception plays a major role in the story. You begin to realise that not everyone is as they seem; sometimes it's an act, and at times it's deliberate manipulation. By the conclusion, despite the outcome of the case, Adam still feels jaded and is questioning his future.
Rob Rinder has done it again yet another page turner. This is continuing the Journey of Adam from previous books and this one is probably the best so far. The knowledge of the law from the author helps with the authenticity of the book and I did not know who the killer was for a very long time. The secondary story within the book is also excellent and pretty shocking. I am hugely surprised that this has not been picked up for a TV series when lesser "celebrity" authors that are not writing such page turners are. Like all of his previous books a triumph.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an ARC of The Defence.
I love reading Rob Rinder’s books, and have read all of those involving Adam Green. Therefore I was very pleased to be approved for this one before it hits the shelves!
And I was not disappointed. Another fabulous foray into the world of judges, juries and courtroom battles. Absolutely love Ursula, more of her please! I am very glad Adam and Georgina patched up their friendship at the end as well.
Already looking forward to the next instalment! Due to publish 18th June 2026.
Thank you Netgalley for this brilliantly amazing read - Rob really has done it again. I was hooked from the start as this was such a great storyline - characters to love and hate! I love Adam and Georgina and the chemistry between them so off and on! Will they, won’t they / yes or no - who knows!!?? I love this series and really want it to keep going please and I highly recommend all of the books so far.
4.5⭐️ Another cracking thriller in what’s become a favourite series. I love the mix of courtroom drama and the personal development of Adam, he’s becoming a well rounded character and I love seeing his humanity. Both in the phone calls with his mum, and his work. This time the main story was about the murder of a wellness guru and it was really entertaining, the characters and the secrets were well written and enjoyable.
A fantastic read, with plenty of twists and turns that kept me hooked from start to finish. I think this series benefits hugely from the authors vast experience of the British judicial system, this adds to the realism and detail bringing you into the courtroom. Perfectly paced and I cannot wait for the next instalment of the series. Highly recommended