The Order

by John Mayer

The story of how The Earl of Marchion who owes £7.8m in Death Duties, thought he could kidnap, smuggle and cheat his way out of paying them. But he didn't reckon on the skills of an 11 year old African girl or her crusading lawyer Mr Brogan McLane QC.

507 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 2, 2015

About the author

John Mayer would love to be a top-flight blues guitar player and have dated Jennifer Aniston. But what he did achieve, amongst other things was to be a 1970s Indie Record Producer before becoming a top-flight Advocate in the Supreme Court of Scotland where he specialised in international child abduction: rescuing the children, not abducting them, of course.

In his youth, John was shot! Twice! Once in Glasgow, Scotland and once in New York City. John attacks everything he does with passion. And that's what he brings to his writing.
The Parliament House Books.
The Trial Book 1
The Order Book 2
The Bones Book 3
The Trust Book 4 available Nov 03 2017
Also now available three prequels;
The Cross
The Cycle
The Boots
Coming soon
Nuclear Peace

Reviews

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series although I believe that it could be enjoyed as a standalone book. This is such a tragic story of human trafficking and the appalling ways in which children can be shamefully used and abused all for greed and profit. The opening scenes set in Africa are unthinkable. I just couldn’t get my mind round what little value a man put on his children. I don’t mean monetary I mean in the human sense, God damn it these were his flesh and blood and it was like he was selling chickens. I was stunned. The sad thing is this story is based on a real little girl, Ababuo and at that I cried.
This is my second outing with Brogan McLane QC and although I loved the first book I felt like I was home with this one. This is a legal thriller set in the Crown Courts but Brogan McLane always seems to get entangled far more than any normal QC would do. He does really get stuck right into the heart of the investigation side of things, playing a very dangerous game at times.  He is married to Joanne who really shines in this story for me. The whole case becomes very personal for Brogan McLane and his wife, with some very moving scenes.
Some people may seem to have everything but to what lengths will they go to make sure that they keep what they have? This is a story about wealth, power and the value of a life, a little girl who has been through and seen too much. She is a package. Not the good stuff inside but just the vessel to carry to valuables. This story tests the whole judicial system and the men that thought they were above the law.
This isn’t a book that you can casually read, it is one where you really need to be involved with the events and who is who in return you get a story that will stay with you way after you have finished reading it. There is a lot of court jargon so make sure that you familiarise yourself with the Glossary at the front of the book before you start reading. As the book is set in Scotland there is also quite a bit of Scottish accents used which you will get the hang of as I did. It all goes to make it one very authentic story.
This is turning into a series to keep my eye one. Just loving it! Already got book three in the series ready to read.
 

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

This was a great introduction to this author. I look forward to reading more of his works. I look forward to the next book.

[Elsa Hoffmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brogan is back! And this time it's all about a tiny African girl, who suffered horribly, watching people hacked to death, her mother dying, her siblings torn from her when her father sells her.

The sinister and sick world of human trafficking, diamond smuggling and the lengths these people would go to protect themselves, is explored here. This is also an inside look at the Justice system (in this case Scotland), the world of cold laws versus the world of real hurt.
I love Mr Mayer's books. He blends in the legal and the real feelings behind every case so well. He is practicing law, in particular this horrible crime of human trafficking, and this book is really an eye opener. I could not stop reading!
I received a free book, do review all the books I read, and again felt as if I was walking the halls of justice with the good guys!!

[Barbara Tsipouras · Rating 3 out of 5]

John Mayer obviously knows what he is writing about.

For me this was a very strange and quite confusing world.
The main character is struggling to find a legal way to justice in a world of traditions, legal procedures, unspoken alliances and aristocrats who are above the law.
Understanding all this legal language wasn't easy for me.
On the other side there is a lot of Scottish accent. That was another challenge, but it shows the author's ability to switch voices.
And between all that there are some beautiful poetic passages and the despicable
committed crime.

I won this book in Booklover Catlady Maxine's competion. Thanks to the author and Maxine.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. If I didn't have anything to do more than reading, I would have read it in one sitting. This is the second book in The Parliament House series and the first I read. Now I will have to read the first and then finish the rest of the series. Why do I say need to? I want more. I need to know the players better. I need to know the start. The characters in The Order are gritty and posh, some times both. The good guys are good and sometimes no so good. The bad are awful. If you like good to triumph over evil, like me, you'll want to read this and I bet you'll be left wanting more too.

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.

The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.

i would highly recommend this author and this book.