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Best Defence #6
Last Will
Blood is thicker than water - but it’s not as hard as cash. The trial of Robbie Munro’s life: one month to prove he’s fit to be a father. No problem. Apart, that is, from the small matter of a double-murder in which Robbie’s landlord, Jake Turpie, is implicated. Psycho-Jake demands Robbie’s undivided attention and is prepared to throw money at the defence - along with some decidedly dodgy evidence.
Robbie has a choice: look after his daughter or look after his client. Can the two be combined to give the best of both worlds? Robbie aims to find out, and his attempts lead him into the alien worlds of high fashion, drug-dealing and civil-litigation. It’s what being a father/lawyer is all about. Isn’t it?
Robbie has a choice: look after his daughter or look after his client. Can the two be combined to give the best of both worlds? Robbie aims to find out, and his attempts lead him into the alien worlds of high fashion, drug-dealing and civil-litigation. It’s what being a father/lawyer is all about. Isn’t it?
- GenresCrime
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2014
13 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 18, 2017
I’m a HUGE fan of this series based on the last couple I’ve read so I was excited enough when I received this prequel through the door to pick it up straight away. Then I read it fast because seriously, these characters are SO engaging you just want to go and live with them…
In Last Will we are finding out how Robbie’s daughter came to live with him – it is funny, intelligent and realistic on the parenting front – at the same time he is embroiled with Jake, a murder and dealing with people’s “help” creating some hilarious situational moments as well as some edge of the seat ones…
What I love about the Best Defence series is the dynamic, edgy and immersive writing, the vividly drawn and full of life characters and the deft plotting that incorporates family drama, legal drama and thriller to an absolutely addictive degree. I love Robbie’s family (especially his ex-footballer brother), his staff (it was great to see Joanne in retrospect knowing what was coming later) and the authors ability to write a totally non annoying and brilliantly authentic child character really puts the icing on the cake.
The mystery element is also excellent – Robbie’s path to the truth is hilariously twisted and keeps the reader guessing. The dialogue sparks, the personal relationships built between our main protagonist and the supporting cast is hugely compelling and overall I really can’t recommend this highly enough.
Loved it. Loved loved. When can I have more?
That is all.
In Last Will we are finding out how Robbie’s daughter came to live with him – it is funny, intelligent and realistic on the parenting front – at the same time he is embroiled with Jake, a murder and dealing with people’s “help” creating some hilarious situational moments as well as some edge of the seat ones…
What I love about the Best Defence series is the dynamic, edgy and immersive writing, the vividly drawn and full of life characters and the deft plotting that incorporates family drama, legal drama and thriller to an absolutely addictive degree. I love Robbie’s family (especially his ex-footballer brother), his staff (it was great to see Joanne in retrospect knowing what was coming later) and the authors ability to write a totally non annoying and brilliantly authentic child character really puts the icing on the cake.
The mystery element is also excellent – Robbie’s path to the truth is hilariously twisted and keeps the reader guessing. The dialogue sparks, the personal relationships built between our main protagonist and the supporting cast is hugely compelling and overall I really can’t recommend this highly enough.
Loved it. Loved loved. When can I have more?
That is all.
February 15, 2023
Scottish crime thriller with a lighter touch. Robbie Munro is a criminal lawyer who is trying to prove he’s fit to have custody of his 4year old daughter while investigating the circumstances of a double murder where he is representing the accused. As he mixes with underworld villains and famous faces, he finds himself increasingly stretched between his conflicting priorities.
The dark humour is a real strength of this novel and makes it rather different from the gritty novels that spring to mind when Tartan Noir is mentioned. Robbie is a likeable protagonist, realistic without being cynical, and his family are genuinely endearing and funny. The seamier side of life is definitely present- the opening scenes are certainly quite unpleasant - but mostly it is presented as a gloomy backdrop rather than in any detail and this allows the story to shine through.
This was a surprisingly compelling read and I am delighted to have further books in the series ready to be read, as I would love to see what problems Robbie will face next.
The dark humour is a real strength of this novel and makes it rather different from the gritty novels that spring to mind when Tartan Noir is mentioned. Robbie is a likeable protagonist, realistic without being cynical, and his family are genuinely endearing and funny. The seamier side of life is definitely present- the opening scenes are certainly quite unpleasant - but mostly it is presented as a gloomy backdrop rather than in any detail and this allows the story to shine through.
This was a surprisingly compelling read and I am delighted to have further books in the series ready to be read, as I would love to see what problems Robbie will face next.
November 10, 2020
WHS has pulled it out the bag once again with another thriller
February 26, 2021
Full of jokes, twists, and suspense, "Last Will" makes for a perfect introduction to the world of Robbie Munro and tartan noir at large.
January 1, 2018
Robbie's character was primarily the reason why I rated this novel 5 stars. He's a great protagonist to look up to, from his wit and constant determination to be a good father to his daughter while dealing with a high profile criminal case simultaneously. Upon hearing the premise I was most skeptical of the family law element in the story, but it was the perfect plot to run alongside the various homicides and action packed sequences. It broke the heavy tension of chasing down witnesses and discovering scandals and revenge hungry supporting characters.
The thriller part of the novel is never forgotten, with constant twists that highlight just how dangerous and high the stakes are. Despite being a barrister, Robbie comes across as a really exciting detective as he is trying to get to the bottom of what exactly went down that fateful night by getting involved with huge criminal underworld corporations and even fashion houses.
McIntyre is a mastermind when it comes to supporting characters and I was so heavily invested in their parts of the story. Robbie's brother is an ex-football star which upon first hearing this detail one would assume he would have no part in a legal thriller, yet his constant banter and occasional helping hand, bring a lighter tone to the novel.
The way the case was resolved metaphorically floored me, it was intricate and completely out of the blue. Just when you think you've figured it out, it turns the other way so this book should definitely be next on your to be read list.
The thriller part of the novel is never forgotten, with constant twists that highlight just how dangerous and high the stakes are. Despite being a barrister, Robbie comes across as a really exciting detective as he is trying to get to the bottom of what exactly went down that fateful night by getting involved with huge criminal underworld corporations and even fashion houses.
McIntyre is a mastermind when it comes to supporting characters and I was so heavily invested in their parts of the story. Robbie's brother is an ex-football star which upon first hearing this detail one would assume he would have no part in a legal thriller, yet his constant banter and occasional helping hand, bring a lighter tone to the novel.
The way the case was resolved metaphorically floored me, it was intricate and completely out of the blue. Just when you think you've figured it out, it turns the other way so this book should definitely be next on your to be read list.
December 6, 2018
Well written and funny, this is an enjoyable story with likeable characters. Great escapism with a strong base in Scottish law.
August 14, 2018
An entertaining read.
August 23, 2018
Will definitely read more of this series.
July 1, 2020
Great read, great pace!
Robbie Munro is a man I would like to have as a very good friend or neighbour. His personality is so skilfully crafted, he exists.
Robbie Munro is a man I would like to have as a very good friend or neighbour. His personality is so skilfully crafted, he exists.
October 15, 2022
Well done, Mr. McIntyre! Well done indeed.
November 13, 2022
A procedural with a heart of gold. A lovely heartwarming story of murder and corruption and payoffs and a little girl finding a family. Amusing and likable - highly recommended
February 20, 2025
Was really enjoying this: good characters, nice sense of humour, decent plot, but the ending was poor and perfunctory. Shame.
July 17, 2025
Not My fave. I don't see how adding a child will improve the novels.
July 3, 2022
4.5⭐️
Say hello to Robbie Munro, a criminal lawyer who has just found out that he’s a dad. And not just any dad. A dad to a four year old who he’s only just met because her mother recently died. Oh and did I happen to mention he lives in a one bedroom flat, has no idea about kids and has the biggest must win case of his life coming up, which is looking more and more like the case from hell?
Caught between adjusting to life as a dad, failing to meet his family’s expectations in every facet of his life and needing to win the case from hell to keep his firm in business; Robbie is in so far over his head it’s not even funny.
The more he tries, the more he seems to stuff up. Is it too late for Robbie to have the best of both worlds or will his antics see him having to choose between his daughter and the unwinable case he must win? To find out you’re just going to have to read Last Will by William McIntyre.
What a great read Last Will was. I can’t remember how I came across it; but it’s been sitting on my TBR pile for a good couple of years now and I’m kicking myself I didn’t get to it sooner.
As a lawyer himself, McIntyre nails the plot and characters, proving that you should write about what you know. However, you certainly don’t need to be a lawyer to enjoy this crime novel. It’s a very well written and engaging book that is simply set in a legal sitting; but which will have you laughing out loud several times and cringing just as much as Robbie continues to put his foot in it as he attempts to keep everyone happy.
I appreciated that the writing was strong enough that it’s didn’t need slabs of backstory or long winded descriptions to paint the picture of the plot and introduce the characters. Rather, you felt like you’d known them for years; because whether hero or villain, they were all relatable and easy to visualise as they went about their business.
I loved Last Will. It was a great read filled with sensational characters, especially Robbie; who is the ultimate underdog. A excellent mixture of crime, humour and whodunnit; it’s a highly recommended read and book one in a series that I’m very much looking forward to binging.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
Say hello to Robbie Munro, a criminal lawyer who has just found out that he’s a dad. And not just any dad. A dad to a four year old who he’s only just met because her mother recently died. Oh and did I happen to mention he lives in a one bedroom flat, has no idea about kids and has the biggest must win case of his life coming up, which is looking more and more like the case from hell?
Caught between adjusting to life as a dad, failing to meet his family’s expectations in every facet of his life and needing to win the case from hell to keep his firm in business; Robbie is in so far over his head it’s not even funny.
The more he tries, the more he seems to stuff up. Is it too late for Robbie to have the best of both worlds or will his antics see him having to choose between his daughter and the unwinable case he must win? To find out you’re just going to have to read Last Will by William McIntyre.
What a great read Last Will was. I can’t remember how I came across it; but it’s been sitting on my TBR pile for a good couple of years now and I’m kicking myself I didn’t get to it sooner.
As a lawyer himself, McIntyre nails the plot and characters, proving that you should write about what you know. However, you certainly don’t need to be a lawyer to enjoy this crime novel. It’s a very well written and engaging book that is simply set in a legal sitting; but which will have you laughing out loud several times and cringing just as much as Robbie continues to put his foot in it as he attempts to keep everyone happy.
I appreciated that the writing was strong enough that it’s didn’t need slabs of backstory or long winded descriptions to paint the picture of the plot and introduce the characters. Rather, you felt like you’d known them for years; because whether hero or villain, they were all relatable and easy to visualise as they went about their business.
I loved Last Will. It was a great read filled with sensational characters, especially Robbie; who is the ultimate underdog. A excellent mixture of crime, humour and whodunnit; it’s a highly recommended read and book one in a series that I’m very much looking forward to binging.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram.
February 26, 2022
Very readable detective story which sees lawyer Robbie Munro unravelling the mystery of a farmhouse murder in order to save his client. I think everything was thrown in dealers, hookers, high fashion, footballers, social work, multiple deaths, mums, dads, custody and an inheritance. Still, a very likeable hero and some well-sketched characters. If you like tartan noir, you’ll love this.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews