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Benson and De Vere #2
Blind Defence
'Vivid and exciting' The Times
WINNER OF THE PRIX DU MASQUE
She was found hanging in a dingy London bedsit with a blood orange in her mouth. Diane Heybridge, a young woman without a past or much of a future, has captured in death the compassion denied her in life.
For the prosecution, this seeming suicide is nothing more than a bungled killing and a disgusted public looks to Court 2 of the Old Bailey for justice. Her callous, jilted partner Brent Stainsby stands accused of her murder and he's turned to the maverick legal team William Benson and Tess de Vere to defend him.
However, as the trial unfolds it soon becomes clear that there is far more to Diane Heybridge than meets the eye. She wasn't the weak and downtrodden victim now being presented to the jury. She was capable of a sophisticated form of vengeance. By the same token, Brent Stainsby isn't who he seems to be either. He's hiding a motive for murder unknown to the police and may well be playing a deadly game of poker with the judicial process. What began as a simple trial rapidly turns into a complex search for the truth beyond the confines of the courtroom...
WINNER OF THE PRIX DU MASQUE
She was found hanging in a dingy London bedsit with a blood orange in her mouth. Diane Heybridge, a young woman without a past or much of a future, has captured in death the compassion denied her in life.
For the prosecution, this seeming suicide is nothing more than a bungled killing and a disgusted public looks to Court 2 of the Old Bailey for justice. Her callous, jilted partner Brent Stainsby stands accused of her murder and he's turned to the maverick legal team William Benson and Tess de Vere to defend him.
However, as the trial unfolds it soon becomes clear that there is far more to Diane Heybridge than meets the eye. She wasn't the weak and downtrodden victim now being presented to the jury. She was capable of a sophisticated form of vengeance. By the same token, Brent Stainsby isn't who he seems to be either. He's hiding a motive for murder unknown to the police and may well be playing a deadly game of poker with the judicial process. What began as a simple trial rapidly turns into a complex search for the truth beyond the confines of the courtroom...
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2018
28 people are currently reading
258 people want to read
About the author
John Fairfax
35 books57 followersJohn Fairfax is the pen name of William Brodrick who practised as a barrister before becoming a full-time novelist. Under his own name he is a previous winner of the Crime Writers Association Gold Dagger Award and his first novel was a Richard and Judy selection.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 27, 2018
This is a cracking and gripping British legal thriller, the sequel to Summary Justice, which I loved. The central character, Benson, is an unusual barrister, a man who studied law whilst serving a 11 year prison sentence for murder. Against all the odds, inspired by lawyer Tess De Vere, he has succeeded, although being shunned by the entire law community, he was forced to set up his own chambers. He attracts a phenomenal level of hostile media and public attention, relying on a small close knit group of people for support, such as Archie, Molly and the Congreve family. Against her better judgement, Tess has instructed Benson to defend Brent Stainsby in the notorious Blood Orange murder of the vulnerable and abused Diane Heybridge, the ex-girlfriend of Stainsby. The battle lines have been drawn, the public and the legal profession want Stainsby to pay the price for his heinous crime, and the evidence is overwhelmingly pointing towards his guilt. Even Benson cannot see how he could possibly win, and he is not sure that he wants to, given the monstrous character of Stainsby.
The trial begins, Benson is in his element in court as he slowly begins to dismantle the perceptions and assumptions made about Diane, which makes him less than popular but begin to sow the seeds of the possibility that maybe, just maybe, all is not lost and he could win. It is an intricate puzzle of a case, with twists coming from numerous directions as it eventually becomes clear that Diane was an exceptionally brave and courageous woman. Benson is under severe personal pressure as debts are forcing to him to sell his beloved barge/home, and Tess, and her best friend, Sally, want to get to the bottom of his conviction for murder which has him panicking and floundering emotionally. Benson has been carrying a guilt which weighs him down, revealed through the chilling portrayal of his time in prison, which up till now he has managed to cope with by compartmentalising his life, but as the floodgates open, his grief and sorrow threaten to overwhelm him. Richard Merrington, Secretary of State for Justice is looking to bring down Benson permanently, and he has a personal reason, his idealistic son, David, sees Benson as an inspiration, with plans to work in his chambers.
Fairfax writes a fabulous novel of considerable depth and complexity, beautifully plotted to raise the levels of tension and suspense, you just have to keep reading until the brilliant conclusion. Much is left hanging, and I just cannot wait for the next in the series to see where Benson's story goes next! The creation of Benson, a man with such a compelling backstory and character, gifted, vulnerable, drowning in his personal history, is at the heart of the appeal of this series. He and other characters in the book such as Diane, are ghosts of who they might have been, crippled by what they have done or had done to them, linked by their grief and loss, where only the truth can set them free. If you enjoy legal thrillers, then this is a must read, I highly recommend it. A fantastic and entertaining read. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
The trial begins, Benson is in his element in court as he slowly begins to dismantle the perceptions and assumptions made about Diane, which makes him less than popular but begin to sow the seeds of the possibility that maybe, just maybe, all is not lost and he could win. It is an intricate puzzle of a case, with twists coming from numerous directions as it eventually becomes clear that Diane was an exceptionally brave and courageous woman. Benson is under severe personal pressure as debts are forcing to him to sell his beloved barge/home, and Tess, and her best friend, Sally, want to get to the bottom of his conviction for murder which has him panicking and floundering emotionally. Benson has been carrying a guilt which weighs him down, revealed through the chilling portrayal of his time in prison, which up till now he has managed to cope with by compartmentalising his life, but as the floodgates open, his grief and sorrow threaten to overwhelm him. Richard Merrington, Secretary of State for Justice is looking to bring down Benson permanently, and he has a personal reason, his idealistic son, David, sees Benson as an inspiration, with plans to work in his chambers.
Fairfax writes a fabulous novel of considerable depth and complexity, beautifully plotted to raise the levels of tension and suspense, you just have to keep reading until the brilliant conclusion. Much is left hanging, and I just cannot wait for the next in the series to see where Benson's story goes next! The creation of Benson, a man with such a compelling backstory and character, gifted, vulnerable, drowning in his personal history, is at the heart of the appeal of this series. He and other characters in the book such as Diane, are ghosts of who they might have been, crippled by what they have done or had done to them, linked by their grief and loss, where only the truth can set them free. If you enjoy legal thrillers, then this is a must read, I highly recommend it. A fantastic and entertaining read. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
May 2, 2018
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
John Fairfax is back with another brilliant courtroom drama after his amazing first book in the Benson and De Vere series, Summary Justice, last year.
This time William Benson, the lawyer that everyone seems to hate, has taken the case of the Blood Orange Murder, in which Diane Heybridge, a desperate and lonely woman, left her hometown of Devon to start a new life in London, is found dead in her flat, 10 days after moving to the capital.
She was found in her bedroom hanging from the door with her hands tied behind her back and a wire around her neck. There was also a full blood orange found in her mouth.
Her ex-boyfriend Brent Stainsby has been arrested and charged with her murder, but he swears his innocence. It’s up to Benson and his team, including associate Tess de Vere to prove to the jury that Brent didn’t commit the crime.
But how easy is it to defend someone you don’t fully believe in and all the evidence points to him being the murderer?
When I read Summary Justice last year I was hooked, the writing flowed so naturally and easily that I found myself enthralled in the courtroom drama. So as soon as I heard book two was out I had to read it.
The main plot revolves around William Benson trying to work out all angles of the murder to help his client, a man that isn’t very likeable and is a compulsive liar. In Benson’s eyes, he might not have been the killer, but even if not he believed he helped her to her death via their destructive relationship and him unwilling to let her go when the relationship broke down.
Intermingled in the case is the matter of an old one that could have dire consequences for the trial and for Benson’s client, as well as Benson himself when a few familiar names from his time spent in prison come back to haunt him.
Aside from the case we also get more of a backstory on Benson and his time in Prison (yes he is an ex-con turned lawyer), via flashbacks. This gives you more of an insight into this character that has grit and determination to make it as a well-respected lawyer, even if others don’t believe in him and plot to bring him down and have him thrown out of the profession, including Richard Merrington, Secretary of State for Justice.
This is an incredible book, one that I read within a few days. I found it exhilarating and I was kept gripped to the story from the first page. The plot is filled with plenty of suspenseful moments, lots of mysterious circumstances to work your way through and there is a good dose of added tension too.
It kept me on my toes with all the twists, turns and last minute ‘eureka’ moments. I now look forward to there hopefully being a book three.
John Fairfax is back with another brilliant courtroom drama after his amazing first book in the Benson and De Vere series, Summary Justice, last year.
This time William Benson, the lawyer that everyone seems to hate, has taken the case of the Blood Orange Murder, in which Diane Heybridge, a desperate and lonely woman, left her hometown of Devon to start a new life in London, is found dead in her flat, 10 days after moving to the capital.
She was found in her bedroom hanging from the door with her hands tied behind her back and a wire around her neck. There was also a full blood orange found in her mouth.
Her ex-boyfriend Brent Stainsby has been arrested and charged with her murder, but he swears his innocence. It’s up to Benson and his team, including associate Tess de Vere to prove to the jury that Brent didn’t commit the crime.
But how easy is it to defend someone you don’t fully believe in and all the evidence points to him being the murderer?
When I read Summary Justice last year I was hooked, the writing flowed so naturally and easily that I found myself enthralled in the courtroom drama. So as soon as I heard book two was out I had to read it.
The main plot revolves around William Benson trying to work out all angles of the murder to help his client, a man that isn’t very likeable and is a compulsive liar. In Benson’s eyes, he might not have been the killer, but even if not he believed he helped her to her death via their destructive relationship and him unwilling to let her go when the relationship broke down.
Intermingled in the case is the matter of an old one that could have dire consequences for the trial and for Benson’s client, as well as Benson himself when a few familiar names from his time spent in prison come back to haunt him.
Aside from the case we also get more of a backstory on Benson and his time in Prison (yes he is an ex-con turned lawyer), via flashbacks. This gives you more of an insight into this character that has grit and determination to make it as a well-respected lawyer, even if others don’t believe in him and plot to bring him down and have him thrown out of the profession, including Richard Merrington, Secretary of State for Justice.
This is an incredible book, one that I read within a few days. I found it exhilarating and I was kept gripped to the story from the first page. The plot is filled with plenty of suspenseful moments, lots of mysterious circumstances to work your way through and there is a good dose of added tension too.
It kept me on my toes with all the twists, turns and last minute ‘eureka’ moments. I now look forward to there hopefully being a book three.
March 9, 2023
Having earned a number of well-deserved awards for his writing, the author John Fairfax returns with another stunning courtroom thriller. The William Benson series may only be in its infancy, but I am fully immersed in the drama and nuances that Fairfax has developed. Benson’s backstory is ever-changing and evolving, which is addressed throughout the novel, while the reader is left to wonder how Tess de Vere will handle what she knows and how she can either help or hinder Benson’s legal career. A great crime and stunning defense of a man who appears outwardly guilty as sin fill the pages of the book, but there is much to be done with Benson and his own legal issues. Powerfully written and full of legal trapdoors, as well as character development that can only be called brilliant, John Fairfax is an author for those who are serious about British legal thrillers and need something that will have them thinking as well as be entertained!
William Benson is still trying to make a name for himself, after going to prison for a crime he professes not to have committed. Later admitting to the crime solely to be granted parole and the chance to start his legal career, Benson does not deny his plan, but remains steadfast that he is innocent. While the country is divided about him, some in Parliament are prepared to do whatever they can to have him stripped of his ability to remain at the Bar. Stuck in the middle os Tess de Vere, who helped him along the way and has been sending clients in his direction. She, too, is facing pressure not to associated with Benson and has taken a step back, which has surely cost him billable hours and has creditors chasing him down. However, Benson is prepared to move forward and has a case fall into his lap that is sure to garner much attention.
With all the forensics coming together, it would appear that Brent Stainsby caught up to his one-time girlfriend in London and confronted her. What appears to have been a cordial encounter soon turned dark, when Diane Heybridge was found strangled and a blood orange wedged into her mouth. Stainsby professes that he is innocent and that Diane was suicidal, though much of the evidence baffles the police, who cannot see how this could have happened. William Benson takes the case and must try to find out how to defend a man whose guilt seem all but assured.
While he has been meeting with Tess de Vere regularly to go over the case, Benson feels things are somewhat strained. Tess has been trying to inch herself away, even though she sees it is costing Benson a great deal. She wants him to succeed but also needs to know the truth about him and what happened all those years ago. Counselling him as best she can without being sacked herself, Tess points Benson in a direction that might have some merit.
As Benson readies himself for trial, he learns more about the victim and her life in Dover. Diane may have been living a life that is more troublesome than it appears on paper. Her connections and criminal involvement could play a role in what happened to her, as could her personal history, all of which Benson will raise with the jury when he can. It will take monumental efforts to convince twelve people that Stainsby did see the victim on the fateful night, but had nothing to do with her death. That is something Benson is ready to do, with his sly means of cross-examination, honed while still behind bars.
As the pressure mounts in the courtroom, a move is planned to potentially banish William Benson from a legal career he built while living in Her Majesty’s Prisons, with Tess de Vere forced to decide how she will act. Nothing could be harder, though there is something that needs further exploration before Tess can make a decision. She wants to know the full story of that night in 1999, when Benson was accused of killing a man in a bar fight,. Probing a little on her own, Tess may have found a thread and must now follow it to the end, all while Benson dazzles in the courtroom. Another winner by John Fairfax that will have serious readers rushing to keep reading the novels in this series.
John Fairfax crossed my radar when first I read the series debut, but I had little idea what I could expect from his writing at that time. Fairfax provides a significant amount of detail to all the subplots in the book, but does not supersaturate the reader who is trying to make their way through things. There is wonderful narrative movement, tackling a number of situations and time periods to fill in the blanks throughout. Each chapter builds on the last and keeps the reader in the middle of everything that is taking place. With two strong protagonists (William Benson and Tess de Vere), the story branches out repeatedly to tackle their own struggles, as well as the central legal issue that weaves its way through the novel. Fairfax keeps adding depth to William Benson, trying to open up the can of worms that is his past, though there is just as much intrigue with his current work in the courtroom. Using Tess de Vere to tap into the Benson backstory helps the readers see how many secrets there are and what Benson will do to keep them shelved. The main plot throughout the book is the legal case involving murder, which develops well and gains momentum as both sides of the case present evidence and the witnesses offer their perspectives. I can only wonder what will come next, as I discovered that Fairfax offers breadcrumbs in his books about future storylines, of which there are many to choose based on the narrative of this book. John Fairfax is not for those who need a quick and light legal thriller, but surely impresses the reader who needs something with a little more ‘meat’ as they meander through the English legal process.
Kudos, Mr. Fairfax, for impressing me once again. I have the next novel ready to go and M keen to sink my teeth into it.
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November 1, 2023
Complicated! Difficult to read if you don’t finish it in a short while, too complex, too many characters. But absolutely interesting and an intriguing premis.
May 21, 2018
What is truth?
This is a first class courtroom drama, in my view even better than its predecessor. Will Benson is a barrister – and a convicted murderer. He plead innocence in his own trial but accepted guilt in order to practise at the Bar.
In this second outing he must defend Brent Stainsby, an abusive lover, accused of killing his girlfriend in a callous and vicious murder, popularly known as the Blood Orange Murder. It appears to be an open and shut case. The forensic evidence seems decisive. Stainsby is proven to be an incorrigible liar, as well as a thoroughly nasty character with no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
Benson, whose own guilt or innocence remains uncertain, is a troubled man who comes alive in the courtroom, and he is able to raise some doubts in the jury’s minds about the evidence presented against Stainsby. In the meantime, his instructing solicitor, Tess De Vere, discovers that a hushed up police operation some years previously may have considerable relevance to the case.
This is a murky, dirty tale, with a twisting, clever plot. It raises many ethical questions about justice, about crime solving and about the conduct of court trials. At its heart is the question mark over Benson himself, whether he is guilty of murder as charged, or does he have other sins on his conscience. The ghastly Stainsby is a constant reminder to Benson, de Vere and the reader, of how vexed a question guilt or innocence can be.
This is a first class courtroom drama, in my view even better than its predecessor. Will Benson is a barrister – and a convicted murderer. He plead innocence in his own trial but accepted guilt in order to practise at the Bar.
In this second outing he must defend Brent Stainsby, an abusive lover, accused of killing his girlfriend in a callous and vicious murder, popularly known as the Blood Orange Murder. It appears to be an open and shut case. The forensic evidence seems decisive. Stainsby is proven to be an incorrigible liar, as well as a thoroughly nasty character with no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
Benson, whose own guilt or innocence remains uncertain, is a troubled man who comes alive in the courtroom, and he is able to raise some doubts in the jury’s minds about the evidence presented against Stainsby. In the meantime, his instructing solicitor, Tess De Vere, discovers that a hushed up police operation some years previously may have considerable relevance to the case.
This is a murky, dirty tale, with a twisting, clever plot. It raises many ethical questions about justice, about crime solving and about the conduct of court trials. At its heart is the question mark over Benson himself, whether he is guilty of murder as charged, or does he have other sins on his conscience. The ghastly Stainsby is a constant reminder to Benson, de Vere and the reader, of how vexed a question guilt or innocence can be.
February 12, 2019
This is the sequel to Summary Justice, which I recently read and reviewed on this page. I really enjoyed the first instalment in this legal thriller series, but I preferred this one ever so slightly. This one was an improvement on the first novel, and I feel that the quality of the writing had improved, the editing was better, and the focus of the story was better.
Once again the novel is characterized by great courtroom scenes, which I just love. Benson is just so likeable in the courtroom – he’s clever, focused, determined and he dominates proceedings, leaving witnesses confused and the jury enthralled. As for the reader, well, I was mesmerized by it all. Benson is an interesting character. I’m gripped by his back story and I can’t wait to see how everything is going to pan out, which will no doubt be disclosed in subsequent novels.
On the downside, I did find the plot difficult to follow at times because of (again) the large number of characters and the fact that so many of their names were similar. If that could be simplified slightly, I would definitely have given this book a 4-star review, because really, it does deserve it. But when I found myself turning back through the pages trying to figure out who was who and to make sure that I had everything straight in my head, I decided that a 3-star review was a more accurate reflection of how I felt about this one. It's enjoyable, if possibly a tad too complicated in terms of the number of characters involved.
Once again the novel is characterized by great courtroom scenes, which I just love. Benson is just so likeable in the courtroom – he’s clever, focused, determined and he dominates proceedings, leaving witnesses confused and the jury enthralled. As for the reader, well, I was mesmerized by it all. Benson is an interesting character. I’m gripped by his back story and I can’t wait to see how everything is going to pan out, which will no doubt be disclosed in subsequent novels.
On the downside, I did find the plot difficult to follow at times because of (again) the large number of characters and the fact that so many of their names were similar. If that could be simplified slightly, I would definitely have given this book a 4-star review, because really, it does deserve it. But when I found myself turning back through the pages trying to figure out who was who and to make sure that I had everything straight in my head, I decided that a 3-star review was a more accurate reflection of how I felt about this one. It's enjoyable, if possibly a tad too complicated in terms of the number of characters involved.
December 7, 2018
I really love this series. I love the fact that Benson, the main character, is a criminal barrister with a murder conviction. This makes for an original approach, helps to the reader to understand his character, creates interesting subplots about his various supporters and opponents, and keeps the reader (and solicitor De Vere) guessing about Benson's possible guilt or innocence. I also love the fact that, in a change from police procedurals, these books are about Benson's defence case. Although he always does find out the truth, his job isn't to find to the truth but to defend his client - innocent or guilty. The result is a fascinating and very clever plot. The main plot, of the trial, is also filled out with plenty of delightful subplots and wonderful characters.
I would highly recommend this series (start with the first book, Summary Justice if you can, although this one can be read perfectly well as a standalone), and I eagerly await the next instalment.
I would highly recommend this series (start with the first book, Summary Justice if you can, although this one can be read perfectly well as a standalone), and I eagerly await the next instalment.
February 23, 2019
Review to follow.
April 8, 2018
William Benson certainly makes for an interesting lead character. A convicted murderer who always maintained his innocence. Studied during his sentence with the goal of becoming a lawyer. Then eventually confessed guilt as it was the only way to achieve parole, the path needed for freedom to become a lawyer.
An intriguing case is put in his hands. Strong DNA points to his client's guilt re the murder of his ex-partner, but Benson argues her death was a suicide. Plenty of twists and turns as more facts are uncovered and things aren't as straight forward as they appear.
An intriguing case is put in his hands. Strong DNA points to his client's guilt re the murder of his ex-partner, but Benson argues her death was a suicide. Plenty of twists and turns as more facts are uncovered and things aren't as straight forward as they appear.
April 5, 2018
I'm Benson's Advocate!
I got very excited last year when I read the first novel because Fairfax created a quite unique lead for his series in William Benson. He made it work that a convicted murderer could reach the pinnacle of legal advocacy in a credible way. He created a back story that held together while holding significant mystery of its own and surrounded him with workable characters. Finally he presented Benson with an excellent mystery that developed into cogent courtroom scenes. All the time the story asked new questions as it developed.
The only question was if the author could keep it going in a second book . . . the answer is yes, yes and thrice yes!
The author's background means that this courtroom drama simply radiates authenticity. That said, it's never over-burdened with jargon and never gets bogged down in process. The sparring between Benson as the defender and the prosecution is extremely well done with the scales tipping first one way and then the other with some very deft and subtle moves being played on both sides.
We also get more on Benson's quite intriguing back story. Was he really guilty of murder or not? What further hidden depths does this carefully drawn character have left to reveal? Both his and the case mystery are engrossing and of course, being Benson, the knives are always being sharpened against him from the outside.
This is a series that seems to be going largely under the radar in terms of publicity but I'd certainly recommend it to anyone who likes a good courtroom drama with strong characters. With Weyman's top quality narration this goes down as one of my favourite audio books of the year so far!
I got very excited last year when I read the first novel because Fairfax created a quite unique lead for his series in William Benson. He made it work that a convicted murderer could reach the pinnacle of legal advocacy in a credible way. He created a back story that held together while holding significant mystery of its own and surrounded him with workable characters. Finally he presented Benson with an excellent mystery that developed into cogent courtroom scenes. All the time the story asked new questions as it developed.
The only question was if the author could keep it going in a second book . . . the answer is yes, yes and thrice yes!
The author's background means that this courtroom drama simply radiates authenticity. That said, it's never over-burdened with jargon and never gets bogged down in process. The sparring between Benson as the defender and the prosecution is extremely well done with the scales tipping first one way and then the other with some very deft and subtle moves being played on both sides.
We also get more on Benson's quite intriguing back story. Was he really guilty of murder or not? What further hidden depths does this carefully drawn character have left to reveal? Both his and the case mystery are engrossing and of course, being Benson, the knives are always being sharpened against him from the outside.
This is a series that seems to be going largely under the radar in terms of publicity but I'd certainly recommend it to anyone who likes a good courtroom drama with strong characters. With Weyman's top quality narration this goes down as one of my favourite audio books of the year so far!
September 10, 2023
What am I left with, having read it? That justice is impossible to achieve? But I knew this before. Twists and turns? But I have forgotten them already. Characterisation? There were far too many characters, the most intriguing among them the barrister, Will Benson, who was an ex-convict. Thrills? Hardly. The novel reminded me of Anthony Horowitz's "Magpie Murders" that made me turn the pages but when I got to the last page, I realised that I had not learnt anything. I had obviously expected something similar to his "Foyle's War" on tv that made me think of police work in wartime Britain - the series was absolutely riveting. And thought-provoking.
Expectations! This is where I have gone wrong before. About "Blind Defence", I read a review that said the courtroom scenes were vivid and exciting - the reason for me ordering the book. However, it omitted to say that the people involved were all unpleasant or colourless, Will Benson excepted.
I didn't like the novel and have given 2 stars only because I think that the Benson character is cleverly drawn.
Expectations! This is where I have gone wrong before. About "Blind Defence", I read a review that said the courtroom scenes were vivid and exciting - the reason for me ordering the book. However, it omitted to say that the people involved were all unpleasant or colourless, Will Benson excepted.
I didn't like the novel and have given 2 stars only because I think that the Benson character is cleverly drawn.
May 29, 2018
Absolutely brilliant British legal-thriller! I haven’t read book 1 but it didn’t make a difference (well now it might as I’ll go backwards before I read book 3). Written with rich complexity, highly complex legal arguments, emotive characters you not only believe in but start cheering for, hating, sympathising...the rules and traditions of the Old Bailey are accurate but not laborious. All round brilliant legal writing with an incredible twist! Must read!
April 20, 2018
I read the first in this series last year and thoroughly enjoyed it - I’m always a sucker for a good courtroom drama. This one picks up where the last one left off.
The premise is interesting. Will Benson is a barrister defending an accused murderer- Stainsby, the Blood Orange Killer - but Will Benson himself is a convicted murderer as well as a barrister!
Some of the plot pertains to Benson’s own background: Tess, the referring solicitor has feelings for Benson and is still keen to find out if Benson really is innocent himself. She was there as a work experience student at his original trial and gave him hope to pursue a legal career, even after he was convicted.
Tess and Benson investigate Stainsby who is not a particularly nice man whether he is innocent or guilty and only at the very end of the novel do we learn the truth.
The author was, I believe, a practising barrister and this shows in his attention to detail although the plot is fast moving and does not get slowed down by this knowledge.
I liked Benson’s character development, the flashbacks to his time in gaol showing why he behaves as he does. It was interesting to see how he became a different person when he put on his wig and stood up in court- he was able put aside all his insecurities which had arisen from his time in prison and transform himself into a defence Barrister. He was a different person!
The mystery of Benson’s past was woven into the plot perfectly and added to my enjoyment of the book. His current financial problems also added another dimension to his life. His stress at having to sell his home to pay his debts was an additional pressure.
A great follow up to the first novel and perfect for fans of legal thrillers. You can read Blind Defence as a stand alone but it is worth reading Summary Justice to fully appreciate the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
The premise is interesting. Will Benson is a barrister defending an accused murderer- Stainsby, the Blood Orange Killer - but Will Benson himself is a convicted murderer as well as a barrister!
Some of the plot pertains to Benson’s own background: Tess, the referring solicitor has feelings for Benson and is still keen to find out if Benson really is innocent himself. She was there as a work experience student at his original trial and gave him hope to pursue a legal career, even after he was convicted.
Tess and Benson investigate Stainsby who is not a particularly nice man whether he is innocent or guilty and only at the very end of the novel do we learn the truth.
The author was, I believe, a practising barrister and this shows in his attention to detail although the plot is fast moving and does not get slowed down by this knowledge.
I liked Benson’s character development, the flashbacks to his time in gaol showing why he behaves as he does. It was interesting to see how he became a different person when he put on his wig and stood up in court- he was able put aside all his insecurities which had arisen from his time in prison and transform himself into a defence Barrister. He was a different person!
The mystery of Benson’s past was woven into the plot perfectly and added to my enjoyment of the book. His current financial problems also added another dimension to his life. His stress at having to sell his home to pay his debts was an additional pressure.
A great follow up to the first novel and perfect for fans of legal thrillers. You can read Blind Defence as a stand alone but it is worth reading Summary Justice to fully appreciate the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2021
This book was great. I suppose a "legal thriller" but really a study of what makes people tick, how they deal with the past, and in what ways they are and are not in control of their own future. So thanks to el hermano who gave it as a Christmas present!
No John Grisham-esque action in this book. Instead a combination of expert courtroom examination, shoe rubber, and dedication to one's client, despite the consequences.
No John Grisham-esque action in this book. Instead a combination of expert courtroom examination, shoe rubber, and dedication to one's client, despite the consequences.
May 29, 2018
Blind Defence is the second of an intended court room thriller series - and I won't read a third, because Blind Defence (again) left me feeling cheated. Benson, the hero, is the barrister who's an ex jailbird who may or may not have committed murder. The book has two strands - the trial Benson is conducting, which is very well done indeed. The second is the on-going "did Benson do the murder" question which affects the series love interest (his instructing solicitor) and has sneaky officialdom, which won't forgive him ,plotting to bring him down. It's just too much to finish book two with the latter story strand, which is the most engaging, left in the air, and the final chapters devoted to setting us up to buy the next book in the series. In a successful thriller series, each book should stand alone, and this doesn't because it deliberately leaves its main story unconcluded.
February 26, 2018
Good English court room drama...
Benson has been in prison for murder and through hard work and a benefactor he succeeds in becoming a barrister.
This book is about one of his cases...Diane Heybridge is found hanged with a blood orange in her mouth... all is not how it seems!
Benson's defending of the bad guy Stainsby.. is very good, but other things are also on his mind as money is short..his home is about to be sold.
Good Book
Benson has been in prison for murder and through hard work and a benefactor he succeeds in becoming a barrister.
This book is about one of his cases...Diane Heybridge is found hanged with a blood orange in her mouth... all is not how it seems!
Benson's defending of the bad guy Stainsby.. is very good, but other things are also on his mind as money is short..his home is about to be sold.
Good Book
September 1, 2018
i have not read book one, but i will.
although i did enjoy the story a couple of annoyances interrupted my reading flow - too many folks names - not only that but too many beginning with the same letter - so confusing and distracting! Like heybridge and harbeton, maddison, meersham, merrington, carlattan, congreve, chalker, diane, draycott, benson, bradley, it just went on and on and really got on my nerves!
Other than that the story was good!
although i did enjoy the story a couple of annoyances interrupted my reading flow - too many folks names - not only that but too many beginning with the same letter - so confusing and distracting! Like heybridge and harbeton, maddison, meersham, merrington, carlattan, congreve, chalker, diane, draycott, benson, bradley, it just went on and on and really got on my nerves!
Other than that the story was good!
August 5, 2019
Thrilling
October 2, 2018
Two stars is a bit harsh for what is quite a well-plotted, if pretty unbelievable, book. However, I am annoyed. This book is obviously part of a series, but the copy I borrowed from the library does not makes this clear. Of course, I often read books later in series having not read the earlier novels and this generally doesn't spoil my enjoyment, indeed in some ways it can add to it. Most series, however, have ongoing background stories which provide continuity through the series but address the main threads of the plot within the novel. Fairfax is seemingly writing a different kind of series; one in which the most serious elements of plot and character will be resolved over the course of a number of books. So, in the Blind Defence, there are two big major areas of the plot which are developed and which I, as the naïve reader, got interested in and expected to be resolved only to find that these will be left to hang until another book appears. I suppose if I was really taken with Fairfax's writing I would seek out the first in the series and then follow the series as it develops. However, I am not minded to do this because the Blind Defence is enjoyable enough (aside from the meta-plot annoyance) but it is not that good.
April 17, 2020
4.7 stars
The British Court of law system is different from the US one, especially in the legal thriller genre.
It is actually Benson's case that's the main mystery of this series and as much as I'm dying to know more it's still a mystery. There were clues here and there in this book but not so much that we can conclude anything except the mysterious benefactor (oops). People of the higher court still look down and against him but people of the street seem to recognize and doubt his guilt more. Blind Defence started with a murder or suicide case which Benson need to defense as the main storyline. It is a good example of what the Law really is and for. While Benson's past, an attempt to destroy him, Tess nad Benson's relationship and an investigation into Benson's innocent (by Tes and Sally) are weaved into the background they are a real entertainment. I seriously fell in love with Benson's character. He's a breath of fresh air for a Lawyer.
PS. Miss Molly's character is a gem!
The British Court of law system is different from the US one, especially in the legal thriller genre.
It is actually Benson's case that's the main mystery of this series and as much as I'm dying to know more it's still a mystery. There were clues here and there in this book but not so much that we can conclude anything except the mysterious benefactor (oops). People of the higher court still look down and against him but people of the street seem to recognize and doubt his guilt more. Blind Defence started with a murder or suicide case which Benson need to defense as the main storyline. It is a good example of what the Law really is and for. While Benson's past, an attempt to destroy him, Tess nad Benson's relationship and an investigation into Benson's innocent (by Tes and Sally) are weaved into the background they are a real entertainment. I seriously fell in love with Benson's character. He's a breath of fresh air for a Lawyer.
PS. Miss Molly's character is a gem!
April 4, 2019
Not quite a 4 star read due to the overly complex plot with many characters requiring constant re-reading to place them all. The courtroom scenes were particularly enjoyable and William Benson’s back story continues to intrigue but remains frustratingly out of reach for Tess and Sally. Their ongoing investigation into his past is slowly peeling back some intriguing layers which will, no doubt, continue into the next instalment. Whilst I did enjoy this book overall and it was particularly well written, I must admit to struggling at times trying to piece together the complexities of the plot which lost my interest at times. I have read Summary Justice and would recommend reading that first before diving into this novel due to the background of the relationships of the main characters being only briefly covered in this book.
July 1, 2021
Enthralling courtroom drama featuring legal team Williams Benson and Tess de Vere. Benson is a convicted murderer turned lawyer so there is an ongoing sub plot around his historic personal case and whether he is innocent or not. I never read the predecessor to this novel, and it's the second in a series - very much enjoyed it although I will go on to seek out the first one now.
It races along as Benson and de Vere work to uncover the truth behind a young woman, Diane Heybridge's death. They are representing her ex-partner Brent Stainsby, a nasty abusive character who has been charged with her murder. There were so many characters and plot twists in this novel I was a bit lost with some of the details at times but enjoyed the read very much.
It races along as Benson and de Vere work to uncover the truth behind a young woman, Diane Heybridge's death. They are representing her ex-partner Brent Stainsby, a nasty abusive character who has been charged with her murder. There were so many characters and plot twists in this novel I was a bit lost with some of the details at times but enjoyed the read very much.
December 2, 2018
Benson is once again instructed to represent someone who has a slim chance of acquittal. This time the guy in question is not sympathetic at all and Benson and friends are fairly sure he did it. As with the first book, Benson has moments of brilliance in court and there is a back story to be discovered about the accused and the victim. Alongside this, Benson continues to fall apart/ “find himself” and we get more flashbacks from his time in prison. I enjoy the confused relationship he has with Tess and there are some intriguing developments in the investigation into his own crime. I am looking forward to the next instalment.
May 22, 2018
I love Summary Justice, the prequel to Blind Defence and so picked up this book with a certain amount of trepidation. I needn't have worried, it was another great read. Benson is a fantastic character and we see the progression of his character arc in this book. His backstory is fleshed out and we get more tantalizing clues as to what really happened in his past. I'm looking forward to the next book to see where it takes us.
November 30, 2018
This is very much a continuation of the first in the series, with more of the mystery surrounding Benson's murder conviction revealed. I am now finding the way this is being drawn out frustrating, and I am also struggling a bit with a hero who is so compromised and damaged. It seems Rebus might be my limit for compromised protagonists.
The court case and courtroom scenes were well done, although the twists and turns were a little exhausting. I was skimming by the end.
The court case and courtroom scenes were well done, although the twists and turns were a little exhausting. I was skimming by the end.
March 20, 2021
I needed something less emotionally challenging after my last few reads and this book was perfect. I had forgotten just how much I had enjoyed the first in the series (Summary Justice) and this sequel slipped off my radar. Even better than the first – it is a cracking courtroom thriller with some very unusual protagonists. The characters develop nicely, and we learn more about what led them to this place. 5 stars from me. I can’t wait to read the next one.
February 17, 2022
I loved the first book in the series and this the second one is somehow even better!
It’s complex but easy to follow, deep yet gentle and the characters are simply wonderful having developed further in this second book.
I have book three (the last one currently available in the series) on my shelf but I’m torn between rushing to start it now and savouring it for a later date… help!!!
I’ve not felt this way about a series in a long time.
It’s complex but easy to follow, deep yet gentle and the characters are simply wonderful having developed further in this second book.
I have book three (the last one currently available in the series) on my shelf but I’m torn between rushing to start it now and savouring it for a later date… help!!!
I’ve not felt this way about a series in a long time.
February 22, 2023
Fantastic read after reading two shite books back to back. Really enjoyed the storyline and courtroom drama.
Benson was an interesting character and I think because I’ve read the second book I definitely want to read other books about him before I can make judgement about his character. But so far he was really likeable and quite interesting.
I enjoyed his mental thought process and it was interesting to see how he tackled a un-winnable case.
4.5⭐️s and 10/10 would recommend.
Benson was an interesting character and I think because I’ve read the second book I definitely want to read other books about him before I can make judgement about his character. But so far he was really likeable and quite interesting.
I enjoyed his mental thought process and it was interesting to see how he tackled a un-winnable case.
4.5⭐️s and 10/10 would recommend.
December 3, 2018
Perhaps I should have read an earlier book first, but I just didn't appreciate the nuances of the second plot-line. Having two story-lines going on at the same time is a great art, but both have to be of equal magnitude and I felt that Benson's 'did he, didn't he' story was both a distraction and inadequately addressed. Two stars may be a bit mean, but that's the feeling with which I was left.
July 31, 2019
This was fantastic! I love legal thrillers, and was surprised at how good this was. The characters were all extremely well written and the plot was full of twists and surprises. I can easily see this being adapted for TV. Hadn't realised it was the second in a series, so I'll definitely be getting the first book too.
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