Boozers, Ballcocks & Bail

by Stephen D. Smith

When Steve and his partner Wilf set up their legal practice, they aren't expecting the high life - 1980's Rotherham Magistrate's Court is no Old Bailey. But they aren't expecting such weird and wonderful lowlifes, either..."Boozers, Ballcocks & Bailis" the first of legendary criminal lawyer Steve Smith's comic series, in which Steve recounts with gusto their sometimes hilarious, sometimes tragic and sometimes plain bizarre experiences both in and outside the criminal justice system, and the colourful characters they meet along the way. From incurably lacenous but oddly likeable Jack Heptonstall to the Bird Man of Rotherham - not to mention Spider, Pagey and an incontinent chimpanzee - the 'legal James Herriot' takes the reader on a rollercoaster of laughter and tears as he depicts human nature at its best - and worst.

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real-life criminal lawyer Stephen Smith entertains us with case files from his practice in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. As a Yorkshire lass myself, I am already familiar with the blunt (call a spade a spade attitude ) that makes for a particularly amusing read.

Stephen has that Yorkshire wit in bucket loads, and we get to meet some particularly interesting criminals (one of them in particular turns up at Stephen's office with alarming regularity, ) but you can't help but laugh at some of their antics, while others leave you feeling quite sad. An easy read that will have you chuckling out loud.

[Beverley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

[Ruth Ngobi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely hilarious! Being a lawyer myself it conjured up all too familiar memories. I will make an effort to read all four of Smith's books!

[Stargazer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Junkies, judges and jail had the edge on this book as that one made me actually laugh out loud, but still enjoyed this one.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smith is a solicitor in Rotherham and this is the first volume of his memoirs. We're introduced to some of the colourful characters he's known, both friends and clients, and he discusses some of his more interesting cases. Very funny and, in parts, so Yorkshire

[Joseph McHale · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first of Steve Smith's tales in the law business. He establishes his beginning of his newly founded law firm as well as introducing us to the Hepsonstall family, who are to become a recurring theme. Written with true yorkshire wit, it is a joy to read.