Here at LoveReading we are passionate about celebrating and sharing our love for books. The Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) obviously agree as they have declared June as National Crime Reading Month. I have sat on the CWA Gold Award judging panel for the last three years, and have been awed at the number of truly fabulous crime novels that I have read. Back in 2021, House of Correction by husband and wife team Nicci French won a Highly Commended in the Gold Award, and the courtroom scene ensured a tense and provocative overall read. Inspired by this we decided to have a look at other novels that feature the courtroom. We know that some authors excel in this particular field, but have just chosen one of their novels to share here. Comment below and let us know which other titles you think should also be listed. 

If you haven't already read the classic, this is your sign to finally read To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. If you have read it before, here is a sign to read it again, "It’s the sort of book that becomes more profound with each reading. It is quite simply brilliant, a tale of prejudices and injustice in small town America which should be part of everyone’s collection."

From the author of Anatomy of a Scandal and someone who knows how to deliver a strong courtroom scene, take a look at Sarah Vaughan's Reputation. Topical, compelling, stimulating, a female MP’s world implodes when a body is discovered in her London home. This powerful, provocative, intoxicating rush of a read hit me head on and ploughed through my thoughts.

Before the drama of Yvonne's passionate affair with a stranger was on our screens, it was shortlisted for the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger - Thriller of the Year 2014. Successfully turned into a hitBBC series, enjoy the tension of Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty in its original format. For other books that have enjoyed screen adaptations there's also the LoveReading Star Book Where the Crawdads Sing, we first read Crawdads as the hardback was released in 2019 and it immediately became one of our books of the year. Where the Crawdads Sing is "a story that crosses genres in style - being crime, literary, family drama, and a relationship story." and perfect for readers looking to dip their toe into a new genre, during National Crime Reading Month or at any other time of the year. 

More recently published, SJ Ford's The Choice is a "fast-paced thriller fraught with conundrums and contradictions". If you discovered a neighbour planned to blow up their local primary school what would you do? That's the situation Jane finds herself in and when the police don't seem to be listening she becomes more and more desperate. You are part of the jury as you follow the Husband, Lawyer, Detective, Journalist and Murderer as Jane's case if brought to trial. 

Eager to read the very latest new releases? How about a thriller burning with tension written by an author with over thirty years of experience in the FBI? If that sounds like the case for you, take a look at Central Park West by James Comey. Out 15th June it's been described by our Editorial Expert Matt Johnson as "an assured and very readable debut".

You can feel almost guilty as you watch the judge and jury while the convicted stands accused and the legal teams commence battle. This particular setting creates an intensity that is hard to beat. So we advise you settle in, and ready yourself for some spectacular reads.