January 2018 Book of the Month
This brilliantly biting thriller explores the unpleasant underbelly of power in all its forms, from the all-pervasive influence of the privileged elite, to the deeply embedded, deeply devastating patriarchal power that can permeate the most personal of relationships. Handsome, charismatic James is a rising political figure. Best friend to the Prime Minister since their decadent days as members of Oxford University’s exclusive Libertines society, he seems to have it all - privilege, power, plus perfect children with Sophie, the attractive wife he met at Oxford. When James has an affair, and is later accused of an appalling crime, Sophie is hurt beyond words, but remains loyal. “Of course he is innocent,” she tells herself. “Despite the humiliation he has heaped on her”, despite the heinousness of the crime he stands accused of, she still “wants James”. But Kate, the sharp-minded, socially-conscious prosecuting barrister, is certain he’s guilty, and set on proving it. She’s all too aware of the damaging effects of social inequalities, of there being one rule for wealthy Etonian types with the weight of the elite establishment behind them, and another rule for the less privileged, and for women.
This is a full-on, all-out page-turner from start to finish, with many moments that will induce outraged fist shaking (the courtroom scenes during which James’s lawyer ruthlessly cross-examines his accuser being one pertinent example). Tense and timely, this relentlessly potent read raises important questions about contemporary Britain while it grips. ~ Joanne Owen
| Primary Genre | Thriller and Suspense |
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The most current and relevant story I have read in a long time. Finally a story that leads to figures in positions of power no longer being untouchable.
Brilliantly told and well-paced this is a story that is very relevant today. We have James, a politician who abuses women, but doesn’t see that he is doing anything wrong. His history is one of privilege. As an Oxford scholar he joins an elite club that supports him in his political aspirations. His best friend is now the Prime Minister but there is a secret that could bring them both down. His wife Sophie was also at Oxford with him together with a young working class girl who suffers rape by him. She never reports it but does become a barrister who specialises in sex abuse cases.... Read Full Review
Really well written and a great look at our modern legal system.
Having been given this book free to review I was looking forward to reading this. I have never read any of this author’s work and really enjoyed this book. You see the trial from two angles the prosecutor and the defendant’s wife.... Read Full Review
A suspenseful legal thriller that will keep you hooked until the end!
This novel is focused on the elite, privileged students at Oxford University, both at the time of them being at university in 1993 and then the present day in 2017. Two stories are interwoven, that of Kate Woodcroft now a successful lawyer and MP James Whitehouse and his wife, Sophie.
The scandal involves James and a junior researcher in his office who accuses him of rape. What follows is the court case and how each character deal with both situation and the aftermath. It covers many topics such as marriage, rape, the class and judicial system and of course, scandal.
It is an interesting, thought-provoking and suspenseful book, which is unlike anything I have read before.... Read Full Review
