Category: Mystery/Suspense Publisher: White Owl
Pages: 407
Copyright: July 9th 2011
Price: $3.99 (eBook)
A mother's love, murder, and revenge
What would you do if someone murdered your child, but the justice system let you down?
Kathryn Walters is faced with this dreadful decision when her daughter, Shelley, is found dead in a bath in her boyfriend's flat. Despite the best efforts of the Crown Prosecution barrister, Sarah Newby, it seems likely that the boyfriend, David Kidd, will be acquitted. How can her family tolerate this? And how should the investigating detective, Terry Bateson, act when it seems that the murdered girl's mother is seeking revenge on the man he is certain killed Shelley in the first place?
As the story unravels Sarah Newby is confronted with one of her toughest defence cases yet, with a client who is not only reluctant to give evidence on her own behalf, but also refuses to explain why she chose Sarah to defend her in the first place ...
This book is a 2012 B.R.A.G Medallion Honoree
Professional Reviews
So tense I almost stopped breathing
But not tense in the usual way of crime stories. From the off we know who the killer is, but this book's strength lies not in unmasking him, but in the very real anguish of the main characters trying to negotiate through their moral dilemmas. Sarah Newby herself, trying to keep her grip on a marriage whilst being attracted to Terry, the investigating officer. The slick David Kidd lies with plausible charm, causing his brief a desperate mental struggle about whether he should withdraw or stick to the letter of the law and ignore an injustice. The character for whom the reader will feel most sympathy has to be the victim's mother, Kathryn, who tries and fails to kill Kidd, but who is totally innocent when she is accused of his murder. If you're out for a happy read, then the ending will not please you. But, if you like your crime realistic, and let's face it, life isn't fair, then this is the most logical outcome. The plot is tight and the twists only enhance the build-up of tension. The characters are very believable and evince sympathy, except for the brilliantly drawn, arrogant David. The setting is York, UK, a city I know well and that makes the whole reading experience just that bit more special.
Tim Vicary's writing is refreshing in its ability to keep the narrative driving, but allow the reader to experience all the nuances. I began this book at breakfast, ignored my morning's tasks and finished it just after lunch. I've just downloaded "Bold Counsel", but I did force myself to get the dinner prepared first...
Gripping Stuff
David Kidd is a nasty piece of work. You know, right from the beginning, that he has murdered his girlfriend, but proving it is a different matter. Sarah Newby believes she can win the case, but police incompetence lets her down and the victim's mother, Kathryn Walters, is denied justice.
When David himself is murdered shortly after being acquitted, all the evidence appears to point to Kathryn but she maintains her innocence. Can Sarah persuade the jury, even though Kathryn herself is uncooperative?
This is a superb piece of writing.
Mr Vicary uses beautiful prose with deadly accuracy, setting the scene in graphic detail and drawing you into the story.
He knows how to create believable characters and make you care about what happens to them. His sub-plots are fascinating in their own right. I loved Sarah's character and that of Detective Inspector Terry Bateson and was really hoping their relationship would develop into a love affair as Sarah's marriage teetered on the edge of breakdown.
The study of the victim's family is heart-rending. Right from the first you want the murder to be avenged. And as for the heartless DCI Will Churchill, Terry's boss, whose only concern is keeping the conviction rate high, I would gladly have done away with him myself.
This is the second book in a series of (so far) three Sarah Newby novels and I am very keen to read the rest. What a joy it is to discover such a great writer! Jenny Twist
Another cracking Sarah Newby Story
I read A Game of Proof some weeks ago and really enjoyed it. This follow up story with Sarah as the central character is another brilliant read which kept me gripped from the start. The characters are developed further and I think it helps to have read the books in order. The plot seemed straightforward, but it was anything but. It builds and builds with a final turn I didn't expect. I particularly enjoyed the courtroom scenes, the thrust and parry of the arguements is well portrayed. I like the York setting; there's enough detail to make the locations realistic and although I don't know the city well, I could picture many of the settings. These stories are real gems; believable characters, exciting plot and easy to read written style which makes for a pacy and interesting read. Many of the people are ordinary folk in extraordinary situations, so the reader can easily relate to what's going on. A cracking tale, well told and I'm looking forward to the next one. Thanks Mr Vicary.
