The Education Centre Library were recently given a copy of The Trial by Rob Rinder to give an honest review and add to our Leisure collection.
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ve probably either heard of, or seen Rob Rinder. He’s a barrister, newspaper columnist, and reality show judge turned TV personality, who has lately turned his hand to writing fiction.
This novel is set in the legal world, a world which is quite mysterious to the majority of us at the best of times. Throw in a fatal poisoning in the Old Bailey, a known criminal, a trainee barrister on his first case, the politics of tenancies and pupil master relationships, and the intricacies of the legal system, and it makes for an interesting debut novel.
The character of Adam, the pupil barrister was earnest and believable as he delved into the life of the late heroic police officer, Grant Cliveden, and tried to find reasons and motives that will support his client Jimmy’s innocent plea. Jimmy himself, a known criminal, will be a hard target to defend. Adam’s pupil master, Jonathan, comes across as a selfish and self-centred man, caring less for his client than he does for his plethora of mistresses and girlfriends (not forgetting his wife – as he often seems to).
The descriptions of the Old Bailey and legal process were fascinating, as were the impressions given of the world of the barristers. The plot twists were good, although rather predictable in places (well, one specific place to be honest).
Overall I enjoyed this novel, although I did feel that it was quite slow moving in parts, and could perhaps have been rather shorter. An entertaining read, and definitely one for cosy mystery fans and those who enjoy legal thrillers.
If you’re interested in reading this, or any of our Leisure Collection, why not pop along to the Education Centre Library and see what’s in stock today?