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Elliot Rook, QC #1
Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The start of a fantastic new legal series, perfect for fans of Robert Galbraith, written by an acclaimed QC Elliot Rook is the epitome of a highly successful, old-Etonian QC. Or so everyone believes. In fact, he is an ex-petty criminal with a past that he has spent decades keeping secret. Until now... An unidentified young woman of Middle Eastern origin has been found murdered on the outskirts of Rook's home town. Billy Barber - a violent football hooligan and white-supremacist - is accused of her murder. Barber insists that Rook must defend him. If Rook refuses, Barber will expose him, bringing crashing to the ground the life and career that Rook has spent his life building. The truth is there for the finding. But at what cost?
340 pages, Hardcover
First published June 13, 2019
About the author
Gary Bell
21 books18 followersBorn into a coal mining family, Gary Bell QC left school without any qualifications and was an apprentice mechanic, fork lift truck driver, production line worker, builder, fireman and door-to-door salesman, as well as a notorious football hooligan, before being arrested for fraud aged 18. After a brief stint in prison, he set off to seek fame and fortune abroad and, after two years drifting around Europe ended up penniless and homeless.
He next enrolled in a FE College to study his O and A levels, and then went on to study law as a mature student at Bristol University where he 'became' an Old Etonian. After graduating he spent a year as a litigation lawyer in Beverly Hills before coming back to England to become a barrister. He has spent over thirty years at the Bar, specialising in defending in major fraud and murder trials, becoming a QC in 2012.
He next enrolled in a FE College to study his O and A levels, and then went on to study law as a mature student at Bristol University where he 'became' an Old Etonian. After graduating he spent a year as a litigation lawyer in Beverly Hills before coming back to England to become a barrister. He has spent over thirty years at the Bar, specialising in defending in major fraud and murder trials, becoming a QC in 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
May 23, 2019
This is the first in a new legal thriller series from Gary Bell, featuring Elliot Rook QC, a barrister at the Miller and Stubbs Chambers, a man with secrets. He has a past that no-one knows about, although the head of chambers, Rupert Stubbs is aware of it. Today he is a man with the right background expected by the professional establishment, apparently an Eton old boy, but all is not as it seems. Rook is a man who dragged himself up from a challenging social environment when he could just as easily have drifted into a life of crime, growing up in the impoverished ex-mining town of Cotgrave in Nottinghamshire. Rook is swamped by a huge and complex fraud case, when it is suggested that he acquires some much needed help, which is how he comes to take on Zara Barnes, from his home city, mixed race, bright, and offbeat with her Doc Martens. She has a hunger and enthusiasm for the profession that reminds him of his younger self, an anti-establishment character, just the kind of new blood required in his chambers.
Rook has yet to come to terms with the break down of his marriage and subsequent divorce, drinking and smoking too much, and the only thing he has in his life is his work. He is not the most diplomatic of personalities, putting up the backs of people, a trait that often leads to him making enemies that he could do without. His past comes back to haunt him when someone who knows his unsavoury history blackmails him into representing him, to defend him on the charge of murder in an upcoming trial at the Old Bailey. An unidentified 16 year old young girl of Middle Eastern appearance is found brutally tortured and murdered on the old railway lines in Cotgrave. Billy Barber is an unprepossessing man, having spent much of his life in prison, a well known and larger than life notorious character, his entire family have a fearsome local reputation. He is a far right racist activist with a history of violence, a man who encountered the murdered girl, and there is sufficient circumstantial evidence for the Crown Prosecution Service to have charged him with murder.
Rook and Zara face a formidable task, their client is less than willing to help himself, he makes a poor impression in court and it looks as if the prosecution have a slam dunk case on their hand. Rook finds himself immersed in a past and a place that he thought he had left behind long ago, as he reconnects with people such as the Irish Catholic DI Sean McCarthy. With the disintegration of his marriage, Rook might be professionally successful, but his personal life is empty and depressing. So it is hardly surprising that the entry of Zara into his life is like a breath of fresh air into his life, she may be a rookie, but it would be a mistake to under estimate her. This a great crime debut, and I look forward to reacquainting myself with Rook and Zara in the next book. This is a novel that I think those who love courtroom dramas and legal thrillers will enjoy. Many thanks to Bloomsbury for an ARC.
Rook has yet to come to terms with the break down of his marriage and subsequent divorce, drinking and smoking too much, and the only thing he has in his life is his work. He is not the most diplomatic of personalities, putting up the backs of people, a trait that often leads to him making enemies that he could do without. His past comes back to haunt him when someone who knows his unsavoury history blackmails him into representing him, to defend him on the charge of murder in an upcoming trial at the Old Bailey. An unidentified 16 year old young girl of Middle Eastern appearance is found brutally tortured and murdered on the old railway lines in Cotgrave. Billy Barber is an unprepossessing man, having spent much of his life in prison, a well known and larger than life notorious character, his entire family have a fearsome local reputation. He is a far right racist activist with a history of violence, a man who encountered the murdered girl, and there is sufficient circumstantial evidence for the Crown Prosecution Service to have charged him with murder.
Rook and Zara face a formidable task, their client is less than willing to help himself, he makes a poor impression in court and it looks as if the prosecution have a slam dunk case on their hand. Rook finds himself immersed in a past and a place that he thought he had left behind long ago, as he reconnects with people such as the Irish Catholic DI Sean McCarthy. With the disintegration of his marriage, Rook might be professionally successful, but his personal life is empty and depressing. So it is hardly surprising that the entry of Zara into his life is like a breath of fresh air into his life, she may be a rookie, but it would be a mistake to under estimate her. This a great crime debut, and I look forward to reacquainting myself with Rook and Zara in the next book. This is a novel that I think those who love courtroom dramas and legal thrillers will enjoy. Many thanks to Bloomsbury for an ARC.
May 7, 2019
This is an excellent start to an exciting new series starring British QC Elliot Rook. Son of a coal miner, Elliot has escaped his impoverished upbringing and put himself through University to become a lawyer, barrister and now a newly minted QC. Most of his Chambers don't know that he comes from a disadvantaged background that he keeps well hidden so when he takes on a mixed race, Doc Marten-wearing pupil who hasn't attended the right school or University, a few eyebrows are raised. But Elliot sees something of himself in whip smart Zara Barnes who grew up in his home town.
When Rock is asked to defend Billy Barber, a violent, racist man he knows from that same northern mining town, who has been charged with murder of a young middle Eastern woman, he asks Zara to act as his junior assistant for the trial in the Old Bailey. Billy is no stranger to jail, but although denying killing the woman, he can offer no alibi or explanation as to why he was in the same place at the same time. With only two weeks to prepare for the trial, Elliot and Zara have their work cut out investigating what happened that night.
I love a good legal drama and this one not only has great courtroom drama in the old Bailey but plenty of action as Elliot and Zara visit their old home town to gather evidence. As a lawyer himself, Bell is able to poke a little fun at the British legal fraternity. He has also invented some engaging and credible characters in Elliot and Zara, as well as the despicable Billy and tops it all off with an unexpected ending. I am already looking forward to his next novel in this excellent new series.
With many thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing UK for a digital ARC to read
When Rock is asked to defend Billy Barber, a violent, racist man he knows from that same northern mining town, who has been charged with murder of a young middle Eastern woman, he asks Zara to act as his junior assistant for the trial in the Old Bailey. Billy is no stranger to jail, but although denying killing the woman, he can offer no alibi or explanation as to why he was in the same place at the same time. With only two weeks to prepare for the trial, Elliot and Zara have their work cut out investigating what happened that night.
I love a good legal drama and this one not only has great courtroom drama in the old Bailey but plenty of action as Elliot and Zara visit their old home town to gather evidence. As a lawyer himself, Bell is able to poke a little fun at the British legal fraternity. He has also invented some engaging and credible characters in Elliot and Zara, as well as the despicable Billy and tops it all off with an unexpected ending. I am already looking forward to his next novel in this excellent new series.
With many thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing UK for a digital ARC to read
June 14, 2019
A really absorbing and brilliantly plotted legal drama from an author who knows his stuff.
Rook is an excellent main protagonist, highly engaging and the courtroom scenes are excellent, encompassing the dryness of the British justice system whilst also being entertainingly unexpected.
An unpredictable finale and some great writing. I'll be reviewing this one in full nearer the June publication date.
Rook is an excellent main protagonist, highly engaging and the courtroom scenes are excellent, encompassing the dryness of the British justice system whilst also being entertainingly unexpected.
An unpredictable finale and some great writing. I'll be reviewing this one in full nearer the June publication date.
June 19, 2019
Boy was I am in for a treat with this book! I adore courtroom books, I love the setting and it would have been the second choice of job for me if I had not been caught up in the glitz and glamour of Finance! I love John Grisham books, so I was excited to see if Bell QC lived up to this same expectation I had.
Well, he did! Knowing that some of these events in Beyond Reasonable Doubt is based on Bell and his life experiences and the fact he is also a QC gives this book an added punch. Not only do we see a case broken down into parts, but it is also a thriller of a book as we see Elliot Rook and his Rookie Zara Barnes work the case and defend Billy Barber, a violent and racist man. The problem that Rook faces, well Billy is a character from his past, and he needs his past to stay hidden. Intense right! I mean having to defend these godawful people despite your own views takes some inner strength and it is worse when you do not have a choice in it.
I was enthralled by this book, I was following Rook and Rookie closely seeing if I could pick up anything they may have missed. Rook is trying to keep the wolves from his door at all angles and juggling too many balls just does not get him anywhere. Well, apart from a few kickings, blackmail, split lips you know the usual! I found him endearing despite all the MANY mistakes he has made and I found that Rookie aka Barnes was a refreshment he needed in life. She was the spark that reignited his passion to do what is right.
The writing by Bell was easy reading and lures you in, hook line and sinker. It left me wondering which elements of Beyond Reasonable Doubt actually happened to him and which parts are fiction. I love that he gave Rook most of his background, to me, completely fleshes him out and makes this story all the more real and much more gritty. Weaving in his personal experience and knowledge so seamlessly takes skill which Bell definitely possesses. I was really excited by the insight into the Old Bailey, the traditions and the mechanics of it all, I found it all completely fascinating.
The fact this is a new series and told from a legal viewpoint has me hooked and impatiently waiting for the next book! It is realistic, spell bounding and you are in for a treat when you read it.
June 11, 2019
This is the first in a series featuring Elliot Rook QC.
Elliott Rook is a QC with a past that he has kept a secret from his peers
His personal life is a mess, his wife has gone, he drinks and smokes too much but he’s committed to the law. Everyone is entitled to a fair trial.
Talking to a colleague about taking on a junior, they show a lack of respect for any one not from the established background of Eton and privilege……but Rook then meets Zara Barnes and her background reminds him of his own and so he takes her on as his Junior…
Both from working class background in Nottinghamshire, and with a similar determination they hit it off immediately…..Rook laughs genuinely for the first time in a long while…..
Zara is meant to be helping with a fraud case, by trawling though tonnes of paperwork to find evidence…..but Rook takes her along to a meeting with his new client, Billy Barber, a name from his past.
There has been a murder of a young girl from a Middle Eastern background and Barber has been arrested….all evidence points to him….doesn’t it?
Barber is a horrible excuse for a human being, a racist, white supremacist thug and Rook really doesn’t want the case, but Barber threatens to tell of his criminal background so he takes the case….
This tells of the investigation, the court case and the friendship that builds between Zara and Rook. Violent, twisty and so compelling. With a marvellously satisfying ending…..I love it and will be looking out for the next in the series….
Thank you to Damppebbles Blog Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Elliott Rook is a QC with a past that he has kept a secret from his peers
His personal life is a mess, his wife has gone, he drinks and smokes too much but he’s committed to the law. Everyone is entitled to a fair trial.
Talking to a colleague about taking on a junior, they show a lack of respect for any one not from the established background of Eton and privilege……but Rook then meets Zara Barnes and her background reminds him of his own and so he takes her on as his Junior…
Both from working class background in Nottinghamshire, and with a similar determination they hit it off immediately…..Rook laughs genuinely for the first time in a long while…..
Zara is meant to be helping with a fraud case, by trawling though tonnes of paperwork to find evidence…..but Rook takes her along to a meeting with his new client, Billy Barber, a name from his past.
There has been a murder of a young girl from a Middle Eastern background and Barber has been arrested….all evidence points to him….doesn’t it?
Barber is a horrible excuse for a human being, a racist, white supremacist thug and Rook really doesn’t want the case, but Barber threatens to tell of his criminal background so he takes the case….
This tells of the investigation, the court case and the friendship that builds between Zara and Rook. Violent, twisty and so compelling. With a marvellously satisfying ending…..I love it and will be looking out for the next in the series….
Thank you to Damppebbles Blog Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
June 10, 2019
I enjoy reading legal thrillers and obviously find some better than others. Beyond Reasonable Doubt is definitely one of the better ones that I have read.
Rook is silk and he isn’t like any of the others he works with. He isn’t Eton educated and he has a dubious past that he is determined will stay hidden. When he takes on a junior who is from the area he is brought up in and simultaneously is forced into defending a man from his past it appears that everything will be revealed.
One of the reasons this novel works so well is because Rook obviously has problems. There is his past, which only a few are aware of, his marital breakdown, his drinking and his weight. This isn’t a man who is clean and guilt free. He doesn’t have many friends in his profession and it doesn’t bother him. Zara, his junior, is the only one he really gets on with.
The case itself is a grim one. Racism at its worst and it’s something you expect to read about on a daily basis. The language and threat made me cringe and I had to admire Zara for putting up with it.
I liked the Nottingham setting. A mining community that no longer exists and has no prospects. Lives ruined, tragic events leading to loss of life and something I had never even considered and wondered if it was true. Football chants aimed at strike breakers.
I would definitely read another in this series.
Rook is silk and he isn’t like any of the others he works with. He isn’t Eton educated and he has a dubious past that he is determined will stay hidden. When he takes on a junior who is from the area he is brought up in and simultaneously is forced into defending a man from his past it appears that everything will be revealed.
One of the reasons this novel works so well is because Rook obviously has problems. There is his past, which only a few are aware of, his marital breakdown, his drinking and his weight. This isn’t a man who is clean and guilt free. He doesn’t have many friends in his profession and it doesn’t bother him. Zara, his junior, is the only one he really gets on with.
The case itself is a grim one. Racism at its worst and it’s something you expect to read about on a daily basis. The language and threat made me cringe and I had to admire Zara for putting up with it.
I liked the Nottingham setting. A mining community that no longer exists and has no prospects. Lives ruined, tragic events leading to loss of life and something I had never even considered and wondered if it was true. Football chants aimed at strike breakers.
I would definitely read another in this series.
June 13, 2019
Beyond Reasonable doubt is the first in a new legal thriller series by acclaimed QC and writer Gary Bell and featuring Elliot Rook QC, a barrister at the Miller and Stubbs chambers. I am always drawn to these stories as a law graduate but well executed, thought-provoking courtroom dramas are as rare as hen's teeth; this is all of that and much, much more. The legal side is authentic and the discussion about the law is accurate — exactly what you'd expect from a lawyer. It's perfectly paced, well written and nail-bitingly tense and we are drawn into a tale with many unscrupulous characters who each have skeletons in their closet. I particularly loved the Old Bailey trial as we were exposed to the mechanics of the British legal system.
I enjoyed Bell's witty ridicule directed at the system he knows so well and found it a very entertaining crime debut. It's action-packed, suspenseful and full of intrigue, and main characters Rook and Zara are very likeable, complex individuals and complement each other beautifully. I was also satisfied that there was no sexual tension between the two as it is becoming a bit of a cliche in the thriller genre. There are a few twists in the tale and masterful misdirection repeatedly pushes you into backing the wrong horse. The conclusion was ultimately satisfying if a tad predictable but that did not impact my enjoyment too much. I cannot wait for the next instalment and look forward to seeing the characters evolve. Many thanks to Raven Books for an ARC.
I enjoyed Bell's witty ridicule directed at the system he knows so well and found it a very entertaining crime debut. It's action-packed, suspenseful and full of intrigue, and main characters Rook and Zara are very likeable, complex individuals and complement each other beautifully. I was also satisfied that there was no sexual tension between the two as it is becoming a bit of a cliche in the thriller genre. There are a few twists in the tale and masterful misdirection repeatedly pushes you into backing the wrong horse. The conclusion was ultimately satisfying if a tad predictable but that did not impact my enjoyment too much. I cannot wait for the next instalment and look forward to seeing the characters evolve. Many thanks to Raven Books for an ARC.
June 28, 2020
Rook, QC, is loosely based on the life of the author. Raised in one of the poorest areas of England he rose to be a “silk” barrister. Now his past has caught up with him as he is blackmailed to defend a person from his criminal past. Definitely a good legal thriller told in easy reading style with some humor and insight into the British legal system and its history. It also deals with some of more recent immigrant problems faced in Europe. I did have some problems with some of the local slang but not enough that it detected from a good story.
December 11, 2022
I finally finished this book! The time it took for me to read it does not reflect on the story, I have just been busy! Two interesting characters in this new legal series, and the author has taken the advice - write about what you know! I will not rehash the plot, just that this is a grand start to this series.
August 7, 2019
An acrid truth hidden in the path still eludes the eye,
Only its discovery can save several lives.
:
An exciting courtroom drama with nail biting suspense and hair raising twist and turns with elements of fraud, lies, broken marriage, racism, country culture & murder.
:
The newly appointed QC Elliot Rook from the former mining town Cotgrave have built his career from a scratch leaving behind a dark past.He selects Zara Barnes, an ingenious & quirky girl as his pupil who accutely reminds him of his younger self to assist in a huge scam case. But his well built life is toppled when a former accuquataince blackmails him into taking up his case, he threatens to unleash skeletons from the attic which would destroy Rook's lucrative career.
The case is complicated, all the circumstancial evidence points towards the accused Billy Barber, a repeated offender.To add to the injury, the violent vocal racist Billy refuses to co-operate with his counsel and presents a bad image infront of the prosecution.Now it's all upto Mr. Rook & his pupil Zara to unearth the truth and track the real culprit.The investigation is full of field work rigged with attacks, visit to the dark infamous alleys and shocking discoveries.
:
I loved the way author dissected the very fibre of silk, the rustic law system, internal politics and functioning of the corridors of the Old Bailey. He deftly projected the social norms that still rules the masses, refuses to respect an individual's choice different from the mainstream.The rural mining life which leads to a perpetual cycle of drudgery and poverty is boldly projected in the plot.
The non-linear storyline with engaging narration, detailed characters and vivid descriptions breathed life into the story. The racy plotline kept me at the edge of seat.The breathtaking climax will surely leave the readers deep in thoughts.
The first book in a legal series, it's an amazing start which increases the expectations for all the upcoming thrillers.I will strongly recommend this book to every reader.
Only its discovery can save several lives.
:
An exciting courtroom drama with nail biting suspense and hair raising twist and turns with elements of fraud, lies, broken marriage, racism, country culture & murder.
:
The newly appointed QC Elliot Rook from the former mining town Cotgrave have built his career from a scratch leaving behind a dark past.He selects Zara Barnes, an ingenious & quirky girl as his pupil who accutely reminds him of his younger self to assist in a huge scam case. But his well built life is toppled when a former accuquataince blackmails him into taking up his case, he threatens to unleash skeletons from the attic which would destroy Rook's lucrative career.
The case is complicated, all the circumstancial evidence points towards the accused Billy Barber, a repeated offender.To add to the injury, the violent vocal racist Billy refuses to co-operate with his counsel and presents a bad image infront of the prosecution.Now it's all upto Mr. Rook & his pupil Zara to unearth the truth and track the real culprit.The investigation is full of field work rigged with attacks, visit to the dark infamous alleys and shocking discoveries.
:
I loved the way author dissected the very fibre of silk, the rustic law system, internal politics and functioning of the corridors of the Old Bailey. He deftly projected the social norms that still rules the masses, refuses to respect an individual's choice different from the mainstream.The rural mining life which leads to a perpetual cycle of drudgery and poverty is boldly projected in the plot.
The non-linear storyline with engaging narration, detailed characters and vivid descriptions breathed life into the story. The racy plotline kept me at the edge of seat.The breathtaking climax will surely leave the readers deep in thoughts.
The first book in a legal series, it's an amazing start which increases the expectations for all the upcoming thrillers.I will strongly recommend this book to every reader.
Read
June 13, 2019Review to follow for blog tour
August 31, 2019
Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: A Physical Copy was provided via Bloomsbury India in exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
This is the first book in what I hope, actually I have high expectations, a series of brilliant legal thrillers in the coming future from the author, Gary Bell ( I have my eye on you siree!).
BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT, features Elliot Rook, a successful barrister at a law first, Muller and Stubbs Chambers. He has had considerable success as the Queen’s Counsel, basically a defence lawyer – his past though is a closely guarded secret – in fact, his mentor is the only person in his professional life, who knows his exact origins; that his past isn’t as respectable as his other colleagues believe it to be.
Rook’s past, however, refuses to stay in its rightful place, when he is blackmailed into defending a murder suspect in what appears to be an easy case for the prosecution. This comes at a time when his own personal life is in shambles (he is going through a divorce) and is also in the middle of another case that is turning out to be way more complicated than he had expected, not just because of the mountain of paperwork he has to sift through.
Now, he has no choice but to defend this man, a blast from the past in a horrific crime – an unidentified body of a 16 year old girl with Middle Eastern Origins was found, brutally tortured near the old railway lines in the mining town of Cograve – Rook’s place of origins.
To help out with the overwhelming caseload, he hires a new lawyer, a junior to help on cases – Zara Barnes – I will immediately be clear here; there is no hint of romance or impropriety between them; in fact Zara, reminds Elliot of the young man he used to be, the ambitious one, the righteous one and even though Zara is supposed to be helping out in the case he had to put aside due to the murder one, he still somehow ropes her in top helping him out with the Murder Case.
Billy Barber, the murder suspect and the one blackmailing Rook to be his lawyer, is an uncouth individual with narcissistic and racist attitude, along with a history of criminal charges as long as one’s arms. There should be no doubt of his guilt – in fact, I went into the book, believing in his guilt and I think that’s what made the whole book one heck of a roller coaster ride.
I absolutely adored the interactions between Rook & Rookie (Zara) – here is an instant connection of sorts; even though there is a considerable age difference between them; they work smoothly with each other as if they had been partners for more than just a few moments. Their similar histories made it easier for both of them to open up.
Besides the Rook and Rookie’s relationship; the plot was brilliantly strategized – it held my attention through all the twists and turns and the climax along with revelations were some that I did not see coming; the end of the book, left me slack jawed more than I had actually expected or even imagined.
Elliot Rook and Zara Barnes are two characters I have invested myself in; and the author Gary Bell has been put on my watchlist – here’s to me hoping and praying that more books are in this series than I could ever hope devour in the near future!
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June 10, 2019
Elliot Rook QC is an eminent barrister, working out of a prestige Chambers. He has a hidden, rather sordid past though which he is desperate to keep under wraps. Most of his peers are completely oblivious to the path he took to gain Silk and he likes it this way. Little do they know of his ex-mining town background and the things he did to survive growing up there. When we first meet him he is in the middle of a big fraud case which isn't quite going according to plan and he is trying to get help from others. He bumps into Zara Barnes, who coincidentally shares a similar background to him, as she leaves from an unsuccessful interview with his own Chambers and takes it upon himself to not only re-interview her but also to employ her. His world is then torn apart when he is requested to represent a face from the past. The past he has struggled to keep hidden. Billy Barber, the brother of his best friend (now deceased) has got himself arrested for the murder of a young, unknown woman. He protests his innocence even though his alcohol consumption dictates that even he can't say what he was doing at the time so has no alibi. Now Billy may be many things, even a killer in his past, but everyone deserves a fair trial. Blackmailed into taking the case, and with Billy not being very helpful in building his own defence, can Rook and Zara get to the bottom of things in time, deliver the correct verdict, and keep Rook's past firmly in the past?
Rook is a bit of a character to say the least and, after reading up about the author on finishing this book, shares a lot of his past with Mr Bell himself. He's brash and brusque and doesn't suffer fools. His marriage has broken down, something he is still a bit in denial of. His lifestyle also leave a lot to be desired. But, and this is important, he has a healthy respect for the law, especially the innocent until proven guilty and entitled to a fair trial parts, something he endeavours to instil in Zara as they work together.
Zara is a bit of a revelation. She's smart and gutsy and rubs along quite well with Rook. She may have had a bit of a time with the politics of things in her past employment but that doesn't seem to have taken the shine off things for her. She just needs a break and appears to have found a kindred spirit in Rook although appearing chalk and cheese at face value. I loved some of their interactions and found certain conversations enlightening.
The story itself was a wee bit predictable and I guessed the ending ahead of time which did take some weight off the punch for me. Probably no fault of the author as I do read a lot of this genre book so I know most of the tricks by now! That said, this book delivered more during the journey rather than relying on just the twist at the end so, overall, it was a good solid read. Pacing was also good and the description complemented the narrative rather than distracting from it.
The author also got my favourite barrister joke into the narrative and, for that alone, I salute him!
All in all, a cracking series opener which thoroughly satisfied but, at the same time, left me hankering for more. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Rook is a bit of a character to say the least and, after reading up about the author on finishing this book, shares a lot of his past with Mr Bell himself. He's brash and brusque and doesn't suffer fools. His marriage has broken down, something he is still a bit in denial of. His lifestyle also leave a lot to be desired. But, and this is important, he has a healthy respect for the law, especially the innocent until proven guilty and entitled to a fair trial parts, something he endeavours to instil in Zara as they work together.
Zara is a bit of a revelation. She's smart and gutsy and rubs along quite well with Rook. She may have had a bit of a time with the politics of things in her past employment but that doesn't seem to have taken the shine off things for her. She just needs a break and appears to have found a kindred spirit in Rook although appearing chalk and cheese at face value. I loved some of their interactions and found certain conversations enlightening.
The story itself was a wee bit predictable and I guessed the ending ahead of time which did take some weight off the punch for me. Probably no fault of the author as I do read a lot of this genre book so I know most of the tricks by now! That said, this book delivered more during the journey rather than relying on just the twist at the end so, overall, it was a good solid read. Pacing was also good and the description complemented the narrative rather than distracting from it.
The author also got my favourite barrister joke into the narrative and, for that alone, I salute him!
All in all, a cracking series opener which thoroughly satisfied but, at the same time, left me hankering for more. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
June 27, 2019
Action packed and easy to read, this is a perfect summer holiday book. It features barrister-cum-detective Elliot Rook QC and his rookie pupil Zara Barnes.
It affords an insider's view into the criminal justice system. Belmarsh Prison and the villain they visit there are depicted chillingly. The courtroom drama was excellent: witty, pacey and authentic. You'd expect nothing less from a novel co-authored by a practicing QC.
Attempts to deal with contemporary issues such as racial, religious and sexual identity were commendable but perhaps a tad forced. At one point Rook winces when another character uses the slur 'paki' but then appears befuddled himself a page later over the terms 'traveller' and 'Gypsy'.
The relationship between the hero and sidekick didn't develop as much as I'd hoped. Perhaps it was because Rook kept absconding on adventures of his own (and, on that note, he had at least one too many fights in this book), but whatever the cause I didn't find their teamwork particularly heartwarming. For one thing, rookie Zara's character needs fleshing out a bit. There's scope for this to develop in the inevitable future instalments.
As to the series' direction of travel, #1 featured plenty about Rook's history in the Nottinghamshire coal mining community, but that got a little tired by the end and deserved to be buried in this book. In future volumes, I wouldn't mind a bit more flashback into his middle years - his homelessness, the struggle to become a barrister, his marriage to Jenny - as grist for Gary Bell and Scott Kershaw's collaborative mill. As to the modern-day plots, I hope Rook won't always be slightly down at heel, à la Rumpole, but will - with rookie's able assistance - be on top form as a QC. Rupert is a superb character, emanating wisdom and quiet command, whom I want to see more of.
Whether you're interested in the law or just enjoy crime fiction, there's enough here to draw you in. It was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to more in the series.
It affords an insider's view into the criminal justice system. Belmarsh Prison and the villain they visit there are depicted chillingly. The courtroom drama was excellent: witty, pacey and authentic. You'd expect nothing less from a novel co-authored by a practicing QC.
Attempts to deal with contemporary issues such as racial, religious and sexual identity were commendable but perhaps a tad forced. At one point Rook winces when another character uses the slur 'paki' but then appears befuddled himself a page later over the terms 'traveller' and 'Gypsy'.
The relationship between the hero and sidekick didn't develop as much as I'd hoped. Perhaps it was because Rook kept absconding on adventures of his own (and, on that note, he had at least one too many fights in this book), but whatever the cause I didn't find their teamwork particularly heartwarming. For one thing, rookie Zara's character needs fleshing out a bit. There's scope for this to develop in the inevitable future instalments.
As to the series' direction of travel, #1 featured plenty about Rook's history in the Nottinghamshire coal mining community, but that got a little tired by the end and deserved to be buried in this book. In future volumes, I wouldn't mind a bit more flashback into his middle years - his homelessness, the struggle to become a barrister, his marriage to Jenny - as grist for Gary Bell and Scott Kershaw's collaborative mill. As to the modern-day plots, I hope Rook won't always be slightly down at heel, à la Rumpole, but will - with rookie's able assistance - be on top form as a QC. Rupert is a superb character, emanating wisdom and quiet command, whom I want to see more of.
Whether you're interested in the law or just enjoy crime fiction, there's enough here to draw you in. It was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to more in the series.
June 29, 2019
This is a book by a man who has seen both sides of the law and it absolutely shows.
A series opener is a tricky thing to pull off,there is the temptation to lay all your cards out on the table yet Gary Bell does this with aplomb. He gives us enough of a backstory on his protaganist, Elliott Rook to whet out appetites, yet takes his time with his 'Rookie', his pupil Zara.
In this, Elliott's first case since winning his silks, he takes on the defence of a criminal who has specifically requested his services. Billy Barber and his brothers have a history with Elliott and he threatens to bring down the fragile house of cards which Elliott has constructed...
Haunted by the victim in the case, a discarded, unamed teen with horrific injuries and defending the indefensible, this is a clear cut and engaging dissection of the UK justice system without ever patronising or being overly complex and dragging the reader away from the main themes of the story. Mixed-race girl, and an openly racist , white supremacist with previous convictions whose phone is tracked to the locality of the dumpsite. Discovered the day of the body to be slumped and insensible, naked and burning his bloody clothes in his backgarden, the evidence is available across the whole of the internet.
So how does Elliott and Zara bring justice to The Girl, who, on examination, appears to be one of many who have disappeared in Nottingham whilst Elliott faces unpalatable truths of his past?
I was concerned that the legalese would be way over my head, but Gary Bell does a fine job of explaining how defense works, how court cases works and marries it with a police procedural and very up to date social issues.
I would be interested to know if the character was named for the chess piece, rook, and if the way that they move represents the motives of Elliott and hope to read more of his and Zara's cases in the near future! The way he took Zara under his wing, even gven his complex home and professional life was very moving.
A series opener is a tricky thing to pull off,there is the temptation to lay all your cards out on the table yet Gary Bell does this with aplomb. He gives us enough of a backstory on his protaganist, Elliott Rook to whet out appetites, yet takes his time with his 'Rookie', his pupil Zara.
In this, Elliott's first case since winning his silks, he takes on the defence of a criminal who has specifically requested his services. Billy Barber and his brothers have a history with Elliott and he threatens to bring down the fragile house of cards which Elliott has constructed...
Haunted by the victim in the case, a discarded, unamed teen with horrific injuries and defending the indefensible, this is a clear cut and engaging dissection of the UK justice system without ever patronising or being overly complex and dragging the reader away from the main themes of the story. Mixed-race girl, and an openly racist , white supremacist with previous convictions whose phone is tracked to the locality of the dumpsite. Discovered the day of the body to be slumped and insensible, naked and burning his bloody clothes in his backgarden, the evidence is available across the whole of the internet.
So how does Elliott and Zara bring justice to The Girl, who, on examination, appears to be one of many who have disappeared in Nottingham whilst Elliott faces unpalatable truths of his past?
I was concerned that the legalese would be way over my head, but Gary Bell does a fine job of explaining how defense works, how court cases works and marries it with a police procedural and very up to date social issues.
I would be interested to know if the character was named for the chess piece, rook, and if the way that they move represents the motives of Elliott and hope to read more of his and Zara's cases in the near future! The way he took Zara under his wing, even gven his complex home and professional life was very moving.
July 6, 2019
An addictive legal thriller from someone who clearly knows what they are talking about…I loved Beyond Reasonable Doubt from start to finish! I am so pleased that this is the first book in a new series so we will be hearing more from Elliot Rook QC.
Rook is a fantastic main character, he’s a bit grumpy, works too hard, in denial about his divorce and definitely drinks to much…I loved him, warts and all! He is a barrister for a prestigious chambers in central London, the epitome of high class. However, Rook is not the person who he lets people assume that he is, he has a much more colourful background that people aren’t aware of. It is this background that gets him dragged into defending Billy Barber against a charge of murder of an unknown young woman who has been found dead on disused train tracks.
Prior to the murder case, Rook is drowning in paperwork associated with a fraud case that he is working on so is persuaded to take on a ‘pupil’, Zara Barnes is a breathe of fresh air to the old Etonian chambers and has more in common with Rook than she initially thinks. I loved the dynamic between Rook and Zara, there is quite an age gap between them however Rook can see her potential and respects her determination for justice so they form a solid relationship from the start.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt is a brilliant crime investigation but from the other side as to what I read, it’s usually the police investigation leading up to the criminal trial so it was really interesting to pick it up from this point. Even without knowing that the author is a highly experienced QC, the authenticity of the legal system comes through in droves from the narratives from the description of other characters, the processes that the defence is going through and the interaction between characters. I really enjoyed the trial section of the book, Bell brought it to life and it felt as though I was part of the public gallery.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt is a entertaining and satisfying read, it has brilliantly pacing and the right amount of legal speak to be authentic but not too much as to confuse non-legal people I look forward to finding out what is next for Elliot Rook, a solid start to what is looking to be a great new series.
Rook is a fantastic main character, he’s a bit grumpy, works too hard, in denial about his divorce and definitely drinks to much…I loved him, warts and all! He is a barrister for a prestigious chambers in central London, the epitome of high class. However, Rook is not the person who he lets people assume that he is, he has a much more colourful background that people aren’t aware of. It is this background that gets him dragged into defending Billy Barber against a charge of murder of an unknown young woman who has been found dead on disused train tracks.
Prior to the murder case, Rook is drowning in paperwork associated with a fraud case that he is working on so is persuaded to take on a ‘pupil’, Zara Barnes is a breathe of fresh air to the old Etonian chambers and has more in common with Rook than she initially thinks. I loved the dynamic between Rook and Zara, there is quite an age gap between them however Rook can see her potential and respects her determination for justice so they form a solid relationship from the start.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt is a brilliant crime investigation but from the other side as to what I read, it’s usually the police investigation leading up to the criminal trial so it was really interesting to pick it up from this point. Even without knowing that the author is a highly experienced QC, the authenticity of the legal system comes through in droves from the narratives from the description of other characters, the processes that the defence is going through and the interaction between characters. I really enjoyed the trial section of the book, Bell brought it to life and it felt as though I was part of the public gallery.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt is a entertaining and satisfying read, it has brilliantly pacing and the right amount of legal speak to be authentic but not too much as to confuse non-legal people I look forward to finding out what is next for Elliot Rook, a solid start to what is looking to be a great new series.
November 5, 2019
**Book Review** Thank you to the lovely team over at @bloomsburypublishing for providing us with an advance copy of Beyond Reasonable Doubt by Gary Bell in return for an honest review 😍.⠀
Synopsis: Elliot Rook QC is one of the greatest barristers of his generation. He is also a complete fraud...⠀
Elliot Rook is the epitome of a highly successful, old Etonian QC. Or so everyone believes. In fact, he is an ex-petty criminal with a past that he has spent decades keeping secret. Until now…⠀
I absolutely loved how realistic this book was (I love Suits but we all know life can’t always be that dramatic - and that fashionable!) and really shows Gary’s own experience as a QC himself. Filled with continual surprises and plot twists, this was such an engaging read and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for Elliot Rook in the future!⠀
I also realized whilst reading this that I haven’t read a book in ages that was written in first person! It probably is such a minor aspect of the writing but I felt that it really helped you connect to the author in a way that writing in third person doesn’t manage.⠀
4/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟⠀
- J 📚
Synopsis: Elliot Rook QC is one of the greatest barristers of his generation. He is also a complete fraud...⠀
Elliot Rook is the epitome of a highly successful, old Etonian QC. Or so everyone believes. In fact, he is an ex-petty criminal with a past that he has spent decades keeping secret. Until now…⠀
I absolutely loved how realistic this book was (I love Suits but we all know life can’t always be that dramatic - and that fashionable!) and really shows Gary’s own experience as a QC himself. Filled with continual surprises and plot twists, this was such an engaging read and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for Elliot Rook in the future!⠀
I also realized whilst reading this that I haven’t read a book in ages that was written in first person! It probably is such a minor aspect of the writing but I felt that it really helped you connect to the author in a way that writing in third person doesn’t manage.⠀
4/5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟⠀
- J 📚
June 12, 2019
It’s no secret that I absolutely love legal thrillers and anything with a courtroom drama aspect to it so I had a sneaky feeling that I would enjoy this book before I even started it. What intrigued me is that this is the first in the series to feature the lead character Elliot Rook and there is a hole in the market for a good legal series at the moment. Providing this book lived up to my expectations I was really excited at the prospect of finding a new legal series to look forward to!
Elliot Rook is within the top echelons of his industry practicing law as a QC (Queens Counsel) within an esteemed Chambers in the heart of legal London. But life hasn’t always been so fortunate to Elliot and as I read through this book I actually learned his upbringing was far from the Etonian facade he presented to his peers. This actually made Elliot much more relatable knowing that he wasn’t this perfectly moulded character born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
Elliot teams up with Zara, a young pupil barrister desperately looking for a break after constantly being turned away because her face and background don’t ‘fit’. Elliot sees something in Zara and together they start to investigate and prepare for a trial involving an old friend from Elliot’s past. This old friend, however, is one Elliot would rather forget and by taking on his case Elliot is forced to face some truths from his past.
I absolutely can’t wait for the next instalment in this series and I’m so intrigued to see how the author builds upon these two characters in particular. Thank you Gary for writing the legal series I have been eagerly awaiting!
Elliot Rook is within the top echelons of his industry practicing law as a QC (Queens Counsel) within an esteemed Chambers in the heart of legal London. But life hasn’t always been so fortunate to Elliot and as I read through this book I actually learned his upbringing was far from the Etonian facade he presented to his peers. This actually made Elliot much more relatable knowing that he wasn’t this perfectly moulded character born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
Elliot teams up with Zara, a young pupil barrister desperately looking for a break after constantly being turned away because her face and background don’t ‘fit’. Elliot sees something in Zara and together they start to investigate and prepare for a trial involving an old friend from Elliot’s past. This old friend, however, is one Elliot would rather forget and by taking on his case Elliot is forced to face some truths from his past.
I absolutely can’t wait for the next instalment in this series and I’m so intrigued to see how the author builds upon these two characters in particular. Thank you Gary for writing the legal series I have been eagerly awaiting!
October 2, 2019
Best crime book I have read in a long time. Intriguing to read the author’s profile fits the protagonists! Charged with fraud and now a QC. His descriptions of the machinations of the Old Bailey are interesting and obviously come from first hand experience. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
June 30, 2019
Hi and welcome to my stop on the Beyond Reasonable Doubt blog tour! First of all, thanks so much Emma Welton for the invite on this #damppebblesblogtour and to Raven Books (Bloomsbury) for the e-ARC via NetGalley!
You can try and bury the past as much as you like, but sooner or later, it will come back to bite you in the arse. In Beyond Reasonable Doubt it’s main character Elliot Rook whose past comes knocking and when I say knocking I mean pounding on the door, and it does so in the form of Billy Barber. In a former life, Rook was Billy’s brother’s best friend. Billy was a criminal back then, and he’s only got worse over time. However, this is the first time he’s been accused of murder. And so he calls upon Rook, and Billy may be above begging, but he is most certainly not above blackmail! If Rook wants his past to stay in the past, if he wants to prevent it from blowing up both his present and future, he has no choice but to accept the case and so he and his brand-new junior Zara Barnes take on Billy’s case. However, Billy is not any easy man to defend, he’s mean, he’s a racist, he has a bit of a temper. Rook and Zara have no doubt he’s hiding something, and neither did I for that matter, but the question remained: what was he hiding? Let me tell you, it wasn’t anything I had foreseen! And neither was anything that came after the reveal of Billy’s secrets. Did I have theories? Sure I did, but Mr Bell had successfully thrown me off the scent and I found myself barking up the wrong tree.
While Billy Barber is a highly unlikeable character, I really liked Elliot Rook and Zara Barnes. Rook is the perfect mix of Robert Galbraith’s Cormoran Strike and Steve Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn. If you’re fan of either, then this is the start of a fabulous series that has your name written all over it! For the record: I know this because I am a fan of both. Like Strike, Rook is a little rough around the edges, a bit of a misfit, and a keen detective. Like Flynn, Rook is an excellent lawyer with a bit of a criminal past, not afraid to shock judge and jury alike. Zara is young and ambitious. She doesn’t give up, she doesn’t give in and she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. She doesn’t expect things to just fall into her lap, she puts in the work to get what she wants. Together they are a brilliant duo. Twenty years younger than he is, but just as clever, Zara is the perfect yin to Rook’s yang. There’s mutual respect, there’s the beginning of friendship, and as much as I’m pro Strike+Robin, I was happy to find zero romantic or sexual tension between the two.
Knowing that Gary Bell was born into a coal mining family and has been a QC specialising in criminal defence since 2012, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out where the inspiration for Elliot Rook QC came from. As such, this story felt very realistic, from the small-town scenes to the courtroom ones.
This is a nicely paced and suspenseful legal thriller, and an exciting start of a new series! I for one can’t wait to see what the future will bring for Rook and Zara! Recommended.
You can try and bury the past as much as you like, but sooner or later, it will come back to bite you in the arse. In Beyond Reasonable Doubt it’s main character Elliot Rook whose past comes knocking and when I say knocking I mean pounding on the door, and it does so in the form of Billy Barber. In a former life, Rook was Billy’s brother’s best friend. Billy was a criminal back then, and he’s only got worse over time. However, this is the first time he’s been accused of murder. And so he calls upon Rook, and Billy may be above begging, but he is most certainly not above blackmail! If Rook wants his past to stay in the past, if he wants to prevent it from blowing up both his present and future, he has no choice but to accept the case and so he and his brand-new junior Zara Barnes take on Billy’s case. However, Billy is not any easy man to defend, he’s mean, he’s a racist, he has a bit of a temper. Rook and Zara have no doubt he’s hiding something, and neither did I for that matter, but the question remained: what was he hiding? Let me tell you, it wasn’t anything I had foreseen! And neither was anything that came after the reveal of Billy’s secrets. Did I have theories? Sure I did, but Mr Bell had successfully thrown me off the scent and I found myself barking up the wrong tree.
While Billy Barber is a highly unlikeable character, I really liked Elliot Rook and Zara Barnes. Rook is the perfect mix of Robert Galbraith’s Cormoran Strike and Steve Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn. If you’re fan of either, then this is the start of a fabulous series that has your name written all over it! For the record: I know this because I am a fan of both. Like Strike, Rook is a little rough around the edges, a bit of a misfit, and a keen detective. Like Flynn, Rook is an excellent lawyer with a bit of a criminal past, not afraid to shock judge and jury alike. Zara is young and ambitious. She doesn’t give up, she doesn’t give in and she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. She doesn’t expect things to just fall into her lap, she puts in the work to get what she wants. Together they are a brilliant duo. Twenty years younger than he is, but just as clever, Zara is the perfect yin to Rook’s yang. There’s mutual respect, there’s the beginning of friendship, and as much as I’m pro Strike+Robin, I was happy to find zero romantic or sexual tension between the two.
Knowing that Gary Bell was born into a coal mining family and has been a QC specialising in criminal defence since 2012, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out where the inspiration for Elliot Rook QC came from. As such, this story felt very realistic, from the small-town scenes to the courtroom ones.
This is a nicely paced and suspenseful legal thriller, and an exciting start of a new series! I for one can’t wait to see what the future will bring for Rook and Zara! Recommended.
May 8, 2019
Elliot Rook is a QC in London, recently made silk, and is something of a maverick with a lot to hide from his past. He employs a new junior from his home town, Nottingham, much against the wishes of his colleagues, and together they take on the case of a hoodlum from Elliot's past, a vicious character who has blackmailed Elliot into representing him, who is on trial for the nasty murder of a young girl in Cotgrave.
Just when you think everything has been solved, the story takes an unexpected turn. The final pages were absolutely gripping.
The characters are really well rounded and interesting, and I particularly enjoyed the setting as they go back to Nottingham (my former home town) to gather local evidence. The interaction between the life-hardened QC and the naive young assistant is very well handled. Prejudice and bigotry in many forms abound throughout the book, and again this is well portrayed without labouring the point.
The book is, I understand, written by a QC and it very convincingly brings us into a world that is a closed book for most of us. I look forward to more in this series.
Rook and Rookie rock!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing PLC for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Just when you think everything has been solved, the story takes an unexpected turn. The final pages were absolutely gripping.
The characters are really well rounded and interesting, and I particularly enjoyed the setting as they go back to Nottingham (my former home town) to gather local evidence. The interaction between the life-hardened QC and the naive young assistant is very well handled. Prejudice and bigotry in many forms abound throughout the book, and again this is well portrayed without labouring the point.
The book is, I understand, written by a QC and it very convincingly brings us into a world that is a closed book for most of us. I look forward to more in this series.
Rook and Rookie rock!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing PLC for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2019
I veered between suspending belief and questioning my assumptions of the life of a criminal barrister. I enjoyed this book and its implicit social commentary. I have not read many courtroom thrillers , preferring police procedural, I hadn't quite thought of this genre including barristers going loco mid-trial to do their own investigations.
Despite my mixed feelings, I page turned rapidly, was caught up in the suspense and would certainly read the next book in this series, when published.
Despite my mixed feelings, I page turned rapidly, was caught up in the suspense and would certainly read the next book in this series, when published.
June 27, 2019
The fact that Gary Bell is himself a QC contributes to this being an excellent description of the British justice system with all its intricacies laid bare. One can’t help but compare this to the many courtroom and legal dramas, on both our shelves and screens and I for one find all of it truly fascinating. It’s something that draws you in, wraps itself around you and will only let go once you’ve discovered that evidence, uncovered that last clue, solved that crime and heard the verdict declared.
This is the first in a series featuring Elliot Rook, a well-respected QC in Chambers and part of the ‘old-boy’ club. But assumptions can create deception – or is it the other way around? Rook isn’t quite what people think he is. When he becomes swamped by a massive fraud case, he’s encouraged to take on an assistant. He surprises everyone by taking on Zara Barnes. She’s a young girl of mixed-race, hungry to make it in the legal world and she reminds Rook more than a little bit of himself in younger years – not that anyone knows that. He comes under a lot of criticism for hiring Zara though. She doesn’t look the part and she certainly doesn’t fit into the hushed and revered surroundings of the Courts. But Rook couldn’t care less.
But then a murder case comes up. A young, unidentified Middle Eastern girl’s murdered body is found on the railway track on the outskirts of the small Nottingham mining town where Rook grew up. It’s a place he left behind him many years ago, hoping never to return. Its mining days are long gone and Bell’s descriptions of this dark, dreary place that lost hope so long ago allow the reader to feel the unease that its miserable residents must feel every day of their lives.
Billy Barber, local criminal, is a known racist and a brutally violent man. Circumstantial evidence is enough to pin the girl’s murder on him. But he insists that he’s represented by Elliot Rook and threatens to expose his past unless he agrees. And so Rook is forced to return to the place that holds so many bad memories for him. It seems to be a cut and dried case – obviously the Barber’s the murderer; who else could it be? And yet, Barber claims he didn’t do it, and almost immediately Rook finds that he believes him and that there are other factors in play here.
Bell, with his knowledge of the Old Bailey, gives us an inside look at the workings of the British criminal justice system. He’s sometimes cynical, and at other times uses droll humour, being able to stand back and have a bit of a chuckle at a system that he knows takes itself rather seriously. He artfully steers the reader through his shrewd twists and crafty misdirections until he leads us to that final disclosure!
5 stars for this, and highly recommended for lovers of legal and criminal procedure books. Would be a great way in for those looking to test the waters! I can’t wait to read more about Elliot Rook QC and his sidekick Zara Barnes!
This is the first in a series featuring Elliot Rook, a well-respected QC in Chambers and part of the ‘old-boy’ club. But assumptions can create deception – or is it the other way around? Rook isn’t quite what people think he is. When he becomes swamped by a massive fraud case, he’s encouraged to take on an assistant. He surprises everyone by taking on Zara Barnes. She’s a young girl of mixed-race, hungry to make it in the legal world and she reminds Rook more than a little bit of himself in younger years – not that anyone knows that. He comes under a lot of criticism for hiring Zara though. She doesn’t look the part and she certainly doesn’t fit into the hushed and revered surroundings of the Courts. But Rook couldn’t care less.
But then a murder case comes up. A young, unidentified Middle Eastern girl’s murdered body is found on the railway track on the outskirts of the small Nottingham mining town where Rook grew up. It’s a place he left behind him many years ago, hoping never to return. Its mining days are long gone and Bell’s descriptions of this dark, dreary place that lost hope so long ago allow the reader to feel the unease that its miserable residents must feel every day of their lives.
Billy Barber, local criminal, is a known racist and a brutally violent man. Circumstantial evidence is enough to pin the girl’s murder on him. But he insists that he’s represented by Elliot Rook and threatens to expose his past unless he agrees. And so Rook is forced to return to the place that holds so many bad memories for him. It seems to be a cut and dried case – obviously the Barber’s the murderer; who else could it be? And yet, Barber claims he didn’t do it, and almost immediately Rook finds that he believes him and that there are other factors in play here.
Bell, with his knowledge of the Old Bailey, gives us an inside look at the workings of the British criminal justice system. He’s sometimes cynical, and at other times uses droll humour, being able to stand back and have a bit of a chuckle at a system that he knows takes itself rather seriously. He artfully steers the reader through his shrewd twists and crafty misdirections until he leads us to that final disclosure!
5 stars for this, and highly recommended for lovers of legal and criminal procedure books. Would be a great way in for those looking to test the waters! I can’t wait to read more about Elliot Rook QC and his sidekick Zara Barnes!
June 25, 2019
Rating 4.5/5
I can’t quite believe how absorbing this book was, I picked it up and then a couple of hours later I had it finished, I haven’t done that in a while so I was pleasantly surprised.
I think what really got me hooked was finding out more about Elliot Rook. I suppose there is a kind of assumption that you make with most people in his position that he will have followed a certain path to be in the position that he is in, I found it really interesting discovering his background and how that has affected his methods in work.
It also made him a lot more relatable, I definitely wouldn’t have had much interest in an Etonian who has had everything handed to him. I liked that he was more of an act first and think later kind of guy and occasionally got himself into situations that I was sure he was going to get out of.
The fact that his background is also unknown to most of the people who work with him also adds a fair amount of tension in the story. There is a fair amount of suspense already as he is kind of backed into a corner in trying to defend Billy and trying to figure out anything that can help his case, but it does add that extra edge knowing that there is such a personal stake in it for him.
Zara was a great character as well, at the same time contrasting and complimentary, Zara and Rook both have the same drive and work pretty well together. I liked that she had her own style, which was mostly at odds with most of the other lawyers that we came across and was recognised for more than just what labels she could be put into.
I won’t say too much about the overall storyline but I will say that I did not expect that ending, I did kind of wonder if everything would be tied up by the end because I could see the number of pages I had left and worried that maybe it wouldn’t quite hit the right mark. I needn’t have worried though because it did just not in the way that I was expecting, it was clever and makes me definitely want to read more about Elliot Rook.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
I can’t quite believe how absorbing this book was, I picked it up and then a couple of hours later I had it finished, I haven’t done that in a while so I was pleasantly surprised.
I think what really got me hooked was finding out more about Elliot Rook. I suppose there is a kind of assumption that you make with most people in his position that he will have followed a certain path to be in the position that he is in, I found it really interesting discovering his background and how that has affected his methods in work.
It also made him a lot more relatable, I definitely wouldn’t have had much interest in an Etonian who has had everything handed to him. I liked that he was more of an act first and think later kind of guy and occasionally got himself into situations that I was sure he was going to get out of.
The fact that his background is also unknown to most of the people who work with him also adds a fair amount of tension in the story. There is a fair amount of suspense already as he is kind of backed into a corner in trying to defend Billy and trying to figure out anything that can help his case, but it does add that extra edge knowing that there is such a personal stake in it for him.
Zara was a great character as well, at the same time contrasting and complimentary, Zara and Rook both have the same drive and work pretty well together. I liked that she had her own style, which was mostly at odds with most of the other lawyers that we came across and was recognised for more than just what labels she could be put into.
I won’t say too much about the overall storyline but I will say that I did not expect that ending, I did kind of wonder if everything would be tied up by the end because I could see the number of pages I had left and worried that maybe it wouldn’t quite hit the right mark. I needn’t have worried though because it did just not in the way that I was expecting, it was clever and makes me definitely want to read more about Elliot Rook.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
August 25, 2019
Didn’t know you were in the mood for a legal thriller? Legal thrillers can be terrific reading sorbets when you are longing for a bit of law and order in your crime fiction reading. BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT fits the bill in spades.
Elliot Rook always knew that one of the knockabout lads from his home town would seek him out later in life. This was always going to be problematic. Elliot was, after all, up to all sorts of no good right along with them as a youth, when being young was a drug all of its own. When a young woman is murdered in Rook’s home town, the eyes of the local police quickly turn to Billy Barber, local ageing thug and well known for being an outspoken white supremacist. The murder victim is of Middle Eastern origin, and sadly it seems that no one is missing her.
With the accused demanding he be represented by his old chum Rook, the threat of exposure is not what makes Rook agree to be Barber’s defense. Rook’s past is firmly in the past, though some of his colleagues in law perhaps suspect that he is not in fact an old Etonian, like themselves. Taking on the brilliant apprentice Zara Barnes to assist, Rook begins to see the wheels of justice turning anew through Zara’s fresh and not yet jaundiced eyes. Assisting the totally unlikable Barber may turn out to be the best thing for Rook to begin paying back for the opportunities that took him from a life of petty crime and into the hallowed halls of the British legal system – only now, from the preferred side of the bench.
The blurbs for BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT mention deep dark secrets lurking in the youthful past of QC Elliot Rook. This engaging novel is not really that dark a read, rather more warm and affectionate in tone. Author Gary Bell is completely at ease with his audience and as with all legal thrillers, there is a comfort to be taken in the narrator guiding the reader through the process. We are tucked up close here. Rook is someone who has pushed through and moved well along from his origin story as a small town lout that would seem to have been destined to marry and die in the same small town. This character arc is drawn closely from the life of the author, who became a lawyer later in life and ended up far from where his formative years crafted him.
You get the impression that the author would probably shudder to see this novel as any kind of cautionary or teaching novel but it does manage to do both of those things to a certain…ahem, degree. BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT has a terrific sense of pace and give you the sense that you are striding along behind Elliot Rook, seeing what he sees, feeling his frustrations and sharing his hopes that he will not only find justice for the deceased, but also fulfill his brief.
BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT is the first book in a new crime series featuring Elliot Rook, QC. Author Gary Bell became a QC himself in 2012 after a previous career of such varied job roles as that of professional chef and music journalist.
Elliot Rook always knew that one of the knockabout lads from his home town would seek him out later in life. This was always going to be problematic. Elliot was, after all, up to all sorts of no good right along with them as a youth, when being young was a drug all of its own. When a young woman is murdered in Rook’s home town, the eyes of the local police quickly turn to Billy Barber, local ageing thug and well known for being an outspoken white supremacist. The murder victim is of Middle Eastern origin, and sadly it seems that no one is missing her.
With the accused demanding he be represented by his old chum Rook, the threat of exposure is not what makes Rook agree to be Barber’s defense. Rook’s past is firmly in the past, though some of his colleagues in law perhaps suspect that he is not in fact an old Etonian, like themselves. Taking on the brilliant apprentice Zara Barnes to assist, Rook begins to see the wheels of justice turning anew through Zara’s fresh and not yet jaundiced eyes. Assisting the totally unlikable Barber may turn out to be the best thing for Rook to begin paying back for the opportunities that took him from a life of petty crime and into the hallowed halls of the British legal system – only now, from the preferred side of the bench.
The blurbs for BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT mention deep dark secrets lurking in the youthful past of QC Elliot Rook. This engaging novel is not really that dark a read, rather more warm and affectionate in tone. Author Gary Bell is completely at ease with his audience and as with all legal thrillers, there is a comfort to be taken in the narrator guiding the reader through the process. We are tucked up close here. Rook is someone who has pushed through and moved well along from his origin story as a small town lout that would seem to have been destined to marry and die in the same small town. This character arc is drawn closely from the life of the author, who became a lawyer later in life and ended up far from where his formative years crafted him.
You get the impression that the author would probably shudder to see this novel as any kind of cautionary or teaching novel but it does manage to do both of those things to a certain…ahem, degree. BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT has a terrific sense of pace and give you the sense that you are striding along behind Elliot Rook, seeing what he sees, feeling his frustrations and sharing his hopes that he will not only find justice for the deceased, but also fulfill his brief.
BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT is the first book in a new crime series featuring Elliot Rook, QC. Author Gary Bell became a QC himself in 2012 after a previous career of such varied job roles as that of professional chef and music journalist.
March 2, 2020
Beyond reasonable doubt is a page turning legal thriller with a cast of characters that are interesting, well rounded with each given a depth that adds to their appeal, or maybe not with some of them.
Elliot Rook is quite a character from his physical description you but think of Rumpole, but there are major differences. Rook has dragged himself up from a violent poverty ridden past even including a spell in prison. Apart from his mentor and Head of chambers no one else knows this, all assuming he has an Etonian Oxbridge background.
Enter Mixed race Zoe from the same background as Rook who is desperate to be taken on as a pupil, Rook sees a lot of himself in her and takes her on as his junior, their banter and growing respect for each other makes especially good reading.
A 16 year old girl has been found brutally murdered on waste ground in Nottingham, where Rook is originally from. The accused is well known to Root, a violent racist having spent many years in and out of Prison. Rook is blackmailed into defending him otherwise all his previous background will be revealed.
As Rook and Zoe look more deeply into the case there are many unanswered questions and the accused refuses to help refusing to volunteer information. When the court case begins the thrust and parry of both barristers arguments are brilliant, though it looks like an uphill struggle for Rook, but he’s a fighter and determined to get to the truth despite how guilty his client appears.
A wonderful read with a great finale, a page turner and with Rook and Zoe proving to be a good team I hopefully see a great future for a series with these two.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
Elliot Rook is quite a character from his physical description you but think of Rumpole, but there are major differences. Rook has dragged himself up from a violent poverty ridden past even including a spell in prison. Apart from his mentor and Head of chambers no one else knows this, all assuming he has an Etonian Oxbridge background.
Enter Mixed race Zoe from the same background as Rook who is desperate to be taken on as a pupil, Rook sees a lot of himself in her and takes her on as his junior, their banter and growing respect for each other makes especially good reading.
A 16 year old girl has been found brutally murdered on waste ground in Nottingham, where Rook is originally from. The accused is well known to Root, a violent racist having spent many years in and out of Prison. Rook is blackmailed into defending him otherwise all his previous background will be revealed.
As Rook and Zoe look more deeply into the case there are many unanswered questions and the accused refuses to help refusing to volunteer information. When the court case begins the thrust and parry of both barristers arguments are brilliant, though it looks like an uphill struggle for Rook, but he’s a fighter and determined to get to the truth despite how guilty his client appears.
A wonderful read with a great finale, a page turner and with Rook and Zoe proving to be a good team I hopefully see a great future for a series with these two.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
June 11, 2019
This is the first in a series featuring Elliot Rook QC.
Elliott Rook is a QC with a past that he has kept a secret from his peers
His personal life is a mess, his wife has gone, he drinks and smokes too much but he’s committed to the law. Everyone is entitled to a fair trial.
Talking to a colleague about taking on a junior, they show a lack of respect for any one not from the established background of Eton and privilege……but Rook then meets Zara Barnes and her background reminds him of his own and so he takes her on as his Junior…
Both from working class background in Nottinghamshire, and with a similar determination they hit it off immediately…..Rook laughs genuinely for the first time in a long while…..
Zara is meant to be helping with a fraud case, by trawling though tonnes of paperwork to find evidence…..but Rook takes her along to a meeting with his new client, Billy Barber, a name from his past.
There has been a murder of a young girl from a Middle Eastern background and Barber has been arrested….all evidence points to him….doesn’t it?
Barber is a horrible excuse for a human being, a racist, white supremacist thug and Rook really doesn’t want the case, but Barber threatens to tell of his criminal background so he takes the case….
This tells of the investigation, the court case and the friendship that builds between Zara and Rook. Violent, twisty and so compelling. With a marvellously satisfying ending…..I love it and will be looking out for the next in the series….
Thank you to The publishers, the author and NetGalley for a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Elliott Rook is a QC with a past that he has kept a secret from his peers
His personal life is a mess, his wife has gone, he drinks and smokes too much but he’s committed to the law. Everyone is entitled to a fair trial.
Talking to a colleague about taking on a junior, they show a lack of respect for any one not from the established background of Eton and privilege……but Rook then meets Zara Barnes and her background reminds him of his own and so he takes her on as his Junior…
Both from working class background in Nottinghamshire, and with a similar determination they hit it off immediately…..Rook laughs genuinely for the first time in a long while…..
Zara is meant to be helping with a fraud case, by trawling though tonnes of paperwork to find evidence…..but Rook takes her along to a meeting with his new client, Billy Barber, a name from his past.
There has been a murder of a young girl from a Middle Eastern background and Barber has been arrested….all evidence points to him….doesn’t it?
Barber is a horrible excuse for a human being, a racist, white supremacist thug and Rook really doesn’t want the case, but Barber threatens to tell of his criminal background so he takes the case….
This tells of the investigation, the court case and the friendship that builds between Zara and Rook. Violent, twisty and so compelling. With a marvellously satisfying ending…..I love it and will be looking out for the next in the series….
Thank you to The publishers, the author and NetGalley for a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
July 25, 2019
This is my first read by this author and we are introduced to Elliot Rook QC an established barrister working out of of one of the best Chambers. He has had quite a colourful somewhat criminal past which he is keen to keep under wraps. As we meet him he is in the grips of a fraud case which is not quite going to plan.
Elliot bumps into Zara Barnes who is trying to get an interview in his chambers. I loved the way he questioned her and how she answered him and getting a job. Zara is from a similar background to Elliot.
Elliot then gets reacquainted with a face from the past Billy Barber who threatens to expose him if he does not represent him on a murder charge. Billy’s brother now deceased was Elliot’s best friend. Rook and Zara set out to defend Billy and get him off the murder wrap.
Rook is a character whose life is not dissimilar to the author himself. He has come from a failed marriage is overweight unhealthy with quite a fondness for alcohol. He gets on well with Zara who has drive and determination.
I think it was easy peasy to see the hidden elements of Billy’s story from early on. There were some other surprises. The book was well written and I enjoyed reading it.
I thought this was a good solid read and a great start to the series. I will definitely pick up the next book when available and I would recommend this one.
Elliot bumps into Zara Barnes who is trying to get an interview in his chambers. I loved the way he questioned her and how she answered him and getting a job. Zara is from a similar background to Elliot.
Elliot then gets reacquainted with a face from the past Billy Barber who threatens to expose him if he does not represent him on a murder charge. Billy’s brother now deceased was Elliot’s best friend. Rook and Zara set out to defend Billy and get him off the murder wrap.
Rook is a character whose life is not dissimilar to the author himself. He has come from a failed marriage is overweight unhealthy with quite a fondness for alcohol. He gets on well with Zara who has drive and determination.
I think it was easy peasy to see the hidden elements of Billy’s story from early on. There were some other surprises. The book was well written and I enjoyed reading it.
I thought this was a good solid read and a great start to the series. I will definitely pick up the next book when available and I would recommend this one.
December 5, 2021
The Book Is Divided in to Twelve Chapters. Each Chapter Is a Different Crime Story Which Is Full of Adventure and Mystery.The objective of this book is not merely to interest the students of criminology or to illustrate the difficulties of police investigations but to try to throw some light upon the life and mentality of ordinary people. The author crafted the character Salman Curtis with intense amusement and interest.The phenomenal thriller book is very attractive and the title suits to a T. The twins and turns are perfectly placed which will give you a thrilling experience. Language is easy and lucid with simple narrative style of writing. Overall it's a good rread. The Language of the Book is Rich. The Writing Style of the Book is Fast - Paced and Gripping. The Cover of the Book is Captivating. The Title of the Book is an Intriguing.The Book is a Good Pick for someone who Likes to Read Mysterious and Suspenseful Stories.
May 15, 2022
4.5⭐️
Elliot Rook is one of England’s greatest criminal barristers. He is successful QC, an Eton old boy and works out of the exclusive Miller and Stubbs Chambers. Well, at least that’s what London’s legal world thinks. Only one legal person knows the truth - that Rook has never been anywhere near Eton and that prior to becoming barrister he grew up in a council estate, hung around with the wrong crowd and was homeless. Until now.
Billy Barber is a career criminal and a white supremacist. He also grew up with Rook and is threatening to expose his former life if he doesn’t represent him against a seemingly unwinable murder charge. Rook is good at thinking outside of the box; but will this be the case that not only breaks him but exposes him? Not if his new pupil Zara Barnes has any say in it. She may be as unconventional as Rook in her approach; but when your past comes to haunt you, can you ever really escape it? To find out you’re going to have to read Beyond Reasonable Doubt by Gary Bell.
What a cracker of a read Beyond Reasonable Doubt was! I was drawn in from page one and not once did my interest wain. The plot was interesting and engaging and you certainly don’t need to have any legal knowledge to understand the legal references and plot. As a novel, Beyond Reasonable Doubt is written for a wide audience, not just people with law degrees; so you can easily follow what’s happening and visualise it as you read. Having said that, for those with legal knowledge; you’ll be rewarded with the sense of authenticity that comes through as Bell is a QC himself.
Rook was brilliant as the protagonist. He may be one of the best professionally; but his personal life is in taters. This gives him a sense of reality and ensures he doesn’t come across as an elitist twat like so many barristers and QCs are. Add in the supporting characters of Zara and Billy and you have supporting characters that not only assist Rook; but which make you want to read on.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt is one of the better legally themed novels I’ve read in a long time. I’m so excited to read it’s going to be the first in a series and I cannot wait to see what Rook and Zara get up to next.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram
Elliot Rook is one of England’s greatest criminal barristers. He is successful QC, an Eton old boy and works out of the exclusive Miller and Stubbs Chambers. Well, at least that’s what London’s legal world thinks. Only one legal person knows the truth - that Rook has never been anywhere near Eton and that prior to becoming barrister he grew up in a council estate, hung around with the wrong crowd and was homeless. Until now.
Billy Barber is a career criminal and a white supremacist. He also grew up with Rook and is threatening to expose his former life if he doesn’t represent him against a seemingly unwinable murder charge. Rook is good at thinking outside of the box; but will this be the case that not only breaks him but exposes him? Not if his new pupil Zara Barnes has any say in it. She may be as unconventional as Rook in her approach; but when your past comes to haunt you, can you ever really escape it? To find out you’re going to have to read Beyond Reasonable Doubt by Gary Bell.
What a cracker of a read Beyond Reasonable Doubt was! I was drawn in from page one and not once did my interest wain. The plot was interesting and engaging and you certainly don’t need to have any legal knowledge to understand the legal references and plot. As a novel, Beyond Reasonable Doubt is written for a wide audience, not just people with law degrees; so you can easily follow what’s happening and visualise it as you read. Having said that, for those with legal knowledge; you’ll be rewarded with the sense of authenticity that comes through as Bell is a QC himself.
Rook was brilliant as the protagonist. He may be one of the best professionally; but his personal life is in taters. This gives him a sense of reality and ensures he doesn’t come across as an elitist twat like so many barristers and QCs are. Add in the supporting characters of Zara and Billy and you have supporting characters that not only assist Rook; but which make you want to read on.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt is one of the better legally themed novels I’ve read in a long time. I’m so excited to read it’s going to be the first in a series and I cannot wait to see what Rook and Zara get up to next.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo and @kt_elder on Instagram
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