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The Brief: Crime and corruption in 1960s London (Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Simon Michael (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 3,849 ratings
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The legal thriller series you need to read! Perfect for fans of John Grisham, Robert Bailey, Michael Connelly and Robert Dugoni.

Guilty until proven innocent…

London, 1960

Barrister Charles Holborne is not popular. A Jewish East Ender with a rough past, he is ostracised by his anti-Semitic and class-conscious colleagues who don’t want him in their prestigious Establishment profession.

And the bitterness Charles feels at work is spilling over into his personal life, putting his marriage under strain.

When a high-profile murder case lands on his desk, Charles is hopeful his fortunes will turn around. But after a shocking crime is committed, he finds himself on the other side of law…

Can he outwit those trying to frame him? Will he manage to unmask the real criminal?

Or will he find himself on trial for murder…?

THE BRIEF is the first crime novel in an exciting historical series, the Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers – gritty, hard-boiled mysteries set in 1960s London.

‘seriously good storytelling… a superlative courtroom drama' – New Law Journal

‘Vivid, gripping and authentic storytelling. A great crime thriller’ – Roberts Daws, bestselling author of The Rock series

‘a cracking read’ – Jill’s Book Café Blog

‘an extremely addictive read’ – A Lover of Books Blog

‘gritty, gripping and utterly compelling… The author has put his years of legal experience and research to excellent use and is one hell of a story teller’ – Reflections of a Reader Blog

‘easily believable and very enjoyable… I would recommend to anybody who enjoys a good legal who-done-it’ – Nigel Adams Bookworm Blog

‘an intelligent, atmospheric and cleverly organised tale of crime, murder and corruption which will have you hooked from the start’ – Emma The Little Bookworm Blog

‘Chilling suspense and climactic surprises’ – Publishers Weekly

‘Absolutely unputdownable; if you loved watching Damages and The Good Wife you will definitely enjoy reading The Brief. This is Britcrime at its very best’ – The Book Magnet Blog

‘Confident … sharply observed, packed full of rich, authentic dialogue. Pacey, yet measured, [it] weaves complex legal scenes with light, credible domestic and professional moments where characters are fleshed out and the central hero is exposed, both for good and bad. It is a good sign to close a book wanting to get started straight away on the next one’ – Bookends & Bin Ends Blog

THE CHARLES HOLBORNE LEGAL THRILLERS SERIES
BOOK ONE: The Brief
BOOK TWO: An Honest Man
BOOK THREE: The Lighterman
BOOK FOUR: Corrupted
BOOK FIVE: The Waxwork Corpse
BOOK SIX: Force of Evil
BOOK SEVEN: The Final Shot
BOOK EIGHT: Nothing But The Truth
BOOK NINE: Death, Adjourned
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  1. Book 1 of 9
    Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers
  2. Print length
    279 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    June 10, 2019
  5. File size
    1.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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  9. See all details
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Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers Book 1 - Book 9
Bundle price: Kindle price
$14.97
Bundle price: Kindle price
$25.95
Bundle price: Kindle price
$49.91
By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Simon Michael is a barrister who was a bestselling legal whodunnit novelist in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07RFTKYXS
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sapere Books (June 10, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 10, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.3 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 279 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 3,849 ratings

About the author

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Simon Michael

Simon Michael

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Simon Michael, often referred to as “the British John Grisham”, is the author of the best-selling London 1960s legal crime thrillers featuring his antihero barrister, Charles Holborne. Holborne, born Charlie Horowitz, is a former heavyweight boxer and occasional criminal who was once known by his former East End associates at "the Yiddisher Brick Shithouse". Now he's a barrister, battling prejudice, entitlement and corruption in his West End profession.

Simon was published in the UK and the US in the 1980s and returned to writing when he retired from the law in 2016. The Charles Holborne series, now nine books, have garnered strong reviews for their authenticity and excitement and are under contract for a TV series.

Simon’s tales from the Bar and the plots for his novels are based on his criminal practice, his life and that of his own family. Refugees from the Spanish Inquisition, the Michael family arrived in the Port of London in 1492 and remained in the East End for the next 450 years. Simon believes himself to be the only member of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple formerly to have been a council labourer, a van driver and a gardener. Once qualified he practised as a barrister for 37 years, working at the Old Bailey and other criminal courts, defending and prosecuting a wide selection of murderers, armed robbers, con artists and other assorted villainy. The era about which he writes, the 1960s, was the “wild west” of British justice, a time when the Krays, the Richardsons and other violent gangs fought for control of London’s organised crime, and the corrupt Metropolitan Police beat up suspects, twisted evidence and took a share of the criminal proceeds. Simon weaves into his thrillers real events of the time, the cases on which he worked, and his unusual family history.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
3,849 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the plot interesting and gripping. They praise the writing quality as excellent and the author's knowledge of the subject matter. The characters are well-developed and believable. Readers appreciate the well-researched legal content and pacing. Overall, they describe the book as an engaging page-turner that keeps them hooked until the end.

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PlotWriting qualityCharacter developmentLegal contentPacingEngrossednessPage turner
83 customers mention "Plot"80 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the book's engaging plot. They find it exciting from start to finish with believable characters and gripping suspense. The story has many twists and turns, making it an enjoyable mystery that keeps readers hooked until the end. Readers appreciate the author's refusal to drag out the suspense to painful lengths.

"...It's a good book which revolves around the main character's struggles with himself, and the stifling social classes, while trying to trying to..." Read more

"...it's not that long ago that society was very different. The times are very interesting too, in terms of the London crime scene with the Kray twins..." Read more

"...The Brief” is a great read and a fully enjoyable and satisfying mystery. And there are four more ready to read." Read more

"...enjoyed the first three-quarters of this book - it is such a captivating read, and the characters are so belieavable that it just keeps you turning..." Read more

24 customers mention "Writing quality"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They praise the author's subject knowledge, present tense writing, and vivid descriptions of scenery and people. The storyline is described as intriguing and covers both sides of the law.

"This book was really good...." Read more

"...It lays it all out very clearly and cleverly. As legal thrillers go, these are right up there with the best." Read more

"...author has offered a primer--with insider's lingo, a thorough understanding of procedure, and all bewigged and eccentric players in their places--in..." Read more

"...The final paragraph was very satisfying as well." Read more

23 customers mention "Character development"23 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters well-developed and believable.

"...I immensely enjoyed the main character and his cross examination at a murder trial, in front of the judge and jury...." Read more

"...Charles Holborne is a great protagonist, with an unconventional background for a British barrister in the 1960s...." Read more

"...of this book - it is such a captivating read, and the characters are so belieavable that it just keeps you turning the pages...." Read more

"...There are lots of twists and turns in the plot and the characters are well developed...." Read more

16 customers mention "Legal content"16 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's legal content. They find it well-researched, with a fascinating look at the British legal system wrapped up in a gripping murder mystery. The author weaves his experience and knowledge of criminal law into this gripping murder. Readers enjoy how Simon Michael uses court transcripts and covers both sides of the law.

"...I enjoy the legal aspect of the books, and how Simon Michael uses court transcripts in the text. It lays it all out very clearly and cleverly...." Read more

"...Here the author has offered a primer--with insider's lingo, a thorough understanding of procedure, and all bewigged and eccentric players in their..." Read more

"...author refused to drag out suspense to painful lengths and concentrated on cleverness and ingenuity to move the main character along in his search...." Read more

"Legal thriller times in 1960, written by a legal personality and covers both sides of law...." Read more

16 customers mention "Pacing"13 positive3 negative

Customers find the book has a good pace. They say it's an easy and fast read with quick chapters. The author clearly understands the subject matter and writes clearly and cleverly. They appreciate the personal touches that flesh out each scene. Overall, customers find the book interesting and unique.

"...It lays it all out very clearly and cleverly. As legal thrillers go, these are right up there with the best." Read more

"A fast paced and well conceived mystery from the lawyers view. Especially since he is thought of as the criminal...." Read more

"Good mystery plot, very nicely written and paced...." Read more

"...Charles was well drawn but Simon's motivation could have been emphasized better. But it was a rapid read and enjoyable." Read more

5 customers mention "Engrossedness"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's engrossing plot and rich characters. They find it gripping and say it keeps them hooked with its twists and turns.

"Kept me glued to the book. Lots of twists and turns. I would definitely recommend this book." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book. Great plot and rich, full characters...." Read more

"Riveting and insightful..." Read more

"A real page turner..." Read more

4 customers mention "Page turner"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the book. They found it engaging and well-written.

"...A page turner, exceedingly well written with not a full moment. GREAT THRILLER" Read more

"...A page turner, exceedingly well written." Read more

"...This book did not fail to become a page turner. On to the next by Simon Michael." Read more

"Page Turned...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Cid Herman
    5.0 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed this book. Great plot and rich, full characters.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This book was really good. It was a little tricky getting going, because I had a learning curve, understanding the differing terminology for a large English Law Firm, as opposed to an American one. But the author gives such vivid descriptions of the various characters and the roles that they play in the story and in the legal system, that I could picture it all. I immensely enjoyed the main character and his cross examination at a murder trial, in front of the judge and jury. I also enjoyed reading about his stifling relationship with his posh wife, whose family thinks she has married beneath her station. The story takes place between 1960 and 1962. Apparently, it's a time when London's upper crust looks down on Jews and any lawyer willing to get their hands dirty representing the "criminal element". Our lawyer is one, and does the other; as such, he's constantly fighting against society to make his mark. Even though he brings in a substantial income for the law firm, he still never really fits in or is accepted by his peers. It's a good book which revolves around the main character's struggles with himself, and the stifling social classes, while trying to trying to keep himself from taking the fall for a horrific murder.
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  • Di
    4.0 out of 5 stars Right up there with the best
    Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I read book 2 (An Honest Man) before this one, and this has just confirmed how much I enjoy the series so far. The next three are lined up waiting to be read. Charles Holborne is a great protagonist, with an unconventional background for a British barrister in the 1960s. The period is such an interesting one because we see how while times have changed, and prejudices are maybe less prevalent now (or better hidden?), it's not that long ago that society was very different. The times are very interesting too, in terms of the London crime scene with the Kray twins being front and centre. I like the way that is brought into these novels. The only aspect of the novel which I don't really like, but which doesn't change the enjoyment, is the fact that it's written in the present tense. I enjoy the legal aspect of the books, and how Simon Michael uses court transcripts in the text. It lays it all out very clearly and cleverly. As legal thrillers go, these are right up there with the best.
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  • Glynn Young
    5.0 out of 5 stars A London attorney who knows how to use his fists
    Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Meet Charles Holborne, originally born as Charles Horowitz. It’s 1960s London, and Holborne is a member of chambers in the Temple. Much to the dismay of his fellow attorneys, he practices criminal law almost exclusively. In that line of work, you meet a lot of villains. And you come to discover that not all villains are hoodlum types. Some of them, in fact, have university degrees. And law degrees.

    Holborne was born in the East End of London, the one of a furrier. His family is observant Jewish. He was disowned when he married a non-Jewish girl, Henrietta, the daughter of a viscount he met at Cambridge. He hasn’t seen his family in more than a decade. He still loves his wife, but their marriage is unraveling. She’s having affairs, including with some of Holborne’s colleagues in chambers. He’s been faithful, but he’s concluding a divorce may be in the offing.

    And then his wife is found murdered, her throat slit. And Charles has been fitted up as the No. 1 suspect, with enough evidence to be overwhelming.

    “The Brief” by British author Simon Michael is the first of the Charles Holborne mysteries. And it’s a gem. The pages crackle with action, surprises, twists, and turns. Holborne is an attorney who knows the criminal scene so well that he knows exactly what he has to do to achieve justice – this time for himself. He;s also not adverse to using his fists when he has to.

    Simon is the author of five novels in the Charles Holborne Legal Thriller Series, of which The Brief is the first. He studied law at Kings College, London University and was called to the Bar in 1978. He worked primarily in the field of criminal law until the late 1990s, when he focused his practice on clinical negligence. He began writing in the 1980s and resumed it when he retired from legal practice.

    “The Brief” is a great read and a fully enjoyable and satisfying mystery. And there are four more ready to read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Professional Geologist
    3.0 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed the first three-quarters of this book - it is ...
    Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed the first three-quarters of this book - it is such a captivating read, and the characters are so belieavable that it just keeps you turning the pages. (The quality that seems to have nearly entirely disappeared from the withered North American thriller literature.) Things go askew about three-quarters of the way into the book (spoiler alert!) when the protagonist develops superpowers (figuratively speaking) and gets some serious slack cut to him by Her Majesty Fate. Do not get me wrong, people do luck out sometimes, but not quite in the proportions Mr. Michael would like to have us believe. I figured the villain out fairly early on, which further soured my overall impression from this book.
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  • Joyce
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great reading, especially for those who prefer British mysteries!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Our hero is a Barrister who works on criminal cases. He is in a group that is predominantly civil and he is definitely the odd man out. His marriage is falling apart mainly because he works non-stop and his wife is retaliating through alcohol and infidelity. She is brutally murdered and he is the person of interest in the killing. He escapes custody and begins investigating the murder and circumstances surrounding it himself. There are lots of twists and turns in the plot and the characters are well developed. All in all, it was great reading and I am not a particular fan of the genre.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous
    Reviewed in India on May 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    A good read , really had me hooked
    The authors attention to details is noteworthy.
    The book transferred you to the London of the 60s
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  • Sunseeker
    5.0 out of 5 stars Most enjoyable
    Reviewed in Canada on September 4, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed the twists and turns that the story took. People and places were well-described, allowing one to be drawn in deeper. Bad things happen to good people. This story showed how easily that can happen.
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  • mark
    5.0 out of 5 stars “As I love the name of honour more than I fear death.” (William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar)
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 31, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I read, and hugely admired, ‘An Honest Man’ (the second in the Charles Holborne series), before reading ‘The Brief’. Taking the two books out of order certainly did no harm to my enjoyment of this splendid novel.

    I am completely hooked by Charles as a character: his struggles, his background, his continually tested honour and courage. I find him utterly compelling and attractive, as I do the legal milieu in which he operates, and the wider setting of 60s London, reproduced in meticulous detail.

    The clarity and economy of Simon Michael’s writing, his way of building a scene, internalising at just the right moments, his descriptive abilities, authentic dialogue, and his masterful plotting, all combine to make ‘The Brief’ a joy to read. On completion, you sit back, and think, “Bloody hell, that was good.”

    The choice to render the trial as a transcript, thereby making it read like a play, is a stroke of genius. What was spoken was more than enough to manifest the scene in your mind – you simply fill in the tone of voice, body language, and any other physical details yourself.

    Simon Michael places Charles in some terrible fixes, and does it so skilfully, cranking up the tension to an unbearable level, that you are wholly riveted to the plot to see how on earth the hero will come through with his life, let alone his reputation.

    Essentially, I see Holborne as a man for whom truth and fairness trump all other concerns. This does not make for an easy life. Under increasing pressure, he acts in the way we all feel we would like to, but suspect our nerve would fail us. Yet he is no plaster saint – he is fully rounded, capable of all shades of feeling, of impetuousness, and burdened with a deep vulnerability.

    In this series of books, I believe Simon Michael is really achieving something special, both as a storyteller and as a creator of a character sure to capture both the mind and heart of any discerning reader; a character with longevity, archetypal yet wholly individual. I am more than keen to read the third in the series, ‘The Lighterman’, when it comes out later in 2017.
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  • Gene
    5.0 out of 5 stars Definite 5 Stars here!
    Reviewed in Australia on September 30, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    A really different era for a crime story. I am so used to reading historical fiction or contemporary, that when I found myself in London in the 60's I was a bit put out at first, but after a while I found I was enjoying it. The first half of the book is focused on a trial and getting to know the characters in the story - there were so many names that for a minute I didn't think I would bother trying to sort through them. But when you think about it, there are so many people in a large London law office, it's not like a small town USA law firm, and of course they all have spouses or partners we needed to know about too. I think Simon Michael was right to throw them all in at the beginning because it allowed the story to unfold quickly from then on. So persevere with the cast of thousands for a chapter or two and all will start to make sense. The second half of the book is the major crime and then the hunt is on. No spoilers here, I wouldn't want to ruin a good book. Believe me it is well worth the read. Exciting, enthralling, factual (of the London legal system) believable as to the crime and well written with touches of irony and humour. Next characterisations too. I am going to really push this one and say it's definite 5 stars!
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  • lauren
    4.0 out of 5 stars good read, satisfying ending.
    Reviewed in Canada on November 18, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this book. The main character is Charles Holborne, a lawyer whose wife, Henrietta is murdered. Charles becomes the prime suspect, and he races against time to prove he is innocent.

    I didn't predict the murderer as there were several possible suspects.

    Henrietta is not a likable character, but, she had such and insecurity about her, I felt badly when she was killed.
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