BOOK DESCRIPTION
Tina is young, her four children all in foster care. Charged with attempting to murder the youngest, her baby, she swears her innocence, and that of her boyfriend, Smiddy. Trouble is, he’s a heroin dealer and she was one of his regular customers. Will they receive justice in the High Court of Parliament House in Edinburgh ? Can Brogan McLane find his way through the chaos of his clients’ lives, and political cover ups to discover the truth of what really happened to Baby Luke ??
More Low Life in High Places in the Old Town of Edinburgh.
The third novel in the Parliament House Books series featuring Brogan McLane.
HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS AND REVIEW
I loved the first book, the second was brilliant but wow this is something else.
I can not think of anything more horrific than child abuse in any form but when this story begins a young couple are waiting trial for the appalling abuse of their baby son. At only a few weeks old he already has 35 broken bones and in terrible pain. His drug dealer and alcoholic father and former drug addict and alcoholic mother are to be defended by Brogan McLane QC and now Keeper of the Advocates’ Library.
After meeting both the parents Brogan wanted them to think about taking a deal, it is called 2 for 1 where I admits guilt and the other walks free. It is as much as money-saving for the courts than justice being served but it guarantees at least someone serves time for the crime. The thing was both parents insisted that they were innocent and that their other half was too. Brogan just felt that there was something about their sincerity that seemed honest. Smiddy, the baby’s father, takes devastating action to give his wife a chance of freedom and so she has to make a choice.
A huge part of this story is set in the trial at the beginning of the book and I was riveted. It was like I was in court and cringing at the frustration that Brogan was facing. I hadn’t seen him like this, I mean how can you defend someone just on gut instinct when all the facts say differently? A life line was to come but it was like watching the train pull out of the station, it was too late. Losing a case like this was hugely damaging to his career but to fight it a second time would be suicide if he lost.
John Mayer has written what has to be the best ever court procedural novel yet. These books would make a brilliant winner of a TV series with tension, a QC with a conscience and enough guts to do something about it. A man who will fight for the truth and put his career on the line for justice. Brogan McLane is my super hero both at work and at home. I normally like to build a character in my own mind but the picture on the front on the books is just perfect. I loved the research and the really get down and get dirty physical side to find the truth too.
I was thrilled at the little catch up moments with Brogan’s home life to find out how Joanne and Ababuo were getting on, which is now two years further on in the story from the last book. At least these bits made me smile for her this time.
There is a Glossary of court jargon at the beginning of the book which is worth a read over before you start but being on book 3 it all comes second nature now. If you wish there is also a sneak preview of the fourth book coming out soon called The Trust. Myself I dare not even venture so far I would desperately need more.
HERE IS A LITTLE ABOUT THE AUTHOR
In his youth, John was shot! Twice! Once in Glasgow, Scotland and once in New York City. John attacks everything he does with passion. And that’s what he brings to his writing.
The Parliament House Books.
OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR
The Parliament House Books.
The Trial Book 1
The Order Book 2
Also now available three prequels;The Cross
The Cycle
The Boots
Coming soon
The Bones Book 3
PLEASE DO VISIT THE WORLD OF BROGAN MCLANE QC IN VIDEO AND PICTURES AT:
http://www.parlimenthousebooks.com
OR ON FACEBOOK AT:
https://www.facebook.com/theparliamenthousebooks/
MY REVIEW LINK TO THE TRIAL
MY REVIEW LINK TO THE ORDER
