Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
Increasingly compelling as you work through the story; but I felt almost let down by the inclusion of MI5 in the storyline.
This was a really interesting novel. I was sceptical because I don’t usually care so much for crime novels but it was making a commentary on modern society which was compelling. I didn’t know much about gang culture but the narrative broke it apart in an interesting and thought provoking way.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Could not stop listening. An absolutely incredible story told in a wholly unique way. Incredible!!
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn't finish this. Just not able to deal with the tragic lives of the people in this story because they might be a bit too close to true. Well written and a deft plot but too intense for me and too sad. If he did it, he might have had reasons. If he didn't do it, he will get railroaded into jail because a jury will never see the life.
An author who will be perfect for the audience he will attract. I'm sure there are many who will be able to read this.
An author who will be perfect for the audience he will attract. I'm sure there are many who will be able to read this.
I was so excited about this book, usually legal thrillers aren't something I read just because I find them a bit boring or the subject matter not my type. However this book intrigued me because it is something a bit different and I was interested to see how it would go.
In this book we follow a young lad who just before the closing speeches decides that he is going to sack his lawyer and give the closing speech himself - including all the parts his lawyer said it would be best to leave out
Well this book for me was a major disappointment, it started off well but instead of just giving the basic outline of the story the defendant (we never actually find out his name) decides to go off into various substories so that eventually you totally lose any idea of where you were to begin with. I didn't care about why this story was necessary, I just wanted it to be over. There were multiple times when instead of just giving a direct answer the defendant went off on a tangent trying to explain what had happened.
I did like how the main character felt real, his story about growing up in a rough neighbourhood with gangs was incredibly realistic and I could picture just how dangerous life could be if you're stuck in that area. These things do happen and for me it was a new situation that I had never read about before. So I did enjoy reading about a new setting where the stakes were so high.
However for me the story just fell flat, there was far too much swearing for me (something I think never would have been allowed in an actual courtroom), we then have the fact that the closing speech took place over multiple days - why bother having a trial if you're going to break all the rules and drag it out over several more days? Surely that isn't allowed, you get one chance to tell your story, not letting your lawyer do his best then change your mind and start from scratch.
Then we have the finale (spoilers from here on out so don't read this part if you don't want to be spoiled), I think the story was already taking a bit of a nose dive but I felt it still could have been wrapped up nicely. However then we have the twist...what a complete waste of time. You seriously expect MI5 to be the answer? It's ridiculous and completely ruined the story, it didn't make any sense and seemed like the author knew he had to throw something crazy in to try and add a wow factor to the book (which otherwise was a complete trainwreck of multiple stories). Then we have the verdict...or lack thereof. You're telling me I've just sat through over 300 pages of multiple sideline stories only to not even be given an answer at the end!? What an absolute letdown. I felt like the entire book was a complete waste of time which is annoying because it had such a good premise!
Overall I would not recommend this book. The story which could have been summarized in 100 pages or less is dragged on with the defendant giving multiple stories that quickly became dull and meant I no longer cared for him or anyone else in this book. Then to be given an ending like that completely ruined any positives I had for this book, it just seemed like a total waste of time
In this book we follow a young lad who just before the closing speeches decides that he is going to sack his lawyer and give the closing speech himself - including all the parts his lawyer said it would be best to leave out
Well this book for me was a major disappointment, it started off well but instead of just giving the basic outline of the story the defendant (we never actually find out his name) decides to go off into various substories so that eventually you totally lose any idea of where you were to begin with. I didn't care about why this story was necessary, I just wanted it to be over. There were multiple times when instead of just giving a direct answer the defendant went off on a tangent trying to explain what had happened.
I did like how the main character felt real, his story about growing up in a rough neighbourhood with gangs was incredibly realistic and I could picture just how dangerous life could be if you're stuck in that area. These things do happen and for me it was a new situation that I had never read about before. So I did enjoy reading about a new setting where the stakes were so high.
However for me the story just fell flat, there was far too much swearing for me (something I think never would have been allowed in an actual courtroom), we then have the fact that the closing speech took place over multiple days - why bother having a trial if you're going to break all the rules and drag it out over several more days? Surely that isn't allowed, you get one chance to tell your story, not letting your lawyer do his best then change your mind and start from scratch.
Then we have the finale (spoilers from here on out so don't read this part if you don't want to be spoiled), I think the story was already taking a bit of a nose dive but I felt it still could have been wrapped up nicely. However then we have the twist...what a complete waste of time. You seriously expect MI5 to be the answer? It's ridiculous and completely ruined the story, it didn't make any sense and seemed like the author knew he had to throw something crazy in to try and add a wow factor to the book (which otherwise was a complete trainwreck of multiple stories). Then we have the verdict...or lack thereof. You're telling me I've just sat through over 300 pages of multiple sideline stories only to not even be given an answer at the end!? What an absolute letdown. I felt like the entire book was a complete waste of time which is annoying because it had such a good premise!
Overall I would not recommend this book. The story which could have been summarized in 100 pages or less is dragged on with the defendant giving multiple stories that quickly became dull and meant I no longer cared for him or anyone else in this book. Then to be given an ending like that completely ruined any positives I had for this book, it just seemed like a total waste of time
dark
mysterious
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I loved listening to this as an audiobook. I imagine reading it would be a different experience, as it is narrated through courtroom documents. But the narrator did a brilliant job of drawing you into the character and story.
No spoiler - Can’t believe the ending, not gasped from a book for ages!
No spoiler - Can’t believe the ending, not gasped from a book for ages!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug use, Gun violence
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Body shaming
Enjoyable audiobook. I confusingly found the story both slow paced and hard to keep up with at times but that's probably my fault for listening inattentively. I finished it on a run and went "OH WHAT" out loud, startling some old dear. Lost a star for that.
What was the point of that? Engrossing story with believable characters BUT so many damn plot holes including legal ones and then we don't find out the jury decision...... I love suspension but NOT this one. It was a 4 until the very last word then dropped to a three. I am more frustrated than anything else!
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes