The Brief cover art

The Brief

Charles Holborne, Book 1

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The Brief

By: Simon Michael
Narrated by: Colin Mace
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About this listen

London in the 1960s: gang wars, corrupt police, vice and pornography. Ex-boxer Charles Holborne has plenty of opportunities to build his reputation with the criminal classes as a barrister who delivers. But Charles, an East End boy made good, is not all he seems, and his past is snapping at his heels.

When his philandering wife has her throat slashed, Holborne finds himself on the wrong side of the law and on the run. Can he discover the truth of the brutal slaying and escape the hangman's noose?

Based upon real Old Bailey cases and genuine court documents, The Brief is the first in barrister Simon Michael's series of compelling criminal dramas, an evocative slice of sleazy glamour from the swinging '60s. Simon Michael delivers an authentic and addictive listen for any crime fan.

©2015 Simon Michael (P)2017 Audible, Ltd. Crime Crime Fiction Mystery Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives Fiction Law Detective Thriller
All stars
Most relevant  
Most riveting book, excellent use of English language, description of the commons wonderful!
I listened to this in two sittings and did not want it to end.

Brilliant!

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i thoroughly enjoyed both the Charles Holborne books on Audible -- can't believe Simon Michael isn't more famous (perhaps he is but i've just made the discovery).
I usually like contemporary police procedurals but felt like i'd run out of the high quality ones with great readers. Then i found these. Wow. Terrific characters, plot, reader.

Please Audible record the rest!!!

Wonderful!--why not more famous?

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Great story. No spoilers at all.
Criminal Trial performance was fascinating. I like a bit of action, Charles is a ex boxer, handy with a B&B and hot wiring a car. His criminal clients are a source of reliable information when needed and that kind of banter made this a interesting novel. Not bad for a Barrister, sworn to uphold the law.
A pleasant surprise to find all the good reviews were correct for a change. So good I'm about to read the 2nd novel in the series.

Enjoyed The New Author

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This was a great story first time I have listened to this author. Loved everything about the story, excellent storyline and narration Could not put it down . Would recommend this book to others.

Great story.

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I enjoyed the realistic detail of courtroom questioning, very sustained and believable. The portrayal of the police as willing to jump to the most obvious conclusions and push for conviction of an innocent victim is utterly believable and disquieting. It shows that in order to avoid false conviction a person really needs to be prepared to step outside the law. The continuing anti-Semitism in the insular world of the justice industry adds a further touch of disquiet. One feels more connected with the main character due to his having to continually overcome this 'handicap' despite his brilliance as a barrister.

very true to life

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Very enjoyable. The story was good. Particularly enjoyed the legal aspects of the story and the courtroom procedures etc.

Very enjoyable

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well written and narrated. very enjoyable and loved the London locale. quite believable. corruption abounds.

Great yarn very enjoyable

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it felt like the story was drawn up - sort of worked out like an architectural plan - and the characterisations were underdeveloped and cliched - but the court stuff was good and it was compelling in terms of pace - i've heard better books that I didn't get as far with...

good story but lots of cliches

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