Why a Booktrail?
2000s: Guilty or innocent? Or can you be both?
Summary Justice
What you need to know before your trail
Tess de Vere last saw William Benson when she was a law student on work experience. He was a twenty-one year old, led from the dock of the Old Bailey to begin a life sentence for murder. He’d said he was innocent. She’d believed him.
Sixteen years later and Tess overhears a couple of hacks mocking a newcomer to the London Bar, a man who hasn’t got a hope in hell of practising law since he himself has a murder conviction – William Benson who is now workig from an old fishmonger’s in Spitalfields.
If he is ever to have access to the bar and be fully rehabilitated is to admit that he is guilty to the killing of Paul Harbeton, whose family have vowed revenge. However for now, he’s an outcast and no one – government or solicitor wants to go anywhere near him. But he’s subsidised by a mystery benefactor and a desperate woman has turned to him for help: Sarah Collingstone, mother of a child with special needs, accused of slaying her wealthy lover.
It’s a hopeless case but Tess joins the defence team, determined to help Benson survive. But as Benson follows the twists and turns in the courtroom, Tess embarks upon a secret investigation of her own, determined to uncover the real truth behind the death of Paul Harbeton on a lonely night in Soho.
Travel Guide
A legal visit to London
Ely Place
You should start here as this is where we first meet Tess and the solicotors where she works
The Old Bailey
You can actualy visit much of the court as evoked in the novel – entrance to the public gallery for the old part is in Newgate Street. However there are obviously strict limitations as to where you can go and when depending on the nature of the trial. The Kray Twins and The Yorkshire Ripper appeared in Court One as did the more recent murderer Ian Huntly. Court Two is the high-security court, and terrorist trials and similar high profile cases often take place here.
Spitalfields
The area where Paul, the no -hoper with a murder conviction is running his own show from an old fishmonger’s. This market is famous in its own right for being the trendy place to be in London – where you can buy fresh fruit and veg, fish and a whole host of other produce. It’s also a very trendy area with bars and restaurants all around it.
The Bricklayer’s Arms
Why not stop a moment for a pint at the pub where Paul Harbeton was last seen?
Booktrail Boarding Pass: Summary Justice
Author/Guide: John Fairfax Destination: London Departure Time: 2000s
Back to ResultsWhere Next?
