This is a terrific legal thriller, set in a 1970s Britain that encapsulates the power of the establishment, political, religious, and beyond in squashing any possibility of justice in the crimes of child sexual abuse. Murphy's novel takes into account the shortcomings of the law, and the harrowing experiences of victims driven to despair at being silenced and ignored. Audrey Marshall is taking a stand, her young daughter, Emily, was a boarder at the Church school of Lancelot Andrewes School, near Ely in Cambridgeshire, run by Father Desmond Gerrard as headmaster since 1936. Father Gerrard takes a girl in her nightdress from the dormitories and makes her available to his male guests to sexually abuse in his private library at night. These men prefer girls between the ages of 7-12 years of age, and Emily was one of the many girls abused in this way.

Audrey attended the same Church school as Emily, with her older sister, Joan, as girls orphaned when their parents were killed in the London Blitz in WW2, given places by the Church as an act of charity. Audrey is traumatised when her suppressed memories surface, revealing that she too had been sexually abused as a child in the 1940s. Despite knowing what she is up against, Audrey and Emily want justice, and to this end, hire well known and experienced solicitor, Julia Cathermole, who will do her utmost to help them. In a story of twists, Audrey is tested to her limits but inspired by the courage of little Emily as she persists in her struggle to get justice as at every turn, her hopes are dashed. She is helped and supported by her loyal husband, Ken, and her committed prosecuting team of barristers, Ben Schroeder and Ginny Castle. Further support is provided by Andrew Pilkington, senior prosecuting counsel at the Old Bailey, John Carwell, deputy director at the office of DPP, and police officers DI Steffi Walsh and DI Ted Phillips.

Murphy gives us a tense and thrilling novel that could only have been written by an experienced member of the legal profession, full of informative details of the law, with an intimate portrayal of the judicial process in 1970s Britain. It charts some of the obstacles that faced Audrey and Emily, such as the problems associated with recovered memories, the laws on corroboration and regarding children as not competent when serving as witnesses. Thankfully, much has changed since then, and whilst it is by no means easy getting justice today, there have been changes for the better within the police and the law, with a much better informed public after the numerous scandals on child sexual abuse that have come to light in our recent history. Murphy immerses the reader in the entire legal process in this heartbreaking, utterly compelling and brilliant look at an issue where victims were often not believed in this historical time period and perpetrators escaped justice with ease. This is gripping legal fiction based on the realities of the law in this period of time and the emotional traumas faced by the huge number of child victims throughout their lives. Highly recommended! Many thanks to Oldcastle Books for an ARC.crime-fiction historical-fiction netgalley ...more58 s James398 7

This is a legal thriller set in the English legal system of the 1970’s. The author, Peter Murphy, spent his career in the legal system, as an advocate (barrister) and judge, and thus the novel has a strong basis in realism. Peter Murphy is the author of twin series, the barrister Ben Schroeder, of which this is number six, and the Judge Walden series. The Ben Schroeder series are serious legal thrillers, while the Judge Walden series is more light-hearted. One Law for the Rest of Us is the first of the Ben Schroeder novels that I’ve read, though I have previously read one of the Judge Walden series (my review of which, can be read here: https://bit.ly/2A40KgA).

While One Law for the Rest of Us is the sixth book in the Ben Schroeder series, it can easily be read as a standalone (as I indeed did) and there’s no need to have read the previous novels to enjoy this one. The story is of Audrey Marshall, a woman who sends her daughter Emily to the religious boarding school where she herself was once a pupil. Emily reports to her mother that she’s been abused, which awakens memories in Audrey of her own abuse when a pupil at the school. She reports the abuse and Ben Schroeder is appointed barrister for the prosecution. Quickly, however, it becomes apparent that the abuse has been perpetrated by seriously powerful members of the establishment who are determined not to be exposed.

Two things will be apparent from this brief description of the plot. The first is its timeliness, dealing as it does with abuse by powerful people. In recent years, with the revelations concerning Jimmy Saville, the MP Cyril Smith, and other powerful paedophiles who abused and whose abuse was either covered up or ignored, the full scale of how such things were swept under the carpet in the period this novel occurs has become known. The second thing to note is that this novel tackles the sensitive and upsetting issue of child abuse, and there are parts of this book where this is discussed, which can be quite hard to read.

Being a legal thriller set in the English legal system, this is very different from those legal thrillers, such as the novels of John Grisham, set in the US system. The English judiciary is much soberer than its American counterparts: there are no lawyers leaping to their feet to shout ‘Objection’; there are no gun-toting Mafiosi, shoot outs or car chases. That said, this novel lacks nothing in tension. In fact, this is an incredibly tense novel, as Schroeder and his colleagues use their analytical skill to probe the evidence and unearth the truth.

One Law for the Rest of Us is a novel that packs a punch and if I have one criticism it is that at times elements of the plot are unearthed in exposition. This was most apparent at the very beginning of the novel where Ben and his colleagues divulge some back story from a previous novel in dialogue that I found unconvincing. Ironically, this was superfluous to the plot, for as noted, this novel can be read as a standalone. That said, this is a small matter and did not detract from my enjoyment of what is otherwise an excellent legal thriller.1 Yvonne1,498 127

When I first read the synopsis for this book I was a little unsure given the subject matter of child abuse, reading further on in the synopsis gave indications of things I do to read about. So it gave a balance that appealed to me and I decided to give it a go and I am so glad I did.

Initially there are two cases with this story, one from the 1940’s and one from the 1970’s. Audrey was sent to a boarding school during the blitz in the 40’s. While there she was abused but she cannot remember anything about it, her mind has blocked it out. When Emily tells her mum that she has been abused, Audrey’s memories suddenly come rushing back.

The story gradually tells the memories of Audrey and also her daughter as a trial starts. Witnesses, evidence, investigations and information gathering add to the courtroom process. This is not however a straightforward case as implications are far reaching. Manipulation and attempts to cover up and protect the guilty are rife.

This is not a single plot book, though it’s focus is on the mother and daughter case. There are many other things in the background and other characters make their presence felt. This book made my blood boil at times as I followed the interviews and trials.

This author has a lot of experience given his legal background, in this book it really shows. I did however feel that at times some of the protocols and processes were a little too much. I understand the importance of showing all the steps involved in a trial, with all the legal wranglings and decision making, but at times I did feel t slowed the story down occasionally. On the plus side it really did give an insightful glimpse into the traditions, wordings and requirements required in law.

At times this was a hard read, the scenes describing the abuse were uncomfortable, but they were not numerous ans were not glorified or dwelt upon too much. The main focus was on the fight for justice.

This story is a serious legal court room read, there are various legal aspects that are intense, it follows the fight for justice. This is a book I would recommend to people who prefer a more legally technical fiction read rather than a fast paced thriller. It is one I would definitely recommend.1 Jen1,394 62

One Law For the Rest of Us is a very timely and cleverly plotted legal thriller featuring Barrister Ben Schroeder. This time, Ben and his colleague, Ginny Castle, are asked to represent Audrey Marshall and her daughter, Emily, who have made some very damning allegations of abuse against some powerful people, including members of the clergy, former parliamentarians and peers of the realm. The facts of the case are hard to prove, especially in Audreys case, her statement coming some thirty years after the alleged abuse took place. It is an almost impossible task that ben faces, but he is determined to see justice done for Audrey. But at what cost?

Now this is only the second book in this series I have actually read but have to admit that I really do enjoy it and have a bit of a soft spot for Ben Schroeder. This is a first for Ben, sitting on the side of the prosecution rather than the defence, but he still attacks the case with his usual determination, in spite of those who would advise him not to for the sake of his career. He is a man who will fight for what he believes is right, and you can't help but respect him. That and his relationship with his colleagues, in particular Ginny and Audrey's solicitor, Julia Cathermole, which helps to elevate this to a real ensemble piece in which all characters have a very important part to play.

This book is set in the 1970's in which cases such as Audrey's were very quickly swept under the carpet, something which is reflected perfectly in the book itself. We are all aware of the scandals which had rocked the celebrity world over the past few years, much of which dated back to the 70s and 80s, making this book all the more believable. The way in which the rich and powerful, and even the authorities, seemed to wield enough influence to get cases to stall is all too real, and sadly, as the current 'me too' movement shows, still all too prevalent, making this book very topical indeed.

There are elements where child abuse is discussed and for many this will be hard to read. It is not gratuitous but you do need to bear in mind that this is a legal thriller and we follow the process from the early reports, the arrest and through the very lengthy and complicated trial, in which it is impossible not to touch upon what has happened. I d the way in which the author has portrayed the young daughter, Emily, with such a determined strength, as it made if easier to read the parts in which she featured, and yet the lingering impact n Audrey is not so easily forgotten. This is recounted to the reader in Audrey's voice, her realisation of why she has been so reticent about physical relationships echoing what has happened in her story over all. These parts are quite direct, Audrey's choice of language a stark contrast to that of the privileged few she is accusing.

There is a real sense of authenticity in this book, derived from the author's own experiences, and for me it makes these books fascinating. It is not the fastest book in terms of pacing but I wouldn't expect it to be, and if you do not protracted legal scenes then this isn't really going to be the book for you. If, me, you are intrigued about what happens in a courtroom, about the pomp and circumstance which accompanies such a trial, then this is a brilliant read. Yes, it is slightly historical, but aside from a few changes in permissible evidence which may have occurred over the years (and the author does discuss this at the end of the book), the basic process of prosecution has changed very little.

This book frustrated me and enthralled me in equal measure. It was a book I took my time over to ensure that I could take in all that was happening, not just from the progression of the case, but the investigation as a whole. I found myself angry at times, resigned at others, but overwhelmingly satisfied by the ending and the resolution that Audrey got in spite of all of the road blocks which had been placed in her way. If you have ever wondered what might have happened if Jimmy Saville and co had actually been tackled back in the 70s ... well, sadly, I don't think this would have been far from the truth. We should be thankful we now live in slightly more enlightened times.2018-challenge Julie Morris642 61

I absolutely love legal thrillers and I am always on the look out for new authors so, when I found out that this was the sixth book in the series following criminal law barrister Ben Schroeder, I was surprised that I had not come across Peter Murphy’s work before. However, although this is the sixth book featuring this character, it works completely as a stand alone and I did not feel that I was missing anything from the plot by not having read the previous five books.

The novel follows the case of Audrey Marshall upon, who finding out her daughter has been abused at the boarding school she herself attended a generation before, she is flooded with memories of her own experiences at the school thirty years before and sets out to seek justice for both of them. However, she is thwarted at every turn as it becomes apparent that powerful people have very good reasons to stop her story ever seeing the light of day.

This is a UK-set legal thriller and deals with the ins and outs of trying to prosecute a case through the UK courts. Fans of John Grisham who are looking for his style of legal thriller where lawyers are forever breaking the law and getting involved in car chases and gun battles won’t find that here. The UK legal system is far more reserved and refined and British barristers a much more genteel and old-fashioned breed who wouldn’t consider doing anything so vulgar that would set their powdered wigs askew. That is not to say, however, that the book lacks thrills and suspense because it does not. The action and tensions is more cerebral in nature, though, as it takes the form of pitfalls and frustrations by trying to pursue justice through the courts.

Frustration is, indeed, the main driver of this book. By the end, I was almost screaming, my nerves twanging with tensions as Audrey and her daughter are thwarted at every turn by people high up in the executive who have vested interests in stopping their case succeeding. The fact that this is all too ly and plausible, makes it even more maddening, and you will be glued to the page, willing her lawyers to find a way through the maze of obstacles erected against them to get justice for the family. If you a properly argued legal thriller, you will love this book but your nerves will be tested.

The plot, although clearly fiction, does have echoes of recent scandals in this country and may be triggering for some readers. It does give a good insight into the workings of the English justice system, and how it is not a perfect system for delivering justice. The author has a legal background, so it able to make the writing feel very authentic, although there is obviously poetic licence taken for the sake of the plot.

The book is populated by an intriguing mix of characters, it is very well written and easy to read and is not too filled with jargon, so will be appealing to non-lawyers. I think it is an excellent addition to the genre and I will definitely be going back to check out the other titles in the series by this author. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys legal dramas.
Ieva50

Strangely absorbing, realistic and even educational.

In a way this is a review of the previous Ben Schroeder series books as well as this one. I occasionally wonder why I find them so entertaining when, in many places, they seem too detailed; the same events may be described in the narrative, then in statements in court by witnesses and barristers, then there are what feel totally realistic summaries by judges. How is it that this isn't tedious? I think the answer is that the writing feels completely authentic. In some of the books the plots verge on the ludicrous. This one, however, is very believable, in my opinion. Despite it being number six of a series, it does not feel tired or formulaic (un the vast majority of series churned out and marketed on Kindle). There are few thrills, as such, but tension aplenty. If you enjoy a bit of an intellectual challenge in your fiction, you may enjoy Peter Murphy's work a great deal. Margaret B22

Possibly my favourite of the Ben Schroeder series so far. The subject matter – historic child sex abuse – very much still resonates today, and while reading the book I suspect I wasn’t the only person to wonder which bits were based on the author’s actual research and which bits were figments of his imagination. There are a lot of court scenes, so if these aren’t your thing you should probably bear this in mind, but I found them absolutely gripping. The only things I wasn’t completely convinced about were the sudden change in character of one of the trial judges, and the fact that the same judge presides over separate criminal and civil proceedings relating to the same matter (even if normal, I found it surprising that this wasn’t explained further). Overall I thought it a brilliant book though. Bruce Beer3

I have read all the Peter Murphy Ben Schroeder books. I enjoy them because the detail is an accurate depiction of the English law situation in the 1970s and the topics are cutting edge. However, I do look for a bit more brilliance from the main character Ben Schroeder. He is almost just one of a group of lawyers here and it could be argued that Julia is more the central character than Ben. James Wain112

A Very Revealing Book

An intriguing story about power. The power of men in high places or take advantage of young girls who do not share the power of those who abused them. It was so satisfying to see that brave people can and did fight to get justice. I know this is a novel but it mirrors changes in society.
Rowena Onions262 1 followerRead

Im not writing a real review. I hated the subject matter of this book so much that I only read the first third and the end. tge other books in the series, it is beautifully written. Loudon McAndrew71

Wonderful insight to the inside of a courtroom where one word or phrase out of place is seized on by the prosecution or defence as if nothing that had gone before mattered. Elite Group3,066 50

A very difficult court case.

Audrey and her sister Joan had been evacuated from London during WW2 to a private school Lancelot Andrewes, a Church of England Boarding School near Ely in Cambridgeshire. Their parents had died in a raid, and as the girls had no other living relatives, they remained at the school until they completed their education.

After marrying, Audrey returns to the area with her husband, and as she is the deputy administrator for the diocese, her daughter, Emily can attend the school with a special bursary given to employees. All goes well until suddenly there is a massive change in Emily's behaviour and she tells her parents that she has been sexually abused by men wearing masks.

This news opens a floodgate of recovered memory for Audrey and goes a long way to explain why her sister had committed suicide. Fr Gerrard, a highly respected member of the church, had singled Audrey out when she was aged between seven and twelve to be molested by men, and now all these years later, he’s done the same to her daughter.

This is one of the most harrowing books I’ve ever read. It deals with the court case where Emily and Audrey are the main witnesses against not only Fr Gerrard but some very prominent members of society. They were not the only two girls abused but trying to get others who had also been abused, to come forward proved to be an uphill battle.

The case took place in the 1970s when recovered memories were only just beginning to be understood and when people in “high places” were able to hide their depraved behaviour far easier than now. Of course, as mentioned by the author Peter Murphy, the floodgates of abuse carried out not only in the Anglican Church, and dare I say especially the Roman Catholic church had not yet been opened. There was a trickle of cases that led to more and more people coming forward, and accusations of this type of institutionalised abuse started grabbing the headlines. The laws at the time weren't conducive to helping the victims

Will we ever uncover the full extent of the abuse that happened behind the closed doors of convents, or priests abusing their young parishioners, or babies snatched from their unmarried mothers? Will all the abusers ever be brought to trial? I think that as the title of the book says (there’s one law for them) and there’s one law for the rest of us.

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
May641

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