If you read court room dramas such as those byt Jeffery Archer and others, then Ithink you will find this more enjoyable and readable.
Who might gain from the murder of the head clerk in chambers, a man who seems to secure the best cases but by what means.
The novel also explores prejudice, not only racially motivated byut depending on bacground and class.
Will the prsecution get their way or will the defence prevail.
I look forward to the next case in Maple chambers.

Having read the first book in the series I was hopeful for another interesting read.
The book has great representation of characters but personally I found it quite difficult to follow with many characters and points of view.
The premise of the book, set in chambers, is great. I love the character of Lee Mitchell and would love to see her character develop more.
This book would be a great holiday read or if you can read in longer sittings, allowing you to truly grasp the story and characters.

I just love stories set in chambers, courtroom dramas and murder mysteries. And here all three are rolled into one. I’ve missed the first book in this series ( but will be seeking it out) and this is a great standalone. It makes a change to have a female barrister as lead character and Lee fills that role well. There’s murder in chambers and Lee doesn’t know who to trust. There are various suspects and on the journey, we encounter a range of memorable characters. I find the world of chambers fascinating. It feels like a throwback in time where old traditions prevail, there’s a strict pecking order, divisions of class and privilege and a lot of back stabbing. It’s a very particular world which is brought vividly to life. Add to that the courtroom scenes; again, these feel authentic as prosecution and defence bat back and forth, building and destroying and trying to create doubt or provide evidence of guilt.

This is fast paced and really well written. I’ve skipped through it with relish and can’t wait for more. Brilliant to have a new, loud female voice in the law field. Bring it on!

Lee Mitchell #2 (Book 1 = Until Proven Innocent)

The shadow of chief clerk, Tom Mannion, looms large over Maple Court Chambers as sure he has a killer instinct. However, maybe there’s someone who has reason to have an even deadlier killer instinct. Who is the last person from Chambers to see Tom alive? That would be his junior clerk, Dean Carter, currently struggling into work on the morning after the night before. The news of Tom‘s death spreads through Maple Court and has a tsunami impact. Why is Tom dead? Was it an accident or a deliberate act? Has it anything to do with Tom‘s extensive knowledge about people in Chambers? DCI Danny Wallace begins the investigation as deputy SIO on the case and eventually leads the inquiry.

If you like legal thrillers and lively courtroom scenes and exchanges, then this duo of novels with lead protagonist of legal rising star Lee Mitchell, are well worth reading. Although these are slow burners, they are full of intrigue and are thoughtful, thought provoking rather than fast paced. A standout feature is a very good portrayal of Chambers life and here we get several perspectives, not just Lee’s. There’s plenty going on, some of which is unsavoury, unsettling and creepy as well as power dynamics, infighting and intriguing vibes and tension between members of Maple Court. You feel the pressure put upon the barristers to win a case and to a secure conviction from the perspective of the police and the prosecution. I’ll leave the delight of making the acquaintance of the prosecuting lawyer to future readers.

There’s a good range of characters, some are very likeable, some are honourable, there are some to heartedly dislike, some you wouldn’t trust as far as you could throw them and one very interesting diamond in the rough. I really like Lee who feels very authentic. She’s had to claw her way to the top by being better than the average Joe as she’s black and female. She’s not perfect but goes the extra mile for her clients and her ups and downs with her partner David give further credibility to her character. There’s a good portrayal of Tom Mannion, warts and all.

These novels are good on a number of issues, especially race, privilege, corruption and loyalty versus truth. The courtroom scenes are good as evidence bats back and force with good interplay between the lawyers and the judge. There’s drama as it twists and turns its way to a resolution.

Another good read from Nicola Williams.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin General UK for a much appreciated Epub in return for an honest review.

Hooked me from page one... Five stars plus for this brilliant series!!

It was outstanding! I absolutely loved the main characters!... I ended up staying up until the early hours of the morning to finish as I just couldn't put it down... this series is sure to fill your mystery loving needs!

Killer Instinct is a court room drama. The senior Clerk is found dead following a night out and at first no one sees anything suspicious, but the junior clerk is arrested for manslaughter and this becomes a story of fighting for his innocence and uncovering the truth.

There is a lot of discussion around the case and amongst those people involved and this is a truly interesting story that keep you reading to find out who actually killed him. (The reader is as unaware as the prosecutor and defender).

A great read and can’t wait to read more from Nicola Williams

Really enjoyed the book. Great storyline and characters. A very tangled and twisty tale which leads you through life in Chambers and the legal system. Very descriptive whether surroundings, people or court systems the book keeps your attention and you definitely want to find out who did it or indeed if anyone did!

This was an exceptional addition to the burgeoning Lee Mitchell series of legal thrillers which contains so many elements that make a really good book: an unsolved murder, an innocent defendant, an unpalatable victim , high jinks in Chambers, drug addiction, loyalty to old friends and racism make for a heady brew.

Well worth a read.

I was very taken by Nicola Williams first legal thriller, " Until Proven Innocent" and was not disappointed by her second book,  a twisted story called" Killer Instinct"  set in the British court system featuring barrister Lee Miller which is just as terrific.

When Dean Carter, a very respected Junior Clerk working in the same chambers as Lee,  is accused of murdering their controlling, manipulating boss Tom Mannon, he requests Lee to defend him. I had very little knowledge of how the British legal system works but this thriller is a fab introduction and a very gripping story full of intrigue, politics and the psychology of defense. A great read and a new voice to watch,  publishing July 2025, I was able to enjoy an early proof.

I had high hopes for this book but for me it didn''t quite live up to expectations. A legal thriller it started well but I did find it dragged somewhat. Rather a lot of padding at times and some very odd comments that you wondered why they were included. I didn't particularly click with any of the characters although they were believable. I suppose ultimately I didn't care about what happened to the characters; you don't have to love them but you do have to care what happens to them.
If you found this book in a hotel library you could spend a pleasant afternoon by the pool.