Series: Charlie Walden
Book Number: 1
Read this book for: dry humour, legal battles, various crimes, mini-mysteries, British mysteries, cozy mysteries
Quick Review: A charming and delightful introduction to Judge Charlie Walden, with a series of wryly clever, light-hearted and brilliant little puzzles.
Release Date: November 23, 2017
***
When Charlie Walden took on the job of Resident Judge of the Bermondsey Crown Court, he was hoping for a quiet life. But he soon finds himself struggling to keep the peace between three feisty fellow judges who have very different views about how to do their job, and about how Charlie should do his. And as if that’s not enough, there’s the endless battle against the ‘Grey Smoothies’, the humourless grey-suited civil servants who seem determined to drown Charlie in paperwork and strip the court of its last vestiges of civilization. No hope of a quiet life then for Charlie, and there are times when his real job – trying the challenging criminal cases that come before him – actually seems like light relief.
The Crime Review had the opportunity to read the first ‘case’ in WALDEN OF BERMONDSEY by Peter Murphy, and it was utterly brilliant, and such a delight that it was impossible to put down.
This promises to be the first in an ongoing series of Charlie Walden’s cases that he sees during his time as the Resident Judge of Bermondsey Crown Court.
Murphy combines all the perfect elements in these stories — his own intimate knowledge of the courts, a tongue-in-cheek, dry sense of humour, interestingly conceived cases, and a quirky cast of characters in Walden’s fellow members of the judicial system. It’s a brilliant mix of insight, familiar bureaucratic concerns, and downright fun puzzles.
The light-hearted and intelligent tone of these stories makes WALDEN OF BERMONDSEY a satisfying read for any mystery lover, but it’s particularly perfect for those who want a quick read with a sense of humour or for those who want a cozy mystery. This would make an outstanding holiday read!
I will definitely be picking up the full novel as soon as I can, as I can’t wait to read more of Walden’s cases and his low-key way of dispensing justice. Pick up a copy as soon as you can for a diverting and genuinely enjoyable read.
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