Gets better and better as the story builds

Nick Stone is a new author for me and I am impressed by this book worthy of John Grisham at his best, but based in the British legal system. One knows from the start the truth about the crime that is subsequently heard in court, but the story is seen from both sides as the defense and prosecution try to prove their case.

At first I thought I wasn't going to enjoy the book mistakingly believing it was going to be unpleasantly misogynistic. However, I was wrong, Vernon James' attitude to women is important to the story. Terry Flynt, a legal clerk, is the main character. He's a flawed man with a past but basically a good guy who does stupid things but gets results. A bit of a cliche but par for the course in this kind of book.There's a bit too much description of his physiological reactions to stress, but I'm being picky it is a very good listen.

The story gets better and better as one is drawn into the complex web of intrigues and red herrings. A tense court battle takes many hours of listening but I was engrossed by the process.

The narrator brings the characters alive with his range of accents so that I felt I was hearing the action as it happened.

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31 people found this helpful

Good idea but too long

My first impressions of this audible book are that it was a good story but far too drawn out and not at all well read. The reader has near hysterical moments describing certain scenarios that would have been so much more dramatic if read calmly and without the dreadful estuary accent, that was so obviously put on. In fact I would go so far as to say that the reader spoilt this book for me entirely. It was a clever plot but far too drawn out with loads of unnecessary dialogue. 2 hours less would have made this a far better listen. My recommendation is only get this book if you do not have to pay for it - there are far other better books on the market.

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8 people found this helpful

I shall definitely be following this author!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely. One of the best books I have ever listened to. Gripping, courtroom drama at its best and a very believable conspiracy theory, to boot.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Christine's penultimate courtroom scene and her total lack of inhibition when dealing with police witnesses.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I almost did!! Thank goodness it was on my MP3 player so I could carry out most household chores without disconnecting!!

Any additional comments?

Outstanding work from this new author. Can't believe it's his first and hope there will be many, many more. His knowledge of the law and courtroom etiquette just makes the whole book so believable. Can't wait for the next one!!

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1 person found this helpful

Amazing

What a truly fabulous book, I was sorry to finish it an amazing rollercoaster and finished far to quickly 😀

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Slow first section, gives way to a good story

Slow first section, gives way to a good long twisting tale. Recommend buckle up for the ride.

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What a story.

Twists and turns at very stage. Characters were good and at times the story was “edge of the seat “ gripping. New author for me but I can’t wait to hear another one. Narrative never got boring so kept my interest at all times. Great.

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Great book!

What made the experience of listening to The Verdict the most enjoyable?

The details - there is a lot of detail that starts to become clearer and clearer as the book unfolds. Now I have listened once, I am intrigued to listen again so I can get the nuances ad the story unfolds!

Would you listen to another book narrated by David Thorpe?

I found his narration and some of his accents a little testing at times. I will admit, I think there are better narrators and they would have done a better job! There is little inflection in his voice. On occasions I wanted to turn it off because he was so monotone.

Any additional comments?

The narration aside, the book was EXCELLENT!!! The story twists and turns and builds and builds to a fabulous crescendo! I will be seeking more from this author.
The main characters are well written and their lives are believable. I felt empathy, sympathy and sometimes disgust for them. Simply brilliant writing!

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A brilliant story

I've not tried Nick Stone before and don't try many legal based stories. This was fantastic. The settings are beautifully descriptive, the pace rises and falls. The voices by the narrator are superb.
Loved it. The best book I've listened to in a while.

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The Verdict - 5 star recommendation

Gripping storyline, Great courtroom scenes and Fabulous narration by David Thorpe- please write more like this Nick Stone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Entertaining

An interesting continuously active story. I found the narrator a little tedious at times and was not too enamoured of the estuary accent, but the characters were well differentiated. Fine light reading.

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