Beyond doubt edition outreach reasonable

Top review. Not as taut as it should have been or as meaningful. Tom Garrett is a writer engaged to the daughter of wealthy newspaper man Austin Spencer. Spencer is also firmly against the death penalty. With Tom looking for a subject for a second novel, Spencer suggests that they set Tom up for an unsolved murder using circumstantial evidence to prove how easy it would be for the courts to kill an innocent man.

Once Tom is sentenced to the chair, Spencer will expose the failings in the system and free him. However when Spencer is killed in car crash and none of the evidence can be found then Tom faces the chair.

A very interesting concept still needs a good delivery to make for a good film. This not only had a good idea but it was also a fair point to be made about the death penalty. The film moves along with a good build up for the whole first half. However once Tom finds himself in real trouble then the film strangely doesn't manage to deliver as much tension as it really should have done. Conversely the film becomes more of a melodrama for a while and it loses a lot of momentum.

There are some nice touches at the end but they can't completely make up for the weaknesses in the middle section.

It is quite atmospheric but not to the point that I had hoped but Lang does a good job on direction. The cast are OK.

Andrews has long been one of my favourite actors from the period and he gives a solid if unspectacular show here. Fontaine is weaker and doesn't quite convince as well as Andrews but is fine. It doesn't quite work as you'd hope as the tension drops off at the exactly the moment that it needs to step up a notch.

It is worth watching but it is not one of Lang's better films. Details Edit. Release date November United Kingdom. United States. Savrseni alibi. Chicago, Illinois, USA. Bert E. Friedlob Productions. One of the reasons I enjoy reading legal thrillers and obviously find some better than others. One of the reasons this novel works so well is because Rook obviously has problems. There is his past, which only a few are aware of, his marital breakdown, his drinking and his weight.

Zara, his junior, is the only one he really gets on with. The case itself is a grim one. The language and threat made me cringe and I had to admire Zara for putting up with it. I liked the Nottingham setting. A mining community that no longer exists and has no prospects. Lives ruined, tragic events leading to loss of life and something I had never even considered and wondered if it was true.

Football chants aimed at strike breakers. I would definitely read another in this series. I am always drawn to these stories as a law graduate but well executed, thought-provoking courtroom dramas are as rare as hen's teeth; this is all of that and much, much more. The legal side is authentic and the discussion about the law is accurate — exactly what you'd expect from a lawyer. It's perfectly paced, well written and nail-bitingly tense and we are drawn into a tale with many unscrupulous characters who each have skeletons in their closet.

I particularly loved the Old Bailey trial as we were exposed to the mechanics of the British legal system. I enjoyed Bell's witty ridicule directed at the system he knows so well and found it a very entertaining crime debut. It's action-packed, suspenseful and full of intrigue, and main characters Rook and Zara are very likeable, complex individuals and complement each other beautifully. I was also satisfied that there was no sexual tension between the two as it is becoming a bit of a cliche in the thriller genre.

There are a few twists in the tale and masterful misdirection repeatedly pushes you into backing the wrong horse. The conclusion was ultimately satisfying if a tad predictable but that did not impact my enjoyment too much.

I cannot wait for the next instalment and look forward to seeing the characters evolve. Jun 28, Robert Intriago rated it really liked it Shelves: legal-thriller , Rook, QC, is loosely based on the life of the author. Now his past has caught up with him as he is blackmailed to defend a person from his criminal past. Definitely a good legal thriller told in easy reading style with some humor and insight into the British legal system and its history.

It also deals with some of more recent immigrant problems faced in Europe. I did have some problems with some of the local slang bu Rook, QC, is loosely based on the life of the author. I did have some problems with some of the local slang but not enough that it detected from a good story.

Aug 07, Sarmistha rated it it was amazing Shelves: must-read-highly-recommended , fiction , thrillers. An acrid truth hidden in the path still eludes the eye, Only its discovery can save several lives. But his well built life is toppled when a former accuquataince blackmails him into taking up his case, he threatens to unleash skeletons from the attic which would destroy Rook's lucrative career.

The case is complicated, all the circumstancial evidence points towards the accused Billy Barber, a repeated offender. To add to the injury, the violent vocal racist Billy refuses to co-operate with his counsel and presents a bad image infront of the prosecution. Now it's all upto Mr. The investigation is full of field work rigged with attacks, visit to the dark infamous alleys and shocking discoveries.

He deftly projected the social norms that still rules the masses, refuses to respect an individual's choice different from the mainstream. The rural mining life which leads to a perpetual cycle of drudgery and poverty is boldly projected in the plot.

The non-linear storyline with engaging narration, detailed characters and vivid descriptions breathed life into the story. The racy plotline kept me at the edge of seat.

The breathtaking climax will surely leave the readers deep in thoughts. The first book in a legal series, it's an amazing start which increases the expectations for all the upcoming thrillers. I will strongly recommend this book to every reader. Jun 13, Karen added it. Review to follow for blog tour. Aug 30, Pavitra For The Love of Fictional Worlds rated it it was amazing Shelves: adult-fiction , fwrecommendation , read , favourites , legal-thriller.

This is the first book in what I hope, actually I have high expectations, a series of brilliant legal thrillers in the coming future from the author, Gary Bell I have my eye on you siree! This comes at a time when his own personal life is in shambles he is going through a divorce and is also in the middle of another case that is turning out to be way more complicated than he had expected, not just because of the mountain of paperwork he has to sift through.

To help out with the overwhelming caseload, he hires a new lawyer, a junior to help on cases — Zara Barnes — I will immediately be clear here; there is no hint of romance or impropriety between them; in fact Zara, reminds Elliot of the young man he used to be, the ambitious one, the righteous one and even though Zara is supposed to be helping out in the case he had to put aside due to the murder one, he still somehow ropes her in top helping him out with the Murder Case.

Their similar histories made it easier for both of them to open up. Jun 10, Kath rated it it was amazing. Elliot Rook QC is an eminent barrister, working out of a prestige Chambers. He has a hidden, rather sordid past though which he is desperate to keep under wraps. Most of his peers are completely oblivious to the path he took to gain Silk and he likes it this way. Little do they know of his ex-mining town background and the things he did to survive growing up there. When we first meet him he is in the middle of a big fraud case which isn't quite going according to plan and he is trying to get hel Elliot Rook QC is an eminent barrister, working out of a prestige Chambers.

When we first meet him he is in the middle of a big fraud case which isn't quite going according to plan and he is trying to get help from others. He bumps into Zara Barnes, who coincidentally shares a similar background to him, as she leaves from an unsuccessful interview with his own Chambers and takes it upon himself to not only re-interview her but also to employ her. His world is then torn apart when he is requested to represent a face from the past.

The past he has struggled to keep hidden. Billy Barber, the brother of his best friend now deceased has got himself arrested for the murder of a young, unknown woman. He protests his innocence even though his alcohol consumption dictates that even he can't say what he was doing at the time so has no alibi. Now Billy may be many things, even a killer in his past, but everyone deserves a fair trial. Blackmailed into taking the case, and with Billy not being very helpful in building his own defence, can Rook and Zara get to the bottom of things in time, deliver the correct verdict, and keep Rook's past firmly in the past?

Rook is a bit of a character to say the least and, after reading up about the author on finishing this book, shares a lot of his past with Mr Bell himself. He's brash and brusque and doesn't suffer fools. His marriage has broken down, something he is still a bit in denial of. His lifestyle also leave a lot to be desired. But, and this is important, he has a healthy respect for the law, especially the innocent until proven guilty and entitled to a fair trial parts, something he endeavours to instil in Zara as they work together.

Zara is a bit of a revelation. She's smart and gutsy and rubs along quite well with Rook. She may have had a bit of a time with the politics of things in her past employment but that doesn't seem to have taken the shine off things for her. She just needs a break and appears to have found a kindred spirit in Rook although appearing chalk and cheese at face value. I loved some of their interactions and found certain conversations enlightening. The story itself was a wee bit predictable and I guessed the ending ahead of time which did take some weight off the punch for me.

Probably no fault of the author as I do read a lot of this genre book so I know most of the tricks by now! That said, this book delivered more during the journey rather than relying on just the twist at the end so, overall, it was a good solid read. Pacing was also good and the description complemented the narrative rather than distracting from it. The author also got my favourite barrister joke into the narrative and, for that alone, I salute him!

All in all, a cracking series opener which thoroughly satisfied but, at the same time, left me hankering for more. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. Jun 27, Adam rated it really liked it. Action packed and easy to read, this is a perfect summer holiday book.

It affords an insider's view into the criminal justice system. Belmarsh Prison and the villain they visit there are depicted chillingly. The courtroom drama was excellent: witty, pacey and authentic. You'd expect nothing less from a novel co-authored by a practicing QC. Attempts to deal with contemporary issues such as racial, religious and s Action packed and easy to read, this is a perfect summer holiday book.

Attempts to deal with contemporary issues such as racial, religious and sexual identity were commendable but perhaps a tad forced. At one point Rook winces when another character uses the slur 'paki' but then appears befuddled himself a page later over the terms 'traveller' and 'Gypsy'.

The relationship between the hero and sidekick didn't develop as much as I'd hoped. Perhaps it was because Rook kept absconding on adventures of his own and, on that note, he had at least one too many fights in this book , but whatever the cause I didn't find their teamwork particularly heartwarming.

For one thing, rookie Zara's character needs fleshing out a bit. There's scope for this to develop in the inevitable future instalments. As to the series' direction of travel, 1 featured plenty about Rook's history in the Nottinghamshire coal mining community, but that got a little tired by the end and deserved to be buried in this book. In future volumes, I wouldn't mind a bit more flashback into his middle years - his homelessness, the struggle to become a barrister, his marriage to Jenny - as grist for Gary Bell and Scott Kershaw's collaborative mill.

Rupert is a superb character, emanating wisdom and quiet command, whom I want to see more of. Whether you're interested in the law or just enjoy crime fiction, there's enough here to draw you in. It was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to more in the series.

Jun 29, Rachel Bridgeman rated it really liked it. This is a book by a man who has seen both sides of the law and it absolutely shows. A series opener is a tricky thing to pull off,there is the temptation to lay all your cards out on the table yet Gary Bell does this with aplomb.

He gives us enough of a backstory on his protaganist, Elliott Rook to whet out appetites, yet takes his time with his 'Rookie', his pupil Zara. In this, Elliott's first case since winning his silks, he takes on the defence of a criminal who has specifically requested his This is a book by a man who has seen both sides of the law and it absolutely shows. In this, Elliott's first case since winning his silks, he takes on the defence of a criminal who has specifically requested his services.

Billy Barber and his brothers have a history with Elliott and he threatens to bring down the fragile house of cards which Elliott has constructed Haunted by the victim in the case, a discarded, unamed teen with horrific injuries and defending the indefensible, this is a clear cut and engaging dissection of the UK justice system without ever patronising or being overly complex and dragging the reader away from the main themes of the story.

Mixed-race girl, and an openly racist , white supremacist with previous convictions whose phone is tracked to the locality of the dumpsite. Discovered the day of the body to be slumped and insensible, naked and burning his bloody clothes in his backgarden, the evidence is available across the whole of the internet.

So how does Elliott and Zara bring justice to The Girl, who, on examination, appears to be one of many who have disappeared in Nottingham whilst Elliott faces unpalatable truths of his past? I was concerned that the legalese would be way over my head, but Gary Bell does a fine job of explaining how defense works, how court cases works and marries it with a police procedural and very up to date social issues.

I would be interested to know if the character was named for the chess piece, rook, and if the way that they move represents the motives of Elliott and hope to read more of his and Zara's cases in the near future! The way he took Zara under his wing, even gven his complex home and professional life was very moving. Jul 03, Clair rated it really liked it Shelves: reads. An addictive legal thriller from someone who clearly knows what they are talking about…I loved Beyond Reasonable Doubt from start to finish!

I am so pleased that this is the first book in a new series so we will be hearing more from Elliot Rook QC. He is a barrister for a prestigious chambers in central London, the epitome of high class. How An addictive legal thriller from someone who clearly knows what they are talking about…I loved Beyond Reasonable Doubt from start to finish!

It is this background that gets him dragged into defending Billy Barber against a charge of murder of an unknown young woman who has been found dead on disused train tracks. I loved the dynamic between Rook and Zara, there is quite an age gap between them however Rook can see her potential and respects her determination for justice so they form a solid relationship from the start. Even without knowing that the author is a highly experienced QC, the authenticity of the legal system comes through in droves from the narratives from the description of other characters, the processes that the defence is going through and the interaction between characters.

I really enjoyed the trial section of the book, Bell brought it to life and it felt as though I was part of the public gallery. Beyond Reasonable Doubt is a entertaining and satisfying read, it has brilliantly pacing and the right amount of legal speak to be authentic but not too much as to confuse non-legal people I look forward to finding out what is next for Elliot Rook, a solid start to what is looking to be a great new series. Nov 04, jkbookish rated it really liked it.

He is also a complete fraud What intrigued me is that this is the first in the series to feature the lead character Elliot Rook and there is a hole in the market for a good legal series at the moment. Providing this book lived up to my expectations I was really excited at the prospect of finding a new legal series to look forward to!

Elliot Rook is within the top echelons of his industry practicing law as a QC Queens Counsel within an esteemed Chambers in the heart of legal London. This old friend, however, is one Elliot would rather forget and by taking on his case Elliot is forced to face some truths from his past. Thank you Gary for writing the legal series I have been eagerly awaiting! Oct 01, Ruth rated it it was amazing. Best crime book I have read in a long time.

Charged with fraud and now a QC. His descriptions of the machinations of the Old Bailey are interesting and obviously come from first hand experience. Looking forward to reading more in the series. May 21, Kelly Van Damme rated it really liked it. Hi and welcome to my stop on the Beyond Reasonable Doubt blog tour! You can try and bury the past as much as you like, but sooner or later, it will come back to bite you in the arse. Peter Hyams screenplay Douglas Morrow screenplay.

Top credits Director Peter Hyams. See more at IMDbPro. Trailer Beyond a Reasonable Doubt. Photos Top cast Edit. Jesse Metcalfe C. Nicholas as C. Lawrence P. Sharon K. Krystal Kofie Taieesha as Taieesha. Eric Gipson Allen as Allen. Gerry May Anchorman as Anchorman. Carl Savering Bailiff as Bailiff. Kelvin Payton Cameraman as Cameraman. Peter Hyams. More like this. Watch options. Storyline Edit. High profile lawyer Mark Hunter has an impeccable record putting criminals behind bars and is a shoe-in for governor in the upcoming election.

But when ambitious rookie journalist, C. Nicholas begins investigating Hunter for tampering with evidence to secure his convictions, the district attorney's perfect record is up for scrutiny. Commencing a risky game of cat and mouse with Hunter, C. Romantically involved with C. Ella Crystal becomes caught between her boss's political ambitions and C.