Peter Murphy (2) (1946–)

Test Of Resolve Peter Murphy

Politics, religion (most of the world’s ills now and throughout history caused by these disciplines?) and a liberal sprinkling of Bible belt homophobia and you’ve a recipe for an absorbing thriller.
I enjoyed this novel for its simplicity and if that sounds like a paradox, given that it is a political thriller, it isn’t. Plot wise it’s a kidnapping for political reasons, demands are given, they have to be met or circumvented, and strategies are discussed to show more achieve a fortuitous end. It’s straightforward. There are no attempts to be overly complex or ‘clever clever’ with intricacies to impress and befuddle, no red herrings thrust in our path,
And so the novel reaches many little peaks but no spiralling crescendos (okay, maybe one) to shock and confound.
But this is also a novel about people; their characters and relationships. their integrities and resolves (duh,test of resolve). So, as a reader I engage with the characters more than the plot. I found myself considering what I would do in these situations. That doesn’t always happen with a thriller. You read the chain of events and dénouement with a detachment, here I almost was the characters.
I found this novel refreshing and readable. So thank you again Real Readers for allowing me to spend my time so profitably. show less

July 1st 1969 and the Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales provides the backdrop to this story. It starts in the court room and then goes back to show the reader how we got there.

In 1961 Trevor Hughes takes over a bookshop in Caernarfon which is well known for its Nationalist leanings. He soon gets to know Arianwen, her brother Caradog and their friend Dafydd and joins them against the 'English' government. Just how far are they prepared to go and are they all equally show more committed?

Although book four in the series its very much a stand alone novel with only a brief mention of a previous storyline.

This book has many facets, friendship and loyalty, national pride, a courtroom drama and some Welsh history so should appeal to a wide audience.

I have visited the area and found the descriptions very accurate and made the story come to life and the inclusion of some Welsh added to the authenticity of the story.

I particularly liked the developing relationsip between Trevor and Arianwen which blossoms with serious consequences which have a huge impact on the way things develop.

Howver this is supposedy a series of stories about the barrister Ben Schroeder and it didn't feel like that at all. He seemed only to be there because the story results in a court case and not a central character but that in no way detracts from the story at all.

The way the story develops and changes direction towards the end of the book took me by complete syrprise although it did answer a niggling question I'd had before that.

Some of the scenes where Caradog refuses to speak English and gets a translator are very funny and add to the sense of frustration felt by him. The anguish of Arianwen leaps off there page at times and as a reader you really feel for her plight which she is powerless to change

A good easy read which I can recommend show less

A fun, lighthearted look at British jurisprudence. But the Honourable Judge Walden left a bad taste in my mouth when he basically bribed the head Grey Smoothie at the end of the book. I guess he is only human, fiction or no, and I am wishing for a Saint.

I may have the opportunity to meet the author if he actually makes good on his promise to visit my friend’s book club.

And Is There Honey Still For Tea? An Acquired Taste

Peter Murphy’s Ben Schroeder series is back with And Is There Honey Still For Tea? a legal thriller set in what were worrying times during the Cold War. The title is also a clever take of a line in Rupert Brooke’s poem The Old Vicarage, Grantchester, as well as Trinity College Cambridge being his Alma Mata, which once you have read the book ties the story together, while gently reminding the reader of the Cambridge Spy Ring and all those show more associated with it and the crimes they committed.

It is 1965 and Sir James Digby QC is a respected member of the Bar a successful member of the Chancery Division of the High Courts of Justice, a chess player and journalist. He is about to take an American Assistant Professor to court for libel, as been called a Soviet Spy of long standing by Francis Hollander. As a member of the establishment Digby must fight this libel and have his good name restored.

When Hollander comes to London to fight the libel he arrives with very little evidence and is hoping that Mi6 may help his cause in Court. The question becomes does Mi6 have the evidence that will help Hollander or will it exonerate Digby, who had served the Intelligence Services during the war.

Throughout the book we see Sir James Digby’s life explained to us in depth from childhood, to Cambridge, marriage, the estate, his legal work, and chess. While at the same time we see the legal conferences take place with Ben Schroeder as the junior counsel defending Digby trying to find how the defence team will play out everything in court.

At the same time we Schroeder has been summoned to answer to the Middle Temple on a disciplinary matter that may cost him his career. During the course of the defence he also has to put his whole career on the line to find out the truth so that he can honestly give clear and honest legal advice.

The novel is set to the background of the Cold War and the defections of the Cambridge Spy ring whom were Apostles at Trinity and also friends and associates of Digby, who make various appearances in the book.

This is an interesting and read not quite the thriller it promises to be as it is rather gentle, but it is still an enjoyable read. show less