This is the second book featuring black female barrister Lee Mitchell. I can never resist a legal thriller and William’s background as a criminal barrister is used to great effect in this gripping read.

When Senior Clerk at Maple Court Chambers Tom Mannion is found dead in an alley, suspicion falls on junior clerk Dean who was the last person seen with him. When Dean is charged with his manslaughter, Lee, a member of chambers, agrees to represent him - but his defence becomes complicated as it soon becomes clear that Tom was a man privy to many secrets and no shortage of enemies ….

Whilst this can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the first book, Until Proven Innocent, as this will give you some more insight into Lee and the challenges she has faced in her career at the Bar.

This is a story of race, privilege and corruption. Told from multiple perspectives, we get to know the cast of characters and see the machinations of a Chambers threatening to implode, weighed down by political manoeuvring and deceit. And things ramp up when we reach the courtroom and the trial takes place - and the threads begin to come together as it reaches its dramatic conclusion.

If you enjoy twisty courtroom dramas written with authenticity by someone who knows, then this is a series I recommend - and I look forward to hearing more from Lee Mitchell.

This is the first book by Nicola Williams that I have read but if this one is anything to go by it will not be my last. A very good thriller with an interesting insight into courtroom procedures. Tom Mannion, the chief clerk of a reputable legal chambers in London, is found dead after a night out and the finger of suspicion falls on the last person to be with him, his junior clerk Dean Carter. As Carter is well known and liked in chambers he has no shortage of lawyers wanting to take on his case. Mannion, on the other hand was feared more than liked. He had a "little black book" filled with the names of many people in and around chambers and their misdemeanours which could end the careers of many of them.
As a result there was a lot of characters in this storyline which made it a little confusing at first but the author cleverly brought all the loose ends together. With many different twists and turns this turned out to be a very good thriller as the wheels of justice turned. Reading this book I had no idea that it was the second on the series. Not reading the first one did not detract from my enjoyment of it

An enjoyable book. I have not read the first in the series and did find it a bit difficult getting my head round all the characters. Tom the chief clerk at the Chambers is found dead - possibly murdered or just fallen and hit his head. Dean, the junior clerk is arrested as he was the last person known to have seen Tom even though there is no evidence.
The murder happens quickly in the book then the story lags. The end is then rushed. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Tom Mannion, chief clerk of Maple Court Chambers, is a man not to be trifled with. He is ambitious, antagonistic, and he doesn’t care who he upsets. Unfortunately, after attending a reception, Tom has appeared to upset someone just a little too much. The last person to be seen with Tom alive is his junior clerk, Dean Carter. Poor Dean rolls into work with the hangover from hell to find that not only is his senior clerk dead, but he, Dean, is now the principal suspect in Tom’s murder. Lee Mitchell, an up-and-coming star barrister in Maple Court Chambers, leads Dean’s defence. This brings her up against her old sparring partner, DCI Danny Wallace.

What follows is a legal thriller par excellence. Although reasonably slow-paced, the story itself never feels slow as it is packed full of intrigue and twists and turns. There are some first-class courtroom scenes. I especially liked the way Nicola Williams got to the heart of what it takes to be a barrister, and that winning a case may not necessarily involve the truth. There is certainly plenty of corruption in this story, and ultimately, a satisfying conclusion.
A well-constructed plot combined with brilliant writing equals 5 stars from me.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley, Nicola Williams and especially to Penguin for a the much-appreciated ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

An intriguing read. Lee Mitchell is defending the Junior Clerk from their Chambers. He’s accused of murdering the Senior Clerk. .There is so much more going on in this novel. Some not so nice characters featured , powerful people they are too. I’m enjoying this series and look forward to reading more .

Excellent court room read.
Very strong characters, brilliant storyline, I really felt for Dean,a murder pinned on him. Other potential suspects but wealth really does play a part in how you are treated and for working class Dean things are not really going his way.
Plenty of backstories as to why people do what they do.
I almost read this in one sitting so invested in the outcome was I.
Loved it!

This is book two in this series and, if you are going to read book one, I suggest you do that first as this book heavily refers to events contained therein. Actually, I would suggest you read it anyway as certain characters in this book have complicated relationships to others and I think you would benefit from having the complete backstories.
So... this book is focused around the death of Tom Mannion, the Head Clerk of the Maple Court Chambers where our MC, Barrister Lee Mitchell, works. It occurs soon after a heated argument between him and the speaker at an event the Chambers was sponsoring. But it is not to him that the Police turn. No, instead their focus is nudged towards his junior, Dean Carter. When they come to take him away, Lee is disheartened by head of chambers Giles who appears to be throwing him under the bus so she decides to defend him.
And so begins a cracking story which as well as being interesting, intriguing, and compelling, also includes great insight into both the working of a Chambers and also a Court Case. Both of which I am fascinated by. My boss at work's wife is a high profile civil and human rights barrister so I am already well familiar with the way things happen and found this to be wholly credible as well as highly entertaining.
Lee tries simultaneously to defend Dean and work out who actually killed Tom, if indeed it was murder and not an accident which is still in the room. There are also several other minor threads that meander around and about until eventually mostly all converging to an ending that I have to admit I never actually saw coming. I had suspicions about certain characters but never worked out the whole picture. Well done!
The characters are what really made this book pop for me. I love Lee and her backstory, her grit and determination to overcome the double minority she faces - being black and a women - in a white male dominated field. But the things that could have set her back, and her determination to succeed probably make her a better Barrister. She actually cares about what she does. It was also nice to catch up again with other familiar faces - DCI Danny Wallace for one.
What I also loved about this book was its portrayal and highlighting of privilege. Something I can easily believe is rife in the world still, despite any effort to clamp down. It still amazes me how they could prosecute Dean on the flimsy reasons they gave and I was horrified by a certain conversation Lee overheard at the end of the book. I would love to expand further but I can't.
All in all, a cracking follow up to what was already a well impressive series opener. I really can't wait for book three. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

love a court room drama and this one had it all.... though we had to slog through half the book before we got to the court room but once there it soon hotted up nicely

tom is head clerk at chambers but that didnt stop him from being murdered....

who has it in for him the most....

with an array of suspects the one that is arrested is a junior clerk who also works at chambers

is he innocent or guilty .... lee doesnt think he is guilty at all and agrees to represent him

but lee has her work cut out for her... its not going to be easy.....

not a bad read... this is the 2nd book in the series its well worth a read if court room dramas are your thing

I really enjoyed this series there are 2 books and it kept me reading until the early hours!!!

Blurb

When the Head Clerk at her Chambers is murdered, Lee Mitchell doesn’t know who she can trust.

One of the last people to see him alive, the crime is pinned on Junior Clerk Dean who ‘seems like the type’. Working-class and still living on the estate where he grew up, he has the most to gain from Tom’s death.

But Lee knows how easily prejudices can snowball into convictions – and steps in to defend him. As the trial progresses, people Lee has worked with for years become suspects as her Chambers crumbles into a world of chaos and deceit.

And, what of the diary, whispered about by those at Chambers? The one Tom used to blackmail Lee’s friends and enemies alike to do his bidding? The one containing secrets some might kill to keep hidden?

Maybe finding it will be the key to solving his murder. Or maybe some secrets are better left buried . . .

Lee Mitchell #2

When the Head Clerk at the Chambers is murdered, Lee Mitchell doesn't know who she can trust. One of the last people to see him alive, the crime is pinned to Junior Clerk Dean who "seems like the type." Working-class and still living on the same estate where he grew up, he has the most to gain from Tom's death. But Lee knows how easily prejudices can snowball into convictions - and steps in to defend him. As the trial progresses, people Lee has worked with for years become suspects as her Chambers crumbles into a world of chaos and deceit.

There were quite a lot of characters to remember. This is also a good legal trial where Junior Clerk Dean is defended by Lee Mitchell. The pace is on the slow side and it is told from multiple perspectives. Lee is such a feisty and intelligent character. The story covers corruption and race. Some of the characters you'll like while others you definitely won't. This book could be read as a standalone.

Published 19th July 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #PenguinGeneralUK and the author NicolaWilliams for my ARC of KillerInstinct in exchange for an honest reeview.

I read her first book in the series and I’ve waited for this one to come out. Another legal thriller in the barristers chambers. It’s fascinating, compelling, interesting, and murder at its best
I love her books and this is a brilliant read.

Gripping thriller which pulls you in from the first pages which follows the story of Lee Mitchell who when the head clerk Tom at her chambers is found murdered. When the junior clerk Dean is arrested for the murder Lee is determined to represent him as she knows he did not kill Tom, but when it becomes known that a diary that Tom kept has secrets about people in the chambers it is a race to find the diary and save Dean.
Great story of secrets that barristers want to keep secret and the fight for justice with lots of twists and turns.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

An illustrious chamber of barristers and Kings councels.
The power behind the scenes the clerk of chambers. Dishing out cases and CEO of the business. Welding more power than Head of Chambers.
A public show down with a powerful charity leader. Public humiliation leading to a spontaneous drink with his underling at an exclusive drinking club.
The discovery of his body without a notorious book of secrets.
Murder charges and the unraveling of secrets of barristers and the fight for justice.
Human characters that make you want justice for all involved.

Senior Clerks in a top Barristers' Chambers are all powerful and also extremely well paid. Junior Clerks are neither of these things. Tom Mannion has been the Senior at Maple Court Chambers for many years, and during that time has accumulated not just prestige and wealth, but also secrets. Secrets he can use to not only coerce or blackmail his colleagues at the Chambers, but also a number of people in the wider world. Dean Carter is his Junior, only 24 but with eight years’ experience of working with Tom; despite which he knows nothing of those other activities. However. After a serious incident at a reception, Tom feels in need of a few drinks, and totally uncharacteristically invites Dean to his private members club, and Dean, reluctantly, goes along with him. During their conversation, Tom intimates to him that he has a diary containing material of a sensitive nature, and shows him a tatty old book. Dean leaves shortly after this, but Tom stays on for at least another half hour so. Next morning, Tom is found dead not far from the club, possibly due to an accidental fall, possibly due to an assault. He is still really wearing his expensive watch, which makes the latter option unlikely, but the diary is missing. For dubious reasons, Dean is charged with Tom's manslaughter and stands trial, represented by Lee Mitchell, a hot shot barrister colleague from Maple Court. .
This is the second book in the Lee Mitchell series, but is perfectly OK as a standalone. It is a courtroom Drama with the usual trappings, although the link between the defendant, the barrister and the deceased is unusual. It starts off a bit slowly, as if the author is struggling to find the right register, but it settles down quickly, although it does get a shade repetitive, frequently reminding the reader of facts they already know (or maybe that’s just me). The plot is linear, as is often the case with courtroom dramas, but the final reveals are surprising – mainly because they aren't really clued in the conventional sense. Working out whodunnit and why, relies on structural information rather than material information. The author also does seem to have a political, societal or perhaps moral agenda with regard to race issues. So I have some reservations about the structure, but I nevertheless found myself becoming quite immersed in the drama, quite anxious to know what was coming next. Overall it’s a 3 for structural reasons and a 4 for the story. That gives 3.5 which rounds to 4.

The second in the Lee Michell Series and reads well as a stand-alone. Lee is a black female barrister, at Maple Court Chambers in London, originally from the Caribbean she knows how hard it is to fight your way to the top. Tom Mannion is the senior clerk in the Chambers. He is rich, successful and keeps a hidden diary holding his fellow Chamber members secrets. Dean is his Junior Clerk, from a working class background but determined to make something of himself, it is Dean who keeps the engines of the firm running.

Briefly, one morning a seemingly innocuous incident involving Tom and a woman at an underground station becomes the catalyst for events in the book. Following an office party Tom’s body is found in alleyway. Was he attacked or did he fall over drunk? With fingers being pointed at him Dean finds himself arrested and charged. He claims innocence but the police are only interested in charging him. Enter Lee who declares herself his Barrister.

I love a legal thriller and this is a very good one, full of twists and turns. I love the main protagonist, she’s one feisty lady who really is in the job to do what is right. I loved the descriptions of the inner machinations of the Chambers as it began to implode with every revelation. I loved the court case. You’ve got it. I loved this book! Great read.

Did Dale do it?
Yes, no, maybe, he couldn’t he is the hero of the book. Do I like him? Do I know him? All questions asked over and over again. Read this book not only to get a good insight into the running of chambers but for a really good read.

Really really good legal thriller the only annoyance being I hadn’t realised it was part of a series but that is my fault for not checking,that aside great characters,plot and plenty of unexpected twists all written in a captivating style and giving inside information into the legal world and world of barristers in a non boring way
I will be catching up on the other books as this was so good

This is a novel about procedures in the life of barristers in London. There is a murder and the chief suspect is a member of the staff at the Chambers .
It is very interesting to read of all the procedures involved in legal cases. It really does show how much goes on behind the scenes of legal Chambers. Quite fascinating.
I enjoyed the book as a stand-alone, but I. believe it is the latest story in a series.
Well written.

I hadnt realised this was part of a series about Lee Mitchell, a black female barrister, but was able to read it as a standalone book easily enough, I enjoyed the writing and the inner life of Chambers was well described by Ms Williams with some interesting characters and motivations. It sets itself up well for a sequel which I look forward to reading.
(I recently read and enjoyed Rob Rinders new novel "The Protest" and wasn't aware until I researched the author of "killer instinct" that this is also by a barrister, maybe Chambers novels are becoming a popular genre!)
Thank you to netgalley and Penguin Books for an advance copy of this book.

A brilliant book that that goes behind the scenes in chambers and tells the story of what people will do to protect their family, career and reputation. Dean is a young and brilliant clerk whose boss & colleague, Tom, dies after a night out in an exclusive members club. But Tom has been harbouring secrets which gives many a motive to harm him. A barrister at their chambers, Lee, agrees to advocate for the accused. A fantastically plotted book that goes behind the scenes and explores the challenges faced by those from different ethnic groups and exposes discrimination and prejudice. Absolutely fantastic reading. Highly recommend. Huge thanks to the author & publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review