Someone is sending packages to the senior fellows at the Inner Temple containing body parts. Reluctantly Gabriel Ward is asked to investigate to keep scandal away. Gabriel has enough scandal to deal with as his latest case is that of a popular performer suing a scurrilous newspaper for libel. Both cases are difficult but Gabriel has the solace of his new companion, Delphinium.
I did really like the first book Smith wrote based on this set of characters but this one surpasses that easily. At it's heart it is a cleverly plotted crime novel but with a rather engaging setting. This is in the early Edwardian age and so references look back to Victorian times and ahead to new technology. It's also a love letter to the Inns of Court, strangely historical anachronisms in the heart of the City. Altogether it ticks many of my boxes as a reader and I galloped through this with joy!

I loved Sally Smith’s first Gabriel Ward book, so I was very eager to dig into A Case of Life and Limb. I enjoyed it just as much, though the wintery vibes are a bit at odds with the weather, and enjoyed once more the kindness and decency of Gabriel, the way his conscience nags at him so that he seeks out true justice — and the way the real world outside of his work is beginning to tug at his attention, through his friendship with Wright and his unexpected detective work.

I did find that this sequel did have a few surprises: I didn’t expect a particular character to die, I didn’t expect one of Gabriel’s trials to be quite so sad, and I saw a certain issue coming somewhat but I almost expected it to be a red herring — I’m trying not to say too much, in order to avoid spoilers, but suffice it to say that sadness touches the story more than I’d expected. There’s also some period-typical homophobia (not approved of by Gabriel).

I did feel that a particular event didn’t linger quite so much on Gabriel as I’d expected, but then he is a rather dry character and not really moved to great grief.

All in all, I probably prefer the first book as a fun reading experience, but I did really enjoy this too, and in some ways it surprised me, well-versed in reading crime as I am. And you’ve got to love the introduction of Delphinium, and Gabriel’s surprising affection for her.

A Case of Life and Limb is a charming, clever historical mystery—perfect for fans of classic crime novels and period settings. Its leisurely yet atmospheric pacing makes it an immersive read, centered around a compelling detective and richly drawn portrayal of legal life at the turn of the century.

I was thrilled to read this on NetGalley having read the first book in this fabulous series. Gabriel Ward is such an unusual detective with very distinctive characteristics and in being asked to solve a mystery he is definitely completely taken out of his comfort zone. He loves nothing better than being on his own in his ordered world with his own important routines and no emotional attachments getting in the way. However, this is not what is in store for him. Instead he is taxed with investigating what is behind the upsetting packages that members of his community start to receive without letting anyone outside of his community finding out especially not Fleet Street journalists or the police! At the same time he is also called upon to represent in court a very colourful and risqué young stage star in a high profile case against one of the more outspoken newspapers. He approaches these challenges with his customary thoroughness and care engaging the unofficial assistance of a young police constable who is quickly becoming his friend. That Gabriel will get to the bottom of the mystery is never in doubt but what the truth will turn out to be and how he will get there is always a surprise! This book is an absolute joy from start to finish and is one I will recommend far and wide!

This is the second book in the Gabriel Ward series. I did rather like the first one, A Case Of Mice And Murder, but was wary of this one, simply due to second-book-syndrome. Well, I was delighted to see that Sally Smith completely avoided that, because while I liked the first book, I loved this one.
Gabriel is a great lead. A mildly quirky lead character, the quirk being that he has led a sheltered, lonely life in the Temple but now finds himself faced with letting people into his life. I really enjoyed his ventures into “real life” and the development of his friendship with Constable Wright, his police colleague, is rather charming, as is his relationship with Topsy, who I thought was a great chracter. And of course, there’s Delphinium the cat…
But the mystery, I hear you ask? Well, it’s really interesting. There’s a multitude of strands, all of which weave together in unexpected ways. The pacing is very interesting too – like a certain classic legal murder mystery, the explicit murder is reasonably late in the narrative, but there’s plenty to keep the reader occupied until that happens. It’s clued – there’s one rather lovely unasked question that’s important to the plot. I’ll wager you won’t ask it either, but when Ward points it out, you’ll wonder why not.
So, an ideal candidate after all for my eighteenth centenary post – a charming, clever mystery that is definitely worth checking out. First rate.

It is a bit strange to be reading a very recently published book set in the depths of winter, when it is the middle of summer. However, although you can virtually feel the ice forming on the page, it is a good fun read no matter what the season.

The author definitely has a feel for the time, and for the detail and idiosyncrasies of the work of barristers in the Temple Court, and provides a sense of authenticity throughout, although the Victorian/Edwardian dialogue can at times feel a little overdone. But “A Case of Life and Limb” never takes itself too seriously and other than a few more gruesome descriptions, the book never strays too far from what you might expect from a ‘cosy’ crime novel. (I wish someone would come up with a better description of the genre than the ubiquitous ‘cosy’.) That said, it is a great little mystery story with plenty of puzzles, converging storylines and enough red herrings to make it a more entertaining novel than many in the genre.

This is the second book in the series and I genuinely wish I had managed to get a copy of the first before reading this. But that is more due to having so enjoyed “A Case of Life and Limb” that I would like to fill in the gaps and better understand the characters, rather than feeling like an intruder in an already established series. However, it is truly a standalone novel and the author makes a very good job of referring to the previous novel, giving enough detail to not make newcomers feel excluded but (I would imagine) without boring established readers with a rehash of the previous story. That is a rare talent and vital in this type of series.

“A Case of Life and Limb” could be the perfect summer read (which in my book, is not damning with faint praise), if it wasn’t set in the middle of winter. Maybe I just need to get over that…

We re-join Gabriel in the run up to Christmas 1901 where he is about to tackle a difficult libel case, representing an actress who says that a tabloid has impugned her reputation. But then a mummified hand is delivered to the Temple's treasurer and Gabriel is once again pressed into service to try and find out what is happening without inviting the police into the Inner Temple. And as more body parts arrive - including one with a fatal consequence - it becomes clear that someone has got a grudge against the Inner Temple itself.

Sally Smith has come up with another twisty and intriguing mystery and has also continued to build out the world that she created in the first book. Gabriel's world and circle continues to expand, and his cloistered and sheltered life is a great device to enable her to explain the background to things and the rules of the world without it feeling like an info dump. And Gabriel's growing friendship with Constable Wright makes for a great unlikely duo who actually compliment each other really well.

I read this immediately after finishing the first book in the series and I would have read another one of these straight away had that been an option, so the sooner Sally Smith can write a third one the better - and hopefully enough people will buy this to get in on our shelves this time next year.

Mellifluous writing in a charming 19th century style, an idiosyncratic barrister and a mystery set in the rarified world of Inner Temple of London make this book a joy to read, although a bit gruesome! When leading barristers start receiving packages of body parts, Gabriel Ward finds himself involved in trying to find the culprit. He also takes the case of Miss Topsy Tillotson, a beautiful music-hall star, finding himself emotionally involved in the puzzling case.

I haven’t read the first book but this would make a great TV series!

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

A Case of Life and Limb by Sally Smith is the second Gabriel Ward books. I didn’t read the first book, and it didn’t hamper my enjoyment of this book.
I loved the historic setting of this book in Edwardian England in 1901 and found the sociological aspects including the role of women, class, values, etc quite fascinating. I also found the setting and the workings of the Inner Temple hugely interesting. The cloistered setting gives it a world within another world feeling.

In this instalment, a mummified hand arrives in the post for the attention of Temple Treasurer Sir William Waring. More parcels arrive and Gabriel Ward KC takes it upon himself to investigate along with Constable Wright of the City of London Police.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bloomsbury Publishing, for making this e-ARC available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Another great read. I can’t believe how quickly I read it! This is the second story in the series about Gabriel Ward KC. The book can be read as a stand-alone but there are quite a lot of references to the first book. I cannot fault the writing, it has real depth and moves at just the right speed to allow the reader time to visualise the characters and scenes. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me access to an early copy of this book.

We really enjoyed this sequel it certainly was as good as the first one. As a character Gabriel Ward is certainly a triumph and following him is a joy.

I was so pleased to be able to read an arc of this sequel to Smith’s A Case of Mice of Murder, where I was first introduced to Gabriel Ward KC. I loved that story and this one lives up to it.

The culture and history of the Inner Temple is fascinating. It’s cloistered and independent, kept separate from the rest of the city of London. It governs itself and even has its own porters who serve as the Temple’s private police.
Gabriel Ward is a wonderful character. He has OCD and loves his solitude, but shows innate kindness towards everyone around him - including a stubborn cat who decides to adopt him.

I can’t picture anyone but Toby Jones in my head when I think of Gabriel, and I’m sure we will enjoy the actor’s portrayal in years to come when this is made into a cosy BBC drama.

Smith’s writing pulls you into the story and doesn’t leave you floundering in the Edwardian language or legal speak. It’s atmospheric (set in Winter) and engaging.

The Law, history, intrigue and a great detective thriller describes A Case of Life and Limb by Sally Smith. Sally, in her writing style actually evokes the period in which the novel was set thus making it totally immersive. The lead character Gabriel Ward KC is on the spectrum and reminded me of DS George Cross in the novels by Tim Sullivan. Gabriel, a brilliant mind finds sanctuary from the bustling world in his chambers and home in The Inner Temple. Books are his best friend and the intricacies of the law are his stock-in-trade. However, in accepting the case of Miss Topsy Tillotson he has to reach in to his soul to find his emotional quotient so he can best represent her and defend her reputation. It is a very difficult case because as the trial continues it would appear she has indeed had relations with a man, one whom she thought worthy of her love but it transpired she was sullied for a wager by a cad. In winning the case, that butterfly in Borneo flaps its little wings and we are left wondering where the hurricane will make landfall.
I really enjoyed every aspect of the novel, especially the historical context and location, the characters were excellent and the conclusion well considered. I would like to hear from Gabriel Ward KC again if Sally Smith grants wishes.

This was a good easy to read novel. I realise that this is the second book in a trilogy from Sally Smith. I haven’t read the first one but it didn’t make any difference to the enjoyment of this book.

I was very pleased to be granted the second book in the series following Sir Gabriel Ward KC, and enter his rarified world once again. As in the first book, there are two stories running in tandem in this novel, both equally fascinating and original.
I love these novels, they make such a refreshing change from the usual ‘cosy’ crime novels, and I love being able to peek into this most unusual and cloistered existence of all the various characters in Sir Gabriel’s life in the Inner Temple.
I do hope the author will revisit this world and allow us in again.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book. It has been hugely enjoyable and I happily recommend it.

The second book in this cerebral and very delightful series, and once again we are in the rarified and cosseted world of Sir Gabriel Ward, KC, the inner Temple of London, home to the many lawyers and High Court Judges that make up his friends and acquaintances. This provides the contrast to the working class surroundings that is inhabited by Police Constable Maurice Wright, who works for the City of London Police, and who has struck up a growing friendship and working relationship in the previous novel.
Sir Gabriel is developing a growing awareness of those who work in serving roles for the Temple, whereas Wright is becoming more aware of the secrecy and paranoia of those who work in the hallowed grounds of law makers, and he is introducing Sir Gabriel to the strange, unfamiliar and slightly scary London streets and the life of the poor of society. The two men compliment each other in their opinions and beliefs.
Sir Gabriel has been given a brief to represent a young actress, Topsy Tillotson in her fight against a scandal mongering newspaper, her reputation has been sullied , she has chosen him to prove both her innocence and her belief that justice must be served. Sir Gabriel has also been charged with investigating who has been sending boxes of mummified body parts to his colleagues , this is a delicate matter, no hint of scandal must be attached to the law profession.
The story is set in the year 1910, and we are introduced to the climate of discriminatory behaviour towards the gay community, the snobbery and rigid values of the upper classes, and the environment of sexual harassment and perceived values placed upon the role and behaviour of women.
It is interesting to see how the law has altered over time. It is no wonder that there have been so many amendments to the statutes of law, usually done to improve and clarify how best to serve the concept of justice for all. The legal world is complex and puzzling to lay people, and very frustrating that law makers seem to be at such odds with those who have suffered from criminal acts that seem to have been given unduly lenient punishments.
I do hope there will be more cases for this unusual investigative team to put their minds to, it is a very enjoyable read and such very likeable central characters. I have rated this as a five star read and already recommended it to my local library and reading groups.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Bloomsbury for my advanced copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.

A welcome return to the Inner Temple and Sir Gabriel Ward and PC Wright. As with the last book, Sir Gabriel is managing a trial and a criminal investigation at the same time. Set at Christmas 1901, there is a sharp contrast between the rarefied atmosphere of the Inner Temple and the working class Edwardian London of PC Wright. It was interesting to have his background expanded. Well written and plotted and thoroughly enjoyable. I look forward to the next episode.

I absolutely loved this brilliant book by the author of A case of mice and murder which was published last year.
In A Case of Life and Limb, Gabriel Ward is asked to investigate the mystery of severed limbs which have been delivered to members of the temple. He has also been asked to represent a popular actress, Tilly Tillotson as she defends her reputation against a newspaper that thrives on scandal.
It’s Christmas 1901 and Sally Smith sets the scene brilliantly as she describes the snow covered courtyards of the Inner Temple. Sometimes, historical novels don’t quite work as authors use anachronistic language or don’t give the reader a clear enough sense of the setting but there is no danger of that here. The atmosphere is perfect and all of the characters and settings feel that they are perfectly part of their time with no jarring notes to pull the reader out of the story.
Gabriel is such a brilliant character. He’s very much a product of his time and stuck in his ways however, he is also openminded about people and doesn’t judge them because they are poor or not part of his social class. I really enjoyed the way his character was developed in this book and we saw more of his OCD and the rituals that he uses to control his life such as the way he locks and unlocks the door every night.
The relationship between Gabriel and Constable Wright is a strong feature of the book. The two men should have nothing in common but are becoming friends as well as a very effective detective duo. The young constable who has ambitions to become a detective is a stronger character in this book and does a bit of investigating on his own initiative. It looked like there might be a romance developing in the last book but in this new adventure his affections have transferred completely and it will be interesting to see how this aspect of his character develops in any later novels.
The mystery of the severed limbs is brilliantly plotted and I really enjoyed the way that the investigation uncovered other secrets. The legal case was fascinating too and had modern overtones with the way that Tilly was viewed simply because of her profession. The closing scene of the trial was one of my favourite parts of the book. The author does a fantastic job at showing us other aspects of society during the investigations and Gabriel finds himself involved with characters who take him a long way out of his narrow comfort zone.
The two cases are intertwined really well and there are lots of plot twists to keep the reader on their toes. It’s not a book that’s laugh out loud funny but there were several moments that really made me smile. There are some darker sides to the story too which add depth to the story.
I loved this book every bit as much as the first book and really hope that we have more instalments in ‘The Trials of Gabriel Ward’.

This second outing for Gabriel and Wright was a delight from the first paragraph and I really didn't want the story to end! I read the first book and loved it, but this one was all the better for feeling familiar.
Everything that I hoped for and mentioned in my first review has been achieved. Gabriel continues to grow, both as a character and as a person within the story. His relationship with PC Wright is stronger than ever and we are starting to see some of the young PCs background too.
The story itself was just as clever and intricate as the first, Our sleuths uncovered old and new mysteries and went on to solve them as well as right some social wrongs in the process. The reader once again discovers secrets about the setting, this time mainly around the Temple Church.
I can't wait to see what our unlikely friends will uncover next!

I love historical crime and this has all my favourites:
A quirky lawyer detective
Set in 1901
Cosy crime vibes
Well plotted mystery
Social commentary on hypocrisies of late Victorian England
Musical hall

This is the 2nd instalment of Sally Smith’s new detective series that follows Gabriel Ward KC who, whilst solving one legal case of a libelled musical hall star has to assist the police to solve the mystery as to why body parts keep being delivered to members of the temple.

It was a well plotted double mystery with lots of humour. The resolution was excellent too with lots of twists that although I didn’t guess, were believable.
The historical setting was excellent & I really enjoyed learning about the history of the Inner temple. The author is clearly an expert and has done extensive research and this really shines through the story. She also really brought 1901 London to life, doing it justice with many excellent supporting characters (the cat!) and historical details.

I liked Gabriel Ward and thought him a good detective. His growing friendship with the police detective was heart warming and his wit and kindness won me over.

My only issue (and this is a very ‘it’s a me problem’) is that the voice of the book and of Gabriel is very….posh. You spend a lot of the book with barristers and judges of the upper class living a very privileged lifestyle and this meant it took me a while to get into and enjoy the story and connect with Gabriel. Although there are other side characters with a working class voice, the narrators posh tone meant it took a while for me to warm to.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC to review.