What you see is what you get with Rob Rinder and I feel like this book is no different, he just writes a courtroom mystery so well. I loved being back in the world of Adam Green

Adam Green is now a bit further up the legal ladder, although he still second guesses himself far too much and his loving Jewish Mama despairs of him findig a nice Jewish girl! This time he is the 'second' in a case that looks like a hopeless case. Lexie is a protester who is willing to be thrown in the deep end. At a major reflective art exhibition she sprays blue paint at the artist, who collapses and dies moments later, the paint can having been laced with cyanide. She readily admits to spraying the paint. (difficuly to get out of that one, considering the crowd) But she swears she had no knowledge of the cyanide.

This was a great story, the contrast between Adam's time in court and outside play off each other nicely. The author takes us into the world he knows so well and the reader can't help but be swept up in it. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book. I'm already looking forward to the next one!

At the opening of a new celebration for a renowned artist, chaos hits when he is sprayed in the face with blue paint. All seems okay for a moment and then he is down, dead right there in the gallery. The killer seems obvious but can it really be as simple as that.

This is book 3 in the series and although not necessary it helps to read the others to get a sense of Adam's progression and development. There's more than one plot running through this adding a bit more intrigue to the story. The main case takes centre stage of course but I found the other one just as interesting if a little harder to read about, it deal with some tough things. The ending I must admit was not how I wanted it to go and yet it fit with the story. Adam is likeable and makes a great lead. Another great instalment and I hope for more in the future.

I was sent an advance proof copy of The Protest by Rob Rinder to read and review by NetGalley. It never ceases to amaze me how the author manages to make court trials so engaging and engrossing! This is yet another great read from Rob Rinder, which I finished in just a couple of days. I like the continuity of characters and the way they grow throughout each novel. You get a real sense of the stresses and frustrations that go along with working in Law and the author really does make you think ‘what would I do?’ if you were a juror in one of these trials. I can’t wait for the next book!

A really good book. When I read the first book by Rinder I expected it to be a celebrity book but he proved he can write. This was just as good continuing with many of the same characters. As the book is set in the law courts, Rinder writes with knowledge and a touch of humour. Adam is a great character with all the ability of the other barristers but none of the ego. Rather than just a legal procedural , it is also a murder hunt. Can't wait for the next one. Hopefully Adam will start being appreciated by colleagues.

Another very enjoyable instalment in this series of books about Adam Green and his life as a barrister. This is a world with which Rob Rinder is very familiar, and that fact shines through the writing. I really like the depiction of the various tenants of Stags Court, and the working life of a barrister. There is also an element of the detective in Adam, as he follows his hunches and attempts to work out what has happened and who is actually responsible for the crimes with which the people he is defending have been charged. There is plenty of variety in the cases, and Adam is a very sympathetic character who is easy to like.
An easy read, which I finished in two days, although once again I did feel that the ending was a little rushed.. I am now looking forward to reading the next instalment, which can't come quickly enough!

At Stag Court Adamhears that Morris Brown has returned to the Chambers after being in the US. His reputation precedes him and when Adam is told that he will be beside him in a major case he is very anxious. The case is the very public murder of an artist at the Royal Academy.. Adam also has to juggle his caseload of bread and butter cases and a court martial that Bobby has asked him to help with. No wonder he has no food or furnishings in his flat as he is never there.
An entertaining tale about the life of a barrister and court processes.

When I saw Net Galley had the latest Rob Rinder book in the Adam Green series, I was delighted to be granted an advance review copy. I then realised I’d missed the second book in the series, The Suspect, so had to read that first! Here’s the blurb for book three:

“A world-famous artist. A fatal brush with death.
At a star-studded opening night for the Royal Academy’s celebration of renowned artist Max Bruce, someone is hiding a dark secret.
As the night reaches its climax and Max addresses his admirers, the occasion takes a shocking turn when a protester runs from the crowd and sprays the artist with blue paint.
Max collapses and it soon turns out that the paint was laced with cyanide. Someone has been plotting to kill him.
All evidence points to the protestor – and newly qualified barrister Adam Green is assigned the impossible task of their defence.
But could there be others who wanted Max dead?”

The book starts exactly as per the blurb – and again Rob has characters which you immediately recognise from popular culture (a nepo-son with a hot sauce brand remind you of anyone?!) The book also follows the skeleton of the previous books with Adam working on a high profile case, interweaved with another case – and I quite enjoyed the light and shade, or shade and shadier, that this brought to the book.

I felt that this time Adam’s Mum didn’t feature quite as much – which was a shame, as I love her!! But she’s always there in the back ground – and her phonecalls are classic.

This book would stand alone – but knowing the back story of all of the characters definitely adds to it – and it’s interesting to see how they all develop. It also emphasises just how overworked young barristers are.

There are lots of twists and turns in the book as the story progresses – some of which I have to confess guessing in advance (but that does make me feel smug and clever, so isn’t necessarily a bad thing!)

My one niggle is there were quite a few grammatical errors and odd inconsistencies – for example Adam quotes a text from his Mum and says why would she use 1 emoji when she could use 3 or 4 – but in the text he quoted, she’d only used 2! I suspect that this may be because I read an early proof copy – and some anal editor (my dream job!) will have picked these up before the book is actually published! And it didn’t detract from a great book.

The Protest was out a few days ago, so if you like the sound of it – or would like to reconnect with Adam Green from the previous books – then you can buy it right now!

Many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for my advance review copy.

The Protest is the third book of Rob Rinder’s Adam Green series, about a young barrister as he goes about his work.

In this novel Adam is involved in two major cases connected with a fictitious war.

The first is about a protest against the war which ended in the death of a famous artist set at the old bailey. While the second is a military court martial involving a young man accused of killing a young child in that same war.

With The Protest being the third book in the Adam Green series, readers who have read the previous books will be wanting to know if this series is worth continuing with this book.

The simple answer to that question is an unqualified yes, as while the novel has all the things you have enjoyed in the previous novels, there is also an improvement in the writing.

This does not mean that the previous books were badly written, as this was definitely not the case.

The improvement is seen in the quality of the court scenes and particularly the cross examinations, which are starting to have that edge of your seat feeling, particularly in the court martial scenes.

While, The Protest is written as a courtroom drama, the scenes outside the court really add depth to the characters particularly with this being an ongoing series. You are starting to get into the individual side characters, giving them a reason for their actions.

As to can this novel be read as stand alone, while the novel does give information on events that happened in the previous novel this seems more aimed at readers of previous books in the series, then those who have not read the previous books.

Having said that, The Protest contains cases that are not in any other of the previous books but new readers will miss on knowing the full story on how previous books' interactions affect Adam’s current dealings with recurring characters.

In addition there are some spoilers from previous books, which may affect you reading of earlier books if you read them out of order.

However the greatest side character is not one of Adam’s work colleges or those involved in the cases but his mum.

Who turns up regularly in the novel as a phone call and usually tells Adam off for working too hard or even saying how proud she is.This not only gives the novel a bit of light relief but allows Rob Rinder to bring in the general public's opinion on the case in an enjoyable format.


So if you have read the previous books in the series and are wondering if you should read The Protest by Rob Rinder or do not care about reading a book series in order then the answer is a definitive yes.

For a little while, it looked as though Sir Max Bruce, the country's most famous living artist, was not going to show up for the opening of his retrospective at the Royal Academy. Still, he arrived in the nick of time, complete with his two wives and six children, one of whom filmed what happened. Being an influencer, you tend to do things like that, but it was fortunate that there was a record of the protest. Lexi Williams, an intern at the RA, grabbed a spray can of blue paint from under a chair and proceeded to spray Bruce in the face, whilst shouting Stop the War. It seemed to be part of an ongoing series of 'blue-face' attacks, but this was different. The can had been laced with cyanide, and Sir Max Bruce was dead.

It seemed like an open-and-shut case, and one set of barristers at Stag Court were jubilant that they had the simple job of prosecuting Williams. There might even be a terrorism charge to add into the mix as the Home Secretary had been attacked the previous week. Had he been intended to die too? The defence barristers, with Adam Green as the junior, were less convinced of the girl's guilt. She wasn't particularly likeable, and had found lockdown difficult, but what evidence was there that she had been radicalised? Why would she want to kill the artist?

As if Adam didn't have enough to do, preparing this case, he was roped into a pro bono case where a lance corporal in the army was accused of murder. Once again, it appears that a guilty verdict is likely, but not everything is as it seems.

Rob Rinder writes the Adam Green series of novels from intimate, inside knowledge, and it shows. It's easy to see when a book has been written from research, with every little bit of information shovelled in in the hope of achieving verisimilitude. The Adam Green books are the reverse: you sense that there's a lot more that hasn't been said. It's the law as it works, and this is what gave me a slight disappointment about the book. I like an answer, a resolution and The Protest doesn't end with a satisfied sigh from the reader. It was, though, a good read, and I finished it within twenty-four hours.

As well as reading the book, I listened to an audiobook that I bought for myself. It was narrated by Josh Dylan, who has narrated earlier books in the series. He has an excellent range of voices - I was never in any doubt as to who was speaking, which is no mean feat when listening to a story about barristers and their juniors. It would be easy for them all to sound alike. Dylan also has a knack of not intruding between the author and their reader, which makes for a more engaging read. I hope he'll narrate further books in the series.

The third book featuring Adam Green

A glorious party to show case Max Bruce’s paintings opens with considerable expectations. Max Bruce's two wives and his many children join the celebration. However, the evening quickly comes to a staggering halt when an activist covers Max with blue paint. Within minutes, Max Bruce is dead, and the protester arrested.

Adam Green, a newly qualified barrister, must defend the protester. He must try to prove whether there was anyone else involved in this heinous crime.

This is the third book by Rob Rinder to feature Adam Green. The books are all brilliantly written. I love all the characters, but Adam Green is special. Not only is he ridiculously hard working but has a mother who – well mother’s him or should I say smothers him. She tries to check up at least once a day whether he is eating enough, sleeping well or has finally managed to find a girlfriend. Their conversations amuse me.

I love how much research Rob Rinder puts into the plots, and I find the novels particularly interesting because of this. A series very worth following and I look forward to the next book in the series.

Rony

Elite Reviewing Group received a copy of the book from NetGalley to review.

Another excellent book. I feel like I recognise some of the characters from the previous books and they are starting to grow on me, even Jonathan, his former boss in a peculiar kind of way. Adam needs to perhaps accept his strengths and lighten up a bit and is showing perhaps signs of appreciating this towards the end of the book.. The story should perhaps continue some strands in the next one.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I just finished The Protest by Rob Rinder– the third book in the Adam Green series. At this point, I’m really starting to grow attached to this world full of legal drama, sharp dialogue, and Adam’s ever-present personal chaos.

What stood out to me straight away was the pace. The story kicks off fast: a death at an art exhibition, a protester under suspicion, and of course Adam—thrown right into the middle of it all, usually a little clumsy but always with good intentions. The plot is well-constructed, with a nice balance between tension and humour.

And yes, she’s back: Adam’s mum. Still just as sharp, nosy, and somehow incredibly lovable. The scenes between them are once again a highlight. They bring a lightness to the story that’s really welcome, especially as the case grows darker.

What I appreciated in this third book is that Rinder seems to take things a step further. The plot feels more original than in The Suspect, with themes that are more current and layered. Adam’s character development is noticeable too—he’s still bumbling at times, but it’s part of what makes him feel real and relatable.

If I had to mention one minor flaw, it’s that there’s quite a lot happening at once, which makes the storyline feel slightly less tight than in the earlier books. But honestly? It didn’t really bother me—I kept reading because I had to know how it would all play out.

The Protest is another strong legal thriller that proves Rinder has really found his stride as an author. If you enjoy courtroom drama with sharp wit and a main character who never quite has it all together, this series is definitely still worth picking up.

really enjoyed the first two books in Rob Rinder’s Adam Green series, The Trial and The Suspect , so I was keen to read the third in the series, The Protest. I do love a good legal thriller and this had a terrific hook. From a shocking cyanide-laced paint stunt to the tangled web of courtroom drama, Rinder has delivered a pacy, polished story that had me hooked from the first star-studded scene at the Royal Academy

The heart of the novel, as always in the Adam Green series, is Adam himself. A newly qualified barrister juggling multiple cases, he’s earnest, morally resolute, and awkwardly endearing—never afraid to question the obvious. I adore how Rinder fleshes out Adam’s character through his trademark phone calls with his archetypically Jewish mother; they provide insightful backstory while lending genuine warmth and humour.

Life in Stag Court Chambers feels alive and chaotic. We meet senior counsel Morris, boisterous and a little self-important, and Bobby, the mentor who quietly steers Adam through a pro-bono military-court-martial, intertwined with the main plot. Trainee Stacey appears, as a new character—sparky, eager, and quietly clever. Stag Court Chambers is more than a backdrop; it’s practically another character, full of rivalries, encouragement, and competitive wit. The camaraderie between Georgina, Adam and Stacey grounds the book and adds levity when legal seriousness threatens to dominate.

Adam’s relationship with Georgina has real chemistry. She isn’t just a love-interest; she’s smart, driven, and crosses professional boundaries with Adam in a way that feels authentic. Their dynamic is a slow burn, woven through cases, lunches, and long working evenings. It brings emotional texture to the thriller, reminding you that behind every courtroom genius is a human with flaws and feelings.

Plot-wise, the premise is a killer: blue paint at an art gala, cyanide, instant death. Curator Natasha Fitzjohn spent years trying to acquire Max Bruce‘s masterpiece ‘Primal Scream’ which is now the centrepiece of her exhibition; a testament to her prowess as a negotiator. She is impatiently waiting for Bruce to arrive to unveil his painting. So when he arrives late with his wife and son, she is not best pleased, but hides it in front of the many press cameras awaiting the artist’s presence. But just as Natasha’s moment arrives, a protest dramatically interrupts the celebration. In front of all her distinguished guests, Max has blue paint sprayed all over him by a protester with a spray can. Blue Face are well known for their tactics in protesting against the war in Khanistan. Security guards quickly secure the protester, Lexi Williams, who works in the Gallery, but as they do so, Max abruptly collapses and dies.

It all seems like an open and shut case, but is it? Rinder expertly throws in red herrings—significant figures in the art world who loathed Max Bruce, a simmering protest movement, and murky financial dealings. All evidence points to Lexi, who used the cerulean blue paint, but as Adam peels back layers, you realise it’s that this courtroom battle won’t be won in the court alone; Adam will have to turn detective to get to the real motive in this case and that’s what lies at the heart of this fast paced thriller.

The narrative surges between intense courtroom scenes, tense interrogations, and late-night wanderings through London’s cultural landmarks. Chapters fly by; one moment your pulse is racing with courtroom suspense, the next you’re caught in a difficult scene between Georgina and Adam, sometimes awkward, often a little tender. Rinder balances thriller and emotional arcs with the ease of a seasoned barrister delivering a killer closing argument.

Rinder writes with both a sharp wit and authentic legal detail. If you ever wondered what it really feels like to prep a barrister’s brief, this book gives it to you—with no sugar-coating. Dialogue snaps, particularly in Chambers, and I really enjoyed the fleeting satirical observations about London’s gallery set mingling with activist protesters.

A secondary thread, in which, despite his financially embarrassed state, Adam is defending a soldier in a military court on a pro-bono basis, lends a serious tone. A soldier is tried for the death of a young boy and the court case is difficult and moving, with a clever and ironic conclusion. We see how complex and nuanced a military court-martial can be. I enjoyed that secondary arc for what it added to Adam’s growth, especially as it wasn’t as clear cut as the main murder case.

Verdict: The Protest is thoroughly entertaining. The pacing is relentless, the characters are richly drawn, and that Adam and Georgina connection kept me rooting for more than just legal triumph. If you’re new to the series, this stands alone beautifully—though you’ll catch even more depth if you trace Adam’s journey from the start. I enjoy this series for the its portrayal of the trials and tribulations of a young lawyer navigating the moral and ethical boundaries of trial proceedings and for the warmth and humour that Rob Rinder brings to his characters.

3rd book by the author and I think on balance would say you need to read the previous 2 so you know the main characters back story and how they have evolved to where they are now, career and personal wise

Adam Green is back and trying cases with his colleagues at Stag Court and in this book defends Lexi, who has sprayed blue paint in a major UK’s artist’s face with devastating consequences and also the case of a soldier who is accused of killing a 10 year old in a war zone, both emotive, both explained well and both portrayed brilliantly at court, The Old Bailey and Military

There is humorous relief as we once again ‘listen in’ to the wonderful calls from his over protective and zealous Mum

It is an in depth read with a lot of work from the author and then a lot of reading of facts etc for the reader to work through ( although this is more than enjoyable ) and so for me it then seemed quite a rushed, quick ending

Nonetheless another great insight into the world of barristers and solicitors and court cases and ‘the system’ with superb descriptions re people and their personalities and ‘ways’ be they being judged or judging

Roll on Book 4

An enjoyable and easy to read novel on the uncertainty of the legal system. In the aftermath of the very public murder of a high profile artist, the appointed barristers have to convince the jury of the convicted murderer’s intent. A classic whodunnit. For me, the most interesting feature of the novel was insight into the workings of the legal system.

I really enjoyed Rob Rinder’s last book so was delighted to read his follow on, The Protest. This book continues with the characters we met in the previous book, Adam Green and his various fellow barristers in Stag Court chambers. The Protest could be read as a stand-alone but I think a reader would miss out on the great writing of the previous books. The Protest is another great story where we get insight into the machinations of the British legal system, primarily through two cases; a young girl spray painting the face of a renowned artist which leads to his death while being filmed for social media and an army case involving a battle weary soldier accused of deliberately suffocating a ten year old boy who was caught looting in what was a recent war zone. I’m hoping the next book is under way as I’m already looking forward to reading it.

This is Rob Rinder's 3rd book and I suggest that they are read in order. Adam is called to help returning hotshot Barrister Morris to defend a young woman who seemingly killed a famous artist by throwing paint laced with cyanide in his face. The girl Lexi is adamant that she only meant to protest against wars for protest group Stop the War to get publicity and had no idea that the cyanide was there.
All the previous characters from Stag Court are here and Adam is now settling g into a lawyer's life.
Rob's wit shines through the words and it gives a fascinating insight into the justice system.

The Protest by Rob Rinder

Rob Rinder’s background as a former barrister shines through on every page of this brilliant book. This is the third instalment in the Adam Green series I’ve read, and each one surpasses the last. Rinder doesn’t just write Adam—he becomes him—bringing an extraordinary understanding of the hearts and minds of those accused.
Two cases. Both dangerous, in very different ways. The first explodes into the public eye when a celebrated artist is assassinated in broad daylight—his face sprayed with blue paint; the pigment laced with cyanide. The spectacle is brutal. Unforgettable. The second case simmers beneath the surface: a soldier stands accused of murdering a young boy in the war-torn terrain of Kandistan. It’s a quiet scandal cloaked in military protocol, but the fallout could reverberate through the highest ranks of power. Adam Green must walk a legal tightrope, where every truth revealed could trigger a new kind of war.

Rob Rinder's novels only grow bolder and sharper with each release. The tension crackles from the very first page, and just when you think you've caught your breath, the final twist lands—clever, unexpected, and all too real. Amidst the courtroom drama and high-stakes intrigue, Adam’s mother brings a burst of comic brilliance. She’s the kind of character you recognise instantly: warm, meddling, and absolutely hilarious. I found myself giggling more than once. Now I’m counting down the days to book four—because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that Adam Green’s next move is never predictable.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7648761663
https://maddybooksblog.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-protest-by-rob-rinder-rob-rinders.html

Rob Rinder does it again a very captivating plot. Adam is defending a protester who sprayed paint on artist who then died the paint was laced with cyanide. Full of twist and turns. Loved Adam and a few old friends. I think Rob Rinder is up there with Steve Cavanagh. Thanks Random House UK Cornerstone and Netgalley for this review ARC.