An interesting investigation into his father's life, in this book Paul Bessell tries to establish what his father actually knew, what he did and whether he really was a spy.

I knew the bare bones of the Jeremy Thorpe case but not much at all about Bessell himself and found this a very interesting read. Having lived a very busy sounding life, this story being written by Bessell's son means that what could be quite a sensational story is kept quite real and human..It is hard to tell whether it is a loaded story, but even the author himself acknowledges that.

If you like biographies, modern history or maybe even the gossip behind politics, this is an interesting read..

I had long been inquisitive and fascinated about the life and achievements of Peter Bessell ever since I read several account of the rial of Jeremy Thorpe and well remember the severe and strident criticism of him and the quality of his evidence by the trial judge Mister Justice Cantley

This deeply researched biography by his son, Paul is both long awaited and very welcome. His love and also exasperation towards his father come through loud and clear as the son examines the life of his dad in as forensic detail as possible using his papers and letters and contemporary accounts from his wife.

It is hard to distinguish the truth from the lies and the over elaborations or even fantasies. Was he a murderer, a spy, a thief, a villain and a philanderer or simply an opportunist and someone who got in too deep and was well over his head?

The questions still remind but this is a well written and affectionate account by a loving if bemused son who even when he is not always prepared to thank the best about his father's behaviour his love for him shines through.