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The Trial Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Rob Rinder (Author), Josh Dylan (Narrator), Penguin Audio (Publisher)
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Brought to you by Penguin.

MURDER AND DECEPTION IN THE OLD BAILEY.

Meet Adam Green. Misfit. Purveyor of justice. Barrister-in-training.

When hero policeman Grant Cliveden dies from a poisoning in the Old Bailey, it threatens to shake the country to its core.

The evidence points to one man. Jimmy Knight has been convicted of multiple offences before and defending him will be no easy task. Not least because this is trainee barrister Adam Green's first case.

But it will quickly become clear that Jimmy Knight is not the only person in Cliveden's past with an axe to grind.

The only thing that's certain is that this is a trial which will push Adam - and the justice system itself - to the limit . . .

Previous slide of product details
  1. Listening Length
    10 hours and 12 minutes
  2. Author
    Rob Rinder
  3. Narrator
    Josh Dylan
  4. Audible release date
    22 Jun. 2023
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Penguin Audio
  7. ASIN
    B09SQ76NKR
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
Next slide of product details

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
16,610 global ratings

Customers say

Customers say the book provides great insight into the life of chambers and the legal process. They also find the writing style well-written, not too obvious, and with the right amount of tension. Readers love the humorous content and the relationships between staff at Chambers. They describe the plot as wonderful, bringing the legal world to life with the perfect amount of twists. Customers also appreciate the pacing and storyline as compelling, authentic, and gripping.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
StorylinePlotWriting styleCharactersInsightHumorPacingReadability
395 customers mention ‘Storyline’388 positive7 negative

Customers find the storyline compelling, exciting, and excellent. They also say the author's knowledge lends a strong air of authenticity to the debut novel. Readers also mention that the book is gripping and looking forward to his next release.

"...All in all I felt this was fast, enjoyable and readable...." Read more

"...for anyone with a background in law or those just looking for a compelling read that accurately depicts the complexities of the justice system...." Read more

"...- he really is a talented author and his knowledge lends a strong air of authenticity to this debut novel...." Read more

"The Trial carries you along quite enjoyably and few will find it a dull read...." Read more

221 customers mention ‘Plot’197 positive24 negative

Customers find the plot twists wonderful, interesting, and not too trite. They also say the book follows a quiet, well-ploted path before taking off with the right amount of tension.

"I just loved this book. Well written with unexpected twists and turns.Couldn't put it down.I would highly recommend this book." Read more

"...The blend of legal intrigue and thrilling narrative kept me hooked from the first page to the last...." Read more

"An intricate and cleverly scripted plot with believable and engaging characters!..." Read more

"‘The Trial’ by Rob Rinder is a really clever and twisty courtroom drama by the famous TV judge - he really is a talented author and his knowledge..." Read more

159 customers mention ‘Writing style’147 positive12 negative

Customers find the writing style of the book really well written, easy to read, and interesting. They also appreciate the short chapters and pacey novel with a good basic plot.

"I just loved this book. Well written with unexpected twists and turns.Couldn't put it down.I would highly recommend this book." Read more

"...All in all I felt this was fast, enjoyable and readable...." Read more

"...twisty courtroom drama by the famous TV judge - he really is a talented author and his knowledge lends a strong air of authenticity to this debut..." Read more

"...The Trial is an easy read. Adam is a very likeable character, his pupil tutor not so much...." Read more

99 customers mention ‘Characters’86 positive13 negative

Customers find the characters brilliant and root for the underdog.

"An intricate and cleverly scripted plot with believable and engaging characters!..." Read more

"...I like the characters...." Read more

"...The Trial is an easy read. Adam is a very likeable character, his pupil tutor not so much...." Read more

"...flowed, given the context of the story it was easy to keep up with the multiple characters." Read more

60 customers mention ‘Insight’60 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides interesting insights into the workings of the English justice system. They also say the story flows well and keeps them guessing. Readers appreciate the absorbing detail and the brilliantly told legal process. They enjoy the behind the scenes workings and the pupil barrister.

"...I enjoyed this one and it races long and stays interesting...." Read more

"...The legal details are portrayed precisely, something only someone with real legal experience could achieve flawlessly...." Read more

"...Was not predictable, which kept the story alive. A good insight to the justice system." Read more

"...There are some unlikely motives but the explanations are plausible and the measured approach works well.I'm looking forward to the next one." Read more

29 customers mention ‘Humor’29 positive0 negative

Customers find the humor in the book gripping, clever, and unique. They also appreciate the light and witty writing style.

"‘The Trial’ by Rob Rinder is a really clever and twisty courtroom drama by the famous TV judge - he really is a talented author and his knowledge..." Read more

"...The story has some light-hearted and humorous scenes which provide a welcome respite to the ongoing legal and investigative elements of the..." Read more

"...Thought provoking as well as entertaining, intelligent and humorous as well as sad in parts...." Read more

"...knowledge of the legal profession is clear and he has a light and witty writing style...." Read more

29 customers mention ‘Pacing’24 positive5 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book brilliant, fast, and fun. They also say it races long and stays interesting.

"...I enjoyed this one and it races long and stays interesting...." Read more

"I’m not a great fan of judge rinder but this book moved along at a lovely pace creating depth with the characters as it took you through the..." Read more

"...from the start and the ensuing legal process was brilliantly told, with pace...." Read more

"This book goes at a fast pace. You literally get swept up in itI liked the fact that it was written by someone in the law system...." Read more

27 customers mention ‘Readability’15 positive12 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the readability of the book. Some find it difficult to put down, while others say they couldn't put it down.

"...This book is not one to put down very easily!" Read more

"Couldn’t put the book down!" Read more

"...A nice easy, entertaining read. Would definitely recommend." Read more

"A few twist and unexpected turns. Found it difficult to put it down. Would recommend this book, cannot wait to read the next one." Read more

A pacy and enthralling courtroom drama
5 out of 5 stars
A pacy and enthralling courtroom drama
An enthralling and pacy courtroom drama that will have you flipping through the pages. The wit and wisdom of Rob Rinder shines through every page from the light-hearted, witty tone to the sharpnand shrewd courtroom language and legal jargon. Adam Green is a trainee barrister and has found himself at the centre of a case that is attracting a media frenzy. The furore is due to the poisoning and subsequent death of Grant Cliveden, an officer with a heroic police service, and the accused is newly released multiple offender Jimmy Knight. The case has more twists than gnarled tree branch and pushes Adam into unknown territory that will attract some unhappy attention. A guaranteed page-turner. #thetrial #robrinder #penguin
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

Tony
5.0 out of 5 stars Great fun.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 July 2024
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Tightly plotted and sharply written, the story pumps along and provides great summer poolside reading. Not too obvious with just the right amount of tension. I loved the reference to SCD…when you know, you know!
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Candygirl
4.0 out of 5 stars Pacy courtroom drama
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 February 2024
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Full disclosure - I had vaguely, vaguely heard of Rob Rinder but never seen him on TV or read anything about him, so for me this wasn’t a celebrity book but just a book. I’m not sure if you know who he is you’d like the book more or not.

I enjoyed this one and it races long and stays interesting. Some of the characters are a little cliched and if you’ve watched North Square it will feel quite familiar - the racing around London covering far flung magistrates courts, the huge volume of work pupils have to take on, the pompous older KC, the flirtatious pupil etc etc, I forgave it those things as this is a first novel after all. I liked Adam mostly but he does go on and on and on about gaining tenancy. I know this was meant to show it was important and foremost in his mind but I didn’t think I needed reminding quite so often.

All in all I felt this was fast, enjoyable and readable. It’s not going to win awards or break any boundaries but sometimes you just want a good book for a wet winter afternoon.
17 people found this helpful
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Yonni.I
5.0 out of 5 stars Justice on Trial: Diving into Robert Rinder's Thrilling Debu
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 April 2024
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Robert Rinder, famed for his sharp wit and intelligent rulings on TV’s "Judge Rinder," brings the courtroom drama into the literary world with his debut novel, "The Trial." This book plunges into the murky waters of the British legal system with a gripping story that could only come from someone intimately familiar with the scales of justice.

"The Trial" starts with the shocking death of a heroic policeman, Grant Cliveden, right inside the Old Bailey, setting off a high-profile murder case that rocks the nation. The suspect, Jimmy Knight, a man with a tainted past, finds his fate in the hands of Adam Green, a trainee barrister. This is Green's first case, and what a case to start with! The plot weaves through a labyrinth of deceit, past grudges, and legal battles that test not only Adam’s mettle but also the very limits of the justice system.

My parents recommended this book, and it certainly did not disappoint. The blend of legal intrigue and thrilling narrative kept me hooked from the first page to the last. Rinder's experience in the legal field shines through in his detailed and compelling courtroom portrayals.

I awarded this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. It wasn’t just the thrilling plot that captivated me but also Rinder's ability to create a narrative that's both educational and exhilarating. The legal details are portrayed precisely, something only someone with real legal experience could achieve flawlessly.

My anticipation for the sequel was so intense that I rushed to pre-order it as soon as I finished "The Trial." This book is a must-read for anyone with a background in law or those just looking for a compelling read that accurately depicts the complexities of the justice system. Robert Rinder has proven that he can command a courtroom and the world of legal thrillers.
11 people found this helpful
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Shirley W
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 June 2024
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I just loved this book. Well written with unexpected twists and turns.
Couldn't put it down.
I would highly recommend this book.
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Kat M
4.0 out of 5 stars A clever and twisty courtroom novel
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 February 2024
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‘The Trial’ by Rob Rinder is a really clever and twisty courtroom drama by the famous TV judge - he really is a talented author and his knowledge lends a strong air of authenticity to this debut novel. Our story focuses on pupil barrister Adam who is desperate to prove himself and gain tenancy at the chambers he aspired to work at ever since its leading KC came in to his school to give an inspiring speech about the law’s power to secure justice. As we find out throughout the book, there were many reasons why he took that message so personally!

When the notorious Jimmy Knight requests Adam’s assigned barrister Jonathan for his defence against allegedly poisoning hero-worshipped police officer Grant Cliveden, the pair need to build a convincing case in the hope of achieving a Not Guilty verdict. Adam believes in his client’s innocence and thinks there are significant holes in the prosecution while Jonathan is more bothered about looking good to his wealthier clients. Almost single-handedly, Adam studies and investigates.

There are lots of twists and turns in the case, and a fair few red herrings along the way. The novel is definitely more of a procedural / mystery than a thriller with the majority of scenes set in court or chambers, but the tension builds nicely throughout leading to a shocking crescendo. There are a few fun comedic scenes when Adam and his fussing, matchmaking mother chat, and Rinder has created a very rounded and likeable lead so I am excited to read about his next challenges!

Overall, this gets four stars from me. Don’t go in expecting the heart stopping thrills and spills of Steve Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn series, instead approach this book hoping to be entertained and informed - and I’m pretty sure you will be…
7 people found this helpful
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shelducky
3.0 out of 5 stars Others do it better.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 March 2024
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The Trial carries you along quite enjoyably and few will find it a dull read. The problem is that it treads an already well trodden path and there are others who have written very similar novels, which are simply better. Gary Bell and Simon Michael are examples. Rinder’s usp is to inject an enjoyable sub-theme of “Jewish mother” humour though it is far from original and, no doubt, some will find it stereotyped. The prose is slightly leaden, but that may be hyper critical. The chapters follow the modern trend of being very short and that seems to suit the overall style. Characterisation is generally good, but the posh fellow pupil is another stereotype, as is his pupil master. Where Rinder is very good is in how he uses his stereotypes to build the character of his protagonist. I never normally complain about implausibility, but legal novels somehow are impressed with a heavier burden of proof than other genres. Rinder wholly fails to discharge that burden in his treatment of the judge. Will I buy the next in the series? No - but I don’t regret the purchase of the Trial.
10 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

beth mclaren
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story
Reviewed in the United States on 21 October 2023
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A detailed but never boring examination of what goes into a trial preparation.
Well drawn interesting characters with a plot that twists at the end of the story, upending the reader's previous assumptions.
The book repays the reader's time and attention.
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Ramachandra Raghavan
4.0 out of 5 stars A slow paced thriller
Reviewed in India on 3 July 2024
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Too much description of legal system. For any reader outside England will find it anbit drag. The book was lengthy witj small font.
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christina
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in Germany on 14 July 2023
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Once started had to read the whole book.
Loved it
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CountryCatkin
5.0 out of 5 stars engrossed from the first page.
Reviewed in Australia on 7 May 2024
Verified Purchase
I was riveted by the book - the plot, the dialogue, the descriptions, in fact the whole thing, with its legal descriptions and it’s gentle humanity. Every spare minute I’d be back into reading it. Many more books hoped for, please sir.
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Jane D
5.0 out of 5 stars Twisty modern court drama
Reviewed in Australia on 4 August 2023
Verified Purchase
Loved this. Full of fascinating insight and behind-the-scenes courtroom drama. Definitely didn't twig the twists and turns. Smart, entertaining read with likeable (and not-likeable) characters. Looking forward to the second one.
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