This was a bit of a wild ride and I just knew something was up with how that shooting went down...and we finally find out what it was YEARS later! This was my 2nd William Deverell book and I am now adding all of his books to my TBR! Arthur has certainly gotten up to a lot in his years as an attorney and I want to know all about it!

#TheLongShotTrial
#NetGalley

This book is #9 in the series of Arthur Beauchamp, a lawyer from British Columbia Canada. He's writing a memoir about his time in the courtroom and his most memorable cases. The story follows his time as young lawyer in 1966, he's defending a housemaid who's accused of shooting her employer. Instead of taking the open-shut route provided to him with the case, Beauchamp does a little more digging to try to give his client the best defense possible.

I found the book to be a little slow for me. I'm not sure if reading the prior books in the series would be an asset for this series, but it worked okay as a standalone. I did find the story within the story was intriguing and I did finish the book. I kept listening to the book because I am from British Columbia and I liked hearing how other people describe the beautiful setting. I found the book to be very descriptive, the setting and the events in the story. I don't know if it was the casual tone of the book, or perhaps the narration, but I did find it hard to stay engaged in the story.

Thank you NetGalley and ECW Press Audio for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6549495649

The Long-Shot Trial - An Arthur Beauchamp Thriller by William Deverell and narrated by Tim Machin is the ninth book in this series and the first I have listened to from William Deverell.

The story is written in two timelines from the POV of Arthur Beauchamp; 1966 when he was a young lawyer and the present day, writing a memoir about the events surrounding a trial that seemed at first glance to be a clear conviction. However, as Arthur Beauchamp delves further, he finds the evidence and information that is at the core of his cross-examination

A young Filipina housemaid has shot and unalived her lascivious millionaire boss for SAing her. No-one in the town was sad to see the evil landlord's demise and rally behind the young maid, even sending provisions and money back home to her mother.

I am not usually a fan of legal thrillers, but the combination of quirky characters, wry humour and the panache of Tim Machin's narration make for a highly entertaining audiobook

Thank you to Netgalley, ECW Press Audio, the author William Deverell and narrator Tim Machin for this ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

The Long-Shot Trial: An Arthur Beauchamp Thriller
Book 9
William Deverell
An unauthorized biography had recently been published. Determined to clear his blemished name, Arthur Beauchamp retires to a quiet rural town in British Columbia to rest, relax and write his memoir. He looks back on a case from 1966. It was a murder case that looked hopeless for the defense. His career hinged on this case.
A young Filipino woman, a housemaid was the victim of rape; for several days her employer had assaulted her. Her employer, the deceased, was a cruel and malicious millionaire. She shot him with his own rifle. It appeared she was so close to him when she pulled the trigger she couldn’t miss. The prosecution thought they had a strong case for first degree murder. Arthur Beauchamp was assigned the case; he was a young lawyer without a good reputation, he had bungled his first murder trial. It was up to him to defend the young housemaid, but it seemed the odds were against him. Angeline Santos was defenseless, but Arthur was determined to fight for her. Angelina did not deny shooting her boss, but she does not believe she killed him. Beauchamp had to convince the jury that Angelina was the victim.
I was not familiar with this series. Author William Deverell has a exceptional writing style. He builds the story with intricacies that keep the reader turning the pages. My favorite part of this tale was the interaction in the courtroom. The judge is tetchy and malicious; it appears he is out to get Beauchamp. It is difficult to believe this is a fictional novel; it reads as if it was ripped from the pages of a newspaper. Well done.
Thank you NetGalley for providing a review copy of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very interesting book. The way the book was set up was very different and worked well.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC (in audiobook format).

“The Long-Shot Trial” is a Riveting Legal thriller.

Arthur Beauchamp, the seasoned lawyer with a penchant for both courtroom drama and introspection, takes center stage in William Deverell’s latest legal thriller, “The Long-Shot Trial.” Deverell, known for his intricate narratives and sharp characterizations, delivers once again, weaving a tale that transcends mere legal proceedings.

Plot Summary:

In 1966, a young housemaid stands accused of murdering her callous and vindictive millionaire employer. The evidence seems damning: she shot him point-blank. Enter Arthur Beauchamp, a lawyer haunted by a previous murder case gone awry. Now, he faces a trial that could either cement his reputation as a pathetic loser or propel him into the upper echelons of criminal counsel.

But this isn’t just a courtroom drama. In the present day, Arthur grapples with writing a memoir. His social gaffes, booze-soaked escapades, and quirky encounters on idyllic Garibaldi Island interrupt his efforts. As he reflects on the past, Arthur’s slashing cross-examinations during the trial come alive, offering glimmers of hope that the jury might entertain reasonable doubt.

What Sets “The Long-Shot Trial” Apart:

Layered Characters: Deverell masterfully crafts characters who defy stereotypes. Arthur Beauchamp isn’t just a lawyer; he’s a flawed, introspective soul navigating life’s complexities. His wit, vulnerability, and determination make him relatable and endearing.

Twists and Turns: The trial hurtles through unexpected twists, keeping readers on their toes. Deverell’s ability to subvert expectations adds depth to the legal proceedings.

Social Commentary: Beneath the legal facade lies a commentary on Canadian society. Deverell explores cultural values, political undercurrents, and the elusive nature of truth.

Why You Should Read It:

Authenticity: Deverell’s prose feels genuine. Whether describing courtroom tension or Arthur’s island escapades, he captures the essence of human experience.

Ingenious Framing: The memoir format adds layers to the narrative. Arthur’s reflections enhance the trial’s stakes, making it more than a battle of legal wits.

Surprise-Packed Courtroom Action: Prepare for jaw-dropping moments. Deverell keeps you guessing until the final gavel falls.

Final Verdict:

“The Long-Shot Trial” is a surefire winner for legal thriller enthusiasts. Deverell’s blend of wit, suspense, and social commentary elevates this novel beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned Arthur Beauchamp fan or a newcomer, this book will leave you pondering the complexities of justice long after you’ve turned the last page.

Note: As a book reviewer, I appreciate Deverell’s ability to balance legal intricacies with human drama. “The Long-Shot Trial” is a compelling addition to the Arthur Beauchamp series.

I’m not familiar with the Arthur Beauchamp series, but this works very well as a standalone. Beauchamp is writing his memoir so this covers much of his early life and a particular court case. There’s a dual timeline, but it’s not confusing. Beauchamp is an entertaining character. Wise and witty he takes on, or rather has foisted upon him, a case where a Filipino maid is charged with murder. Her employer raped her. The case seems cut and dried and the essence of this story is a detailed courtroom drama. I found that aspect fascinating; the cut and thrust of defence and prosecution and points of law.

Deverell has just the right balance; a plausible and likeable protagonist, a realistic court scene and plotting that’s skilled and keeps your attention. Based on this story, I’ll be looking for more. Narration throughout is excellent. Laconic and laid back, it made a relaxing listen. Thor enjoyed it.

One of my favourite things is a book within a book, or a story within a story. Being unfamiliar with The Arthur Beauchamp series didn’t hamper my enjoyment of this novel at all, infact if I understand correctly, whilst this novel is quite a way into the series it’s intended to read as a prequel.

We meet Beauchamp taking a break from the courtroom and embarking on writing a memoir, a memoir based back in the 60’s on one of his very early cases, when he seeks the acquittal of a Filipino maid charged with the murder of her very wealthy boss after he has raped her. As Arthur’s writing progresses so do the flashback’s to the trial, the court scenes are sharp, fast paced, at times funny but above all they are believable, absolutely rammed with tension and I couldn’t wait to get to the verdict and of course the story post verdict.

I’m quite the fan of a gritty tv/movie legal drama, yet I can probably count on fingers and toes the number of legal drama books I’ve read. Yet they’re all memorable in one way or another. This very much reminded me of a movie -the name of which alludes me at present, but needless to say it was excellent. Whilst I’m based in Scotland and Scot’s law varies from the rest of the U.K. I have seen and read enough knowledge of U.K. law that the similarities with Canadian law were extremely easy to follow. Beauchamp himself an original and endearing character.

The audiobook is narrated brilliantly by Tim Machin who easily sounded like an old friend relaying a story.

An absolute page turner!
All the stars 🌟
#Jorecommends

I extend my thanks to ECW press audio and NetGalley for the ELC for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

This was an intriguing story, and the dual timelines were interesting and manageable -- sometimes, with audiobooks particularly, it is hard to keep them straight, but here it was very well done. The narrator is great, his tone pleasant to listen to, and enough emotion to keep you engaged.

I have never read or listened to a legal novel before let alone an American one however having seen a few sitcoms over the years it did help with the understanding of legal jargon which to be fair was not over used.

I was drawn in by this book, at the beginning I did have to concentrate a little to get into the story and follow it properly as the writer goes between 1966 and present timlines but once I understood this more it became an easy enjoyable intriguing listen.

I haven't read or listened to the previous books, and this still reads well as a stand-alone. I didn't feel lost because of this fact.

Regarding the actual story, it felt all too real. Is this fact or fiction? I believe in most novels for most writers within the creativity there is always elements of truth the come from either their own lives of others who may have crossed their paths that lead to inspiration and this story is definitely not too far from reality. There were many points where I was litrally mouth open like is this really what I'm hearing, twists and turns right up until the very end.

Angelina Santos a housemaid of a very wealthy man who goes on to abuse and rape her then is killed to which she is sent to jail for. Arthur taking on this case in 1966 and having flashbacks knowing all may not be as it seems delves in to this story with great detail without it being traumatic or triggering to anyone who may have been through such scenarios.

Fantastically well written and well narrated. This book genuinely surprised me at how much I took from it.

With thanks and gratitude to Netgalley & ECW Press Audio

#THELONGSHOTTRIAL
#ALLTHESTARS
#HIGHLYRECCOMENDED
#LEGALNOVEL
#INTRIGUE

Great book to listen to. Set in two timelines but mainly in the 1960’s where the trial was taking place. Very funny in parts but also sad and very indicative of its time. The narrator was wonderful & had me convinced that he was the POV.

This is apparently the 9th in William Deverell's Canadian Arthur Beauchamp series, but it is my first taste, which I listened to on audio, narrated by Tim Machin, approximately 10 hours and 20 minutes long. I have picked up and read many a series from the middle, and mostly its been fine. Here, I admit I really struggled to get into the story and the characters, I noted there were a number of devoted fans of the series, so I surmise the problem probably is my unfamiliarity with the author and his previous works. In that case, it is fair to say that the audio is not necessarily the way to have gone, I may well have fared better with the book.

Beauchamp is in the process of writing a rebuttal against an unauthorised biograpy, a memoir that takes in the eponymous trial in 1966 when he was a young man. All the indications were that it looked like a lost cause, a young housemaid, Angelina Santos had been raped and sexually assaulted over 3 days by a powerful, ruthless, and wealthy man, and it appears that she shot him, the murder trial a foregone conclusion. However, there are twists and turns, and an unhelpful judge, could Beauchamp possibly pull off a miracle for his client? The historical trial is interspersed with present day events, with interference from others affecting Beauchamp.

It may be other readers and listeners have a better experience than I did with the story. Many thanks to the publisher for an ALC.

I couldn’t follow this. I am not sure if reading other books in the series would have helped. I struggled and had to listen to the first few chapters several times. I was interested in the original case but wish it had been told in real time and not as a reflection. I ultimately gave up. Sorry!

Wow! Though this is a deviation from the genres I normally gravitate toward, I thoroughly enjoyed this enthralling fast-paced legal thriller!
The book takes place in present day, as Beauchamp seeks to set the record straight as he recalls the trial of Angelina, a Filipino maid on trial for murdering her employer in 1966.
As he reminisces the details of this almost 60 year old trial we ask ourselves as readers if things are perhaps not what they seem.
The ending is what made this book so enjoyable, not a hint of ambiguity. I finished this book knowing exactly what really happened and why.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my appreciation for the Gordie Howe references.

Thank you NetGalley and ECW Press Audio for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.