The Rapunzel Act

Abi Silver

Can you find justice when the world is watching?

‘A gripping mystery sensitively told’ The Times

When breakfast TV host and nation’s darling, Rosie Harper, is found brutally murdered at home, suspicion falls on her spouse, formerly international football star, Danny ‘walks on water’ Mallard, now living out of the public eye as trans woman, Debbie.

Not only must Debbie challenge the hard evidence against her, including her blood-drenched glove at the scene of the crime, she must also contend with the nation’s prejudices, as the trial is broadcast live, turning it into a public spectacle. For a woman trying to live her life without judgment, it might just be too much to bear.

Legal duo Judith Burton and Constance Lamb are subjected to unyielding scrutiny as they strive to defend their most famous client yet.

Another thought-provoking courtroom drama from the acclaimed author of the Burton & Lamb series.

‘What could have been a gimmicky roll in the gutter turns out to be a gripping mystery sensitively told’ The Times

‘Thought-provoking…the trial is genuinely enthralling. Silver’s real achievement is in making issues that fascinate lawyers transparent, accessible and entertaining to readers’ Jewish Chronicle

‘The series remains as thought-provoking as ever. The author shows how easily public opinion might be manipulated to push the truth out of reach. And there are some sparkling courtroom exchanges’ Crime Review

‘The fourth in Silver’s fairy-tale series of crime novels has its fingers hovering over quite a few hot-button issues... Under her assured hand, Rapunzel manages to address perceptions of trans women, the morality of eco-warriors and the wisdom of television airing of ongoing court trials without falling over itself’ Shots Magazine

‘This fourth instalment in the Burton and Lamb series is as poignant as ever – a timely exploration of the implications of the increasing movement towards broadcasting trials and sentencing’ JLife Magazine

‘Unusual and challenging’ Law Society Gazette, Best Law Books of 2021

Paperback

Published: Lightning (April 2021)

ISBN: 9781785632266