A review by kellylacey
The Trial by John Mayer

4.0

In The Trial, John Mayer masterfully recreates the atmosphere of Edinburgh’s old streets and halls as the backdrop to a gripping whodunnit. With short fast paced chapters, a glossary of legal terms and a plethora of characters with back stories the reader should be forgiven if their head is spinning by the end of part two but it is worth persevering. Using a cast of characters where class and honour are not necessarily related, truths, half-truths, and downright lies are woven together to keep the reader’s attention right to the end. Mayer’s characters have a tendency to be less than completely forthcoming and transparent in their encounters; this slightly pessimistic, though not necessarily unrealistic, a portrayal of the human condition certainly keeps things interesting. Elements of the story are at the same time utterly unbelievable and entirely plausible which allows the reader to draw on their own preconceptions and stereotypes. Only as the story develops will you find out if what you think you know and what you actually know are even loosely related. All in all, The Trial is an enjoyable read and I would recommend giving it a go. Three stars.
J.A.Warnock
Review on behalf of Love Books Group