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A Higher Duty
- Narrated by: Ben Elliot
- Length: 11 hrs and 7 mins
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Summary
In Harold Macmillan's Britain of the early 1960s the Bar is dominated by white, privileged, Oxbridge men. Underneath a profession which proudly flaunts its integrity and traditions lies a world of hypocrisy and ruthless self-interest. When scandal threatens, self-preservation is the only goal and no one is indispensable.
Ben Schroeder, a talented young man from an East End Jewish family, has been accepted as a pupil into the chambers of Bernard Wesley, QC. But Schroeder is an outsider, not part of this privileged society, where wealth and an Oxbridge education are essentials. He encounters prejudice, intrigue, and scandal.
Kenneth Gaskell, a rising star of Wesley's chambers has become involved in an affair with a high-profile client and the relationship, if known, could ruin his career, and the careers of all those around him.
But Bernard Wesley has some information - he knows about a student prank that went terribly wrong. Can he use this knowledge in a desperate gamble to save his chambers and turn the tables on his old rival, Miles Overton, QC? Ben Schroeder has proved his ability, but he is no more than a pawn in this game. Can he survive in this world where nothing, not even justice, is sacred?
After graduating from Cambridge University, Peter Murphy spent a career in the law, as an advocate and teacher, both in England and the United States. His legal work included a number of years in The Hague as defence counsel at the Yugoslavian War Crimes Tribunal.
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- Elliot Foskett
- 07-12-22
Wonderfully written
This was a character-rich novel, full of wonderful side stories which wove together beautifully.
A well-crafted, well-thought-through story which transports the reader to the stuffy, conservative 1960s bar.
Narrates brilliantly with a skill that breathed life into every character.
This is not a ‘chance it’ read; this is a guaranteed ‘lose yourself for hours’ book.
I’m disappointed that none of the other novels are on here yet.
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- Anna W
- 14-05-23
First class
A clever story and an excellent easy to listen to narrator. Wish there were more like this
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- Jane V
- 05-02-24
Riveting legal machinations
Expertly read by Ben Elliott this story is a fascinating tale of high and low morals in the legal world. I loved the characters and the reminder of how the 'elite' set the rules of the game in those days : the story is set in the 1960s. My only complaints are that it is too short and the rest of the series isn't available on Audible.
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- T. Temple
- 11-02-20
True great old English courtroom drama
Loved this book. I listened to the Audible version compulsively for 3 days.
Can’t wait to read the next story. I wish it was on audible.
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- Ian
- 22-02-22
pretty good tale. well read
You can tell the writer has a legal background because he's so well informed about legal practices of the era. The characters are pretty well defined in that you have definite goodies and baddies. The story is a bit contrived in that everyone gains something so it's all right in the end but it doesn't leave you feeling let down so yes give it a go.
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- Collette
- 27-12-23
Audible plus catalogue delightful bonus. Very well written and narrated. A detailed and interesting novel.
Enthralling and intriguing insight into our legal system. The old boys network at it's finest or worst!
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- black magic
- 22-09-21
Excellent
Thought it was a bunch of short stories to begin with but it tied all the different stories together excellently. A good listen
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- neil
- 28-12-22
Excellent story well told
A most enjoyable book. Slow to start but very well written and entertaining.
I am now looking for other books by the same author
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- Marie
- 15-02-22
Great read
I loved this book. Great story well plotted with well formed characters, The narrator was also excellent. Definitely recommend it.
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- Paul
- 24-09-21
excellent
I loved this book and loved the narration.. top class and would highly recommend...
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