"Corrupted" is the fourth in the Charles Holborne legal thriller series written by ex-barrister Simon Michael and is the much anticipated follow up to "The Lighterman". These books portray 'BritCrime' at its best and I have to admit, even though I probably say this every time, this one was my favourite to date. If you love British courtroom dramas that don't bore you or use complicated legal jargon, you'll love these books and this respected and talented author is definitely BritCrime's answer to John Grisham. I always feel relaxed reading a Holborne thriller, Charles is a fantastic character and the fact that he is a boxer too just adds to the intriguing storyline that I particularly enjoy. Set in 1964, Charles is investigating a sex ring that involves not just the Krays and the Mafia, but also goes to the very echelons of the country's power. Although some of the plot line is of a distressing/sensitive matter it is handled delicately and certainly doesn't make you feel uncomfortable. I loved how this particular book involved more of the Kray twins - they've always been my favourite part of London's salubrious history - even bringing Ronnie's real life homosexuality into it. The true historical facts the story is based on did actually occur and includes real life characters like Lord Boothby and the heavyweight boxer Sonny Liston. You can't help but get pulled into the story as soon as you start reading, I had lots of sympathy for Teddy and his circumstances - the ending was quite a surprise to me but very apt and rounded off a fabulous and entertaining storyline. The use of police and court documents adds to the authenticity of the story and its clear the author knows what to include to keep the reader engaged. The author also has a wonderful way of incorporating old parts of London into his narrative, always conveying the history of buildings/streets etc so you really build up a picture of the capital city from bygone times to the swinging 60's when the book is set. Considering Simon Michael has prosecuted and defended murderers, armed robbers, con artists and other assorted villainy during his 37 years as a barrister, he has more than enough stories and ideas to keep him writing for many years to come and I for one hope for many more thrillers involving the much loveable Charles Holborne. Urbane Publications have yet again published another cracking thriller and I can't praise these books enough, either read as standalones or as a series they really are terrific and I wish the author continued success with his very popular and compelling series. 5 stars