Having just read Sally Smith's novel, I tried this to see what I thought. It is one of the best biographies I have ever read. The style of writing is funny, witty and easy to read. The subject matter is intriguing and the recount of the court cases had me giggling (even though they often involved murders). It was indeed a different world back at the turn of the 19th/20th centuries. if you like biographies, then this is definitely worth a try. I have already recommended it to several people, it was that good.

Sally Smith's biography of Marshall Hall KC is such a page turner I had to ration my daily intake. One might have expected a 'textbook' analysis from a barrister who has clearly done her research here. Not so. The book reads like a drama worthy of translation to screen or stage. With more than a sneaking admiration and an intuitive reading of her subject, she brings Marshall Hall's colourful life to the fore. With the hangman often on standby there is a ready tension in this book. The author provides a compelling and highly readable re- enactment of courtroom dramas, where Hall's method of defence involved working the jury as well as the judge using whatever theatrical style or props he could. A book about an extraordinary man,written in a contemporary and fluid style, with a fascinating insight into the legal world and society that time.

My first insight into Sir Edward Marshall Hall was the BBC drama "Shadow of the Noose' in 1989 - I was gripped by the man and need to know more. I then swiftly purchased 'The Famous Trials of Marshall Hall' by Edward Marjoribanks, I could find little else about the man until I recently stumbled upon this book. Sally Smith has opened the door on aspects of Marshalls life I never thought possible, I raced through pages and I was suddenly back in Marshals world again. Sally has captured the dirt and grit of London in both the Victorian and Edwardian era for both the legal and criminal fraternity, she also depicted the cramped courtrooms and chambers, the disease, fog filled London Streets and back alleys and notoriety of its inhabitants. Thankfully she had a timeline of changes in the law (i.e. defendant giving evidence). Such is the forensic detail in this book that it would be hard to add anything further to the life of Marshall Hall. Sally eludes that there maybe at least one recording of his voice but that it could not be found, I guess this must of been the same for a picture of his first wife Ethel. I only hope that someone could do justice to Marshall's life and the incredible work of Sally and put his life in celluloid. I am sure (if done well) it would make an incredible film. Christopher Wood MBE