The Pinocchio Brief

Abi Silver

A SUNDAY TIMES CRIME CLUB PICK

‘A first-rate courtroom drama’ Daily Mail

SHORTLISTED: Waverton Good Read Award

A 15-year-old schoolboy is accused of the brutal murder of one of his teachers.

His lawyers – the guarded veteran, Judith, and the energetic young barrister, Constance – begin a desperate pursuit of the truth, revealing uncomfortable secrets about the teacher and the school.

But Judith has her own secrets which she risks exposing when it is announced that a new lie-detecting device, nicknamed Pinocchio, will be used during the trial. And is the accused, a troubled boy who loves challenges, trying to help them or not?

The Pinocchio Brief is a gripping courtroom thriller which confronts our assumptions about truth and our increasing reliance on technology.

‘A refreshing debut from a former lawyer – a first-rate courtroom drama’ Daily Mail

‘Silver’s taut thriller provides ample food for thought as the defence team confront the implications of machines dispensing justice’ The Times

‘A good read and an excellent first novel’ Literary Review

‘A quirky and charming debut novel that combines modern technology with a good old-fashioned courtroom drama’ Irish Independent

‘A legal thriller with a neat angle and loads of twists: I cannot tell a lie, this is an excellent read’ Sunday Sport

‘There’s plenty of buzz around this debut courtroom thriller inspired by a true story involving controversial lie-detecting technology. The unexpected twist is a jaw-dropper’ Saga Magazine

‘An exceptionally accomplished debut novel’ WI Life

Paperback: 384pp

Publisher: Lightning (August 2017)

ISBN: 9781785632723