The Inner Temple: a warren of shaded courtyards and ancient buildings forming the hidden heart of London''s legal world. A place where tradition is everything, and murder belongs only in the casebooks. Until now. When barrister Gabriel Ward steps out of his rooms on a sunny May morning in 1901, his mind is so full of his latest case - the disputed authorship of bestselling children''s book Millie the Temple Church Mouse - that he scarcely registers the body of the Lord Chief Justice of England on his doorstep. But even he cannot fail to notice the judge''s dusty bare feet, in shocking contrast to his flawless evening dress, nor the silver carving knife sticking out of his chest.The police can enter the Temple only by consent, so who better to investigate this tragic breach of law and order than a man who prizes both above all things? But murder doesn''t answer to logic or reasoned argument, and Gabriel soon discovers that the Temple''s heavy oak doors are hiding more surprising secrets than he''d ever imagined. The first in a brand-new series introducing a wonderfully eccentric sleuth, perfect for fans of S.J. Bennett and Richard Coles.

Vorwort
First in a delightful new mystery series featuring Edwardian barrister Gabriel Ward KC, for fans of Janice Hallett, S.J. Bennett and Richard Coles

Autorentext
Sally Smith is the author of A Case of Mice and Murder, winner of the 2026 British Book Award: Crime & Thriller. A Case of Life and Limb is the second book in the series starring the reluctant sleuth Sir Gabriel Ward KC. Having spent all her working life as a barrister and later King's Counsel, Smith was inspired by the historic surroundings and rich history of the Inner Temple in London where she still lives and writes.