The Rapunzel Act by Abi Silver @abisilver16 @eyeandlightning @midaspr @amberachoudhary #blogtour #bookreview

Happy Sunday everyone! I’m thrilled to be hosting today the blog tour for Abi Silver’s fourth Burton and Lamb book, The Rapunzel Act.

My thanks to the author and Amber Choudhary of Midas PR for inviting me on the blog tour and to Lightning Books for my paperback copy of The Rapunzel Act. I also bought an e-copy when it was released in January.

The Blurb

CAN YOU FIND JUSTICE… WHEN THE WORLD IS WATCHING?

When breakfast TV host and nation’s darling, Rosie Harper, is found brutally murdered at home, suspicion falls on her spouse, formerly international football star, Danny ‘walks on water’ Mallard, now living out of the public eye as trans woman, Debbie.

Not only must Debbie challenge the hard evidence against her, including her blood-drenched glove at the scene of the crime, she must also contend with the nation’s prejudices, as the trial is broadcast live, turning it into a public spectacle. For someone trying to live their life without judgment, it might just be too much to bear.

Legal duo Judith Burton and Constance Lamb are subjected to unyielding scrutiny as they strive to defend their most famous client yet.

Another thought-provoking courtroom drama from the acclaimed author of the Burton & Lamb series.

What Did I Think?

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the first three Burton and Lamb books from Abi Silver so I was intrigued to find out what issue would be tackled in The Rapunzel Act. The previous books have looked at the use of AI however this time round, Silver brings a different technology to her novel – live streaming and in particular the courtroom drama.

This method of trial is used Stateside but in the UK, it’s yet to be tried (as far as I’m aware). I for one would be fascinated to watch a murder trial from the comfort of my own home. But in The Rapunzel Act, it’s not just the live streaming our returning protagonists Judith Burton and Constance Lamb have to get used to. No, some bright spark has decided that there will be the equivalent of Match of the Day broadcast each evening to dissect what’s happened that day in court. And some of the commentary has an effect on the next day’s courtroom action.

But this is not the only issue Silver tackles. She sensitively examines the issues and reactions of an individual going through gender reassignment. For Debbie Mallard, she is no ordinary woman, she’s a former footballing star and top flight manager. As the trial of Debbie continues, the opinions of those around her and her life choices are voiced and could these expose who the true guilty party is in the murder of her ex-wife?

I have to mention the brief nod to my favourite legal drama Suits – that really made me smile #loveharvey. But putting my TV obsession to one side, The Rapunzel Act is another fabulous courtroom drama in the Burton and Lamb series. Silver’s experience of the legal world shines through her writing. As I sat through the trial alongside Constance and Judith, I really couldn’t decide who I wanted to charge with Rosie’s murder – everyone had a motive. Can’t wait for The Midas Game.

Who Is Abi Silver?

Abi Silver was born in Leeds and is a lawyer by profession. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and three sons. Her first courtroom thriller featuring the legal duo Judith Burton and Constance Lamb, The Pinocchio Brief, was published by Lightning Books in 2017 and was shortlisted for the Waverton Good Read Award. The Aladdin Trial, featuring the same legal team, was published in 2018, followed by The Cinderella Plan in 2019.

Read more about Abi and her work at www.abisilver.co.uk.