The next book to be featured this season on the Sara Cox Radio 2 Book Club is Dissection Of A Murder by Jo Murray—an addictively clever legal thriller from an exciting new voice.
The book was released on 7 May and Jo’s interview with Sara is on BBC Sounds from Tuesday 19 May.
Read an exclusive extract.
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Dissection Of A Murder
When Leila Reynolds is handed her first murder case, she’s shocked at how high-profile it is: the murder of a well-respected, well-known judge. This shouldn’t be the kind of case she’s leading; it’s way beyond her expertise. But the defendant, Jack Millman, is clear. He wants her, and only her.
To make things worse, he’s refusing to talk. How is she supposed to prove herself on what appears to be an unwinnable case?
Losing is not an option. She must find the most persuasive argument. Trials aren’t won by convincing judges or fellow barristers – they’re all about convincing a jury.
Suddenly, Leila finds herself fighting not only to keep Jack out of prison, but also to keep her own secrets buried.
It’s true what they say – there are two sides to every story.
Guilty or not guilty? You decide…
About the author
Jo Murray grew up in Teesside during the 1990s when working-class girls were told they probably shouldn’t try to become barristers. Thankfully, she ignored everyone. After studying Classics at Newcastle University, she went to law school and was a criminal barrister before leaving the profession to look after her two children.
A word from Jo
“I feel truly honoured that Dissection of a Murder has been selected by The Reading Agency to be a BBC Radio 2 Spring Book Club pick. I grew up in social housing, in Teesside, and the local library was my sanctuary from a home which did not always feel safe. The books allowed me to escape into different worlds and stretch my imagination. They prompted me to be inquisitive and curious. Librarians shared the same passion I did, and they were some of the few adults I trusted. To know that my novel has now been chosen by a group of these knowledgeable, incredible people to be part of the book club, is a privilege. My aim with this story was always to start a conversation. This is a book about redemption, compassion, but above all, it is about justice. I am so excited that, having been selected for the book club, readers will walk into shops and libraries all over the country, and have their minds challenged by something I have written, in the same way literature did for me as a young girl. Thank you to Radio 2 and The Reading Agency! I am so grateful to be on this list.”
Get involved
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