Degrees of Guilt by HS Chandler -psychological thriller

*trigger warning domestic abuse

Maria has just killed her husband. Yes really. She can’t quite believe it has finally

happened. She hit him over the head with a chair leg, one that needed repairing. She

calls the police and hands herself in. Her husband was a well respected ecologist with

a large on-line following.  Lottie has been called for jury service, something she is

looking forward to with a mixture of anticipation, nerves and excitement. Her day to

day role is that of a wife and mother to Zain and Daniyal, so socialsing is limited to

toddler groups. Her husband Zain comes across as someone who not only takes her for granted but puts her down at any opportunity. Lottie is part of the jury for Maria’s

trial as she has entered a not guilty plea for attempted murder. Lottie soon finds in the

other jurors that there are a mixture of people, some to get on with and others to

avoid. Oohh!! This drew me in right from the start. There is a brilliant tension in the

chapters and the stories of both Maria and Lottie intermingled. Never a dull moment.

We all feel for those that are controlled or where coercive force is used and it’s not

always as simple as “just leave” as many still think. Abuse can take many forms and

can be husbands, wives, siblings or even parents that are the perpetrators.

A brave topic told not only carefully but very cleverly.

A brilliant page turning read.

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DEGREES OF GUILT - HS Chandler Published by Trapeze on 5th September 2019, Paperback original, £7.99 'Timely, anger-inducing and very powerful - it's excellent' Harriet Tyce, author of Blood Orange When you read this book, you will think you know every twist in the tale. Maria is on trial for attempted murder. She has confessed to the crime and admits that she wanted her husband dead. Lottie is on the jury, trying to decide Maria’s fate. She embarks on an illicit affair with a stranger, and her husband can never find out. You will think you know who is guilty and who is innocent.

A former barrister, HS Chandler is a pseudonym for bestselling crime author

Helen Fields, who practised for thirteen years in both family and criminal law.

Having extensively prosecuted and defended, she is an avid believer in the right

to a fair trial, and in the invaluable role that juries play in the British legal system.

Helen was born in Hampshire and now lives in the US. @HSCinkpen