Trial of Passion [Paperback]

William Deverell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2002

Arthur Beauchamp, a heralded criminal lawyer, has moved to a quiet island off the British Columbia coast. While trying to recover from a marriage gone sour, his retirement is interrupted by his former law partners-they want Arthur to take charge of the defense trial of Jonathan O'Donnell, the acting dean of a law school. O'Donnell has been accused of rape by one of the students, Kimberley Martin, a smart but arrogant woman who is engaged to a rich businessman. After much pleading, Beauchamp agrees to handle the case. He is drawn into complex legal situations dealing with gender and sex, while his personal life takes a provocative turn as well. A courtroom drama ensues, with unpredictable twists and bizarre events.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Beauchamp is a marvelous character"--The Globe and Mail --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Inside Flap

"Brimming with sardonic wit and zippy phrases...roller coaster twists of passion"--The Toronto StarArthur Beauchamp is Vancouver's leading criminal attorney. He's also an alcoholic with an unfaithful wife and a desperate need for solitude. So when he turns his back on his life and settles down on an island off the Pacific coast, it looks like a premature but very permanent retirment. Then one last case draws him back. The dean of law at a local university is charged with the sadomasochistic rape of one of his students. The evidence against the defendant is overwhelming. And he's lied again and again--to the police, his therapist, his attorneys.

If anyone can save him, Beauchamp can. But first Beauchamp has to save himself--from the memories of his painful past and the torment of his inner demons. And then he has to face the choice that has haunted him throughout his career: does he serve his client--or tell the truth? --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: ECW Press (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1550225421
• ISBN-13: 978-1550225426
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #706,806 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An award winning novel and a fine book, October 16, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Trial of Passion (Paperback)

Trial of Passion has just been awarded the Hammett Prize from the North American Branch of the International Association of Crime Writers, honoring a work of literary excellence in the crime writing field. If you like a intelligent, literate, and witty novel, this one's for you.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read!, January 8, 2009

By 

Hermy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Trial of Passion (Paperback)

What a great read. Arthur Beauchamp is an very interesting character and so are all his island friends. Wild ending. Another must read!

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful!, November 28, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Trial of Passion (Hardcover)

Well, I shoved the rest of my life aside for this one. What a treasure! Charming, witty, with hilarious portrayals of Arthur Beauchamp's island neighbours....On the other hand, an extremely intelligent and surprising examination of sexual passion gone awry -- with a courtroom trial that ended in a way that I'd never have suspected. A thoroughly engrossing story, written with depth and compassion for every character. A sumptuous feast -- read it!