The Rapunzel Act is the fourth book in Abi Silver's Burton and Lamb legal thriller series but the first I've read. I'm sure that returning readers will have a deeper understanding of the dynamic between the two main characters but I felt I soon had a decent grasp of the relationship between Judith Burton, the seasoned barrister and her younger colleague, Constance Lamb who is a solicitor.
Abi Silver's own experience working in Law shows; The Rapunzel Act feels assuredly authentic which I thought made the discussions about broadcasting a trial live even more interesting. We've all seen the salacious headlines and heard the polemic discussions when a prominent case hits the courts and the media. Here, Judith and Lamb are defending a high profile client whose past has already been widely discussed and debated in the Press and on social media but even that pales in comparison to the situation she now finds herself in, when her trial becomes the first to be broadcast live - and subsequently discussed and analysed on the new and ratings-hungry Court TV show.
Debbie Mallard is a transgender woman who first hit the headlines as Danny Mallard, the superstar international footballer who played for Arsenal and England, winning all the top honours. He married the then rising media darling, Rosie Harper but transitioned to Debbie in 2017, and the pair divorced. It's the sort of story that has the gossip-mongers rubbing their hands in glee and as soon becomes apparent, a court case which involves so many aspects known to stir up strong emotions - domestic violence, gender identity, sport - becomes even more controversial when it is conducted live on television.
The first part of the novel follows events leading up to trial, including Debbie's response to learning of Rosie's murder, resulting in a chase which will call to mind OJ Simpson for many readers. Her reaction immediately suggests she must be guilty in the minds of much of the public, particularly when more evidence - including a bloodied glove found at the scene - comes to light.
Constance seems more concerned by the potential issues posed by the trial being broadcast live and dissected afterwards than Judith, who is initially determined to ignore it. Their roles complement one another well and it's clear that although they work well together, they are comfortable enough to disagree with one another too. Judith is the strategist and although Constance occasionally questions her decisions, she works diligently behind the scenes, gathering evidence and investigating leads which may help prove Debbie's innocence.
The trial itself is gripping, with testimonies from both sides shaping and re-shaping the opinions of those watching - and those reading - time and again. I was particularly impressed here by the way Abi Silver portrays the inevitable shock reporting of such a case without ever becoming sensationalist herself. The scenes in and out of the courtroom are tense and emotional; there are protests from various groups outside while inside, revelations and decisions are made in the full knowledge that the world is watching and commenting. It all feels convincingly accurate and provokes some thought-provoking questions about prejudice and bias, and about the very relevant concerns presented by the legal system becoming supposedly more transparent.
The Rapunzel Act is a riveting murder mystery and a fascinating social commentary which sensitively examines various topical issues and which never forgets the human emotions at the heart of such a case. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more in this series.
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