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The Fall Guy

Rock 'n' Roll Murder in 1960s London (Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers, Book 10)

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About this listen

Charles Holborne faces a new courtroom drama! Perfect for fans of John Grisham, Robert Bailey, Michael Connelly and Robert Dugoni.

London, 1969

The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who … Tin Pan Alley is the heart of London’s music scene.

It is also the dark heart of a ruthless business tainted by sex, drugs and corruption.

When a young fan is found dead from a heroin overdose at an American rock star’s accommodation and the band’s manager is charged with her murder, Charles Holborne, barrister, must defend him. But Holborne is getting married in two weeks, and for some reason DS Sean Sloane, his best man, refuses to speak to him.

Has Sloane been turned? What has a select group of corrupt Met officers known as ‘the Team’ to do with the case?

And is Holborne’s client the unscrupulous venal businessman he is portrayed or is he, perhaps, The Fall Guy?

THE FALL GUY is the tenth crime novel in an exciting historical series, the Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers – gritty, hard-boiled mysteries set in 1960s London.

THE CHARLES HOLBORNE LEGAL THRILLERS SERIES

BOOK ONE: The Brief

BOOK TWO: An Honest Man

BOOK THREE: The Lighterman

BOOK FOUR: Corrupted

BOOK FIVE: The Waxwork Corpse

BOOK SIX: Force of Evil

BOOK SEVEN: The Final Shot

BOOK EIGHT: Nothing But The Truth

BOOK NINE: Death, Adjourned

BOOK TEN: The Fall Guy

©2025 Simon Michael (P)2025 Simon Michael Thriller & Suspense Crime Exciting Fiction England Thriller

Critic reviews

'Simon Michael’s Charles Holborne is one of crime fiction’s most compelling creations. The courtroom scenes crackle with energy, but it’s the depth of character and chilling plausibility that makes The Fall Guy unforgettable. Unflinching and superbly written' – Adam Croft, bestselling author of ‘The Rutland Crime Series’
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Simon Michael is a fantastic author. I really enjoy books with a sense of authenticity, and this one delivers in spades. I'm fascinated by the legal process, and it's clear that the author draws from deep personal knowledge and experience, which gives the story real credibility.

The main character, Charles, and his family feel incredibly real to me—sometimes uncannily so. Their experiences mirror aspects of my own life to the point where it feels like Simon Michael has been a fly on the wall! It's spooky in the best way—both endearing and engaging. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys intelligent, well-grounded legal drama.

I hope there will be many more in the series as I have already read all that are available.

First Class Read

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I have read all of these books. this is the first one I have listened to on audible. I really enjoyed it. very good narrator more more more as always

brilliant

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I really enjoyed this. Loved the ending too! One of my most favourite book series of all time!

Loved it!!

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I was totally hooked throughout. Binged the whole book & sad to have finished it. This was well plotted & I enjoyed the slow reveal

One of the best so far

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'The Fall Guy' by Simon Michael is the 10th book in The Charles Holborne series.
Set in the swinging sixties where sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll were the norm.
You will be drawn to London where corruption and prejudice runs deep in The Met
and justice system.

Charles Holborne of Counsel, is at the top of his game, willing to go that extra mile for his clients.
He comes across as an honest, caring man, whose wish l think is to be made up to QC. marry the love
of his life and look after his family, but cross him at your peril.

There is laughter and tears, good and evil, twists and turns when you least expect it.
A cleverly written legal thriller not to be missed!
Adele Vanderkar

'Simply the Best'

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