Degrees of Excellence

What to say about Helen Fields (aka HS Chandler)? Everything that this woman writes is absolutely superb, and Degrees of Guilt is right up there with all of her Luc Callanach books. If you've not come across her work before then I suggest you dive in immediately, and if you have, then you don't need my recommendation to know that you're in for an absolute treat. Pleased to report that Nathalie Buscombe also does a great job with the narration.

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Very Emotional Book

This was an amazing listen.

First up, my only gripe was the narrator often made it hard to determine narration vs Maria's commentary. Otherwise though she did a wonderful job.

The story is so well written it left me feeling frustrated, annoyed , exited and angry by turns. The plotline seemed fairly straightforward but had a wonderful twist. I was expecting something to twist, just not that.

It is almost entirely based in the courtroom and jury room so very dialogue and inner voice driven narrative.

Readers of Helen Fields will love this book just as much as her 'Perfect' series.

Final word, ignore the comments about explicit sex etc. There is some brief action but hardly anywhere close to being as gratuitous and some made it sound.

Loved this book.

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Surprisingly good!

Just when I thought I had this one worked out and was going to get annoyed at a let down, I didn’t!
Very good overlapping storyline, good listen.
But.... am I the only one irritated by the pronouncing of the child’s name as “Danielle” rather than “Daniel”???
And would you get the money, assets and life insurance etc., if you killed your other half? (Asking for a friend 😉)...

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Brilliant

Oh my gosh. I loved this book. I have read all of the authors other “Perfect” books when she writes as Helen Fields and they were brilliant as well. This was very different and was essentially a court room drama. The narrator was excellent and I couldn’t stop listening. The twist towards the end took me completely by surprise and I would hugely recommend this book.

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Fantastic story and courtroom drama

This is a great listen on so many levels. I enjoyed the unfolding of the story of both women Lottie and Maria and did not predict how their stories would meet. I have to say listening to some of the details of the abuse Maria suffered was not for the faint hearted and did leave me haunted for a while after. This book is very well written with good dialogue and well-developed characters. I absolutely did not see the double twist at the end and thought it was extremely clever. The narrator did a really good job however her accent did occasionally slip when she was voicing Lottie. I look forward to this authors next book.

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2 people found this helpful

Compelling reading!

I discovered this book was written under a used pseudonym by Helen Fields, so as an avid reader of her perfect series I downloaded this book.
When I say compelling reading I mean just that....it is powerful! Not to be missed!

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Definitely worth a listen.

Interesting story. Original and thought provoking.
If you enjoy courtroom thrillers you will enjoy this.

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2 people found this helpful

Excellent book

Trigger warning: harrowing domestic abuse, sexual abuse and self harm details.

I found this book to be very well written and read. I didn't predict much, which is quite unusual for me! So I always find more enjoyment in a book that outwits me. The aggressors in the story were thoroughly stomach churning, as were a lot of the abuse details. I would definitely recommend, but with caution to any survivors of abuse.

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Wow! what a read 👏

what a book! I literally couldn't put it down, great story and an amazing performance.I can't praise it enough 😁 x

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Stunner

Loved this book. it took domestic abuse to another dimension. The twist towards the end totally floored me. My only gripes are that I wish I knew what had happened to the characters in the end, but sometimes that's what makes a good book great, the not knowing. I did wonder how the female juror managed to throw herself into a full blown affair before the 2 week trial had even ended, but clearly she was lacking something in her relationship to make her seek affection elsewhere. The one thing this book does show is that you don't always have to be physical to be abusive and also DV doesn't just happen to the less well off or well known. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

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