C J Koh Law Library is known for its vast amount of primary and secondary sources of law.  But little is known about its small treasure trove of legal fiction. The library’s store of older fiction includes books by barrister John Mortimer QC  about the life of Rumpole, better known as Horace Rumpole or Rumpole of the Bailey, an ageing London barrister who defends any and all clients. There is also a series by British County Court Judge Henry Cecil (1902-1976). His works of great comic genius have often highlighted the absurd contradictions in the legal system.

The law library now keeps up-to-date with the writings of famed author John Grisham. His latest legal suspense offering is The Associate. The protagonist in this novel is Kyle McAvoy, who is forced to work as an associate in a top law firm after he is blackmailed with a secret from his past. In his job, he is required to lie, cheat, steal and risk his life.

Scott Turrow’s Innocent, sequel to Presumed Innocent, is the latest legal novel to grace the law library’s shelves. The book continues the story of Rusty Sabich and Tommy Molto who are, once again after 20 years, pitted against each other in a riveting psychological match following the mysterious death of Rusty’s wife.

Interested in the law library’s legal fiction collection? Search the catalogue for titles under your favourite author or browse the shelves under call numbers PR, PS or KB222 on the third storey of the library. Happy reading!

Lee Su-Lin
C J Koh Law Library