Description

‘Compelling and human . . . a political rallying cry’ New York Times

‘Bold, fearless and heartbreaking’ Elle Magazine

‘It has been an absolute joy to return to Tessa’s story . . . My hope is that it will reach the widest number of people . . . I’ve personally enjoyed delving into her story again’ Jodie Comer

‘Bold, fearless, heartbreakingly timeless. Written with skill, humour, despair and hope, Prima Facie is a deeply rewarding, absolute must read’ Chris Whitaker

‘Enthralling and sharp-witted . . . Highly recommended’ Karin Slaughter

‘Miller’s star shines as brightly as a novelist as it does as a playwright. Prima Facie the novel gives us what novels do: the intimacy of interior life. A great read’ Anna Funder

From the Olivier award-winning playwright of Prima Facie Suzie Miller comes her first novel, where power, patriarchy and morality diverge.

‘This is not life. This is law.’

Tessa Ensler is a brilliant barrister who’s forged her career in criminal defence through sheer determination. Since her days at Cambridge, she’s carefully disguised her working class roots in a male-dominated world where who you know is just as important as what you know. Driven by her belief in the right to a fair trial and a taste for victory, there’s nothing Tessa loves more than the thrill of getting her clients acquitted.

It seems like Tessa has it made when she is approached for a new job and nominated for the most prestigious award in her field. But when a date with a charismatic colleague goes horribly wrong, Tessa finds that the rules she’s always played by might not protect her, forcing her to question everything she’s ever believed in . . .

AS SEEN IN ROISIN KATE KELLY, SUNDAY TIMES, ROUND-UP OF BEST BOOKS COMING IN 2024

Publisher Review

Prima Facie has already had a powerful impact outside the theatre, with copies of the original script included in training for new judges. If the novelisation gives it a greater reach, that can only be to the good; these are stories that need to be heard * Observer * This nakedly powerful story of how even a successful articulate woman lawyer can herself become a victim of the system is still one worth telling and re-telling * Daily Mail * An enthralling, biting story * the i, ‘Best Books to Read in March’ * An engaging, thought-provoking novel . . . Miller braids the legal technicalities and courtroom procedures with Tessa’s personal story authentically, with great control of tension and pace — Helen Cullen * Irish Times * Bold, fearless, heartbreakingly timeless. Written with skill, humour, despair and hope, Prima Facie is a deeply rewarding, absolute must read — Chris Whitaker, New York Times bestselling author of WE BEGIN AT THE END Enthralling and sharp-witted . . . Highly recommended — Karin Slaughter Miller’s star shines as brightly as a novelist as it does as a playwright. Prima Facie the novel gives us what novels do: the intimacy of interior life. A great read. — Anna Funder, author of STASILAND A fantastic read, page-turning and thought-provoking. The kind of story you can’t stop thinking about, I loved it — Jane Harper, author of THE DRY Miller’s novel is searing, vindicating and absolutely necessary both in the injustices it names and the emotions it evokes. I am grateful to her for writing it — Sarah Krasnostein, author of THE BELIEVER Gripping . . . [with] blistering points about class, power, the patriarchy and the law shaped by generations of men — Alice O’Keeffe, Books Editor * Bookseller *