Simon Michael on Writing the Charles Holborne Series

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, discover The French Vendetta by Simon Michael, latest in the Charles Holborne series which plunges readers into the morally complex world of 1960s London courtrooms—where justice is fought for with razor-sharp realism, rich historical detail, and deeply human drama.

Former criminal barrister Simon Michael has built a devoted readership with his long-running Charles Holborne legal thriller series, which transports readers to the morally complex world of 1960s London.

Drawing on his own experiences at the Bar, Simon Michael’s novels place the courtroom—rather than the police investigation—at the centre of the drama. The result is a series that blends authentic legal insight with rich historical atmosphere and deeply human storytelling

Now eleven books into the series, with The French Vendetta arriving this May, Simon Michael reflects on the real-life cases that inspired his writing, the challenges of portraying courtroom drama on the page, and why the turbulent social landscape of the 1960s continues to provide fertile ground for compelling crime fiction.

1. What first inspired you to write the Charles Holborne series?

When I wrote the first book, The Brief, I wasn’t expecting it to become a series. I had been involved in a fascinating murder case involving what lawyers call a “cutthroat defence”. That’s where the police know one of two or more accused committed the crime, but they can’t prove which one, so they charge them all and let the defendants fight it out between themselves.

That case became the backbone of the story.

Only when I had finished the book did I realise that I had created quite an unusual and interesting protagonist in Charlie Horowitz, later Charles Holborne – one readers seemed to respond strongly to. It was only then that I thought perhaps there might be a sequel.

Eleven books into the series, the answer appears to be yes.

2. Why did you choose the 1960s as the backdrop for the series?

I have always loved the 1960s.

At that time London was controlled by gangs like the Kray twins and the Richardsons, and the Metropolitan Police was institutionally corrupt. Sir Robert Mark, who later became Commissioner of the Met, famously said of the force: “I only hope we catch more criminals than we employ.”

That dynamic is gold dust to a crime writer.

At the same time, it was a period of enormous social change. People often think of Carnaby Street and flower power, but that came later in the decade. The early 1960s were still grey and difficult, with bomb sites yet to be cleared and serious housing shortages.

For the first time, the power of the Establishment was being challenged by youth culture. Teenagers were beginning to form a recognised identity of their own, with music and fashion setting them apart from their parents. And the music itself shaped my life. I was fifteen when the decade ended, and bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who and The Animals still form the soundtrack to my writing today.

3. What sets the Charles Holborne series apart from other crime fiction?

Firstly, there are very few crime authors writing from the perspective of a barrister. Most crime fiction focuses on police officers or forensic investigators.

In most stories the narrative ends when the criminal is caught. In reality, for lawyers, that’s where the story begins; the search for the truth.

Secondly, my books move forward through time. Each novel takes place in a different year, so readers see Charles age, his family evolve, and the world change around him.

Finally, I deal with broader societal themes. My books are not just puzzles to be consumed and forgotten. I want them to leave a mark.

4. Are courtroom dramas on television and film an accurate reflection of reality?

Mostly they are frustratingly awful.

I imagine it’s like a doctor or nurse watching a hospital drama and shouting at the screen that everything is wrong. However, the series Silk, which focused on life in barristers’ chambers in the Temple, was extremely well written and probably about 90% accurate.

5. Is it difficult defending someone you believe may be guilty?

This is the question that every barrister is asked.

The truth is that what I believe is irrelevant. What matters is what the jury or judge believes.

My job is to present my client’s case as effectively as possible without misleading the court.

It’s also worth remembering that when I first started practising at the Bar, corruption within the police in London was so widespread that it was impossible to trust their evidence. I worked on many cases where officers planted evidence, bullied suspects or fabricated confessions. So any opinion I might have formed about a client’s guilt from reading the papers could easily have been wrong.

With its blend of legal realism, historical context and complex characters, the Charles Holborne series continues to stand apart within the crowded crime fiction genre. By grounding his stories in real courtroom experience and the shifting social landscape of post-war Britain, Simon Michael offers readers something more than a conventional crime novel – a deeper exploration of justice, morality and the human stories that unfold when the law is tested.

The French Vendetta, the eleventh Charles Holborne novel, is published in May.

Find more from Simon Michael now:

The French Vendetta Pre-Order: https://amzn.to/4vkLGF1

Book Series Kindle: https://amzn.to/48sxsIv

Book Series Paperback: https://amzn.to/4vkFexV

Book Series Hardback: https://amzn.to/3NXFbHI

Book Series Audible: https://amzn.to/4cftzYp

Amazon Books Author Page: https://amzn.to/4tCzGNy

Apple Books Author Page: https://apple.co/48xyfYz

Website: https://simonmichaelauthor.com/

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