As the UK’s quick-witted, acerbic answer to Judge Judy, Robert Rinder is no stranger to meting out justice. Yet, in swapping the gavel for the pen, he’s opened himself up to the inevitable judgement all first-time celebrity whodunnit authors must face: does his writing measure up to Richard Osman’s?

While his characters are less memorable and well-rounded than the Pointless co-host’s, Rinder’s many years working as a criminal barrister provide his book with a fascinating undercurrent of truth. Set in the cutthroat world of London’s high courts, protagonist Adam is tasked with defending a seemingly indefensible man: a surly career criminal and alleged killer of the country’s most beloved police officer.

As he delves deeper into the case, however, he uncovers a torrid tale of affairs, malpractice, and coppers so bent they would make Line Of Duty’s Ted Hastings shudder with righteous fury. Offering a refreshingly honest look at the difference between the letter of the law and genuine justice, The Trial is a surprisingly thought-provoking read. It combines the twists and turns of a thriller with the biting social commentary of an episode of Succession. Verdict? A guilty pleasure, your honour.