Last Updated on June 8, 2026

When it comes to combining a deep understanding of the criminal justice system with storytelling flair, Rob Rinder stands in a league of his own.

Many will know him as the energetic and insightful ‘Judge Rinder’ from his hit daytime TV show, where he deftly cut through legal wrangles with frankness and humour.

Rob’s story started in North London, where he was brought up in a close-knit Jewish family and found his early passion for the law.

It was this passion that led to a First in politics and modern history from Manchester University, and ultimately, a distinguished career at the Bar specializing in financial crime and international fraud.

Rob’s TV profile soared in 2014, but he’s never strayed far from his legal roots. Alongside courtroom shows, Rinder has made award-winning documentaries and is a much-loved columnist.

He also received an MBE in 2020 for services to Holocaust education, marking his commitment to causes beyond simply entertainment.

As a writer, Rob’s reputation has only grown, with readers celebrating his ability to make the legal world accessible and full of relatable (and witty) characters.

Rob Rinder Next Book – The Defence

Now Rob is back with a brand new legal mystery, The Defence, which is set to hit shelves on June 18, 2026.

Once again, readers will be in the capable hands of barrister Adam Green, who’s quickly becoming a favorite in the modern cozy legal genre.

The story kicks off with a death by poisoning, bath salts, no less, and throws Adam into a case where the prime suspect is the victim’s own assistant.

Familiar faces and new twists abound, with Adam tasked to defend Jules, whose close connection to the victim adds depth and tension to the trial.

Early glimpses suggest we’ll get more of the witty dialogue, tight plotting, and behind-the-scenes courtroom insight that make Rob’s books perfect for fans of Richard Osman and Janice Hallett.

The Defence looks like another legal mystery cracker, ready to deliver everything we enjoy – a solid puzzle, pace, and plenty of emotional punch.

Rob Rinder’s Previous Books

The Trial (2023)

Rob’s debut novel The Trial introduces trainee barrister Adam Green.

Here, Adam’s first case is a headliner: defending Jimmy Knight, a man with a checkered past accused of murdering a heroic police officer, Grant Cliveden, with poison right in the Old Bailey.

It’s a trial that puts the entire justice system under scrutiny. The evidence is circumstantial but damning, and Adam’s determination to get to the truth is both gripping and heartfelt.

What makes this entry so memorable is the way it captures Adam’s vulnerability. He is new to the courtroom, doubting his own instincts, and forced to challenge powerful people and accepted narratives.

The book is as much about grit as it is about legal finesse, and Rob Rinder brings Adam’s anxiety and growing confidence to life in a way that’s at once fraught and deeply relatable.

The Suspect (2024)

The Suspect takes Adam into the heart of a media scandal after a beloved breakfast TV star, Jessica Holby, dies from poisoning live on air.

All roads lead to celebrity chef Sebastian Brooks as the suspect, but Adam is convinced that the simple solution hides a much knottier truth.

Drawing on Rinder’s experience, the novel is peppered with brisk courtroom exchanges, clever investigative threads, and sharp observations about the pressures faced by young lawyers.

Adam must navigate not just the facts of the case, but also his own doubts and the tricky politics of his chambers, all while fending off veiled threats from those who don’t want the truth uncovered.

The result is a layered, character-driven legal drama that keeps the reader guessing.

The Protest (2025)

The Protest

Rob’s third novel, The Protest (review here), plunges Adam into parallel cases.

The first is the high-profile assassination of an artist amidst an anti-war demonstration, and the second is a thorny court martial involving a soldier accused of murder in a war zone.

The art-world case bristles with spectacle and political overtones, while the court martial shows a more intimate, characterful view of military justice.

The book stands out for the way it juggles comic relief, especially from Adam’s irrepressible mother, with the darker stakes of the main cases.

As Adam takes on his new responsibilities, his growth, both personal and professional, is at the heart of the story.

You will find yourself totally invested in his ability to balance empathy with the demands of his role, and the deeply human element that sets Rob Rinder’s work apart in a crowded field.

Rob Rinder’s Literary Standing and Success

Is there nothing the man cannot do? On top of an already stellar career, his success as an author is more than just a passing fad.

Both The Trial and The Suspect debuted as Sunday Times No.1 bestsellers, with The Trial gaining particular attention for its sharp characterisation and compelling mix of wit and authenticity.

The Protest took second place in the book charts, behind Karin Slaughter’s We Are All Guilty Here when it was published.

While specific copy sales aren’t always public, all three books have appeared on major retailer bestseller lists and generated glowing reviews from critics and readers alike.

Rob’s blend of legal expertise and storytelling makes him stand out, and he’s often mentioned alongside modern British mystery mainstays.

His name regularly crops up in connection with literary festivals, major media interviews, and award nominations, sealing his reputation as a major figure in the legal thriller and cozy crime space.

It’s this balance of warmth, wit, and legal authenticity, that gives Rob Rinder a special place in the literary hierarchy.

He’s just as likely to be found giving talks on justice and equality as he is signing books for legions of fans at British crime festivals.

For cozy mystery readers, his novels mean smart fun and a sneak peek into the quirks of British law, and there’s no sign his star is fading any time soon.

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About Agatha Marplewood

Agatha loves Puzzle-solving, Crime Mysteries, High Tea, Antiquarian Books, Cryptography, Theatrical Disguises and Blogging.

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