The Protest by Rob Rinder: A Cozy Courtroom Drama With Real Bite

Last Updated on May 13, 2026

If you live in the UK, then you’ll probably be very familiar with Rob Rinder, the male equivalent of Judge Judy, who had his own reality daytime TV show – Judge Rinder.

The show ended in 2020, but Rinder frequently pops up in other shows, while he’s not busy penning his incredibly successful series of novels, all of which center around criminal barrister Adam Green.

Having already published The Trial (2023) and The Suspect (2024), next up is The Protest (2025), and this time, Adam is facing two incredibly complicated cases, defending two people he knows are innocent.

So, if you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you mixed a classic whodunit with the sharp wit and legal know-how of a real-life barrister, Rob Rinder’s The Protest delivers a mystery that’s as clever as it is cozy.

Whether you’re a courtroom drama devotee or just looking for a twisty, page-turning read, this book feels like settling in for a chat with a friend who just happens to know all the best gossip from the legal world.

Art, Intrigue, and Cyanide

The story kicks off at the Royal Academy, where the world-famous artist Max Bruce is being celebrated at a glitzy, star-studded opening.

Regarded as Britain’s greatest living artist, he is particularly well known for his painting ‘Primal Scream’, a huge piece of work he created in his 20s.

The gallery’s curator has spent years negotiating the public viewing, and finally, it’s the big reveal.

The champagne is flowing, the art world’s elite are mingling, but there’s a sense that something is just a little too perfect.

That’s when the night takes a wild turn – a protester bursts from the crowd, douses Max with blue paint, and chaos erupts.

But this isn’t just a bit of performance art gone wrong. Max collapses, and it’s quickly revealed that the paint was laced with cyanide.

Suddenly, the protester isn’t just a nuisance, they’re the prime suspect in a murder plot.

Meet Barrister Adam Green

Enter Adam Green, a relatively newly qualified barrister and our series hero, who, along with senior Barrister Morris Brown, is handed the unenviable task of defending the accused protester.

From the outset, it looks like an open-and-shut case. The evidence is damning, the motive seems clear, and the press are already sharpening their pens.

But if you’ve read Rinder’s previous books, you’ll know nothing is ever that simple in Adam’s world.

Adam Green is the kind of protagonist you root for, not because he’s a superhuman sleuth, but because he’s so wonderfully, relatably human.

He’s clever, yes, but he’s also self-deprecating, a little awkward, and prone to the kind of inner monologue that will make you laugh out loud.

You get all the juicy courtroom drama, but also the behind-the-scenes hustle: the late-night case prep, the awkward client meetings, and the ever-present specter of Adam’s mother calling to check if he’s eating enough.

It’s these touches that make the book feel like you’re getting the inside scoop from someone who’s really been there.

A Mystery with Layers (and a Bonus Case!)

What sets The Protest apart from your average legal thriller is how Rinder weaves not one, but two mysteries into the plot.

While Adam is knee-deep in the Max Bruce case, there’s a second, equally engaging trial to follow. This Military Court case is with Barrister Bobby Thompson, and the duo are defending a young soldier accused of murder while on active duty in Khandistan.

The Max Bruce case is the showstopper, full of red herrings, suspicious characters, and motives galore.

Was the protester really out for blood, or just making a statement? Who else had a reason to want Max dead?

Rinder drops clues like breadcrumbs, inviting readers to guess along with Adam. And just when you think you’ve got it figured out, he pulls the rug out from under you with a twist that’s as satisfying as it is surprising.

The second case (no spoilers, promise!) adds another layer of intrigue and showcases Adam’s growth as a barrister. It’s a clever narrative move that keeps the pace brisk and the stakes high, without ever feeling overwhelming.

Glamour, Secrets, and Scandal

One of the joys of The Protest is how vividly Rinder brings the art world to life.

The supporting cast is a gallery of suspects: jealous protégés, disgruntled critics, and old flames, each with their own reasons for wanting Max Bruce out of the picture.

Rinder’s background in television and media shines through in his depiction of the art scene’s glitz and gossip.

If you’ve ever watched a red carpet event and wondered what’s happening behind the smiles, this book gives you a peek behind the curtain, complete with the kind of sharp, funny observations that make you feel like you’re in on the joke.

Legal Drama with Heart (and a Few Laughs)

While The Protest is undeniably a mystery, it’s also a story about justice, truth, and the messy business of defending the seemingly indefensible.

Adam’s journey isn’t just about solving the crime; it’s about grappling with the moral gray areas of the law.

Rinder doesn’t shy away from the complexities of the legal system, but he never lets the technical details bog down the story.

Instead, he uses them to build tension and add authenticity, all while keeping the tone light and engaging.

And let’s not forget the humor. Rinder’s writing sparkles with wit, from Adam’s self-deprecating asides to the banter with his colleagues (and, of course, his ever-present mother). It never feels natural, never forced, and it gives the book a warmth that’s all too rare in the genre.

A Twist You Won’t See Coming

If you’re the type who prides themselves on guessing the ending, The Protest will keep you on your toes.

Rinder is a master of misdirection, planting clues that seem obvious in hindsight but are devilishly hard to spot in the moment.

Even if you have an inkling of the who and why, your jaw will still be on the floor by the last page!

Should You Read It?

The Protest is a standout entry in the Adam Green series, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, legal dramas, or anyone who loves a good puzzle.

You don’t have to be a legal expert to enjoy it as Rob Rinder’s approachable style makes even the trickiest courtroom scenes easy to follow, and his affection for his characters shines through on every page.

If you’re new to the series, you can jump in here, but you’ll get even more out of it if you’ve read The Trial and The Suspect first.

The ongoing development of Adam’s character, his relationships, and his career adds depth and richness to the story, making each book feel like catching up with an old friend.

Final Thoughts

Rob Rinder has crafted a smart, funny, and genuinely surprising mystery that blends courtroom drama with the glamour (and grit) of the art world.

It’s a book that invites you to guess along, rewards careful reading, and leaves you a little surprised at the end.

So, whether you’re curled up with a cup of tea or sneaking in a few chapters on your commute, The Protest is the kind of book that makes you glad you picked it up.