Harriet Tyce grew up in Edinburgh and for 10 years worked as a criminal barrister in England before leaving to raise a family.

Tyce turned to writing, and her experience in the criminal justice system became the primary source of inspiration for her novels. Her characters are mainly English trial attorneys, and she focuses on what it means to defend someone in a criminal trial. Tyce has become well known not only for her bestselling works of fiction, but also for being a contestant on “The Traitors,” a British reality series involving mystery and skulduggery.

"WITCH TRIAL concludes in a somewhat unusual fashion and may leave readers with some unanswered questions. Still, Tyce has established herself as a brilliant courtroom novelist and master of the legal thriller."

Tyce’s latest novel, WITCH TRIAL, is written from the perspective of a juror. When readers first encounter Matthew Phillips, he is on his way to the Scottish High Court after receiving a jury summons. Phillips is a surgeon with a heavy caseload and an upcoming scheduled vacation, either of which would allow him to be excused. But he declines to inform the presiding judge of his situation and willingly lets himself be picked as a juror. 

Those familiar with the American legal system might be surprised to learn that potential jurors in other countries do not undergo the deep questioning that happens in US courtrooms. As a result, these juries are selected quite quickly.

Christian Shaw’s lifeless body is found in an Edinburgh park. Her death stuns the city and becomes more shocking when two of her fellow students, Eliza Lawson and Isobel Smyth, are charged with her murder. Allegations surrounding the crime involve witchcraft and a ritual killing, leading to a social media explosion, public debate and heavy news coverage. 

Throughout the trial, Matthew ponders the evidence. He questions many aspects of the prosecution and even his own judgment. Tyce keeps the trial moving while giving readers a crash course in Scottish criminal procedure. On this subject, she was assisted by her father, a retired Scottish judge.

The courtroom scenes are realistic and well-presented. In most novels of this genre, authors must make factual accommodations to advance the plot. There are just enough plot twists and tension here to keep the audience attentive. While Matthew is an interesting narrator, his position as a juror and his role in leading the jury to a verdict may make American readers somewhat uncomfortable. Anyone with experience in serving on a jury on this side of the Atlantic may question his behavior. 

WITCH TRIAL concludes in a somewhat unusual fashion and may leave readers with some unanswered questions. Still, Tyce has established herself as a brilliant courtroom novelist and master of the legal thriller.