Toby Read

TOBY READ is a practising lawyer. In 2021, he was appointed as a part-time judge on the South Eastern Circuit of England.

After years spent in real-world courtrooms, Toby turned to writing fiction, channelling his insider knowledge of the law to create pacey, character-driven legal thrillers. He completed a Creative Writing course at the University of Oxford’s Department for Continuing Education, where he developed the ideas that would become his debut novel – Solomon’s Court [see blurb below] – due to be published in 2027 by Bloodhound Books.

A lifelong reader and fan of all things crime and legal fiction, Toby cites Steve Cavanagh, John Grisham and William Landay as key influences.

When not engaged in courtroom dramas or penning fictional ones, Toby can be found driving his family up the wall as he learns the drums on the electric kit he promised them would be silent.

“Solomon’s Court” is a heart-pounding legal thriller where trust is scarce, and seeking justice has a price.

Isla McQueen, a junior barrister burdened by a troubled family legacy, is fighting to save her career after a disastrous amateur boxing debut. When she’s handed a case that could define her future, she’s determined not to fail: defending Amber Lewis, accused of murdering Leon Wilder—the man Amber believes kidnapped her young daughter, Lily.

As Isla digs deeper, she unearths unsettling truths about Amber, her dubious ex-partners, and the wealthy, enigmatic neighbours entangled in their lives. With the trial fast approaching and her chances slipping away, a shocking revelation turns the case on its head. Suddenly, Isla is battling not just for Amber’s freedom, but for her own survival.

Her client is spiralling downwards, and the clock is ticking on finding the missing toddler. Will Isla uncover the truth before it’s too late?