Know Your Enemy

‘Comparisons with John Grisham and Vince Flynn are inevitable, but are they justified? Absolutely! There is no better test of a novel than whether you are able to put it down. Know Your Enemy passed that test with flying colours. This is a compelling piece of fiction, and to those of you in professional partnerships, you will appreciate more than most the intrigues of the character structures, the loyalties, personalities, greediness and sheer skull-duggery of those that sit around that large table. Rod has written this novel in short, fast-paced chapters - relatable characters, easy to read and full of suspense to the very end.’ Michael Hawkins AM FAICD

‘Know Your Enemy is a fast-moving and suspenseful legal thriller. Tom Jackson uncovers with surgical precision the murky side of property development, international finance, gambling, corruption and money laundering - and how they can and do interact in the 21st-century global economy.

There were many things about the book I loved: its Australian and more relevantly Brisbane lexicon; the author’s professional insights into large property transactions and how this impacts positively and negatively upon the politics of his law firm and its partners; the commentary on modern principles of corporate governance and how they can be subjugated to profit and return on investment by corrupt management and directors not willing to ask the hard or obvious questions; and the cars, especially the race-off between a silver AMG Mercedes and a Porsche 911 Carrera.

As a fellow lawyer, I’m delighted to see that the precision and commercial competence the author displayed in his successful legal career have been put to excellent use in his descriptions of so many aspects of this book. Rod captures, through Tom Jackson, how sheer hard work and competence allow a good lawyer to attain that mythical role of trusted advisor, even in the modern world.

I expect more Tom Jackson thrillers to follow and, in due course, movie rights and movies to challenge the high watermark of John Grisham’s The Firm.’ Scott McDonald, Law Firm Partner

What a great read! Having read John Grisham, Peter Robinson, Ian Rankin, Lee Child and Australia’s Peter Temple and Gary Fisher, Know Your Enemy is a beauty, in the same league as these bestselling authors. As a successful transaction lawyer in real life, Rod Besley knows all about the risks and dangers involved in financing big developments. His style of writing holds your attention to the point of not being able to put the novel down. The nonstop intrigue just keeps the pages turning. Wonderfully written and edited, it is a must for any fiction reader, especially those who enjoy a different take on legal thrillers outside of courtroom dramas. Leighton Trafford, ARC Reviewer

‘The world of big law and high finance have never been portrayed in a more realistic and thrilling way. Rod Besley puts you right in the leather chair behind the big desk. Hang on tight. It’s one hell of a ride. With carefully crafted characters, a rollicking story line and legal accuracy, Rod nails the legal thriller genre at his first attempt.’ Stephen Quartermain, Lawyer

’This fast-moving novel traverses Brisbane, Hong Kong and London as its key characters uncover the complexities of crime syndicates laundering funding for a major property deal in the Brisbane CBD. The author uses his decades-long experience in major law firms to highlight not only the intricacies of international financing, but also the competing and conflicting interests and personalities within large law firms. A great read.’ Peter O’Donnell

‘Fast-moving thriller that takes the reader at lightning pace through the ruthless world of illegal financing and boardroom chicanery.’ Greg Meek, former CEO

Step into the enthralling world of legal thrillers crafted by the masterful storyteller, Rod Besley. Hailing from Australia, Rod’s unique background as an esteemed lawyer infuses his writing with a deep understanding of legal intricacies. His ability to unravel complex legal puzzles while keeping readers on the edge of their seats is a testament to his expertise and narrative finesse. Follow Rod Besley’s literary journey for a glimpse into the mind of a legal virtuoso turned storyteller. With each new release, he invites readers to dive headfirst into the realms of power, corruption and the relentless pursuit of truth. If you’re a fan of gripping legal dramas that defy conventions, Besley’s novels are a must-read for your bookshelf.

Dr Juliette Lachemeier is the managing editor of The Erudite Pen, a professional editing and independent publishing business. She helps fiction and nonfiction authors turn their writing dreams into a published reality and has published a number of #1 bestselling titles.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.