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Sharon I borrowed the audio version from the library via Borrowbox - if your library uses Borrowbox or Overdrive you may be able to get it there. Community Reviews· 2,330 ratings · 382 reviews Start your review of You Don't Know Me
Mar 26, 2017 Gary rated it really liked it I had no previous knowledge of either the author or the book itself but having read the description while browsing on Net Galley felt compelled to know more. The book features an unnamed defendant standing accused of murder, having sacked his lawyer just before the Closing
Speeches. He decides to defend himself and tell all the truth even if it may harm his defence. There are eight pieces of evidence against him and as he talks us through them one by one, his life is in our hands. We, the reader The book features an unnamed defendant standing accused of
murder, having sacked his lawyer just before the Closing Speeches. He decides to defend himself and tell all the truth even if it may harm his defence. There are eight pieces of evidence against him and as he talks us through them one by one, his life is in our hands. We, the reader and the members of the jury must keep an open mind till we hear the end of his story. His defence raises many questions, but did he do it? This is a fascinating book that is very different to the style of books
that are very popular at the moment. I enjoy the other books also but this book was an excellent debut novel by an author I am sure we will hear more of in the future. If you fancy reading something a little different then this is worth reading. A thought provoking book that is well written and keeps you guessing.
Feb 27, 2017 Tracy Fenton rated it it was amazing Once in a while you read a book that not only gets under your skin, but it leaves your breathless and gasping out loud. You Don’t Know Me is an incredible debut novel. Told entirely through Court Transcripts – a young man charged with murder sacks his lawyer and tells his defence story in his own voice to the jury over a period of ten days. Covering gang culture and social issues, our young narrator breathes life in his story and brings it vividly into the readers imagination. Keeping the reader Once in a while you read a book that not only gets under your skin, but it leaves your breathless and gasping out loud. You Don’t Know Me is an incredible debut novel. Told entirely through Court Transcripts – a young man charged with murder sacks his lawyer and tells his defence story in his own voice to the jury over a period of ten days. Covering gang culture and social issues, our young narrator breathes life in his story and brings it vividly into the readers imagination. Keeping the reader interested for over 400 pages highlights the skill of this author. A truly fascinating, enthralling , thought provoking book which will stay in my thoughts for a long time. My thanks to the publisher Michael Joseph and Netgalley for the ARC. ...more
Jun 01, 2017 Louise Wilson rated it really liked it An unnamed man stands accused of
murder. Just before the closing speeches, the man sacks his lawyer and decide to give his own defence. We are told his barrister told him to leave some things out, but he thinks if he is going down for life, he might as well go down for telling the truth. With eight pieces of evidence against him, he takes us through piece one by one. We never learn the name of the young man who stands accused of murdering a gang member. The evidence seems to prove the young man's We never learn the name of the young man who stands accused of murdering a gang member.
The evidence seems to prove the young man's guilt. However the more evidence we read the narrator got into my head and under my skin. The characters have all got a huge background that tells us exactly why they were involved in the case. As soon as I read the description for the book I knew I wanted to read it. With characters are believable I found this to be a thought provoking book and one that I will still be thinking about for a while after finishing it. I would like to thank
NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Imran Mahmood for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Feb 15, 2017 Liz Barnsley rated it really liked it You Don't Know Me has an interesting
premise well executed, a terrifically strong and authentic character voice and an intriguing and compelling story. Its a little early to write up a full review I'll be featuring this on the blog nearer to publication, but I loved it for its differences, the fact that the reader is the jury for this one and whilst I felt the ending was slightly weaker than the rest, overall this was an entirely gripping narrative that you just want to binge read to the end. Tha Its a little early to write up a full review I'll be featuring this on the blog nearer to publication, but I loved it for its differences, the fact that the reader is the jury for this one and whilst I felt the ending was slightly weaker than the rest, overall this was an entirely gripping narrative that
you just want to binge read to the end. That is in fact exactly what I did. Beautifully done. Clever. One to watch in June. In fact June is shaping up to be a top bookish month. ...more
You can find all my reviews on www.itsbooktalk.com The premise of this book really drew me in! The idea
that someone would fire their lawyer before closing arguments in their murder trial and decide to give their own interested me. There are so many aspects of the criminal justice system that I have issues with that I thought a book about a defendant speaking out for themselves was something right up my alley. We are immediately introduced to the defendant who remains unnamed the entire book. I th The premise of this book really drew me in! The idea that someone would fire their lawyer before closing arguments in their murder trial and decide to give their own interested me. There are so many aspects of the criminal justice system that I have issues with that I thought a book about a defendant speaking out for themselves was something right up my alley. We are immediately
introduced to the defendant who remains unnamed the entire book. I thought I'd have a problem with this because I worried I might not connect or be able to picture him in my head without a name but that really wasn't the case at all. His voice and personality immediately struck me as realistic and pulled me into his story. He has decided he wants to tell the whole truth and nothing but...this is against the advice of his lawyer who seems to believe the truth will hurt his case. The defendant
lays out the 8 key pieces of evidence against him and proceeds to go over each one explaining, in great detail and backstory for many, the "truth" behind the supposed evidence. The reader gets to be a part of the jury...are his versions of the "truth" to be believed? As he begins detailing the pieces of evidence we begin to get a feel for his life and what led to his currently being charged with murder. What we hear includes racism, poverty, drugs, girlfriends, and quite a bit of dealings
with gangs and the gang subculture. The defendant speaks using colloquial language and lots of urban street slang which on the one hand made him feel like an authentic character but on the other hand it started to make me wish I could hear from someone else. Which doesn't happen. The entire book is told in the first person and we only hear from the defendant. While initially I enjoyed this narrative structure, by about 35% into the story I felt myself becoming slightly annoyed with the constant,
repetitive use of certain words like "innit" and the very detailed backstories started to bore me quite honestly. As the story went on, I found my mind wandering and I started skimming which is never a good sign. Overall, this story started off so strong for me but lost steam by the halfway point and I never regained my interest. And the ending....not at all what I expected...don't get me started on that! What I'll say is that the author took a great risk with this narrative structure and
story which I appreciate and while it didn't work for me, I'm very much in the minority because there are many highly rated reviews on Goodreads. If you're looking for a uniquely told story you might want to give this a try.
Apr 15, 2018 Christine rated it it was amazing This is an amazing debut, by a gifted writer. Imran
Mahmood’s You Don’t Know Me is a quality and powerful court drama, from the very first word. We meet a young man on trial. He has sacked his barrister. He wants to represent himself to the court, on his terms. He is delivering his final speech and countering all the evidence presented by the prosecution. He is a black twenty two year old guy from inner city London. His background is working class street where gangs are prevalent and life is grim We meet a young man on trial. He has sacked his barrister. He wants to represent himself to the court, on his terms. He is delivering his final speech and countering all the evidence presented by the prosecution. He is a black twenty two year old guy from inner city London. His background is working class street
where gangs are prevalent and life is grim. We do not learn his name. He has been accused of murder. He says he is innocent. Mahmood gets into the head of a desperate young man, who is eloquently stating what happened to him. We discover what lead him to the court room. The reader is the on the jury. We listen. We judge. The speaker talks a kind of London ‘gangsta speak’, the language of youth, of the street. We understand. We hear about one life. A man who has strong family bonds and a
girlfriend he loves. We start to form a picture of how disadvantaged this man is and how his life has been shaped by deprivation. He is surrounded by gang culture, drugs and petty crime. He knows all about social exclusion and limited choices in life. Slowly we see how his decisions have been shaped by love and by trying to do the right thing. My verdict is that we definitely get plenty to reflect on. I was impressed by this young man’s words. I felt empathy for his situation. I really
cannot see our defendant on trial getting let off. I predict a manslaughter verdict and a lengthy term inside. The system is stacked against him. Life is unfair. I wish we knew, what happened next. Excellent. Moving. Realistic. Recommended.
Mar 14, 2017 Richard rated it liked it 6/10 What sounded like a really interesting prospect ended up being an
above average legal thriller but not much more. I very rarely, if ever, request a title by an author I’ve never heard of or want to read but the premise of this hooked me so I took the plunge. I had in my mind this would be more like a cross examination rather than a closing statement. I was thinking more Keyser Soze chit chat than young gangster monologue. The fact that the story unfolds from one viewpoint sort of makes it fee What
sounded like a really interesting prospect ended up being an above average legal thriller but not much more. I very rarely, if ever, request a title by an author I’ve never heard of or want to read but the premise of this hooked me so I took the plunge. I had in my mind this would be more like a cross examination rather than a closing statement. I was thinking more Keyser Soze chit chat than young gangster monologue. The fact that the story unfolds from one viewpoint sort of makes it feel
more straight down the line rather than a dodgy narrator trying to convince you and letting you make up your own mind. Only at the 95% mark is the opposition allowed to throw suspicion on the story and I feel this was a missed opportunity. If it was the witness on the stand and you were left to decide after both lawyers had given their best then it would have been an awesome idea. This was still an interesting read about gang life in London and how some people don’t have the options to
avoid it. But it felt a little lightweight. Never do you get the sense of danger for the main guy as you know, with it being in the past, that he comes out of it ok as he’s telling the story. I wasn’t overly convinced with the ending but I guess that was to allow you to throw suspicion on what was being said. One thing I was unsure of was why a judge would allow so much swearing in a closing statement. Little things. I’d be interested to hear other peoples viewpoints of the book as it
might just be my let down that didn’t allow me to fully invest in this. I would read more from the author so it wasn’t a waste of time. I received a free copy from NetGalley
Please check out my book blog at: www.thebuzzingbookmark.com Ah, I feel so torn with
this one. It was a book that I really wanted to love, and that I thought I was going to love. It was, after all, a courtroom drama, and I love those. To be honest though, I battled with this read. Basically, this story is written as one long monologue. The defendant is giving his closing argument in his own trial after having fired his advocate. The way that the story is written didn't totally grab me. I would hav Ah, I feel so torn with this one. It was a book that I really wanted to love, and that I thought I was going to love. It was, after all, a courtroom drama, and I love those. To be honest though, I battled with this read. Basically, this story is written as one long monologue. The defendant is giving his closing argument in his own trial after
having fired his advocate. The way that the story is written didn't totally grab me. I would have enjoyed the whole experience much more if the structure had been different. I think the story would have been so much more engaging if the defendant had been in the witness box, giving evidence. Both advocates could have been asking questions, the defendant answering them and the reader left to decide whether they believed the defendant's version of events. Instead, the monologue seemed
exceptionally long and drawn out. This is another issue that I had. The monologue and in turn, the book itself, was too long. In real life, a closing argument would never last for the length of time that this one did. It just doesn't happen that way. And the language used by the defendant would never be allowed either. In real life, a court room is a very serious place, with tradition, a judge that everyone respects and a very intimidating atmosphere. In this
story, the defendant, in using "street" language, swore at various times and throughout the monologue. As a reader, I have no issue with swearing, but in this case, it was unrealistic. It wouldn't happen in a real court. Every now and again, the defendant would apologise to the judge, but most of the time he didn't. And lastly, I did battle with the "street" talk used in this book. I must give the author credit and say that he captured the character of the person perfectly
by using this language, but for a girl like me, from a certain background, never having spent any time on the streets, or as part of a gang, the language was difficult. And yes, ultimately this is a story about gangs, street life, violence, drugs and young people growing up on the streets. And that didn't grab me. Did I like anything about this book? Actually, yes. The author is clearly very talented. He created a main character that was really well
formed and clear in my mind. By using street language, the reader is left with a very vivid understanding of who the main character was, and of the world he lived in. The structure of the book was also very different, and a novel concept. I've never read anything else quite like it before. And being innovative is always a good thing, even if it doesn't always work out perfectly. Although this book wasn't for me, I will read the next book by this author. I think he has definite writing
talent. Unfortunately, this story didn't work for me as I found it too long, a little dull and I couldn't relate to the whole gang vibe, but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't give this author a second chance. Something about his writing appeals to me, so I'll try one more. My Rating: * * Publication Date: July 2017 (South Africa) Genre: Courtroom drama Format: Trade paperback Source: Review copy received from the publisher. Many thanks to author,
Imran Mahmood and Penguin Random House SA for my copy.
Feb 24, 2017 Sibel Hodge rated it it was amazing I love books hat tell a story in an unusual way, and You Don't Know Me is masterfully told by a young man on trial for murder, giving his final closing speech to the jury. It tackles many very real social issues that are often glossed over or ignored, because if it's not happening to you, why should you care? It delves into gang culture in a realistic and relatable way (kudos to the author for his research!). And shows how you can never really know or judge a person unless you've walked in their I love books hat tell a story in an unusual way, and You Don't Know Me is masterfully told by a young man on trial for murder, giving his final closing speech to the jury. It tackles many very real social issues that are often glossed over or ignored, because if it's not happening to you, why should you care? It delves into gang culture in a realistic and relatable way (kudos to the author for his research!). And shows how you can never really know or judge a person unless you've walked in their shoes. Expertly and poignantly narrated and a compelling read. Did he do it? Only you can decide! ...more
For a long time, I have been screaming for more diversity in novels and more novels that actually represent a society I live in! Well Imran Mahmood, very much delivers
with his debut novel! I am aware, as is the author, (See author’s note) that some people may accuse him of using stereotypes but I discredit this on the basis that the facts, out-there exist. They indicate exactly what is explained & expanded upon in the novel. I would urge any reader put off by any such comments to give it a go. For a long time, I have been screaming for more diversity in novels and more novels that actually represent a society
I live in! Well Imran Mahmood, very much delivers with his debut novel! I am aware, as is the author, (See author’s note) that some people may accuse him of using stereotypes but I discredit this on the basis that the facts, out-there exist. They indicate exactly what is explained & expanded upon in the novel. I would urge any reader put off by any such comments to give it a go. Because I think the novel will more than surprise you with its emotional and intellectual depth. Imran Mahmood
is a criminal Barrister and I have a daughter who has had a deep desire to be one and has for a very long time. My daughter often points out to me the law & justice are not about whether you did the crime or not. It is about what can be proved in court! This novel also details the currents legal system and that justice should be delivered equally. Juries are intended to be a group of the defendant’s peers, yet time & time again the system fails young men and in particular young men of
the BAME community. When I read novels, to review, I keep notes. With this novel I had overall 57 points notes and a separate list of Jury notes. This novel will place you firmly in the place of a Jury member & it is one case you will NOT forget! The novel opens up as the defendant (we never learn his name) stands accused of shooting & murdering a young gang member named Jamil. This seems an open & shut case based upon the scientific & circumstantial evidence. However,
right at the last moment the defendant sacks his lawyer and proceeds to give his closing speech which in turn, is his side of the story and the basis of this novel. There are 8 pieces of evidence stacked against the defendant and my initial thoughts were that he is guilty, that is, until he begins his speech. The speech is incredibly moving and I truly felt sorry for the narrator’s plight. He comes across as another young, vulnerable black male trying desperately to navigate his way through the
gang culture, degradation & low prospects that north London & Camden town has to offer him. He talks of a childhood marred by domestic violence & a broken home, with little hope. But despite this, he is aware that he is surrounded by strong & caring women, whom he strives to protect. The novel has brilliant characterisation, all of the characters have huge detail and background story’s, of how or why they came to be involved in the case. There are many moving themes such
as: loss of boyhood in adolescent due to growing up way too quickly, the degradation of drug addiction, the dangers/risks of knife crime and the harshness of criminal sentencing, is well & truly rammed home. Yet the characters are likeable and believable. The characters Curt for example reminded me of someone I personally grew up with. Who was heavily bullied, despite his huge size, yet refused categorically, to fight back! The gang mentality is a heavy theme within this novel the structure
& hierarchy of gangs, yet there are moments, of great wisdom such as: “people don’t just want to pick fights that they can win, they want to pick fights that they can win easily” and my personal favourite “book people are weird, trust me”. This novel merges the old skool gangs with the modern technology assisted, legal savvy, youth of today! It depicts how one man, namely the defendant can be a magnet for trouble and be chewed up & spat out by the gang’s influence! I absolutely
loved this novel. I found it to be raw, urban and edgy! Like nothing on the UK book market currently. It depicts life lessons and a different perspective. Essentially you can engage with a novel where people may not look like you or live like you, yet you fully embrace their character.
My Thoughts
Jan 31, 2018 Taryn rated it really liked it I picked up this book because I was in the mood for a legal thriller,
and it was just what I was looking for even though it was totally different from any other courtroom drama I’ve read. For one, it’s told completely in the first person, in the voice of a defendant on trial for murder. Most legal thrillers take the multiple perspectives approach, showing the players on both sides of the case, so I was curious to see how the author would pull off such a limited narrative. Trust me--it totally wo I picked up this book
because I was in the mood for a legal thriller, and it was just what I was looking for even though it was totally different from any other courtroom drama I’ve read. For one, it’s told completely in the first person, in the voice of a defendant on trial for murder. Most legal thrillers take the multiple perspectives approach, showing the players on both sides of the case, so I was curious to see how the author would pull off such a limited narrative. Trust me--it totally works! Added bonus:
the narrator’s voice was completely new to me: a young British man accused of murdering a gang member. I didn’t realize until reading this book that I have always thought of inner-city gangs as an American thing, so this book broadened my perspective and made me eager to learn more about urban British culture as it is today, as opposed to the Downton Abbey-ish British culture represented in most of the books and movies I’ve encountered. I loved all the slang and the cadence of the defendant’s
words as he argued his innocence. The text of the novel itself is made up of the defendant’s closing statement to the jury. He has abruptly fired his lawyer and says he wants to tell the whole truth of what happened. His lawyer advised him to leave some things out when he testified, but the narrator now thinks if he can lay himself bare and help the jury get to know him and his life, they’ll come to believe in his innocence. This structure was super fun for me as a reader--let’s be
honest, who doesn’t love judging people? No spoilers here, but I will say that by the end, while I may not have bought every detail of his story, I definitely felt like the character had become a real person to me, guilty or not. More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
Dec 05, 2017 Helen rated it it was amazing This book had me hooked immediately, it's original, thought provoking and I was staggered that this was a debut - the writing, structure and pacing is spot on! Going against the advice of his barrister the narrator decides to tell his truthful version of events, making
his own closing speech to the judge and jury in a murder trial. Taking several days, he goes over each piece of the damming evidence of the prosecution to tell us his 'truths'. We learn about his upbringing, his friends, the lure o Going against the advice of his barrister the narrator
decides to tell his truthful version of events, making his own closing speech to the judge and jury in a murder trial. Taking several days, he goes over each piece of the damming evidence of the prosecution to tell us his 'truths'. We learn about his upbringing, his friends, the lure of the gangs to young underprivileged youths, the brutality of the big players and the love he has for a gentle book loving young woman. As a reader you are the judge and jury - what is the right verdict? A
graphic, brutal and touching conundrum. 4.5 stars and I will be looking out for more from Imran Mahmood
Jun 20, 2017 Laura rated it liked it Book reviews on
www.snazzybooks.com You Don’t Know Me is a novel with a really interesting-sounding storyline but one which I unfortunately just didn’t get on with. The way the story told is unique – the defendant seems to have decided to represent himself and is giving his own closing speech at his trail. We hear the story of what led up to the shooting and murder that he’s on trial for as he tells the jury, often
stopping to interact with them or comment on their reactions. I liked that this w You Don’t Know Me is a novel with a really interesting-sounding storyline but one which I unfortunately just didn’t get on with. The way the story told is unique – the defendant seems to have decided to represent himself and is giving his
own closing speech at his trail. We hear the story of what led up to the shooting and murder that he’s on trial for as he tells the jury, often stopping to interact with them or comment on their reactions. I liked that this was a different method of storytelling and it meant that I was really interested at the beginning of the novel. The story felt a little too long, and though there was plenty happening I felt that the narrative just dragged a little unfortunately. I suppose I expect
there to be more of a ‘reveal’ as to what happened and why, but it felt like the narrative had a lot of detail that didn’t really tell me much or explain that much even about the defendant himself. I lost interest in the story around half way through and unfortunately didn’t find myself particularly intrigued, even in the last few pages with what is bound to be a rather controversial ending! The language is very informal, which in itself I have no problem with – however I did find it hard to
stay focussed sometimes. This is definitely something a little different but it just didn’t work for me and it failed to keep my interest. However I’ve seen lots of great reviews from others so it will like be a big success for some, just not for me. Rating: 2.5/5 bumped to 3/5 Many thanks to the publisher, Michael Joseph, for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
ou Don’t Know Me is one book I’d been waiting to read when I’d heard the buzz surrounding it. Essentially, it is a legal thriller, but it is written in a very unusual style if you were to compare it to others in a similar genre. We meet the defendant, unnamed, and accused of murder. Having fired his lawyer, he decides to give his own account of what happened. Eight pieces of evidence are used in the
case, and the defendant talks the jury, and the reader, through each one. Told in the first person, We meet the defendant, unnamed, and accused of murder. Having fired his lawyer, he decides to give his own
account of what happened. Eight pieces of evidence are used in the case, and the defendant talks the jury, and the reader, through each one. Told in the first person, using his own colloquialisms, You Don’t Know Me is a very different book. The defendant takes us through how he ended up in the dock accused of murder. His tale is an epic one, with so many different characters being brought into the narrative. Gang culture, morality and murder are all addressed in the defendants
speech. How he got to where he is now is just one of the avenues explored in his testimony. The defendant is the only voice (until the end) and the reader comes to know him a little bit more through every monologue he gives. You Don’t Know Me is different, and odd, but it is very compelling to read. Did he do it? Why is he there? Ultimately, the reader is left with some unanswered questions but the author has written a very clever novel. It is evident that he comes from a legal
background. Compulsive, clever, and more than a little frustrating at times, You Don’t Know Me is divisive, and definitely one to watch. Recommended!
Aug 11, 2020 Tammy rated it liked it When I first heard about this book I thought it sounded so good. Couldn't get it around here so I had to order from eBay. Finally got to it and I have to say I am a little disappointed. I liked that he was
getting a chance to tell his side of the story and that everything isn't always as it seems. It was just so long winded at times. The language was hard to follow at times and the ending....what was that? I liked that he was getting a chance to tell his side of
the story and that everything isn't always as it seems. It was just so long winded at times. The language was hard to follow at times and the ending....what was that?
Mar 31, 2017 Ana rated it really liked it https://anaslair.wordpress.com/2017/0... You Don't Know Me was a curious, new experience
that took me a while to get into but once I did I was hooked. The narrative style is unlike anything I have read, with so many colloquial expressions. Stuff like 'Blood, you coming to my yard, innit?' I don't know, I am making it up but yeah those words were all used in the book. It got a bit repetitive, es You Don't Know Me was a curious, new experience that took me a while to get into but once I did I was hooked. The narrative style is unlike anything I have read, with so many colloquial expressions. Stuff like 'Blood, you coming to my yard, innit?' I don't know, I am making it up but yeah those
words were all used in the book. It got a bit repetitive, especially with the defendant asking to jury to have patience because there is a lot he needs to tell but that is all part of the character. He was a really well-built one. This unnamed young man obviously doesn't have much education but he can stay stuff like She was never going to get over it, just like you never really
get over a death. All that happens is that the sorrow gets older. It's like a light that gets fader and fader. One day after years have passed maybe the sorrow is too covered in dust to see properly see what it is but it is still there. It's just harder to see. I couldn't help feeling sorry for the guy
because (view spoiler)[it was so obvious he loved Kira way more than he loved him. (hide spoiler)] I am not sure how believable all that stuff is but that is part of the story - he is telling you his version of what happened and it is up to you to believe him or not. Still, there was a few things I am still not sure I can buy, starting with a 10-day closing speech. I don't have information on whether that is possible but it doesn't seem like it, does it? This
book is thought-provoking and defies any prejudices the reader may have. It forces you not to stereotype this young man and really look at him as a person whose life is dependant on your / the jury's opinion on him. He tells you a story and, in the end, you decide if he lives or dies. It is a truly compelling book and I highly recommend it. Disclaimer: I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest
review.
Wow. What a great read, brilliantly written. It's great to read something with a fresh and different style. Although nothing like The Help, it reminded me of it insofar as it is also written in a particular vernacular, which I thought I might find tiring as a non-Brit, but didn't due I think to the talent of the author. This is a book I would never have assumed I would enjoy, on a subject matter (London gangs and drug scene) I would usually run a mile from, but I am glad I took a chance to read Wow. What a great read, brilliantly written. It's great to read something with a fresh and different style. Although nothing like The Help, it reminded me of it insofar as it is also written in a particular vernacular, which I thought I might find tiring as a non-Brit, but didn't due I think to the talent of the author. This is a book I would never have assumed I would enjoy, on a subject matter (London gangs and drug scene) I would usually run a mile from, but I am glad I took a chance to read and review it. Although grittier than Tuesday Falling, I can imagine the same readership enjoying both books. I hope the (barrister) author uses his professional life to shape another novel soon - maybe on a completely different topic with totally different characters? I bet he would make a great job of it. 5 stars. ...more
Refreshingly different approach. I am glad I listened to the audio version as you really feel you are in the jury listening to the defendant giving you his story.
May 25, 2017 Abbie rated it really liked it I like a good legal drama/thriller so You Don’t Know Me was always
going to be a book I just had to read, and I was very intrigued by the premise of the reader being a member of the jury. On trial for murder, the unknown defendant sacks his barrister just before the closing speeches and closes the trial himself. His reason for doing this … his barrister had told him to omit the truth. I loved the unique way You Don’t Know Me is narrated. Mahmood uses the second person throughout so you really get I loved the unique way You Don’t Know Me is narrated. Mahmood uses the second person throughout so you really get the sense
of being a member of the jury as the main character addresses you throughout. Not an easy style to pull off but Mahmood manages it with ease. As the defendant describes his life on the periphery of gang culture, his voice comes across as authentic and genuine with the use of gang slang words. It is clear that Mahmood has undertaken a lot of research in order to make You Don’t Know Me believable. We do not find out the name or age of the defendant and omitting these details from the book
is something I really liked. It makes the narrator enigmatic and intriguing, allowing your imagination to rule, and your ideas and feelings towards them constantly change as the story is unveiled. It also serves to ensure you are guided completely by the story that the narrator is telling and not caught up in any assumptions about the narrator that may occur if these details and descriptions were made available. You are completely reliant on the points of evidence the prosecution team have put
forward and the defendant’s explanation for them. Of course, it also fits in perfectly with the title. Mahmood’s experience as a barrister shines through the pages and many questions are raised in respect of our current justice system. While the jury system represents a fair trial by your peers, can this ever truly be the case? As the narrator describes a life that I am aware of via the media but have no direct experience of, can a jury ever be truly representative of your peers? It
therefore begs the question as to whether or not this is really a fair system. The manipulation of evidence by the prosecution and defence is also apparent throughout this book. The defendant fired his barrister as he wanted him to omit parts of the truth and yet we are told to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. You Don’t Know Me also raises moral questions in relation to whether murder can ever be justified or understood. Mahmood has written a thought-provoking book as
well as a great thriller. As the defendant’s story progresses you are pulled wholeheartedly into the tale and what the defendant states is the truth about the murder. As all the pieces finally appear to fall into place I was shocked and stunned by the eventual conclusion. But can we believe what we have been told? You Don’t Know Me is a great debut. Mahmood has written a thought-provoking page-turner that is unique, intriguing, believable and compelling. Guilty or innocent? What will
your verdict be? A huge thank you to Imran Mahmood, Michael Joseph and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
3.5 stars - As soon I read the synopsis for this book, I knew it was one I had to read, I was so intrigued – a young man fires his lawyer to deliver his own closing speech as he stands trial for murder. I’m going to dive
straight into the nitty gritty of my thoughts… What I really liked about the narration style is, you really feel like a member of the jury, like the defendant is pleading his case directly to you – you hold the power; the book, the defendant, needs you, and equally you want to mak I’m going to dive straight into the nitty gritty of my thoughts… What I really liked about the narration style is, you really feel like a member of the jury, like the defendant is pleading his case directly to you – you hold the power; the book, the defendant, needs you, and equally you want to make the right decision so you pay close attention – you wouldn’t want to send an innocent man to prison, would you!? However, at certain times
the narration, for me, lost its authenticity and I believe this is purely subjective. This story is set in London and features a lot of street slang, for want of a better way to phrase it, in my personal and professional life, I have a fair insight into the life some young people live in London, how they can get caught up in ‘gang-life’ even if they don’t intend to. The point I’m trying to make is, I didn’t need a translation for the lingo. So, for me when the 10-year-old “gang-members” were
referred to as “Tinies”, I was thinking no no no, they refer to them as “Youngers”; and using “vine” to mean gossip, I’ve never heard that one before; you get my drift [I hope]. There were certain times when I thought the language and “code of the streets” was spot on but other times I thought to myself, not quite. Now I am well aware this is my own personal knowledge/experience at play here so while this was an issue for me, I doubt it’ll be a [big] issue for many other readers so don’t put too
much weight on my opinion. Also, every area in London uses their own phrases so again, Mahmood is likely spot of but it’s just not matching up with my experience. No two people read the same book so while this, at times, made the story seem false to me, it may well not to others. I appreciate that the book was written in a colloquial style as if the defendant was talking to us, but at times, this felt really long winded and I don’t think the story needed to be quite so long. And I have to
be honest, I didn’t like the ending, I like that it’s left up to the reader to decide but the conclusion of the defendant’s story just didn’t fit with all that came before, in my opinion. This is not the first time I’ve read a book using this colloquial/slang style narration and this one just didn’t stand out for me. This is a believable story and I particularly liked the relationships displayed of the defendant, his friend, family and “enemies” and I like that some of the defendant’s
speech evoked real emotion in me. “I felt like a demolition building falling to the ground, where it did that collapsing thing. It was like my heart had collapsed from the inside.” There’s one young person in particular, that immediately came to mind when I read that line. Here, I think the book was really close to home, in the sense, that everyone who knows me well, knows it’s my calling in life to work with 16-25-year-old vulnerable young people so in a way I think this was more
than just a book to me, it was the voice of some of the young people I have previously worked with. And I think that clouded my mind a little and stopped me loving this book the way I, perhaps, could have. I do believe, Mahmood did an excellent job portraying just how complicated things can be “on the streets” and unless you’re in that life, you’ll never really understand it. I realise I’m rambling, overall, I liked this book, I rated it 3.5 stars on Goodreads and if you haven’t read many
books that push the boundaries on narration and structure, then I recommend this one. Did I love this book the way I thought I would? Sadly, no. Did the fantastic synopsis cause me to have exceedingly high expectations? Possibly. Would I read more from this author? Absolutely! *My thanks to the author (Imran Mahmood) and publisher (Michael Joseph) for granting me access to a digital copy of this book via Netgalley*
A solid read about a young man accused of murdering a drug dealing gangster. The novel takes place in London but really could be describing any North American city with gang culture. The author cleverly uses the closing summaries to tell the story of how the protagonist came to be charged with murder and a desperate plea to be found innocent. As a reader, we are charged with the difficult task of
determining whether we find him guilty or not. The story is well written from the protagonist's pers The story is well written from the protagonist's perspective. It feels like he is actually talking to us, pleading his case. It is also an intricate look at gangster lifestyle and the risks of living amongst it. The plot had its ups and downs. I found myself engaged for the most part but there were sections that seemed to drag on a bit. It also felt somewhat one dimensional (like that so-so movie that keeps going on and on and you wonder when's it ever going to end?) It probably could have been edited a little more. With that said, the storyline itself had a couple twists and turns that provided good entertainment. Definitely a uniquely written book worth the time and effort to plunge in to. A sobering story about the realities of people's lives who are faced with poverty, addiction and little opportunity. ...more
Nov 01, 2017 T.M. Logan rated it it was amazing The best books draw you in and give you an insight into other lives, letting you in as their story unfolds. You Don't Know Me does this brilliantly, as the narrator builds a picture of his life and the impossible choices that have led up him to be standing in court on a murder charge. A great idea, well executed - and a compelling narrative voice - makes this one really stand out from the pack. Excellent thriller - recommended. The best books draw you in and give you an insight into other lives, letting you in as their story unfolds. You Don't Know Me does this brilliantly, as the narrator builds a picture of his life and the impossible choices that have led up him to be standing in court on a murder charge. A great idea, well executed - and a compelling narrative voice - makes this one really stand out from the pack. Excellent thriller - recommended. ...more
Aug 06, 2021 Donna Morfett rated it it was amazing I interviewed Imran Mahmood the other
day and thought I would try and read a bit of his book before I spoke to him, as I'd heard nothing but good things.
Aug 25, 2018 Wendy Adamis rated it really liked it The story has a different approach for a murder mystery. I found it kept me interested throughout the entire book.
It gave me some insight what it could be like growing up around a gangland culture. Definitely worth the read
Nov 01, 2021 Magda rated it it was amazing Audio book This was brilliant. Different, but brilliant. This unknown young man states his case in closing arguments and opens up his world to the courtroom, no holds barred. No whitewash, no excuse for actions, but to prove his innocence and admit to all he did and was prepared to do for the love and safety of a girl. That good men are prepared to do bad things to protect and hold close those they love. We are the jury here. How would we vote?
Dec 10, 2021 Ursula rated it it was amazing This was a thoroughly compelling story and I recommend it highly. Had me hooked from start to finish.
Would say this book was more 3.5 stars, had me wrapped into the story within the first couple of chapters but I did find the ending very rushed
Even the cover is full of words like "dazzling" and "gripping" but I did not finish the book. It is such loose text that it is impossible to read every sentence (the way I like to read books) and the story is reminiscent of what my newspaper has been reporting (I like to see a difference between fact and fiction) that I remembered all these books on my shelves waiting to be read. Even the cover is full of words like "dazzling" and "gripping" but I did not finish the book. It is such loose text that it is impossible to read every sentence (the way I like to read books) and the story is reminiscent of what my newspaper has been reporting (I like to see a difference between fact and fiction) that I remembered all these books on my shelves waiting to be read. ...more Imran Mahmood was born in Liverpool in 1969 to first generation Pakistani parents. He has been working on the criminal bar in London for over 20 years and regularly appears in jury trials
across the country dealing in serious and complex criminal cases. He now lives in South East London with his wife and is currently plotting a second novel. Related ArticlesFearless readers, gather ’round… For those with the courage and bandwidth to launch a bold new reading adventure, we’ve put together this... “We watch the stations flit by one by one. Green Park, Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, South Kensington. All these names which don’t mean nothing to people like us except richness. A kind of richness that even money won’t ever get us closer to. We know the names and we know the places, but we ain’t invited.” — 0 likes More quotes…Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. What happens in the book you dont know me?A young unnamed man is charged with the shooting of another young man. As the story starts he has just sacked his QC to do his own closing speech. He talks you through everything that's happened, telling you his side of the story. At the end you have to make up your own mind as to whether you think he is guilty or not.
Is you Don t Know me a book?You Don't Know Me (Paperback) Character-driven and utterly compelling, this twisty courtroom thriller from criminal barrister Mahmood finds the accused's testimony turn an open and shut case on its head. A young man is on trial for murder. He's tried all his life to stay out of trouble.
What happens at the end of you dont know me?Hero goes over to a foreign country to reunite with Kyra and restart their lives together. But the reality is this: the judge is heard asking the foreman of the jury whether they have made a verdict, to which the foreman replies, “Yes,” and the series comes to an annoyingly suspenseful end.
How does you don't know me by Imran Mahmood end?In the final days of his trial, the defendant (nameless and known only in Imran Mahmood's novel and Tom Edge's script as 'HERO') dismisses his barrister and chooses to deliver the defence's closing speech to the jury himself.
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