Tilly has the day from hell when she’s sacked from her barristers’ chambers in the morning, then finds her husband in bed with her former best friend in the afternoon.
She escapes to her mother, Roxy – a sassy solicitor whose outrageous take on men, work and family life is the despair of her more conventional daughter. Roxy comes up with a radical plan for their future – they’ll set up an all-female law firm which will only champion women who have been cheated, put upon, attacked, ripped off or ruined by the men in their lives.
In court, Tilly finds herself up against Jack Cassidy, the smooth-talking, politically incorrect, legal love god who broke her heart at law school.
Jack is fluent in three languages – English, sarcasm and flirtation… but if he’s so loathsome, then why is she committing Acute Lust in the 3rd degree?
When a case lands on the doorstep that threatens to change all their lives, Tilly finds herself dangerously close to taking the law into her own hands… Will Jack’s cunning ways and expertise in emotional break and enter derail her quest for justice? Or will the women take on the boys… and win?
A note from Kathy
I thought you might be interested in what inspired me to set a new series of novels – starting with Courting Trouble – in a law firm. Even though the books are, hopefully, funny and full of bawdy banter and juicy girl talk, each novel will have a crime to solve and a moral dilemma.
The case I explore in the first novel, was inspired by a true life incident, but also by my own experiences with jury service and the justice system during which I realised that it is the way we try rape cases that is really on trial.
As an author, I believe poetic justice is the only true justice in the world. Keen to impale the rapists of this world on the end of my pen, I’ve set my novel, “Courting Trouble”, in Britain’s first barrister/solicitor, mother-daughter, two person boutique feminist law firm which only champions women’s causes. I based the case in this first book of my law series on a true story. A Melbourne grandmother was so sure her raped grand daughter would not get justice in the courts, that she tracked the rapists down and shot them in the testicles.
Courting Trouble is published by Bantam. I do hope you’ll slip between my covers…
Read my blog article on the true life incident that inspired me to write Courting Trouble.
Reliably hilarious…A smart, witty read.
Bawdy and wise-cracking…she has a terrific turn of phrase. The best thing I read in this book was the last line: “To be continued…”
More joy from the Empress of Punning …sharp, funny and very readable.
Sassy, witty, right on topic and rivetingly readable.
It’s a novel of comic genius.
Kathy is in full sizzling form
I think women are each other’s human Wonderbras – uplifting, supportive and making each other look bigger and better.
If he wants breakfast, tell him to sleep in the kitchen.
Men think monogamy is something you make dining tables out of.
Many marriages break up for religious reasons – he thinks he’s a god and she doesn’t.
Love prepares you for marriage the way needlepoint prepares you for round-the-world solo yachting.
Boys will be boys, and so will a load of middle-aged boys who should know better.
Ladies who lynch.
No wife ever shot a husband while he was vacuuming.
I think therefore I’m divorced.
All husbands think they’re Gods. If only their wives weren’t atheists.
Happy wife = happy life.
I couldn’t ask for a better husband… as much as I’d bloody well like to.
Statistically, 100% of divorces begin with marriage.
Marriage is nature’s way of promoting masturbation.
Marriage is a fun-packed, frivolous activity – only occasionally resulting in death.
It’ll be an amicable split. You’ll both get 50 % of the acrimony.
A new invention is required. The monogamous husband. Patent Pending.
How Do I Hate Thee? Let me Count the Ways.
My wedding vows didn’t say To Love, Hoover and Obey.
I’m Having my period so can therefore legally kill you.
You are going to enjoy this marriage, even if I have to divorce you to do so.
A happy marriage is like an orgasm – many of them are faked.
All this emphasis on women faking orgasms, but what about men faking foreplay?
Why do men like intelligent women? Because opposites attract.
Why don’t women tell jokes? Because we marry them.
What does a woman really want in bed? Breakfast.
For women, life is full of lies – I mean doctors maintain that wrinkles don’t hurt.
Legal aid cuts prove that the Tories believe a person is innocent until proven destitute.
Sexist men are so stupid it makes you want to take the ‘men’ out of Mensa.
If a man ever tells you that women fall at his feet – it’s only because he gets them drunk first.
A woman must always fight back. Never just lie back and think of Canberra.
The best cure for menopause is the toy boy diet. A case of having Your Beefcake and Eating It Too.
I don’t fake orgasms. I’m faking being six foot one and seven stone.
Trophy wives tarnish quickly and then get left on the shelf.
Lawyers work 24/7. The partners of lawyers suffer from a bad case of subpoena envy.
Most shrinks should book an appointment with themselves.
The question on the minds of most women is – why doesn’t chocolate go straight to your boobs?
Don’t fall for a man’s puppy dog look… Just get him wormed.
It’s been so long since a man has touched me, not even medical science will want my body.
My top tip for keeping your youth? Lock him in the pool house.
15 Comments
Dear Kathy,
Love your you and your work.If you are ever in Perth WA please come and visit us at The Karrakatta Club.It is the oldest women’s club in Australia and was established in 1894. We would love you to join us for lunch and talk about whatever you like maybe one of your books. You are very welcome to bring some books to sell at the Club.
The ladies of Perth would love it.
Regards Jenny Corr Contact me anytime on 0408653669
Hi Kathy,
I’ve read a couple of your books now and really enjoy the stories, the witty presentation and the between the lines issues, many of which I’ve experienced first-hand. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.
Adrian (Townsville, Australia) 🙂
Hi Kathy,
Read your book and love it. Wish I’d written it, says all my feminist thoughts but eloquently! As a female engineer – about time. Looking forward to the sequel.
Regards Lil Cheong (Melb Australia)
Hi Kathy .. Just read Courting trouble and loved it but have you written the sequel as I am dying to know what happens next?
I’d like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this
site. I really hope to see the same high-grade blog posts from you later on as well.
In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own,
personal site now 😉
Hi Kathy
I absolutely loved Courting Trouble! I could not put the book down. Favourite novel to date. I cannot wait for what comes next!
Katie
It was such a good book, I loved it. I just want a sequel. I’m a girl still in school and I love reading books like this. Thank you for writing stuff like this, it always make me happier reading books about strong women.
Congratulations Kathy on your UOW award!
Like you I left school at 16 and it couldn’t come soon enough.
Writing is cathartic and I love it.
Only a week ago I had the launch of my book (doctoral law thesis) “Overturning aqua nullius” on Aboriginal water rights and interests held at UOW. It was very empowering.
Having four amazing children I experienced some of your personal challenges. Thank you for advocating that we are unique human beings and every one has the right to participate and contribute.
Dr Virginia Marshall
Hi Kathy,
My mum has read this and is look for the next books.
Can you give the names of them please as very fustrated and wants to continue and finish the story.
Many thanks
Sue
This book was great and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved it so much I was wondering if there would be a second book?
The name of the sequel is “Best Laid Plans”. I hope it tickles your comedic fancy. x
Or rather the name of the sequel and when it will come out?? Please let me know.
Thankyou
where is the sequel?
Hi Kathy, Just read Courting Trouble after your HRT book launch. Is there or do you plan to write a equal? It had me in stitches.
Thanks,
Daisy
So glad you liked the book. As for a sequel – one day! Am busy working on another novel now, out next year. xx