William H.S. McIntyre Books in Order

Picture a Scottish storyteller who swaps the courtroom for the page, spinning legal thrillers with a wink and a grin—meet William H.S. McIntyre! This former criminal defence lawyer has carved a nic...

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Publication Order of Robbie Munro / Best Defense Books

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Picture a Scottish storyteller who swaps the courtroom for the page, spinning legal thrillers with a wink and a grin—meet William H.S. McIntyre! This former criminal defence lawyer has carved a niche in the mystery genre with his Best Defence series, blending razor-sharp wit, authentic legal drama, and the gritty charm of Scotland’s criminal justice system. His novels, starring the sardonic lawyer Robbie Munro, offer a refreshing antidote to cliché crime fiction, delivering laughs alongside ethical dilemmas.

With over 40 years in law, McIntyre channels real-life cases into stories that feel as true as they are entertaining. His unique perspective has earned him a loyal following and critical acclaim, making him a standout in Tartan Noir. Ready to dive into his world? Let’s explore the man behind the gavel.

The Making of William H.S. McIntyre

Born on March 25, 1960, in Linlithgow, Scotland, William H.S. McIntyre grew up in a historic town near the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. He attended Linlithgow Primary School and Linlithgow Academy before studying law at the University of Edinburgh. By 1988, he was a partner at Russel + Aitken, Scotland’s oldest law firm, where he spent over four decades as a criminal defence lawyer. His high-profile cases and quirky clients sparked a storytelling itch, leading him to write in his spare time while juggling family life with his wife and four sons.

McIntyre’s legal career wasn’t just a job—it was the crucible for his fiction. The absurdities of courtrooms, the quirks of clients, and the tensions of the Scottish justice system became the heartbeat of his novels. His sideline as a youth football coach and blogger for Scottish Legal News only sharpened his knack for spotting human quirks, which he weaves into his stories with relish.

William H.S. McIntyre’s Unforgettable Stories

McIntyre’s Best Defence series, launched with Relatively Guilty in 2012, follows Robbie Munro, a Linlithgow-based defence lawyer who’s as flawed as he is clever. Munro juggles messy cases, awkward clients, and a chaotic personal life, all while wrestling with moral questions like, “What is crime?” or “Do ends justify means?” The series, now spanning 14 books, includes standouts like Duty Man, Sharp Practice, and Last Will, each blending complex plots with dark humour.

His style is a masterclass in balance: authentic legal detail meets snappy prose, and serious issues—like justice system flaws—are leavened with irony. Unlike typical crime novels chasing serial killers, McIntyre’s stories ground readers in the real-world grind of legal aid battles and courtroom banter. Critics praise his accuracy, with fellow lawyers nodding at Munro’s sardonic take on Scots law. His 2013 non-fiction whisky guide, penned as a Best Defence character, shows his playful side, proving he’s as versatile as he is witty.

The series’ Scottish setting—rooted in Linlithgow but sprawling across the Central Belt—adds vivid texture. McIntyre’s dialogue sparkles with local slang, earning raves for its authenticity. Whether it’s a murder trial or a family squabble, his books are page-turners that keep you guessing and chuckling.

Why William H.S. McIntyre Matters

William H.S. McIntyre has redefined legal thrillers by flipping the crime genre’s script. His focus on defence lawyers—often the underdog in fiction—offers a fresh lens on justice, emphasizing that acquitting the innocent is as vital as convicting the guilty. His Best Defence series, longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize, has resonated with readers and professionals alike for its realism and heart. In 2024, Free@Last TV snapped up the series for a television adaptation, a testament to its broad appeal.

McIntyre’s impact lies in his ability to humanize the legal world. Through Robbie Munro, he exposes the system’s flaws and quirks, inviting readers to question justice itself. His blend of humour and insight makes his work both entertaining and thought-provoking, cementing his place in Scottish crime fiction.

About William H.S. McIntyre

  • Born: March 25, 1960, Linlithgow, Scotland
  • Key Works: Relatively Guilty (2012), Duty Man, Sharp Practice, Last Will
  • Genre: Legal thriller, Tartan Noir
  • Notable: Longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize; Best Defence series adapted for TV

Snag Relatively Guilty and dive into William H.S. McIntyre’s witty, thrilling world of Scottish legal drama!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is William H.S. McIntyre?

William H.S. McIntyre is a Scottish author and former criminal defence lawyer, born in 1960. He’s best known for his Best Defence series, featuring lawyer Robbie Munro. His witty legal thrillers blend humour, authentic Scots law, and ethical dilemmas, earning him a spot in Tartan Noir.

What is the Best Defence series by William H.S. McIntyre?

The Best Defence series is a collection of 14 legal thrillers by William H.S. McIntyre, starting with Relatively Guilty (2012). It follows defence lawyer Robbie Munro navigating Scotland’s justice system with wit and grit, tackling complex cases and moral questions.

What inspired William H.S. McIntyre to write?

William H.S. McIntyre’s 40-year career as a criminal defence lawyer inspired his writing. Real-life cases, quirky clients, and the quirks of Scotland’s justice system fueled his Best Defence series, where he turns fact into witty, authentic fiction.

What makes William H.S. McIntyre’s writing style unique?

McIntyre’s writing mixes dry Scottish humour, precise legal detail, and complex plots that never confuse. His Best Defence series, starring Robbie Munro, offers a sardonic take on Scots law, blending serious themes with laugh-out-loud moments.

Which William H.S. McIntyre books should I read first?

Start with Relatively Guilty, the first in the Best Defence series, for a witty intro to Robbie Munro’s legal adventures. Follow with Duty Man or Sharp Practice to dive deeper into McIntyre’s clever, Scottish-flavoured mysteries.

Why is William H.S. McIntyre important in Scottish crime fiction?

William H.S. McIntyre brings a fresh defence-lawyer perspective to Tartan Noir, highlighting justice’s complexities. His Best Defence series, longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize, blends humour and realism, influencing readers and inspiring a TV adaptation.