Simon Michael is the author of the best-selling London 1960s noir gangster series featuring his antihero barrister, Charles Holborne. Simon writes from personal experience: a practising barrister for 37 years, he worked in the Old Bailey and other criminal courts defending and prosecuting a wide selection of murderers, armed robbers, con artists and other assorted villainy. The 1960s was the Wild West of British justice, a time when the Krays, Richardsons and other violent gangs fought for control of London’s organised crime, and the corrupt Metropolitan Police beat up suspects, twisted evidence and took a share of the criminal proceeds.

Simon was published here and in America in the 1980s and returned to writing when he retired from the law in 2016. The Charles Holborne series (currently 9 books and audiobooks) have garnered strong reviews for authenticity and excitement. They have been optioned for a TV series.

Simon’s tales from the Bar and the plots for his novels are based on his criminal cases, his life and that of his own family. Refugees from the Spanish Inquisition, the Michael family arrived in the Port of London in 1492 and remained in the East End of London for the next 500 years, rubbing shoulders with the Kray twins and others. Simon believes himself to be the only member of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple formerly to have been a council labourer, a van driver and a gardener.

He speaks approximately 50 times each year to Women’s Institutes, Probus and Rotary groups, libraries and literary festivals.

“Members have been raving about your talk on social media, and loved your stories. I think we could have kept you there all night listening to you!” Hebden Bridge WI

“[They] are singing your praises and asking for a return visit! I will be in touch!” Rothwell Rhubarb Tarts WI

“Thank you for an excellent talk to Lymm Probus on Tuesday. Members voted to give your talk top marks and one remarked that it was the best talk he'd ever heard” Lymm Probus

“Some of the comments were: ‘Interesting and entertaining’ - ‘Fascinating talk’ - ‘Thank you, brilliant’ - ‘Fantastic evening’ - ‘Wonderful talk’ – ‘Brilliant evening!’. Once again many thanks…” Meltham WI

“Only excellent feedback [and] a request for a return visit…” NHS Retirement Fellowship

“A speaker we can highly recommend” Bedfordshire Federation of Women’s Institutes

“The ninety ladies who attended really enjoyed his talk and thought he was definitely one of our best ever speakers” Phyllis Court Ladies Luncheon Club

“… held our audience in thrall … an excellent speaker, speaking without notes or screen support and I have no hesitation in recommending him to other U3As” Speakers Secretary, Bedford U3A

“Just wanted to thank you so much for your talk on Tuesday it was absolutely fascinating. We all really loved it, we could have listened to your experiences all night ..amazing. I will definitely be in touch to book you again” Shipley WI