**Leila Reynolds/Delilah**  
A successful barrister with a complex past, balancing her public persona with the hidden identity of Delilah. Her journey reveals her struggles with childhood trauma and the ethical dilemmas of her choices.

**Jack Millman**  
A character with a criminal background and a deeper loyalty and integrity, whose relationship with Leila drives his actions. He serves as a counterpoint to the legal establishment, offering personal justice.

**Julian Kesler**  
A powerful and manipulative King's Counsel and Leila's husband, embodying arrogance and corruption within the legal elite. His underestimation of Leila contributes to the narrative tension.

**Elise Vernon**  
Leila's childhood friend and a key antagonist, driven by a long-standing vendetta. She mirrors Leila's intelligence and manipulation tactics.

**Anton Smythe**  
A Crown Court judge whose murder initiates the novel’s central conflict. His actions reveal a deep hypocrisy and challenge his judicial integrity.

**Chester Vernon**  
The head of chambers and an older mentor to Leila, with a complicated personal life. He offers professional support while representing patriarchal elements of the legal world.

**Quinn Smythe**  
Anton’s son, whose actions trigger the novel's central events. He embodies unearned privilege and moral cowardice, contributing to the cover-up.

**Demi Vernon**  
Chester’s young wife, whose personal deceptions impact the narrative. Her affair becomes crucial to the unfolding plot, influencing key outcomes.

Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray is praised for its intricate plot and well-developed characters, keeping readers engaged. The writing style is compelling and adds depth to the suspense. However, some critics find the pacing uneven, particularly toward the middle. Overall, it is a gripping read for mystery enthusiasts.

Fans of forensic mysteries and psychological thrillers will enjoy Jo Murray's Dissection of a Murder. Comparable to Kathy Reichs' Déjà Dead and Patricia Cornwell's Postmortem, it appeals to readers intrigued by meticulous crime-solving and complex characters.

Mysterious / Dark / Suspenseful / Unnerving / Gritty

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About Dissection of a Murder

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Background

Dissection of a Murder Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

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Prologue-Chapter 13

Dissection of a Murder Prologue-Chapter 13

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Chapters 14-28

Dissection of a Murder Chapters 14-28

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Chapters 29-41

Dissection of a Murder Chapters 29-41

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Chapters 42-55

Dissection of a Murder Chapters 42-55

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Chapter 56-Epilogue

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Dissection of a Murder Character List

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