Dice

Dice by Claire Baylis is a riveting courtroom drama that delves into the intricate and often murky world of consent and justice. The novel centres around the trial of four teenage boys accused of multiple sexual offences against three teenage girls, all stemming from a sinister game they devised involving the toss of a dice. As these young lives hang in the balance, the readers are introduced to twelve jurors who must untangle the truth from a web of conflicting testimonies and evidence. With compelling forensic detail and a profound emotional resonance, Dice examines the judicial process through the eyes of a diverse group of ordinary people. Each juror comes from a different walk of life, bringing unique perspectives, biases, and preconceptions into the deliberation room. As they grapple with harrowing questions about consent, accountability, and moral responsibility, the novel deftly portrays the burden of their duty and the heavy toll it takes on each individual. Dice is a masterful debut by Claire Baylis, weaving a complex narrative that is both a thought-provoking social commentary and a gripping legal thriller. The story is meticulously told through the fragmented and often contradictory testimonies of witnesses, forcing readers to consider the nebulous nature of truth and justice. This is not just a story about a crime; it is a profound examination of human nature and the search for fairness in a flawed system. Dice challenges readers to ponder where the lines between right and wrong blur, and whether a legal verdict can ever truly reflect the multifaceted realities of the individuals involved. The novel's exploration of these themes is striking and deeply moving, offering no easy answers but instead urging a deeper contemplation of justice and humanity. 'Dice has a forensic depth that is compelling, that challenges and deeply moves the reader. But what sets this novel apart is the precision and power of the writing. This is fiction that doesn't want to be journalism; it affirms the truth and nuance and possibility of imagination.' - Christos Tsiolkas, author of The Slap. 'Dice achieves what the best fiction achieves: it draws us into the story on a deeply personal level, coaxing us to consider what we would do in the same situation ... the moving and powerful final moment delivers a sense of narrative completion while also reminding us of the flawed nature of the justice system.' - Catherine Chidgey, award-winning author of Remote Sympathy. 'An utterly compelling, nuanced and appropriately complex read that effortlessly depicts the unique combination of the sensational and the mundane, which often characterises the criminal trial.' - Professor Vanessa Munro, Warwick University. Dice is a spellbinding tale that promises to leave readers questioning their assumptions long after the final page is turned.