Stephen Ward: Scapegoat - They all loved him... But when it went wrong they killed him Hardcover – 16 Dec. 2013

I've read most of the books written about the Profumo Affair, seen the films, the Ward stage show and the TV drama. This book certainly provides great background on Ward's life, his character and the overlapping circles in which he moved. It isn't an easy read, though. The author often seems to be trying to bend the English language into positions it wasn't designed for. Cliches and subhead-style summings-up become tiresome. The reader also sometimes wonders whether it's worth reading a few paragraphs on a character who will disappear completely in a couple of pages. It's a shame because there's a hugely compelling story to be told: how the upper and lower classes mingled in bomb-damaged postwar London and anything could be bought if you knew where to go and who to ask.

All fine

A grim story, from which no one emerges with any credit. The book is a beautifully written shocking exposé of a section of the so called upper class who were only too pleased to befriend Stephen Ward while he satisfied their sexual appetites, but who were only to keen to run for cover when the political establishment were out to get him. Not one of these people was prepared to help him in his hour of need. The police and the judiciary rightly come in for severe criticism. In the end Ward was left with little option but to commit suicide, although even that is mired in uncertainty. An interesting and exceptionally well researched book, which leaves a disagreeable taste in the mouth.

The story of The 1963 Profumo Scandal is well known. What this book does particularly well is establish the ‘back story’ of Stephen Ward’s earlier social & professional life & development as an extraordinary focal point in English post-war society. Much loved by his stellar client list & many friends, it makes his later ostracism & fall from grace even more shocking.

This really gave me an idea of how Stephen Ward must have felt. He really was used has a scapegoat by some of his so called friends. It is true that he was not completely innocent, but there were others involved who were just as guilty as Stephen ward, who were never charged.

Well researched, almost over-researched. As I saw on someone's T shirt the slogan 'pimpin' ain't easy' it seems not and when the supply of girls dries up, the pimp become a scapegoat. If only today's politicians had the cajones to keep mistresses instead of touching up junior staff and watching porn, I think they may have a little more respect. Now I must remove my tongue from my cheek.

Started well, I really liked the writing style, but got too bogged down in superfluous information about the quirks of every hanger-on. Unusually for me I have abandoned the book for now. As a contemporary of Christine Keeler am finding it very revealing so will go back to it.

Interesting and, somewhat alarming to read what goes on in high places. I can remember the furore in the papers and the laughter provoked by Mandy Rice-Davies with her now unforgettable retort "Well, he would, wouldn't he?".Overall an interesting read although it seemed to go off track a little in places.