The Independent article talks about Anthony Edwards' professional experience as a solicitor. The feature mentions how during his career, he wrote legal books regarding criminal law handbooks and guides. However, Escape from the Shades is the first fiction book that he happened to write during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Escape from the Shades features a brother and sister, Tom and Bobby, who are orphans in old Victorian times and have a rough childhood. Bobby is attacked and saved by Tom but is then arrested. Philanthropist Thomas John Barnardo helps children who have a home for orphans. His trial is at the Old Bailey, and the book narrates the criminal law experience in the East End of London. The story is fictional but based on actual events.

Edwards is officially retired but does hear cases occasionally. He hopes to turn the book into a series for children. He currently lives in Stortford with his wife of 50 years, who is also a solicitor. He went to Bristol University to become a solicitor. He spent most of his time at a family firm in Whitechapel for the rest of his career, specializing in criminal law.