Man of Law — John William Wainwright

'The Man of Law' is Simon Whitehouse, who finds himself in a provincial town to defend a man charged with killing his wife. Forensic evidence proves beyond a doubt that the man charged is guilty. Whitehouse believes that the only hope lies in a defense of Diminished Responsibility.

The trail is due to start on Monday, but on Saturday night, in his hotel, Whitehouse is approached by an old friend, Dr. Martin Webb, Professor of Psychology and Criminal Psychiatry. Webb is to be a witness for the prosecution in the forthcoming trial and sees fit, under the guise of old friendship, to divulge to Whitehouse some facts and opinions which may change the course of the trial.

Whitehouse begins to believe absolutely in the innocence of the accused, and he changes the plea from Diminished Responsibility to plan Not Guilty. The plea looks absurd in the face of the evidence, but it is adopted.

What follows is a fascinating trial, a case strange and unique in its clash between Whitehouse and witnesses. And what is revealed after the trail is even more extraordinary.

Like 'Anatomy of a Murder', this is a fast-paced and riveting trial novel, brilliantly plotted, and with plenty of surprises even for the most hardened mystery reader. Book Dust Jacket