If you're a lover of courtroom mystery/thrillers as I am, don't miss this one. Although it's rare for me to "compare" one author's book with another's - I don't think it's fair to either writer - I must say that throughout most of this book it felt as if I were channeling John Grisham.
Most of the story happens in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in the mid-1950s. Local Judge John Murray learns that Lillian Adams, who has been like a daughter to him and his wife of many years, Betsy, has been charged with the murder of her wealthy husband. Lillian, who has a history of disruptive behavior (and worse), had gunpowder residue on her hands and her late husband's blood on her clothing.
Despite the fact that he could recuse himself because of his prior association with Lillian, Murray insists on presiding at the trial. In large part, that's because the prosecutor, Haskins Sewell, is a long-time adversary who not only has his sights set on the judge's job, but is a man who will resort to shady courtroom tactics to get a win. In his heart of hearts, though, Murray hopes he can somehow turn the tide of jury favor toward a verdict of not guilty; but in his very honest head, he worries it won't be possible unless he employs some of the same underhanded tactics as the prosecutor. It helps a bit that another of the judge's friends is the defense attorney, who also wants to do everything he can to get Lillian off (and who, like the judge, detests the prosecutor).
At issue is a mysteriously appearing suicide note and suspicious blood trails, the boatload of money Lillian stands to inherit at her husband's death and Lillian's disturbed daughter Tina, who may well have had a motive (albeit misguided) to kill her stepfather. Throw all this in the mix with three legal professionals who hate each other, and you've got a whale of a well-written tale for which I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
Court of Lies by Gerry Spence (Forge Books, February 2019); 346 pp.
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