Author:Wilkie Collins,David Skilton,David Skilton
Despite the grave misgivings of both their families, Valeria Brinton and Eustace Woodville are married. But before long the new bride begins to suspect a dark secret in her husband's past and when she discovers that he has been living under a false name, she determines to find out why he is concealing his true identity from her. Soon she must endure an even greater shock: the revelation that her husband has been on trial for poisoning his first wife. Convinced of his innocence, Valeria is prepared to do anything to clear her husband's name, and in so doing upturns the conventions of polite nineteenth century society.
A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever
—— Sunday ExpressAs a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing
—— Daily MirrorA superlative legal drama
—— Sunday TelegraphAn intellectual adventure story, as sensational, thrilling, and packed with arcana as Raiders of the Lost Ark or The Count of Monte Cristo.
—— The Washington PostUmberto Eco is literature's great magician... He offers us many passages of brilliance, and treats us to a Shakespearean alternation of paroxysm and intimacy, madness and wisdom. There is something here for everyone. His genius affords his readers a selection of delights that will make their heads spin.
—— Le Monde