The Bloody Book of Law

the long version

Antony Maitland #40 Barrister-sleuth Anthony Maitland is in serious trouble this time. His choleric, longtime enemy--Chief Superintendent Briggs--is determined to nail Maitland once and for all, and he gets his chance when the barrister defends smooth, womanizing Vincent Gilchrist, a freelance journalist accused of robbery. At first the case seems open-and-shut: small-time burglar Ned Bates (a frequent Maitland client) confesses to one of Gilchrist's alleged crimes. But hardly has the case been dismissed when Bates, backed by Gilchrist, claims that his confession was a pack of lies dreamed up by Maitland! Then Gilchrist is found shot to death. And it does indeed seem that Briggs is successfully orchestrating Maitland's downfall--until, with help from lawyer-friend Geoffrey Horton, Maitland turns the tables.... [ https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/sara-woods-7/the-bloody-book-of-law/ ]