Is even a judge safe from an unknown executioner?

When an anonymous letter arrives for Mr Justice Barber, the high court judge, warning of imminent revenge, he dismisses it as the work of a harmless lunatic or a prankster. But then a second letter appears, followed by a poisoned box of the judge’s favourite chocolates. As the attempts keep adding up, he begins to fear for his life.

In this best-known novel, Hare draws from his legal expertise and introduces Francis Pettigrew, a not very successful barrister who repeatedly solves cases while constantly clashing with his partner Inspector Mallet of Scotland Yard. Full of fascinating legal details, this classic holds to the suspense until the end.

” generally acknowledged to be the best detective story set in that fascinating world.” P.D. James