The Queen Against Owen

by Allen Upward

"The Queen Against Owen" by Allen Upward is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the character Eleanor Margaret Owen, who stands accused of the murder of her benefactress, Ann Elizabeth Lewis. The book delves into the intricacies of circumstantial evidence as Eleanor faces a dramatic trial that highlights various legal and moral questions surrounding justice. The opening of the narrative sets the stage for a gripping legal drama, beginning with the formal indictment of Eleanor for murder. A barrister, Mr. Prescott, receives a brief for the prosecution, detailing the mysterious events leading up to the death of Miss Lewis and the emergence of potentially incriminating evidence against Eleanor. The text introduces key witnesses and elements of the case, including Eleanor's dubious alibi and the motive suggested by the disappearance of valuable jewels. As the courtroom drama unfolds, the tension between the characters is palpable, and the struggle for truth amidst a barrage of circumstantial evidence becomes central to the narrative. The early chapters establish a rich groundwork for an exploration of innocence and guilt, leaving readers eager to see how the trial will develop and what fate awaits Eleanor.