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Trials (Murder) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Mark Twain
The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson
"The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson" by Mark Twain is a novel published in 1894. Set in a Mississippi River town, it tells the story of two infants—one born into slavery with 1/32 black ancestry, the other white and free—who are secretly switched in their cradles. Each boy grows into the other's social role, setting the stage for a murder mystery that exposes the arbitrary nature of racial categories and the moral corruption beneath small-town respectability.
Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
Mary Barton
"Mary Barton" by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell is a novel published in 1848. Set in Manchester during the industrial turmoil of 1839-1842, it follows Mary Barton, a working-class girl caught between two suitors: a devoted craftsman and a wealthy mill owner's son. When murder strikes and the wrong man faces trial, Mary must race against time to save her true love without exposing a devastating secret that could destroy her family forever.
Walter Scott
The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Complete
"The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Complete" by Walter Scott is a novel published in 1818. Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh's violent Porteous Riots of 1736, this tale follows Jeanie Deans, a devout young woman who undertakes an extraordinary journey on foot from Scotland to London. Her mission: to secure a royal pardon for her sister Effie, condemned to death for alleged infanticide. Navigating dangerous encounters and moral dilemmas, Jeanie must rely on her faith, courage, and eloquence to save her sister's life.
Edgar Pangborn
The Trial of Callista Blake
"The Trial of Callista Blake" by Edgar Pangborn is a novel written in the early 1960s. The book delves into the complexities of a high-stakes murder trial where the defendant, Callista Blake, faces serious charges surrounding the death of Ann Doherty, painting a vivid picture of personal and societal conflicts. Through the lens of the courtroom drama, it introduces Judge Terence Mann, who grapples with his responsibilities while confronting the intricacies of human morality and law. The opening of the novel sets the stage in a courtroom on the brink of a sensational trial, as Judge Mann prepares to preside over "The People vs. Blake." The narrative introduces a variety of characters including the key players: the determined Judge, the defense attorney Cecil Warner, and the accused, Callista Blake, a troubled young woman marked by physical deformities and the weight of public scrutiny. The courtroom buzzes with anticipation fueled by media sensationalism surrounding the case, which involves allegations of poison and drowning, and touches upon themes of jealousy and human emotion. Callista’s complex character is hinted at through her deformed appearance and her tumultuous past, as the judge reflects on the societal implications of the trial and the questions of justice that it raises.
Walter Scott
The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Volume 2
"The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Volume 2" by Walter Scott is a novel published in 1818. This gripping tale follows Jeanie Deans, a devout young woman who faces an agonizing moral choice when her sister Effie is condemned to death for alleged infanticide. Unable to lie in court to save her, Jeanie embarks on an epic journey by foot from Edinburgh to London, seeking a royal pardon. Along the way, she encounters danger, discovers shocking truths about her sister's missing baby, and must appeal directly to Queen Caroline for mercy.
Theodore Dreiser
An American tragedy, v. 1
"An American Tragedy, v. 1" by Theodore Dreiser is a novel published in 1925. Based on a real 1906 murder case, it follows Clyde Griffiths, a young man from a poor religious family who pursues wealth and status. Working at his uncle's factory, he becomes entangled with two women: Roberta, a factory worker he gets pregnant, and Sondra, a wealthy socialite. Torn between obligation and ambition, Clyde's choices lead him toward a tragic fate on a remote lake.
Walter Scott
The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Volume 1
"The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Volume 1" by Walter Scott is a novel published in 1818. Set against the backdrop of the 1736 Porteous Riots in Edinburgh, this tale follows two sisters whose lives take dramatically different paths. When Effie Deans faces execution for alleged infanticide, her steadfast sister Jeanie embarks on an epic journey to London to plead for royal mercy. The story weaves together historical upheaval, family loyalty, and moral conviction as Jeanie confronts dangerous obstacles in her desperate mission to save her sister from the gallows.
Hall Caine
The Shadow of a Crime: A Cumbrian Romance
"The Shadow of a Crime: A Cumbrian Romance" by Hall Caine is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story unfolds primarily in the small village of Wythburn, focusing on the lives of its sheep-farming inhabitants and the deep-seated tensions that arise from a mysterious crime involving the local tailor, Sim Stagg. Among the central characters are Ralph Ray, a young man with a strong sense of duty, and Rotha, the daughter of Sim, who must navigate the complexities of compassion, innocence, and disgrace as the ramifications of the crime impact their lives. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to Wythburn, a quaint rural community steeped in tradition and folklore. Sim Stagg, a tailor accused of being a spy and subsequently found dead under suspicious circumstances, becomes the fulcrum around which the narrative pivots. The opening chapters explore the dynamics within Sim's family, particularly the relationship between him and his daughter Rotha, as well as the interactions with Ralph Ray, who ultimately supports Rotha through these troubling times. The tone is a blend of drama and psychological inquiry as the villagers grapple with fear, suspicion, and the implications of their judgments, setting the stage for further exploration of themes related to justice, innocence, and the moral complexities of human relationships.
Charlotte M. (Charlotte Mary) Yonge
The Trial; Or, More Links of the Daisy Chain
"The Trial; Or, More Links of the Daisy Chain" by Charlotte M. Yonge is a novel written during the mid-19th century. It delves into themes of family, illness, and the challenges of personal duty as various characters navigate complex social and emotional landscapes. The story revolves around the May family, particularly focusing on Dr. May and his children, as they confront domestic trials, the impact of sickness, and the interplay of love and responsibility in times of crisis. The beginning of the novel introduces the May family during a period marked by both celebration and impending tragedy, contextualized by recent weddings within the family. The narrative unfolds in a drawing-room conversation among family members, where discussions about letters, health issues, and their daily lives take center stage. Amidst playful banter, there is an undercurrent of tension related to sickness in the community, which is foreshadowed by the doctor’s concerns and the children’s antics. As the story progresses, the gravity of illness begins to overshadow their laughter, establishing a somber tone that hints at the trials yet to come. The opening sets the stage for an exploration of grief, resilience, and the bonds of family amidst adversity.
England) Dickens Fellowship (London
Trial of John Jasper, lay precentor of Cloisterham Cathedral in the County of Kent, for the murder of Edwin Drood, engineer
"Trial of John Jasper, Lay Precentor of Cloisterham Cathedral in the County of Kent" is a fictional courtroom drama likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around John Jasper, accused of the murder of his nephew, Edwin Drood, as he finds himself entangled in a complex web of motives and character relationships leading to the fateful Christmas Eve. The opening of the story introduces the courtroom proceedings on January 7, 1914, where the trial for the murder of Edwin Drood is set to take place. The narrative outlines the characters involved, including Jasper, Drood, and key witnesses such as the Reverend Crisparkle and the stonemason Durdles. Jasper's opium addiction and his growing jealousy over Edwin's engagement with Rosa Bud become apparent as the prosecution builds a case against him, presenting circumstantial evidence that suggests Jasper's nefarious intent towards his nephew. Amidst a backdrop of familial intrigue and dark motives, the scene is set for a gripping exploration of guilt, innocence, and the unfolding drama of the trial.
William John Locke
Idols
"Idols" by William John Locke is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the complex relationships between three main characters: Irene Merriam, her husband Gerard, and his close friend Hugh Colman. As the narrative begins, it explores themes of love, loyalty, jealousy, and the societal pressures that accompany personal choices. At the start of the novel, two men commit a crime that sets off a chain of events affecting four seemingly unrelated lives. We are introduced to Irene Merriam, a content woman reflecting on her happy life with Gerard and Hugh, both of whom share a deep connection with her. As they engage in conversation and display their differing natures, tensions begin to emerge, particularly with Irene's compassionate concern for a Jewish girl named Minna Hart, who quickly becomes tied to them as her character unfolds. The early chapters lay the groundwork for dramatic developments and moral conflicts rooted in love, friendship, and societal constraints, hinting at deeper struggles to come.
Bernard Capes
A rogue's tragedy
"A Rogue's Tragedy" by Bernard Capes is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in a romantic and philosophical context, exploring themes of love, desire, and the complexities of human relationships during a tumultuous period in European history. The central characters include Yolande, the daughter of a penniless nobleman, and Louis-Marie, a passionate young man from a respected family, who becomes enraptured by Yolande, setting the stage for intrigue and conflict as societal and familial pressures collide. At the start of the novel, the opening prologue introduces profound reflections on love, presenting it as a divine and foundational force in the lives of the characters. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Alps, Yolande and Louis-Marie's relationship blossoms amidst their awakening feelings for one another, tied to their spiritual beliefs and social conventions. However, their budding romance encounters the disapproving figures of their respective stations, notably Yolande’s father, who is desperate to secure her future through a marriage to the wealthy, yet morally dubious, Count di Rocco. This creates a tension that hints at heartbreak and betrayal, encapsulating the tragic elements at the heart of the narrative.
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