The Law and the Lady

by Wilkie Collins Narrated by LibriVox Community

Overview

Valeria Brinton marries Eustace Woodville despite objections from Woodville's family leading to disquiet for Valeria's own family and friends.

Just a few days after the wedding, various incidents lead Valeria to suspect her husband is hiding a dark secret in his past and she discovers that he has been using a false name. He refuses to discuss it leading them to curtail their honeymoon and return to London where Valeria learns that he was on trial for his first wife's murder by arsenic. He was tried in a Scottish court and the verdict was 'Not Proven' rather than 'not guilty' implying his guilt but without enough proof for a jury to convict him.

Valeria sets out to save their happiness by proving her husband innocent of the crime. In her quest, she comes across the disabled character Miserrimus Dexter, a fascinating but mentally unstable genius, and his devoted female cousin, Ariel. Dexter will prove crucial to uncovering the disturbing truth behind the mysterious death. (Introduction by wikipedia)

Editorial Reviews

JANUARY 2024 - AudioFile

Lucy Scott gives a thrilling performance of this propulsive detective story, which will have listeners guessing until the end. In this real Victorian melodrama first published in 1875, the detective--surprisingly--is a woman. Within a few days of marrying, 23-year-old Valeria discovers that a Scottish court had rendered a verdict of "not proven" against her husband, Eustace, in his trial for poisoning his first wife. Scott illuminates Valeria's distress, as well as her profound determination to clear her husband's name. Scott keeps the tension high as Valeria questions Eustace's friends and acquaintances, reviews the trial transcript, and discovers new clues. Scott is equally skilled at male and female characterizations, emotional nuance, and vocal distinction. A lively and immersive listen. M.J. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170338375
Publisher:	LibriVox
Publication date:	08/25/2014
Sales rank:	769,785

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