After a brilliant military career in India, General Thaddeus Carlyon finally meets death not in the frenzy of battle, but at a London dinner party, in what appears to be a freak accident. But the General's beautiful wife readily confesses that she killed him - a story she clings to even under the shadow of the gallows.
Investigator William Monk, nurse Hester Latterly and Oliver Rathbone, counsel for the defence, work feverishly to break down the silence of the accused and her husband's proud family; and with the trial only days away they inch towards the appalling heart of the mystery.
I liked the portrayal of Victorian aristocracy as aloof from the rest of society looking after their own interests and needing to have their secrets broken down slowly and with utmost patience by Monk and Hester.
It was a bit drawn out. I had guessed why she killed her husband well before the big reveal, he was abusing their son.
7/10
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