THE HAND OF FATE

by Michael Underwood ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1981

After a few under-par entries, prolific Underwood is back at his courtroom-drama best--as Frank Wimble, millionaire businessman, is charged with the murder of his wife Elspeth. The evidence? Elspeth's disappearance, followed, after six months, by the discovery of her dismembered hand (complete with wedding ring). Wimble vows his innocence, even though he admits that Elspeth had adamantly refused to give him the divorce which would have freed him to marry his young mistress Maurren. So, while the trial proceeds, there are lots of brisk character studies: the presiding judge, the team of defense lawyers, the witnesses (especially the Wimble children), members of the jury. And the verdict remains in doubt until the very end, with a zinger tucked away in its aftermath. All in all--deft and satisfying work from a low-key master of the crime/trial/mystery hybrid.

Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1981

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: St. Martin's

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1981

Categories: FICTION