DEFY THE DEVIL

Another knotty problem for barrister-sleuth Anthony Maitland--who must somehow rescue artist Simon Winthrop from a murder conviction. Hapless young Simon is accused of killing his wealthy grandfather Thomas Wilmot; he was seen leaving the murder site by no less than three witnesses; moreover, he has no alibi--and can't even remember what he was doing at the relevant time! Through most of this lackluster outing, then, Maitland and his usual colleagues plod through discussions of possible insanity pleas for Simon, including one based on multiple personalities. And only at the end do things liven up a bit--when Maitland becomes convinced that Simon is the victim of an elaborate frame-up. One of Woods' more contrived cases, chiefly for faithful fans.