The Crystal Stopper

THE CONVALESCENT Jim Horton awoke in high fever and great pain but the operation upon his skull had been successful, and it was believed that he would recover. Something as to the facts of the exploit of the wounded man had come to the hospital and he was an object of especial solicitude by both surgeons and nurses. They had worked hard to save him that he might be alive for the decoration that was sure to come and the night had brought a distinct improvement in his condition. The nurse still watched his breathing eagerly and wrote down the new and favorable record upon the chart by his bedside. Miss Newberry was not in the least sentimental and the war had blunted her sensibilities, but there was no denying the fact that when the dressing was removed from his head the patient was extremely good to look at.

Three years ago, Valeria’s husband stood accused of murder. The jury had not evidence enough to convict him, but Valeria is sure he is innocent and sets out to prove it to the world. Valeria Woodville is one of English literature’s earliest women detectives — that makes The Law and the Lady historically remarkable. But it’s also a great fun mystery, full of plot and circumstance, and a rogue’s gallery of odd Dickensian characters.