Marion Kerrison is given the defence brief in a notorious murder case. From the start she has her own theory of the crime but this does not square with the witnesses' evidence or that of her beguiling client, who seems to be enjoying the excitement rather than fearing the hangman's noose. The dangers, disappointments and her pursuit of the truth is told through Michael Irvine, her colleague in chambers who assists her at the trial and describes the legal battle that leads to a brilliant climax.