A Clear Case of Suicide

by Michael Underwood

Laurence Deegan, QC, had just won his latest case. At fifty, already a distinguished and famous barrister, he seemed set to become a judge at an early age. That same evening, his triumph still fresh, he ran his bath, got into it and slit the veins in both wrists. Why had he done it? His younger son (a police officer in the Special Branch) takes it upon himself to find out. It is this investigation that provides the core and the detail of a most intriguing mystery.

190 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1980

About the author

"Michael Underwood" was the pseudonym of British writer John Michael Evelyn. He published his first mystery novel, Murder on Trial, in 1954. His series characters were Martin Ainsworth and Inspector (later Superintendent) Simon Manton.

Evelyn was educated at Christ Church College Oxford and Grays Inn London. He was called to the Bar in 1939 but joined the British Army to serve during WWII until 1946, attaining the rank of Major. He returned to a career in law with the Department of Public Prosecutions, serving for some thirty years until his retirement in 1976.

Reviews

[Catsalive · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*
I love these older mysteries, I've read all my mum's old Crime Club collection. This one is clear & well-written, & the language is enjoyable to read - very easy on the eyes. Murder, espionage & honour.

Laurence Deegan, QC, had just won his latest case. At fifty, already a distinguished and famous barrister, he seemed set to become a judge at an early age. That same evening, his triumph still fresh, he ran his bath, got into it and slit the veins in both wrists. Why had he done it? His younger son (a police officer in the Special Branch) takes it upon himself to find out. It is this investigation that provides the core and the detail of a most intriguing mystery.

[Montgomery Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story: 7.5 / 10
Characters: 7
Setting: 7
Prose: 6