The Franchise Affair

First published in 1948, this mystery follows Robert Blair, a solicitor in a quiet Midlands town, who is asked to defend Marion Sharpe and her mother. They live at The Franchise, an isolated house, and stand accused by fifteen-year-old Betty Kane of locking her up and beating her after she refused service. Blair tests Kane's account of missing weeks against the Sharpes' habits, neighbours, and the physical house, while police and newspapers close in. The book is a crime novel of accusation and inquiry, not a courtroom drama from first page to last.

Bound in blue cloth blocked in black on all sides with a picture. Blue slipcase and endpapers.