When the bodies of three young girls are unearthed in Mary Barton’s garden, the retired Florida schoolteacher insists she didn’t do it. But an eyewitness—the woman next door—has a different story: she swears she saw “Mary, Mary quite contrary,” so called by her neighbors, burying something the night before. Mary’s former student Melissa Lowdnes can’t believe the fun-loving teacher she once knew could ever carry out a murder—much less three—and seeks the help of lawyer Matthew Hope. Matthew only takes on clients he feels are innocent, and he’s got a hunch that Mary could be telling the truth—that is, when she isn’t ranting about the neighbors she feels have done her wrong. Matthew follows clues and builds a solid defense, but his strategy runs into a major setback: he’s going up against “killer” assistant district attorney Patricia Hemming, and she’s got an offer on the table that compromises the entire case.
Author : Ed McBain