The Barrister and the Letter of Marque

Johnson debuts with a tense story of powerful interests teaming up to thwart a legal challenge in Georgian-era England. Barrister William Snopes, a seasoned advocate for the underprivileged of London, takes on the case of Captain Harold Tuttle and his cousin, Lady Madeleine Jameson, who employed the captain to pilfer the cargo of French ships in the Indian Sea under the legal protection of a letter of marque. But with the letter missing, Tuttle is arrested for piracy when he arrives in London, and his goods are seized. As those close to the monarchy push to convict him, Tuttle faces the gallows unless Snopes can prove his innocence. Snopes and Madeleine work to delay the trial while trying to convince witnesses to testify to a conspiracy to steal the letter of marque that reaches to the highest echelons of power. Johnson steeps his story in legal maneuvering, layers of intrigue, midnight chases, and even a hint of romance. While faith elements are subtle, this enthralling novel will appeal to fans of both legal thrillers and historical inspirationals. (Aug.)