The Witness for the Prosecution and Other Stories (General Press)

Book excerpt: First published in 1925, 'The Witness for the Prosecution' is a short story and play by Agatha Christie, an English writer best known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, specifically those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. When affluent spinster, Emily French is found murdered, skepticism falls on Leonard Vole, the man to whom she impatiently bequeathed her riches before she died. Leonard assures the investigators that his wife, Romaine Heiliger, can provide them with an alibi. However, when questioned, Romaine notifies the police that Vole returned home late that night covered in blood. During the trial, Ms. French's housekeeper, Janet, gives damning proof against Vole, and, as Romaine's cross-examination begins, her motives come under scrutiny from the courtroom. The packed courtroom waited as Romaine mounted the stand to deliver the testimony that has made this the masterpiece of suspense and shock. The ultimate question is whether justice will prevail or not.