'Rough Justice' Summary

Lisa Rainer, a wealthy socialite, is found murdered in her London home. Detective John Thorne is assigned to the case, and he quickly learns that Lisa's life was filled with secrets and betrayals. Her former lover, a man named Charles, had traveled to Africa to seek his fortune, leaving Lisa behind. When he returns, he brings with him a new love, sparking jealousy and suspicion. Thorne investigates the lives of everyone involved, from Lisa's family to her friends, and uncovers a complex web of relationships and motives. He discovers that Lisa's death may be connected to a long-held family secret, and that Charles's return from Africa has stirred up old resentments and fueled new desires. As Thorne pieces together the clues, he must navigate the social and economic complexities of Victorian society, where class distinctions and societal expectations play a crucial role in shaping people's lives and destinies. The investigation takes him on a journey from the opulent drawing rooms of London's elite to the bustling streets of the city's underbelly, and ultimately, to the far-off shores of Africa. With each revelation, Thorne's understanding of the case deepens, and he is drawn closer to the truth, a truth that may be more shocking than he ever imagined. "Rough Justice" is a classic mystery that explores the dark undercurrents of Victorian society and the lengths people will go to for love, power, and revenge.