'Trial of Callista Blake' Summary

Callista Blake is on trial for the murder of Nancy Doherty, the wife of her former lover. The circumstantial evidence against her is damning, but Callista maintains her innocence. She claims that she mixed the deadly potion of Monkshood and brandy for herself at a moment of suicidal depression, and that Nancy drank it accidentally. The jury must decide whether to believe Callista's story or to convict her of murder. The trial is a media circus, and the public is divided on Callista's guilt or innocence. As the trial progresses, we learn more about Callista and the events that led to her arrest. We learn that she has a physical deformity and a sharp wit, and that she is an independent thinker. We also learn that she had a passionate affair with Jim Doherty, and that he was abusive towards her. On the day of the murder, Callista went to Jim's house to confront him about his behavior. She found Nancy there, and the two women argued. Callista left in a rage, and Nancy was found dead the next day. The prosecution argues that Callista killed Nancy out of jealousy. The defense argues that Nancy's death was an accident. The jury deliberates for several days before reaching a verdict. They find Callista guilty of murder, and she is sentenced to death. The Trial of Callista Blake is a powerful and moving novel about the power of prejudice and the importance of justice.