An Honorable Conspiracy

A Founding Father dies under suspicious circumstances—and an idealistic lawyer seeking justice encounters forces with vastly different priorities. Richmond, June 1806. Judge George Wythe—signer of the Declaration of Independence and mentor to Thomas Jefferson—dies in agony. Rumors swirl throughout the entire city that his grandnephew and heir has poisoned him, a crime so vile Jefferson himself calls it “an instance of depravity…hitherto known to us only in the fables of the poets.” When idealistic young lawyer Henry Martin investigates, he expects justice to be clear-cut. But within the shadow of Virginia’s classical Capitol, powerful men convene in secret. They fear that a guilty verdict followed by the grandnephew’s public hanging will forever taint the reputation and legacy of one of the nation’s most revered Founding Fathers, as well as undermine their own fragile social order. As the jury trial draws near, the chances of securing the conviction Henry believes is necessary for justice steadily fade. Key witnesses won’t be called to testify, other vital testimony is suppressed by the law itself, and the doctors are cautious. Henry fears that justice is being deliberately sabotaged. But if he’s right, who’s behind it and what’s their purpose? Should Henry seek the answers and risk his own career and social position by creating a public scandal? Or should he ignore the dictates of his conscience and play it safe by remaining silent? Inspired by true events, An Honorable Conspiracy is a gripping historical legal thriller about the clash between ancient perceptions of honor and reputation and the pursuit of justice—perfect for readers of Robert Harris and C.J. Sansom.