Conan Doyle for the Defence

by Margalit Fox
Conan Doyle for the Defence cover
Good Books rating 4.5
True Crime
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Paperback • £12.99
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  • ID: 2824
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781782831105
  • Publisher: Profile Books
  • Published: 2018-06-21
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Conan Doyle for the Defence delves into the infamous case of Oscar Slater, a Jewish immigrant wrongfully convicted of murder in 1908. The book draws from original sources, including Slater's prison letters, to provide a vivid account of the injustice and Conan Doyle's relentless efforts to free him. Through meticulous research and compelling narrative, Margalit Fox brings to life one of the most significant miscarriages of justice in Scottish history. /n/nThe story unfolds with the brutal murder of Marion Gilchrist and the subsequent trial of Oscar Slater, who, despite having an alibi, was sentenced to life imprisonment. Seventeen years later, a message hidden in a convict's false tooth leads to Arthur Conan Doyle's involvement. Using his sharp investigative skills, Doyle works tirelessly to expose the truth and secure Slater's release.

Reviews
The Lit Bitch · 2018-10-02
fascinating 4.50

The book is more than a biography, exploring social injustice, mystery, and the legal system, all while highlighting Conan Doyle's role.

The reviewer found this book to be a comprehensive exploration of various themes, including social injustice and the legal system, intertwined with Conan Doyle's life. They appreciated how the book goes beyond a simple biography, offering a vivid account of a miscarriage of justice and the author's efforts to rectify it. The narrative is compelling and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    This book was much more than just a biography!

    This book examines social injustice, mystery, the legal system, and of course Conan Doyle himself.

    Drawing from original sources including Oscar Slater's prison letters, this is Margalit Fox's vivid and compelling account of one of the greatest miscarriages...

The Times · 2018-06-17
fascinating 4.50

The book masterfully balances narrative drive with social context, making it a compelling read.

The reviewer highlights the book's ability to balance a gripping narrative with deeper social and criminological insights. They praise Margalit Fox for her meticulous research and engaging storytelling, which brings to life a real-life Sherlock Holmes mystery. The book is both informative and entertaining, appealing to fans of true crime and literary history.

Quick quotes

    One of the great successes of the book is the way it balances narrative drive with the wider social and criminological context.

    In one section, ...

    Margalit Fox takes us step by step inside Conan Doyle's investigative process and illuminates a murder mystery that is also a morality play for our time—a story...

The Guardian · 2018-06-13
fascinating 4.50

This book delves into Conan Doyle's investigative process, blending historical true crime with social commentary, creating a gripping narrative.

The reviewer praises Margalit Fox's ability to weave together a murder mystery with broader social and criminological themes. They highlight how the book not only explores Conan Doyle's involvement in the case but also sheds light on the era's forensic science advancements. The narrative is engaging, making it a compelling read for fans of historical true crime and Sherlock Holmes alike.

Quick quotes

    This way of proceeding...

    One of the great successes of the book is the way it balances narrative drive with the wider social and criminological context.

    Margalit Fox takes us step by step inside Conan Doyle's investigative process and illuminates a murder mystery that is also a morality play for our time—a story...

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