Sheila Garvie: Mastermind or Victim?

The novel follows the investigation, the trial, and the aftermath of the murder of Maxwell Robert Garvie, a real case that took place in Kincardineshire in 1968. Max’s wife, Sheila, occupied centre-stage in the prejudiced speculations that surrounded the trial. Thus, Sheila is the focus of the narrative, which seeks to uncover, as far as it can, the truth regarding Sheila’s involvement in her husband’s death.

Including flashbacks and new theories, the book suggests that appearances can be deceiving and reveals the shortcomings of a system uncaring about abuse victims. Through the point of view of several characters involved in the case, the narrative is made dynamic and gripping, and Sheila is revealed to be deeply flawed, but also deeply human.