The Witness for the Prosecution: an Agatha Christie Short Story

When an elderly and wealthy spinster Emily French is found murdered, suspicion falls on Leonard Vole, the man to whom she hastily bequeathed her riches before she died.

Leonard assures his solicitor that his wife, Romaine Heilger, can provide him with an alibi. However, when questioned, Romaine informs the police that Vole returned home late that night covered in blood. During the trial, Ms. French's housekeeper, Janet, gives damning evidence against Vole and, as Romaine's cross-examination begins, her motives come under scrutiny in the courtroom. One question remains, will justice prevail?

Librarian's note #1: this is the original short story. It was published in the print anthologies, The Witness for The Prosecution and Other Stories, and The Hound of Death and Other Stories. It first appeared in Flynn's Weekly under the title of Traitor Hands in 1925. The author adapted it into a play in 1953 with additional material following the original ending, which became the basis for the 1957 film of the same name with Charles Laughton and Marlene Dietrich.