Conan Doyle for the Defense

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In this gripping true-crime procedural, the creator of Sherlock Holmes employs his detective skills to exonerate a German Jew wrongfully convicted of murder. Margalit Fox presents a unique narrative that details Arthur Conan Doyle's real-life investigation into a 1908 murder case involving the brutal killing of a wealthy woman in Glasgow. The police quickly targeted Oscar Slater, an immigrant Jewish cardsharp, who, despite his innocence, was tried and sentenced to life in a harsh Scottish prison. Outraged by this miscarriage of justice, Conan Doyle became obsessed with the case, applying the methods of his famous character. He meticulously examined trial transcripts, newspaper articles, and eyewitness accounts, uncovering numerous inconsistencies and fabrications by law enforcement. His relentless pursuit of the truth ultimately led to Slater's release in 1927. Fox, a celebrated writer for The New York Times, showcases her talent for weaving a compelling narrative while illuminating a pivotal moment in forensic history, where prejudice began to give way to reason and scientific inquiry. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of bias and the quest for justice.