Murder One in Midvale Corners

Penny Johnson, middle-aged, recently licensed lawyer, has a small but growing general law practice in her hometown, Midvale Corners. From her two room office above Max's Deli on Main Street, she and her legal assistant, Althea Riversmith, take most problems that come in the door, referring out those too complex for their resources.

When Horace Appleworth, local contractor, calls her to represent him for the murder of Dick, the town's City Manager, her first thought is to send him on to the best criminal attorney in the area. Horace will have none of it, he wants Penny. Penny, knowing that the prosecutor, up for re-election, wants a quick conviction, the police are convinced they have their man so won't look further and the Judge doesn't like the disruption of a high profile case in his court room, reluctantly agrees to represent Horace.

The evidence against Horace is overwhelming; Horace admits he was at the murder scene but claims Dick was alive when he left, his fingerprints are there, he was seen on the surveillance camera, Dick's killer and Horace are left handed, the murder weapon, a small antique pistol is registered to Horace, no one saw him walk home and he said to all who would listen that he was tired of paying bribes to Dick to get the town's construction contracts.

Penny is ably assisted by Althea and the Midvale Corners Investigative and Literary Society, a group of amateur detectives who like to solve puzzles. They take on the task of proving Horace innocent.