The Evil Shepherd

E. Phillips Oppenheim, a British author, published the mystery-thriller The Evil Shepherd in 1922. The plot begins with a businessman found with a knife in his heart, and Oliver Hilditch, a cold-eyed man with a tenuous alibi, is the apparent suspect. The narrative will then take you to a scene where Hilditch appears to be headed for the hangman's post, but he is saved by outstanding defense lawyer Francis Ledsam, who employs all of his knowledge of the law to set his client free. Ledsam should be proud of his defense, but his happiness is short-lived when Hilditch's wife tells him that her husband is responsible for atrocities much more horrifying than murder. Ledsam's confidence in his job is shattered, and he swears never to advocate for a criminal once more. He finds himself caught between his love for a beautiful woman and a strong desire to do the right thing—no matter the cost—when his newly discovered values clash with the harsh reality of real-world justice. In the end, What will he do? Will he choose his love of his desire? Readers should read this story to know the end!