Frances Fyfield: Trial by Fire. London. London: Heinemann, 1990. First edition, first printing 9 ½ x 6 pp 208. The third book as Frances Fyfield novel, second appearance of Helen West.

Frances Fyfield is best known for her two remarkably adept series both with female lawyers: Helen West, the London-based Crown Prosecutor (filmed for TV with Juliet Stevenson and later Amanda Burton)and Sarah Fortune. These books are about characters that end up in court, and Fyfield is careful to try to bring in different viewpoints. Her work also consists of disturbing psychological thrillers, often with a “why-dunnit” twist. Her more recent work has been outside these series, with a more leisurely treatment of her subjects and a willingness to explore moral questions.

This is her second Helen West mystery. Fyfield’s books have been shortlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger. She was awarded the Duncan Lawrie Dagger for Blood from Stone in 2008.

Condition: Lovely Fine copy, book block beginning to yellow in very clean and crisp jacket.