
A sly, tongue‑in‑cheek chronicle opens with a tongue‑in‑cheek definition of “shyster,” setting the stage for a courtroom comedy that skims the thin line between law and trickery. The celebrated firm of Tutt & Tutt is introduced not as heroic saviors but as mischievous schemers whose reputation precedes them.
The story kicks off when a wayward brick smashes the window of a local butcher’s shop, sparking a chaotic chain of mistaken identities. A teenage boy in a red sweater is hauled off by a hard‑nosed cop, while the butcher clamors for legal vengeance. The fledgling case lands on the desks of the Tutt brothers, who see in the turmoil a perfect opportunity to showcase their dubious brand of counsel.
Through brisk narration and sharp wit, the novel paints a vivid portrait of a justice system tangled in politics, personal loyalties, and pragmatic shortcuts. It offers listeners a witty, yet unsettling glimpse into how ordinary mishaps can become entangled in a web of legal maneuvering long before the real drama unfolds.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (392K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Steven desJardins and Distributed Proofreaders
Release date
2004-04-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1875–1945
Best remembered for smart, entertaining legal fiction, he brought courtroom drama to life with the popular Mr. Ephraim Tutt stories. Before becoming a full-time writer, he built a career as a lawyer and prosecutor in New York, which gave his work its insider edge.
View all books