Execution of Justice

A respected professor is shot in a crowded Zurich restaurant, and the murderer calmly turns himself in to the police. However, he has now hired a lawyer to clear his name and chosen the drink-soaked, disreputable Spät to defend him. As Spät investigates, he becomes obsessed with the case and reaches a deadly conclusion: justice can only be restored by a crime. This is a captivating neo-noir classic from the master of the genre.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2018
Publisher: Pushkin Press

A renowned professor, revered for his knowledge and expertise, has tragically met an untimely end - shot in a bustling Zurich restaurant, in broad daylight, before a multitude of witnesses. The perpetrator, displaying a chilling calmness, surrendered himself to the authorities without a hint of resistance. However, what perplexes the minds of onlookers is the decision of the murderer to hire a lawyer, and even more so, to select the notorious and disreputable Spät as his defense counsel. As Spät delves into the investigation, he becomes increasingly captivated, drawn into a labyrinthine case of bewildering complexity. The deeper he digs, the more he is consumed by an insatiable obsession, until he reaches a chilling conclusion: justice can be restored only through the commission of a crime.

This mesmerizing neo-noir masterpiece, penned by the master of the genre, unfolds like a suspenseful narrative that challenges the very foundations of the legal system. It serves as a dark, wicked satire on the institutions that are meant to uphold the law. At the same time, it presents a disturbing, if ambivalent, allegory on guilt, justice, violence, and morality.

The Execution of Justice takes the reader on a thrilling journey through the shadowy alleys of Zurich, where the lines between right and wrong blur, and the consequences of one's actions are dire. The characters, each with their own motivations and secrets, are intricately woven into the plot, adding depth and complexity to the story. Spät, the lawyer chosen by the murderer, is a fascinating figure. He is a man of contradictions, with a troubled past and a reputation for being unscrupulous. As he navigates the treacherous waters of the legal system, he is forced to confront his own demons and question his own moral compass.

Through his investigation, Spät uncovers a web of lies, deceit, and corruption that extends far beyond the confines of the restaurant where the professor was shot. He encounters powerful figures, both in the legal profession and in the underworld, who are willing to do anything to protect their interests. As he delves deeper into the case, Spät becomes increasingly aware of the dangers he faces, both from those who seek to silence him and from those who are willing to take the law into their own hands.

In the end, The Execution of Justice is a powerful exploration of the human psyche and the lengths that people will go to in order to seek justice. It is a cautionary tale that reminds us of the fragility of the legal system and the importance of upholding the principles of justice and the rule. It is a masterpiece that will leave readers pondering long after the last page has been turned.

Weight: 164g
Dimension: 198 x 139 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782273875