The Shadow on the Spark

Published in 1927, 'The Shadow on the Spark' by Edward S. Sears is a detective novel that intricately weaves medical intrigue with courtroom drama. The story follows Dr. Milton Jarvis, who, upon returning from a medical conference, learns of his friend Jim Craighead's suspicious death, initially ruled an accident. As Jarvis investigates, he uncovers a complex web of deceit involving a dubious stepfather, a narcotic prescription, and a mysterious woman named Tessie Prettyman, leading to a dramatic courtroom revelation. This novel is notable for its exploration of circumstantial evidence and the interplay of human motives in the pursuit of truth.