Owing to circumstantial evidence, Frances "Frankie" Richmond, a lesbian British lawyer, stands accused of a murder she didn't commit. It all begins when she represents an old acquaintance named Saskia in court: Saskia walks, a suspicious man follows, Saskia bolts, and Frankie follows the man, who beats her up and then gets killed. After police charge her in the murder, Frankie tries to find Saskia, who seems to hold the key to it all. Frankie's lawyer friend Kay (an ex-lover), best friend Lena, and law-clerk Gavin provide welcome character subplots. Lively and imaginative, this first novel is highly recommended for most mystery collections as well as for gay/lesbian fiction collections.