The Makeshift Alibi

The jury was unanimous. Their verdict was that Rory Spenser murdered his former blood clinic colleague. His protestations of innocence, relying heavily on an unconvincing alibi, failed to sway them. Four years into his life sentence, a ray of hope emerges. A private investigator hired by Spenser's mother unearths the alleged alibi, who could not be located for the trial. She lends her support to an application for a pardon for a miscarriage of justice.

To the surprise of supporters and detractors alike, Spenser is granted a free pardon and released from his sentence with compensation, though not acquitted of the crime. He moves into community accommodation in Lambeth North and resumes the life of a free citizen. A book deal ensures he will remain in the public eye. And his instinct to enjoy life to the fullest ensures he will not be hamstrung or prudent for long. He believes the world is his oyster.

A journalist and the private investigator take a closer look at Spenser's history and the circumstances of the alibi that tipped the scales in favour of Spenser. Was the alibi all that efficacious? Was it a genuine miscarriage of justice? Their paths will cross Spenser's and there will be consequences.

© 2026 Austin Macauley Publishers (Ebook): 9781035809738

Release date

Ebook: 2 January 2026