Just Deceits: A Historical Courtroom Mystery

by Michael Schein

In 1793, Virginia's most powerful family found itself embroiled in Richard Randolph and his sister-in-law, the beautiful Nancy Randolph, were charged with adultery and infanticide. Richard Randolph demanded a public trial. They hired John Marshall, a young lawyer who was connected to their family through marriage, to defend them. John Marshall would go on to become the greatest Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, a man whose theories of law are now taught to every first year law student, though at the time of the Randolph trial he was relatively unknown. Uncertain about Marshall's abilities, the Randolph family at the last minute and unbeknownst to Marshall brought in co-counsel; none other than founding father and former Virginia governor Patrick Henry. Henry's wild, improvisational style clashed with Marshall's reasoned defense based on the facts, but Henry was so successful that Marshall was forced to learn from him and then to improve on the master. Author Michael Schein, a former professor of American legal history, drew on John Marshall's actual trial notes in writing this novel that centers on the celebrity trial of the 18th century. JUST DECEITS shows how the remarkable defense team of wily Patrick Henry and ambitious John Marshall battled each other, their clients, the prosecution, and the truth itself, in an effort to save their clients from the gallows. In its ribald portrayal of a young legal system already driven more by spectacle than evidence, JUST DECEITS calls into question the feasibility of uncovering the whole truth. Ultimately, as secrets are revealed and relationships brought to light, JUST DECEITS is as much about the trials of love as about the trial in the courtroom.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Legal Thriller, 18th Century, Historical Mystery

308 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2008

About the author

Michael Schein is an attorney, historian, and author of the historical nonfiction work, JOHN SURRATT: THE LINCOLN ASSASSIN WHO GOT AWAY (April 2015), as well as two historical novels: BONES BENEATH OUR FEET (2011) (a Pacific NW Booksellers’ featured choice), and JUST DECEITS: A HISTORICAL COURTROOM MYSTERY (2008) (a #1-seller on KINDLE). Mr. Schein taught American Legal History at Seattle University Law School for 15 years. He is a frequent speaker for Humanities Washington, at conventions and at writers’ conferences, and serves as Director of the annual LiTFUSE Poets’ Workshop. His poetry has been nominated three times for a Pushcart Prize.

Reviews

[Julene · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time author Michael Schein ties up a story that has no answers. He writes what is a true story of a Southern American family into a compelling fiction. No one knows the truth, but this author comes as close to it as anyone could possibly speculate in this intriguing historical case of one of our own American families. A lawyer who writes well, Michael Schein captivates the reader into this courtroom trail of the Randolphs, and the two American patriarchs, Patrick Henry and John Marshall who stand in their defense. This is the trial of the Randolph family daughter, Nancy, and her brother-in-law, Richard, accused of a sexual scandal. These political historical figures were prominent in the founding of our constitution.

Michael Schein captures the wild and wildly subtext that abounds in Virginia during the 1700s, he brings alive the details of life during these years of slavery in the south. The chapter," The Gouging Contest," will make anyone flinch with the rowdy plucking out of an eye in a bet that draws a crowd cheering blood!

The dialectical, philosophical banter of the separation between what is right and legal in law versus what is true to the heart is dealt with in this book. Let us hope it comes to a play or a movie for no richer court scene could be played out today than that of this rambling family of America's southern elite. And, did I mention how well he understands the psyche of his female characters, their sexuality and their context in a world of sexual abusers from father to brother to society? Michael Schein writes sex well, and this book in its many layers 'gets' women's place in a male world. This is a book that has come of age in his capable hands, even if it is not a book you are typically drawn to read, I suggest you read this book!

[Michael Schein · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1793, the most powerful family in Virginia found itself embroiled in scandal: Richard Randolph and his sister-in-law, the beautiful and impetuous Nancy Randolph, were charged with adultery and infanticide. Based on actual events, Just Deceits tells the story of the Trial of the Century – the 18th Century – as the remarkable defense team of wily Patrick Henry and ambitious John Marshall battled each other, their clients, family intrigue, the prosecution, and the truth itself, trying to save their clients from the gallows. In its ribald portrayal of a young legal system already driven more by spectacle than evidence, Just Deceits calls into question the feasibility — and even the desirability — of uncovering “the whole truth.” Ultimately, in the secrets revealed and the relationships celebrated, Just Deceits is as much a story of a trial of love as the trial in the courtroom.

“Michael Schein’s excellent debut novel, Just Deceits, is the perfect book for lovers of courtroom thrillers, historical fiction, mysteries, or anyone looking for an exciting page-turner that also stimulates the mind. Schein’s writing is crisp, the characters are vivid and engaging, and there are many unexpected twists on the way to a stunning ending. I couldn’t put it down!”

– Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestselling author of The Jury Master, Damage Control, and The Cyanide Canary



“Just Deceits is an exceptionally well-written novel that combines a gripping legal who-done-it with a rich and clever historical tale. Because the line between truth and belief is not neatly drawn, the book is also a significant contribution to the genre of the novel of ideas. The reader looking for thoughtful fun will not be disappointed.”

– Julian Riepe, former Book Acquisition Manager, Amazon.com; Co-founder of Seattle’s Third Place Books

[Robert Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 2007, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. commented that Americans are “the most entertained and least informed people on the planet.” The best part about Michael Schein’s remarkable work of historical fiction, “Just Deceits – A Historical Courtroom Mystery,” is that it accurately informs and compellingly illuminates in an entirely entertaining fashion. As we all know from everyday life, a good story only goes so far: the telling of the story will determine whether we listen attentively or pretend to get an important phone call and walk away. Schein is a superb storyteller: he reveals key elements judiciously, includes the right amount of detail, explains when necessary and lingers when you need a little more time. His writing is equally impressive. His prose is crisp and clear, dialects are gracefully represented and descriptions are clever, understated and steeped in the period. Readers are simultaneously happy for his guidance and glad that he remains just offstage in the shadows, focusing our attention on the characters and story. This is more than a story, however, it’s our heritage; and Schein brings to late 18th-century America what Upton Sinclair brought to early 20th-century America, an open mind and a journalist’s willingness to follow darkened forest trails, stray into the slaves’ quarters and disappear into the muddy, vulgar chaos of the green. He reveals what he finds there, whether ugly or inspiring. It is this focus on truth that reveals the true heroes both in real life and in stories like Just Deceits. It is a gritty, unflinching and moving story of Americans in a very young country dealing with challenges as old as humanity itself.

[Ingrid Ricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not usually drawn to historical fiction. But this story grabbed me. In addition to writing a compelling mystery that leaves readers guessing to the very end, the author shines the spotlight on a time not so long ago when women could be given the death sentence for seeking an abortion and witch hunts were commonplace. Just Deceits is a fascinating, well-told story and I recommend it to anyone looking to lose themselves in a good book.

[Ann Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent debut novel. Well written with many unexpected twists and a stunning ending. Truly loved this one.

[June Ahern · Rating 4 out of 5]

For first time novelist, Michael Schein, I say Bravo! I do love a mystery and historical story, this has both. There were times I did get confused with who was who and wanted to move on, and then if I did, had to go back and find where I missed a clue. The story takes place in the 16yh century in the very young USA. The characters are well developed and I felt I was back in the period of the history the story takes place. It felt black, grey and brown. The historical picture is set vividly.

The story is about the murder of a baby and an illicit love affair. From there the legal aspect of how the laws and society were at that time, pull the reader into the mystery as the attorney for one of the accused sets out to find the truth. The reader will learn the history of early years of the American legal system.

I did want to get to what? what? I believed the accused, I didn't, and then back and forth. The ending is quite a surprise!

City of Redemption

[Elsie Hulsizer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page-turner that informs as much as it entertains. Michael Schein combines his considerable expertise in legal history with an impressive command of the craft of writing to bring us an engrossing historical mystery. The twists and turns of the plot kept me fascinated to the end -- even after I peeked ahead. Schein’s portrayal of historical details puts me right in the story.

[Angelica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and enjoyable historical legal drama. This has been one of the very few "free for Kindle" books I've found that actually has some depth and meat. The writing is quite good. The character and setting were both well developed. I'm quite fond of the time period, and it was intriguing to read such a controversial story set amongst familiar historical characters.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just the best historical fiction I've ever read, but I had to ask myself: Is this one of the best books overall I've ever read? Yes. Uncommonly beautiful language, psychologically complex, and smart in every detail. Wow.

[Angie Boyter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating, enjoyable, and informative book! It satisfies my reading taste in three ways: it is a suspenseful courtroom drama; it is a fascinating look at the last years of the 1700s and at some important historical figures of the day like Patrick Henry and John Marshall; and the historically true plot has heartrending elements and surprise twists and turns.
I would love to read more from this author, although I suspect it would be hard to find another true-life story so suited for fiction as this one.

[Dan Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story, based on real events, centers around two relatives of Edmund Randolph, the first Attorney General, who were tried for adultery and infanticide. Their lead Defense Attorney was John Marshall who would go on to become one of the most influential Chief Justices of the Supreme Court. I found the author's writing very engaging and hard to put down. Quite interesting to read of such an unknown event in the annals of the early years of our nation.

[Amy Videon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book for someone who likes fictionalized accounts of true events in history. According to the foreward, all trial details were pulled from the preserved trial notes, but personal conversations and certain details were obviously fictionalized.

It was hard for me to following the writing style at first which made the story hard to get into, but once the trial actually started and the details were being revealed, it was a much quicker read and very interesting.

[Djrmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow start leads to some riveting courtroom drama. The historical connections are crazy! I don’t know how many rabbit holes I went down looking these “characters” up on Wikipedia, but they were all time well spent. There are some weird formatting glitches in the Kindle edition, but really quite a good book.

[Michael Kenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. Every word perfectly placed. Details that can be enjoyed as if reading poetry, separate and apart from the story line. The experience of time travel, as you go back and live in the past and place yourself in the shoes of historical figures. A page turner that leaves you fully satisfied when finished.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe this book has been sitting on my kindle for over 10 years. I'm so glad I finally got around to read it. It is a very well written story about a scandal in US history of which I knew nothing about. The author did a great job of making the characters come to life. I would love to see this made into a movie.

[Kathie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story ...

... but the writing is too florid for my taste. I ended up reading quite a bit on my own about the families involved and was amazed at the amount of inbreeding that went on. Holy moly!

[Kathryn Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Very good historical novel. I enjoyed reading it. The Colonial language is intriguing as is the look into early justice in a brand new America.

[Lori Shafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came across my desk for deletion from our library's catalog. It sounded so good. I love history and true crime. This book was just right for me.

I had never heard of this case before. I truly enjoyed reading about the historical scandal.

It wasn't quite the page turner I thought it was going to be, but it was pretty good.

[Boots S · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting tale, based on actual trial, but needed more depth to the characters. There was much 'fill-in" to make the book longer.

In 1793, Virginia s most powerful family found itself embroiled in scandal: Richard Randolph and his sister-in-law, the beautiful Nancy Randolph, were charged with adultery and infanticide. Richard Randolph demanded a public trial. Richard s stepfather, Judge Henry St. George Tucker, hired John Marshall, a young lawyer who was connected to their family through marriage. John Marshall would go on to become the greatest Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, a man whose theories of law are now taught to every first year law student, though at the time of the Randolph trial he was relatively unknown. Uncertain about Marshall s abilities, the Randolph family at the last minute and unbeknownst to Marshall brought in co-counsel; none other than founding father and former Virginia governor Patrick Henry. Henry s wild, improvisational style clashed with Marshall s reasoned defense based on the facts, but Henry was so successful that Marshall was forced to learn from him and then to improve on the master. Author Michael Schein, a former professor of American legal history, drew on John Marshall s actual trial notes in writing this novel that centers on the trial of the 18th century. Just Deceits shows how the remarkable defense team of wily Patrick Henry and ambitious John Marshall battled each other, their clients, the prosecution, and the truth itself, in an effort to save their clients from the gallows. In its ribald portrayal of a young legal system already driven more by spectacle than evidence, Just Deceits calls into question the feasibility of uncovering "the whole truth." Ultimately, as secrets are revealed and relationships brought to light, Just Deceits tells a story as much about the trials of love as about the trial in the courtroom.

[Elli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the characters difficult to like or respect. Mr. Villain was really a first degree villain. The suffering and embittered wives, one in particular was just too, too much so. John Marshall as himself was a little better, same for Patrick Henry, also the prosecuting side. The father of the two most prominent women in the case was simply incredible! And the amount of respect for "his cute ways" is really disgusting. In the case itself, someone really made hay by disseminating false information and taking up a case based on gossipy hearsay, it's own timely People magazine. There was a case here actually, but it had nothing to do with the defendants and everything to do with some real maliciousness. The degree of the freedoms we take such pride in from this early period don't show at their best when "the family" and "the community" has the room and and legal final say to house such as sexual exploitation of family members, family committing what would be criminal, and simply be protected by virtue of family importance. It may well be true, but it's nothing that makes me feel any pride in heritage or a feeling of relationship that I want to have with times past! It is well written, and I am sure, well researched. And I'm sure many would like it. I just don't.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

great historical fiction
!In 1793, Virginia s most powerful family found itself embroiled in scandal: Richard Randolph and his sister-in-law, the beautiful Nancy Randolph, were charged with adultery and infanticide. Richard Randolph demanded a public trial. Richard s stepfather, Judge Henry St. George Tucker, hired John Marshall, a young lawyer who was connected to their family through marriage. John Marshall would go on to become the greatest Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, a man whose theories of law are now taught to every first year law student, though at the time of the Randolph trial he was relatively unknown. Uncertain about Marshall s abilities, the Randolph family at the last minute and unbeknownst to Marshall brought in co-counsel; none other than founding father and former Virginia governor Patrick He

nry.

[Anita Bartholomew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written book about characters you know already if you've read about America in the early 1800s. Patrick Henry is central as is John Marshall. One of Thomas Jefferson's daughters makes an appearance.

Schein took an obscure murder case of the period and turned it into a mystery novel. I would have given it five stars if he had fleshed out his characters more. I felt that too many of them were more caricatures than characters. Two slaves, central to the plot, especially get short shrift. I would have liked to have learned about them as people, not just as contributors to plot points.

There are some formatting issues toward the end (I read the Kindle ebook) that get to be annoying.

That said, this is an entertaining read and one I'd recommend.

[Breia · Rating 3 out of 5]

With the non-fiction aspects, this was an enjoyable case to read. The author prefaced the fiction portions and I could appreciate both features.

At times I was really confused with the characters and the relationship with each other. I do not believe this to be the author’s fault but more an issue of the times. Woman are named one thing but called another and inter-family relationships (marrying ones cousin) were a normal practice.

The old English writing made this difficult for me to read too. Combined with the character issue, and the multitude of characters, I did not enjoy this as much as I hoped. The treatment of women and racism within the time period is not something I do not need to read about again any time soon.

[Susan Diane Frincke Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

5th book in the last week

Well written, excellent. I couldn't put it down. Although events took place in the late 18th century the author doesn't leave you to figure out how the times affect the outcome with excessive information. While romance is part of the story I am happy to say it isn't a "garbage romance" of which to many historical novels are.

What characters I researched a bit more appear to be accurately right represented.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys history, mystery and crime.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting book based on true events, but it kind of felt like two different books. The first part is prior to the trial and the second part the trial itself. Schein pulled the dialogue for the trial from the actual court transcripts and it is really enjoyable, and believe it or not, fun to read. But it the tone and timbre fo the court section felt very different from the first. I really liked it despite this disjointed feeling though.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good and very interesting story of the case of the Richard and Nancy Randolph murder trial in 1793. They were defended by John Marshall (later to become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court) and Patrick Henry.

I was not familiar with this story of rumors of adultery, incest, and infanticide. The authors relies on historical documents as the basis of his story and ties up the loose ends with his conclusion on the "truth."

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't know if I'd like this at first, a little slow moving to start, but once it got going, especially the trial part, it really got interesting and I loved the historical slant, though not all of it is directly true of course. More a courtroom drama than a real mystery, but I liked that better. Yes, the characters were a little too either good or bad, not much mix in some of them, but I still enjoyed them. The characters of Marshall and Henry were especially great with their rivalry.

[Sally Beaudean]

I really enjoyed this book. The historical perspective was fun -- a very different view of Patrick Henry and a unique description of the early legal system. The style was interesting as well as challenging -- it's never a bad thing when I have to use my Kindle's instant dictionary! If you like courtroom drama you'll enjoy this one.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started this last August...pulled it out again, had to start from the beginning..was a little slow at first, but a great read..historical fiction is always enjoyable...and this was no different. Great plot, great characters, very well researched fact wise...a who dunnit/did anyone "dunnit" from early in our nation's start...

[Emily D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting if you're a former High School history teacher whose favorite period in US History begins with the Revolution and vends when Old Hickory takes office. Others might find it a tad boring. Brilliant people, new political ideas put in action, mixed with a society not to far removed from the Puritans in New England. Add those wealthy planters.......great story beyond the trial