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Capital Crimes #3
Murder in the Supreme Court
Justice must be served when a chief clerk is killed in this mystery by the New York Times–bestselling author.
When Clarence Sutherland, Chief Clerk of the Supreme Court, is found dead, Lieutenant Martin Teller of the DC police and Susanna Pincher of the Justice Department are pulled together to find the killer.
It turns out that Sutherland had a lot of confidential information on important people, and any one of them could be responsible for his death. But one startling clue seems to implicate the high court itself: Sutherland was found slumped over in the Chief Justice’s chair. Did the clerk know something that the top judge, and perhaps even the president himself, didn’t want revealed? Teller and Pincher intend to find out . . .
From the daughter of President Harry Truman, an expert at depicting the details of life inside the beltway, Murder in the Supreme Court provides an intriguing peek into the world of Washington’s powerful justice system.
“Truman’s hints as to the real state of Washington are terrifying if true.” —Chicago Sun-Times
“A dazzling series.” —The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When Clarence Sutherland, Chief Clerk of the Supreme Court, is found dead, Lieutenant Martin Teller of the DC police and Susanna Pincher of the Justice Department are pulled together to find the killer.
It turns out that Sutherland had a lot of confidential information on important people, and any one of them could be responsible for his death. But one startling clue seems to implicate the high court itself: Sutherland was found slumped over in the Chief Justice’s chair. Did the clerk know something that the top judge, and perhaps even the president himself, didn’t want revealed? Teller and Pincher intend to find out . . .
From the daughter of President Harry Truman, an expert at depicting the details of life inside the beltway, Murder in the Supreme Court provides an intriguing peek into the world of Washington’s powerful justice system.
“Truman’s hints as to the real state of Washington are terrifying if true.” —Chicago Sun-Times
“A dazzling series.” —The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1982
348 people are currently reading
802 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Truman
86 books259 followersMary Margaret Truman Daniel was an American classical soprano, actress, journalist, radio and television personality, writer, and New York socialite. She was the only child of President Harry Truman and First Lady Bess Truman. While her father was president during the years 1945 to 1953, Margaret regularly accompanied him on campaign trips, such as the 1948 countrywide whistle-stop campaign lasting several weeks. She also appeared at important White House and political events during those years, being a favorite with the media.
After graduating from George Washington University in 1946, she embarked on a career as a coloratura soprano, beginning with a concert appearance with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 1947. She appeared in concerts with orchestras throughout the United States and in recitals throughout the U.S. through 1956. She made recordings for RCA Victor, and made television appearances on programs like What's My Line? and The Bell Telephone Hour.
In 1957, one year after her marriage, Truman abandoned her singing career to pursue a career as a journalist and radio personality, when she became the co-host of the program Weekday with Mike Wallace. She also wrote articles as an independent journalist, for a variety of publications in the 1960s and 1970s. She later became the successful author of a series of murder mysteries, and a number of works on U.S. First Ladies and First Families, including well-received biographies of her father, President Harry S. Truman and mother Bess Truman.
She was married to journalist Clifton Daniel, managing editor of The New York Times. The couple had four sons, and were prominent New York socialites who often hosted events for the New York elite.
After graduating from George Washington University in 1946, she embarked on a career as a coloratura soprano, beginning with a concert appearance with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 1947. She appeared in concerts with orchestras throughout the United States and in recitals throughout the U.S. through 1956. She made recordings for RCA Victor, and made television appearances on programs like What's My Line? and The Bell Telephone Hour.
In 1957, one year after her marriage, Truman abandoned her singing career to pursue a career as a journalist and radio personality, when she became the co-host of the program Weekday with Mike Wallace. She also wrote articles as an independent journalist, for a variety of publications in the 1960s and 1970s. She later became the successful author of a series of murder mysteries, and a number of works on U.S. First Ladies and First Families, including well-received biographies of her father, President Harry S. Truman and mother Bess Truman.
She was married to journalist Clifton Daniel, managing editor of The New York Times. The couple had four sons, and were prominent New York socialites who often hosted events for the New York elite.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
April 19, 2017
Very good story.
Margaret Truman was the daughter of 33rd President Harry Truman. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 83.
This book was published 1982, what was being discussed in the supreme court was woman right to choose. Isn't that remarkable, we are still discussing the same issue. Dark money in the politics made everything worse.
Love this series, all the suspects written so well, I again guessed it wrong.
Take time to read this series.
Margaret Truman was the daughter of 33rd President Harry Truman. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 83.
This book was published 1982, what was being discussed in the supreme court was woman right to choose. Isn't that remarkable, we are still discussing the same issue. Dark money in the politics made everything worse.
Love this series, all the suspects written so well, I again guessed it wrong.
Take time to read this series.
March 24, 2012
I had a lot of fun reading this book and until I read it .. I am embarrassed to say.. I did not realize I have not been to The Supreme Court. It is now on my to do list.
fun read, glad I read it, great mystery I look forward to reading the next book :)
fun read, glad I read it, great mystery I look forward to reading the next book :)
February 28, 2017
This mystery story takes place in the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court. As with all of Margaret Truman’s stories, this is set in Washington, DC. One evening, the clerk of the Chief Justice is found murdered sitting in the chair of the Chief Justice. A Metro Police Department detective starts working with a Justice Department representative to find out what happened. As they dig deeper, they find the clerk was not a very well-liked man. In fact, he had a way of making people very angry. As the detective works through the information, this book takes the reader back and forth across the country and involves war heroes, psychiatrists, and the CIA. It was really interesting to read about the Supreme Court and to learn a little about what happens there. The book had lots of twists and turns with intriguing characters.
December 16, 2020
I had forgotten how good these Margaret Truman mysteries are. This one pulled me in and I read it in less than two days. When a law clerk is murdered in the Supreme Court, right in the Chief Justice's chair, all kinds of mayhem is set loose. Martin Teller of the Metropolitan Police and Susanna Pinscher of the Justice Department join forces to sort out the true murderer from the many suspects, all of whom had motives. This is a satisfying read.
October 30, 2021
Read for the "Read the States" challenge for: Washington DC
Sure it was free, but the president's name was Randolph Jorgens 😂
Not the best book I've ever read, but not really the worst either. Lots of hot takes I disagreed with, but I liked the ending.
Sure it was free, but the president's name was Randolph Jorgens 😂
Not the best book I've ever read, but not really the worst either. Lots of hot takes I disagreed with, but I liked the ending.
August 4, 2024
These are just my vacation books now. Read one Truman book last vacation, another one this. Easy reading, comfort reading. Since reading one last time I’ve since learned she had a ghostwriter. May you RIP Mr Bain.
September 11, 2021
Capital Crimes Book #3 has absolutely nothing to do with the first two in the series, other than geography.
This was drawn out, filled with run-on sentences and preaching. I forced myself to keep going until I reached the 70% mark, where it suddenly got very interesting and started to tie together. So many tangents.
This was drawn out, filled with run-on sentences and preaching. I forced myself to keep going until I reached the 70% mark, where it suddenly got very interesting and started to tie together. So many tangents.
August 3, 2019
Such a good story...one of her best. I almost read it in one day, except for needing to sleep. I liked the two main characters - they had chemistry. There was a long list of possible suspects, pretty much the whole Supreme Court, plus some court clerks. One by one they were eliminated until toward the end, we were directed toward two or three. The story came to a logical conclusion regarding the murderer and the motive. Margaret Truman's unique perspective of Washington makes an interesting, behind the scenes read. I learned some of the ways the Court works and some of the ways it is not supposed to work, but .... well, you know.
April 24, 2020
This is the third book in the Capital Crimes series. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the series and this one is just as good. Each story takes place at a familiar landmark in Washington DC. It is not solved by the same person like a detective. In fact, it usually involves a gathering of agencies working together to solve a murder. All of the crimes so far have been kind of scandalous in the world of politics and it makes for highly entertaining reading.
A clerk who work for one of the Sumpreme Court Justices is found shot dead in the courtroom of the Sumpreme Court. He was not a pleasant person who as the investigation gets to digging that had many enemies. He used women and treated them like dirt. He decided that instead of working his way towards a career worth having that he would blackmail his way to where he wanted to go. With so many people who had reason to want him dead, finding his killer is not going to be easy. Everyone has secrets that they want to remain hidden and some of these people have clout. The Metro Police detective and a lawyer from the Justice Department have to be careful with how they treat the suspects. Power rules in the nation's capital and if you want to survive there you are careful of how you treat others. Still there is a killer on the loose and that cannot be allowed. It is up to those who are investigating to get to the bottom of all the secret to find out who the killer is and why they felt is necessary to kill.
This book was so easy to read. Gossip has a bit of truth to it and when the secrets start raising to the surface, it is hard to narrow down the suspects. With suspects like Supreme Court Justices, family members and wrongly treated women, finding a killer is definitely going to take a sharp mind. I think in some ways this has been my favorite book of the series so far. I will definitely be reading another soon. I know this series started years ago but it is timeless in the setting and atmosphere of each story.
A clerk who work for one of the Sumpreme Court Justices is found shot dead in the courtroom of the Sumpreme Court. He was not a pleasant person who as the investigation gets to digging that had many enemies. He used women and treated them like dirt. He decided that instead of working his way towards a career worth having that he would blackmail his way to where he wanted to go. With so many people who had reason to want him dead, finding his killer is not going to be easy. Everyone has secrets that they want to remain hidden and some of these people have clout. The Metro Police detective and a lawyer from the Justice Department have to be careful with how they treat the suspects. Power rules in the nation's capital and if you want to survive there you are careful of how you treat others. Still there is a killer on the loose and that cannot be allowed. It is up to those who are investigating to get to the bottom of all the secret to find out who the killer is and why they felt is necessary to kill.
This book was so easy to read. Gossip has a bit of truth to it and when the secrets start raising to the surface, it is hard to narrow down the suspects. With suspects like Supreme Court Justices, family members and wrongly treated women, finding a killer is definitely going to take a sharp mind. I think in some ways this has been my favorite book of the series so far. I will definitely be reading another soon. I know this series started years ago but it is timeless in the setting and atmosphere of each story.
February 8, 2023
I love murder mysteries so I was excited to read another murder mystery for book club. We read Stacey Abrams’ book about a Supreme Court murder last year. That was a fun, fast-paced mystery with lots of complicated twists. However, this book was none of those things. Published in the 80s, it felt very dated with the main detective sticking very closely to many of the detective stereotypes-leering at women, being out of shape, and kind of hard-boiled. The story had a few plot twists but none of them seemed too surprising.
The book begins when one of the law clerks for the Chief Justice is found murdered in the Chief Justice’s chair. Two detectives, Martin Teller and Susanna Pinscher are investigating the crime from two different groups, the police and the Justice Department. They work together to solve the murder. Unfortunately, the murderer was fairly obvious from the get-go and the story lines did nothing to convince me that I was wrong.
Maybe it is the many years of reading murder mysteries that had me so critical of this book. The writing felt as though the author was always trying to tell the reader what was happening instead of the story naturally unfolding in front of the reader. The love scenes between the two detectives felt forced and not believable. And even when she tried to make someone less stereotypical, like having the male detective like opera, it seemed weird and out of character.
Murder mysteries can be delicious to read. This felt like I had to stop rolling my eyes at every turn. For that I give it 2 stars.
The book begins when one of the law clerks for the Chief Justice is found murdered in the Chief Justice’s chair. Two detectives, Martin Teller and Susanna Pinscher are investigating the crime from two different groups, the police and the Justice Department. They work together to solve the murder. Unfortunately, the murderer was fairly obvious from the get-go and the story lines did nothing to convince me that I was wrong.
Maybe it is the many years of reading murder mysteries that had me so critical of this book. The writing felt as though the author was always trying to tell the reader what was happening instead of the story naturally unfolding in front of the reader. The love scenes between the two detectives felt forced and not believable. And even when she tried to make someone less stereotypical, like having the male detective like opera, it seemed weird and out of character.
Murder mysteries can be delicious to read. This felt like I had to stop rolling my eyes at every turn. For that I give it 2 stars.
March 26, 2021
My wife and I decided to read a Roosevelt and a Truman mystery for our March Mystery Madness selections this year. I have to say of the two we picked out the Truman was a much better cozy mystery and, in my taste anyway, a superior overall experience. Murder In The Supreme Court is a fast paced story with just enough plot twists to keep your interest but with a ending that was believable and also the reader was able to figure out or at least guess the motive. I don't like mystery endings that are so far out there the reader is left with no way to figure it out or have no information to have at least suspected the outcome. This book does a nice job at giving us options then coming to a reasonable climax.
September 24, 2018
Not for me. Gave the book three stars because it may very well be a good fit for someone else. The plot was compelling and overall the writing is solid.
My issues is that I hated most of the characters - horrible, selfish lying people making a mockery of the Supreme Court. Playing politics everywhere and suggesting that the highest court in the land can be bought through blackmail and deceit. By the end I was glad the victim was murdered but would not have been particularly sad if everyone else had been killed off. No ethics - no values. Yuck!
My issues is that I hated most of the characters - horrible, selfish lying people making a mockery of the Supreme Court. Playing politics everywhere and suggesting that the highest court in the land can be bought through blackmail and deceit. By the end I was glad the victim was murdered but would not have been particularly sad if everyone else had been killed off. No ethics - no values. Yuck!
July 5, 2021
Senator Arthur V. Watkins is a real person who tried to terminate the Turtle Mountain Tribe. This novel is based on reality, and shows the racism of the 1950’s (much like the current racism) and greed of the US government in disavowing former treaties and the fact that the land was that of the Native Americans, not the conquering white man. But the novel is not a dry treatise, but an entertaining story based on the author’s family and more. It might not be my normal type of book, but it was excellent.
February 5, 2021
This was my first Margaret Truman book, and I really liked her writing style. The book made the reader wonder if our country's highest court is really made up of such questionable (flawed) characters, but then, she might know, having been a president's daughter. But I enjoyed it very much, and will definitely want to read her other novels. I correctly guessed the killer, but as many have said, it could have been any number of suspects, all probably totally justified to kill the scumbag clerk.
Read
June 24, 2022Ms. Truman's mysteries are easy to read, and as you get into the series (which seem to all new stand alones), her plots become more nuanced and intricate. I'm enjoying them, and though I wouldn't say she'll ever be on my favorite author list, I'll look for copies whenever I'm in the 2nd hand book stores or online. Of course she knew a great deal about Washington D.C., and weaves that knowledge into her books. For a lazy summer read they're perfect.
April 26, 2024
3-1/2 rounded up to 4 stars. Through Bookbub, I was able to purchase a compilation of mysteries by Margaret Truman. Even though it is labeled #3, this was the first book featured in the compilation.
It is clear that Truman used her knowledge of DC in story telling, particularly different accesses to the White House and other government buildings.
The mystery was compelling and I'm now reading the second installment: Murder in the Embassy.
It is clear that Truman used her knowledge of DC in story telling, particularly different accesses to the White House and other government buildings.
The mystery was compelling and I'm now reading the second installment: Murder in the Embassy.
May 15, 2025
so
Please reduce by two thirds the repeated explanatory form of describing the characters and the stage they occupy. The length is extraordinary in my view. I also note the decision to include the supposed plight of women in a man’s world. This is a mystery after all. The author risks making her work singularly feminist which in appropriate venues is fine but again not in a novel purporting to be a mystery.
Please reduce by two thirds the repeated explanatory form of describing the characters and the stage they occupy. The length is extraordinary in my view. I also note the decision to include the supposed plight of women in a man’s world. This is a mystery after all. The author risks making her work singularly feminist which in appropriate venues is fine but again not in a novel purporting to be a mystery.
February 25, 2018
Yay! All’s well that ends well.
I didn’t figure out “whodunnit”, but its revelation made sense to me. I don’t think there were any loose ends, and all the non-villainous characters were likable and relatable. I’m glad all the selfish ones got their just desserts.
The pace of the story and the realistic dialogue made it easy to read. I look forward to other Ms. Truman novels.
I didn’t figure out “whodunnit”, but its revelation made sense to me. I don’t think there were any loose ends, and all the non-villainous characters were likable and relatable. I’m glad all the selfish ones got their just desserts.
The pace of the story and the realistic dialogue made it easy to read. I look forward to other Ms. Truman novels.
January 17, 2020
See Swanbender and Tulay's reviews.
Not a murder of a Supreme Court Judge, but of one of his clerks(?) Interesting how the Justice system and pre-911 Washington works, and does not work. Many twists and turns, as should all mystery stories, but the ending seemed contrived; anyone could have done it, I thought, and I didn't really care who.
Ms. Truman is / was knowledgeable.
Not a murder of a Supreme Court Judge, but of one of his clerks(?) Interesting how the Justice system and pre-911 Washington works, and does not work. Many twists and turns, as should all mystery stories, but the ending seemed contrived; anyone could have done it, I thought, and I didn't really care who.
Ms. Truman is / was knowledgeable.
July 14, 2020
the title appealed to me. Love mysteries but this one was disapointing. story was scattered and no tension in this story. it was disgusting that the top in governement had bad secrets and still got to their top position.
A story like this does not help increase trust in government. At least the bad guy deserved his death.
A story like this does not help increase trust in government. At least the bad guy deserved his death.
September 26, 2020
Well, of course, full of corrupt and nasty characters, not exactly what I like to read about, and probably wouldn’t have, except that it was free on Bookbub. Almost a hard-boiled detective story, but at least not graphic. It held together really well, she’s a good writer! A mystery until the very end.
January 2, 2021
I’m a great fan of Margaret Truman’s books. Who better than Ms Truman to write about the workings of Washington and throw in a murder to make inside the Beltway more exciting. As usual, she doesn’t fail the reader in extending her in-depth knowledge of the political process, but also gives us a bit of a shake-up to enjoy. Need I say more?...
September 26, 2021
A chief clerk is found dead while sitting in the chief justice's chair. He is found with a bullet hole in his head. It turns out everyone, including three justices, had a motive. The clerk was a nasty individual that would stop at nothing and use anyone to achieve his goals.
The story was pretty dull with no surprises.
The story was pretty dull with no surprises.
August 19, 2023
Margaret Truman's books are excellent and give a somewhat insider's view of Washington, D.C. Murder in the Supreme Court was one of her best, in my opinion. Filled with red herrings, sub-plots and interesting characters that sent me in many directions and I still didn't guess "who done it." It was obvious when I thought about it but not until the very end.
March 14, 2025
Through this mystery you will step inside the hallowed halls of the Supreme court and learn how cases are reviewed, then decided upon. This is a somewhat convoluted mystery as we follow DC detective Clarence Teller and Dept of Justice investigator Susanna Pinscher put together clues and develop a closer relationship.
July 12, 2017
I enjoyed this book, but it felt a little more...scattered around than the first two, and one element of the story, though not important to the actual mystery, was never completed. Just a little disappointed.
April 27, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I had no idea until the end who did it. Well-written without profanity, vulgar sex scenes, and unnecessary violence. This is the second one of her books that I’ve read. I plan to read them all.
June 10, 2021
I love DC, so murders mysteries that take place in DC are going to catch my attention. This one is at the Supreme Court. What I love about these books is not only do you get a good mystery, but you get a nice tour of DC and some of the power that lies there.
July 24, 2021
Hmm. I think I wish law professor Mac Smith from some of her other books could always be the detective. Martin and Susannah are better than some, though.
Many unsavory people, but a very well written story. Nobody is what they seem and the surprises keep coming.
Many unsavory people, but a very well written story. Nobody is what they seem and the surprises keep coming.
April 15, 2022
Disjointed
Character development was very shallow. There were too many incomplete thoughts that left me wondering what the author was trying to say to us. I finished reading it though many times I contemplated quitting.
Character development was very shallow. There were too many incomplete thoughts that left me wondering what the author was trying to say to us. I finished reading it though many times I contemplated quitting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews