Justice Deferred

falsehood seem more plausible? This psychological crime novel from British veteran Ashford (Criminal Innocence) succeeds in raising some interesting philosophical questions, despite a familiar plot, pedestrian prose, and two-dimensional characters. Elaine Cane stands accused of murdering her husband, John, after he attacks her in a fit of drunken rage. The police suspect Elaine of having an affair with Mike Linton, an artist who has been painting her portrait, and of advancing him money for his rent. While no conclusive evidence links Elaine to the crime, she also has no alibi to prove her innocence, and her reluctance to discuss the cause of her quarrel with her husband only convinces the police of her guilt. Mostly irrelevant incursions into the private lives of the police officers conducting the inquiry stretch out the thin story line. (Mar.)