Patrick Butler for the Defence by John Dickson Carr
 
When a mysterious stranger is murdered in a locked room, Hugh Prentice finds himself the prime suspect. Desperate, he turns to the eccentric barrister Patrick Butler for help. Butler, a flamboyant and unconventional lawyer, takes on the case with gusto. As he delves deeper into the perplexing circumstances, he uncovers a web of deceit, blackmail, and deadly secrets. With time running out and the police closing in, Butler must race against the clock to prove Prentice's innocence and expose the true killer. This classic mystery thriller is filled with twists, turns, and a touch of dark humor, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.