First published in 1965, A COVENANT WITH DEATH is a well-written, engaging courtroom drama set in 1920s New Mexico. There are lots of comparisons with To Kill a Mockingbird, and there's some truth/value to that.

It's a very good novel. The various characters are well-drawn, and well-realized on the page. I particularly liked reading about the 29yr-old judge, concerned about his inexperience and desire to do right by all parties in the case/trial. The novel is also an interesting examination of the law as it was in 1920s US/New Mexico.

Recommended for all fans of legal/courtroom dramas.