"The Nine of Hearts" is a crime investigation novel by author B.L. Farjeon. It follows the trial of Edward Layton, who is in the dock for the wilful murder of his wife, Agnes Layton, by the administration of poisonous narcotics in such quantities as to produce death. Extraordinary as was the excitement caused by the previous day's proceedings, the public interest in this mysterious murder was intensified by the strange decision arrived at by the prisoner on the third day of his trial. Mr. Justice Fenmore is stunned when Layton dismisses his counsel and choses to represent himself, with startling results…