Bernadette's Problem
A Novel
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Pub Date Oct 20 2026 | Archive Date Nov 20 2026
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Description
Can Henry Lindon somehow juggle a runaway grand jury and a misconceived art forgery?
Law professor Henry Lindon is astonished to find himself as the foreman of a dysfunctional grand jury in Dallas, Texas. While his inappropriately selected fellow jurists behave erratically, Henry’s stress accelerates when he receives word from his alluring friend Bernadette that she is in dire need of his help in Holland.
During a break from the grand jury proceedings, Henry flies to Amsterdam with his well-to-do, ne’er-do-well brother and learns that Bernadette has expertly forged a seventeenth century painting. The painting was intended as an elaborate prank to humiliate a pompous art professor who misappropriated her literary work as his own. But Bernadette’s plan is waylaid by her sociopathic daughter and her intended lesson in feminism is in danger of becoming a criminal fraud. Can Henry help Bernadette avoid charges of forgery by retrieving the painting before it is sold? And when he returns to his grand jury duties, can he steer his rebellious fellow jurors back to their sworn duties?
Bernadette’s Problem is a fast-paced and frequently humorous novel weaving together fascinating insights into forgery, Holland, and the little understood United States grand jury system.
Advance Praise
“Bernadette’s Problem is a captivating and engaging novel that seamlessly blends legal suspense and art history while exploring the enduring power of friendship, family, love, and loyalty when difficult choices test the limits of trust, integrity, and forgiveness. Along the way, Clay offers an authentic insight into the American legal system, the world of Dutch art, and the subtle contrasts between two cultures, all brought vividly to life through evocative settings, historical detail, and memorable culinary touches. A richly layered international story, it will appeal to readers who enjoy intelligent fiction with emotional depth as it draws them into a world where appearances deceive, moral certainties blur, and even the best intentions can have unforeseen consequences.”—I.C. Ciobanasu, lecturer in law, Vrije University, Amsterdam
“Compelling and fluid—Small’s luminous prose allows the characters to stroll effortlessly off the page.”—Jason Boland, singer and songwriter, Jason Boland & the Stragglers
“For decades, Clay Small and I were combatants in the Cola Wars. I never knew of Clay’s ability to weave such an incredible storyline. The journey of Henry Lindon and friends progresses with wonderful twists and turns between Dallas and Amsterdam. Enjoy the journey!”—Mark Schortman, former CEO, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages
“In the decades I have known Clay, he has always been a gifted storyteller. I’m delighted to see that he has now shared some of those stories in print and audio. Bernadette’s Problem is one of the very best from an old storyteller!”—Steve S. Reinemund, former chairman, PepsiCo, Inc.
“As a former student of Professor Small, I always knew he had a knack for teaching. He always painted a vivid picture of each case he taught. Given this, I should have known how talented of a novelist he is. I couldn’t put down his newest novel, Bernadette’s Problem.”—Hayden Horn
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9798900520872 |
| PRICE | $16.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 238 |