The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: A Shocking Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective
Walker & Company - Walker & Company
Release date: 2008-04-15
Hardcover
Author: Kate Summerscale
History, True Crime / Espionage, History: World, Biography & Autobiography / General, Europe - Great Britain - General, History / Expeditions & Discoveries, Murder - General, Mystery & Detective Fiction, Expeditions & Discoveries, General, 19th century, Biography, Case studies, Detectives, England, London, Murder, Wiltshire
average reviews
0 vote
0 vote
React and review
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: A Shocking Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective
Date undefinedI've always been a big fan of in "whodunits" and historical novels, so I was pretty excited when I saw this book come out and immediately had to snatch it up. Summerscale writes a great novel of a murder mystery set it gothic Victorian London, where the family are the only suspects. The case proves to be very captivating with various theories laid out for the reader to examine. The author is very good at making it not feel like you're reading a non-fiction book that just is crammed with facts, even though she has obviously done her research and has her share of documents pertaining to the case. I could've maybe done without the deeper information she gives into Whicher's life and the history of detective work, although some of it was insightful. Recommended to anyone who likes a good, real-life murder mystery!
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: A Shocking Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective
Date undefinedA good combination of whodunit and history of the period (1860).
The author includes maps, room plans and photographs which ensure that the reader can't forget the reality of the murder. Yet at the beginning of the book there is a family tree and a 'List of Characters' which almost suggests it's a work of detective fiction, popular at the time.
I found it really fascinating, from the gruesome murder of a young child to the personal and professional lives of Scotland Yard detectives. Summerscale has researched her material and the facts of the case very well and the result is a book that satisfies lovers of both facts and fiction.
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: A Shocking Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective
Date undefinedReading this book, one can't help but notice the similarities between this case and the high profile over hyped crimes constantly being "sold" on cable tv. What's particularly interesting is the parallels between the stupid commentary of the papers of the day and the stupid commentary of the talking head on cable news. I was also impressed at the level of skill of Mr Whicher, a man who'd clearly have a detective show named after him were he alive today.
It's also beyond that, an interesting look at the actions of someone who's committed a horrible crime but now feels remorse and guilt for their actions and is trying on some level to atone even though it's ultimately impossible to do so. It's a shame that we couldn't confirm whether the killer really did have an accomplice.
