This is a fascinating persepctive on this case. I have read multiple books and articles over the years but this by far gives the most thorough information.
I highly recommend this book.

Unfortunately this did not keep I
My interest. The underlying story Crippen and the mystery surrounding him and the events that took place is a fantastic true crime story that if unfamiliar you should check out. This novelization about it however was dry and bland with glimmers of hope. To me it read more like a text book study without the captivating mystery hook it needed with the help of the true crime committed.

I feel like the author missed the mark however, I believe maybe a more analytical eye would enjoy this novel.

It was an 'open and shut' case. Hawley Harvey Crippen, an American quack doctor, had murdered his wife, the music hall performer Belle Elmore, and buried parts of her body in the coal cellar of their North London home. But by the time the remains were discovered he had fled the country with his mistress disguised as his son. After a thrilling chase across the ocean he was caught, returned to England, tried and hanged, remembered forever after as the quintessential domestic murderer.

But if it was as straightforward as the prosecution alleged, why did he leave only some of the body in his house, when he had successfully disposed of the head, limbs and bones elsewhere? Why did he stick so doggedly to a plea of complete innocence, when he might have made a sympathetic case for manslaughter? Why did he make no effort to cover his tracks if he really had been planning a murder? These and other questions remained tantalising mysteries for almost a century, until new DNA tests conducted in America exploded everything we thought we knew for sure about the story. This book, the first to make full use of this astonishing new evidence. Time to clear your schedule for the afternoon, coffee pot on and phone turned off - you won’t want to put this one down. This was a compelling and thoroughly gripping read from start to finish with a great storyline, and all capped off by skilful writing. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the advanced reading of this fantastic book!

Wow, what a riveting book! Like others I have been fascinated by the story of "Doctor" and Cora Crippen which first made headlines in July, 1910 when a gruesome discovery was made in their cellar. Sensationalism doesn't even begin to cover it...dismemberment by someone knowledgeable about anatomy, a quack doctor, a theatrical wife, a mistress, poison, quicklime, theories, surmises, lies, deception and fleeing London for Canada.

Hawley Harvey Crippen and his actress wife Cora were Americans who lived on Hilldrop Crescent in London. Doctor Crippen was more of a quack, parting people from their money with sugar water cures. He also classified himself as a dentist. He and Cora enjoyed socializing and threw parties but the fun ended with the grim discovery in their cellar after Crippen and Ethel (who was living with him as his wife) fled London. When questioned about his professional pedigree, he readily admitted the stories he told his friends about Cora's death. His fleeing before the discovery seemed to point to his guilt. And it didn't help that he didn't defend himself yet he denied any part in the crime. Wonder what Ethel thought?

There is a plethora of questions in this case. Was the flesh found indeed Cora? If so, was it not overkill to use poison? And why get rid of bits of the body in a house rented by Crippens? And loads more, of course. So many interesting facts, including two coffins and quicklime...these really made me think. Cora sightings and hoaxes abounded which kept the cycle going.

The author's thorough research really shows, including new thought-provoking DNA evidence. The photographs in the book are fascinating. If true crime fascinates you, do read this incredibly readable and compelling book with differing viewpoints and conclusions, including that of the author.

My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this memorable book resplendent with aha moments.

This topic has been dealt with several times. Nothing new but well written. There is only so much that can be said about these characters. No new revelations.

Very interesting in-depth examination.

John George Haigh, Christie, Dr Crippen.....all well-known murderers from many years back. There is a fascination to know exactly what happened. I remember seeing a documentary a few years ago which suggested there had been new evidence found which brought some doubts relating to Crippen's case, so was very interested to read this book when I saw it newly available.

These sorts of books are usually very interesting and fascinating. I was anxious to get to the main part of the action, rather than a lot of social background, but I soon became engrossed in it. Not just about the murders, there's quite a bit of background to the Crippens coming to London, Cora being in music Hall etc.

This is well-researched, with mountains of information. So, if you want an in-depth account, this is it. There were some things I thought a bit exhaustive: there were lots of accompanying notes, which I didn't keep stopping to refer to-I preferred to keep the reading flow. These are all at the back, so you can look over them later if you so wish.

Quite long chapters. Not something you can whiz through-but why would you want to? When you want a more substantial true crime study, with extracts from letters, quotes etc, this fits the bill. A very interesting and fascinating account.

This won’t be for everyone. Some may find it long-winded, but I enjoyed the detail and the science of it. A nice change to immerse yourself in a case, rather than have a quick 60 page rush through the basic facts. A very interesting account.

Thank you to the publishers of this book for granting my wish and allowing me to read this.

I am a true crime buff, I watch anything about true crime and now am trying to read more about it, too. I must caveat that this tends to only stretch to UK crime as I find the American tales a bit sensationalised when they are on TV.

This review, however, is about a book so here we go. I absolutely loved this. It contains a lot of information that I was not aware of before. The writing style is very engaging and before I knew it, I was more than halfway through this book. I used to read on my way home from work but due to covid, I am working from home so do not have that time for escapism. I have a dedicated place for reading now and so I am getting back into my books.

I devoured this in two sittings. I didn't realise how long I was sitting down for, I was fully absorbed in this book and have recommended it to my friends who are like-minded and they are going to look into it when the book comes out.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, it was engaging, factual and not at all sensationalist. Looking forward to hearing more from this author in the future.

By far the very best coverage of the Crippen case, which has disturbed people for a hundred years. The writing is wonderful, flows like no other and you will not want to put this book down.
In addition to excellent writing the author brings out many previously glossed over facts. Crippen's and Ethel's behavior after Cora disappeared seems astonishing, strange and foolish. The author turns the facts over, this way and that, and shows how they simply could have been the actions of foolish young (?) lovers. Then again....
Of course, the piece de resistance is the issue with the new forensic work done on the remains, the forensic mindblower of all time. You have to read the book to learn about that. Some previous writers have made Crippen out to be a sweet, sensitive, quiet and unassuming man and he may have been all that. But he was also a dishonest businessman and a liar. Does that make him a killer?. What we do know for sure is that law enforcement was equally dishonest in this case.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I've long been fascinated by the subject of the book so was thrilled to be able to read this

Well researched
Well written - very accessible read and interesting

I thought it was a great read

Very interesting. Well-written. I found the subject presented in an understandable manner and in a way that keeps your attention.

Got it and read it in the same day - this is a must for true crime addicts. Such a well known and well documented case must surely have no new insights to offer, right? This book proves that there is always something new to uncover and a new perspective to bring. Meticulously argued by an author who is clearly fascinated by Crippen, the book offers credible and somehow disturbing theories which really make you wonder…