Criminal Law Consulting
​For Writers & Filmmakers
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Free eBook

True Crime Book Review: "The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: A Shocking Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective"

8/8/2012

0 Comments

 
This true crime book describes a murder of a 3 year old boy in mid-1800s England.  The young victim of the Road Hill murder's throat was slit, and his body was dumped down an outdoor privy.  The crime occured in the middle of the night, and everyone in the household was a suspect. 

The crime captivated the public's imagination, and everyone had a theory about who did it.  The concept of the detective was new, and detective stories were popular throughout the country. 

The methods of investigation used were rudimentary and seriously flawed by today's standards.  It is hard to believe any crimes were solved in those days.

London's foremost detective, Mr. Whicher, was brought in to review the evidence after the local police could not solve the crime.  He pointed the finger at what seemed an unlikely suspect, and was denounced when the evidence did not prove guilt.

The crime and ensuing investigation are described it in a way that leave you guessing who the murderer is. 

The book spends far too much time discussing fictional detective stories of the time.  It is clear the author did a lot of research, but most of it does not enhance the underlying story here of the murder and detective.  The references to other stories are often distracting and uninteresting if you have not read the books to which she refers.

Although the book gets bogged down by details and sidetracked by side stories, the underlying crime story is a good one.  If you have the patience to wade through the muck, the root is a true crime story worth reading.

(Click below to check out the book.)
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher
Also, get your free eBook revealing the Top 7 Mistakes Made by Writers of Crime, Mystery and Legal Drama. 
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Get your FREE E-Book revealing The Top 7 Mistakes Made by Writers of Crime, Mystery and Legal Drama:
    Send My Free E-Book!

    Author

    Blythe Leszkay is a successful and experienced criminal attorney, criminal law professor, and consultant to writers and filmmakers.  See About Me.  This blog is intended to answer common criminal law questions, dispel misconceptions, and explain misunderstood criminal law concepts.  It is also a place to discuss any crime or law related topics of interest.  Contact me for a free initial consultation on your film or writing project.

    Categories

    All
    Appeals
    Burden Of Proof
    Celebrity Crime
    Common Questions
    Constitution
    Consulting Services
    Courtroom
    Crime In The News
    Crime Novels
    Crime Tv
    Death Penalty
    Defenses
    Evidence
    Extortion
    Hate Crimes
    International Crime
    Juvenile Crime
    Legal Comedy
    Legal Definitions
    Legal Drama
    Manslaughter
    Movies
    Murder
    Search And Seizure
    Serial Killers
    Sex Crimes
    Supreme Court
    Trial
    True Crime
    Writing Tips

    RSS Feed

      Get Email Updates

    Join!
    Loading
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.