A sensational case in 1860 England that had even Charles Dickens playing detective comes to life in Kate Summerscale's new book on the murder at Road Hill. The details of the case sound like something straight out of an Agatha Christie novel. The setting is a large country estate where the only suspects in the case turn out to be the servants and family members of the young victim.
The burden to find the murderer falls to Detective Jonathan Whicher of the newly formed Scotland Yard. Whicher's suspicions point toward one family member but with little evidence his suspect is released. Severely chastised by the public for his accusation, Whicher leaves the case with his reputation shattered.
Summerscale weaves a fascinating story that goes well beyond the details of the case. Like Erik Larson (Thunderstruck, Devil in the White City) Summerscale excels at painting a picture of the social, political and literary climate of the time. A fascinating case with a conclusion that brings some closure but ultimately adds to the mystery and secrets that bound this family together.
Request The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher by Kate Summerscale from the Saint Paul Public Library.
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