The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective
Book Brief
BetaThe Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2020360
Book • Nonfiction
England • 1860s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective by Kate Summerscale explores the investigation led by Detective Inspector Jonathan Whicher into the 1860 murder of three-year-old Saville Kent. The book delves into the complexities of the case, Victorian society, and the impact on Whicher's career.
Reviews & Readership
25,855 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Kate Summerscale's The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective captivates with its deep dive into a real 1860 murder case, blending true crime with historical analysis. Reviewers praise its meticulous research and engaging narrative. However, some found its pacing uneven and felt overwhelmed by detail. Overall, it's a compelling read for history and crime enthusiasts.
Who Should Read The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective?
Readers who enjoy meticulously researched true crime, Victorian history, and classic detective stories will be captivated by The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher by Kate Summerscale. Fans of Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City or Caleb Carr’s The Alienist will find this book equally compelling.
25,855 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher delves into one of the earliest known examples of a real-life detective case influencing popular detective fiction, coinciding with the rise of the genre in the 19th century.
The book investigates the infamous Road Hill House murder of 1860, which captivated the Victorian public and exposed the inner workings and social tensions of Victorian England.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
Author Kate Summerscale used a meticulous approach in her research, combining historical fact with the storytelling techniques of fiction to bring the era and its characters vividly to life.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
360
Book • Nonfiction
England • 1860s
2020
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!