The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: A Shocking Murder and the Undoing of a Great

by Kate Summerscale
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: A Shocking Murder and the Undoing of a Great cover
Good Books rating 4.19
True Crime
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  • ID: 2400
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781408801581
  • Publisher: A&C Black
  • Published: 2008-11-03
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher delves into the chilling true crime case that captivated Victorian England. On a summer morning in 1860, the Kent family discovers their youngest son murdered in their elegant home. The investigation falls to the celebrated detective Jack Whicher, who must navigate the complex web of family secrets and suspicions to uncover the truth. This case, which provoked national hysteria, explores themes of insanity, jealousy, and the dark undercurrents lurking behind the facades of respectable homes./n/nWinner of the Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction, this book is praised for its masterful documentary writing and gripping narrative. It stands as a classic in the genre, offering a fascinating glimpse into the origins of the whodunnit mystery and the societal anxieties of the Victorian era.

Reviews
rwszupzmsadbjqghhiwjxwntmpecjm.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-10-18
fascinating 4.00

The book vividly recounts the 1860 murder of a young boy in an English country house, exploring the investigation by detective Jonathan Whicher and the societal impact of the case. It also delves into the rise of detective work and fiction in England, making it both entertaining and educational.

The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher by Kate Summerscale is a gripping account of a gruesome murder that took place in 1860 in an English country house. The book meticulously details the circumstances surrounding the murder of a young boy, the involvement of detective Jonathan Whicher, and the challenges he faced due to the social norms of Victorian England. The narrative not only brings the century-old case to life but also uses it as a springboard to discuss the beginnings and rising popularity of real detective work and detective fiction in England and the United States. The book is both entertaining and educational, offering a fascinating look into the social, political, and literary reverberations of the case. The writing style is engaging, making it feel like reading an in-depth newspaper story, with the most disturbing element being the graphic details of the murder itself.

Quick quotes

    The case of the murder of young Saville Kent is a fascinating one, but the larger picture of its setting in time and place, as well as its social, political and literary reverberations, is just as intriguing.

    The book is much like reading an in-depth newspaper story, in terms of how details are presented.

    The most disturbing in the book is the murder at the center of it — a small boy is killed by being stabbed once and his throat slashed very deeply.

auntagathas.com · Unknown · 2025-10-18
compelling 4.00

The book delves into the true crime case that inspired many detective novels, highlighting the flaws in the investigation and the impact on the Victorian detective. It's a gripping read that combines historical detail with a compelling narrative.

The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher is a fascinating exploration of a real-life murder case that captivated Victorian England. The book not only provides a detailed account of the investigation but also critiques the methods used by the detective, Mr. Whicher. The narrative is engaging and well-researched, offering insights into the societal norms and legal procedures of the time. They found the historical context particularly compelling, though some might find the pacing a bit slow in parts. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read for anyone interested in true crime and historical mysteries.

Quick quotes

    The book is a masterful blend of history and detective work.

    It's a chilling reminder of how easily justice can be derailed.

    The narrative is both gripping and meticulously researched.

app.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-10-18
fascinating 4.50

The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher is a captivating true crime book that explores the murder of a young boy in Victorian England and the detective who solved it. The book also delves into the parallels between real-life detectives and their fictional counterparts, offering a unique perspective on the emergence of modern detective work.

The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher is a fascinating read that combines a gripping true crime story with a historical examination of detective work. The book centers around the brutal murder of three-year-old Saville Kent and the investigation led by Detective-Inspector Jonathan Whicher. What makes this book particularly interesting is its exploration of the parallels between real-life detectives and their fictional counterparts, highlighting how the public's perception of detectives was shaped by both real crimes and detective fiction. The narrative is expertly written, providing an absorbing murder mystery while also offering a deep dive into the Victorian milieu and the emergence of modern detective work. The book's conclusion is particularly satisfying, with twists and turns that any fiction writer would envy.

Quick quotes

    The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher is a fascinating work, not only for its vivid portrayal of an intriguing true crime in 1860’s England, but also for its deft examination of the parallels between the emerging real life detectives of the time and their literary doppelgangers.

    Though there are several inconclusive clues, the local police are baffled and, just like in the books, are forced to appeal to a famous detective from Scotland Yard.

    The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher is an absorbing, expertly written and constructed book, one which provides not only an exciting real life murder mystery, but also a heady immersion into the Victorian milieu and a unique portrayal of the emergence of the modern detective in both fact and fiction.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2008-04-07
informative 4.25

The book is praised for its engaging narrative and deep insight into Victorian life and the beginnings of detective work. Some readers found the extensive quotes and detailed descriptions of other cases tedious, but overall, it's seen as a well-researched and informative read.

Readers have found 'The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher' to be an extremely engaging and informative book, offering a great look into mid-century Victorian life and the early days of detective work. The book's structure and the way it follows all people involved until their death are particularly appreciated, providing a sense of closure. However, some readers felt that the book dragged at times due to the extensive use of quotes and detailed descriptions of other cases, which they found less relevant to the main topic. Despite this, the book is highly regarded for its thorough research and the fascinating connection it draws between real-life crime and the birth of fictional detective stories.

Quick quotes

    A must read for fans of mystery fiction that gives insight into the birth of the genre.

    Extremely engaging, and a great look into mid-century Victorian life!

    I'm torn a little between 3 and 4 stars.

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