The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective

by Kate Summerscale
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Technical
  • ID: 2616
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-15
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Garry Mulholland · 2024-07-27
insightful 4.50

The reviewer praises the meticulous research and attention to detail that brings the historical case to life. They appreciate how the book's thoroughness enhances the narrative.

This reviewer is really impressed by the depth of research that went into this book. They feel like every detail has been carefully considered and presented in a way that makes the past feel immediate. The book's strength lies in its ability to weave historical facts into a compelling story. They also mention how the author's writing style keeps the narrative engaging without getting bogged down in dry facts. It's clear they think highly of Summerscale's approach to nonfiction storytelling.

Quick quotes

    One of the book's greatest strengths is its meticulous research.

    Summerscale's attention to detail is astounding, and I found myself marveling at the depth of her investigation.

    The book's strength lies in its ability to weave historical facts into a compelling story.

Karen's Books and Chocolate · 2010-02-16
engaging 4.00

The reviewer highlights the book's well-written and well-researched nature, noting the inclusion of diagrams and illustrations that add to the reading experience.

This reviewer really enjoyed how well-written and thoroughly researched this book is. They appreciate the effort that went into including original documents, diagrams, and illustrations, which add a lot to the overall experience. It's clear they think the book does a great job of bringing the historical case to life. They also mention that the book is both engaging and informative, making it a great read for those interested in true crime and history.

Quick quotes

    This book is both well-written and well-researched.

    Summerscale pored over original documents, and the book includes diagrams, illustrations, and photographs.

    The book is both engaging and informative.

The American Scholar · 2008-03-01
dynamic 4.50

The reviewer admires Summerscale's clean writing style, which brings the past to life without making it feel static.

The reviewer here is really taken with Summerscale's writing style, which they describe as clean and dynamic. They feel that this style helps to bring the past to life in a way that doesn't feel stale or distant. The reviewer also appreciates how the book avoids the pitfalls of making history feel frozen in time. They think Summerscale does a great job of making the historical figures and events feel relevant and engaging. Overall, they seem to have a high opinion of the book's narrative quality.

Quick quotes

    Summerscale's clean writing makes The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher so dynamic that she can't be accused of 'freezing' the past—instead, she has brought it to life.

    Summerscale's writing style is engaging and her narrative is compelling.

    The book is a masterclass in narrative non-fiction.

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