The Peepshow

by Kate Summerscale
The Peepshow cover
Good Books rating 3.5
True Crime
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99 Hardback • £22.00
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 2759
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781526660497
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2024-10-03
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

In 1953, a tenant in Notting Hill stumbles upon the bodies of three young women while installing a shelf, leading to a series of horrifying discoveries that captivate the nation. The case unfolds into a gripping exploration of violence, misogyny, and the sensationalism of the time, as Kate Summerscale delves into the events at 10 Rillington Place. Summerscale's meticulous investigation lifts the veil on one of the 20th century's most infamous crimes, offering a fresh perspective and a new solution. This riveting narrative weaves together the dark underbelly of 1950s London, the frenzy of tabloid media, and the enduring impact of the case on British society. Packed with meticulous research and compelling storytelling, 'The Peepshow' is a chilling and thought-provoking account of a crime that continues to haunt the public imagination.

Reviews
The Wall Street Journal · 2025-05-14
riveting 4.00

The book is a riveting account of the Christie murders, focusing on the killer's disturbing actions. It's a gripping tale of violence and misogyny.

The reviewer finds the book to be a riveting and disturbing account of the Christie murders. They highlight the focus on the killer's actions, which makes the book particularly chilling. The reviewer appreciates the gripping narrative and the exploration of themes like violence and misogyny. However, the disturbing focus on the killer's perspective might not be suitable for all readers.

Quick quotes

    Kate Summerscale's 'The Peepshow,' a riveting book about the Christie murders, is disturbing precisely because of its focus on the killer's actions.

    A riveting tale of violence, misogyny and tabloid frenzy.

    The Peepshow lifts the veil on what really happened inside Britain's most notorious house.

She Reads Novels · 2024-11-26
comprehensive 3.50

The book is a thorough account of the Rillington Place murders, sometimes too detailed. It provides a comprehensive look at the events and the tabloid frenzy that followed.

The reviewer finds the book to be a comprehensive and detailed account of the Rillington Place murders. While they appreciate the thoroughness, they note that some parts are overly detailed, which might be overwhelming for some readers. The book also delves into the tabloid frenzy that surrounded the case, providing a rich context. Overall, it's a well-researched and engaging read for those interested in true crime.

Quick quotes

    The Peepshow is a detailed and thorough account of the Rillington Place murders – sometimes a bit too detailed.

    We are given the personal stories of the victims, adding a human element to the case.

    The book provides a comprehensive look at the events and the tabloid frenzy that followed.

The Guardian · 2024-09-29
detailed 3.00

The author's research is thorough, but the prose lacks excitement. The book provides new perspectives on the Rillington Place murders but is somewhat dry.

The reviewer praises the author's meticulous research and the fresh insights into the Rillington Place murders. However, they find the writing style to be uninspiring and somewhat dull. The book offers a detailed account of the events, but the lack of engaging prose might make it less appealing to some readers. The reviewer appreciates the new perspectives but wishes the narrative was more compelling.

Quick quotes

    Summerscale as ever makes an excellent researcher and a somewhat dispassionate writer: her prose is doggedly unscintillating throughout.

    The book provides new perspectives on the Rillington Place murders.

    The Peepshow is a detailed and thorough account of the Rillington Place murders.

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