The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher

by Kate Summerscale
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher cover
Good Books rating 4.0
True Crime
Technical
  • ID: 2819
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781526612649
  • Published: 2019-10-17
  • Reviews: 3

On a summer morning in 1860, the Kent family discovers their youngest son has been murdered in their elegant Wiltshire home. The case falls to Scotland Yard's celebrated detective, Jack Whicher, who must navigate the grieving family's secrets to identify the killer. This chilling true crime story provoked widespread hysteria, revealing the sinister undercurrents lurking beneath the surface of Victorian society./n/nThe investigation into the Kent family murder exposed the dark side of respectable homes, with suspects ranging from scheming servants to rebellious children. The case became a national sensation, highlighting themes of insanity, jealousy, loneliness, and loathing. The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher is a gripping account of one of the first true crime investigations, blending historical detail with a compelling narrative.

Reviews
Claire Huston · Claire Huston · 2016-10-27
interesting 3.50

The audiobook is engaging but falls short of the expected drama. The narrative is interesting but lacks the intensity promised.

Claire Huston found the audiobook version of 'The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher' to be interesting, but she felt it lacked the dramatic tension she had anticipated. While the narrative is engaging, it doesn't fully deliver on the promise of a thrilling mystery. Despite this, she acknowledges the book's historical significance and the meticulous research that went into its creation.

Quick quotes

    Interesting enough, but lacking in the drama I'd been promised.

    The story is engaging and well-researched, but it doesn't quite reach the heights of a true Victorian thriller.

    Summerscale's attention to detail is impressive, but the audiobook format doesn't fully capture the suspense.

The Guardian · 2012-12-28
gripping 4.00

The book reanimates a shocking Victorian murder and explores the societal issues of the time. It is a gripping and insightful read.

The Guardian's review highlights how 'The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher' brings to life a particularly shocking and intimate Victorian murder. They praise the book for its gripping narrative and insightful exploration of the societal issues of the time, including misogyny and class snobbery. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read that offers a unique perspective on the past.

Quick quotes

    The Suspicions of Mr Whicher reanimates the investigation of a peculiarly shocking – one might say peculiarly intimate – Victorian murder.

    It brings out the misogyny and class snobbery of the era.

    A gripping and insightful read that offers a unique perspective on the past.

The Book Bag · 2009-10-27
fascinating 4.50

The book is a captivating blend of true crime, historical biography, and social history, enriched with literary analysis. It offers a unique perspective on Victorian society and the early days of detective work.

This reviewer found 'The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher' to be a fascinating read that masterfully combines elements of true crime, historical biography, and social history. They appreciated the literary analysis woven throughout, which adds depth to the narrative. The book provides a compelling look into Victorian society and the beginnings of modern detective work, making it a rich and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    This book is fascinating.

    It is true crime meets historical biography meets social history with a dash of literary analysis thrown in.

    This is a book that will appeal to those who enjoy a good detective story as well as those who are interested in the social history of the period.

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