The Wicked Boy

by Kate Summerscale
The Wicked Boy cover
Good Books rating 4.0
True Crime
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Paperback • £12.99
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  • ID: 2820
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781594205781
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2016-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Wicked Boy delves into the chilling true story of Robert Coombes, who, along with his younger brother Nattie, murdered their mother in 1895. The book provides a vivid portrayal of Victorian England, highlighting the societal norms and the stark contrast between the era's public image and its dark underbelly. The narrative follows Robert's life after the crime, from his trial and imprisonment to his eventual redemption and service in World War I. /n/n Author Kate Summerscale masterfully weaves together historical details and personal accounts to create a compelling tale of crime, punishment, and the complexities of human nature. The book is not just a retelling of a gruesome event but also an exploration of the psychological and social factors that contributed to the tragedy.

Reviews
BookerTalk · 2022-08-18
compelling 3.50

The book offers a forensic examination of a historical crime, focusing on the events leading up to and following the murder. The reviewer finds the epilogue particularly compelling.

BookerTalk's review of 'The Wicked Boy' emphasizes the forensic examination of the events surrounding the crime. The reviewer finds the book's exploration of the historical context and the psychological aspects of the case to be particularly intriguing. They highlight the epilogue as the best part of the book, suggesting it provides a satisfying conclusion to the narrative. The reviewer appreciates the depth of research and the way Summerscale brings the story to life.

Quick quotes

    The book is a forensic examination of the events before and after the day in July when Robert stabbed his mother with a knife he had bought specifically for that purpose.

    The epilogue was perhaps the best part of the book!

    The middle section of the book is a bit slow but the ending makes up for it.

She Reads Novels · 2016-08-10
wonderful 4.50

The book is praised for its engaging true crime story and rich historical context. The reviewer particularly enjoys the epilogue.

She Reads Novels' review of 'The Wicked Boy' highlights the book's engaging true crime narrative and the rich historical context in which it is set. The reviewer appreciates the detailed account of the crime and the societal implications. They particularly enjoy the epilogue, which they find to be the best part of the book. The reviewer suggests that readers who enjoy historical non-fiction and true crime will find this book to be a captivating read.

Quick quotes

    The wicked Boy was a wonderful read.

    Loved the true crime story, and the history.

    The epilogue was perhaps the best part of the book!

The Guardian · 2016-05-05
engaging 4.00

The book provides a detailed and engaging exploration of a Victorian-era crime, highlighting the complexities of the case and the societal context. The author's meticulous research brings the historical period to life.

The Guardian's review of 'The Wicked Boy' praises Kate Summerscale's ability to delve deeply into the historical context of a shocking crime. The reviewer appreciates the thorough research and the way Summerscale paints a vivid picture of Victorian London. They also highlight the intriguing nature of the case, which revolves around a young boy's actions and the subsequent legal and social ramifications. The review suggests that fans of true crime and historical non-fiction will find this book particularly compelling.

Quick quotes

    In her hugely successful The Suspicions of Mr Whicher (2008), Summerscale demonstrated her ability to turn a true crime story into a literary work of art.

    The Wicked Boy is a meticulously researched and atmospheric murder mystery of late Victorian-era London.

    Summerscale's scrupulous and occasionally startling account of Coombes's trial.

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