Mr Briggs' Hat

by Kate Colquhoun
Mr Briggs' Hat cover
Good Books rating 4.33
True Crime
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Paperback • £12.99
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  • ID: 2832
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780748115679
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-05-19
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

On a fateful day in 1864, businessman Thomas Briggs vanished from a train carriage, leaving behind only his belongings and a mysterious hat. This gripping true crime narrative delves into the dark underbelly of Victorian London, offering a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of the time. The meticulous research and vivid storytelling make it a compelling read that blurs the lines between history and fiction. /n/nThe book not only recounts the gripping details of the crime but also explores the broader implications and the societal impact of such an event. It's a riveting portrait of a bygone era, filled with suspense and intrigue that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the final revelation.

Reviews
Coffee and Books · 2022-04-24
fascinating 4.50

The story is gripping and fascinating, with extensive research and primary sources. The reviewer appreciates the engaging narrative and the thorough research.

The reviewer found the story gripping and fascinating, praising Colquhoun's research and the inclusion of primary sources. They appreciated the engaging narrative and the thorough research, which makes the book a compelling read. The reviewer highlighted that the story is well-told and the research is well-integrated, providing a rich and engaging experience for the reader. This combination of engaging storytelling and thorough research makes the book a standout.

Quick quotes

    The story is gripping and fascinating.

    Colquhoun researched the topic nicely and she quoted lots of primary sources, including from the trail.

    The engaging narrative and the thorough research makes the book a compelling read.

London Historians' Blog · 2011-11-18
exciting 4.50

The narrative is compelling and deeply moving, with a pace that keeps readers engaged. The story is presented in a way that feels both exciting and meticulously researched.

The reviewer found the narrative compelling and deeply moving, with a pace that keeps readers engaged. They appreciated the way the story is told, making it feel both exciting and meticulously researched. The book is compared to popular crime novels, highlighting its ability to captivate readers. The reviewer also noted that the book is deeply moving in many places, adding to its overall impact. The detailed research and engaging storytelling make this a standout read.

Quick quotes

    The narrative is compelling, exciting, deeply moving in many places, and gallops along at a good lick, not unlike the popular crime novels of ...

    The story is presented in a way that feels both exciting and meticulously researched.

    The book is deeply moving in many places, adding to its overall impact.

Stuck in a Book · Our Vicar's Wife · 2011-08-23
detailed 4.00

The book is praised for its extensive research and detailed account. The reviewer appreciates the depth of information and the thoroughness of the research.

Our Vicar's Wife was impressed by the phenomenal amount of detail in the book. They highlighted that Kate Colquhoun cannot be accused of skimping on her research. The reviewer appreciated the depth of information and the thoroughness of the research, which adds a layer of authenticity to the story. This attention to detail makes the book a rich and engaging read, providing a comprehensive understanding of the events.

Quick quotes

    There is a phenomenal amount of detail in the book.

    Kate Colquhoun cannot be accused of skimping on her research.

    The depth of information and the thoroughness of the research adds a layer of authenticity to the story.

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