Thunderstruck

by Erik Larson
Thunderstruck cover
Good Books rating 3.83
True Crime
Technical
  • ID: 5523
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780553817089
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2007-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

In 1910, Edwardian England was shaken by a sensational murder involving Hawley Crippen, a mild-mannered American who killed his wife, buried her remains, and fled with his mistress. The case became infamous not only for the crime itself but for the groundbreaking role of wireless technology in the pursuit and capture of the culprit. Scotland Yard's Inspector Walter Dew, renowned for his role in the Jack the Ripper investigation, led the manhunt, which culminated in a dramatic trans-Atlantic chase between two ocean liners. The case highlighted the transformative power of Marconi's wireless telegraph, a technology that was still met with skepticism and distrust. The real-time transmission of events from the middle of the Atlantic was unprecedented, captivating global attention and proving the technology's potential. Marconi's invention not only aided in Crippen's capture but also marked a turning point in its acceptance, accelerating the communication revolution that shaped the modern world. Erik Larson masterfully weaves together the lives of Crippen, Marconi, and Inspector Dew, offering a gripping narrative of murder, innovation, and the dawn of a new technological era.

Reviews
Eustea Reads · Eustacia Tan · 2022-01-25
excellent 4.00

The book is enjoyable and reads like fiction, but it is also heavily researched. The storytelling is engaging and keeps the reader hooked.

Eustacia Tan enjoyed the book thoroughly, noting that it reads almost like a work of fiction. The footnotes, however, reveal the extensive research that went into the book, which adds depth to the narrative. The storytelling is engaging and keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The blend of historical detail and suspense makes it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Overall, I enjoyed this book; it reads almost like a work of fiction but from the footnotes, I can see that it's also heavily researched

    If you're looking for a book that combines history and suspense, then you should definitely check out Thunderstruck

    Larson's writing style is engaging and keeps the reader hooked

SamanneLiz Blog · Samanne · 2019-04-04
good 3.00

The intertwined stories of Crippen and Marconi are engaging, but the middle section feels slow. The book is well-researched and reads like fiction.

Samanne found the book to be engaging, particularly how Larson wove together the stories of Dr. Crippen and Guglielmo Marconi. The narrative is well-researched and reads almost like a work of fiction, which makes it very enjoyable. However, they noted a significant lull in the middle of the book that slowed down the pace. Despite this, the overall story is compelling and keeps the reader interested.

Quick quotes

    I liked the story and the way Larson wove the stories of Crippen and Marconi together

    I did feel like there was a large lull in the middle

    Overall, I enjoyed this book; it reads almost like a work of fiction but from the footnotes, I can see that it's also heavily researched

The Guardian · 2007-02-11
brilliant 4.50

Larson's mastery of historical detail and flair for suspense make this book exceptional. The narrative is gripping and well-crafted.

The Guardian reviewer highlights Larson's exceptional mastery of historical detail and his real flair for suspense. The book is described as gripping and well-crafted, with a narrative that keeps the reader engaged. The reviewer appreciates the way Larson combines historical events with a compelling story, making it a standout read. The book's ability to blend history and suspense is particularly noteworthy.

Quick quotes

    Larson has an exceptional mastery of historical detail and a real flair for suspense

    The book is gripping and well-crafted

    The narrative keeps the reader engaged throughout

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