Story of a Murder: The Wives, the Mistress, and Dr. Crippen

I think you’d have to be REALLY interested in knowing literally everything about Dr. Crippen’s life to enjoy this very long book. It is extremely well-researched, but all the detail doesn’t bring us any closer to understanding him or his motives. Lots of information about Crippen's career before the murder was heavy going; I kept thinking the significance of all this is would be revealed later, but it never was. A little more insight to Ethel Le Neve perhaps, but even she remains inscrutable because she lied a lot, played to the gallery and there was no later life confession. Their victim, Belle Elmore, was clearly an extrovert who craved attention, and while we can admire her strength of character and entrepreneurial ventures, she comes across as superficial and narcissistic. There is some speculation about Le Neve’s involvement in the murder, but our author sticks to the facts and we are left feeling it is all just unknowable. The author’s other book, ‘The Five’ was so much more compelling and revealing. Both books do give us a window on to the past in terms of social history and cultural norms, but if you are going to focus on two of the most sensational murder stories in London, you had better give us something for our time. In ‘The Five’ that was most definitely the case; this one was a wet firework.

A brilliant researched book about the murder of Belle Elmore, the wife of Dr Hawley Harvey Crippen. This was one of the most infamous murders of the 20th century, almost a crime of passion. Crippen had fallen in love with his typist and wanted to marry her, but his second wife was standing in his way. The first part of Rubenholds book is packed with background behind this crime and its characters but with out this the second part would not be so exciting.

So disjointed and poorly written. Makes me realize I should write a book if even this dreck can be published. How hard can it be?

OKl, I've not finished it yet but it is turning out to be a terrific book with lots and lots of previously unpublished material. Is giving me a whole new complexion on a case that I have lectured about many times.

When I picked up this book I had known about the murder from reading another novel. Bell was merely a minor character in that novel. I realized I Knew little about the case but more about the lurid tale. Ms. Rubenhold did everyone a great service by telling this story and shining the proper light on Belle Elmore. The book focuses on the character of each individual involved. It also provides context to much of what we have been taught regarding this tragic case. I believe this book will be a great source of knowledge for future generations who are interested in reading about this case.