True life crime set in London – Dr Crippen

Submitted: 24th March 2025

Story of a Murder -Hallie Rubenhold

If you haven’t read a book by Hallie Rubenhold – do it now. Honestly, you will not regret it. She takes some of the most intriguing stories, real life crimes and gives a voice to the forgotten victims. Take the Dr Crippen case as many of us have heard about. What became of the women he knew? Who was his wife, Belle? His first wife Charlotte and his mistress Ethel?

Hallie gives Bell. Charlotte and Belle her voice here….

Map of locations in Story of a Murder

BOARDING PASS INFORMATION

Destination : London

Author guide: Hallie Rubenhold

Genre: true crime, historical fiction

Food and drink to accompany: nothing! Things get gory

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A novel to transport you to the London of Dr Crippen

Map of locations in Story of a Murder

When I read The Five, I was blown away by the way Hallie had taken such an infamous story and, quite rightly, placed the emphasis back on the women. She gave the women killed by Jack the Ripper a voice and made it all about them. Quite a feat and the detail, the writing, the love of research and justice just shone through.

This book is no different. I was well aware of the story of Dr Crippen but this is not about him of course. The women in his life take front and centre place. I can only imagine at the level of research Hallie had to do to untangle all of this case. I was astounded at the skill this takes after The Five, but this is just outstanding.

Map of locations in Story of a Murder

I had no idea just what kind of a ladies’ man Dr Crippen was! How he managed to get two wives and a mistress at last is anyone ‘s guess as you read about him. Every person, every woman in the case is examined and given a chance to speak. We already know the outcome as we did with the Ripper case but that is not the point here. How and why this crime happened, who the women were is outlined respectfully and rightfully. How these women were viewed and treated by men, by authority was shocking. I think how it all plays out is really well evoked by Hallie and I honestly think the women themselves would want to thank her.

Outstanding writing and storytelling with a human heart.