Kate Summerscale
Kate Summerscale is a British author and journalist, best known for her works of historical non-fiction. She gained widespread recognition for her book 'The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher,' which won the Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction in 2008.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Peepshow
A Journey into the World of Victorian Obsession
In 1953 London, the discovery of three young women's bodies hidden in a wall at 10 Rillington Place shocks the city. As police dig deeper, they uncover another body beneath the floorboards and human bones in the garden. This grim find raises questions about a previous double murder investigation at the same address, where the supposed killer had already been executed. The focus shifts to Reg Christie, a former policeman and the tenant of the ground-floor flat, who becomes the subject of a nationwide manhunt. As the media frenzy grows, reporter Harry Procter and crime writer Fryn Tennyson Jesse delve into the chilling events at Rillington Place. They uncover the disturbing truth about Christie's actions and the possibility of a grave miscarriage of justice. Through meticulous research, the book explores the lives of Christie's victims, the sensational media coverage, and the dark secrets hidden within the walls of the notorious house.
The 9495th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. The Suspicions of Mr Whicher
A Shocking Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective
"The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher" is a true crime novel that explores the infamous Road Hill House murder of 1860 in England. The book follows the investigation of Detective Inspector Jonathan Whicher, one of the earliest detectives in the London police force, as he tries to solve the murder of a three-year-old boy. The case, filled with scandal, intrigue, and mystery, was a sensation in its time and had a profound impact on the public perception of detectives and their methods. The book not only delves into the details of the case but also examines its influence on the detective genre in literature.
The 9588th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. The Wicked Boy
The Mystery of a Victorian Child Murderer
Set in the late 19th century, this gripping true crime narrative delves into the chilling case of a young boy who commits an unthinkable act against his mother in London's East End. The story explores the societal and psychological factors that may have influenced the boy's actions, offering a detailed examination of Victorian attitudes towards crime, mental health, and juvenile delinquency. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the book paints a haunting portrait of a troubled youth and the subsequent trial that captivated the nation, raising questions about justice, morality, and the complexities of human behavior.
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4. Mrs. Robinson's Disgrace
The Private Diary of a Victorian Lady
Set in the Victorian era, this gripping narrative delves into the scandalous diary of Isabella Robinson, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage who dared to document her innermost desires and romantic entanglements. Her private musings, once discovered, became the centerpiece of a sensational divorce trial that captivated the public and challenged societal norms. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the book explores themes of female autonomy, societal expectations, and the complexities of love and betrayal in a time when a woman's reputation was her most valuable asset.