Cover Image: Poisoned at the Priory

Poisoned at the Priory

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Member Reviews

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

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In 1876, disaster struck the London area of Balham when Charles Bravo, a newly-married lawyer, was found to have ingested an unknown poison, ultimately killing him. Initial evidence seemed to show that it was a case of suicide, an inquest ending with an open verdict. Such was the interest in the case, however, a second inquest returned a verdict of willful murder, with no guilty party ever brought to justice. Poisoned at the Priory, the fourth in the Cold Case Jury series, examines the evidence, inviting the reader to draw their own conclusions - was it suicide and, if not, who did kill Charles Bravo?

I really enjoyed the previous Cold Case Jury book, Move to Murder, and so I was delighted to see that the author had decided to tackle an unsolved crime that I have, for a long time, been intrigued by. The main players in the story are like characters straight out of a Victorian crime novel: the young, wealthy wife with a dubious past, the controlling husband, reliant upon his wife's fortune and the lady's companion, keen to keep her position, whatever the cost. In Poisoned at the Priory, Antony M Brown gives a complete picture of the lives of these characters, his extensive research being apparent. 

The thing I like most about these books is that all theories are presented to you, the evidence for each one being given to help you make up your own mind as to what actually happened. I think that this is a great idea as in other books of this genre, what you generally get is an overview of what happened, the presented evidence pushing you towards the author's way of thinking. Instead, we are presented with four theories, some more plausible than others, and we are even treated to the opinion of the great mystery writer Agatha Christie. I have always had my own theory about this case and after reading Poisoned at the Priory, it has not changed. I will let you decide for yourself though!

Although this is the fourth in the series, you do not need to have read any of the previous books as each one is a self-contained case. If you have an interest in true crime, then this is a series I can highly recommend and you won't go far wrong by starting with this one.

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This series of books by Antony M Brown are an excellent way of getting readers to look at the evidence for some old unsolved murders.

The case of Charles Bravo is referred to in many compilation of such cases and this book goes one step further because the book captures case and this book works through the whole myriad of theories, including one from Agatha Christie themselves. Each theory is examined and the author allows the reader to reach their own conclusion as to the merits of each one.

This is a great addition to my true crime library and will be of interest to those new to the case as well as more seasoned true crime aficionados.

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*Many thanks to Antony M Brown, Mirror Books and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
I first came across the case of Charles Barvo's mysterious death while watching a series by Mr Fellows and was intrigued to read more about it. The book introduces us to a lot of facts prior to the death and then analyzes in depth the possible scenarios. The case has been of interest since it occurred and even Dame Christie decided to publish her version of events and present the murderer.
The book is well-researched, minute details are included and it reads rather well, however those who expect a narration from fiction may be disappointed since it provides facts of a real crime, not a melodramatic interpretation.
I might be tempted to read the other books in this series.

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An interesting book which looks at the unsolved murder of Charles Bravo. A well laid out book which does get you thinking whodunnit quite quickly. Also very interesting to read Agata Chrisite's views.

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An interesting, thoroughly researched and well written, look at the at the unsolved murder of Charles Bravo in 1876.

I have read many accounts on the Bravo case and this book begins these theories, together in one place. The author gives the reader detailed information on each theory and allows you draw your own conclusions as to murderer or murderers of Charles Bravo. He also provides his theory as to what happened the fateful night in 1876.

Would I recommend this book ? Definitely it is a great edition to my true crime library and to be especially interesting to those who are new to the case as all the information you need on the case is provided.

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Poisoned at the Priory is an interesting book and is well written.

I enjoyed it and the elements of it showing the theories of how Charles Bravo died. I especailly enjoyed reading Agatha Christies views on it.

I will now go back and read the other books in the series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Mirror Books for the ARC copy.

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It's the first account I read of this case and I found it well written and well researched.
I read like a novel and it was a gripping read.
I was happy I read and it's recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

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A thorough account of this cold case. I have read and watched many accounts of this case. This ties them altogether and provides you the information to draw your own conclusions.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

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