Member Review
Review by
Sara B, Reviewer
Victorian Murderesses by Debbie Blake
Thank you Netgallery and Pen & Sword books for an ARC e-book for an unbiased review.
True Crime programs, podcasts and books are a staple in our household. My husband especially loves nothing more than watching various programs about True Crime. So this was something that immediately peaked my interest.
I admit, it was rather unsettling as I read the opening story of Sarah Drake. It scarily mirrored some of my own family history, where it was discovered my Great Great Grandmother was tried for infanticide of a bastard child and subsequently caught and jailed for 6 months. Her path whilst not as criminal as Sarah Darke's, was something that struck me as I read the account of her crimes in this book. There were eerily similar events.
So much so, I actually wondered if my Great Great Grandmother's name might appear later in the book (spoiler, she didn't, phew).
I was instantly eager to read the rest.
There was no doubt that these stories were researched well and individual enough to not seem boring. Some names might be recognised (most notable, Lizzie Borden) but most weren't ones I could think of as being commonly used in books of a similar nature, and that was refreshing to see. I also appreciated that it was a mix of women from Britain and America, which helped in my opinion.
Overall this is a book that does exactly what it proclaims. And in a way that is clear, concise and yet doesn't cut corners or ignore pertinent details.
If you're in the market for a book of this kind, then this is one you should consider. We'd certainly happily have it on our bookshelves.
It is a fairly quick read too, with no slogging through minutiae detail.
5/5 stars 🌟
Thank you Netgallery and Pen & Sword books for an ARC e-book for an unbiased review.
True Crime programs, podcasts and books are a staple in our household. My husband especially loves nothing more than watching various programs about True Crime. So this was something that immediately peaked my interest.
I admit, it was rather unsettling as I read the opening story of Sarah Drake. It scarily mirrored some of my own family history, where it was discovered my Great Great Grandmother was tried for infanticide of a bastard child and subsequently caught and jailed for 6 months. Her path whilst not as criminal as Sarah Darke's, was something that struck me as I read the account of her crimes in this book. There were eerily similar events.
So much so, I actually wondered if my Great Great Grandmother's name might appear later in the book (spoiler, she didn't, phew).
I was instantly eager to read the rest.
There was no doubt that these stories were researched well and individual enough to not seem boring. Some names might be recognised (most notable, Lizzie Borden) but most weren't ones I could think of as being commonly used in books of a similar nature, and that was refreshing to see. I also appreciated that it was a mix of women from Britain and America, which helped in my opinion.
Overall this is a book that does exactly what it proclaims. And in a way that is clear, concise and yet doesn't cut corners or ignore pertinent details.
If you're in the market for a book of this kind, then this is one you should consider. We'd certainly happily have it on our bookshelves.
It is a fairly quick read too, with no slogging through minutiae detail.
5/5 stars 🌟
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