Waxwork

Sergeant Cribb #8

by Peter Lovesey

By her own confession, Miriam Cromer is a murderess. She is sentenced to death and the hangman travels to London to earn his fee. Then the Home Office is sent a photograph that casts doubt on the confession. The matter must be investigated, and fast. Sergeant Cribb is called in and his investigations produce nothing to ease the minds of the authorities. As he plunges deeper into the relationships and history of the small group connected with the murder, he becomes increasingly suspicious that something very different happened at Park Lodge, Kew Green, on 12th March, 1888.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, British Literature, Mystery Thriller

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Peter Harmer Lovesey, also known by his pen name Peter Lear, was a British writer of historical and contemporary detective novels and short stories. His best-known series characters are Sergeant Cribb, a Victorian-era police detective based in London, and Peter Diamond, a modern-day police detective in Bath. He was also one of the world's leading track and field statisticians.

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the last of the Sgt Cribb books by Peter Lovesey.

The scene is London in 1888: Mrs Miriam Cromer has confessed to the murder of the assistant to her photographer husband because he was blackmailing her. Miriam is sentence to death, but before she can be hanged, doubts are cast on her confession. Sgt Cribb is tasked with investigating the matter. Is Miriam Cromer truly guilty of a most heinous murder?

The story is split between Cribb's investigation and the actions of hangman James Berry in the run up to the execution. The result is a story with verve and bounce that keeps you in its grip right up to the final denouement.

The thing I found interesting was that as I read the book I kept getting mental flashbacks to the television adaptation of the book, which was done around the time of the Granada Sherlock Holmes adaptations. Which only goes to show just how strong the story is.

Highly recommended if you can get hold of a copy.

[Jean Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of my husband's books which I borrowed on a drizzly day and read it all as it is not a long book. However it's author is large on talent as I'm still thinking about it now several days after finishing it. In fact you don't realise just how gruesome it is when reading it but on reflection everyone except Sergeant Cribb was out for themselves and didn't mind who they hurt to get what they wanted. Passing it back to hubby now.

[Renee M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty much straight up investigation. Which is in direct contrast to the wonderful Swing, Swing Away by the same author, and which I read just before Waxwork (out of order, but this was the next available to me). I enjoyed Swing so much that I spent most of Waxwork thinking that it was a letdown in comparison, but by the end I have to admit that it’s a prime example of good solid writing on the part of Peter Lovesey. I love that both books are part of the same series, and that I got to enjoy them back to back in a sort-of mini class on detective fiction.

[Jack Heath]

Synopsis: by her own confession, she is a murderer. But the Home Office gets a photograph that casts doubt. Sergeant Cribb is called in.

[Tom Rechtien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Sergeant Cribb is a put-upon detective who is good at detecting, not so good at police politics. I enjoyed the way the story unfolded, with just enough of a twist at the end that, to me, says I should have seen that coming, but I didn't. I will continue reading more in this series, I just like the way Mr. Lovesey writes.

[Eleanor Donovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first,I didn't think I would like this book, by it grew on me.
A beautiful woman takes the blame for a murder being told that she was too lovely to be sentenced to death. Sgt. Cribb proves her innocence but bureaucracy being what it is ...well, read and find out!!!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this very much, simple style but a complex plot. Must read more by this author. It’s now March 2024 and I’ve read just about every PL book. Totally hooked. Re-read this one and enjoyed it just as much. Had forgotten the ending.

[Jiří Pavlovský · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Hodnocení se týká tří Loveseyových knih.)

Snažím se to střídat a kombinovat novinky se zapomenutými věcmi v knihovně. Někdy je pak vyřadím… někdy se koukám, že ty věci mají pořád něco do sebe.

U Petera Loveseye mě zarazilo hlavně to, že u nás vyšlo pouze Třikrát seržant Cribb, protože tohle mělo všechny předpoklady stát se čtenářským hitem. Je to klasická detektivka staré školy, která sice nepřináší zrovna šokující zvraty (u Detektiva v lamé šortkách jsou třeba jen dva možní pachatelé a jeden z nich to vážně je), ale všechny tři příběhy se nejen dobře čtou a jsou nejen psané s nadhledem a ironií, ale jsou i šikovně zarámované tak, aby měl čtenář pocit tempa (v prvním příběhu tvoří odpočet cesta lodí po Temži, v druhém blížící se boxerský zápas a ve třetím poprava) - plus do toho jsou ještě prvky z policejní praxe, kde stoupá po žebříčku ne ten lepší detektiv, ale ten, kdo umí šéfům líp lézt do zadku.

Co je na tom ale nejzajímavější, je doba, ve které se to odehrává – viktoriánská Anglie. Doba, kdy se už začala rodit naše moderní civilizace, ale ještě se v tom trochu plácala. Každý z příběhů se točí kolem nějakého interesantního tématu.

První, Tři muži ve člunu (o mrtvole nemluvě) (Swing, Swing Together) se odehrává krátce poté, co vyšla legendární kniha Jerome Klapky Jeroma… a jak už to bývá zvykem, veškeré obyvatelstvo Anglie najednou projevilo zájem o cestování na lodích a rozhodlo se vydat po stopách slavné trojice. K velké radosti hostinských a velkému utrpení správců zdymadel. A jasně, dojde i k vraždě. Tenhle díl se nese asi v nejkomediálnějším duchu, dokonce i názvy kapitola evokují legendární knihu.

Detektiv v lamé šortkách (The Detective Wore Silk Drawers) je z doby, kdy byly zakázány pěstní zápasy bez rukavic, což je bráno jako konec boxu. Nikdo nechápe, jak by se někdo mohl chtít dívat, jak do sebe mlátí dva lidi s rukama obalenýma molitanem a nestříká z nich krev – vždyť to nemůže nikoho bavit. Tady Cribb hraje spíš vedlejší roli a větší důraz je na postavu, která je nasazená do nelegálních boxerských zápasů, aby se zjistilo, kdo za tím stojí. Hodně zajímavý nápad, kde je opravdu ta detektivní část trochu stranou.

No a do třetice jsou tu Voskové figuríny (Waxwork), ve které jde o souboj s časem odtikávajícím do popravy. A točí se to kolem fotografování, vězeňství a muzea voskových figur. Celá ta rovina s katem, který si jede do Londýna obhlídnout svou další zakázku… a zkusit se dostat mezi exponáty do muzea, je správně mimochodná.

I když je tohle asi nejúspěšnější Loveseyova řada (aspoň soudím podle toho, že vznikl i televizní seriál, tak se autor později přesunul do současnosti. Asi už se mu nechtělo dohledávat všechny ty historické detaily, což je škoda. Příjemně odsýpající detektivky v kombinaci se zajímavou dobou jsou vážně perfektní kombo.

[D J Rout · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the TV series as a teenager in 1981, and Jane Routley loaned me an audio book of The Detective Wore Silk Drawers in 1990, so I finally got around to reading the actual books. Well, the ebooks, anyway.

This is also a damn good instruction manual for how to do a mystery. The murder investigation takes place in three stages: the confession to the poisoning of Josiah Perceval, the arrival of some new information from sourcees unknown, Sgt Cribb's investigation that finds the real murderer and the final, importantly logical twist in the tale. It's alos an example of how good research can be useful when you're writing a period piece. Luckily for Peter Lovesey, there's lots of information on 19th century London, so he could do a good job setting the scene and describing Cribb's legwork.

This was made for TV but wasn't included in the DVD of the series but look for it wherever you watch good British TV. But first, read the book and learn how to write a mystery from example—then have a look at Writing Mysteries. Then do as I'm about to and have a look at Writing the Cozy Mystery which I hope to Hell is going to be a textbook and not some postmodern analysis of neo-feminist trauma.

[Rob Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Waxwork Craft and Clockwork

Waxwork is a finely turned mystery that balances period detail with lean plotting, and it’s easy to see why I awarded it four stars. Peter Lovesey writes with economy and clarity: sentences move cleanly, scenes accumulate atmosphere without weight, and the historical trappings—workhouses, parlors, and the careful choreography of a small city—feel lived-in rather than merely decorative. The “waxwork” motif threads through the narrative with intelligence, reflecting themes of reproduction, imitation, and the unsettling sameness that can hide criminal intent; Lovesey uses the motif to deepen both character and clue rather than as a mere flourish. The puzzle tightens steadily, and the ending lands fairly, offering readers the satisfaction of a mystery solved by patient attention rather than theatrical trickery. Occasionally the emotional chords could have been struck a little more insistently—some characters remain slightly too mannered for full sympathy—but that restraint also keeps the novel’s momentum and precision intact. If you appreciate a well-engineered mystery with historical texture and thoughtful construction, Waxwork is a very solid pick.

[Susan Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic British Mystery

Another entertaining mystery in the Victorian era Sergeant Cribb of Scotland Yard series. Sergeant Cribb has only a few days to investigate a poisoning death before the accused, a beautiful young woman, is hanged. Is she innocent or guilty as Cribb races to discover the truth?

[Brian Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read with the Victorian Sergeant Cribb . Thought Lovesey captured the period well especially the prevailing elitism and class system including within the police. Will look out for more of Sgt Cribb

[Duncan Steele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disposable nonsense.

Its more a whydunnit than a whodunnit.

[Kent Woodger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think mystery writers like to put the bad guy on the police force. It can really frustrate a good cop or a good PI.

[Joan Barton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it and would read more by this author.

[Cyprien Saito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes a kind of Anglo-Saxon female character in mystery seems to me Japanese simply mysterious like one in this story. In a way, it is a heart warming story.

[Bob Box · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read in 1978. Mystery novel.

[Robert Burgon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful tale in the Sergeant Cribb series with excellent descriptions of late-Victorian London.

[Carolyn Angi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weirdly not a great finish for this series. Didn't even have Thackery in it, who's my favorite character. It was certainly an interesting read but by far not the best of the lot

[Janet Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! An intriguing read.

[Kay Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous read, thrilling and funny.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so good, quite chilling too. Will definitely be reading more Cribb stories

[ME Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the period and historical nature of this book and of course the plot and investigation, cracking!

[Vani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skipped to the end after reading a third and managed to catch up. Felt no compulsion to read the middle. Thumbs down for a detective novel for me, sorry

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Had be wondering throughout on what was the "truth". Brilliant.

[The Cruciverbalistic Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ripping read of a criminal with a 'double jeopardy' situation.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Peter Lovesey book, I thoroughly enjoyed this!

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really, the more I read Peter Lovesey, the more I like him.

Sergeant Crabb has been asked to look into a case. That's not so odd. But the case has already been closed, a murderer arrested, and the sentence of death passed. So why look into it now? Plainly put, because Scotland Yard has had a few delicate hints dropped that they might have arrested the wrong person. And since the person is a woman, public sympathy is running high. So Inspector Jowett, who has never liked Crabb and whom Crabb thinks is incompetent. But Crabb is expendable. Crabb is hardly flattered, but in the interest of justice and in the vain hopes of furthering his career, he agrees to take on the case.

Miriam Cromer confessed to murdering her husband's assistant. She says that he was blackmailing her, and she put cyanide in the poison decanter. But as Crabb digs into the case, he finds many clues that the officer in charge of the investigation failed to follow. Now Cromer is sitting in jail, awaiting her hanging.

Through all of this, Lovesey weaves in the story of Miriam while in the jail, frustrating the jailers in charge by her icy demeanor, and the story of James Barry, the public hangman, busy in negotiations with Madame Tussauds about a new figure of himself, the waxwork of the title. But as the story progresses, the waxwork in question seemed to be the facade of the accused murderer, Miriam herself. Only at the very end does the reader get a glimpse into what was really going on inside her head.

Very well done. I hesitate to give it 5 stars, but I think maybe I am just being picky.

[Santosh Iyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last of the Sergeant Cribb series.
Howard Cromer runs a photographic studio. His assistant Josiah Perceval is found dead poisoned by potassium cyanide, a bottle of which is kept locked in the studio for photographic purposes. Miriam Cromer, wife of Howard, confesses to the crime claiming that Perceval was blackmailing her. She is sentenced to hang.
The Home Office then gets a photograph (sent anonymously) which casts doubt on the confession. Sergeant Cribb is selected to carry out a secret enquiry. Only 12 days are left before the execution. As Cribb investigates, he comes across some loopholes in the confession and several clues which the officer in charge of the original investigation failed to follow up. As he discovers the relationships and histories of the group of people connected with the murder, he becomes more and more intrigued. Will he be able to complete the investigation before the hanging takes place?
There is another thread involving the hangman James Berry who is busy in negotiations with Madame Tussauds regarding a waxwork figure of himself.
This is a very well written and suspenseful mystery with several unexpected twists and turns. The atmosphere and characterization are well done. Hence this book is highly recommended. I doubt that any one will correctly guess the murderer!

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

By her own admission, Miriam Cromer is guilty of murder and sentenced to hang. James Berry, the public hangman, is on his way to London to perform the execution and make extra money by having his likeness cast for entrance in Madame Tussaud's. Miriam is guilty of poisoning her husband's assistant in his photography business. The back story reveals that Miriam and two friends had posed for seminude pictures in their youth and the assistant had located them and was blackmailing her. Sergeant Cribb, of the Metropolitan Police, is selected to carry out a secret inquiry to explain away the awkward evidence of a photograph sent to the Home Office that casts doubt on her confession. Cribb plunges into the relationships and histories of the small group connected with the murder and becomes more and more intrigued.
Peter Lovesey is a master in writing Victorian Domestic Murder mysteries and this novel is considered one of the best. The atmosphere and dialogue are accurately portrayed and suspense is heightened by Miriam sitting patiently waiting for the noose to be tightened around her beautiful neck.