I was grateful to be provided with an audiobook by NetGalley in order to leave an honest review. Growing up, my mom played radio dramas for us. She had been bequeathed a set of cassette tapes, carefully recorded and labeled, of the programs. Listening to this book took me back to hearing those full cast productions. The audiobook is quite short - I finished it in half a day - and I could hardly wait to go back and listen to the first one in the series. Though I was confident of the ending, I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend. Thank you to NetGalley for this advance copy.
I’d like to send a thank you to NetGalley and Classic Crime Ltd for this ARC.
The latest installment in Trials of the Century series dives into The Trial of Dr. Crippen: A Drop of Poison, is a impressive addition to the collection. Much like the first installment, the second book excels at making this case feel compelling. The production utilizes another brilliant full-cast narration and transforms the 1910 courtroom into an immersive audio experience. The forensic evidence to convict Crippen was shocking. I cannot wait to continue this true-crime series.
- 3.5 ⭐️ rounded down - Thank you NetGalley and Classic Crime for the chance to listen and give a review! This is what a true crime podcast from the early 1900s would have sounded like if such a thing existed then. Pretty much this guy’s wife is declared missing by friends. When the police and others ask the husband about her whereabouts he lies. They then investigate and find chopped up body parts below his cellar floor at his house, but he’s already fled to Canada with his mistress. They drag him back to England, he claims innocence at the trial. And then we’re walked through the trial and the testimonies.
It’s fascinating to listen to how they gathered evidence and built a case without any forensic science back then. Also interesting the mention of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of Sherlock Holmes, being at this trial and getting inspiration for his book The Adventure of the Devils Foot (written the same year as the trial).
It’s a radio theatre production, so full cast and sound effects. Only 90 minutes long. And that ending! I don’t even know what to say about that 🤯
There was one thing that confused me. When the police are talking to Crippen about placing an ad to try and locate his wife, they suggest offering a reward for information. The price they suggest is $25, but shouldn’t it be £25 since they’re in England? Maybe I got the location wrong 🤷🏻♀️
Brilliant! This is the second of the Trials of the Century series, and I have thoroughly enjoyed both of them. I am an avid crime buff and have read and/or heard just about all the well-known true crime tales, but i still discovered a few new things about Dr Crippen.
Thanks to Classic Crime Ltd, the author and NetGalley for an LRC in return for an honest review.
The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison by bestselling author Matt Richards - recipient of the Spirit of Tiger Award for Outstanding Documentary Coverage of WWII - is the second instalment in a new true crime series from independent publisher Classic Crime Lmt. His work also includes Wife Swap (Channel 4), Rory & Paddy’s Great British Adventure (Five) and Robson Green’s Extreme Fishing (Five).
The production features a strong ensemble cast, including Oliver Senton (co-founder of Olivier Award-winning Showstopper! The Improvised Musical), Anna Devlin (The Nevers), Nathan Osgood (Earphones Award winner for his narration of Bill Bryson’s The Road to Little Dribbling), Kosha Engler (The Wire), Benet Brandreth KC (lawyer, author and rhetoric coach to the RSC), Peter Brooke (Wonder Woman 1984; The Beekeeper (2024)), and Michael Lewis (actor and lawyer).
The Trials of the Century series will be full-cast audiobooks based on landmark court cases. The titles are being made available to NetGalley reviewers as part of a broader effort to introduce the series and position audio as a serious critical format. Alongside this, the publisher is engaging traditional book reviewers, librarians and cultural journalists, with additional targeted promotion to crime and literary publications. Excerpts and contextual material will also be shared via the publisher’s website, newsletter and social media channels.
Classic Crime Ltd have said that, as an audio-first publisher, they approach these works as performances; however, in keeping with this ethos, the script - complete with production notes - will also be published at a later date. From 27 March, both Kindle editions of the first two titles in the series will have been released alongside their full-cast audiobook counterparts.
Following The Trial of Leopold & Loeb, released on 13 March, a further ten titles are scheduled for 2026, featuring cases including Patty Hearst, Lizzie Borden and Lindy Chamberlain, as well as the inquest into Mary Jo Kopechne in relation to the Chappaquiddick incident involving Senator Ted Kennedy. Additional titles are planned for 2027.
Dr Crippen was a mild-mannered physician accused of committing one of the most infamous murders in English history. His 1910 trial gripped the public worldwide and was even attended by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, who is said to have taken notes. With a background in medicine, Doyle was particularly interested in the growing use of forensic science and toxicology, elements that later influenced the Holmes story The Adventure of the Devil’s Foot.
I appreciated the publisher’s fresh approach to this audio production - it is presented as a dramatised account of the trial, written from original court transcripts.
It feels especially fitting that I’m posting this review on World Theatre Day (27 March 2026), given the production’s emphasis on performance.
The clipped tones of a female narrator (journalist Sandra Parsons - The Daily Mail’s Literary Editor) set the scene; newspaper headlines are read aloud (evoking the spinning front pages of old black-and-white films), dramatic music builds, and The Trial of Dr Crippen begins.
The audio shifts between modern-day narration and stylised courtroom exchanges, with lawyers and witnesses presenting their arguments while murmurs, reactions and exclamations from the gallery add to the atmosphere. The sound design is not quite as effective as in the first instalment, where foley elements - such as tape recorder buttons and the distinct whirr of reel-to-reel audio - enhanced the sense of immersion.
All in all, this is a highly professional production. The publisher, cast and creative team have succeeded in creating a convincing and engaging courtroom drama. I will be interested to see how the rest of the Trials of the Century series is received over the course of the year.
The third title in the series will be The Trial of Patty Hearst.
The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison By Matt Richards Performed by a Full Cast
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This audiobook completely pulled me in from the start and did not let go.
Telling the story of Hawley Harvey Crippen and the disappearance of his wife, Belle Elmore, this production feels less like a retelling and more like stepping directly into the tension of 1910 London. From the moment suspicion begins to build, you can feel the walls closing in.
The full cast narration is phenomenal. Every voice adds weight and texture, making each moment feel immediate and real. The tension never drops, whether it is the discovery of remains, the scrutiny of Crippen’s behavior, or the now-infamous transatlantic escape attempt with Ethel Le Neve. Even knowing the broad strokes of the case, it still feels gripping.
What makes this story especially fascinating is how much it sits at the crossroads of old and new investigative methods. The case became famous not just for the crime itself, but for the use of early forensic science and the role of wireless communication in capturing Crippen. At the time, the evidence felt groundbreaking and convincing, and the narrative that formed around it was hard to question.
And yet, that certainty starts to feel more complicated the longer you sit with it.
Crippen selling his wife’s jewelry, giving pieces to Ethel, the inconsistencies in his story, the attempted escape, the specific poison, the abdominal scar… all of it builds a picture that seems almost too complete. It is easy to see why the world believed they had their man. I was sure they had their man.
But what truly elevates this audiobook is what comes after. In 2007, American researchers conducted DNA testing on the remains found in Crippen’s home, comparing them through familial lines. The results reportedly showed that the remains were not only not a match to Belle Elmore, but were not female at all. A petition was submitted requesting a posthumous pardon, but the British authorities rejected it, citing concerns over the reliability of the testing and refusing to reopen the case.
That lingering doubt reframes everything. It raises uncomfortable questions about how much of the original conviction was built on solid evidence versus narrative momentum. And more broadly, it reflects a truth about justice systems everywhere: once a conclusion is reached, it can be incredibly difficult to undo, even in the face of new information.
If you enjoy historical true crime, courtroom drama, or stories that challenge your sense of certainty, this is absolutely worth your time. It is immersive, unsettling, and lingers long after it ends.
Thank you to #Classic Crime Ltd & #NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The “Trials of the Century” audiobook series continues to impress me with this second case. When I first saw it was about a man who could have killed his wife, I wondered what was so special to make this case so fascinating for people. Well, now I know! There are so many nuances that make it more than just another husband killing his wife. And that ending…well, that’s a plot twist. My jaw dropped when I heard that part. I thought the story was over but no, there was still time for a final revelation and what a revelation that was.
I’m still so shocked by how much information we have about trials that took place such a long time ago and I love that we do. I watch trials on Youtube nowadays and this full cast kind of makes me feel like I’m listening to a real trial. Obviously, the transcripts are from a real trial but the way it’s narrated brings all of it to life in such a great way. Reading transcripts would definitely not be as entertaining. And the way something is read out loud can change the simplest of sentences so much. I also adore that we get to know how the media or people from the time reacted to such a crime being committed. It’s something that’s missing in most cases that are pretty old because I guess it’s not easy to find that information. So I appreciate its inclusion here. Once again, I could have listened to hours of this but I get why it’s 90 minute audiobooks that we’re getting. Listening to them does make me go down a rabbit hole researching more about the case and what people have been saying about it since it happened. That’s all I want from anything true crime related. For it to become a brief obsession I spend time learning more about.
I need to praise everyone involved in this project one more time. The way the script is written for the narrators to bring it to life is brilliant. It’s so easy to follow the story and each narrator has such a clear voice and plays each character so well. Fantastic! All of it!
Thank you to Classic Crime and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Classic Crime Ltd - Trials of the Century Audiobooks for the opportunity of listening to this really interesting trial from 1910. I was not familiar with this crime although I had heard of Dr Crippen, and listening to it on audio was a fantastic experience as it is narrated by a cast with background noises which make it seem like a radio play. A really enjoyable way to spend 90 minutes. There’s a real twist at the end which has left me wondering…
The blurb: “* A Trial of the Century witnessed by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle * In the dock: a quiet American doctor accused of mutilation and murder.
A 90-minute standalone audiobook in the tradition of a radio play.
In 1910, Dr Hawley Harvey Crippen stood trial for the murder of his wife, the music-hall performer Belle Elmore, after human remains were discovered beneath the cellar floor of their London home. What followed was one of the first great media manhunts of the twentieth century: a transatlantic pursuit to Canada aboard a steamship, the revolutionary use of wireless telegraphy, and a trial watched by a public gripped by fascination and unease.
Drawn from the original Old Bailey trial transcripts and contemporary reporting, this production recreates the key exchanges between prosecution and defence: the forensic examination of the remains, the testimony surrounding a troubled marriage, and the steady, methodical dismantling of the accused in open court. The proceedings reveal not only the legal strategies deployed on both sides, but also the atmosphere of Edwardian London as science, celebrity, and sensational journalism converged.
The Trial of Dr Crippen is the second title in the Trials of the Century series, following The Trial of Leopold and Loeb and preceding The Trial of Patty Hearst (released Summer 2026).”
Trials of the Century: The Trial of Dr Crippen. A drop of poison.
This is the second dramatization of real courtroom transcripts.The first one I listened to in this series was The Trial of Leopold and Loeb. It's so much more than just your average audio book. You get to feel like you are in the courtroom with the accused and the barrister as the stage and screen actors reenact the scenes.
I have been enjoying these courtroom sessions so much that I actually go and read up more about the main characters after I have listened to the audio.
London 1910: Dr Hawley Harvey Crippen, originally from America, but now residing in London is accused of murdering his wife, Cora. She went by her stage name of Belle Elmore. Dr Crippen tells everyone that his wife has urgently been called to America but her fellow performers get suspicious and raise their concerns with the police. Crippen and his lover, Ethel, flee London on a ship to Canada. But they are stopped before disembarking and brought back to London to stand trial.
We hear that a headless and limbless body was found beneath the cellar floor of Crippen's house. The prosecution and defence raise interesting points and the prosecution makes a big deal about forensic evidence in the form of a trace of hyoscine that was found in the flesh. Another interesting snippet I learnt was that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was sitting in listening to the trial. I wonder if he got a few ideas for Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson while listening to this trial?
The most interesting point was raised right at the end of the audio, with new DNA evidence in 2007! Listen to find out what they uncovered.
Thank you Ben from Trials of the Century for inviting me to listen to the second in your series. I look forward to the next one later in the year.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Another spectacular instalment in Trials of the Century, packing a 90-minute standalone audiobook in the most exciting tradition of a radio play, it feels immersive to say the least and then some.
The Trial of Dr Crippen gripped me from the first moment. In the dock: a quiet American doctor accused of mutilation and murder. In the audience: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, watching closely, the echoes of what may later become The Adventure of the Devil’s Footlingering in the background. Deliciously eerie.
Set in 1910, this is more than a trial, it is a cultural moment. A transatlantic manhunt, the cutting-edge use of wireless telegraphy, and a courtroom drama reconstructed from Old Bailey transcripts with striking precision. Every exchange lands.
What truly elevates this production is its craft. Sandra Parsons stands out as narrator, guiding us through the proceedings with clarity and quiet intensity. The rest of the cast is excellent, bringing every character vividly to life. Ben Devlin’s direction is taut, Matt Richards’ script is sparingly magnetic, and the sound design is superb, adding layers of tension and atmosphere that pull you right into Edwardian London.
And the finale? A nugget of updated findings at the end blew my mind and sent me down a rabbit hole hunting for more on this case.
Second in the Trials of the Century series. Check my grid for The Trial of Leopold and Loeb. Next up: The Trial of Patty Hearst (Summer 2026, I am ready).
Full cast, meticulous production, and hauntingly good sound design make this an unmissable listen.
This is the second book in the Trials Of The Century series and you may remember that back in January I read the first book - The Trial Of Leopold And Loeb - Dickie & Babe by Ben Devlin and absolutely loved it!
This second book was again brilliantly compiled and produced with a full cast playing out the trial, with narration as to the circumstances that the trial came about.
Now, as I said before, I've not been great at reading much true crime, despite being absolutely fascinated by the cases. Having this series of super quick audio reads is therefore perfect for me to get a fix whilst having lunch or on a trip out in the car.
The case of Dr Crippen actually had me really considering what happened here. From the information provided and listening to the transcripts of the trial, I'm actually not convinced at all about the verdict that Crippen was guilty nor that he should have been executed for his conviction.
This was then proven as the narrator followed up with some more recent investigations into the case, now that modern technology could glean some better results.
This shows that the old methods were extremely flawed and I really feel for the families involved - on all sides.
This was such a good read and I loved the authenticity of the production and narration. Such a great series to satisfy those intrigued by true crime, yet like me, haven't yet gone digging.
I really feel like I could devour this whole series and can't wait to see what case we'll be exploring next.
The Trial of Dr. Crippen: A Drop of Poison by Matt Richards offers a fascinating deep dive into one of the most infamous murder cases of the early 20th century. Hawley Harvey Crippen and the death of his wife, Cora Crippen. For listeners who enjoy true crime with strong historical context, this audiobook provides an engaging and well-researched account of the investigation, trial, and media frenzy that surrounded the case.
The narrative does an excellent job of placing the events within the social climate of the time, particularly the sensationalism of the press and the early use of forensic science in criminal trials. The author carefully walks listeners through the evidence, the courtroom arguments, and the public reaction, which helps bring this century-old case vividly to life.
As an audiobook, the pacing is steady and easy to follow, making it a solid choice for listeners who enjoy true crime during long drives or quiet evenings. At times the legal details and historical explanations slow the momentum slightly, but they also add depth and credibility to the story.
Overall, this is an informative and compelling listen that true crime enthusiasts will appreciate. It may not read like a fast-paced thriller, but its strength lies in its careful examination of the facts and the historical significance of the trial. A strong four-star listen for anyone interested in classic criminal cases and the evolution of modern investigation.
There can be no doubt that the increase in listening to, and the availability of audiobooks has been helped greatly by the quality of the narration. It is the job of the narrator(s) to create a believable scenario and by the use of sound and words convey the listener to another dimension…..The trial of Doctor Crippen is the start of a number of audiobooks bringing to life the excitement, anticipation and horror that is the life and eventual death of the said doctor. This was an amazing experience, I was transported to the Old Bailey of 1910 and I felt privileged to be a spectator as the story unfolded. Crippen was accused of the murder of his American wife Cora Crippen (stage name Belle Elmore) , described by some as an overbearing and dominant woman . The couple moved to London in 1900 and she was last seen alive Jan 31st 1910. She was reported missing after Doctor Crippen reported she had returned to the US and later died. The good doctor was arrested aboard the SS Montrose as it approached Quebec Canada…Crippen was fleeing with his lover, Ethel Le Neve, who was disguised as his son. A truly brilliant audiobook, expertly narrated, a trial brought to life inside my head and with nervous tension, I waited for the outcome of the jury….surely they could not get it wrong? Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the privilege of an early hearing…simply wonderful :)
I have previously reviewed another title in this series ( The Trial of Leopold & Loeb: Dickie & Babe - Trials of the Century, #1 - by Ben Devlin) and I was expecting the same amount of excellent voice talent, production design and production quality and they did not disappoint!
Firstly, the cast of Narrators and Foley artists are off the chain brilliant. They have created an exceptional production that is easy to listen to while being engaging and informative. These audiobooks are incredibly absorbing and IMO much more enjoyable than true crime shows (TV is not my jam)
The audiobook begins as Crippen lands off the ship in Canada and again, the listener is placed right into the thick of it, from sound effects to the narrative between actors
Diligently compiled from historical record and presented in an articulate and well structured way, the case follows the life of Crippen to his crimes, capture, court case and punishment
Absolutely brilliant and I look forward to listening to future productions
Thank you to Netgalley, the Author Matt Richards and Literary Fiction | Mystery & Thrillers | True Crime for this outstanding ALC - My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Thanks to NetGalley for suggesting this advanced reader copy!
What an interesting case this was. I think I could really get into true crime 😆 if it is not too gruesome and haunting.
Dr Crippen was a homeopathic doctor (which I didn’t know existed at the time) and was accused of poisoning and murdering his wife who disappeared. He had some shady behaviour with his mistress who was 21 years younger than him (ew).
Dr Crippen made up lots of lies as to where his wife disappeared to (to America…all the way to California and then died of bronchitis). Meanwhile he purchased a poison called Devil’s Breath two weeks before her disappearance 😯
They then got Arthur Dew, the detective who was trying to capture Jack the Ripper on the case because the wife’s women’s guild friends didn’t believe the husband. Rightly so.
At the trial Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was in the gallery making notes for a new Sherlock Holmes novel based on the poisoning.
However, decades later when they tested the DNA, it revealed that it wasn’t her and it was a man?? So did he really do it? He still sounds like a terrible guy but his only crime could be having an affair and being stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This great audiobook series (The Trials of the Century) is helping me appreciate my friends' fondness for the true crime genre. The Trial of Dr. Crippen: A Drop of Poison by Matt Richards was just as interesting as The Trial of Leopold & Loeb: Dickie & Babe: Trials of the Century. I enjoy the old-time radio show format, which makes me feel like I'm watching a play rather than listening to a narrated audiobook. Having grown up on tv and video, I never really experienced radio shows, and even those of NPR didn't draw me in as this series does.
The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison left me wanting more details about this very unusual man, and the impact his story had upon Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who is reported to have been a spectator in court during the trial. The unresolved nature of the crime of which he was accused, based on modern DNA testing leaves questions for the reader that led me to some internet sleuthing of my own. This one rates another 4 star read for me; I've already recommended it to people from one of my book clubs! My appreciation to NetGalley, Classic Crime Ltd./Trials of the Century Audiobooks for the audio ARC of this book.
This is the second in thr Trials of the Century series. Again, I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by an ensemble cast.
The book gives details of what led up to the trial and then we have various snapshots of the trial transcript itself.
I always think I know a story but there were several infamous murderers whose stories I get mixed up.
Crippen was not a qualified doctor and practiced as a dentist. He and his wife appeared to have an open marriage with both of them carrying on affairs. However Crippen then begins an affair with the woman he eventually leaves the country with after his wife's disappearance.
Crippen was hanged for his crime but there are quite startling revelations at the end of the book which I knew nothing about. So what is a well known crime actually turns into something completely different.
An excellent recording with good narration. The book gives enough facts for the story to be understood but doesn't delve into any details. I really enjoyed it.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Classic Crime plus RB Media for the audio advance review copy.
I just finished *The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison* by Matt Richards and I’m officially intrigued by the Trials of the Century series!
This short audiobook is a full-cast dramatization of the actual court records from the trial of Dr. Crippen, which made it feel like I was sitting right in the courtroom as the testimony unfolded. I went into this knowing absolutely nothing about the case and now I’m definitely curious to learn more.
If you’re expecting a traditional true crime narrative with lots of backstory and details about the murder, that’s not quite what this is. The focus is mainly on the trial transcripts themselves. But the full cast performance made it really engaging and easy to listen to.
At only about 90 minutes, it’s a quick but fascinating listen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Classic Crime for the advanced listener copy. This audiobook releases on April 24!
The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop Of Poison is the second case presented in the Trials of the Century collection of audiobooks. This one was even better than the first instalment. The full cast narration brings the trial to life and I was amazed at how much detail we managed to get in such a short episode. The narrators did an incredible job and the subtle sound effects in the back really adds to the immersive experience. I also really enjoyed the little details provided such as that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was in the courtroom, that Charles Dickens had worked there, and the results of more recent testing in the epilogue. Will definitely be continuing this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Classic Crime Limited for providing me with an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
**Audiobook Review** I haven’t really done ‘true crime’ before but I think I could be convinced after listening to this 90 minute audiobook recording in the tradition of a radio play.
The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison is Book 2 in the Trials of the Century series by Classic Crime. Although I had heard of Dr Crippen, I didn’t know the story behind the infamous name and this short story was a brilliant way to find out about it. The recording sounded incredibly professional with a full cast of fabulous narrators. It’s a great introduction to true crime specifically, and audiobooks in general. The fascinating story was well told over the 90 minutes and I happily listened to it in one sitting.
I will definitely be looking out for more books of this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Classic Crime for the audioARC.
I was absolutely delighted to receive a copy of this audiobook to review. I'd previously listened to, reviewed and loved the first in the Trials of the Century series: The Trial of Leopold & Loeb: Dickie & Babe.
Again, a full cast audio production is set in a courtroom, telling the story of Dr Crippen. He was sentenced to death following the disappearance of his second wife after the police found human remains in his cellar. It was fresh, enjoyable, gripping and also fascinating from a historical perspective. One thing that I really enjoyed about this one is that the epilogue - if that's the right description - gives an update about the DNA evidence - bringing in present-day science.
I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys a radio play, true crime and history.
Thanks to Matt Richards, Classic Crime Limited and NetGalley for this ARC, in return for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This trial is about Dr. Crippen and if he murdered his wife back in 1902.
The multicast narration, as well as, noises in the background bring the audiobook to life. The transcripts from the actual trial were so intense that even Arthur Conen Doyle was there, in the courtroom, during this trial.
This is a must read all the way to the epilogue. I was not expecting that twist!!!
I highly recommend the Trials of the Century series. Even if you are not a true crime buff these are short enough for everyone to love. Even my teenage daughter was into this trial and wanted to hear the ending.
I want to thank NetGalley, Classic Crimes and Matt Richards for an advanced audio ARC in exchange for my honest review
The Trial of Dr. Crippen is the second in a series of Trials of the Century audiobook. I have listened to both and look forward to the future ones.
The case of Hawley Crippen, a homeopath convicted and executed for the murder of his wife Cora (better known by her stage name Belle Elmore) is a notorious case involving poison, a mutilated corpse, a mistress, and a transatlantic arrest. Although I. knew of the case, it is not one I have a lot of knowledge about. Listening to this audio production was a great way to introduce myself to more information about the case. The full cast narration is well done, with expressive performances and a structure to the storytelling that keep you engaged.
I was given access to an early copy of this audiobook, and I'm leaving my review voluntarily.
This audiobook felt as though I were listening to the real trial unfold from long ago. By using transcripts from the actual proceedings, the production brings history vividly to life. The actors portraying the historical figures fully immersed me into another era, making the experience feel authentic and immediate. I wasn't familiar with the case beforehand, though the name sounded vaguely familiar, and now I am eager to continue with the third in the series. At just 90 minutes, it's a fast paced completely captivating listen. Thank you NetGalley and Classic Crime for the advance listening copy.
As someone who loves a true crime story, I had never heard of this case and was taken by the lack of details that still ultimately led to Dr. Crippen's execution. However, the victim of murder is the most enticing portion. Is it even Belle? I couldn't help romanticizing the thought of her successful escape amidst her disappearance, only to find some remorse that Crippen was charged with her murder. Of course, we may never know that but I was convinced that the remains were not convincing enough to say who they actually were.
The audiobook itself was an experience! Rather than being read too, this audio experience including "live" sounding snippets of the courtroom and really placed us as voyeurs in various scenarios.
The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison by Matt Richards is a book in the Trials of the Century series. This had a full cast of narrators.
This was a recreation of the trial of Dr Hawley Harvey Crippen. I had not heard of Dr. Crippen before. It was very interesting hearing the court trial and the narrative around it. The narration brought the trial to life. This is the second trial I’ve listened to in this series and look forward to more of their releases.
Thank you to the author, Classic Crime Ltd | Trials of the Century Audiobooks, and NetGalley for the Advanced Listener Copy (ALC) of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Thank you Net Galley and Classic Crime for the ARC.
I absolutely loved The Trial of Dr. Crippen: A Drop of Poison. This was like listening to a stage drama on tape. It had a full cast to voice all the different parts.
The story covers the early life of Dr. Crippen and how he meets his second wife Cora. Cora ends up going missing and Crippen is arrested for her murder. What follows is the his trial. It was quite the case with an interesting cast of characters. This case really highlights the rudimentary science of the time as well as the emphasis on circumstantial evidence that was taken as fact. This is a short audiobook (about 90 minutes) so would be perfect for a short road trip.
True crime told like an old radio drama—completely absorbing.
I received an audiobook advance copy via NetGalley.
The Trial of Dr. Crippen from the Trials of the Century series is fascinating true crime with real historical depth. The storytelling style feels almost like old radio theatre, which makes it incredibly engaging to listen to. Absolutely fantastic. And the end ..... I want to know more. I’ll definitely be searching for more audiobooks in this series.
I am not generally an audiobook fan (I much prefer to read) but this most excellent full-cast and thoroughly researched and factual production may convince me differently! Actually a short listen, this Nonfiction true crime account of a notorious crime and scandals of early 20th century Edwardian England is compelling and intriguing, inspiring one to research the case. I anticipate listening to other titles in this Series, and purchasing the ebook. I highly recommend this for all fans of true crime and crime and/or Historical documentaries.
The trial of Dr Crippin was attended by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he wanted to know more about possible use of poisons. The trial took place in 1910 and he was charged with the murder of his wife.
This audiobook is a performance of the trial based on the original Old Bailey trial transcripts. It must have been fascinating to witness. It was a gift to sensational journalism.
Very informative and a great way to understand how the trial was held and strategies used. This is the second in the series and I would highly recommend. A performance not just a telling.