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Trials of the Century Collection #2
The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison
82 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2026
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April 13, 2026
4.75⭐️ The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison by Matt Richards is an immersive 90-minute audiobook that really pulls you into one of the most infamous true crime cases.
It tells the story of the 1910 trial of Dr Hawley Harvey Crippen, who was convicted of murdering his wife. But what makes this case so interesting is the doubt that still surrounds it—was he actually guilty, or could he have been wrongly convicted? That question really stayed with me throughout.
The narration was outstanding, and the full cast completely brought the courtroom to life. It genuinely felt like stepping back in time and sitting in on the trial as it happened. The use of real courtroom transcripts made it feel even more authentic, and at times you almost forget you’re listening to an audiobook rather than witnessing history unfold.
I found it really engaging as a true crime listen, especially because it focuses on the trial itself rather than just retelling the story. It does feel quite factual and procedural in places, but that only adds to the realism.
Overall, a gripping and thought-provoking audiobook that feels different from typical true crime. Short, immersive, and definitely one that stays with you after listening.
Thank you to NetGalley, Matt Richards, Classic Crime Ltd and the full cast for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: April 24th, 2026.
It tells the story of the 1910 trial of Dr Hawley Harvey Crippen, who was convicted of murdering his wife. But what makes this case so interesting is the doubt that still surrounds it—was he actually guilty, or could he have been wrongly convicted? That question really stayed with me throughout.
The narration was outstanding, and the full cast completely brought the courtroom to life. It genuinely felt like stepping back in time and sitting in on the trial as it happened. The use of real courtroom transcripts made it feel even more authentic, and at times you almost forget you’re listening to an audiobook rather than witnessing history unfold.
I found it really engaging as a true crime listen, especially because it focuses on the trial itself rather than just retelling the story. It does feel quite factual and procedural in places, but that only adds to the realism.
Overall, a gripping and thought-provoking audiobook that feels different from typical true crime. Short, immersive, and definitely one that stays with you after listening.
Thank you to NetGalley, Matt Richards, Classic Crime Ltd and the full cast for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: April 24th, 2026.
May 3, 2026
⭐⭐⭐ An Engaging True Crime Story That Leaves Questions Behind
True crime works best when it pulls you in and keeps you there, and The Trial of Dr. Crippen: A Drop of Poison by Matt Richards does exactly that, especially in audiobook form. The radio-style presentation is a strong choice and makes the story feel immediate and engaging from the start. As someone who enjoys historical trials, I found the case itself compelling, and the structure makes it easy to follow even for listeners who may not be familiar with the details. The format carries much of the experience and keeps the pacing steady throughout.
Where the book begins to struggle is in its depth. The emphasis is clearly on storytelling, which makes it accessible, but it also means that the analysis never quite develops. By the end, there are still several unanswered questions, and the overall impression is that the story has been told without fully exploring its implications. In addition, the individuals involved in the case are not given much depth. We move through the events quickly, but it often feels like we only get a surface-level understanding of who these people were.
Even with those limitations, the format remains a major strength. The audiobook presentation adds energy and helps maintain interest in a way that a more traditional approach might not. For listeners who enjoy engaging true crime narratives, this is worth picking up. For those looking for a deeper or more analytical study of the case, it may feel somewhat limited.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Matt Richards, and Classic Crime for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheTrialofDrCrippen #NetGalley
True crime works best when it pulls you in and keeps you there, and The Trial of Dr. Crippen: A Drop of Poison by Matt Richards does exactly that, especially in audiobook form. The radio-style presentation is a strong choice and makes the story feel immediate and engaging from the start. As someone who enjoys historical trials, I found the case itself compelling, and the structure makes it easy to follow even for listeners who may not be familiar with the details. The format carries much of the experience and keeps the pacing steady throughout.
Where the book begins to struggle is in its depth. The emphasis is clearly on storytelling, which makes it accessible, but it also means that the analysis never quite develops. By the end, there are still several unanswered questions, and the overall impression is that the story has been told without fully exploring its implications. In addition, the individuals involved in the case are not given much depth. We move through the events quickly, but it often feels like we only get a surface-level understanding of who these people were.
Even with those limitations, the format remains a major strength. The audiobook presentation adds energy and helps maintain interest in a way that a more traditional approach might not. For listeners who enjoy engaging true crime narratives, this is worth picking up. For those looking for a deeper or more analytical study of the case, it may feel somewhat limited.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Matt Richards, and Classic Crime for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#TheTrialofDrCrippen #NetGalley
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August 16, 2026
True Crime
Dr. Crippen Trial
4 Stars ⭐️
🎧Full Cast Narration
These cases are so cool. 90 minutes of a full cast of narrators acting out the court transcripts. Dr. Crippen was a dentist in the 1910’s whose wife went missing. He told everybody she left him for someone else but when her family and friends didn’t hear from her, the authorities started looking at her husband who had a new girlfriend.
I thought I had this case all figured out but the very end held a surprise I was not expecting making this one my favorite of the 3. All 3 of these were listen now on Netgalley and as a true crime junkie I really enjoyed them. I am super excited that there will be more made next year.
I received an ALC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dr. Crippen Trial
4 Stars ⭐️
🎧Full Cast Narration
These cases are so cool. 90 minutes of a full cast of narrators acting out the court transcripts. Dr. Crippen was a dentist in the 1910’s whose wife went missing. He told everybody she left him for someone else but when her family and friends didn’t hear from her, the authorities started looking at her husband who had a new girlfriend.
I thought I had this case all figured out but the very end held a surprise I was not expecting making this one my favorite of the 3. All 3 of these were listen now on Netgalley and as a true crime junkie I really enjoyed them. I am super excited that there will be more made next year.
I received an ALC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2026
Wow, this was even better than the previous book in this series! Maybe it’s because I wasn’t quite as familiar with the story of Dr. Crippen than I was with Leopold & Loeb (the two protagonists from the first installment) but this shocked me.
In case you haven’t heard about this particular crime, all you need to know is that the year was 1910 as he was suspected and later convicted of his wife’s murder by poison. One of the most heinous crimes in English history. She went missing, he left town at a very convenient time, took a (much younger than himself) lover. The usual stuff. And then dismembered body parts were found at his house which were presumed to be his wife’s. What really got me though was the way this book left us. Was he unfairly convicted, based on those recent discoveries? Was he actually telling the truth, and was truly just your average meek man? I really was not expecting it to leave me hanging like that.
Like the previous one, this book reads a lot like a courtroom drama. It’s simpler in the way that it’s performed as an audiobook than the first installment of Trials of the Century. And by that I mean that the main focus is just the narrators doing their job, and doing it well might I add, rather than sound effects and such.
Overall I’d say going into it not knowing the first thing about Dr. Crippen or his shocking crime worked well for me. I’m going to research all about it now, though the book did a good job at explaining it all. I’m very much looking forward to all the books to come in this series. Very solid and interesting read. 4.25/5⭐️
Audiobook notes: As previously mentioned, I loved the full cast ensemble kind of narration going on here and in the rest of this series. It hasn’t failed me so far and I doubt it will in the upcoming books.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
In case you haven’t heard about this particular crime, all you need to know is that the year was 1910 as he was suspected and later convicted of his wife’s murder by poison. One of the most heinous crimes in English history. She went missing, he left town at a very convenient time, took a (much younger than himself) lover. The usual stuff. And then dismembered body parts were found at his house which were presumed to be his wife’s. What really got me though was the way this book left us. Was he unfairly convicted, based on those recent discoveries? Was he actually telling the truth, and was truly just your average meek man? I really was not expecting it to leave me hanging like that.
Like the previous one, this book reads a lot like a courtroom drama. It’s simpler in the way that it’s performed as an audiobook than the first installment of Trials of the Century. And by that I mean that the main focus is just the narrators doing their job, and doing it well might I add, rather than sound effects and such.
Overall I’d say going into it not knowing the first thing about Dr. Crippen or his shocking crime worked well for me. I’m going to research all about it now, though the book did a good job at explaining it all. I’m very much looking forward to all the books to come in this series. Very solid and interesting read. 4.25/5⭐️
Audiobook notes: As previously mentioned, I loved the full cast ensemble kind of narration going on here and in the rest of this series. It hasn’t failed me so far and I doubt it will in the upcoming books.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2026
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.
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.
October 24, 2026
This was such a cool experience! I finished it in one sitting. I wouldn't say I'm a true crime junkie, but I've always had some interest in court proceedings and anything relating to criminal justice, so this was an interesting listen.
I loved that it was based on actual court transcripts (albeit dramatised), and the full cast did an amazing job recreating the tension of the courtroom. I was particularly impressed with Chapter 3 (Peter Brooke's performance as Bruce Miller and Michael Lewis' as counsel for the defense were spectacular!) and Chapter 9! (The cross-examination was SO tense. Major props to Nathan Osgood as Dr Crippen and Benet Brandreth as the counsel for the prosecution. Wow.)
I personally wasn't familiar with Dr Crippen's case, so that epilogue really caught me off guard. I guess the intrigue surrounding the case now is Suppose we'll never know.
The production and script were great. I also liked that we got some focus on Ethel and her letters, as well as a glimpse into her life after Dr Crippen. But I can't help wishing we'd gotten more of the victim, Cora Crippen, too.
Overall, I liked this a lot and would recommend it to anyone with even a little interest in true crime. It's certainly made me curious to learn more about the case. This was such a unique audiobook experience, and I cannot wait to get to the other cases in this series!
Thank you Classic Crime Limited and Matt Richards for providing the audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I loved that it was based on actual court transcripts (albeit dramatised), and the full cast did an amazing job recreating the tension of the courtroom. I was particularly impressed with Chapter 3 (Peter Brooke's performance as Bruce Miller and Michael Lewis' as counsel for the defense were spectacular!) and Chapter 9! (The cross-examination was SO tense. Major props to Nathan Osgood as Dr Crippen and Benet Brandreth as the counsel for the prosecution. Wow.)
I personally wasn't familiar with Dr Crippen's case, so that epilogue really caught me off guard. I guess the intrigue surrounding the case now is Suppose we'll never know.
The production and script were great. I also liked that we got some focus on Ethel and her letters, as well as a glimpse into her life after Dr Crippen. But I can't help wishing we'd gotten more of the victim, Cora Crippen, too.
Overall, I liked this a lot and would recommend it to anyone with even a little interest in true crime. It's certainly made me curious to learn more about the case. This was such a unique audiobook experience, and I cannot wait to get to the other cases in this series!
Thank you Classic Crime Limited and Matt Richards for providing the audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
June 2, 2026
| ALC REVIEW |
★ 3 stars ★
A cold and calculated crime, or a huge miscarriage of justice?
This is the second case featured in the Trials of the Century series, and it was a morbidly fascinating listening experience. This audiobook focuses on the case of Dr Hawley Harvey Crippen: how he was accused of murdering and dismembering his wife, the courtroom hearings, and the new evidence that likely could have cleared Dr Crippen's name, had it not been discovered a century after he was sentenced to death.
The way this audiobook is composed — a full cast of narrators that expertly perform the courtroom hearings, and also a narrator supplementing this by providing background information in a more "storytelling" vibe — was very enjoyable. It perfectly blends the style of a modern day true-crime podcast with the feel of an old-timey radio drama. As with all the other installments of this series so far, kudos is definitely deserved for the atmospheric and deeply engaging audio style.
This audiobook is 90 minutes in duration which is short enough to listen to in one sitting, and long enough to provide the bare bones of this case to ensure an understanding of the crime and trial. However, I personally felt that many aspects, such as the detective process and the repercussions of the incorrect evidence discovered long after the case was closed, were only touched on in a somewhat surface level way, so I would've liked a bit more of an in depth discussion surrounding these parts.
Thank you to NetGalley, Matt Richards, and Classic Crime | Trials of the Century Audiobooks for gifting this audiobook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
★ 3 stars ★
A cold and calculated crime, or a huge miscarriage of justice?
This is the second case featured in the Trials of the Century series, and it was a morbidly fascinating listening experience. This audiobook focuses on the case of Dr Hawley Harvey Crippen: how he was accused of murdering and dismembering his wife, the courtroom hearings, and the new evidence that likely could have cleared Dr Crippen's name, had it not been discovered a century after he was sentenced to death.
The way this audiobook is composed — a full cast of narrators that expertly perform the courtroom hearings, and also a narrator supplementing this by providing background information in a more "storytelling" vibe — was very enjoyable. It perfectly blends the style of a modern day true-crime podcast with the feel of an old-timey radio drama. As with all the other installments of this series so far, kudos is definitely deserved for the atmospheric and deeply engaging audio style.
This audiobook is 90 minutes in duration which is short enough to listen to in one sitting, and long enough to provide the bare bones of this case to ensure an understanding of the crime and trial. However, I personally felt that many aspects, such as the detective process and the repercussions of the incorrect evidence discovered long after the case was closed, were only touched on in a somewhat surface level way, so I would've liked a bit more of an in depth discussion surrounding these parts.
Thank you to NetGalley, Matt Richards, and Classic Crime | Trials of the Century Audiobooks for gifting this audiobook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
March 25, 2026
- 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 🤷🏻♀️
- 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 🤷🏻♀️
May 9, 2026
This is a short high quality audio which uses a unique format to explain the famous trial of Dr Crippen. A full cast makes the narration spot on and makes this informative and more appealing to a wider audience . However the drawback to this is the lack of depth in parts of the story and more emphasis placed on police procedures. This is perfect for anyone who wants the basics or is short on times. Hopefully this format will be used again. This is my second outing on this format and I am very impressed with it. Narration was clear. This was refreshing despite the lack of depth . Highly recommended as the perfect way to learn quickly about the trial rather than the story. Thank you so much netgallery, publisher, author and full narration cast .
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
Pub. date: April 24th, 2026.
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.
Pub. date: April 24th, 2026.
April 1, 2026
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.
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.
April 7, 2026
Thank you so much to Classic Crime and Netgalley for the advance review copy. As always all opinions shared below are 100% my own.
"The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison" is the second audiobook in the 'Trials of the Century' series. It's a 90-minute audio drama (think of radio-plays vs audiobooks) that covers the real life case of Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen in 1910. The American doctor was accused of murdering his wife before trying to escape to Canada. But did he actually do it?
I feel very weird about saying this, seeing that this is based on a real-case with real victims, but I enjoyed this a lot. The chapters alternate between brief narrations to set the scenes or introduce the different characters and a dramatization of the actual proceedings based on the recorded trial documents.
It was also especially interesting to compare how the circumstances could've been different today with advancement of science vs what was considered state-of-the-art in the Edwardian era.
All of the performers did such a great job and I found myself super engaged from beginning to end. Now I need to find the first audiobook and cannot wait for all the future installments (please tell me there's more!)
You can also find me on: Instagram (MoonlightCocoa) and Instagram (MoonlightCupOfStories)
"The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison" is the second audiobook in the 'Trials of the Century' series. It's a 90-minute audio drama (think of radio-plays vs audiobooks) that covers the real life case of Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen in 1910. The American doctor was accused of murdering his wife before trying to escape to Canada. But did he actually do it?
I feel very weird about saying this, seeing that this is based on a real-case with real victims, but I enjoyed this a lot. The chapters alternate between brief narrations to set the scenes or introduce the different characters and a dramatization of the actual proceedings based on the recorded trial documents.
It was also especially interesting to compare how the circumstances could've been different today with advancement of science vs what was considered state-of-the-art in the Edwardian era.
All of the performers did such a great job and I found myself super engaged from beginning to end. Now I need to find the first audiobook and cannot wait for all the future installments (please tell me there's more!)
You can also find me on: Instagram (MoonlightCocoa) and Instagram (MoonlightCupOfStories)
April 16, 2026
As much as I like true crime stories I have a soft spot for any from the early 20th century. While the murders are just as heinous and brutal, it is amazing that they are ever solved without the modern techniques of today's forensics.
To see how some of those very techniques were born is just to fascinating to not explore.
On the flip side, some of the reasoning and evidence can be a bit suspect when they arrest someone and co victim them of a crime. In the case of Dr. Crippen, did they actually, without a doubt prove his guilt? I'm not sure, but then no one is asking me.
I enjoyed the audiobook and the multi-cast narration which brought the trial to life. A much more exciting way to experience the historic crimes and trials. I would be very interested to see what else is available in the Trials of the Century series.
Recommended to anyone who is interested in not just the crimes but the workings of the law of the times. Expected publishing date 04/24/2026
Thanks to @netgalley and Classic Crime for opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
To see how some of those very techniques were born is just to fascinating to not explore.
On the flip side, some of the reasoning and evidence can be a bit suspect when they arrest someone and co victim them of a crime. In the case of Dr. Crippen, did they actually, without a doubt prove his guilt? I'm not sure, but then no one is asking me.
I enjoyed the audiobook and the multi-cast narration which brought the trial to life. A much more exciting way to experience the historic crimes and trials. I would be very interested to see what else is available in the Trials of the Century series.
Recommended to anyone who is interested in not just the crimes but the workings of the law of the times. Expected publishing date 04/24/2026
Thanks to @netgalley and Classic Crime for opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
April 1, 2026
Non-fiction - audiobook
Told in the style of an old-time radio program, this short story is part court transcript and part re-enactment. It's the story of a man accused of murder. Hawley Crippen and his wife both took lovers during their marriage - she with one of their boarders and he with his secretary. The wife disappeared. He gave multiple stories about where she was and what happened to her - none of which proved to be true. He and his lover fearing persecution left the country. A subsequent search of the home turned up a torso. It couldn't be confirmed whether this torso was a male or female and forensic science was in its infancy at the time. They could tell that there was a poison in the system and the Dr. had purchased some of the same poison. Someone claimed that a mark on the torso matched that of Crippen's wife. Even though the connections were minimal, Dr. Crippen and his mistress were arrested. He was tried and convicted of the murder. He claimed innocence, but he was hung in 1910.
I had known nothing about this case, so I went down the rabbit hole in search of more information. Nearly 100 years later, the torso skin sample was tested. Not only was the torso that of a man, but the mark on the torse wasn't a scar, and the DNA of the torso was not related to Crippen's wife in any way.
I like this series and will definitely continue listening to these cases.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy.
Told in the style of an old-time radio program, this short story is part court transcript and part re-enactment. It's the story of a man accused of murder. Hawley Crippen and his wife both took lovers during their marriage - she with one of their boarders and he with his secretary. The wife disappeared. He gave multiple stories about where she was and what happened to her - none of which proved to be true. He and his lover fearing persecution left the country. A subsequent search of the home turned up a torso. It couldn't be confirmed whether this torso was a male or female and forensic science was in its infancy at the time. They could tell that there was a poison in the system and the Dr. had purchased some of the same poison. Someone claimed that a mark on the torso matched that of Crippen's wife. Even though the connections were minimal, Dr. Crippen and his mistress were arrested. He was tried and convicted of the murder. He claimed innocence, but he was hung in 1910.
I had known nothing about this case, so I went down the rabbit hole in search of more information. Nearly 100 years later, the torso skin sample was tested. Not only was the torso that of a man, but the mark on the torse wasn't a scar, and the DNA of the torso was not related to Crippen's wife in any way.
I like this series and will definitely continue listening to these cases.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy.
May 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for access to the audiobook. All opinions are mine. This was a quick and engaging true crime listen centered around the infamous case of Dr. Crippen, who stood accused of murdering his wife. I went into this story completely unfamiliar with the case, which actually made the courtroom drama even more compelling for me. The book moves at a brisk pace and focuses primarily on the trial itself rather than deeply exploring the backgrounds of the people involved. So if you’re looking for a deep dive into the case, the investigation, or the psychology of the key players, this may feel a little light. That said, I genuinely enjoyed the way the courtroom proceedings unfolded. The testimony, the tension, and the uncertainty kept me invested the entire time. Even knowing it was a historical case, I still found myself second-guessing what really happened right up until the very end, where modern technology was discussed. If you enjoy fast-paced true crime with a heavy courtroom focus, this is definitely worth picking up.
April 11, 2026
The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison
The second release of the Trials of the Century series, a full cast courtroom drama performance based on the trial of Dr Crippen, accused of mutilation and murder.
The audio book is a brilliant and fascinating interpretation of the trial of Crippen in the early 1900's following the murder of his wife Belle Elmore, after human remains were discovered beneath the cellar floor of their London home.
A great piece of theatre in audio form with a cast of characters that transport you back in time and create a captivating performance that draws you right in.
A really well written and narrated 90 min audiobook for any crime/thriller fan based on landmark cases across the world.
I absolutely love this series.
The second release of the Trials of the Century series, a full cast courtroom drama performance based on the trial of Dr Crippen, accused of mutilation and murder.
The audio book is a brilliant and fascinating interpretation of the trial of Crippen in the early 1900's following the murder of his wife Belle Elmore, after human remains were discovered beneath the cellar floor of their London home.
A great piece of theatre in audio form with a cast of characters that transport you back in time and create a captivating performance that draws you right in.
A really well written and narrated 90 min audiobook for any crime/thriller fan based on landmark cases across the world.
I absolutely love this series.
May 27, 2026
The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison, was a really great short listen. I enjoyed the different voice actors and background effects. It allowed me to feel like I was sitting in the court room alongside all of the other patrons.
Listening to the different witnesses, Crippen's past history and the way he went about the crime with his mistress. It was shocking, jaw dropping and such a wild ride. I could listen to these all day long.
This would make you wonder, wtf really happened and WHO exactly that was. WILD CRAZY.
I received an ALC of this book from NetGalley.
Listening to the different witnesses, Crippen's past history and the way he went about the crime with his mistress. It was shocking, jaw dropping and such a wild ride. I could listen to these all day long.
This would make you wonder, wtf really happened and WHO exactly that was. WILD CRAZY.
I received an ALC of this book from NetGalley.
September 4, 2026
Continuing in the Trials of the Century audiobook series that focuses on recreating the courtroom trial of famous court cases through real transcripts and different actors, The Trial of Dr. Crippen is a famous British case of a man convicted of murdering his wife. The sordid crime includes infidelity on both sides, the discovery of a decapitated body, and the use of chemistry. I perked up when I heard that Arthur Conan Doyle was in the court during the trial, taking notes. Talk about get inspired from real-life events!
I am looking forward to more of these bite-sized audiobooks.
I am looking forward to more of these bite-sized audiobooks.
May 13, 2026
I truly enjoyed the way this trial was presented. With the evidence presented I would've ruled the same as the jury, so this was exceptionally done.
March 27, 2026
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.
A must for any true crime lover.
A must for any true crime lover.
May 2, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
A little boring lowkey but I liked that it was quick and it was good background noise for chores
A little boring lowkey but I liked that it was quick and it was good background noise for chores
August 9, 2026
The production on these short novellas is so good! I’ve enjoyed listening to these Trials of the Century series.
April 21, 2026
July 2026 reread:
The publisher sent me an "illustrated" version of the audiobook to check out. It's the same audio production but with the addition of essentially a video slide show of newspaper pictures of the trial from 1910. An interesting concept, but I'd rather just listen to the audiobook or watch a documentary.
Initial April 2026 review:
Once again, this Trials of the Century series has delivered. Both the voice acting and narration are top notch, but the production of it all really impressed me. The scoring and background court sounds really make this an immersive listen.
While I am familiar with the story of Dr. Crippen, getting these dramatic readings of the court transcripts really brings it to life in a new way. It also shows how the public have always been fascinated by True Crime. I'd forgotten about the 2007 DNA test, so I got a surprise at the end, as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Classic Crime for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The publisher sent me an "illustrated" version of the audiobook to check out. It's the same audio production but with the addition of essentially a video slide show of newspaper pictures of the trial from 1910. An interesting concept, but I'd rather just listen to the audiobook or watch a documentary.
Initial April 2026 review:
Once again, this Trials of the Century series has delivered. Both the voice acting and narration are top notch, but the production of it all really impressed me. The scoring and background court sounds really make this an immersive listen.
While I am familiar with the story of Dr. Crippen, getting these dramatic readings of the court transcripts really brings it to life in a new way. It also shows how the public have always been fascinated by True Crime. I'd forgotten about the 2007 DNA test, so I got a surprise at the end, as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and Classic Crime for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
#TrialsoftheCentury #TheTrialofDrCrippen #NetGalley
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.
#TrialsoftheCentury #TheTrialofDrCrippen #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
April 23, 2026
I am extremely grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the privilege of reviewing an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
I feel a bit odd giving a 90-minute audio novella a five-star rating, but I truly can find no fault with it!
I was unfamiliar with the Trials of the Century series until I saw it available to “Listen Now” on NetGalley. As of this review, there are three books in the series. Each novella is published in parallel with a full-cast audio production. I was stunned by the quality of the production and the caliber of the performances. I highly recommend the audio experience for this series. I absolutely felt as though I were transported into the courtroom, experiencing the spectacle firsthand.
The Trial of Dr. Crippen is the second novella in the series. It covers the 1910 true-crime case (and ensuing trial) of American Dr. H. H. Crippen, who was accused of murdering his wife in London. Crippen’s wife, musical performer Belle Elmore, left town unexpectedly, and her friends became concerned for her welfare. After trying to reach her through Dr. Crippen, they conducted a search and discovered human remains under the cellar floor of the home she shared with her husband. When authorities went in search of Dr. Crippen, they found that he had fled with his young mistress on a steamship to Canada. This sparked one of the greatest manhunts of the 20th century, utilizing the latest technologies, such as telegraphy.
The trial that followed was a media sensation that captivated not only Londoners but also people around the globe who followed the case in newspapers. The case was so fascinating that the trial was attended by celebrities, including Arthur Conan Doyle, who sat attentively in the courtroom taking notes.
I was passingly familiar with the case, but not with the later developments that put everything I thought I knew into question. This is a great listen for anyone who loves true crime, forensics, courtroom proceedings, and audiobooks with full-cast narration. I am excited to listen to the other books in this series, and I certainly hope the producers will continue to make more. 5 stars
I feel a bit odd giving a 90-minute audio novella a five-star rating, but I truly can find no fault with it!
I was unfamiliar with the Trials of the Century series until I saw it available to “Listen Now” on NetGalley. As of this review, there are three books in the series. Each novella is published in parallel with a full-cast audio production. I was stunned by the quality of the production and the caliber of the performances. I highly recommend the audio experience for this series. I absolutely felt as though I were transported into the courtroom, experiencing the spectacle firsthand.
The Trial of Dr. Crippen is the second novella in the series. It covers the 1910 true-crime case (and ensuing trial) of American Dr. H. H. Crippen, who was accused of murdering his wife in London. Crippen’s wife, musical performer Belle Elmore, left town unexpectedly, and her friends became concerned for her welfare. After trying to reach her through Dr. Crippen, they conducted a search and discovered human remains under the cellar floor of the home she shared with her husband. When authorities went in search of Dr. Crippen, they found that he had fled with his young mistress on a steamship to Canada. This sparked one of the greatest manhunts of the 20th century, utilizing the latest technologies, such as telegraphy.
The trial that followed was a media sensation that captivated not only Londoners but also people around the globe who followed the case in newspapers. The case was so fascinating that the trial was attended by celebrities, including Arthur Conan Doyle, who sat attentively in the courtroom taking notes.
I was passingly familiar with the case, but not with the later developments that put everything I thought I knew into question. This is a great listen for anyone who loves true crime, forensics, courtroom proceedings, and audiobooks with full-cast narration. I am excited to listen to the other books in this series, and I certainly hope the producers will continue to make more. 5 stars
April 17, 2026
3.5 /5
Thank you to NetGalley for access to this recording.
You are invited back in time with this full cast performance. In the early 20th century, a doctor and his mistress have been returned to London from their flight to Canada. Now they sit trial as suspects in the alleged murder of the doctor's wife. Between a central narrator's contextual notes and a cast of lawyers and witnesses we're set to listen to the tragedy and verdict.
The quality of the performance is wonderful. The casting of each role suited perfectly. The additional background effects and murmurs to build the scene never overwhelmed the conversation of flow. The case itself was a fascinating incident that is sure to tickle those who would like to know about historical true crime. It was an entertaining listen, but missed the balance to make it engrossing for me.
Arthur Conan Doyle's attendance at the trial is an interesting fact, of course. But the brief early lingering on this leads the listener to believe that this is of consequence to the retelling itself. If added in afterwards or an introduction alone it wouldn't have seemed as distracting.
I wish that groundwork of providing context had been taken from the narrator. Such as the role of the telegram for example. If transferred in character and delivered the jabbing and energetic style of the prosecution it may have not made hiccups in the momentum. Or perhaps told as a witness' digression. It felt like the narrator was being used to carry the story instead of being a guide. It overwhelmed the characters traditionally intended to deliver the tale instead of complimenting them.
These criticisms are very much matters of personal taste. The structural choices might be more accessible for someone new to this type of format. What's more important for me is performance quality. That is unquestionable in “A Drop of Poison.”
I love that there are publishers keeping it alive and providing audiences to find their way to it. It's a truly underappreciated form of storytelling. I am always eager to spread the word of it.
Thank you to NetGalley for access to this recording.
You are invited back in time with this full cast performance. In the early 20th century, a doctor and his mistress have been returned to London from their flight to Canada. Now they sit trial as suspects in the alleged murder of the doctor's wife. Between a central narrator's contextual notes and a cast of lawyers and witnesses we're set to listen to the tragedy and verdict.
The quality of the performance is wonderful. The casting of each role suited perfectly. The additional background effects and murmurs to build the scene never overwhelmed the conversation of flow. The case itself was a fascinating incident that is sure to tickle those who would like to know about historical true crime. It was an entertaining listen, but missed the balance to make it engrossing for me.
Arthur Conan Doyle's attendance at the trial is an interesting fact, of course. But the brief early lingering on this leads the listener to believe that this is of consequence to the retelling itself. If added in afterwards or an introduction alone it wouldn't have seemed as distracting.
I wish that groundwork of providing context had been taken from the narrator. Such as the role of the telegram for example. If transferred in character and delivered the jabbing and energetic style of the prosecution it may have not made hiccups in the momentum. Or perhaps told as a witness' digression. It felt like the narrator was being used to carry the story instead of being a guide. It overwhelmed the characters traditionally intended to deliver the tale instead of complimenting them.
These criticisms are very much matters of personal taste. The structural choices might be more accessible for someone new to this type of format. What's more important for me is performance quality. That is unquestionable in “A Drop of Poison.”
I love that there are publishers keeping it alive and providing audiences to find their way to it. It's a truly underappreciated form of storytelling. I am always eager to spread the word of it.
March 22, 2026
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).”
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).”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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 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.
April 1, 2026
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.
Thanks RBB media and Netgaley for the alc
#pudseyrecommends
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.
Thanks RBB media and Netgaley for the alc
#pudseyrecommends
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