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The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison: Trials of the Century
A Trial of the Century witnessed by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. International true crime with historical depth. Unfolding like a thriller. Full cast.
In the a quiet American doctor accused of mutilation and murder. 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 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 edition recreates the key exchanges between prosecution and the forensic examination of the remains, the testimony surrounding a troubled marriage, and the steady, methodical cross-examinations 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. A classic true-crime mystery thriller that caught the eye of Sherlock Holmes' creator - he sat in the public gallery, taking notes.
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).
Ideal for listeners interested in historical true crime, Edwardian murder trials, forensic history, and famous court cases that shaped modern criminal justice.
Performed by acclaimed stage actors and award-winning producers & directors. Discover more Trials of the Century Audiobooks at classic-crime. com.
In the a quiet American doctor accused of mutilation and murder. 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 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 edition recreates the key exchanges between prosecution and the forensic examination of the remains, the testimony surrounding a troubled marriage, and the steady, methodical cross-examinations 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. A classic true-crime mystery thriller that caught the eye of Sherlock Holmes' creator - he sat in the public gallery, taking notes.
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).
Ideal for listeners interested in historical true crime, Edwardian murder trials, forensic history, and famous court cases that shaped modern criminal justice.
Performed by acclaimed stage actors and award-winning producers & directors. Discover more Trials of the Century Audiobooks at classic-crime. com.
- GenresCrimeNonfiction
Audible Audio
Published April 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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April 12, 2026I received this audiobook through NetGalley
The Trial of Dr. Crippen: A Drop of Poison was a really intriguing listen. The case pulled me in quickly, the pacing was fast, and the more I learned, the more interesting it got.
I’m really enjoying this series. The stories are quick, engaging, and easy to get into, and this one kept my attention the whole way through. If you like historical true crime told in an accessible way, this is worth checking out.
The Trial of Dr. Crippen: A Drop of Poison was a really intriguing listen. The case pulled me in quickly, the pacing was fast, and the more I learned, the more interesting it got.
I’m really enjoying this series. The stories are quick, engaging, and easy to get into, and this one kept my attention the whole way through. If you like historical true crime told in an accessible way, this is worth checking out.
July 11, 2026
The Trial of Dr. Crippen: A Drop of Poison
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: audiobook
WOW! What a wild dramatization to listen to! I loved this so much that I actually went to request the other two audiobooks’ ARC.
Highlights:
⭐️ Full cast ensemble. Hearing all the different narrators really brought this retelling to life.
⭐️ Quick read! The audiobook is roughly 1 hour-ish long. It was perfectly done! It covered all the facts without leaving any gags in understanding.
⭐️ Very engaging! Between the narration and the story itself, I quickly got through this book. Perfect to listen to while you cook dinner, clean, or lounge by the pool.
Pitfalls:
❌ None!
Thank you NetGalley and Classic Crime for an ARC of this book for my honest opinion and review!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: audiobook
WOW! What a wild dramatization to listen to! I loved this so much that I actually went to request the other two audiobooks’ ARC.
Highlights:
⭐️ Full cast ensemble. Hearing all the different narrators really brought this retelling to life.
⭐️ Quick read! The audiobook is roughly 1 hour-ish long. It was perfectly done! It covered all the facts without leaving any gags in understanding.
⭐️ Very engaging! Between the narration and the story itself, I quickly got through this book. Perfect to listen to while you cook dinner, clean, or lounge by the pool.
Pitfalls:
❌ None!
Thank you NetGalley and Classic Crime for an ARC of this book for my honest opinion and review!
May 13, 2026
I listened to this audiobook on a long drive and it made a great companion. It's a format I've not experienced before - part radio drama, part true crime and quite light - but it works well.
I would have liked more information and depth about the case, this gives a great overview and enough detail to understand what happened but is a bit light on the details. That does make it very accessible however and will probably appeal to a wider audience as a result.
I didn't love the narrator and found a couple of the actors a little irritating but the way the chapters were broken down made it very easy to follow and meant that even the most new of newcomers would be able to fully enjoy it.
-Thanks to NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -
I would have liked more information and depth about the case, this gives a great overview and enough detail to understand what happened but is a bit light on the details. That does make it very accessible however and will probably appeal to a wider audience as a result.
I didn't love the narrator and found a couple of the actors a little irritating but the way the chapters were broken down made it very easy to follow and meant that even the most new of newcomers would be able to fully enjoy it.
-Thanks to NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -
June 22, 2026
The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison is a proper historical true crime done right. It's not just a story about a murder, a story about the moment the modern world started paying attention.
Honestly, the full cast is what makes this one. There's no single narrator droning through court documents, instead you get a proper ensemble of stage actors who clearly know what they're doing. Nobody overplays it, which is exactly the right call for material like this. The Edwardian formality comes through without feeling stuffy, and there were moments I forgot I was listening to a production at all. It just sounds like a room full of people who are very, very uncomfortable with what's being said.
Even if you already know the broad strokes of the Crippen case, this telling has a way of making it feel fresh. A quiet American doctor, a wife who performed, and something buried under a cellar floor. What I didn't expect was how much of the intrigue happens before the trial even begins, the transatlantic chase, the wireless telegraph being used to catch a suspect for essentially the first time ever. It's the kind of true crime where the world itself was changing around the case as it happened.
It moves well. Better than you'd expect from something built around court transcripts. The forensic sections don't overstay their welcome, and the cross-examinations genuinely build tension in the way that only real exchanges can, because you know nobody scripted the hesitations. A few stretches in the middle slow down slightly, but it always finds its footing again before you lose the thread.
Two things stick with you. One is how eerily contemporary the whole circus feels, the press frenzy, the public obsession, celebrity intersecting with murder. It could almost be happening now. The other is Arthur Conan Doyle sitting in the gallery with a notebook. Sherlock Holmes' creator, watching a real case unfold, taking notes. That detail alone is worth the runtime.
I received a delayed review copy of this audiobook for free by Net Galley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Honestly, the full cast is what makes this one. There's no single narrator droning through court documents, instead you get a proper ensemble of stage actors who clearly know what they're doing. Nobody overplays it, which is exactly the right call for material like this. The Edwardian formality comes through without feeling stuffy, and there were moments I forgot I was listening to a production at all. It just sounds like a room full of people who are very, very uncomfortable with what's being said.
Even if you already know the broad strokes of the Crippen case, this telling has a way of making it feel fresh. A quiet American doctor, a wife who performed, and something buried under a cellar floor. What I didn't expect was how much of the intrigue happens before the trial even begins, the transatlantic chase, the wireless telegraph being used to catch a suspect for essentially the first time ever. It's the kind of true crime where the world itself was changing around the case as it happened.
It moves well. Better than you'd expect from something built around court transcripts. The forensic sections don't overstay their welcome, and the cross-examinations genuinely build tension in the way that only real exchanges can, because you know nobody scripted the hesitations. A few stretches in the middle slow down slightly, but it always finds its footing again before you lose the thread.
Two things stick with you. One is how eerily contemporary the whole circus feels, the press frenzy, the public obsession, celebrity intersecting with murder. It could almost be happening now. The other is Arthur Conan Doyle sitting in the gallery with a notebook. Sherlock Holmes' creator, watching a real case unfold, taking notes. That detail alone is worth the runtime.
I received a delayed review copy of this audiobook for free by Net Galley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2026
So, I went in knowing basically nothing about the Dr. Crippen case, and somehow ended up completely invested in this very Edwardian murder mess. A doctor, a missing wife, a secret lover, a body hidden under a cellar floor, a transatlantic chase and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle sitting in the courtroom taking notes? Excuse me, but this case really had everything...
The full cast was definitely the star for me. It felt much more like an old school radio drama than a traditional audiobook, and that worked SO well with the courtroom setting. Hearing the different lawyers, witnesses and people involved made the trial feel surprisingly alive, especially considering we’re listening to events that happened more than a century ago.
I also really enjoyed the historical side of it. The wireless telegraphy angle was fascinating, and it was wild hearing about how this case became such a massive media sensation at a time when modern forensic science and communication were still developing. The use of original trial material also gave everything an extra layer of authenticity.
My only little complaint is that I wanted more. There were definitely parts of the case where I found myself thinking, wait, tell me EVERYTHING! Some of the details are necessarily condensed, so if you already know the Crippen case, you might be left wanting a deeper dive.
Still, this is such an easy recommendation for true crime and history lovers, especially if you enjoy courtroom drama. It’s short, engaging, wonderfully performed, and basically feels like getting front row seats to one of the most infamous murder trials of its time.
Overall, a very entertaining little historical crime drama that made me immediately want to know more about the case. And yes, I would absolutely have been sitting in that courtroom too, probably taking notes right alongside Mr. Conan Doyle...
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.
The full cast was definitely the star for me. It felt much more like an old school radio drama than a traditional audiobook, and that worked SO well with the courtroom setting. Hearing the different lawyers, witnesses and people involved made the trial feel surprisingly alive, especially considering we’re listening to events that happened more than a century ago.
I also really enjoyed the historical side of it. The wireless telegraphy angle was fascinating, and it was wild hearing about how this case became such a massive media sensation at a time when modern forensic science and communication were still developing. The use of original trial material also gave everything an extra layer of authenticity.
My only little complaint is that I wanted more. There were definitely parts of the case where I found myself thinking, wait, tell me EVERYTHING! Some of the details are necessarily condensed, so if you already know the Crippen case, you might be left wanting a deeper dive.
Still, this is such an easy recommendation for true crime and history lovers, especially if you enjoy courtroom drama. It’s short, engaging, wonderfully performed, and basically feels like getting front row seats to one of the most infamous murder trials of its time.
Overall, a very entertaining little historical crime drama that made me immediately want to know more about the case. And yes, I would absolutely have been sitting in that courtroom too, probably taking notes right alongside Mr. Conan Doyle...
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 13, 2026
The Trial of Dr. Crippen: A Drop of Poison by Matt Richards, is the 2nd book in the Trials of the Century Series. Not being a true crime fan but a lover of history, I wasn't sure how I'd like it. Honestly though, it kept my interest until the very end! The book begins with Dr. Crippen and his mistress Ethel Le Neve, being apprehended after they fled England to Canada on suspicion of murdering Mrs. Crippen. An exciting start already!
It then gives a brief bio of Dr. Crippen, who was an American homeopath. He took his 2nd wife Cora aka the music hall singer Belle Elmore, to England, hoping to find some success there. Once there she continued her singing act and he his homeopathy. Yet, that form of "medicine" wasn't very popular there, so he then found another career.
They lived a bohemian lifestyle, having a full house of lodgers for extra income.
By then, they each had their own lover, he his secretary Ethel Le Neve and she, allegedly an American who had his own wife and children. Nevertheless, all seemed well. Until one evening. The Dr. invited their friends over for dinner, a couple with whom they were well acquainted with. The night seemed to go smoothly, as they arrived at 8pm and left at 1:30am. But. The day after, Cora was nowhere to be found.
I'll give you the listener, your own chance to see what happens next but I will say, the courtroom dramatization was like an episode of an Edwardian Law & Order. The actors and narrator were superb. Thanks to the original transcripts, you can listen to the trial and imagine yourself there, along the likes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. True crime lovers will really enjoy this audiobook and I'm sure, like myself, will want to continue The Trials of the Century series. 5 ⭐
Special thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the ALC in in exchange for my honest review.
April 16, 2026
Having now experienced the format with the first audiobook in the Trials of the Century series, I was really looking forward to seeing how this next case would be brought to life—and The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison did not disappoint.
Once again, the full-cast dramatisation works incredibly well, giving the production a real sense of depth and atmosphere. It genuinely feels as though you are sitting in the courtroom as the trial unfolds, listening to the testimony, the arguments, and the shifting tension as the case progresses. Each voice adds something to the experience, helping to bring both the people and the period vividly to life.
What stood out most for me this time was just how immersive it felt. Rather than simply recounting the events, the production draws you into them, allowing you to experience the case as it develops. The use of original trial transcripts adds a real sense of authenticity, while the performances keep it engaging from beginning to end.
At around 90 minutes, it’s perfectly paced - long enough to explore the details of the case without ever feeling heavy or overlong. Even without prior knowledge of Dr Crippen, I found it easy to follow and genuinely fascinating, and by the end I felt I had experienced not just the facts of the case, but the atmosphere surrounding it as well.
Having now listened to two audiobooks in this series, I’m really enjoying this format and how effectively it brings these historical trials to life. This was another compelling and engaging listen, and it has definitely left me looking forward to what comes next.
Having now listened to two in the series, I’m really looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Thank you to Classic Crime and NetGalley for providing a digital audio edition enabling me to enjoy and review this audiobook.
Once again, the full-cast dramatisation works incredibly well, giving the production a real sense of depth and atmosphere. It genuinely feels as though you are sitting in the courtroom as the trial unfolds, listening to the testimony, the arguments, and the shifting tension as the case progresses. Each voice adds something to the experience, helping to bring both the people and the period vividly to life.
What stood out most for me this time was just how immersive it felt. Rather than simply recounting the events, the production draws you into them, allowing you to experience the case as it develops. The use of original trial transcripts adds a real sense of authenticity, while the performances keep it engaging from beginning to end.
At around 90 minutes, it’s perfectly paced - long enough to explore the details of the case without ever feeling heavy or overlong. Even without prior knowledge of Dr Crippen, I found it easy to follow and genuinely fascinating, and by the end I felt I had experienced not just the facts of the case, but the atmosphere surrounding it as well.
Having now listened to two audiobooks in this series, I’m really enjoying this format and how effectively it brings these historical trials to life. This was another compelling and engaging listen, and it has definitely left me looking forward to what comes next.
Having now listened to two in the series, I’m really looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Thank you to Classic Crime and NetGalley for providing a digital audio edition enabling me to enjoy and review this audiobook.
April 20, 2026
In 1910, Hawley Harley Crippen was on trial, accused of the murder of his wife Cora, also known as Belle Elmore. The case has become one of the most well-known in British crime history after a thrilling trans-Atlantic chase resulted in his arrest by Chief Inspector Walter Dew on board a ship bound for Canada.
The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison uses original Old Bailey trial transcripts and other contemporary reports to tell the story of the trial, detailing what led up to his arrest and culminating with his execution and what came after. An audio book is the perfect way to explore a trial such as this, and you definitely feel part of the action as the story unfolds.
The parts are well played by the various actors taking on the roles of all the key characters and the story is easy to follow even if you are not familiar with the case. It is quite a short listen so there is never a moment of ‘filler’ – each second provides an essential part of the plot.
The epilogue which tells some of the more recent discoveries involving the case will be an eye-opener for those who do not know the story and certainly leaves you wanting to know more!
The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison uses original Old Bailey trial transcripts and other contemporary reports to tell the story of the trial, detailing what led up to his arrest and culminating with his execution and what came after. An audio book is the perfect way to explore a trial such as this, and you definitely feel part of the action as the story unfolds.
The parts are well played by the various actors taking on the roles of all the key characters and the story is easy to follow even if you are not familiar with the case. It is quite a short listen so there is never a moment of ‘filler’ – each second provides an essential part of the plot.
The epilogue which tells some of the more recent discoveries involving the case will be an eye-opener for those who do not know the story and certainly leaves you wanting to know more!
May 28, 2026
Dr Crippen’s trial for the murder and mutilation of his wife was a wild sensation; indeed, it drew the attention of none other than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle who sat in the public gallery taking notes. This audiobook recreates the court scenes of this true crime murder mystery in a full cast dramatization that is just as great as any thriller on your shelf and better than an episode of Dateline. Thanks to Netgalley, Trials of the Century Audiobooks, and Matt Richards for a review copy of The Trial of Dr. Crippen. Their generosity did not affect my review in any way.
I thought it was really good, and it is the second in a series so I will definitely be going back to get the other one. The actors do a great job of making the listener feel like a part of the courtroom scenes. And kudos to the production team for making the audiobook sound like the radio dramas of old. The Trial of Dr. Crippen is for anyone who enjoys true crime, murder mysteries, and courtroom shenanigans, of which there were plenty. Pick this up if you have an hour to spare and want to hear a court case that has it all. 4.25 stars
I thought it was really good, and it is the second in a series so I will definitely be going back to get the other one. The actors do a great job of making the listener feel like a part of the courtroom scenes. And kudos to the production team for making the audiobook sound like the radio dramas of old. The Trial of Dr. Crippen is for anyone who enjoys true crime, murder mysteries, and courtroom shenanigans, of which there were plenty. Pick this up if you have an hour to spare and want to hear a court case that has it all. 4.25 stars
May 20, 2026
What an utterly fascinating listen this was! What made it even more captivating was the knowledge that it was all based on actual events and trial scripts. One of my favourite passages were those of the coroner’s testimony. I was surprised by what scientific and forensic methods were already being employed at that time, over 100 years ago. (And to think that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was in court witnessing it all - goosebumps!)
And as if this wasn’t interesting enough - just wait for the epilogue… I think I actually gasped!
The narration was great and engaging and I enjoyed all of the different cast members, much like in a theatre play. I’ll definitely be looking out for the other cases in this series!
My only drawback is more of a technical nature. I listened on 1.25 speed and still found the pauses between chapters too long. It’s only a minor point, though, which did not take away from my enjoyment of this audiobook in the slightest.
And as if this wasn’t interesting enough - just wait for the epilogue… I think I actually gasped!
The narration was great and engaging and I enjoyed all of the different cast members, much like in a theatre play. I’ll definitely be looking out for the other cases in this series!
My only drawback is more of a technical nature. I listened on 1.25 speed and still found the pauses between chapters too long. It’s only a minor point, though, which did not take away from my enjoyment of this audiobook in the slightest.
May 8, 2026
This is a well-done, short investigation into the case of Dr Crippen, who was accused of murdering and dismembering his wife and then trying to evade capture with the woman he was having an affair with. I knew a bit about this case, but hearing it described like this brought the case to life. I love that they bring you into the court case, allowing you to hear from Dr Crippen himself, the people involved, and the lawyers on both sides. It was a fascinating snapshot of a notorious true crime case, detailed from before and after, including a little at the end about a possible recent development. The narrators did a wonderful job with their characters, truly bringing a long-ago case into the modern world.
If you love true crime stories I think you will love this audiobook.
If you love true crime stories I think you will love this audiobook.
August 2, 2026
Full cast recording with background sounds and lady reporter as the narrator. This recording puts you in the gallery of the courtroom. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is there so you know you'll want to be there, too. Me, too.
This short audiobook is immersive and will keep you attention to the end. It is also part of audio series The Trials of the Century. This is book #2 in Matt Richards's series. A paper companion piece is also available.
Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher allowing me this copy to review.
This short audiobook is immersive and will keep you attention to the end. It is also part of audio series The Trials of the Century. This is book #2 in Matt Richards's series. A paper companion piece is also available.
Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher allowing me this copy to review.
April 20, 2026
This is a short listen that gives essential facts for the listener to digest and reflect upon. The narrators added to the experience by giving it authenticity.
An enjoyable read if you like true crime.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
An enjoyable read if you like true crime.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
October 6, 2026
Review to come
April 27, 2026
Such an interesting audiobook, with a full cast of great narrators! It was really intriguing listening to this trial case reenacted using the original trial transcripts and news reporting of the time.
I’d heard of this trial case before, given the great Arthur Conan Doyle attended it and was inspired by it, but I never delved into the details before. I found this early 1900s murder case very intriguing and a good historical account of the period. The book was very well written, like a thriller slowly unfolding through the various protagonists’ testimonies and the evidence uncovered.
If you’re in for a historical true crime as an immersive experience, this is a good one to start with!
Thanks to NetGalley and Classic Crime for the audiobook and this is my honest opinion.
I’d heard of this trial case before, given the great Arthur Conan Doyle attended it and was inspired by it, but I never delved into the details before. I found this early 1900s murder case very intriguing and a good historical account of the period. The book was very well written, like a thriller slowly unfolding through the various protagonists’ testimonies and the evidence uncovered.
If you’re in for a historical true crime as an immersive experience, this is a good one to start with!
Thanks to NetGalley and Classic Crime for the audiobook and this is my honest opinion.
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