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Blackmail, Sex and Lies
Madeleine Hamilton Smith was accused of poisoning her lover in 1857.
She came from the upper echelons of the Victorian middle class. Her father was a renown Glaswegian architect, her grandfather, David Hamilton, even more famous. However, Madeleine is rebellious and headstrong. She finds her father's draconian discipline suffocating and she is trying to establish her independence.
Pierre Emile L' Angelier arrives on the scene. He is ten years her senior and from the working class. He has high ambitions to marry above his class to give him the status and stability of wealth that has eluded him. He sets his sights on Madeleine.
Luckily for Emile, she is immediately attracted to him. Before long he seduces her. However, his mood turns as things don't go his way. She tries to break off the relationship, except he starts blackmailing her with her explicit love letters, describing their sexual encounters.
She panics. She buys arsenic. He dies.
However, is it all that it seems?
She came from the upper echelons of the Victorian middle class. Her father was a renown Glaswegian architect, her grandfather, David Hamilton, even more famous. However, Madeleine is rebellious and headstrong. She finds her father's draconian discipline suffocating and she is trying to establish her independence.
Pierre Emile L' Angelier arrives on the scene. He is ten years her senior and from the working class. He has high ambitions to marry above his class to give him the status and stability of wealth that has eluded him. He sets his sights on Madeleine.
Luckily for Emile, she is immediately attracted to him. Before long he seduces her. However, his mood turns as things don't go his way. She tries to break off the relationship, except he starts blackmailing her with her explicit love letters, describing their sexual encounters.
She panics. She buys arsenic. He dies.
However, is it all that it seems?
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2017
72 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn McMaster
11 books51 followersKathryn graduated from the University of Natal, Durban in 1980 with a double degree in English Literature and Psychology. The following year she completed her teaching diploma, and later on a TESOL diploma through Trinity College, London to teach English to adults as a second language. For the majority of her working life she worked in Education, both in the classroom, and in management. She is a co-founder of www.onestopfiction.com a website for both authors and readers for free and discounted books.
Kathryn is a writer of true crime and true crime fact-fiction. Her earlier books written as true crime fact-fiction transport you to a different era. She crafts stories around murders in the USA or unsolved murders of the Victorian and Edwardian eras highlighting poor policing practices with a rudimentary knowledge of Forensic Science that allowed the guilty to walk free, and the innocent to hang.
Kathryn’s books are further enhanced by her in-depth knowledge and training in Psychology, Criminal Profiling and a partial Masters of Forensic Science (Investigation) which she draws on to analyze each crime in the Afterword.
She has long had a fascination with crime and the criminal mind, looking at the ‘why’ rather than the ‘how’.
Her first true crime book was as best seller and was entitled “Who Killed Little Johnny Gill?”
This book covers the shocking murder and mutilation of an eight-year old boy in Bradford, England. The murder was so heinous that it was thought, at one stage, to have been the work of Jack the Ripper.
Kathryn continues to write from her 200 year old stone farmhouse in the beautiful and wild Casentino Valley, Tuscany.
Kathryn is a writer of true crime and true crime fact-fiction. Her earlier books written as true crime fact-fiction transport you to a different era. She crafts stories around murders in the USA or unsolved murders of the Victorian and Edwardian eras highlighting poor policing practices with a rudimentary knowledge of Forensic Science that allowed the guilty to walk free, and the innocent to hang.
Kathryn’s books are further enhanced by her in-depth knowledge and training in Psychology, Criminal Profiling and a partial Masters of Forensic Science (Investigation) which she draws on to analyze each crime in the Afterword.
She has long had a fascination with crime and the criminal mind, looking at the ‘why’ rather than the ‘how’.
Her first true crime book was as best seller and was entitled “Who Killed Little Johnny Gill?”
This book covers the shocking murder and mutilation of an eight-year old boy in Bradford, England. The murder was so heinous that it was thought, at one stage, to have been the work of Jack the Ripper.
Kathryn continues to write from her 200 year old stone farmhouse in the beautiful and wild Casentino Valley, Tuscany.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 11, 2017
5☆ Enthralling, Clever, Historical Murder Mystery.
First of all I just want to take time to say how mesmerising the cover is for Blackmail, Sex and Lies.
It really does ooze elegance, regal, sexy, I actually didn't want to open it for fear of creasing the cover!
Blackmail, Sex and Lies is based on a true story and contains a selection of letters. You can view more of the real letters there is a link in the book.
This beautiful book is a Historical Fiction with a Crime/Murder twist that is executed very well.
The beginning of the book drew me in to Emile's world.
The very start spoke to me of his anguish and pain. The use of his arsenic shows the pain he was in.
He's murder, or suicide was to be uncovered.
Has Madeleine killed him or was it an overdose on his part?
Or is Madeleine being set up?
Madeleine and Emile are having a sordid affair, one that is quiet frankly doomed from the start.
Emile has no money but Madeleine is physically attracted to Emile she knows it's wrong.
You see Madeleine is from an upper class wealthy background and Emile would never be accepted by her family. He has no money or class.
Emile is older than Madeleine. He craves what she Has, wealth and stature.
So When it all becomes too much Madeleine breaks off the relationship.
But Emile is having NONE of it.
He threatens to expose their sordid affair and the intimate letters.
You see Emile died of Arsenic poisoning and although it was well known Emile dabbled in it. So did Madeleine!
So the question comes.... who killed Emile?
I really liked Madeleine she was no Angel but she was also naive, easily led, yet passionate young women.
Emile comes across as controlling, manipulative and possessive.
A disaster waiting to happen!
The one thing I really loved about this book was the intricate letters between Madeleine and Emile, the reader is treated to a insiders look at their passionate and fiery affair. I felt an intimate personal connection with the characters through the beautiful letters.
This is a very clever story, that has been enriched by the back up of reality.
I absolutely loved it.
If you've never heard of this historical crime set in Glasgow in the 1850s before, which like me I hadn't then you are in for a treat!
So if you are looking for a book that is passionate, sordid, creative, with a murder mystery, and characters that you will remember. Then This is the book for you.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rachel Random Resources for this gorgeous book.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/1...
First of all I just want to take time to say how mesmerising the cover is for Blackmail, Sex and Lies.
It really does ooze elegance, regal, sexy, I actually didn't want to open it for fear of creasing the cover!
Blackmail, Sex and Lies is based on a true story and contains a selection of letters. You can view more of the real letters there is a link in the book.
This beautiful book is a Historical Fiction with a Crime/Murder twist that is executed very well.
The beginning of the book drew me in to Emile's world.
The very start spoke to me of his anguish and pain. The use of his arsenic shows the pain he was in.
He's murder, or suicide was to be uncovered.
Has Madeleine killed him or was it an overdose on his part?
Or is Madeleine being set up?
Madeleine and Emile are having a sordid affair, one that is quiet frankly doomed from the start.
Emile has no money but Madeleine is physically attracted to Emile she knows it's wrong.
You see Madeleine is from an upper class wealthy background and Emile would never be accepted by her family. He has no money or class.
Emile is older than Madeleine. He craves what she Has, wealth and stature.
So When it all becomes too much Madeleine breaks off the relationship.
But Emile is having NONE of it.
He threatens to expose their sordid affair and the intimate letters.
You see Emile died of Arsenic poisoning and although it was well known Emile dabbled in it. So did Madeleine!
So the question comes.... who killed Emile?
I really liked Madeleine she was no Angel but she was also naive, easily led, yet passionate young women.
Emile comes across as controlling, manipulative and possessive.
A disaster waiting to happen!
The one thing I really loved about this book was the intricate letters between Madeleine and Emile, the reader is treated to a insiders look at their passionate and fiery affair. I felt an intimate personal connection with the characters through the beautiful letters.
This is a very clever story, that has been enriched by the back up of reality.
I absolutely loved it.
If you've never heard of this historical crime set in Glasgow in the 1850s before, which like me I hadn't then you are in for a treat!
So if you are looking for a book that is passionate, sordid, creative, with a murder mystery, and characters that you will remember. Then This is the book for you.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rachel Random Resources for this gorgeous book.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/1...
December 11, 2017
Recently, I've read quite a few novels based on real events, and Blackmail, Sex and Lies by Kathryn McMaster is another fictionalised story based on true facts that I've enjoyed very much. I was actually surprised by how much I liked this book, as historical fiction is rarely my first choice.
Set in the nineteenth century in Glasgow the story details the love affair and murder trail featuring Madeleine Hamilton Smith and Pierre Emile L'Angelier. Theirs was an affair that was doomed from the very start. Madeleine; a rich girl from a high-class family and working-class Pierre could never have been accepted in society as a couple.
Using real letters, Kathryn McMaster has cleverly created the story of this scandal. Young Madeleine; stubborn and determined to have what she wants, and Pierre; desperate to climb the social ladder with seduction and flattery as his tools.
When, finally, Madeleine realises that their affair is doomed, she breaks it off. She also has a new beau. However, Pierre remains determined to gain back her affections and continues to harass and pester her. It is a known fact that Pierre regularly takes arsenic, for medicinal reasons and the reader finds out that Madeleine has purchased the poison on many occasions. When Pierre is found dead, it is Madeleine who is the main suspect.
The use of the real letters allows the reader a fascinating insight into the minds of the main characters. And what incredibly colourful characters they are!
Blackmail, Sex and Lies is very well written, the characters are lively and very well created and the plot is tense and intriguing.
A very enjoyable and thought provoking story. Fans of both historical fiction and true crime will enjoy this.
https://randomthingsthroughmyletterbo...
Set in the nineteenth century in Glasgow the story details the love affair and murder trail featuring Madeleine Hamilton Smith and Pierre Emile L'Angelier. Theirs was an affair that was doomed from the very start. Madeleine; a rich girl from a high-class family and working-class Pierre could never have been accepted in society as a couple.
Using real letters, Kathryn McMaster has cleverly created the story of this scandal. Young Madeleine; stubborn and determined to have what she wants, and Pierre; desperate to climb the social ladder with seduction and flattery as his tools.
When, finally, Madeleine realises that their affair is doomed, she breaks it off. She also has a new beau. However, Pierre remains determined to gain back her affections and continues to harass and pester her. It is a known fact that Pierre regularly takes arsenic, for medicinal reasons and the reader finds out that Madeleine has purchased the poison on many occasions. When Pierre is found dead, it is Madeleine who is the main suspect.
The use of the real letters allows the reader a fascinating insight into the minds of the main characters. And what incredibly colourful characters they are!
Blackmail, Sex and Lies is very well written, the characters are lively and very well created and the plot is tense and intriguing.
A very enjoyable and thought provoking story. Fans of both historical fiction and true crime will enjoy this.
https://randomthingsthroughmyletterbo...
September 11, 2017
This story is a fictionalised account of a real relationship and murder trial that occurred in 19th century Glasgow, Scotland. The relationship was between the socialite Madeleine Hamilton Smith, and her working class lover, Pierre Emile L’Angelier. In 1857 Pierre died and Madeleine was accused of his murder, but was eventually acquitted.
It’s an intriguing story because of its complexities. Emile was older than Madeleine and keen to improve his social standing, Madeleine was young, naive and stubborn. They moved in different social circles, but she wilfully ignored that and the instructions of her family, and he unhesitatingly seduced her. When she realised her family would never accept him she tried to break it off, and he threatened to expose their sexual relationship by using her letters. This would have ruined her.
Emile also took arsenic, supposedly to improve his health and looks, but died of arsenic poisoning. The question is, did Madeleine poison him, was it accidental, or did he try to set her up?
The author skilfully constructs the events of their secret liaisons, and uses real letters within the story to illustrate the nature of their relationship, these offer fantastic insights into their personalities. Known facts are woven into the story, presenting the reader with the evidence to make up their own mind as to what really happened. Fascinating stuff!
I found myself racing through the last half of the book to see how it unfolded. The book opens with Emile’s death, so although you know how it ends (or rather how he ends), the power of the story lies in how toxic their relationship becomes, and whether her actions suggest murder. And ultimately what happens to Madeleine afterwards.
Highly recommended.
It’s an intriguing story because of its complexities. Emile was older than Madeleine and keen to improve his social standing, Madeleine was young, naive and stubborn. They moved in different social circles, but she wilfully ignored that and the instructions of her family, and he unhesitatingly seduced her. When she realised her family would never accept him she tried to break it off, and he threatened to expose their sexual relationship by using her letters. This would have ruined her.
Emile also took arsenic, supposedly to improve his health and looks, but died of arsenic poisoning. The question is, did Madeleine poison him, was it accidental, or did he try to set her up?
The author skilfully constructs the events of their secret liaisons, and uses real letters within the story to illustrate the nature of their relationship, these offer fantastic insights into their personalities. Known facts are woven into the story, presenting the reader with the evidence to make up their own mind as to what really happened. Fascinating stuff!
I found myself racing through the last half of the book to see how it unfolded. The book opens with Emile’s death, so although you know how it ends (or rather how he ends), the power of the story lies in how toxic their relationship becomes, and whether her actions suggest murder. And ultimately what happens to Madeleine afterwards.
Highly recommended.
December 14, 2017
Kathryn has used some of the 200 letter between socialite Madeleine Hamilton-Smith and Pierre Emile L’Angelier and created a fictionalised them for a riveting read. It documents the relationship between Madeleine and Emile in 1850’s Scotland. Madeleine is the naive daughter of strict architect James Hamilton. Pierre, or Emile as he is referred to, is from French parents and not in the same social league as Madeleine, but he is desperate to climb the social ladder. The two begin a secretive relationship that is doomed from the start.
This is the sort of book that I really love to read, historical, Victorian and including documentation to provide a wonderful basis for a very addictive read. A few of the letters have been included and provide a wonderful and personal insight into the lives of the two main protagonists. It captures and reflects their own actions as well as those around them. It shows a darker side to romance. A side where the ends justify the means as far as Emile is concerned. He does not want to be married to a penniless woman, he wants one that can support him. The more I read of Emile, the more I disliked him, but also I found myself wanting to shake some sense into Madeleine, she really was a soppy doe eyed naive girl, but at the same time I did feel sorry for her.
It has scandal, vulnerability and calculated manipulation that ultimately leads to a death, but was it murder, suicide or a cover up ? It is well written and engaged this reader from the outset. I always like the inclusion of the differences between social class and the living conditions of the period I am reading, this book did that. As well as having a great story line and a pace suitable for the style of book.
This is a book I would recommend to readers who like true crime, Victorian Historical Fiction, with references to Victorian Social and family Values. A really good read.
This is the sort of book that I really love to read, historical, Victorian and including documentation to provide a wonderful basis for a very addictive read. A few of the letters have been included and provide a wonderful and personal insight into the lives of the two main protagonists. It captures and reflects their own actions as well as those around them. It shows a darker side to romance. A side where the ends justify the means as far as Emile is concerned. He does not want to be married to a penniless woman, he wants one that can support him. The more I read of Emile, the more I disliked him, but also I found myself wanting to shake some sense into Madeleine, she really was a soppy doe eyed naive girl, but at the same time I did feel sorry for her.
It has scandal, vulnerability and calculated manipulation that ultimately leads to a death, but was it murder, suicide or a cover up ? It is well written and engaged this reader from the outset. I always like the inclusion of the differences between social class and the living conditions of the period I am reading, this book did that. As well as having a great story line and a pace suitable for the style of book.
This is a book I would recommend to readers who like true crime, Victorian Historical Fiction, with references to Victorian Social and family Values. A really good read.
September 3, 2017
When Glasgow socialite Madeleine Smith meets Emile L'Angelier, the pair embark on a disastrous romance. With the Frenchman constantly haranguing her to introduce him to her family, the naive young woman is caught in a difficult position. Knowing her lover's working class status will never be accepted, she endeavours to call off the affair. But Emile has other ideas, and for two years, he pursues his intended bride. However, Madeleine has met someone else and her former beau is now the only thing that stands in the way of a suitable marriage. When the unlucky Frenchman is found dead from arsenic poisoning, Madeleine finds herself in the dock accused of murder...
Based on the real case of Madeleine Hamilton Smith, this fascinating account explores the actions and motives of the doomed lovers, laying out the evidence against the young woman through the many letters the pair exchanged. In particular, Madeleine's frequent purchases of poison appear to seal her fate, but was she really guilty, or did she simply make a series of bad choices?
Kathryn McMaster's factual, but fictionalised version of the case paints a damning portrait of the young woman and her actions, showing how she implored L'Angelier to return her letters before he could expose their affair. The story is told with examples from Madeleine and Emile's correspondence, showing how their relationship developed, as well as how it deteriorated. By the time I reached the end of the book, I had no doubts about what really happened, but then I read Ms McMaster's own theories on the case and changed my mind.
This is an enthralling and well-told true-crime murder mystery that raises as many questions as it answers, leaving the reader to decide - did she, or didn't she?
Based on the real case of Madeleine Hamilton Smith, this fascinating account explores the actions and motives of the doomed lovers, laying out the evidence against the young woman through the many letters the pair exchanged. In particular, Madeleine's frequent purchases of poison appear to seal her fate, but was she really guilty, or did she simply make a series of bad choices?
Kathryn McMaster's factual, but fictionalised version of the case paints a damning portrait of the young woman and her actions, showing how she implored L'Angelier to return her letters before he could expose their affair. The story is told with examples from Madeleine and Emile's correspondence, showing how their relationship developed, as well as how it deteriorated. By the time I reached the end of the book, I had no doubts about what really happened, but then I read Ms McMaster's own theories on the case and changed my mind.
This is an enthralling and well-told true-crime murder mystery that raises as many questions as it answers, leaving the reader to decide - did she, or didn't she?
November 13, 2017
When social classes collide in Victorian Scotland, keeping two young lovers apart, a young woman’s search for love becomes a poisonous affair in Kathryn McMaster’s “Blackmail, Sex & Lies: A Victorian True Crime Murder Mystery”. But this is no standard Victorian romance—McMaster’s true-life tale of love claimed and lost steers her protagonists into disaster several times as they tear each other’s lives apart in their obsessive drive to be together. Little does Madeleine know the extent to which Emile will go, however, just to prove and secure his love for her—nor does she suspect he will end up dead as a result.
McMaster imbues this Victorian true crime mystery with just the right dose of doubt and tension, setting the reader on edge as she unveils each secret love letter exchanged between her paramours—Madeleine and Emile. As the author aptly doles out the circumstantial evidence leading to what in 19th century Scotland was dubbed as the “murder trial of the century”, readers are left hanging on the edge of their seats with their tongues lolling over all the juicy details.
Kathryn McMaster’s writing is superb, her characters are enthralling, and her plotline is just too irresistible to ignore. True crime fans, Victorian romance lovers, and history buffs alike take notice—“Blackmail, Sex & Lies” is your next favorite read and Kathryn McMaster is an author who will soon be headed for the best-seller list!
McMaster imbues this Victorian true crime mystery with just the right dose of doubt and tension, setting the reader on edge as she unveils each secret love letter exchanged between her paramours—Madeleine and Emile. As the author aptly doles out the circumstantial evidence leading to what in 19th century Scotland was dubbed as the “murder trial of the century”, readers are left hanging on the edge of their seats with their tongues lolling over all the juicy details.
Kathryn McMaster’s writing is superb, her characters are enthralling, and her plotline is just too irresistible to ignore. True crime fans, Victorian romance lovers, and history buffs alike take notice—“Blackmail, Sex & Lies” is your next favorite read and Kathryn McMaster is an author who will soon be headed for the best-seller list!
September 5, 2017
This is the intriguing story of Madeleine and Pierre, based on true events in Victorian times. Pierre is a troubled, working class man with many problems, while Madeleine is a young, innocent girl from the upper classes.
Pierre comes across as slightly unhinged, becoming more and more controlling of Madeleine as she struggles to keep him happy and tries to persuade her family to accept him at the same time.
When she finally meets someone of her own social class and decides to end her relationship with Pierre, things turn ugly.
I loved the factual detail in this book, not only of the crime but also of the era, with its social classes, etiquette, and dress code. This story of a 160-year-old crime is very well-written and explains both points of view, backed up with actual evidence. But the author cleverly lets the reader make up their own mind as to who is the guilty party here, leaving you with the image of two very disturbed, confused people. Was Madeleine as innocent as you think at the beginning, manipulated by an older man? Or was she capable of carrying out this terrible murder? I’ll let you read it and decide for yourself.
Pierre comes across as slightly unhinged, becoming more and more controlling of Madeleine as she struggles to keep him happy and tries to persuade her family to accept him at the same time.
When she finally meets someone of her own social class and decides to end her relationship with Pierre, things turn ugly.
I loved the factual detail in this book, not only of the crime but also of the era, with its social classes, etiquette, and dress code. This story of a 160-year-old crime is very well-written and explains both points of view, backed up with actual evidence. But the author cleverly lets the reader make up their own mind as to who is the guilty party here, leaving you with the image of two very disturbed, confused people. Was Madeleine as innocent as you think at the beginning, manipulated by an older man? Or was she capable of carrying out this terrible murder? I’ll let you read it and decide for yourself.
September 7, 2017
A great read!
One of those books you stay up way too late to read "just the next bit"... and the next thing you know you've turned into a pumpkin! ... I really enjoy true crime books, and I probably won't get much sleep tonight wondering what my own verdict is on the case!
One of those books you stay up way too late to read "just the next bit"... and the next thing you know you've turned into a pumpkin! ... I really enjoy true crime books, and I probably won't get much sleep tonight wondering what my own verdict is on the case!
September 6, 2017
It is March 1857 and we are in Edinburgh. From the very first page we learn that one of the main protagonists of our tableau, Pierre Emile l’Angelier, dies an agonising death: “…he clawed at his intestines as spasms pushed hot coals of pain through all twenty five feet of inflamed coil…” Even though I’d never heard of this “Crime of the Century”, I was hooked. For this book is a work of historical fact fiction – and truth can be stranger than fiction. Straightaway I wanted to know more.
Although brimming with facts and intriguing photos and sketches of the time, there is also plenty of vivid description in Kathryn McMaster’s novel. We are immediately plunged into a claustrophobic, upholstered, stuffy Victorian world – where everything seems to go on behind closed doors and nothing is really what it seems.
Naïve nineteen year-old Madeleine Hamilton Smith, fresh from boarding school, “short in looks”, but with a strict father demanding complete obedience, a nouveau-riche “not short in pocket” is repressed. She lives a confined life, only punctuated with trips to the haberdashers and decisions as to what to wear in society. The author describes in colourful detail the grand stately house in Blythswood Square where Madeleine lives with her family; its sweeping staircases and ornate décor. And we are taken to the baronial-styled summer house of Rowalen on the outskirts of Row. The furnishings are of their time – heavy, complicated and suffocating – just like the caged, rebellious spirit of young Madeleine. So it is easy to see how she falls prey to the seductions of social climber, Emile. There are furtive sex scenes in the laundry room and actual letters of the time to complete the picture of intrigue. Even the buttons on the type of underwear she wore are described in this “buttoned-up” era.
Arsenic is a poisonous thread that weaves itself in and out of the pages. There was an innocence about this potent chemical – but was it so innocent? I enjoyed the descriptions of the pharmaceutical emporia and their elegant fittings, the details of the shelves of medicines plus the hilarious articles in journals of the period.
This is a well-researched book and I loved the photos. I was there and most likely would have also been a curious onlooker at the trial and a reader of all the fabricated newspaper articles that cropped up afterwards.
In the end, although the author presents us with all the facts – it is up to the reader to determine who was guilty. I’m still unsure. Question marks loom over the verdict of the day for me. That is yet another clever aspect of this intriguing book – the way the story lingers after the last page, just as a good story should.
Although brimming with facts and intriguing photos and sketches of the time, there is also plenty of vivid description in Kathryn McMaster’s novel. We are immediately plunged into a claustrophobic, upholstered, stuffy Victorian world – where everything seems to go on behind closed doors and nothing is really what it seems.
Naïve nineteen year-old Madeleine Hamilton Smith, fresh from boarding school, “short in looks”, but with a strict father demanding complete obedience, a nouveau-riche “not short in pocket” is repressed. She lives a confined life, only punctuated with trips to the haberdashers and decisions as to what to wear in society. The author describes in colourful detail the grand stately house in Blythswood Square where Madeleine lives with her family; its sweeping staircases and ornate décor. And we are taken to the baronial-styled summer house of Rowalen on the outskirts of Row. The furnishings are of their time – heavy, complicated and suffocating – just like the caged, rebellious spirit of young Madeleine. So it is easy to see how she falls prey to the seductions of social climber, Emile. There are furtive sex scenes in the laundry room and actual letters of the time to complete the picture of intrigue. Even the buttons on the type of underwear she wore are described in this “buttoned-up” era.
Arsenic is a poisonous thread that weaves itself in and out of the pages. There was an innocence about this potent chemical – but was it so innocent? I enjoyed the descriptions of the pharmaceutical emporia and their elegant fittings, the details of the shelves of medicines plus the hilarious articles in journals of the period.
This is a well-researched book and I loved the photos. I was there and most likely would have also been a curious onlooker at the trial and a reader of all the fabricated newspaper articles that cropped up afterwards.
In the end, although the author presents us with all the facts – it is up to the reader to determine who was guilty. I’m still unsure. Question marks loom over the verdict of the day for me. That is yet another clever aspect of this intriguing book – the way the story lingers after the last page, just as a good story should.
September 6, 2017
In Charles Dickens’ ‘Hard Times’ Mr Gradgrind championed facts. ‘You can only form the minds of reasoning animals upon Facts,’ he says. ‘Nothing else will ever be of any service to them.’ Facts, or what we might call truth, are undoubtedly important in life, but they are sometimes hard to winkle out and, once winkled, can be dry and hard to swallow.
Enter (with a fanfare) the writers of historical, true-story and, as in this case, true-crime based fiction, those wonderful hybridizers of what is actual and what may be imagined who bring forth a palatable, entertaining and very credible version of real events. When done well these books gather considerable momentum. My own favourites are ‘The Suspicions of Mr Whicher’ by Kate Summerscale and ‘Arthur and George’ by Julian Barnes. If you enjoyed those, you’ll love Blackmail, Sex and Lies by Kathryn McMaster.
What I liked most about it was the way the writer sympathetically and impartially fleshed out both the main characters and even-handedly unfolded the evidence, allowing the reader to come to her own conclusion. By the end, during the court room scenes, I felt like a member of the jury, weighing up the facts, forming a judgement about the accused and the victim, as well (or perhaps better) informed as any of those other twelve good men and true.
Although she has clearly completed exhaustive research into the case, the writer was brave enough not to over-burden the reader with ancillary information although it must have broken her heart to leave out much of the interesting but not quite pertinent material she had uncovered. The Victorian era was very well rendered; I got a strong sense of the dress, manners and culture.
All in all a most enjoyable, interesting and gritty read.
Enter (with a fanfare) the writers of historical, true-story and, as in this case, true-crime based fiction, those wonderful hybridizers of what is actual and what may be imagined who bring forth a palatable, entertaining and very credible version of real events. When done well these books gather considerable momentum. My own favourites are ‘The Suspicions of Mr Whicher’ by Kate Summerscale and ‘Arthur and George’ by Julian Barnes. If you enjoyed those, you’ll love Blackmail, Sex and Lies by Kathryn McMaster.
What I liked most about it was the way the writer sympathetically and impartially fleshed out both the main characters and even-handedly unfolded the evidence, allowing the reader to come to her own conclusion. By the end, during the court room scenes, I felt like a member of the jury, weighing up the facts, forming a judgement about the accused and the victim, as well (or perhaps better) informed as any of those other twelve good men and true.
Although she has clearly completed exhaustive research into the case, the writer was brave enough not to over-burden the reader with ancillary information although it must have broken her heart to leave out much of the interesting but not quite pertinent material she had uncovered. The Victorian era was very well rendered; I got a strong sense of the dress, manners and culture.
All in all a most enjoyable, interesting and gritty read.
September 5, 2017
Author McMaster's fictionalized account of a true story of a woman accused of poisoning her boyfriend was dubbed the Trial of the Century in Scotland in the 1850s. It is a fascinating mix of fiction and fact, as the author thoughtfully includes a summary of what happened after the sensational trial for the real life Madeline Edinburgh, including photographs.
In this captivating crime story, McMaster gives us a clear picture of the personalities of the two main characters: Emile and Madeline. After getting to know them, you begin to wonder about mental illness, motive, control and anger issues, and emotional stability.
Emile is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve and loves being in love. When he was rejected by his latest beau, he tries to commit suicide, promises to seek revenge and promises to never allow a woman to reject him again. Until he meets Madeline.
Madeline, on the other hand, is still under the control of her father, and because of their social position, he wants Madeline to marry well so he forbids Madeline to see Emile. Emile and Madeline continue their affair in secret for two years.
After Emile dies from a painful death, Madeline is arrested and jailed. It was brought up in the 9-day trial that she was always buying arsenic. In that era, arsenic was almost a fad and was used for many things. It was said that maybe she killed him because she wanted her letters back. They wrote many love letters to each other and she was afraid her family and fiancee would find out about them.
For a working class man, Emile's death wouldn’t have even been noticed, but for the fact that a young socialite was accused of murdering him.
Was it suicide or was it murder? Read this Victorian mystery and decide for yourself.
In this captivating crime story, McMaster gives us a clear picture of the personalities of the two main characters: Emile and Madeline. After getting to know them, you begin to wonder about mental illness, motive, control and anger issues, and emotional stability.
Emile is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve and loves being in love. When he was rejected by his latest beau, he tries to commit suicide, promises to seek revenge and promises to never allow a woman to reject him again. Until he meets Madeline.
Madeline, on the other hand, is still under the control of her father, and because of their social position, he wants Madeline to marry well so he forbids Madeline to see Emile. Emile and Madeline continue their affair in secret for two years.
After Emile dies from a painful death, Madeline is arrested and jailed. It was brought up in the 9-day trial that she was always buying arsenic. In that era, arsenic was almost a fad and was used for many things. It was said that maybe she killed him because she wanted her letters back. They wrote many love letters to each other and she was afraid her family and fiancee would find out about them.
For a working class man, Emile's death wouldn’t have even been noticed, but for the fact that a young socialite was accused of murdering him.
Was it suicide or was it murder? Read this Victorian mystery and decide for yourself.
September 6, 2017
Goodness, this fictionalised account of a true life crime is intriguing. It's a Victorian murder mystery, based on a true story, in Glasgow, 1857, and documents the tale of a romance between well-born Madeleine Hamilton Smith, and her working class lover, Pierre Emile L’Angelier, a man of ill health with the common Victorian propensity for arsenic as a restorative. Madeleine's intense encouragement of her lover's attentions is evidenced in the archive material which the author includes: letters, photographs, reports of the court case. But despite a two year torrid and socially forbidden relationship, when a rich and more socially more acceptable suitor (William Minnoch) arrives on the scene, Madeleine eventually reneges on her promises to Emile and switches her allegiance. But Emile is not so easily deterred ... The Victorian social values and medical beliefs are well depicted in this book, with a fascinating blend of fact and fiction, as the author uses documented evidence and imagined conversation and events to tell the story. She leaves us with a balanced account for the reader to make up their own mind as to what really happened. Not so much a 'who-dunnit' as a 'did she, didn't she'. For me, the jury's still out!
December 17, 2017
This is the first time I’ve read (or realised I’ve read) a fictional novel based on a historic fact and blended these two together. What an intriguing idea and skilfully executed. Here are some of the things I loved about the writing and story, firstly the author cleverly remains impartial throughout, not giving us an inkling as to the chain of events and eventual conclusion, making us want to keep reading! Secondly, I loved the inclusion of actual letters from the higher-class Madeleine Smith, to her working-class lover, Pierre Emile L’Angelier, a relationship surely doomed from the start.
The tale of these two would surely, if tackled in modern life, be deemed a complicated one at best and at worse an emotional abusive relationship, yet this is tackled sensitively and in keeping with the Victorian era.
A very enjoyable read, in which I’m left pondering who indeed did ‘the deed.’
The tale of these two would surely, if tackled in modern life, be deemed a complicated one at best and at worse an emotional abusive relationship, yet this is tackled sensitively and in keeping with the Victorian era.
A very enjoyable read, in which I’m left pondering who indeed did ‘the deed.’
October 21, 2017
Whilst a really interesting subject at times I found this book slow and I struggled to read it, although having said that I'm glad I finished it.
Based on true facts: a young lady of good social standing meets a young French man. Little does she realise that he needs a step.on the ladder for him to have some social standing.
During the Victorian era, the class divide was very strong and it was not really interlinked.
A forbidden romance soon takes over their lives and secret letters pass between them. Unfortunately the letters became both a blackmailing tool and evidence in court.
Read and you decide.who is to blame.
Based on true facts: a young lady of good social standing meets a young French man. Little does she realise that he needs a step.on the ladder for him to have some social standing.
During the Victorian era, the class divide was very strong and it was not really interlinked.
A forbidden romance soon takes over their lives and secret letters pass between them. Unfortunately the letters became both a blackmailing tool and evidence in court.
Read and you decide.who is to blame.
October 23, 2017
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read and this one didn't disappoint. Even though its based on a true story it was written in such a way that I found really easy to read and enjoyable.
Kathryn really brought the era to life which is what I love in a historical novel, to feel like I'm right there in 1857.
Fab read, thanks to TBConFB for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
Kathryn really brought the era to life which is what I love in a historical novel, to feel like I'm right there in 1857.
Fab read, thanks to TBConFB for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
September 5, 2017
The case of Madeleine Smith, the Scottish ‘poisoner’, remains a mystery 160 years after the death of Emile l’Angelier. Did Madeleine poison her lover with arsenic to prevent him revealing their affair to her father and her fiancé? Did Emile take his own life by accident – he was a known arsenic eater? Or, even more sinister, did Emile set out to frame Madeleine for murder? In ‘Blackmail, Sex and Lies’ author Kathryn McMaster sets out to investigate this fascinating case in a compelling blend of fact and creative fiction, including some of the hundreds of letters Madeleine wrote to Emile, and which he refused either to destroy or return to her. For those who don’t know the case or its outcome I won’t give anything away, but I can warn you that this is a book you won’t want to put down.
January 26, 2018
Absolutely loved this book, swept into a world of glamour and murder, I was unable to put this down! I found the writing easy to read and the plot captivating. Knowing that it was based around a true story made it all the more interesting I think.
September 5, 2017
Intriguing; a riveting page-turner
Mid-19th century Glasgow comes alive in this novel based on a true criminal case. The main characters are finely drawn and we come to know them through letters, photographs, and news reports of the time. The case itself, identified as the "Trial of the Century," is as compelling as America's Lizzie Borden trial a few years later. Social customs, untreated mental illness, and "medicines" now known to be poisonous combine to bring the lovers' lives to disaster. I especially appreciate the author's impeccable research and her sharing her thoughts with the reader in the afterword. Complex and detailed, this is one book that you won't forget.
Mid-19th century Glasgow comes alive in this novel based on a true criminal case. The main characters are finely drawn and we come to know them through letters, photographs, and news reports of the time. The case itself, identified as the "Trial of the Century," is as compelling as America's Lizzie Borden trial a few years later. Social customs, untreated mental illness, and "medicines" now known to be poisonous combine to bring the lovers' lives to disaster. I especially appreciate the author's impeccable research and her sharing her thoughts with the reader in the afterword. Complex and detailed, this is one book that you won't forget.
December 14, 2017
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I am a massive fan of historical fiction, crime fiction and true crime so this book was always going to be a must read for me ticking those three boxes!
The book is ultimately a Victorian murder mystery but it is based on a true story that took place in Glasgow back in 1857. It explores the life of vivacious socialite, Madeleine Hamilton Smith, and her relationships, the book opens with her death and we then get to find out about her and what she was accused of - it really is a gripping story and that fact that is it based on a true account makes it all the more shocking!!
I loved the whole thing - brilliantly written and I enjoyed it from cover to cover - no hesitation in giving the book 5 stars and will definitely be recommending it!!
I am a massive fan of historical fiction, crime fiction and true crime so this book was always going to be a must read for me ticking those three boxes!
The book is ultimately a Victorian murder mystery but it is based on a true story that took place in Glasgow back in 1857. It explores the life of vivacious socialite, Madeleine Hamilton Smith, and her relationships, the book opens with her death and we then get to find out about her and what she was accused of - it really is a gripping story and that fact that is it based on a true account makes it all the more shocking!!
I loved the whole thing - brilliantly written and I enjoyed it from cover to cover - no hesitation in giving the book 5 stars and will definitely be recommending it!!
September 21, 2017
Gripping Victorian bodice-ripper
This well-researched historical novel is all the more engaging due to it being based on real events and a court case in Scotland. Lovers kept apart by the strict prejudice of social class leads to a clandestine but desperate affair that ultimately leads to tragedy. This is a gripping read where the motives and machinations of the lead characters are carefully examined by the author. Highly recommended.
This well-researched historical novel is all the more engaging due to it being based on real events and a court case in Scotland. Lovers kept apart by the strict prejudice of social class leads to a clandestine but desperate affair that ultimately leads to tragedy. This is a gripping read where the motives and machinations of the lead characters are carefully examined by the author. Highly recommended.
March 4, 2018
Loved this book. I read Kathryn McMaster's other book, "Who Killed Little Johnny Gill" and I loved it, also. The book I just finished was so interesting. I have always read true crime books, but reading about crimes that happened in the 1800's or early 1900's are my favorite. McMaster has become my new favorite author. Her books are so interesting. Can't wait till she has another book published.
January 13, 2018
There are few stories as old as that of forbidden love and perhaps that is in part why the question of whether Madeline Hamilton Smith really did murder her lover Pierre Emile L’Anglier in Victorian Glasgow or not, has stayed in public consciousness for over one hundred and sixty years.
In Blackmail, Sex and Lies Kathryn McMaster has created a fictionalised tale using the actual letters between the lovers Madeline and Emile, as he was known, as the backbone of the book.
Madeline was part of the upper-middle classes, the daughter of an architect, albeit a man whose origins were far humbler whilst Emile worked as a packing clerk for Huggins a cotton merchants which was not an acceptable match in the year 1855 which is when the two first came into contact with each other. From Kathryn McMaster’s description Emile didn’t display his less than acceptable status, being well-dressed and a bit of a flatterer with his French accent and tales of daring dos in battles in France. The latter is subject to scepticism since Emile L’Anglier actually moved to Glasgow from Jersey in the Channel Islands where he was born on 30 April 1823.
Madeline was a mere 19 years old when she first met and was charmed by the older Emile and the pair initially had clandestine meetings until the wagging tongues of the gossips in Glasgow meant that word reached her mother. Her father banned the young Madeline from meeting or talking to Emile ever again and had she heeded his warnings the tale of course would have been much different.
As it was at the age of twenty-one, Madeline found herself on trial for his murder, the method, good old arsenic, the means a cup of cocoa and the opportunity a meeting to avail herself of very compromising letters which she hoped he would return to her to save her reputation, particularly as she was now engaged to the far more suitable William Harper Minnoch.
The fictionalisation of the story was incredibly convincing, even to this reader who has read a fair few accounts of the alleged Victorian poisoner. The letters are inserted throughout the text in italics, so although the author has pin-pointed a time where young Madeline realised that Emile actually wanted to marry her so desperately to elevate his social position, the letters with pet-names and seeming promises of devotion are read in the context of a young woman who begins to realise the error she has made.
The book also contains some pictures to illustrate the text so that we see the house where Madeline and Emile exchanged the dynamite love letters through the convenient placement of her bedroom window, the lodging house where Emile met his agonising death and the likeness Madeline had taken to send to her lover.
A crucial element to the fictionalisation of historical murders is to tell a good story and the author certainly managed that. This is the first book I’ve read where the length of time Madeline and Emile carried on their relationship was really bought home to me – one of them was certainly playing the long game. To my immense pleasure what happened post-trial isn’t overlooked either, with enough details given even at this point for further insight into Madeline’s character to be made. The author has created her characters, added a plausible plot based on historical fact and woven that together creating the events, some of which are mentioned in the letters and others that must be entirely of her imagination and yet, so believable.
Did Madeline Smith murder her lover? I don’t think we will ever know and although the author’s explanation is incredibly convincing, even she can’t absolutely rehabilitate this young woman who behaved shockingly given the mores of the time.
For those who buy the kindle version of Blackmail, Sex and Lies, there is an opportunity to receive the full transcripts of the letters sent in the main by Madeline, Emile’s return post not having survived. Those that had envelopes with postmarks (although there is some doubt about whether the letters were returned to the correct envelopes have the added details of when they were posted and delivered which is enlightening as to the efficiency of the Victorian postal service! This collection is a lovely postscript to the book.
In Blackmail, Sex and Lies Kathryn McMaster has created a fictionalised tale using the actual letters between the lovers Madeline and Emile, as he was known, as the backbone of the book.
Madeline was part of the upper-middle classes, the daughter of an architect, albeit a man whose origins were far humbler whilst Emile worked as a packing clerk for Huggins a cotton merchants which was not an acceptable match in the year 1855 which is when the two first came into contact with each other. From Kathryn McMaster’s description Emile didn’t display his less than acceptable status, being well-dressed and a bit of a flatterer with his French accent and tales of daring dos in battles in France. The latter is subject to scepticism since Emile L’Anglier actually moved to Glasgow from Jersey in the Channel Islands where he was born on 30 April 1823.
Madeline was a mere 19 years old when she first met and was charmed by the older Emile and the pair initially had clandestine meetings until the wagging tongues of the gossips in Glasgow meant that word reached her mother. Her father banned the young Madeline from meeting or talking to Emile ever again and had she heeded his warnings the tale of course would have been much different.
As it was at the age of twenty-one, Madeline found herself on trial for his murder, the method, good old arsenic, the means a cup of cocoa and the opportunity a meeting to avail herself of very compromising letters which she hoped he would return to her to save her reputation, particularly as she was now engaged to the far more suitable William Harper Minnoch.
The fictionalisation of the story was incredibly convincing, even to this reader who has read a fair few accounts of the alleged Victorian poisoner. The letters are inserted throughout the text in italics, so although the author has pin-pointed a time where young Madeline realised that Emile actually wanted to marry her so desperately to elevate his social position, the letters with pet-names and seeming promises of devotion are read in the context of a young woman who begins to realise the error she has made.
The book also contains some pictures to illustrate the text so that we see the house where Madeline and Emile exchanged the dynamite love letters through the convenient placement of her bedroom window, the lodging house where Emile met his agonising death and the likeness Madeline had taken to send to her lover.
A crucial element to the fictionalisation of historical murders is to tell a good story and the author certainly managed that. This is the first book I’ve read where the length of time Madeline and Emile carried on their relationship was really bought home to me – one of them was certainly playing the long game. To my immense pleasure what happened post-trial isn’t overlooked either, with enough details given even at this point for further insight into Madeline’s character to be made. The author has created her characters, added a plausible plot based on historical fact and woven that together creating the events, some of which are mentioned in the letters and others that must be entirely of her imagination and yet, so believable.
Did Madeline Smith murder her lover? I don’t think we will ever know and although the author’s explanation is incredibly convincing, even she can’t absolutely rehabilitate this young woman who behaved shockingly given the mores of the time.
For those who buy the kindle version of Blackmail, Sex and Lies, there is an opportunity to receive the full transcripts of the letters sent in the main by Madeline, Emile’s return post not having survived. Those that had envelopes with postmarks (although there is some doubt about whether the letters were returned to the correct envelopes have the added details of when they were posted and delivered which is enlightening as to the efficiency of the Victorian postal service! This collection is a lovely postscript to the book.
December 8, 2017
Blackmail, Sex and Lies is a fascinating read with its mix of fact and fiction. Set in Victorian England where society is very much class and gender based, Kathryn McMaster uses the letters sent between Emilie L'Angelier and Madeleine Smith, and details of the court case as the centre for the fictionalised story of the two lovers. The love letters, are certainly damning for Madeleine, and the implication is that their content was worth killing for. It certainly becomes apparent that Emilie kept the letters to use against Madeleine at some point. Over three years, through their correspondence we see the love affair blossom and then die, literally; with the death of Emilie.
As characters, neither Madeleine nor Emile come out well, although for me I felt more sympathetic to Madeleine's story. Emilie is a man who does across as vain and a social climber and unscrupulous in his pursuit of what he wants. Considering the times I also feel he is lightly delusional as he cannot understand why Madeleine's father, a prominent architect, does not think Emilie is good enough for his daughter. From the start his ill health is apparent, he has episodes of stomach pain and sickness, even before he met Madeleine. The reader is let wandering if, in the hindsight of our times, this is caused by his use of arsenic for his complexion and health.
Madeleine led a very sheltered life and for me she came across as very naive. Emilie is the first man she has had any real contact with and is obviously flattered by the attention he gives her. Women did not have any rights in nineteenth century Scotland, they were legally under the protection of either their father or their husband. Madeleine had to do as her father demanded, but she also felt an obligation to Emilie, whom she referred to as her husband. Her naivety in putting her feeling in the love letters, and trusting Emilie to destroy them, was her down fall. The implication that their content was worth killing for stayed with her the rest of her life. It certainly becomes apparent that Emilie kept the letters to use against Madeleine at some point, they were damning in their content and ruined Madeleine's reputation, and eventually her life.
Kathryn McMaster puts all the facts in front of the reader and the and leaves it up to you to decide if you thought Madeleine was guilty of murder or if Emilie poisoned himself over the years. This is a well written un biased account of a tragic love story, that ended in a death and a reputation ruined for life of both protagonists. This is a fascinating, well researched, read that may leave you with more questions than answers.
As characters, neither Madeleine nor Emile come out well, although for me I felt more sympathetic to Madeleine's story. Emilie is a man who does across as vain and a social climber and unscrupulous in his pursuit of what he wants. Considering the times I also feel he is lightly delusional as he cannot understand why Madeleine's father, a prominent architect, does not think Emilie is good enough for his daughter. From the start his ill health is apparent, he has episodes of stomach pain and sickness, even before he met Madeleine. The reader is let wandering if, in the hindsight of our times, this is caused by his use of arsenic for his complexion and health.
Madeleine led a very sheltered life and for me she came across as very naive. Emilie is the first man she has had any real contact with and is obviously flattered by the attention he gives her. Women did not have any rights in nineteenth century Scotland, they were legally under the protection of either their father or their husband. Madeleine had to do as her father demanded, but she also felt an obligation to Emilie, whom she referred to as her husband. Her naivety in putting her feeling in the love letters, and trusting Emilie to destroy them, was her down fall. The implication that their content was worth killing for stayed with her the rest of her life. It certainly becomes apparent that Emilie kept the letters to use against Madeleine at some point, they were damning in their content and ruined Madeleine's reputation, and eventually her life.
Kathryn McMaster puts all the facts in front of the reader and the and leaves it up to you to decide if you thought Madeleine was guilty of murder or if Emilie poisoned himself over the years. This is a well written un biased account of a tragic love story, that ended in a death and a reputation ruined for life of both protagonists. This is a fascinating, well researched, read that may leave you with more questions than answers.
October 7, 2017
It takes a lot for me to engage with historical fiction, but – my goodness – this tale of forbidden love, 19th century social mores and murder grabbed me from the first page. Its allure was heightened by the fact the story is a true one, albeit masterfully constructed using the author's vivid imagination and beautifully descriptive writing style.
I was vaguely aware of the name of Madeline Smith, perhaps from a long-ago school history lesson. It is her relationship with the French-born Pierre (Emile) L'Angelier which is at the heart of the story. Using genuine letters exchanged between the couple (as well as photographs), the author reveals how the young and unworldly Madeline falls for the charms of the handsome but mentally unstable Emile. Coming from opposite ends of the class system, they must conduct their relationship in a clandestine fashion, but it is inevitable that their affair will come under public scrutiny.
I was intrigued to learn that arsenic, which plays a pivotal role in the story's unfolding, was once used as an aid to good health and a glowing complexion. Thank goodness we have other, non-toxic means nowadays to achieve those objectives!
I do not wish to reveal any more details, other than that we – as the readers – are presented with a painstakingly researched story and ultimately left to draw our own conclusions. A fascinating book, and one which I cannot recommend enough.
I was vaguely aware of the name of Madeline Smith, perhaps from a long-ago school history lesson. It is her relationship with the French-born Pierre (Emile) L'Angelier which is at the heart of the story. Using genuine letters exchanged between the couple (as well as photographs), the author reveals how the young and unworldly Madeline falls for the charms of the handsome but mentally unstable Emile. Coming from opposite ends of the class system, they must conduct their relationship in a clandestine fashion, but it is inevitable that their affair will come under public scrutiny.
I was intrigued to learn that arsenic, which plays a pivotal role in the story's unfolding, was once used as an aid to good health and a glowing complexion. Thank goodness we have other, non-toxic means nowadays to achieve those objectives!
I do not wish to reveal any more details, other than that we – as the readers – are presented with a painstakingly researched story and ultimately left to draw our own conclusions. A fascinating book, and one which I cannot recommend enough.
May 22, 2019
Received from author via Suzanne Adair. My thanks.
Madeleine Smith returns from finishing school to her home and what she regards as smothering boredom. Her job now is to marry and marry well. Smith indeed wants to marry Emile L'Angelier, but her parents have forbidden Smith to see him. Thus begins two years of correspondence and occasional clandestine meetings. Comes the day when Smith realizes L'Angelier wants her for social advancement and money, but, when Smith tries to disassociate herself, L'Angelier threatens to show her letters to Smith's father and fiancee. Some weeks later, L'Angelier dies of arsenic, and Smith stands trial for L'Angelier's murder.
The book consists, in large measure, of Smith's letters and an exposition of the then primitive forensic evidence. It was unclear to me whether the jury heard about L'Angelier's habitual use of arsenic and history of intestinal distress and suicidal behavior. As well, he had two previous engagements broken. Other than the bare fact of his seduction of at least two heiresses and the resulting engagements and his distress at their ending, no information is given as to the circumstances. Perhaps, other than the pattern, there was no useful information, but I wondered whether Smith's father was aware of L'Angelier's behavior, whether his objection was more than class consciousness, and whether L'Angelier attempted revenge on those women.
Madeleine Smith returns from finishing school to her home and what she regards as smothering boredom. Her job now is to marry and marry well. Smith indeed wants to marry Emile L'Angelier, but her parents have forbidden Smith to see him. Thus begins two years of correspondence and occasional clandestine meetings. Comes the day when Smith realizes L'Angelier wants her for social advancement and money, but, when Smith tries to disassociate herself, L'Angelier threatens to show her letters to Smith's father and fiancee. Some weeks later, L'Angelier dies of arsenic, and Smith stands trial for L'Angelier's murder.
The book consists, in large measure, of Smith's letters and an exposition of the then primitive forensic evidence. It was unclear to me whether the jury heard about L'Angelier's habitual use of arsenic and history of intestinal distress and suicidal behavior. As well, he had two previous engagements broken. Other than the bare fact of his seduction of at least two heiresses and the resulting engagements and his distress at their ending, no information is given as to the circumstances. Perhaps, other than the pattern, there was no useful information, but I wondered whether Smith's father was aware of L'Angelier's behavior, whether his objection was more than class consciousness, and whether L'Angelier attempted revenge on those women.
September 6, 2017
There’s something pleasurable and fascinating in getting under the skin of a true crime story to discover the events, background and characters behind the names on the court register.
In this case, the journey of working class dreamer and social climber, Emile L’Angelier, spurned twice before and determined not to be rejected again, takes us to Glasgow in the 1850s where he meets Madeleine Hamilton Smith, daughter of a well-to-do architect.
Fictionalised from the correspondence between the two lovers, this is a well-researched story, brought to life with a fine eye for detail and nuance. The lead characters are well-portrayed and engaging as their relationship develops and struggles with the strict morals and codes of class and love in Victorian Glasgow.
The author’s review of the case and evidence allowed me to compare notes with her and review some of the factors in more detail, adding to my enjoyment.
If you like a glimpse of the past and a story filled with passion, conflict and engaging characters, all based on real events, then look no further.
In this case, the journey of working class dreamer and social climber, Emile L’Angelier, spurned twice before and determined not to be rejected again, takes us to Glasgow in the 1850s where he meets Madeleine Hamilton Smith, daughter of a well-to-do architect.
Fictionalised from the correspondence between the two lovers, this is a well-researched story, brought to life with a fine eye for detail and nuance. The lead characters are well-portrayed and engaging as their relationship develops and struggles with the strict morals and codes of class and love in Victorian Glasgow.
The author’s review of the case and evidence allowed me to compare notes with her and review some of the factors in more detail, adding to my enjoyment.
If you like a glimpse of the past and a story filled with passion, conflict and engaging characters, all based on real events, then look no further.
April 8, 2021
In 1857, Madeleine Hamilton Smith embarks on a ill-advised love affair with Pierre Emile L'Angelier. Emile is Madeleine's social inferior and in Victorian Scotland, this spells disaster for all involved. Her parents refuse to allow them to even court so they see each other in secret, where Emile seduces Madeleine who is foolish enough to write down what happened between them in letters. After a couple of years, Madeleine wishes to marry someone else but Emile is not going to let her go without a fight and threatens to ruin her reputation by showing her letters to her father and fiance. Emile then dies, possibly poisoned. Was Madeleine guilty?
I had never heard of the case this historical fiction book was based on and the synopsis sold it to me, after my eye was caught by the cover. I may be in the minority but after reading it, I think I would have preferred a straightforward non fiction telling of the case. For me the factual and fictional didn't work as well as they could have together, however, it was an engrossing read.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
I had never heard of the case this historical fiction book was based on and the synopsis sold it to me, after my eye was caught by the cover. I may be in the minority but after reading it, I think I would have preferred a straightforward non fiction telling of the case. For me the factual and fictional didn't work as well as they could have together, however, it was an engrossing read.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
October 7, 2017
A great dramatisation of a true-life Victorian scandal
I read this book on holiday and loved the author's 'fictional' account of the central relationship between the young socialite, Melanie and the frustrated social climber, Emile. How did this lead to murder - or was it? - and the trial of the century?
Whilst I really enjoyed the characterisation of the main protagonists, I did find the the reproduced letters very repetitive, somewhat tedious and more than a little confused. However these were not the author's pen, but the real letters, exchanged by the pair. I assume these were the best examples of a huge number of letters, and can only be thankful no more were included. I therefore confess to skimming over a number of these, further on in the book.
As with her novel "Who killed little Jonny Gill?", I found the author's deliberations and conclusions a perfect way to end the book. My verdict: 4.5 stars.
I read this book on holiday and loved the author's 'fictional' account of the central relationship between the young socialite, Melanie and the frustrated social climber, Emile. How did this lead to murder - or was it? - and the trial of the century?
Whilst I really enjoyed the characterisation of the main protagonists, I did find the the reproduced letters very repetitive, somewhat tedious and more than a little confused. However these were not the author's pen, but the real letters, exchanged by the pair. I assume these were the best examples of a huge number of letters, and can only be thankful no more were included. I therefore confess to skimming over a number of these, further on in the book.
As with her novel "Who killed little Jonny Gill?", I found the author's deliberations and conclusions a perfect way to end the book. My verdict: 4.5 stars.
March 22, 2018
This a fictionalised account of a true crime case from nineteenth century Glasgow.
The author tells of the love affair between Madeleine Hamilton Smith and Pierre Emile L'Angelier with a mix of know facts and fiction. The affair ends in tragedy when Pierra is poisoned and Madeleine stands accused of his murder.
The relationship was doomed from the very start, Madeleine was from a high-class family where's Pierre was working-class and would never have been accepted into her society.
Blackmail, Sex And Lies details every aspect of their relationship though the letters they exchanged over the course of their two relationship. What I found enjoyable was the way author gives the reader all the known facts about the case allowing for him or her to make up their minds up about the guilt and innocence of Madeleine Smith. Followed by her own theory at the end of the book.
Definitely a five star read and definitely would recommend this to anyone with an interest in the case
The author tells of the love affair between Madeleine Hamilton Smith and Pierre Emile L'Angelier with a mix of know facts and fiction. The affair ends in tragedy when Pierra is poisoned and Madeleine stands accused of his murder.
The relationship was doomed from the very start, Madeleine was from a high-class family where's Pierre was working-class and would never have been accepted into her society.
Blackmail, Sex And Lies details every aspect of their relationship though the letters they exchanged over the course of their two relationship. What I found enjoyable was the way author gives the reader all the known facts about the case allowing for him or her to make up their minds up about the guilt and innocence of Madeleine Smith. Followed by her own theory at the end of the book.
Definitely a five star read and definitely would recommend this to anyone with an interest in the case
December 13, 2017
This was an interesting book to read. It has all the things I love, history and mystery. The author did a good job of describing the setting to make you feel as if you could really see what she was talking about. Her character development was good as well. You can tell she did her research as she got the little details right. I did not know much about Madeline Smith until I started reading this book. Now I want to find out more about her and why she did what she did. The author's writing kept me very interested in the book as I was waiting to see what would happen next. I liked Madeline even though I knew she should not being doing what she was doing I could not help but like her. It was nice how she used letters in the story as well. For me that added a little personal touch to the characters story. A highly recommended book.
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