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The Green Bicycle Mystery: The Curious Death of Bella Wright
The first of a unique set of books. Each one tells the story of an unsolved crime in an evocative and compelling way, it presents fresh evidence, exposes the strengths and weaknesses of past evidence and then asks the reader to decide on the killer.
The series begins with the tragic case of Bella Wright. In a lonely lane running through rural Leicestershire in 1919, a solitary bicycle lies on its side, its metal frame catching the glow of the fading evening light. The front wheel slowly turns about its axle, producing a soft clicking; a rhythmic sound, soothing like the ticking of a study clock.
Next to the bicycle, lying at an angle across the road, is a young woman. She is partly on her back, partly on her left side, with her right hand almost touching the mudguard of the rear wheel. Her legs rest on the roadside verge, where fronds of white cow parsley and pink rosebay rise above luxuriant summer foliage. On her head sits a wide-brimmed hat, daintily finished with a ribbon and bow. She is dressed in a pastel blouse and long skirt underneath a light raincoat, the pockets of which contain an empty purse and a box of matches. The blood-flecked coat tells a story…
Although each book is perfectly self-contained, there is an online forum for those who wish to share verdicts and opinions, making these the first truly interactive crime tales. Beautifully presented with uniquely illustrated covers they also contain evidence images and maps. For lovers of crime stories, this new collection of Cold Case Jury books will not just bring a murder story to life - it will make you a part of it.
The series begins with the tragic case of Bella Wright. In a lonely lane running through rural Leicestershire in 1919, a solitary bicycle lies on its side, its metal frame catching the glow of the fading evening light. The front wheel slowly turns about its axle, producing a soft clicking; a rhythmic sound, soothing like the ticking of a study clock.
Next to the bicycle, lying at an angle across the road, is a young woman. She is partly on her back, partly on her left side, with her right hand almost touching the mudguard of the rear wheel. Her legs rest on the roadside verge, where fronds of white cow parsley and pink rosebay rise above luxuriant summer foliage. On her head sits a wide-brimmed hat, daintily finished with a ribbon and bow. She is dressed in a pastel blouse and long skirt underneath a light raincoat, the pockets of which contain an empty purse and a box of matches. The blood-flecked coat tells a story…
Although each book is perfectly self-contained, there is an online forum for those who wish to share verdicts and opinions, making these the first truly interactive crime tales. Beautifully presented with uniquely illustrated covers they also contain evidence images and maps. For lovers of crime stories, this new collection of Cold Case Jury books will not just bring a murder story to life - it will make you a part of it.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2017
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67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 15, 2017
The Green Bicycle Mystery : The Curious Case of Bella Wright by Antony M Brown
MY THOUGHTS:
This book is a little different from most, it is based on a cold case. The reader is asked not just to read the book but solve the mystery of the case.
The case is that of Bella Wright from Leicestershire in 1919, a case never solved.
The first section of the book gives you the story of Bella and her family, the surrounding area, the scene of the crime and also what happening in Britain at the time. It was the end of the first world war, and you are briefly told of how the effects of the war affected people who served and those who remained at home. Also in this section are account of the crime scene, details of the investigation, witnesses, reports and statements as well as the trial of the suspect.
The second section gives a detailed array of the evidence, timelines for Bella and also the investigation. Useful maps, autopsy reports, findings, minutes and communiques.
Part three is the author’s view or judgment of the case as well as verdicts from other people.
What initially caught my eye about this book was the interesting synopsis that I was sent. Once I had read it, my curiosity was piqued by the idea of giving a verdict based on facts that I had read. Also the historical interest of the area was a big pull for me, it was an area I knew when I lived in Lincolnshire up until 17 years old, so gave me a personal reason for reading.
The book itself is very well laid out and is the author takes you through the facts in a very logical order. As you progress through the story, the various statements and reports get a little repetitive, but it also adds additional information. Also it add confirmation to previous statements.
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish; it was a very good page turner. It gave me a good insight into people’s lives at the time of 1919 and the years just following. What was interesting was the way police procedures have changed, how investigations are conducted and how local newspapers can influence people.
I would recommend this book to readers of True Crime, Mystery and Historical genres. I would like to thank Nicola Slavin from Book Machine Works for contacting me about joining the Blog Tour for this book. “The Green Bicycle Mystery” by Antony M Brown and published by Mirror Books.
MY THOUGHTS:
This book is a little different from most, it is based on a cold case. The reader is asked not just to read the book but solve the mystery of the case.
The case is that of Bella Wright from Leicestershire in 1919, a case never solved.
The first section of the book gives you the story of Bella and her family, the surrounding area, the scene of the crime and also what happening in Britain at the time. It was the end of the first world war, and you are briefly told of how the effects of the war affected people who served and those who remained at home. Also in this section are account of the crime scene, details of the investigation, witnesses, reports and statements as well as the trial of the suspect.
The second section gives a detailed array of the evidence, timelines for Bella and also the investigation. Useful maps, autopsy reports, findings, minutes and communiques.
Part three is the author’s view or judgment of the case as well as verdicts from other people.
What initially caught my eye about this book was the interesting synopsis that I was sent. Once I had read it, my curiosity was piqued by the idea of giving a verdict based on facts that I had read. Also the historical interest of the area was a big pull for me, it was an area I knew when I lived in Lincolnshire up until 17 years old, so gave me a personal reason for reading.
The book itself is very well laid out and is the author takes you through the facts in a very logical order. As you progress through the story, the various statements and reports get a little repetitive, but it also adds additional information. Also it add confirmation to previous statements.
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish; it was a very good page turner. It gave me a good insight into people’s lives at the time of 1919 and the years just following. What was interesting was the way police procedures have changed, how investigations are conducted and how local newspapers can influence people.
I would recommend this book to readers of True Crime, Mystery and Historical genres. I would like to thank Nicola Slavin from Book Machine Works for contacting me about joining the Blog Tour for this book. “The Green Bicycle Mystery” by Antony M Brown and published by Mirror Books.
August 23, 2018
Its an interesting idea but. You saw that coming right? I'm more a fiction reader so I found this format - fact and fiction dressed up as reconstruction very odd. I had a strange sense of responsibility too. Yet, it was repeatative, the whole thing hung together like a string vest full of holes. But then life isn't neat, clues don't form a logical sequence, this isn't Great Aunt Agatha or Great Uncle Sherlock. No one is going to ride in and solve it because its a real life cold case file - no one knows the answer.
Toast
Toast
December 12, 2019
On a lonely country lane in 1919, a bicycle is found lying across the road, next to the body of a young woman. Utilising fresh evidence, witness statements and court reports, Antony M Brown suggests several possible solutions to a murder case that has remained a mystery for one hundred years.
This is the second book I’ve read in the author’s Cold Case Jury Collection (though it’s the first in the series), and like the previous one – Move to Murder - Brown outlines his meticulously-researched theories precisely and comprehensively. The role of prime suspect Ronald Light is explored in great detail, suggesting possible reasons for his actions if he were (as was decided at the time) not guilty of murder. But evidence that suggests the exact opposite is also on the table. Along with maps, photographs and excerpts from the court case, Brown builds up a picture of the individuals involved, their movements at the time and their contributions to the mystery. At the end of the book, we are presented with the evidence and three possible scenarios.
The author then invites readers to cast their own online vote as a member of the Cold Case Jury. Only when a reader has done so, will they be able to view the overall decision based on the votes of previous readers.
A thoroughly absorbing book that will thrill true-crime readers everywhere.
This is the second book I’ve read in the author’s Cold Case Jury Collection (though it’s the first in the series), and like the previous one – Move to Murder - Brown outlines his meticulously-researched theories precisely and comprehensively. The role of prime suspect Ronald Light is explored in great detail, suggesting possible reasons for his actions if he were (as was decided at the time) not guilty of murder. But evidence that suggests the exact opposite is also on the table. Along with maps, photographs and excerpts from the court case, Brown builds up a picture of the individuals involved, their movements at the time and their contributions to the mystery. At the end of the book, we are presented with the evidence and three possible scenarios.
The author then invites readers to cast their own online vote as a member of the Cold Case Jury. Only when a reader has done so, will they be able to view the overall decision based on the votes of previous readers.
A thoroughly absorbing book that will thrill true-crime readers everywhere.
February 16, 2019
An interesting concept, executed poorly: re-imagine the details of a historical "Cold Case" and invite the reader to share their own judgement on your website. Unfortunately, the author relies on reconstruction scenes with imaginary dialogue straight out of a soap opera, rather than authentic accounts, constantly repeats himself to pad out his text, and makes numerous annoying historical and technical mistakes due to his unfamiliarity with the period and subject. For example, after waxing lyrical about the supposed glacial slowness of communication in the post-Edwardian period, he immediately moves on with a paragraph about the local police sending a telegram to London. And getting a rapid reply. Later on the same page Brown surmises that Scotland Yard became involved because there was a London link with the death, seemingly obvious to the fact that County Police services would regularly seek the help of Scotland Yard detectives with a local murder due to their lack of experience with such crimes. And so on. I kept putting this down in exasperation, and suspect that you might too.
January 15, 2020
I'm the author, so my rating is probably no surprise to anyone! This was the first book in the Cold Case Jury series and over 800 people have now taken the time to deliver their verdict. This is a huge jury - most jury boxes comprise two rows of six seats, but we would need almost 150 rows of seats and more jurors are added each week! At I'm delighted to say that we do have a clear majority decision in this case - but no spoilers here!
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to leave a rating and deliver their verdict on the Cold Case Jury website. Much appreciated. AMB.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to leave a rating and deliver their verdict on the Cold Case Jury website. Much appreciated. AMB.
November 11, 2023
I wasn't a huge fan of this book's concept. It feels odd that they've gamified the true crime genre and none of the author-reader relationship really worked for me. The mystery itself is an engaging one, and the author does have a chirpy and accessible tone, but even though this is a short book, it feels heavily padded. The same events are retold four or five times and I could do without the fictionalised reenactments too (I don't like them in TV documentaries either). H. Russell Wakefield's book on the same case is the better one.
August 26, 2024
In 1919 the body of Bella Wright was found deceased in a country lane in Leicestershire. At first it was thought she had died following injuries sustained from a fall from her bicycle, but after a diligent search by the local police officer who found a spent bullet in the roadway her body was re-examined and a bullet wound was found. Prior to her death Bella had been seen by her family in the company of a man on a green bicycle which was later pulled out of a local canal in parts. Through police investigation the bicycle was traced to a Ronald Light - a former soldier in the 1st world war, but also a fraudster and con artist who had a history of deception. Light was charged with her murder and brought to trial but acquitted (no spoilers here it's a fact of history) and here in lies the mystery of this case which has kept it alive in the minds of locals and those interested in unsolved historical crimes ever since.
In The Green Bicycle Mystery by Antony M. Brown the author uses a different approach to presenting the evidence and facts than a straight forward historical retelling of the case, which is interesting and immersive. It's eminently readable but takes the format of presenting the reader with the evidence as one might receive it while attending a trial. The known facts are shared then the reader is lead through several differing scenarios that those facts might fit each providing a very different perspective on the charge and guilt of Ronald Light. The time line is presented with all the variables and the evidence laid out in list format. Maps, diagrams and exhibits are laid before the reader. We know Ronald Light was found not guilty at trial, but the reader is asked to make their own decision based on the evidence provided and there is a link to the authors website where you can place your own vote. I found this a refreshing way to read about a technically unsolved crime and far more flowing than I had anticipated which is a credit to the skill of the author in pulling everything together. There are more crimes covered in the series which I would be interested in reading in this format.
And my opinion...I think he was guilty of murder (not manslaughter or accidental death) but was there enough evidence to eliminate reasonable doubt and convict? Based on what I read I think not.
In The Green Bicycle Mystery by Antony M. Brown the author uses a different approach to presenting the evidence and facts than a straight forward historical retelling of the case, which is interesting and immersive. It's eminently readable but takes the format of presenting the reader with the evidence as one might receive it while attending a trial. The known facts are shared then the reader is lead through several differing scenarios that those facts might fit each providing a very different perspective on the charge and guilt of Ronald Light. The time line is presented with all the variables and the evidence laid out in list format. Maps, diagrams and exhibits are laid before the reader. We know Ronald Light was found not guilty at trial, but the reader is asked to make their own decision based on the evidence provided and there is a link to the authors website where you can place your own vote. I found this a refreshing way to read about a technically unsolved crime and far more flowing than I had anticipated which is a credit to the skill of the author in pulling everything together. There are more crimes covered in the series which I would be interested in reading in this format.
And my opinion...I think he was guilty of murder (not manslaughter or accidental death) but was there enough evidence to eliminate reasonable doubt and convict? Based on what I read I think not.
September 10, 2018
Good read
A true tale of murder, or is it? Great idea to have your reading audience as the jury.
I have made my mind up but will keep it to myself. It would be interesting to know the real verdict.
A true tale of murder, or is it? Great idea to have your reading audience as the jury.
I have made my mind up but will keep it to myself. It would be interesting to know the real verdict.
March 13, 2021
An enjoyable true crime book that looks into a sad and puzzling murder. The concept of delivering the facts to a jury (the reader) so they may infer their own judgement is a fun one. I look forward to reading the author's other books in this series.
March 23, 2024
I enjoyed the format of this cold case mystery and the invitation to participate in a conclusion. It also gives an insight into the plight of those returning from the trenches in the First World War and the dispossessed and damaged souls who had no effective support.
May 31, 2018
Very interesting and thorough account of the case.
August 24, 2021
Fantastic book about the true case of the death of Bella Wright. I really enjoyed this book, would be fascinated to read some others in this series.
November 6, 2022
Not even sure what I just read. Half a magazine article I think.
September 21, 2024
It was absorbing as I wasn’t sure where the facts were going to lead me. However, it did become quite repetitive. The concept is interesting and I do like that fact you can email your verdict in.
February 3, 2020
An interesting approach to a crime mystery. I had not heard of this cold case. Antony Brown brings the era, the setting of the crime, and the characters to life very well. He sets out the evidence, gives his own thoughts on what happened, and invites you to make up your own mind on the case. I look forward to more books from this author.
April 6, 2020
Good book and the Cold Case Jury is a great concept. Still reeling about the gorging crow!
March 8, 2017
In 1919, young Bella Wright was found dead on an isolated lane in Leicestershire, seemingly from a fall from her bicycle. On closer inspection however, it becomes clear that this 21-year-old had been shot in the head and what began as an accident investigation became a murder inquiry.
In The Green Bicycle Mystery, historical true crime author Antony Matthew Brown brings this case back to life by examining all the evidence and looking deeper at the prime suspect, Ronald Light and his distinctive green bicycle. A classic unsolved case which has all the elements to keep any true crime enthusiast asking all the questions. Included in the book are complete timelines of events, minutes of the trial of Ronald Light and an overview of the books and their conclusions which have been written on this intriguing case. Further, for the first time a new piece of evidence that has been buried deep in the archives is published in full.
Read my full review of The Green Bicycle Mystery on Crime Traveller at: http://www.crimetraveller.org/2017/01...
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews