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The Dublin Railway Murder
An astonishing real-life locked-room murder mystery set in Victorian Dublin, packed with gripping, perplexing twists. This meticulously researched true-crime tale reads like a quintessential Victorian thriller and is perfect for fans of The Suspicions of Mr Whicher.
One morning in November 1856 George Little, the chief cashier of the Broadstone railway terminus in Dublin, was found dead, lying in a pool of blood beneath his desk. His head had been almost severed; a knife lay nearby, but strangely the office door was locked, apparently from the inside. This was a deed of almost unheard-of brutality for the peaceful Irish capital: while violent crime was commonplace in Victorian London, the courts of Dublin had not convicted a single murderer in more than thirty years.
From the first day of the police investigation it was apparent that this was no ordinary case. Detectives struggled to understand how the killer could have entered and then escaped from a locked room, and why thousands of pounds in gold and silver had been left untouched at the scene of the crime. Three of Scotland Yard’s most celebrated sleuths were summoned to assist the enquiry, but all returned to London baffled. It was left to Superintendent Augustus Guy, the head of Ireland's first detective force, to unravel the mystery.
Five suspects were arrested and released, with every step of the salacious case followed by the press, clamouring for answers. Under intense public scrutiny, Superintendent Guy found himself blocked at almost every turn. But then a local woman came forward, claiming to know the murderer….
One morning in November 1856 George Little, the chief cashier of the Broadstone railway terminus in Dublin, was found dead, lying in a pool of blood beneath his desk. His head had been almost severed; a knife lay nearby, but strangely the office door was locked, apparently from the inside. This was a deed of almost unheard-of brutality for the peaceful Irish capital: while violent crime was commonplace in Victorian London, the courts of Dublin had not convicted a single murderer in more than thirty years.
From the first day of the police investigation it was apparent that this was no ordinary case. Detectives struggled to understand how the killer could have entered and then escaped from a locked room, and why thousands of pounds in gold and silver had been left untouched at the scene of the crime. Three of Scotland Yard’s most celebrated sleuths were summoned to assist the enquiry, but all returned to London baffled. It was left to Superintendent Augustus Guy, the head of Ireland's first detective force, to unravel the mystery.
Five suspects were arrested and released, with every step of the salacious case followed by the press, clamouring for answers. Under intense public scrutiny, Superintendent Guy found himself blocked at almost every turn. But then a local woman came forward, claiming to know the murderer….
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2021
80 people are currently reading
905 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Morris
3 books58 followersLibrarian note: There are multiple authors with this name in this data base. This one is Thomas^^^Morris.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
October 18, 2021
Dublin, Ireland, November 1856, and George Little, chief cashier at Broadstone railway terminus is found dead, a truly vicious attack that left him lying in a large pool of blood. Forcible entry had to be used by railway staff, as the door had been locked, apparently from the inside.
What made this locked room murder mystery even more intriguing is, that it’s a true story.
Cashier George Little handled large amounts of money during the course of his working week, but initially it was thought that no money had gone missing, however, further investigations revealed that in fact, hundreds of pounds had gone, which at least gave police a motive for the murder. However, with literally hundreds of interviews to be carried out, leading to dozens of suspects, this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park.
Thomas Morris brings the Victorian period vividly to life, and in particular the workings of a busy rail terminal, with its hundreds of passengers and staff, and using archived documents he has carried out extensive research, that would appeal to those interested in true crime and social history. The only negative I have, is that there were so many characters, that it made it difficult to keep up at times. Still enjoyed it though.
What made this locked room murder mystery even more intriguing is, that it’s a true story.
Cashier George Little handled large amounts of money during the course of his working week, but initially it was thought that no money had gone missing, however, further investigations revealed that in fact, hundreds of pounds had gone, which at least gave police a motive for the murder. However, with literally hundreds of interviews to be carried out, leading to dozens of suspects, this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park.
Thomas Morris brings the Victorian period vividly to life, and in particular the workings of a busy rail terminal, with its hundreds of passengers and staff, and using archived documents he has carried out extensive research, that would appeal to those interested in true crime and social history. The only negative I have, is that there were so many characters, that it made it difficult to keep up at times. Still enjoyed it though.
October 31, 2021
Historical true crime has become very popular recently and this is a great addition to the genre. Author Thomas Morris provides great detail to explore a brutal murder at Broadstone Station in Dublin. It is 1856 and Ireland has been devastated by the potato famine, debt, and emigration. At 8am on Thursday 13th November, George Little, a 42-year-old cashier for the Midland Great Western Railway Company, set off for work. The sole breadwinner for his widowed mother, sister, and aunt, he was a serious man, with a great deal of responsibility, but he was well liked at work.
Reading this, it is clear that Broadstone Station was very busy, almost like a little town by itself, with people living and working within it and hours of work very long. Mr Little regularly worked late, and that day was a busy one, with many cash boxes to be tallied and sorted. When his assistant left, the cashier – often the last to leave work – locked the door and worked alone. The next morning, he did not appear for work, but it was later when he was discovered murdered in his locked office.
This book looks at the investigation into George Little’s murder, how this ‘locked room,’ mystery was solved, the pressure on Superintendent Augustus Guy to solve the crime and the various suspects. Like the best historical true crime books, this explores not only the crime, but the historical period, widening its scope to look at the railways, phrenology, and other such subjects. It is packed with detail and a very in depth look at the crime, trial and aftermath. I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via NetGalley, for review.
Reading this, it is clear that Broadstone Station was very busy, almost like a little town by itself, with people living and working within it and hours of work very long. Mr Little regularly worked late, and that day was a busy one, with many cash boxes to be tallied and sorted. When his assistant left, the cashier – often the last to leave work – locked the door and worked alone. The next morning, he did not appear for work, but it was later when he was discovered murdered in his locked office.
This book looks at the investigation into George Little’s murder, how this ‘locked room,’ mystery was solved, the pressure on Superintendent Augustus Guy to solve the crime and the various suspects. Like the best historical true crime books, this explores not only the crime, but the historical period, widening its scope to look at the railways, phrenology, and other such subjects. It is packed with detail and a very in depth look at the crime, trial and aftermath. I received a copy of this book from the publishers, via NetGalley, for review.
December 6, 2021
A fascinating case meticulous research and a fictional feeling narrative made this book hugely enjoyable.
A classic locked room mystery that actually occurred in real life, the investigation that followed and the final outcome all highly intriguing and beautifully presented. I read this in great big chunks avidly dissecting every twist and turn. You really couldn't make it up and the author manages to set the historical perspective pitch perfectly.
A really most excellent read especially for true crime fans.
A classic locked room mystery that actually occurred in real life, the investigation that followed and the final outcome all highly intriguing and beautifully presented. I read this in great big chunks avidly dissecting every twist and turn. You really couldn't make it up and the author manages to set the historical perspective pitch perfectly.
A really most excellent read especially for true crime fans.
November 3, 2021
This book is based on a true event murder in Dublin city in 1856. George Little, chief cashier at Broadstone railway terminus is found dead in a pool of blood; in a locked room with no key. The author focused on the investigation through to the aftermath of the trial, based on an expanse of case materials. The book is well written albeit choc-a-bloc of detail, people and facts that I felt could have been omitted and ultimately would have kept the story moving along at a better pace. A good book for those interested in Victorian era crime, but a heavier read than other accounts, such as The Suspicions of Mr Whicher.
I received this copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
I received this copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
November 16, 2021
‘Justice requires no victim; justice requires and prefers that ninety-nine guilty men should escape, than that a hair of the head of one innocent man should be sacrificed to mistake.’
– Chief Justice Judge Monaghan, 1857
The Dublin Railway Murder by Thomas Morris was published November 11th with Harvill Secker and is described as ‘a thrilling and meticulously researched investigation into a real-life Victorian mystery…a fascinating, in-depth investigation that reads like a mystery novel.' I don’t normally read true-crime books but I was intrigued with this particular one by the title alone. The Dublin Railway Murder is a tale that shocked Irish society and a perplexing case that confounded and horrified all involved.
On a winter’s morning, Thursday 13th November, 1856, George Little took his normal route to work from his home on Waterloo Road in Dublin to Broadstone Railway Station, which was owned by The Midland and Great Western Railway Company. As chief cashier it was Little’s responsibility to handle the ofttimes large quantities of money that crossed his path. He was a respected and trusted employee, meticulous with his work and extremely conscientious with his accurate recording of the accounts. On the day in question there had been a larger delivery of cash to his office than normal mainly due to monies collected at the very busy Mullingar Fair. George Little had recently been concerned for the security of his office space and had it upgraded to allow him work without being paranoid of criminal activity. That particular day he knew he would be working late, so his family had no expectation of him being home for dinner. It was common for George Little to work late so the cleaning staff at the station had learned to let him be.
But the following day, it was noted by his sister that he never came home. She checked in with his work colleagues but no one had recalled seeing him that morning. With his office completely secure and locked from the inside, they had to break in and were faced with a shocking sight. George Little was dead on the floor having been brutally murdered (although initial speculation was that he had cut his own throat!) With no obvious sign of entry by the murderer, the immediate investigation hit a brick wall. Why was so much money still left lying around the office? Did George Little have any enemies? Was greed a factor or was this brutal act of violence a personal act of revenge?
Thomas Morris was fascinated with this Victorian locked-room mystery and set about his research into its findings
‘It’s based entirely on first-hand accounts of the investigation and its aftermath. As well as newspaper reports and trial transcripts, these sources include an astonishing cache of documents from the original case files – comprising the transcripts of police interviews, letters between detectives and government officials, and even surveillance reports filed by the undercover agents who were given the task of discreetly tailing suspects around the city.’
– Thomas Morris
As he read through the documentation it was soon very clear to him that this was an investigation that was marred with flaws and inaccuracies. The DMP (Dublin Metropolitan Police) were unequipped to gather the necessary testimonies and, with a shambolic lead into the investigation, important evidence was carelessly destroyed by the huge numbers of onlookers at the scene. This was a sensational crime in Dublin at the time. The population were unused to hearing of such violent acts and were completely riveted to every single ounce of gossip.
As the police trawled through the offices of the Broadstone station they became more frustrated daily with their lack of progress. Every tip-off was followed up and a number of arrests were made but to no avail. The perpetrator was still at large and the public were afraid.
Thomas Morris’ research took him to the Irish National Archives, where he uncovered a wealth of ‘secret government documents and court transcripts that had lain undisturbed for years.’ He gathered up all this information and created this fascinating account of an investigation that was hampered in so many ways. One of the more outrageous laws of the time was that a woman could not give evidence against her husband in a trial as, once married, she was basically, in her own right, a persona-non-grata. This archaic law was an instrumental turning point in the investigation frustrating all involved and had serious implications on the outcome of a murder trial that drew gasps from both sides of the Atlantic and left a family devoid of a hoped for outcome.
The Dublin Railway Murder is a deep examination of a case that caused much consternation and scandal in the mid 1800s. As time passed it was lost in the archives until Thomas Morris dusted it off and brought it to life with this intense and quite compelling tale. Although a non-fiction book, The Dublin Railway Murder is written in such a manner that it feels like fiction.
‘The rail traffic was gradually wound down with the last train pulling into Broadstone at midnight on the 16th January 1937’ ( Irish History Podcast ) and the station no longer operated, its history long forgotten, until now. In addition to Thomas Morris resurrecting this infamous case, in March of this year it was reported that ‘a €15 million redevelopment of the historic Broadstone depot opposite the Kings Inns in Dublin 7 has been completed by Dublin Bus.’ ( The Irish Times )
The Dublin Railway Murder is more than just a report on a shocking crime, it provides the reader with an incredible insight into the social history and the economy of the time. It is an extraordinary story transporting the reader back in time when Ireland was in recovery from The Great Famine and under English rule. The court scenes come alive and the sense of the claustrophobic and almost circus-like atmosphere is depicted with a great level of authenticity. Definitely a book for all true-crime aficionados, The Dublin Railway Murder, is full of real-life drama, while also highlighting many of the appalling inadequacies of the judicial system at the time.
“The case behind the Dublin Railway Murder has everything – a truly puzzling crime, several suspects arrested and released, a dogged detective in Superintendent Augustus Guy, mysterious witnesses, newspapers fighting to cover every development, (and even a brief appearance from Mr Whicher). No-one loves and knows archives more than Thomas Morris, and for his first narrative non-fiction book Thomas has unearthed a staggeringly good story. It’s a joy.”
– Patrick Walsh at PEW Literary, The Bookseller
– Chief Justice Judge Monaghan, 1857
The Dublin Railway Murder by Thomas Morris was published November 11th with Harvill Secker and is described as ‘a thrilling and meticulously researched investigation into a real-life Victorian mystery…a fascinating, in-depth investigation that reads like a mystery novel.' I don’t normally read true-crime books but I was intrigued with this particular one by the title alone. The Dublin Railway Murder is a tale that shocked Irish society and a perplexing case that confounded and horrified all involved.
On a winter’s morning, Thursday 13th November, 1856, George Little took his normal route to work from his home on Waterloo Road in Dublin to Broadstone Railway Station, which was owned by The Midland and Great Western Railway Company. As chief cashier it was Little’s responsibility to handle the ofttimes large quantities of money that crossed his path. He was a respected and trusted employee, meticulous with his work and extremely conscientious with his accurate recording of the accounts. On the day in question there had been a larger delivery of cash to his office than normal mainly due to monies collected at the very busy Mullingar Fair. George Little had recently been concerned for the security of his office space and had it upgraded to allow him work without being paranoid of criminal activity. That particular day he knew he would be working late, so his family had no expectation of him being home for dinner. It was common for George Little to work late so the cleaning staff at the station had learned to let him be.
But the following day, it was noted by his sister that he never came home. She checked in with his work colleagues but no one had recalled seeing him that morning. With his office completely secure and locked from the inside, they had to break in and were faced with a shocking sight. George Little was dead on the floor having been brutally murdered (although initial speculation was that he had cut his own throat!) With no obvious sign of entry by the murderer, the immediate investigation hit a brick wall. Why was so much money still left lying around the office? Did George Little have any enemies? Was greed a factor or was this brutal act of violence a personal act of revenge?
Thomas Morris was fascinated with this Victorian locked-room mystery and set about his research into its findings
‘It’s based entirely on first-hand accounts of the investigation and its aftermath. As well as newspaper reports and trial transcripts, these sources include an astonishing cache of documents from the original case files – comprising the transcripts of police interviews, letters between detectives and government officials, and even surveillance reports filed by the undercover agents who were given the task of discreetly tailing suspects around the city.’
– Thomas Morris
As he read through the documentation it was soon very clear to him that this was an investigation that was marred with flaws and inaccuracies. The DMP (Dublin Metropolitan Police) were unequipped to gather the necessary testimonies and, with a shambolic lead into the investigation, important evidence was carelessly destroyed by the huge numbers of onlookers at the scene. This was a sensational crime in Dublin at the time. The population were unused to hearing of such violent acts and were completely riveted to every single ounce of gossip.
As the police trawled through the offices of the Broadstone station they became more frustrated daily with their lack of progress. Every tip-off was followed up and a number of arrests were made but to no avail. The perpetrator was still at large and the public were afraid.
Thomas Morris’ research took him to the Irish National Archives, where he uncovered a wealth of ‘secret government documents and court transcripts that had lain undisturbed for years.’ He gathered up all this information and created this fascinating account of an investigation that was hampered in so many ways. One of the more outrageous laws of the time was that a woman could not give evidence against her husband in a trial as, once married, she was basically, in her own right, a persona-non-grata. This archaic law was an instrumental turning point in the investigation frustrating all involved and had serious implications on the outcome of a murder trial that drew gasps from both sides of the Atlantic and left a family devoid of a hoped for outcome.
The Dublin Railway Murder is a deep examination of a case that caused much consternation and scandal in the mid 1800s. As time passed it was lost in the archives until Thomas Morris dusted it off and brought it to life with this intense and quite compelling tale. Although a non-fiction book, The Dublin Railway Murder is written in such a manner that it feels like fiction.
‘The rail traffic was gradually wound down with the last train pulling into Broadstone at midnight on the 16th January 1937’ ( Irish History Podcast ) and the station no longer operated, its history long forgotten, until now. In addition to Thomas Morris resurrecting this infamous case, in March of this year it was reported that ‘a €15 million redevelopment of the historic Broadstone depot opposite the Kings Inns in Dublin 7 has been completed by Dublin Bus.’ ( The Irish Times )
The Dublin Railway Murder is more than just a report on a shocking crime, it provides the reader with an incredible insight into the social history and the economy of the time. It is an extraordinary story transporting the reader back in time when Ireland was in recovery from The Great Famine and under English rule. The court scenes come alive and the sense of the claustrophobic and almost circus-like atmosphere is depicted with a great level of authenticity. Definitely a book for all true-crime aficionados, The Dublin Railway Murder, is full of real-life drama, while also highlighting many of the appalling inadequacies of the judicial system at the time.
“The case behind the Dublin Railway Murder has everything – a truly puzzling crime, several suspects arrested and released, a dogged detective in Superintendent Augustus Guy, mysterious witnesses, newspapers fighting to cover every development, (and even a brief appearance from Mr Whicher). No-one loves and knows archives more than Thomas Morris, and for his first narrative non-fiction book Thomas has unearthed a staggeringly good story. It’s a joy.”
– Patrick Walsh at PEW Literary, The Bookseller
December 8, 2021
Fascinating.
This book brings together two genres I really like - crime/mystery and historic fiction. It is the retelling of the murder of George Little, a clerk at the Dublin railway station. It is not just the story of the murder per se, but traces what happened before, during and after the murder.
The book is divided into 5 parts - The Murder, The Investigation, The Suspect, The Trial and The Phrenologist. The section titles are self explanatory. The first two parts are painfully slow and reflect the pace of a Victorian investigation, a period before forensics, CCTVs and such. The book picks up pace with The Trial, which was to me, the most interesting section.
The book is well researched and puts together a near-comprehensive view of the happenings. Was the case really solved is the big question that the reader is left with, and while that is frustrating, it also speaks of reality, rather than a fictitious plot where justice is always served.
The major downside is that in some places it is quite fact heavy. Somehow this is both, the strength and the weakness of this book. All in all, a very enjoyable read.
This book brings together two genres I really like - crime/mystery and historic fiction. It is the retelling of the murder of George Little, a clerk at the Dublin railway station. It is not just the story of the murder per se, but traces what happened before, during and after the murder.
The book is divided into 5 parts - The Murder, The Investigation, The Suspect, The Trial and The Phrenologist. The section titles are self explanatory. The first two parts are painfully slow and reflect the pace of a Victorian investigation, a period before forensics, CCTVs and such. The book picks up pace with The Trial, which was to me, the most interesting section.
The book is well researched and puts together a near-comprehensive view of the happenings. Was the case really solved is the big question that the reader is left with, and while that is frustrating, it also speaks of reality, rather than a fictitious plot where justice is always served.
The major downside is that in some places it is quite fact heavy. Somehow this is both, the strength and the weakness of this book. All in all, a very enjoyable read.
April 4, 2023
Painstaking account of the investigation into the murder of George Little in 1856. Maybe a little less extraneous detail would have made it more interesting. If you like true crime and locked murder room mysteries then this could be the book for you.
November 16, 2021
I often find that books based on truth can be a bit dry and too laden with facts but I was so intrigued by the locked room aspect I decided to give this one a read. I was pleasantly surprised that this read like a good historical crime fiction and had, not only a murder mystery but a good police procedural and trial too.
It started off with a bleakness of both time and place and I really felt I had stepped back in time to one of the worst periods of poverty so surely money would be the motive for murder. So why then is a vast amount of money left at the crime scene? With political upheaval and corporate fraud being widespread a railway firm would be at risk. Was George Little just unfortunate to be in the wrong place at the wrong time or caught up in something dangerous?
Being long before today’s techniques of crime solving could be applied they will have to rely on old fashioned and seemingly eccentric methods like phrenology instead. I found this absolutely fascinating and a bit way out there and was half expecting them to even consider conducting a seance.
One thing that doesn’t seem to have changed is the press and how they could reveal sensitive information but also treat it like it was salacious gossip. Without giving too much away it all seemed to hang on the claims of one woman and it is her own husband she is accusing.
This has obviously been meticulously researched as it shows in the sheer attention to every detail. Knowing this was about the murder of a real person I found that, for me at least, it became more about wanting justice than trying to work out the whodunnit. It seems unjust that the crime became famous while the victim was mostly forgotten and the epilogue was a stark reminder of that and his families subsequent treatment.
It started off with a bleakness of both time and place and I really felt I had stepped back in time to one of the worst periods of poverty so surely money would be the motive for murder. So why then is a vast amount of money left at the crime scene? With political upheaval and corporate fraud being widespread a railway firm would be at risk. Was George Little just unfortunate to be in the wrong place at the wrong time or caught up in something dangerous?
Being long before today’s techniques of crime solving could be applied they will have to rely on old fashioned and seemingly eccentric methods like phrenology instead. I found this absolutely fascinating and a bit way out there and was half expecting them to even consider conducting a seance.
One thing that doesn’t seem to have changed is the press and how they could reveal sensitive information but also treat it like it was salacious gossip. Without giving too much away it all seemed to hang on the claims of one woman and it is her own husband she is accusing.
This has obviously been meticulously researched as it shows in the sheer attention to every detail. Knowing this was about the murder of a real person I found that, for me at least, it became more about wanting justice than trying to work out the whodunnit. It seems unjust that the crime became famous while the victim was mostly forgotten and the epilogue was a stark reminder of that and his families subsequent treatment.
September 21, 2021
Excellent read. A very compelling mystery that paints a vivid portrait of 19th Century Dublin.
November 8, 2021
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Discover the locations in the Dublin Railway Murder novel
A true Victorian crime brought to life in a historical novel? Yes please!
The true crime was a murder at the Broadstone railway terminal in Dublin. George Little, a clerk in a there, was brutally murdered at his desk in his locked office. This novel takes that story, and recreates it so we, as the reader can be at the centre of it all. It is quite the experience!
The author has really taken this subject and crafted it well from meticulous research. He expertly crafts the atmosphere and political situation at the time through records and facts from the real life case. It’s quite the mix and very compelling reading.
The setting is nicely evoked as we get a sense not just of the time, but the Irish political situation, the state of the railways and how people living in Dublin were at that time with regards to the police. Many people distrusted the police at the time it seems. The population of Dublin were suspicious of the absent English MP who governed them at the time. There was a financial crisis too and scams going on with officials so when the cashier George Little was murdered, this suggested was much more than an awful murder and crime. Nothing is going to be straight forward here and the intrigue is there from the start.
It’s all so awful that I was keen to remind myself that this actually happened. Imagine in the days before DNA and the techniques the police would use today how much more difficult this would all have been. There are so many hurdles to finding and then apprehending the perpetrator that it was almost unreliable. This was a unique case and the author has given us a brilliantly immersive journey into the past and a very interesting criminal investigation. I love these historical investigations and trials as with the benefit of hindsight you know how it would be viewed today. How they investigated with the constrictions of the past is just so fascinating.
As well as the trial and investigation however, I found this novel like a history book of the people and events of that time. Life in Dublin in 1856 was very different to life now but it was such a rush to go back there!
Highly recommended and please can we have this one TV?
Discover the locations in the Dublin Railway Murder novel
A true Victorian crime brought to life in a historical novel? Yes please!
The true crime was a murder at the Broadstone railway terminal in Dublin. George Little, a clerk in a there, was brutally murdered at his desk in his locked office. This novel takes that story, and recreates it so we, as the reader can be at the centre of it all. It is quite the experience!
The author has really taken this subject and crafted it well from meticulous research. He expertly crafts the atmosphere and political situation at the time through records and facts from the real life case. It’s quite the mix and very compelling reading.
The setting is nicely evoked as we get a sense not just of the time, but the Irish political situation, the state of the railways and how people living in Dublin were at that time with regards to the police. Many people distrusted the police at the time it seems. The population of Dublin were suspicious of the absent English MP who governed them at the time. There was a financial crisis too and scams going on with officials so when the cashier George Little was murdered, this suggested was much more than an awful murder and crime. Nothing is going to be straight forward here and the intrigue is there from the start.
It’s all so awful that I was keen to remind myself that this actually happened. Imagine in the days before DNA and the techniques the police would use today how much more difficult this would all have been. There are so many hurdles to finding and then apprehending the perpetrator that it was almost unreliable. This was a unique case and the author has given us a brilliantly immersive journey into the past and a very interesting criminal investigation. I love these historical investigations and trials as with the benefit of hindsight you know how it would be viewed today. How they investigated with the constrictions of the past is just so fascinating.
As well as the trial and investigation however, I found this novel like a history book of the people and events of that time. Life in Dublin in 1856 was very different to life now but it was such a rush to go back there!
Highly recommended and please can we have this one TV?
December 28, 2021
I mean yeah, if you're into true crime this book might be something for you. I'm not so I wasn't particulary investenrd in it.
This book is very very well-researched but also very fact-heavy, which is both a good thing and a bad thing. You learn A LOT about Victorian Dublin, but sometimes it draws your attention away from the story.
I feel like this book woyld have been a great novel, because as a true crime it's a bit dry and emotionless.
I received this book from the Publisher in an exchage for an honest review
This book is very very well-researched but also very fact-heavy, which is both a good thing and a bad thing. You learn A LOT about Victorian Dublin, but sometimes it draws your attention away from the story.
I feel like this book woyld have been a great novel, because as a true crime it's a bit dry and emotionless.
I received this book from the Publisher in an exchage for an honest review
December 8, 2021
In 1856 George Little, a cashier for the Midland Great Western Railway Company in Dublin, an honest and reliable employee, was found brutally murdered in his office with his throat cut and the door locked from the inside. A real-life locked-room mystery. This meticulously researched and well-written book explores the murder in great detail, with the investigations and consequent trial transcripts are quoted in full. It’s an intriguing and compelling story. Not only do we learn all about the murder but the book also sheds light on the economic and social conditions prevailing in Dublin at the time, making this a work of social history as well as a mystery tale. An added bonus was meeting Mr Whicher again – although this time he doesn’t do so well in solving the crime. Occasionally I found the level of detail a bit overwhelming but overall this is a fascinating account of a still unsolved murder.
November 22, 2021
In The Dublin Railway Murder, the author pieces together the story of an 1856 murder mystery that gripped the population of Dublin, and beyond. The book is a meticulously researched true crime story based on contemporary accounts, original police interviews and other documents unearthed from the archives by the author.
The murder of George Little is in essence a locked-room murder mystery that could have come straight off the pages of an Agatha Christie novel, but didn’t because it actually happened. However, don’t expect a ‘whodunnit’ because a definitive outcome is not necessarily the way things happen in real life.
The book contains a massive amount of detail, not just about the course of the investigation and the trial, but also about life in Victorian Dublin. Although the social history was fascinating, at times it did threaten to dominate the unfolding story. Having said that, I did learn an awful lot about the operation of a Victorian railway, a seemingly much more complicated and bureaucratic process than simply transporting people and goods from A to B.
The book has a large cast of characters (listed at the beginning of the book) some of whom make only a brief appearance and, although forming part of the investigation, don’t contribute much to the eventual outcome. What I did find astonishing was the initially slapdash approach to the investigation, such as not securing the crime scene and allowing members of the public and press to wander in and out. On the other hand, I was amazed at the efforts the police went to in the attempt to recover key items of evidence, including having a canal drained and searching in some extremely unsalubrious places.
My favourite parts of the book were the chapters describing the trial of the individual charged with the crime. There was a real sense of the frenzied atmosphere around the proceedings with the press and public jostling for places in the gallery, as well as the barristers for the defence and the prosecution competing with each other to uncover – or mitigate – the more damaging revelations, even to make the most amusing quip. These sections also highlighted aspects of the legal process we would find quite puzzling today, such as the absence of a witness box and the item that was used instead.
The Dublin Railway Murder has been likened to Kate Summerscale’s The Suspicions of Mr Whicher and in fact Whicher does make a fleeting appearance in the book. I felt I would have liked to get to know some of the main characters, such as Superintendent Augustus Guy, just a little bit more, and perhaps see things from their point of view. And, as the author acknowledges towards the end of the book, the emotional impact of the murder on the victim’s family, which would be much more of a focus in a similar situation today, was largely ignored at the time.
The Dublin Railway Murder will definitely appeal to fans of historical true crime and those who like to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of past times.
The murder of George Little is in essence a locked-room murder mystery that could have come straight off the pages of an Agatha Christie novel, but didn’t because it actually happened. However, don’t expect a ‘whodunnit’ because a definitive outcome is not necessarily the way things happen in real life.
The book contains a massive amount of detail, not just about the course of the investigation and the trial, but also about life in Victorian Dublin. Although the social history was fascinating, at times it did threaten to dominate the unfolding story. Having said that, I did learn an awful lot about the operation of a Victorian railway, a seemingly much more complicated and bureaucratic process than simply transporting people and goods from A to B.
The book has a large cast of characters (listed at the beginning of the book) some of whom make only a brief appearance and, although forming part of the investigation, don’t contribute much to the eventual outcome. What I did find astonishing was the initially slapdash approach to the investigation, such as not securing the crime scene and allowing members of the public and press to wander in and out. On the other hand, I was amazed at the efforts the police went to in the attempt to recover key items of evidence, including having a canal drained and searching in some extremely unsalubrious places.
My favourite parts of the book were the chapters describing the trial of the individual charged with the crime. There was a real sense of the frenzied atmosphere around the proceedings with the press and public jostling for places in the gallery, as well as the barristers for the defence and the prosecution competing with each other to uncover – or mitigate – the more damaging revelations, even to make the most amusing quip. These sections also highlighted aspects of the legal process we would find quite puzzling today, such as the absence of a witness box and the item that was used instead.
The Dublin Railway Murder has been likened to Kate Summerscale’s The Suspicions of Mr Whicher and in fact Whicher does make a fleeting appearance in the book. I felt I would have liked to get to know some of the main characters, such as Superintendent Augustus Guy, just a little bit more, and perhaps see things from their point of view. And, as the author acknowledges towards the end of the book, the emotional impact of the murder on the victim’s family, which would be much more of a focus in a similar situation today, was largely ignored at the time.
The Dublin Railway Murder will definitely appeal to fans of historical true crime and those who like to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of past times.
November 27, 2021
(Audiobook)
Dublin, November 1856: When the chief cashier of the Broadstone railway terminus is found dead in his office, his colleagues assume he must have committed suicide. But further investigation uncovers the truth – George Little has been murdered. Most baffling is the fact that Little’s office door has been locked from inside with no sign of a key, and no obvious means for the killer to escape. With a great deal of cash left lying around in the office, this true locked-room mystery soon has Dublin police running rings round themselves.
Superbly narrated by Brendan Dempsey, this complicated case is told in great detail, giving a real sense of the atmosphere that must have surrounded the police and their many suspects at the time. What is most thrilling are the twists and turns as detectives and lawyers track down suspects, only to come up against a series of dead ends. When the case finally gets to court, yet more shenanigans ensue, and a guilty verdict continues to elude those convinced they have the right man.
A fascinating and thoroughly entertaining book.
Dublin, November 1856: When the chief cashier of the Broadstone railway terminus is found dead in his office, his colleagues assume he must have committed suicide. But further investigation uncovers the truth – George Little has been murdered. Most baffling is the fact that Little’s office door has been locked from inside with no sign of a key, and no obvious means for the killer to escape. With a great deal of cash left lying around in the office, this true locked-room mystery soon has Dublin police running rings round themselves.
Superbly narrated by Brendan Dempsey, this complicated case is told in great detail, giving a real sense of the atmosphere that must have surrounded the police and their many suspects at the time. What is most thrilling are the twists and turns as detectives and lawyers track down suspects, only to come up against a series of dead ends. When the case finally gets to court, yet more shenanigans ensue, and a guilty verdict continues to elude those convinced they have the right man.
A fascinating and thoroughly entertaining book.
June 30, 2022
Perhaps a bit too long to be a full five stars but it's so rare to see historical true crime written in a way that brings the story to life without maudlin sentimentality clouding the narrative.
May 28, 2025
Good account of a true crime from the 1800’s and well written, but parts did drag out a bit
June 23, 2023
I was just walking down the library aisles, peeking in and out, trying to see what would catch my eyes. I had already gotten a book that I wanted and was waiting on a friend to finish up with theirs. A glint of green caught my eye, and it really stood out from the monotonous plain shelves stocked with black and gray. True Crime. I hadn't even taken a look at anything from that genre before, maybe a few Buzzfeed unsolved videos but nothing more than that. I read the back and was instantly glued.
A non-fictitious analytical and logical dive into a cut-throat murder, thrilling and not at all overwhelmed with inessential facts, but a fascinating story nonetheless. A single case file, hundreds of pages, and thousands of minutes, all meticulously condensed into 350 pages, not too much, yet not too little. It almost makes you agitated, thinking about a Victorian era murder, and how it probably wouldn't have played out so difficultly in today's time and age; yet, there would not be such an intriguing work, if it had been so plain and precise.
A non-fictitious analytical and logical dive into a cut-throat murder, thrilling and not at all overwhelmed with inessential facts, but a fascinating story nonetheless. A single case file, hundreds of pages, and thousands of minutes, all meticulously condensed into 350 pages, not too much, yet not too little. It almost makes you agitated, thinking about a Victorian era murder, and how it probably wouldn't have played out so difficultly in today's time and age; yet, there would not be such an intriguing work, if it had been so plain and precise.
October 20, 2021
Based upon a true story set in Dublin 1856 about a chief cashier, George Little who diligently worked at Broadstone railway terminus who was found dead laying in a pool of blood behind a locked door ! No its not mid-summers murders or peaky blinders, it really happened; a case that confounded both police, citizens of Dublin and workers at the terminus. Great historical research based on copious information, put together to create an easy to follow narrative. I really enjoyed the peaking into the social world of the rich and lowly, the quirks of policing, odd characters, inept investigation techniques sprinkled with the usual coronation type scandals, lying, cover ups and misdirection. Good follow up on where our main characters of the story ended up and dialogue on the investigation. Kept me reading right to the end and no skipping sections. Thank you Netgalley and the publishers Random House UK for allowing me to review this book.
February 6, 2022
A very readable account of a murder I had never heard of before. The author does occasionally slip into "Look at all these things I found out while researching? Are they relevant to the topic? No, but I don't care" territory but that seems to happen in most historic true crime...and unlike in most of those, the irrelevant asides in The Dublin Railway Murder are actually interesting.
Towards the middle (the police interrogation and the trial) it drags a bit because it's more or less the transcripts from the original events and unlike on Law and Order in real life those aren't short and snappy but (sometimes exhaustingly) repetitive.
Towards the middle (the police interrogation and the trial) it drags a bit because it's more or less the transcripts from the original events and unlike on Law and Order in real life those aren't short and snappy but (sometimes exhaustingly) repetitive.
November 12, 2021
My review of The Dublin Railway Murder by Thomas Morris
This is a literary true crime story set in Dublin in the mid 19th century. It centres around the death of the Chief Cashier of the West Midland Railway Company at their head office in Dublin. He was found in his office, which was locked from the inside, with the door key missing. The only window was nailed shut. Initially thought as suicide it is soon discovered that he was murdered. Thousands of pounds of gold and silver are found in the room, untouched. However, it is subsequently discovered that there is a substantial amount of cash missing.
The book is based on historical records and effectively is a police procedural story following the investigation and trial. A leading Dublin lawyer and an experienced detective are on the case but their investigations lead nowhere. The story highlights the huge differences in investigations then compared to the modern era and this makes for very interesting reading.
I wasn’t too sure about the book at the beginning but as I read more, and could clearly see how well it had been researched and written, I ended up totally fascinated by the story line. Having visited the areas of Dublin involved helped me to visualise the case. Enjoyable reading and I would give it 4.5⭐️
This is a literary true crime story set in Dublin in the mid 19th century. It centres around the death of the Chief Cashier of the West Midland Railway Company at their head office in Dublin. He was found in his office, which was locked from the inside, with the door key missing. The only window was nailed shut. Initially thought as suicide it is soon discovered that he was murdered. Thousands of pounds of gold and silver are found in the room, untouched. However, it is subsequently discovered that there is a substantial amount of cash missing.
The book is based on historical records and effectively is a police procedural story following the investigation and trial. A leading Dublin lawyer and an experienced detective are on the case but their investigations lead nowhere. The story highlights the huge differences in investigations then compared to the modern era and this makes for very interesting reading.
I wasn’t too sure about the book at the beginning but as I read more, and could clearly see how well it had been researched and written, I ended up totally fascinated by the story line. Having visited the areas of Dublin involved helped me to visualise the case. Enjoyable reading and I would give it 4.5⭐️
November 3, 2021
3.5 stars
A fascinating true crime recollection of a horrific murder in the late 1800’s in Dublin. Diligently researched, the book gives detailed descriptions of the crime, the investigation and the setting of the railway station. There were at times too many characters for me to keep up with, but this only serves to remind the reader of the complexity of this type of crime in the 19th century.
A fascinating true crime recollection of a horrific murder in the late 1800’s in Dublin. Diligently researched, the book gives detailed descriptions of the crime, the investigation and the setting of the railway station. There were at times too many characters for me to keep up with, but this only serves to remind the reader of the complexity of this type of crime in the 19th century.
August 3, 2021
Against the backdrop of an Ireland still recovering from the horrors of the potato famine, railway station cashier George Little was brutally murdered in a locked room in 1856. The case would become one of the most famous in Irish history.
Author Thomas Morris vividly brings to life Victorian Dublin and the railway station where George Little worked as a cashier. Violent crime had been rife in the UK at this time but in Dublin murder was largely unheard of, and the murder would become the talk of the city and the subject of rumour and gossip.
The post-mortem report of Little’s wounds are unflinching, and after a rather hasty and haphazard inquest, which took place in line with the procedures of the day, a police investigation began. Despite dozens of interviews and suspicions, it was some months before the wife of railway worker James Spollin came forward to accuse him of the murder.
The narrative gathers pace as the possible murder weapons are found and the station staff are interviewed and some suspected. Morris writes the narrative straight from the interview transcripts so it can feel a little dull at times but it’s fun to spot the discrepancies in the suspects’ stories and to try to solve the murder yourself.
The trial is riveting with even a little humour supplied by the defending counsel, again written based on the original court transcripts. The aftermath of the trial is perhaps the strangest part of the whole story.
Meticulously researched, this is a readable account of one of Ireland’s most complex murder cases. It is essential for fans of true crime stories.
Author Thomas Morris vividly brings to life Victorian Dublin and the railway station where George Little worked as a cashier. Violent crime had been rife in the UK at this time but in Dublin murder was largely unheard of, and the murder would become the talk of the city and the subject of rumour and gossip.
The post-mortem report of Little’s wounds are unflinching, and after a rather hasty and haphazard inquest, which took place in line with the procedures of the day, a police investigation began. Despite dozens of interviews and suspicions, it was some months before the wife of railway worker James Spollin came forward to accuse him of the murder.
The narrative gathers pace as the possible murder weapons are found and the station staff are interviewed and some suspected. Morris writes the narrative straight from the interview transcripts so it can feel a little dull at times but it’s fun to spot the discrepancies in the suspects’ stories and to try to solve the murder yourself.
The trial is riveting with even a little humour supplied by the defending counsel, again written based on the original court transcripts. The aftermath of the trial is perhaps the strangest part of the whole story.
Meticulously researched, this is a readable account of one of Ireland’s most complex murder cases. It is essential for fans of true crime stories.
September 29, 2024
Content warnings: death, murder, blood
I was intrigued by the premise of this, and given that I know less than nothing about 19th century Ireland and I'd heard less than nothing about this case, I was intrigued to learn more about both. But at the end of the day, I just don't think there's QUITE enough here to warrant an entire book. An episode of a podcast, maybe? But a whole book? Eh.
It felt like the victim's story got lost time and time again in discussions of phrenology and the detective investigating the case and the lives of various suspects into the future. And I get that we don't know a lot about the victim, but I still would have liked more of a victim-focused story...
I was intrigued by the premise of this, and given that I know less than nothing about 19th century Ireland and I'd heard less than nothing about this case, I was intrigued to learn more about both. But at the end of the day, I just don't think there's QUITE enough here to warrant an entire book. An episode of a podcast, maybe? But a whole book? Eh.
It felt like the victim's story got lost time and time again in discussions of phrenology and the detective investigating the case and the lives of various suspects into the future. And I get that we don't know a lot about the victim, but I still would have liked more of a victim-focused story...
November 22, 2021
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The gruesome murder of Cashier, George Little has taken place in Broadstone Railway Terminus in Nov 1856. He he found in his office - with the door locked! who murdered him? how did they escape? why was he murdered? these are all the questions that are asked in the true crime book by Thomas Morris. I have always been a fan of true crime documentaries, but I don't read very much in that genre. When I saw it on Netgally - not only had a never heard of the case but the fact it was in Dublin made me want to check it out!
It is a very in depth look at not only the crime itself, but the social history of Dublin and the Country as a whole at that time. It also focuses on the trail, in fantastic detail and I learned some info about the law system from that period that I was not aware of. Morris also looks into the aftermath of the trail and explores various other topics along the way. It is clear that extensive research went into the writing of this book which made it all the more detailed and intriguing.
a truly fascinating read!
The gruesome murder of Cashier, George Little has taken place in Broadstone Railway Terminus in Nov 1856. He he found in his office - with the door locked! who murdered him? how did they escape? why was he murdered? these are all the questions that are asked in the true crime book by Thomas Morris. I have always been a fan of true crime documentaries, but I don't read very much in that genre. When I saw it on Netgally - not only had a never heard of the case but the fact it was in Dublin made me want to check it out!
It is a very in depth look at not only the crime itself, but the social history of Dublin and the Country as a whole at that time. It also focuses on the trail, in fantastic detail and I learned some info about the law system from that period that I was not aware of. Morris also looks into the aftermath of the trail and explores various other topics along the way. It is clear that extensive research went into the writing of this book which made it all the more detailed and intriguing.
a truly fascinating read!
December 15, 2022
An absolutely fantastic and intriguing read. The author has crafted a wonderful narrative to an historic case.
November 19, 2021
Oh my goodness, a lot of work has gone into the researching this book. The story would be of interest to anyone with an interest in historical crime procedures as it is fascinating for comparison between then and now. There are a lot of people mentioned which can be a little confusing at times but we are taken from just before the murder right through to the end of the judicial process. A very interesting read that requires concentration to make sense of the great detail that is included.
December 19, 2021
Spoiler Free Review Until Specified
As someone living in Ireland the title immediately piqued my interest! I'd never heard about this event before, and who doesn't love a good true crime story?
The book follows the murder case of George Little, a chief cashier at the Midland Great Western Railway and is divided into 4 sections: the murder, the investigation, the suspect, and the trial, with a 5th section concerning a phrenophologist (people who study the skull and believe its shape reveals people's traits). I'm not sure if this last section was necessary as it doesn't really relate to the the murder case, but it was very interesting nonetheless.
Morris remarks that he used primary documents such as interviews and witness statements from the Irish National Archives to relay this story. I'm sure the case was far from straight forward but Morris makes it read easily and linearly. I have a lot of respect for the amount of research put into the book, because not only does he tell the story of the murder case but he also explains background information about the railway company, its employees, contemporary Irish society, the judicial system, the distrust of the police, the geography of towns & cities, emigration, Irish history, and so much more! If youre not from the island, you don't need to worry about not understanding Ireland culturally. I didnt find that Morris got lost in these sections but only presented enough information to provide a basic understanding.
While I did feel that the case was told faithfully, which I cant fault, I did feel like some pieces could have been left out - as a book that is marketed as "gripping" and "thrilling", I found myself nearly falling asleep in places.
((Minor Spoilers))
I learned a lot of interesting things about Ireland, the most stand-out being that women weren't allowed to testify against their husbands! Its not exactly surprising but I still felt shocked after seeing how it could have drasticaly changed the result of the trial.
((End of spoilers))
Lastly, I felt that including images of the suspect before the suspect is revealed to the reader throws off the surprise of the crucial information that is brought to the police, so I would advise anyone reading this book not to read the notes under the photos until after finishing it. It would have been best placed at the end of the book.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas Morris for supplying this ARC.
As someone living in Ireland the title immediately piqued my interest! I'd never heard about this event before, and who doesn't love a good true crime story?
The book follows the murder case of George Little, a chief cashier at the Midland Great Western Railway and is divided into 4 sections: the murder, the investigation, the suspect, and the trial, with a 5th section concerning a phrenophologist (people who study the skull and believe its shape reveals people's traits). I'm not sure if this last section was necessary as it doesn't really relate to the the murder case, but it was very interesting nonetheless.
Morris remarks that he used primary documents such as interviews and witness statements from the Irish National Archives to relay this story. I'm sure the case was far from straight forward but Morris makes it read easily and linearly. I have a lot of respect for the amount of research put into the book, because not only does he tell the story of the murder case but he also explains background information about the railway company, its employees, contemporary Irish society, the judicial system, the distrust of the police, the geography of towns & cities, emigration, Irish history, and so much more! If youre not from the island, you don't need to worry about not understanding Ireland culturally. I didnt find that Morris got lost in these sections but only presented enough information to provide a basic understanding.
While I did feel that the case was told faithfully, which I cant fault, I did feel like some pieces could have been left out - as a book that is marketed as "gripping" and "thrilling", I found myself nearly falling asleep in places.
((Minor Spoilers))
I learned a lot of interesting things about Ireland, the most stand-out being that women weren't allowed to testify against their husbands! Its not exactly surprising but I still felt shocked after seeing how it could have drasticaly changed the result of the trial.
((End of spoilers))
Lastly, I felt that including images of the suspect before the suspect is revealed to the reader throws off the surprise of the crucial information that is brought to the police, so I would advise anyone reading this book not to read the notes under the photos until after finishing it. It would have been best placed at the end of the book.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and would like to thank Netgalley and Thomas Morris for supplying this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2021
This is not the type of book I usually read. True crime, and period true crime at that. However I was intrigued by the location, the Broadstone Terminus. I drive past this building every day on my way to work. Now a bus depot, I often get stopped at the traffic lights beside the still impressively imposing building. I frequently find myself looking up at the building, wondering about it’s past. So when I saw this book, my interest was piqued. Let me start by saying, I have never been so glad that I followed my interests! Set in Dublin in 1856, the chief cashier of the Broadstone railway, George Little, is found murdered in his office. He has been beaten to death, his office seemingly locked from the inside. At first it looks like all the money, gold and silver that he had been tallying had been left undisturbed. But soon it appears otherwise.
The top detective is immediately put on the scene. The people of Dublin are outraged as for all its problems, murder is nearly unheard of. The police turn up dead end after dead end, until they suddenly get the most unexpected break in the case.
This book was like a tour of my home city, traveling back in time, with the most intriguing crime thriller woven through it. I had to keep reminding myself that it was a true story. Morris has to be commended for the depth of his research. The months spent trawling the National Archives, and delving into police reports, court transcripts, newspaper clippings and more, has allowed him to bring a story to life in the most gripping and engaging way. I was transported back in time, through history, and felt like by the end of this book, that I was as vested as the police trying to solve the crime! I have recommended this book to anyone who will listen to me. It is a must read for sure!
The top detective is immediately put on the scene. The people of Dublin are outraged as for all its problems, murder is nearly unheard of. The police turn up dead end after dead end, until they suddenly get the most unexpected break in the case.
This book was like a tour of my home city, traveling back in time, with the most intriguing crime thriller woven through it. I had to keep reminding myself that it was a true story. Morris has to be commended for the depth of his research. The months spent trawling the National Archives, and delving into police reports, court transcripts, newspaper clippings and more, has allowed him to bring a story to life in the most gripping and engaging way. I was transported back in time, through history, and felt like by the end of this book, that I was as vested as the police trying to solve the crime! I have recommended this book to anyone who will listen to me. It is a must read for sure!
October 27, 2021
The year is 1856, the place is Victorian Dublin, and it’s the setting for a most notorious crime, a case that will flummox all those involved. Well respected employee of the Midland Great Western railway George Little, a cashier at the Broadstone terminus is found dead in his office, the door locked from the inside and no sign of an intruder. The manner in which his life has been taken is brutal and whilst the first assumption to be made is that he’s taken his own life, it quickly transpires police are looking at the scene of a murder. What is the motive, given no money appears to have been stolen, and how has the killer entered and escaped from the room? Thomas Morris has forensically trawled through the archives to bring this locked room true Victorian murder mystery to life, painting a vivid picture of city life in a country gradually recovering from the Great Famine. Capturing the murder mania that sweeps throughout the city Morris endeavours to captivate his readers with an in depth analysis of the crime, taking you on a step by step guide through the process from the beginning, with the gathering of evidence and witness statements through to the trial and beyond involving government officials, detectives, railway employees, suspects and ultimately the accused.
The author leaves no stone unturned in his recounting of the details of this case, setting the stage with an insight into George Little’s character, his personal life and his job description before moving on to the crime itself. The intricacies of how this murder took place gave me a headache but I did enjoy the in depth character analysis of the many potential suspects and the police personnel that the author provides. There’s no faulting his attention to detail. This is a murder investigation that from the outset is flawed with the author showcasing the inefficiency and ineptitude of those in charge time and time again. I like historical fiction but I wasn’t so keen on this historical true crime. From the synopsis I think I was expecting maybe something a touch more lighthearted, more salacious, more entertaining and not so dry (and frankly dull in places). I don’t agree with the statement that forms part of the publisher’s blurb that this is as compelling as any thriller and I certainly didn’t find it pacy. Considering the length of the book is only 384 pages, there were times I’d have believed it was twice that length. It’s so crammed full with facts that I found it to be a dense read and on occasion felt I was back at school with my history textbooks. The amount of individuals names to keep hold of in your head is quite a challenge and I admit I was initially put off by the incredibly long list that appears at the beginning of the book.
HOWEVER I’m glad I persevered as once the focus shifted to the accused I did become more engaged with this investigation which until this point yielded very little in the way of success. Or maybe I just became used to the writing style whose tone is understandably serious. The wheels of justice that grind so painstakingly slowly was just as frustrating for me as a reader as it must have been for the detectives and all those concerned. I particularly liked the Frederick Bridges phrenology aspect and the emphasis on the way in which the accused’s status is elevated to that of a celebrity, albeit a reviled one. There’s definitely an echo, particularly in the aftermath of the investigation of that old cliche “mud sticks” which is just as true today for anyone who finds themselves on the wrong side of the law and involved in a very public trial. It’s interesting to note too how little has changed in terms of the role the press play in sensationalising big murder cases. The spreading of malicious gossip and/or false news is not a new phenomenon! Even though at times I felt like I was wading through treacle I did finish this book more enlightened and educated regarding the legal processes and criminal justice system in Victorian Ireland as a whole. One of the most fascinating facts I gleaned from this read was in relation to witnesses and giving evidence. I was shocked to discover whose evidence would automatically be deemed inadmissible! Apprising his readers of the fate of some of the key players in this murder investigation is a nice note to end on although I did raise an eyebrow at one or two of the outcomes!
Whilst undoubtedly interesting in places overall I found this to be a dry and at times laborious read. I appreciate, respect and admire the meticulous approach the author has taken in researching this Victorian murder which in itself is worthy of 5⭐️. However taking into account the all important enjoyment factor I’m afraid I’m inclined to settle for a less impressive 3⭐️. Clearly I’m a fair weather history lover; I can either take it or leave it depending on the presentation of the facts and this veered too much towards textbook material for my liking. I’m always keen to read outside of my favoured genres but in all honesty this is probably one I’d pick up in a bookshop or a library, um and ah over for a while before deciding to return to the shelf! But of course I can now only make that comment having ploughed my way through the contents!
My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
The author leaves no stone unturned in his recounting of the details of this case, setting the stage with an insight into George Little’s character, his personal life and his job description before moving on to the crime itself. The intricacies of how this murder took place gave me a headache but I did enjoy the in depth character analysis of the many potential suspects and the police personnel that the author provides. There’s no faulting his attention to detail. This is a murder investigation that from the outset is flawed with the author showcasing the inefficiency and ineptitude of those in charge time and time again. I like historical fiction but I wasn’t so keen on this historical true crime. From the synopsis I think I was expecting maybe something a touch more lighthearted, more salacious, more entertaining and not so dry (and frankly dull in places). I don’t agree with the statement that forms part of the publisher’s blurb that this is as compelling as any thriller and I certainly didn’t find it pacy. Considering the length of the book is only 384 pages, there were times I’d have believed it was twice that length. It’s so crammed full with facts that I found it to be a dense read and on occasion felt I was back at school with my history textbooks. The amount of individuals names to keep hold of in your head is quite a challenge and I admit I was initially put off by the incredibly long list that appears at the beginning of the book.
HOWEVER I’m glad I persevered as once the focus shifted to the accused I did become more engaged with this investigation which until this point yielded very little in the way of success. Or maybe I just became used to the writing style whose tone is understandably serious. The wheels of justice that grind so painstakingly slowly was just as frustrating for me as a reader as it must have been for the detectives and all those concerned. I particularly liked the Frederick Bridges phrenology aspect and the emphasis on the way in which the accused’s status is elevated to that of a celebrity, albeit a reviled one. There’s definitely an echo, particularly in the aftermath of the investigation of that old cliche “mud sticks” which is just as true today for anyone who finds themselves on the wrong side of the law and involved in a very public trial. It’s interesting to note too how little has changed in terms of the role the press play in sensationalising big murder cases. The spreading of malicious gossip and/or false news is not a new phenomenon! Even though at times I felt like I was wading through treacle I did finish this book more enlightened and educated regarding the legal processes and criminal justice system in Victorian Ireland as a whole. One of the most fascinating facts I gleaned from this read was in relation to witnesses and giving evidence. I was shocked to discover whose evidence would automatically be deemed inadmissible! Apprising his readers of the fate of some of the key players in this murder investigation is a nice note to end on although I did raise an eyebrow at one or two of the outcomes!
Whilst undoubtedly interesting in places overall I found this to be a dry and at times laborious read. I appreciate, respect and admire the meticulous approach the author has taken in researching this Victorian murder which in itself is worthy of 5⭐️. However taking into account the all important enjoyment factor I’m afraid I’m inclined to settle for a less impressive 3⭐️. Clearly I’m a fair weather history lover; I can either take it or leave it depending on the presentation of the facts and this veered too much towards textbook material for my liking. I’m always keen to read outside of my favoured genres but in all honesty this is probably one I’d pick up in a bookshop or a library, um and ah over for a while before deciding to return to the shelf! But of course I can now only make that comment having ploughed my way through the contents!
My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2023
So much of the story was lost by excess information and general fiction.
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