The Death Collector: A Victorian Murder Mystery

by Toni Mount

More dastardly than Jack the Ripper in Whitechapel; more vile than the dense fog of a London Particular, an arch-fiend prowls the Victorian city streets. Nobody is safe from his experiments, whether peer or prostitute, preacher or policeman in this in this shocking tale of murder. Will Inspector Albert Sutton, aided by his wife Nell and her cat, be able to unmask and apprehend the heartless serial killer, or will they become the next novelty specimens of the Death Collector? In this riveting melodrama, Toni Mount explores the darker side of Victorian London, creating a gripping thriller packed with shocking murders, unexpected twists and chilling suspense. Read it if you dare... AUTHOR INTERVIEW This book takes a much darker turn than your previous novels. What led you to write this murder mystery? The Death Collector actually pre-dates the Seb Foxley novels and began as an on-going story for the Creative Writing Group that I belong to which meets twice a month. I would write a chapter to be read out at each session - that's why the chapters are quite short. Being an avid reader of crime novels, I've wondered at how many serial killers are tracked down because they use the same means of murder, choose similar victims or prowl a limited location, at least in novels. So I set myself the remit of a killer without a consistent modus operandi - how could the police solve these seemingly unconnected, random murders? I made each death as horrific but different as I could imagine, so much so, other members of the writing group began to worry if my family was safe. None has met a grisly end nor suffered torture - so far. The cat was added just for fun because there are some cat-lovers in the group. And the story just grew... How much of this book is based on true crime? Many of the Death Collector's crimes really happened, beginning with the first-ever murder on a railway train that was pretty much how I described it, though our perpetrator's part in the deadly act is my invention. The Ripper killings follow the facts to a certain extent with a bit of artistic licence to make them fit my story. Unsolved Murders in Victorian and Edwardian London by Jonathan Oates supplied other ideas about murderers of the era which I put to deadly use. Many of the high-ranking policemen were real - poor Frederick Adolphus 'Dolly' Williamson did die 'unexpectedly', believing his nephew was the serial killer, Jack the Ripper. Some of the victims were real too, but if the reader truly wants to know who existed and who was invented by me... I'll let them play the detective and solve those mysteries. What drew you to the Victorian era for this serial killer story? That's an easy question to answer. Modern forensic techniques are too scientific and detract from the human ingenuity elements of old-fashioned detective work, sorting the valuable clues from a heap of dross. The Victorian policeman only had photography, fingerprints and, latterly, ballistics to help him track down the murderer. I like to keep things simple, so no computerised information, bank account details, ANPR or SatNav equipment, etc. just notebooks and leg-work and, most wonderful of hardly any paperwork. How did you research your detective? Albert Sutton's character and appearance are based on my Dad - also named Albert. He wasn't a policeman but he was always brilliant at problem-solving and working stuff out. Otherwise, Albert is a mixture of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson with a dash of Hercule Poirot. I do hope you enjoy my book!

Genres: Mystery

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Toni Mount is a writer, teacher and speaker, specialising in ordinary lives and fascinating characters from history. She has an MA by Research from the University of Kent. Diplomas in European Humanities, Literature and Creative Writing and a first class honours degree from the Open University.

Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I totally choose this book because the cover was cool, and because I love all things JACK THE RIPPER themed. Which turned out quite fortuitous for me as this book was a very excellent read. That said, It took me a little bit to get into it. The writing felt a little clunky at the beginning, but it very quickly hit its stride, and I found myself enthralled with this mystery. It was well written and well paced. The setting was very atmospheric. The characters were likable. The plot was engaging and very tongue in check at times. I enjoyed it a lot, and I can't wait to see what is in store next for Albert, Nell, and their cat Blackstock.

[Cindy Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deliciously macabre!

This story set in Victorian Era London is a creation of Edgar Allen Poe quality!

The author literally takes us into the thoughts and murderous machinations of a most devious serial killer. The intelligence of the demented mind is so well written it chilled me. I found it difficult to read through several descriptions of victims' demises as this murderer casually slips through police investigators' fingers, especially Inspector Sutton's.

The plot keeps one in rapt attention with all intensity of a true crime novel. It made my skin crawl at times and chuckle at the alternating comedic addition of the inspector's wife Nell and her car Blackstock. A very black comedy at times, but pure delight.

I recommend to readers of historical crime fiction as a five-star book. The author surpasses her previous efforts. Toni Mount is pure genius!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love Toni's writing, both her fiction and non-fiction. I've read her entire Seb Foxley series and adore it, so I was surprised to come across this one after finishing her latest. This book is a classic Victorian crime novel, chilling and gruesome, but also winsome and engaging as is typical of Toni's writing. She has an incredible gift for setting the scene so the reader can imagine exactly what is taking place as if there. The fog of London's dark streets came through clearly as would a photograph. The crimes (and there were many) in this book were devious and devilish, and I squirmed through many of them. Yet... the incredible and sadistic mind of the antagonist was intriguing. This almost had the feel of a Sherlock Holmes novel, but flipped on its head (the antagonist being the brilliant one). I definitely recommend this one.

[Mrs Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series and after reading, and really enjoying the Sebastian Foxley stories, I found reading this book a very different experience. In no way a ‘who done it’ as the murderer narrates most of the book. The reader is taken deeply into the evil mind of a frightening psychopath, all taking place in the class ridden, filthy streets of nineteenth century England. The book travels at a good rate, allowing the reader to keep pace and has a exciting and amusingly different finish. The policeman involved is such a likeable hero that I look forward to his character developing when Toni next visits this time in history, but readers be warned, not for the squeamish or those of a refined disposition.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nathaniel, Lord Grosvenor-Berkeley of Heaton Magna, likes to kill and disect, and not in that order, in this Victorian serial killer mystery. Will Inspector Albert Sutton, helped by his wife Nell, and Blackstock, the cat ever catch him. Some what tongue in cheek rather then straight mystery, but an enjoyable story.

[Terry Medford · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable book if not a tiny bit of a Victorian cliche of characters and language. Did they really speak this way to each other? I dont know but I wouldnt imagine so, but anyhow, it is a good read.

[Sandra Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toni Mount is an expert in setting the scene in such a descriptive way that you are immersed in the period right from page one. The Death Collector has a gripping story line showing clearly the depths some individuals will go to reach their goal with little or no concern for those that get in their way. Could the police catch a serial killer who kept changing his methods so there was no modus operandi to track him by. I highly recommend this book. It has you gripped from the first page right to the last page.

[marian dunne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Please be aware before you read this that it contains spoilers:

The first third or so was great - unusual idea which I thoroughly enjoyed at first. Then, it got to the part where a victim escaped and it all went downhill from there.
Although I trudged on with this book, it became predictable and, well, messy.
So many sub plots made no sense: the butler; the cold meal; the killing of Mary Kelly...?
As soon as the bridge was mentioned, it became obvious that was where it would end - not sure who got there first, Toni Mount or Guy Richie, but it was so similar I cringed.
Such a shame, this could have been a terrific read.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Masterful Intrigue

Very compelling thriller! This book adds a completely different spin on Jack the Ripper and I found it to be a very well done historical fiction mystery. The use of first person POV from the killer added a creepy and scary insight into the seedy side of Victorian England. I would definitely recommend this book. I couldn't put it down and neither will you! Thanks, Toni, for another top notch book! Hoping they'll be more.

[Cynthia Kaeding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite different from the Foxley stories! Surprising, engrossing...I love the way Ms. Mount interweaves historical fact with her story. A great read.

[Papri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good but too gory

The story is a good one but if you are squeamish about too much of bloody descriptions ,then better avoid it.

[mary e savini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining read

Pretty good story, interesting characters. Will definitely read next one if this is a series. Will check out her other series.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this and read it in one day! Hope their will be more in this series for Inspector Albert Sutton and friends.