Mr Crippen, Cora and the Body in the Basement

by Matthew Coniam

It was an 'open and shut' case. Hawley Harvey Crippen, an American quack doctor, had murdered his wife, the music hall performer Belle Elmore, and buried parts of her body in the coal cellar of their North London home. But by the time the remains were discovered he had fled the country with his mistress disguised as his son. After a thrilling chase across the ocean he was caught, returned to England, tried and hanged, remembered forever after as the quintessential domestic murderer.

But if it was as straightforward as the prosecution alleged, why did he leave only some of the body in his house, when he had successfully disposed of the head, limbs and bones elsewhere? Why did he stick so doggedly to a plea of complete innocence, when he might have made a sympathetic case for manslaughter? Why did he make no effort to cover his tracks if he really had been planning a murder? These and other questions remained tantalising mysteries for almost a century, until new DNA tests conducted in America exploded everything we thought we knew for sure about the story. This book, the first to make full use of this astonishing new evidence, considers its implications for our understanding of the case, and suggests where the real truth might lie.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, History

280 pages, Hardcover

Published October 29, 2021

Reviews

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most infamous and memorable murderers in London after Jack the Ripper. Harvey Hawley Crippen, or Dr. Crippen as he was known. He had a wife and a mistress and was a super con man. He lived from one scam to the next. He decided to eliminate his wife and parts of her were found in the coal cellar. This book carries the story forward, sharing DNA results and what it means for the case now. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Matthew Coniam, and the publisher. (Review of a different edition.)

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for this copy.

I have to say that I had never heard or read about this case, so everything I learned here was a surprise to me. The author did good research, and he tried to be as objective as possible, which I respect. I think I still need to learn more about this to appreciate the book more, but it was a good read nonetheless.

[Cleopatra Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There can be few people that don't know that Crippen murdered his wife Cora, buried her in his basement and then fled with his mistress disguised as a boy to Canada and was trapped by the new wireless technology. Right? Well probably wrong, and Matthew Coniam explains why here.

The book is obviously well-researched and the author is able to agree with, or more often, refute assertions made by others with logical precision. He takes us back to the early days of the Crippens, shines a light on the quack profession Crippen engaged in and speculates on why following the birth of his son by his first wife, no further children were born.

I greatly enjoyed the read and it was only when we neared the end that I felt the author overstretched his assertions at times to underline his view on Crippen. This, and the times where he seems to be openly scornful of other's conclusions grated a little with this reader but not so much that I didn't feel that I have a far more thorough understanding of events, certainly to come to my own conclusion or otherwise on what happened..

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearly the author did a ton of research into this case! It was evident that he found the topic interesting and that he spent a lot of time reviewing information and making it accessible. I especially enjoyed the chapters dedicated to the theories of what really happened to Cora Crippen. These were possibilities I had never heard of before! I have read many mystery stories that reference Mr. Crippen, so it was interesting to get the background on the case and see for myself what was meant by that. It was a dry book, however. I struggled to continue to want to read it, and needed to take a break from it frequently. I do think mystery or history buffs would really like this book, it just wasn't written in a way that really engaged me.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Leigh F · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this did not keep I
My interest. The underlying story Crippen and the mystery surrounding him and the events that took place is a fantastic true crime story that if unfamiliar you should check out. This novelization about it however was dry and bland with glimmers of hope. To me it read more like a text book study without the captivating mystery hook it needed with the help of the true crime committed.

I feel like the author missed the mark however, I believe maybe a more analytical eye would enjoy this novel.

[BigGirl BigBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I knew this story but I was wrong.. The author, Matthew Coniam, wrote a fantastic and well-researched account of the infamous British Murderer, "Doctor" Crippen.
Now in all of my love of true crime and research, I have done myself, it amazes me that criminals of any kind were dumb enough to get caught back then.. I mean there was no DNA, no security cameras, no cell phones to track. yet they were sloppy and more often than not greedy.
As a history buff, a collector of true crime books, I will admit this is the first novel of Matthew Coniam's I have read. But after looking into his other novels, I will be reading more, and I think you will agree.

[Louise Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got it and read it in the same day - this is a must for true crime addicts. Such a well known and well documented case must surely have no new insights to offer, right? This book proves that there is always something new to uncover and a new perspective to bring. Meticulously argued by an author who is clearly fascinated by Crippen, the book offers credible and somehow disturbing theories which really make you wonder…

[TKP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publishers of this book for granting my wish and allowing me to read this.

I am a true crime buff, I watch anything about true crime and now am trying to read more about it, too. I must caveat that this tends to only stretch to UK crime as I find the American tales a bit sensationalised when they are on TV.

This review, however, is about a book so here we go. I absolutely loved this. It contains a lot of information that I was not aware of before. The writing style is very engaging and before I knew it, I was more than halfway through this book. I used to read on my way home from work but due to covid, I am working from home so do not have that time for escapism. I have a dedicated place for reading now and so I am getting back into my books.

I devoured this in two sittings. I didn't realise how long I was sitting down for, I was fully absorbed in this book and have recommended it to my friends who are like-minded and they are going to look into it when the book comes out.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, it was engaging, factual and not at all sensationalist. Looking forward to hearing more from this author in the future.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author is very arrogant at times when discussing other people's opinions which make it a little difficult to read towards the last two chapters.

[Keith Chawgo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr Crippen is now part the English landscape of serial killers which gives awe, frights and harrowing details with the fabric of English odd villains. He has become a legendary figure along with Jack the Ripper, King Arthur and Robin Hood, where fact and fiction tend to blur into one overall story.

Dr Crippen’s story has been told in film, television, books and documentaries and normally it is the same information being thread through each and every incantation of the retelling. Matthew Coniam has taken this and given it his own spin using modern technology, DNA results and up to the moment investigative techniques to thoroughly follow the life and crimes of this notorious killer.

Coniam’s text is well written although there is a bit of dry narrative that drives this forward and would have benefited with an added human approach to round out these lives so they felt real and lived. We are sometimes left with slight cardboard cutouts of the people involved which could have made things a lot more harrowing.

Coniam does investigation, DNA and the science of his findings excellently well and this is where the book very much succeeds. We have new evidence, he follows the story and pin points the difference between truth and fable. He is also raises questions that no one has raised until this point which really sets this book apart from the many other books based on this case.

Coniam’s new book, although lacking on human compassion but dialled up on the science and technicality of the story sets itself firmly on the must read books based on the case though if you want to get into the heart of the people involved, you probably will not get exactly what you are looking for. In a world of advance technology that we live in today, and looking back on crimes of past, we tend to glamorise the days of old when in fact, there was a lot more gruesome crime back then.

Overall, I do highly recommend this book as it is interesting and it did want me to read more about the people involved and gives wonder on everything we thought we knew is not what is not exactly the truth.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a riveting book! Like others I have been fascinated by the story of "Doctor" and Cora Crippen which first made headlines in July, 1910 when a gruesome discovery was made in their cellar. Sensationalism doesn't even begin to cover it...dismemberment by someone knowledgeable about anatomy, a quack doctor, a theatrical wife, a mistress, poison, quicklime, theories, surmises, lies, deception and fleeing London for Canada.

Hawley Harvey Crippen and his actress wife Cora were Americans who lived on Hilldrop Crescent in London. Doctor Crippen was more of a quack, parting people from their money with sugar water cures. He also classified himself as a dentist. He and Cora enjoyed socializing and threw parties but the fun ended with the grim discovery in the cellar after Crippen and Ethel (who was living with him as his wife fled London). When questioned about his professional pedigree, he readily admitted the stories he told his friends about Cora's death. His fleeing before the discovery seemed to point to guilt. And it didn't help that he didn't defend himself yet he denied any part in the crime. Wonder what Ethel thought?

There is a plethora of questions in this case. Was the flesh found indeed Cora? If so, was it not overkill to use poison? And why get rid of bits of the body in a house rented by Crippens? And loads more, of course. So many interesting facts, including two coffins and quicklime...these really made me think. Cora sightings and hoaxes abounded which kept the cycle going.

The author's thorough research really shows, including new thought-provoking DNA evidence. The photographs in the book are fascinating. If true crime fascinates you, do read this incredibly readable and compelling book with differing viewpoints and conclusions, including that of the author.

My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this memorable book resplendent with aha moments.

[Julie Haigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting in-depth examination.

John George Haigh, Christie, Dr Crippen.....all well-known murderers from many years back. There is a fascination to know exactly what happened. I remember seeing a documentary a few years ago which suggested there had been new evidence found which brought some doubts relating to Crippen's case, so was very interested to read this book when I saw it newly available.

These sorts of books are usually very interesting and fascinating. I was anxious to get to the main part of the action, rather than a lot of social background, but I soon became engrossed in it. Not just about the murders, there's quite a bit of background to the Crippens coming to London, Cora being in music Hall etc.

This is well-researched, with mountains of information. So, if you want an in-depth account, this is it. There were some things I thought a bit exhaustive: there were lots of accompanying notes, which I didn't keep stopping to refer to-I preferred to keep the reading flow. These are all at the back, so you can look over them later if you so wish.

Quite long chapters. Not something you can whiz through-but why would you want to? When you want a more substantial true crime study, with extracts from letters, quotes etc, this fits the bill. A very interesting and fascinating account.

This won’t be for everyone. Some may find it long-winded, but I enjoyed the detail and the science of it. A nice change to immerse yourself in a case, rather than have a quick 60 page rush through the basic facts. A very interesting account.

[Heather Daughrity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apparently the mysterious case of "Dr" Crippen and the alleged murder of his wife Cora is a well known one in the world of true crime, especially in the UK but also here in America...and yet I personally had never heard of this case until I began reading this book.

I was, therefore, thoroughly disgusted by the finding of the "mass of flesh" found buried in Crippen's basement and followed the blow by blow account of this historic case as eagerly as the people of 1910 must have done.

The writing here strikes that perfect balance between relating real life facts and dramatizing a story to make it enjoyable. The author presents all facts as such, all theories as such, making clear distinction between the two, and looking the whole case over with a critical eye.

I found the entire story morbidly fascinating, especially when the modern day evidence was presented, throwing quite a wrench in the whole thing and revealing a gross miscarriage of justice. The author then presents several current working theories but ultimately leaves the reader to form their own opinions on a case which will never truly be solved.

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of this case before I read this book, but I enjoy true crime stories so thought I would give this a try.

The author has done a LOT of research for this story and clearly a lot of the "evidence" from the trial was fabricated, at best. So interesting to see the twists and turns here, and so much intrigue! Dr Crippen was a bit of a quack and not especially good looking so I found it interesting that he ended up with two wives in the end. What happened to him though, was really awful and I felt terribly sorry for him, and his father.

As a book, this was quite hard to read. I put it down and picked it up, which is why it took me several months to get through. It doesn't read like a novel, more like a research paper, if that makes sense.

Nevertheless, I applaud the author for the lengths he went to, to get to the bottom of this case.

4 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can I just say, I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! It was one of those, "I cannot put this down until I finish."

When it comes to true crime, this is one of the best ones that I have read. The entire case, with a disappearing doctor, a mistress, and a missing wife.
Throughout the course of the trial, there are several discrepancies that come up, and there are several opinions that are expressed throughout the book. But the level of research done and the amazing retelling of this story kept me intrigued throughout the entire book.

Well done and very well written!

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5 stars. A highly well researched book. I liked that all angles were explored and it does seem that this is not as clear cut as it was believed to be. It is not your typical true crime story and there is little dialogue but still a good read. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a free e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a number of books on Dr Crippen and although I did find this one interesting and full of information including the background story of how the Crippen's coming to London and about Cora's time in the music Halls. And the writer does give a good augment for Crippen’s innocence, however he hasn't convinced me
of his innocence.

Recommended to true crime readers

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched, entertaining and gripping true crime. I never heard about this case before and thoroughly enjoyed this well written book.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well thought out and researched book. Fascinating how he takes it apart and although you he puts his own thoughts into the writing he still gives you the chance to objectively look at the 'evidence' and make your own opinion as to what happened...if anything did happen!