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Le meurtre de Harriet Monckton
Le 7 novembre 1843, Harriet Monckton, 23 ans, est retrouvée assassinée par ingestion d’une dose mortelle d’acide prussique derrière la chapelle qu’elle fréquente régulièrement à Bromley, dans le Kent. Le chirurgien rapporte que Harriet était enceinte d’environ six mois.
En s’appuyant sur les rapports du coroner et les dépositions des témoins, Elizabeth Haynes reconstitue les dernières heures d’Harriet à travers les yeux de ses proches et des dernières personnes à l’avoir côtoyée. Ses collègues professeurs, son futur fiancé, son séducteur, son ancien amant - tous sont suspects ; chacun a une raison de vouloir sa mort.
Histoire de luxure, de manipulation et de culpabilité, Le meurtre de Harriet Monckton est une leçon de suspense. Mais c’est aussi et peut-être surtout une histoire vraie, un cold case, triste témoin de la condition d’une jeune femme dans une société hypocrite et dévorante, à laquelle Elisabeth Haynes apporte une solution brillante et surprenante.
En s’appuyant sur les rapports du coroner et les dépositions des témoins, Elizabeth Haynes reconstitue les dernières heures d’Harriet à travers les yeux de ses proches et des dernières personnes à l’avoir côtoyée. Ses collègues professeurs, son futur fiancé, son séducteur, son ancien amant - tous sont suspects ; chacun a une raison de vouloir sa mort.
Histoire de luxure, de manipulation et de culpabilité, Le meurtre de Harriet Monckton est une leçon de suspense. Mais c’est aussi et peut-être surtout une histoire vraie, un cold case, triste témoin de la condition d’une jeune femme dans une société hypocrite et dévorante, à laquelle Elisabeth Haynes apporte une solution brillante et surprenante.
500 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
210 people are currently reading
3595 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Haynes
22 books2,057 followersElizabeth Haynes grew up in Seaford, Sussex and studied English, German and Art History at Leicester University.
She previously worked as a police intelligence analyst and lives in Norfolk with her husband and son.
She previously worked as a police intelligence analyst and lives in Norfolk with her husband and son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 366 reviews
December 12, 2018
Harriet Monckton was a young woman who got pregnant and was murdered in a small town of Bromley in 1843. The justice was never done as the murderer went unpunished. This tragedy prompted Elizabeth Haynes to write a novel based on factual information still available in the archives and by doing so, to remember the tragic fate of Harriet. I consider this novel to be one of the best of the genre I have read this year for several reasons: the mystery, period details and narration. I should add here that I found this title by chance, reading a review or two in newspapers and I knew that this book would be a terrific read for me ...
June 6, 2018
If you follow my reviews or are a member of THE Book Club then you will know that Elizabeth Haynes is one of my all time favourite authors and her debut book INTO THE DARKEST CORNER is, in my humble opinion, the BEST psychological thriller EVER. So you can imagine my surprise, delight and excitement to receive one of the first advanced copy proofs of her new book THE MURDER OF HARRIET MONCKTON, especially as I didn’t even know she had written a new book!
I will admit to feeling slightly less excited when I realised this book was a “dramatic fictionalisation based on a true story from 1843”, as it’s not one of my preferred genres and was concerned I wouldn’t enjoy the story because of the genre.
How silly am I? (Don’t answer that!). The Murder of Harriet Monckton is absolutely BRILLIANT. Firstly, you need to know that this book is based on a true story as the author chanced upon two documents whilst researching another book at the National Archives in London. These documents were the correspondence between the coroner and the Home Secretary from December 1844 and from this Elizabeth Haynes interest was piqued and her research into what happened to Harriet Monckton has resulted in this fascinating story.
When you read the authors “Afterword” you realise how incredible this book really is, Elizabeth Haynes has created a story based on 2 documents and brought to life a wonderful array of characters, recreated a truly authentic Bromley and given a voice to an intriguing mystery surrounding the death of a young woman.
The story is narrated through several characters all connected to Harriet Monckton and each voice is plausible and authentic. It was so easy to be drawn into their lives, feel their emotions and care about them. I was transported instantly to a different era where women were struggling to be heard, men were respected regardless of their behaviour and religion was paramount to the well being of the community.
Highly recommended.
I will admit to feeling slightly less excited when I realised this book was a “dramatic fictionalisation based on a true story from 1843”, as it’s not one of my preferred genres and was concerned I wouldn’t enjoy the story because of the genre.
How silly am I? (Don’t answer that!). The Murder of Harriet Monckton is absolutely BRILLIANT. Firstly, you need to know that this book is based on a true story as the author chanced upon two documents whilst researching another book at the National Archives in London. These documents were the correspondence between the coroner and the Home Secretary from December 1844 and from this Elizabeth Haynes interest was piqued and her research into what happened to Harriet Monckton has resulted in this fascinating story.
When you read the authors “Afterword” you realise how incredible this book really is, Elizabeth Haynes has created a story based on 2 documents and brought to life a wonderful array of characters, recreated a truly authentic Bromley and given a voice to an intriguing mystery surrounding the death of a young woman.
The story is narrated through several characters all connected to Harriet Monckton and each voice is plausible and authentic. It was so easy to be drawn into their lives, feel their emotions and care about them. I was transported instantly to a different era where women were struggling to be heard, men were respected regardless of their behaviour and religion was paramount to the well being of the community.
Highly recommended.
October 2, 2018
Oh I LOVED this. Deeply atmospheric, beautifully written with a sense of place and character that really dug deep.
Based on a true story, Elizabeth Haynes takes us through the last days and death of Harriet Monckton, explores the deep seated habits and motivations of all those around her, in an absolutely gripping and richly descriptive historical novel that is hard to put aside once started. It is at turns an addictive mystery and a memorial of this forgotten girl and her forgotten child, as such it is a wonderful yet melancholy read.
Considering the lack of actual information about this case, the vivid recreation of the possibilities is absolutely stunning and randomly heart breaking. Capturing an era within the pages, with all the social hierarchy, the position of women in that world, the utter hypocrisy that went with it, this is both a clever, intelligent crime novel and a snapshot of history. With an unexpected finale and a completely fascinating journey towards it, The Murder Of Harriet Monckton is one of my books of the year.
Read the novel, read the Afterword, absorb this one into your psyche. It deserves all the accolades.
HIGHY Recommended.
Based on a true story, Elizabeth Haynes takes us through the last days and death of Harriet Monckton, explores the deep seated habits and motivations of all those around her, in an absolutely gripping and richly descriptive historical novel that is hard to put aside once started. It is at turns an addictive mystery and a memorial of this forgotten girl and her forgotten child, as such it is a wonderful yet melancholy read.
Considering the lack of actual information about this case, the vivid recreation of the possibilities is absolutely stunning and randomly heart breaking. Capturing an era within the pages, with all the social hierarchy, the position of women in that world, the utter hypocrisy that went with it, this is both a clever, intelligent crime novel and a snapshot of history. With an unexpected finale and a completely fascinating journey towards it, The Murder Of Harriet Monckton is one of my books of the year.
Read the novel, read the Afterword, absorb this one into your psyche. It deserves all the accolades.
HIGHY Recommended.
December 30, 2018
Of all varieties of crime fiction, an historical based on fact may be the most difficult to execute. It requires all the best qualities of a fiction writer; whilst most of the characters and some of the plot are on tap, making them lively and believable is still up to the author. Then the writer has to be a social historian to imitate the manners and customs of the age, and to make the dialogue convincing requires an historical linguist. Language is the bane of contemporary writers; it is constantly changing and acquiring new idioms. Three struck me in The Murder of Harriet Monckton: ‘transpire’ to mean ‘occur’ instead of ‘become known’ was already current in the 1840s, though here characters use it to refer to events they wanted kept secret, quite the opposite of what transpire should mean. ‘Nauseous’ for ‘nauseated’ still evokes ludicrous images. And I am sure no one then used ‘to contact’ to mean ‘make contact with’! But generally the style of The Murder of Harriet Monckton felt right for the time, down to the typeface. I had a different problem with the Audible. Most of the voices were excellent, especially the actor reading the pompous George Verrall. But the reader for the young Thomas Churcher had an overpowering Estuary accent (‘thought’ and ‘thaw’ were homophones) that I’m sure was never heard in 19th-century Kent: in comparison he made Russell Brand sound like Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Elizabeth Haynes shares with Sharon Bolton the honour of being England’s best crime fiction writer. She can create main characters we identify with and love. My favourite is Genevieve in Revenge of the Tide, for her skills both at pole dancing and restoration of watercraft (unfortunately power, not sail). Catherine Bailey of Into the Darkest Corner is such an appealing and vulnerable victim that I cannot bear to reread the book. And Scarlett Rainsford in Behind Closed Doors is the one of the bravest kick-arse heroines I’ve ever encountered. In the hands of a lesser writer, Harriet Monckton might have dwindled to a pitiable doormat, but as recreated by Elizabeth Haynes, especially in the section where Harriet’s diary takes over, Harriet is courageous and enduring, if perhaps too good for the world. An unmarried pregnant woman without any money, Harriet had only one option: “I should present myself at the …workhouse.” Moll Flanders or Becky Sharpe would surely have contrived to blackmail both principal villains into paying her to keep silence. But this story is based on fact, and with Harriet’s death and the succeeding coroner’s inquest. The first being inconclusive, a second was required three years later.
This story reminded me of both George Eliot and Dickens. The odious George Verrall so recalled Mr. Bulstrode and Mr Chadband. He’s explicit about his sexual practices and the ‘spiritual succour’ he claims to derive from them: ‘The sensation was very different from fucking; the intensity of her efforts concentrated just upon my sex, coupled with her being on her knees in front of me, as if in supplication, as if in prayer…I found myself muttering some words out loud: “Lord grant me…in Thy Holy Name…lead us into Thy Light…” and that too seemed to amplify the sensations. The Lord was with me. The Lord had sent me another, to teach me His Way. That woman on her knees could bring me to Christ, could anoint me with the Spirit and take me to His Glory…At my peak I called out, “Praise be!” and spent into her mouth.’ He really believes it! I thought.
Helen worked as a school mistress in Bromley with Frances Williams, a woman in her thirties who was obviously in love with her. All the marriages in this story seemed unhappy (especially George and Sarah Verrall’s, not surprisingly) but most of the women do not support each other, Harriet’s sister is one of her worst enemies amongst other women as we try to suss out the perpetrator who administered the poison. In a story based on an unsolved real-life crime, the author has to provide a plausible solution and identify a culprit. In the case, the perpetrator was on my list of suspects with motives for killing Harriet, but only at the end do we have enough information. Is it fair, I wondered, to single out a historical person who might actually have been innocent? I think so. We know this is fiction and anyway, one cannot libel the dead.
The Murder of Harriet Monckton is the best historical novel I have read this year, and at times I would rank it with Middlemarch. It’s appropriate that a post-mortem exam should play such a key role here. Like Middlemarch, in this story we view an anatomy of a an entire society at a particular time and place. This is a superb work of historical recreation and Elizabeth Haynes deserves a place at the top level of English fiction writers.
Elizabeth Haynes shares with Sharon Bolton the honour of being England’s best crime fiction writer. She can create main characters we identify with and love. My favourite is Genevieve in Revenge of the Tide, for her skills both at pole dancing and restoration of watercraft (unfortunately power, not sail). Catherine Bailey of Into the Darkest Corner is such an appealing and vulnerable victim that I cannot bear to reread the book. And Scarlett Rainsford in Behind Closed Doors is the one of the bravest kick-arse heroines I’ve ever encountered. In the hands of a lesser writer, Harriet Monckton might have dwindled to a pitiable doormat, but as recreated by Elizabeth Haynes, especially in the section where Harriet’s diary takes over, Harriet is courageous and enduring, if perhaps too good for the world. An unmarried pregnant woman without any money, Harriet had only one option: “I should present myself at the …workhouse.” Moll Flanders or Becky Sharpe would surely have contrived to blackmail both principal villains into paying her to keep silence. But this story is based on fact, and with Harriet’s death and the succeeding coroner’s inquest. The first being inconclusive, a second was required three years later.
This story reminded me of both George Eliot and Dickens. The odious George Verrall so recalled Mr. Bulstrode and Mr Chadband. He’s explicit about his sexual practices and the ‘spiritual succour’ he claims to derive from them: ‘The sensation was very different from fucking; the intensity of her efforts concentrated just upon my sex, coupled with her being on her knees in front of me, as if in supplication, as if in prayer…I found myself muttering some words out loud: “Lord grant me…in Thy Holy Name…lead us into Thy Light…” and that too seemed to amplify the sensations. The Lord was with me. The Lord had sent me another, to teach me His Way. That woman on her knees could bring me to Christ, could anoint me with the Spirit and take me to His Glory…At my peak I called out, “Praise be!” and spent into her mouth.’ He really believes it! I thought.
Helen worked as a school mistress in Bromley with Frances Williams, a woman in her thirties who was obviously in love with her. All the marriages in this story seemed unhappy (especially George and Sarah Verrall’s, not surprisingly) but most of the women do not support each other, Harriet’s sister is one of her worst enemies amongst other women as we try to suss out the perpetrator who administered the poison. In a story based on an unsolved real-life crime, the author has to provide a plausible solution and identify a culprit. In the case, the perpetrator was on my list of suspects with motives for killing Harriet, but only at the end do we have enough information. Is it fair, I wondered, to single out a historical person who might actually have been innocent? I think so. We know this is fiction and anyway, one cannot libel the dead.
The Murder of Harriet Monckton is the best historical novel I have read this year, and at times I would rank it with Middlemarch. It’s appropriate that a post-mortem exam should play such a key role here. Like Middlemarch, in this story we view an anatomy of a an entire society at a particular time and place. This is a superb work of historical recreation and Elizabeth Haynes deserves a place at the top level of English fiction writers.
October 4, 2018
I’m convinced I have just read a book that’s definitely going to be on my list of “top reads of 2018”of the year. I’m a huge fan of Elizabeth Haynes writing and I love a good crime thriller, but until now I’ve always shied away from historical crime fiction I much prefer to read books written in the “here and now”. I’m thrilled that I decided to put my concerns to one side and pick up The Murder Of Harriet Monckton, what a fabulous book it turned out to be. I will never forget Harriet Monckton’s story as it’s based on fact. This novel is not only fascinating and beautifully written, it’s also one of the most compelling books I’ve read EVER.
Harriet was murdered in 1843 in Bromley, England. Elizabeth Haynes stumbled across some documents whilst researching another novel and this is Harriet’s enthralling story. I must applaud Elizabeth Haynes on her meticulous research into Harriet Monckton and Bromley as it was in 1843, as the reader you not only get a sense of time and place, but the claustrophobic feel of a town that has its fair share of narrow minded bigots.
Drawing on coroner’s reports and witness testimonies, the novel unfolds from the viewpoints of each of the main characters. The Murder Of Harriett Monckton has a rich array of characters, that all draw suspicion, you have Harriet’s fellow teacher and companion, her would-be fiancé, her seducer, her former lover, each one appears to have a very good reason for wanting her dead. Many are seen as upstanding pillars of the community but each and everyone comes under close scrutiny, vividly described by the author each character is brought to life. I found this novel fascinating especially the coroners investigation into Harriet’s death, everything about the investigation felt primitive but incredibly authentic.
Harriet’s story made for an emotive read, here was a young girl naive in many ways who just happened to be led by her heart and the events that followed shaped her short and tragic life. Once I reached the afterword by the author I find myself becoming very emotional (ok I cried ugly tears), I had become so invested in Harriet’s story like Elizabeth Haynes I too wanted justice for her. To this day Harriet’s murder might remain unsolved, but the author’s gives a satisfying and entirely plausible explanation to her death.
Without a shadow of a doubt The Murder Of Harriet Monckton is a must read, the writing is sublime, the characters are wonderfully depicted, I’m sure Harriet’s story is one that will stay with me for a long time, it’s haunting and moving, and I would like to think Harriet is pleased her story has been told with such passion. In case you haven’t guessed I simply loved this book and I really can not recommend this novel highly enough.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
Harriet was murdered in 1843 in Bromley, England. Elizabeth Haynes stumbled across some documents whilst researching another novel and this is Harriet’s enthralling story. I must applaud Elizabeth Haynes on her meticulous research into Harriet Monckton and Bromley as it was in 1843, as the reader you not only get a sense of time and place, but the claustrophobic feel of a town that has its fair share of narrow minded bigots.
Drawing on coroner’s reports and witness testimonies, the novel unfolds from the viewpoints of each of the main characters. The Murder Of Harriett Monckton has a rich array of characters, that all draw suspicion, you have Harriet’s fellow teacher and companion, her would-be fiancé, her seducer, her former lover, each one appears to have a very good reason for wanting her dead. Many are seen as upstanding pillars of the community but each and everyone comes under close scrutiny, vividly described by the author each character is brought to life. I found this novel fascinating especially the coroners investigation into Harriet’s death, everything about the investigation felt primitive but incredibly authentic.
Harriet’s story made for an emotive read, here was a young girl naive in many ways who just happened to be led by her heart and the events that followed shaped her short and tragic life. Once I reached the afterword by the author I find myself becoming very emotional (ok I cried ugly tears), I had become so invested in Harriet’s story like Elizabeth Haynes I too wanted justice for her. To this day Harriet’s murder might remain unsolved, but the author’s gives a satisfying and entirely plausible explanation to her death.
Without a shadow of a doubt The Murder Of Harriet Monckton is a must read, the writing is sublime, the characters are wonderfully depicted, I’m sure Harriet’s story is one that will stay with me for a long time, it’s haunting and moving, and I would like to think Harriet is pleased her story has been told with such passion. In case you haven’t guessed I simply loved this book and I really can not recommend this novel highly enough.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
November 8, 2019
In the author's own words this is a “dramatic fictionalisation based on a true story”.
In 1843 a single but pregnant Harriet Monkton was found poisoned in a privy out the back of her local chapel. Based on her research of the inquests into Harriet’s death, Elizabeth Haynes tells us a story of what might have happened to Harriet that evening and who may just have been guilty.
Haynes has done an exceptional job of bringing some of these genuine historical characters to life; blending what she has observed of their true characters from the historical records with her imagined inner lives for them.
A courtroom drama with a difference, who did it was blindingly obvious but this story is was well worth the ride. Recommended to lovers of historical fiction, true crime and courtroom dramas.
In 1843 a single but pregnant Harriet Monkton was found poisoned in a privy out the back of her local chapel. Based on her research of the inquests into Harriet’s death, Elizabeth Haynes tells us a story of what might have happened to Harriet that evening and who may just have been guilty.
Haynes has done an exceptional job of bringing some of these genuine historical characters to life; blending what she has observed of their true characters from the historical records with her imagined inner lives for them.
A courtroom drama with a difference, who did it was blindingly obvious but this story is was well worth the ride. Recommended to lovers of historical fiction, true crime and courtroom dramas.
December 2, 2018
Wow, wow, wow! What an incredible novel this is!
This is one of those books I saw pass by on Twitter one day and, despite knowing very little about it, promptly decided I’d buy myself a copy. It took exactly one page for me to absolutely fall in love with the Victorian era atmosphere and the wonderful writing.
The Murder of Harriet Monckton is based on a true story. In 1843, 23 year old Harriet Monckton was found murdered in a privy behind a chapel she had attended regularly. The autopsy revealed Harriet was six months pregnant and died due to ingesting prussic acid. Elizabeth Haynes compiled coroner’s reports and witness testimonies to tell Harriet’s story. The novel is told from various points of view by characters who all may have had reason to want Harriet gone from their lives. A former lover, a current lover, a wanna-be lover and a vile, despicable man hiding behind the cloak of piety.
This novel oozes atmosphere from the start, bringing not only the Victorian era to life but also delivering characters that are so realistic they almost jump from the page. It had me completely enthralled from start to finish and not only made me remember why I love historical fiction as much as I do but also re-awakened my sheer passion for reading. This is just plainly the kind of novel my inner bookworm dreams of and it delivered on every level.
My only tiny niggle is that I knew from the start that Harriet’s murder has never been solved. Like with any other murder mystery, I would have liked to have had the opportunity to figure things out on my own and decide on a suspect. It felt rather weird not to be quite able to do that since the killer was never caught. However, as luck would have it, I did actually end up with the same conclusion as the author came up with in her story so it’s not all bad. And none of it ruined my enjoyment of this wonderful novel. I have absolute no doubt this novel will end up in my list of favourite books of the year!
This is one of those books I saw pass by on Twitter one day and, despite knowing very little about it, promptly decided I’d buy myself a copy. It took exactly one page for me to absolutely fall in love with the Victorian era atmosphere and the wonderful writing.
The Murder of Harriet Monckton is based on a true story. In 1843, 23 year old Harriet Monckton was found murdered in a privy behind a chapel she had attended regularly. The autopsy revealed Harriet was six months pregnant and died due to ingesting prussic acid. Elizabeth Haynes compiled coroner’s reports and witness testimonies to tell Harriet’s story. The novel is told from various points of view by characters who all may have had reason to want Harriet gone from their lives. A former lover, a current lover, a wanna-be lover and a vile, despicable man hiding behind the cloak of piety.
This novel oozes atmosphere from the start, bringing not only the Victorian era to life but also delivering characters that are so realistic they almost jump from the page. It had me completely enthralled from start to finish and not only made me remember why I love historical fiction as much as I do but also re-awakened my sheer passion for reading. This is just plainly the kind of novel my inner bookworm dreams of and it delivered on every level.
My only tiny niggle is that I knew from the start that Harriet’s murder has never been solved. Like with any other murder mystery, I would have liked to have had the opportunity to figure things out on my own and decide on a suspect. It felt rather weird not to be quite able to do that since the killer was never caught. However, as luck would have it, I did actually end up with the same conclusion as the author came up with in her story so it’s not all bad. And none of it ruined my enjoyment of this wonderful novel. I have absolute no doubt this novel will end up in my list of favourite books of the year!
December 20, 2021
Wonderful writing, a tense and gripping plot, and an utterly infuriating and heart-breaking finish. The story is based on the author’s painstaking foray into the murder of Harriet Monckton in 1840s Bromley. She has done what few can, namely incorporated a fictional account interspersed with coroner’s reports, police accounts and letters and documents found pertaining to the case into one ‘account’. She has focused on the three characters that many (in authority and in friends) believe are the main suspects in the case, and then towards the 3rd part of the book we read Harriet’s diary, which although completely fictional is so breath-taking and real. Harriet was a complex and contradictory character. She was remembered differently to every single person in the book and that in itself is always so fascinating. Haynes has breathed life into her, and made her a beautifully rounded character with flaws and destructive tendencies towards herself, yet sublimely pure and naïve at the same time. I have to take my hat off to her; this was a job exceedingly well done, and I finished the book feeling so many extreme emotions that it took me time to return to current life. Thank you for giving Harriet a voice that she so desperately needed when justice was never served, and that was so cruelly taken away; I think she would be grateful.
December 7, 2019
This is a slow burner...but a wonderful and rewarding read.
It is a fictionalised account of a true story of the murder of Harriet Monckton in 1843 in Bromley.
The time is spent on exploring the depths of the characters involved and the time/place in which it is set. It is so immersive and I felt like I was there in 1843!
Told in short chapters in the first person from each of the major characters alternatately draws you into the narrative. There are also fictionalised diary entries from Harriet which pull the story together and invoke such feelings of frustration and tragedy. What a waste of a young life (lives).
You can see the amount of research that went into this book and the work she carried out to 'find' the characters and present them so carefully and authentically.
It is worth reading the afterword where the author outlines where the inspiration for the story originated and how her research took shape. She has included original documentiation from the case which is really interesting.
Highly recommended to all; fans of EH, fans of historical fiction and fans of mystery, and anyone who enjoys a good story!
I am a huge Elizabeth Haynes fan and despite the fact she writes in different genres her books never disappoint me. Ultimately her meticulous and captivating writing wins through whatever the subject.
It is a fictionalised account of a true story of the murder of Harriet Monckton in 1843 in Bromley.
The time is spent on exploring the depths of the characters involved and the time/place in which it is set. It is so immersive and I felt like I was there in 1843!
Told in short chapters in the first person from each of the major characters alternatately draws you into the narrative. There are also fictionalised diary entries from Harriet which pull the story together and invoke such feelings of frustration and tragedy. What a waste of a young life (lives).
You can see the amount of research that went into this book and the work she carried out to 'find' the characters and present them so carefully and authentically.
It is worth reading the afterword where the author outlines where the inspiration for the story originated and how her research took shape. She has included original documentiation from the case which is really interesting.
Highly recommended to all; fans of EH, fans of historical fiction and fans of mystery, and anyone who enjoys a good story!
I am a huge Elizabeth Haynes fan and despite the fact she writes in different genres her books never disappoint me. Ultimately her meticulous and captivating writing wins through whatever the subject.
October 20, 2018
This was an atmospheric, gripping and at times very upsetting read for me! The author brought Harriet Monckton to life in a thoughtful and believable way and posthumously did the heroine very proud. Many times did I feel like reaching into the book and giving Harriet a hug to reassure her. She endured too much at the hands of two cowardly men, yes one worse than the other, but the book cleverly portrayed the ease with which women's lives were so easily dismissed or discarded and even women among themselves weren't as supportive as they should/could have been. Highly recommended!
December 21, 2018
3 - 4 stars. I’ve found this one a difficult one to review and hence the amount of time it’s taken me to do so. I’ve really enjoyed all of Elizabeth Haynes previous books and rated them highly. This one is a real departure from her other novels as it’s based on a real event. Harriet Monckton was murdered in Bromley, Kent in 1843 and her story is told by several key characters and by Harriet herself via a journal. I really enjoyed the first part of the book and I would have given it 5 stars at that point but from then on IMO it becomes very repetitive and overlong. This is probably inevitable as the second part is the second inquest which doesn’t really add much to what was known from the first. I didn’t find Harriet’s ‘journal’ particularly interesting either as it was full of the minutiae of life although I did feel this very much captured the time in which it was written. The ‘journal’ did fill some gaps and I did feel some sadness for the lot that life dealt her be they imaginary or real.
I enjoyed reading how the author stumbled across this case and as an historian I totally get how it’s possible to become obsessed with something as it’s happened to me too. I ultimately felt that there wasn’t enough actual evidence to base a book of this length on, however, I know many others really loved the book so perhaps the fault lies with me!
I enjoyed reading how the author stumbled across this case and as an historian I totally get how it’s possible to become obsessed with something as it’s happened to me too. I ultimately felt that there wasn’t enough actual evidence to base a book of this length on, however, I know many others really loved the book so perhaps the fault lies with me!
February 4, 2019
Very good, a really immersive story of the intriguing murder of a young girl in 1843 made more so by the fact that it is based on reality. I bought this purely on the authors name as I've loved everything else I have read by her and I wasn't disappointed.
Told in short passages from each of the main characters with original documents copied at the end.
Told in short passages from each of the main characters with original documents copied at the end.
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August 15, 2018Probably the best historical crime novel I have ever read. Elizabeth Haynes' skill as a writer was in every word of every page; not once did I doubt that I was in Bromley in 1843. The characters were superb: villains, lovers, friends and Harriet herself were so well formed with distinctive voices. The mystery was gripping and I was thrilled to discover I'd guessed the murderer wrong. Haynes passion for Harriet's story (it's based on a real crime) is the life blood of this book and I found the afterwards about the author's research very touching. Captivating, masterful and moving this is one book - and one death - I will remember for a very long time.
August 22, 2020
Wat een teleurstelling....niks van diepgang en enorm simplistisch geschreven.
Heb het dan ook opgegeven na 300 blz, wat niet mijn gewoonte is...
Heb het dan ook opgegeven na 300 blz, wat niet mijn gewoonte is...
April 13, 2020
Goed in elkaar gezet en gebracht verhaal, dat gebaseerd is op een historische gebeurtenis in Bromley, Engeland. Het verhaal is opgebouwd in 5 delen, een proloog en een epiloog. In het eerste deel wordt het verhaal verteld door 4 personen die op chronologische manier hun verslag doen van de gebeurtenissen per dag in 1843 na de dood van Harriet Monckton. Als je die gelezen hebt, ben je in je gedachten al meerdere keren van verdachte veranderd. Het tweede deel is een lange brief van een van de verdachten aan zijn/haar advocaat pas te openen na zijn/haar arrestatie. Dan het derde deel dat weer het verslag doet van de gebeurtenissen, maar dan in 1846. Het vierde deel is het boven water gekomen dagboek van Harriet. Daarna volgt een kort deel met de ontknoping en de epiloog. Het zit dus heel goed in elkaar, maar ik kan het niet spannend noemen. Af en toe had ik zelfs medelijden met Tom, een van de verdachten. Ook Harriet is eigenlijk een naïef, onschuldige jonge vrouw die volgens de gewoonte van die tijd onderdanig is aan de mannenmaatschappij.
June 27, 2020
Ik kende deze schrijfster niet maar dit boek viel erg goed mee, aangenaam geschreven, steeds korte hoofdstukken met een ander perspectief op de moordzaak. Soms wat te veel herhaling maar verder best oke. Het verhaal sprak ook aan omdat het gebaseerd was op waargebeurde feiten.
February 23, 2020
Опять же неоднозначное у меня впечатление от книги.
Для начала – еще по аннотации – мне было сразу ясно, что книга должна мне понравиться: идея интересная, а то, что она основана на реальных событиях, делает ее достаточно необычной. Единственное, что меня смущало – это огромный (как две средние) размер книги.
И не зря. Автор явно затянула с сюжетом. Она решила подробно рассказать о жизнях всех героев книги, и если истории Ричарда, Фрэнсис и Томаса были хотя бы интересными, то самая длинная исповедь «благочестивого» проповедника Веррала о том, как он «жестко трахал волосатые киски и влажные рты» разных женщин, что давало ему идеи для проповедей, - это был сущий кошмар.
Больше всего мне не понравилась эта сюжетная линия, а также то, что книга оказалась не столько детективом (в конце концов, убийцу я вычислила довольно быстро), сколько какой-то «Санта-Барбарой»: всю книгу нам рассказывали, кто с кем спал, кто отец ребенка, кто не отец, кто кого любил, кто на ком женился. Сначала-то было интересно и интригующе, но к середине такой огромной книги я начала уже уставать от подобного. Давайте уже детектив и правду о том, права я или нет, а не вот это все… Слишком много лишнего (и именно из-за этого у книги не такой уж и впечатляющий рейтинг, она постепенно начинала утомлять читателя).
Все же есть в книге и то, что мне очень понравилось. В первую очередь, это то, как автор показала нам Гарриет с разных сторон. Несмотря на то, что девушка, очевидно, главная героиня книги, долгое время ее историю автор нам рассказывала не от ее лица, а от лица окружающих, которые видели ее совершенно по-разному. И с самого начала мне Гарриет казалась этакой развратной девицей с четырьмя любовниками, которая использует всех вокруг. И да, мне она не особо нравилась. Но из дневника Гарриет мы узнаем, что это ее все вокруг использовали, а она была жертвой. Несчастной и незаслуживающей того, что с не произошло еще до смерти. Девушка была очень хорошей, набожной и доброй, но чересчур доверчивой. Гарриет полностью отдалась своим чувствам и искренней любви, а об нее, можно сказать, в буквальном смысле все вытерли ноги. Очень печальная, но красиво описанная история.
Также мне понравился сам формат истории, которая раскрыта нам с разных сторон, от лица разных людей, которые все что-то скрывают, но никто – ну, почти - до конца не знает правду о произошедшем.
Что касается того, что книга основана на реальных событиях… С одной стороны, очень здорово, что автор «раскрыла дело» (хоть, может, и ошибочно) двухвековой давности. С другой, как-то это немного… смело, что ли. Впрочем, вр��д ли кто-то из потомков описанных ей героев ее за это осудит.
Вот так и получается, что, в общем-то, идея и большинство персонажей мне очень понравились. Но сюжет чересчур затянут и часто уходил куда-то «не туда». Много лишнего в книге (хотя бы историю похождений Веррала можно было сократить страниц так на 50, ведь автор подробно описывал нам каждый его секс с каждой женщиной, а их было немало).
Итоговая оценка: 6/10
Для начала – еще по аннотации – мне было сразу ясно, что книга должна мне понравиться: идея интересная, а то, что она основана на реальных событиях, делает ее достаточно необычной. Единственное, что меня смущало – это огромный (как две средние) размер книги.
И не зря. Автор явно затянула с сюжетом. Она решила подробно рассказать о жизнях всех героев книги, и если истории Ричарда, Фрэнсис и Томаса были хотя бы интересными, то самая длинная исповедь «благочестивого» проповедника Веррала о том, как он «жестко трахал волосатые киски и влажные рты» разных женщин, что давало ему идеи для проповедей, - это был сущий кошмар.
Больше всего мне не понравилась эта сюжетная линия, а также то, что книга оказалась не столько детективом (в конце концов, убийцу я вычислила довольно быстро), сколько какой-то «Санта-Барбарой»: всю книгу нам рассказывали, кто с кем спал, кто отец ребенка, кто не отец, кто кого любил, кто на ком женился. Сначала-то было интересно и интригующе, но к середине такой огромной книги я начала уже уставать от подобного. Давайте уже детектив и правду о том, права я или нет, а не вот это все… Слишком много лишнего (и именно из-за этого у книги не такой уж и впечатляющий рейтинг, она постепенно начинала утомлять читателя).
Все же есть в книге и то, что мне очень понравилось. В первую очередь, это то, как автор показала нам Гарриет с разных сторон. Несмотря на то, что девушка, очевидно, главная героиня книги, долгое время ее историю автор нам рассказывала не от ее лица, а от лица окружающих, которые видели ее совершенно по-разному. И с самого начала мне Гарриет казалась этакой развратной девицей с четырьмя любовниками, которая использует всех вокруг. И да, мне она не особо нравилась. Но из дневника Гарриет мы узнаем, что это ее все вокруг использовали, а она была жертвой. Несчастной и незаслуживающей того, что с не произошло еще до смерти. Девушка была очень хорошей, набожной и доброй, но чересчур доверчивой. Гарриет полностью отдалась своим чувствам и искренней любви, а об нее, можно сказать, в буквальном смысле все вытерли ноги. Очень печальная, но красиво описанная история.
Также мне понравился сам формат истории, которая раскрыта нам с разных сторон, от лица разных людей, которые все что-то скрывают, но никто – ну, почти - до конца не знает правду о произошедшем.
Что касается того, что книга основана на реальных событиях… С одной стороны, очень здорово, что автор «раскрыла дело» (хоть, может, и ошибочно) двухвековой давности. С другой, как-то это немного… смело, что ли. Впрочем, вр��д ли кто-то из потомков описанных ей героев ее за это осудит.
Вот так и получается, что, в общем-то, идея и большинство персонажей мне очень понравились. Но сюжет чересчур затянут и часто уходил куда-то «не туда». Много лишнего в книге (хотя бы историю похождений Веррала можно было сократить страниц так на 50, ведь автор подробно описывал нам каждый его секс с каждой женщиной, а их было немало).
Итоговая оценка: 6/10
August 19, 2021
An intriguing look at the unsolved murder of a young woman in Bromley, Kent in 1843. Although fictionalized, the author is able to make it all seem real. The story is told from various points of view by several people who were suspects in her murder or who cared for her deeply. There are several unlikeable characters, but the reverend is the most despicable in his machinations to divert suspicion from himself. Although it drags in spots, I came away feeling sad for Harriet and short, unhappy life she led.
December 26, 2018
Absolutely brilliant
November 18, 2023
This Victorian historical crime novel is based on the true story of young Harriet Monckton, who was murdered in Kent in 1843. Harriet was 23 years old and was found poisoned in the privy behind the chapel she regularly attended in Bromley, Kent. Sadly, Harriet's murder remains unsolved, however Elizabeth Haynes has attempted to show us who Harriet was, why she may have come to harm and who might have been responsible for her untimely death.
Elizabeth Haynes is better known for writing psychological thrillers, and you might recall my reviews of Into the Darkest Corner (5 stars) and Human Remains (4 stars). With many more crime novels under her belt, writing historical fiction is a first, and I think she nailed it! Drawing on historical records and archives, including the content of two inquests, coroner's report and witness testimonies, The Murder of Harriet Monckton by Elizabeth Haynes is a convincing historical fiction novel by an author who has clearly done their Victorian era research.
The novel is presented in alternate chapters from several character points of view, and it took me a number of chapters to adjust to the regular shift in narration as a relatively large cast of characters began cycling through. One of the characters appeared guilty from the get go, but some of them aren't telling the truth:
"Trouble is, the truth is plain and easy to remember. Lies, though, that's different. You lie once, you have to remember the lie, the truth doesn't fade when time passes, but a lie does." Page 242
Harriet seems charismatic and is loved by many and envied by some, with characters seeing different sides to her personality:
"I felt my heart twist a little, at that. It reminded me of something Harriet had said to me once. That she should not meet anyone she loved as well as me. But that was the old Harriet, of course. The good, kind Harriet. Not the hypocrite, the harlot, the betrayer." Page 301
In the novel, we learn Harriet was pregnant, despite being single and unwed. Identifying the father of the child is a mystery just as compelling as the guilty party behind her murder. Are they one and the same?
"If I am spared, of course. It is at this time of night that I feel the most afraid; it feels that death and damnation lurk all around us, in the darkness, waiting to claim us. In the morning I shall feel foolish for these thoughts, of course, but now it seems that nothing good lies ahead for me." Page 405
Coming in at just over 500 pages, it was a little long, and Harriet's chapters did start to become a little tiresome as she fretted about her situation. A suspect is revealed by the end of the book, although of course we have no way of knowing if this is truly what happened.
If you'd like to give The Murder of Harriet Monckton by Elizabeth Haynes a try, you can read a free excerpt of the first 21 pages on the publisher's website. You might also like to check out my 2014 interview with the author.
The Murder of Harriet Monckton by Elizabeth Haynes is a slow burn, historical whodunnit based on a true story. Recommended!
Elizabeth Haynes is better known for writing psychological thrillers, and you might recall my reviews of Into the Darkest Corner (5 stars) and Human Remains (4 stars). With many more crime novels under her belt, writing historical fiction is a first, and I think she nailed it! Drawing on historical records and archives, including the content of two inquests, coroner's report and witness testimonies, The Murder of Harriet Monckton by Elizabeth Haynes is a convincing historical fiction novel by an author who has clearly done their Victorian era research.
The novel is presented in alternate chapters from several character points of view, and it took me a number of chapters to adjust to the regular shift in narration as a relatively large cast of characters began cycling through. One of the characters appeared guilty from the get go, but some of them aren't telling the truth:
"Trouble is, the truth is plain and easy to remember. Lies, though, that's different. You lie once, you have to remember the lie, the truth doesn't fade when time passes, but a lie does." Page 242
Harriet seems charismatic and is loved by many and envied by some, with characters seeing different sides to her personality:
"I felt my heart twist a little, at that. It reminded me of something Harriet had said to me once. That she should not meet anyone she loved as well as me. But that was the old Harriet, of course. The good, kind Harriet. Not the hypocrite, the harlot, the betrayer." Page 301
In the novel, we learn Harriet was pregnant, despite being single and unwed. Identifying the father of the child is a mystery just as compelling as the guilty party behind her murder. Are they one and the same?
"If I am spared, of course. It is at this time of night that I feel the most afraid; it feels that death and damnation lurk all around us, in the darkness, waiting to claim us. In the morning I shall feel foolish for these thoughts, of course, but now it seems that nothing good lies ahead for me." Page 405
Coming in at just over 500 pages, it was a little long, and Harriet's chapters did start to become a little tiresome as she fretted about her situation. A suspect is revealed by the end of the book, although of course we have no way of knowing if this is truly what happened.
If you'd like to give The Murder of Harriet Monckton by Elizabeth Haynes a try, you can read a free excerpt of the first 21 pages on the publisher's website. You might also like to check out my 2014 interview with the author.
The Murder of Harriet Monckton by Elizabeth Haynes is a slow burn, historical whodunnit based on a true story. Recommended!
October 14, 2018
THE MURDER OF HARRIET MONCKTON
BY ELIZABETH HAYNES
I didn't think it was possible for me not to love a book written by Elizabeth Haynes. This is basically a true crime story about the search to find Harriet's killer. What I didn't like about the book is that it fictionalizes a whole section of the book about a journal by Harriet that never existed. This is a Victorian era crime that has never been solved. There was an inquest that took place and Harriet was pregnant and discovered dead in the privy on the church grounds and in the very beginning we are told Harriet was to have ingested poison. There were three men that were Harriet's lovers.
The reverend was known to have forced himself sexually on Harriet. She was a really kind girl who gave up her older lover to her best friend Maria who Harriet sends her non existent journal too because she had appealed to Maria's husband Richard to help her. Richard is who Harriet thinks is the father but he does not want to help her. Harriet then approaches the reverend who refuses to help her. Tom is the young boy who she is seen being escorted around the country who discovers her body. The biggest problem I had with this book is that although researched there is no resolution to the crime. We are given what happened but then told it is fiction after reading what happened. It is really frustrating to read a well researched book based on historical facts and then learn most of what you read is not what happened.
This author has written one of my favorite books "Into the Darkest Corner," and everyone I know loves her books. This one was very disappointing and I wouldn't recommend it. Some of the names were changed. There were many who had motive. I don't want to think I am reading about what the text says happened only to find out after finishing the book that those things I read didn't really happen. I don't want to find out just after reading who did the crime that in fact is imagination. If I know I am reading fiction then fine I will enjoy the story. When you think you are reading a factual story and invest your time accepting what you read is based on facts only to reach the end and find out what happened didn't happen.
BY ELIZABETH HAYNES
I didn't think it was possible for me not to love a book written by Elizabeth Haynes. This is basically a true crime story about the search to find Harriet's killer. What I didn't like about the book is that it fictionalizes a whole section of the book about a journal by Harriet that never existed. This is a Victorian era crime that has never been solved. There was an inquest that took place and Harriet was pregnant and discovered dead in the privy on the church grounds and in the very beginning we are told Harriet was to have ingested poison. There were three men that were Harriet's lovers.
The reverend was known to have forced himself sexually on Harriet. She was a really kind girl who gave up her older lover to her best friend Maria who Harriet sends her non existent journal too because she had appealed to Maria's husband Richard to help her. Richard is who Harriet thinks is the father but he does not want to help her. Harriet then approaches the reverend who refuses to help her. Tom is the young boy who she is seen being escorted around the country who discovers her body. The biggest problem I had with this book is that although researched there is no resolution to the crime. We are given what happened but then told it is fiction after reading what happened. It is really frustrating to read a well researched book based on historical facts and then learn most of what you read is not what happened.
This author has written one of my favorite books "Into the Darkest Corner," and everyone I know loves her books. This one was very disappointing and I wouldn't recommend it. Some of the names were changed. There were many who had motive. I don't want to think I am reading about what the text says happened only to find out after finishing the book that those things I read didn't really happen. I don't want to find out just after reading who did the crime that in fact is imagination. If I know I am reading fiction then fine I will enjoy the story. When you think you are reading a factual story and invest your time accepting what you read is based on facts only to reach the end and find out what happened didn't happen.
December 26, 2018
4.5* rounded up .
September 16, 2018
I was extremely lucky to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of this quite tremendous book from the fantastic group, The Book Club. Thank you to them, the publisher and the brilliant author, Elizabeth Haynes.
I received it beautifully packaged, complete with sealing wax and tag, and I was so reluctant to open it as I didn’t want to ruin the whole thing: I felt like I had received Harriet’s journal directly from her.
When I did open it, there’s a beautiful inscription inside and a lovely card, with a statement from Harriet, which I used for my bookmark.
I have nothing but total praise for the dedicated and meticulous research Elizabeth Haynes (one of my favourite authors) has put into this superb book. Beautifully written, and somewhat Dickensian, as you get a feel of the time and place and the way of life during that period.
Harriet (and her unborn son) was murdered in 1843 in Bromley, England. Elizabeth Haynes stumbled across some documents whilst researching another novel at the National Archives in Kew, London and this is as a result of that.
I have just turned the final page and can barely see for the tears. I so loved Harriet and I am so glad Elizabeth has got her story out there so that she will never be forgotten.
I savoured every single (nearly 500 pages) of this heartbreaking story of such a lovely young woman.
The story is told from the perspective of different characters, with most of them being suspects in her murder and all having motive. Is everyone telling the truth? All the suspects have something to hide and nothing is straightforward.
The vicar, Rev. George Verrall, is a despicable human being with double standards, totally belying his position. (Whenever I read about his story, I could only visualise the lecherous, hypocritical vicar in Poldark, and simply detested him).
When Harriet’s diary is discovered I was totally engrossed and my chief suspect changed every few minutes!
Harriet turned to the wrong people for help when those who loved her best were right under her nose, and that’s the sad thing: her murder was totally unnecessary and is just so sad.
As you will have gathered, I loved this book and can not recommend it highly enough: I feel bereft that I have finished it.
Just a little heads up, please do not miss reading the Afterword.
This is published on 28 September 2018 and I know that, if you love Victorian mysteries, then you will certainly love this.
10/10
I received it beautifully packaged, complete with sealing wax and tag, and I was so reluctant to open it as I didn’t want to ruin the whole thing: I felt like I had received Harriet’s journal directly from her.
When I did open it, there’s a beautiful inscription inside and a lovely card, with a statement from Harriet, which I used for my bookmark.
I have nothing but total praise for the dedicated and meticulous research Elizabeth Haynes (one of my favourite authors) has put into this superb book. Beautifully written, and somewhat Dickensian, as you get a feel of the time and place and the way of life during that period.
Harriet (and her unborn son) was murdered in 1843 in Bromley, England. Elizabeth Haynes stumbled across some documents whilst researching another novel at the National Archives in Kew, London and this is as a result of that.
I have just turned the final page and can barely see for the tears. I so loved Harriet and I am so glad Elizabeth has got her story out there so that she will never be forgotten.
I savoured every single (nearly 500 pages) of this heartbreaking story of such a lovely young woman.
The story is told from the perspective of different characters, with most of them being suspects in her murder and all having motive. Is everyone telling the truth? All the suspects have something to hide and nothing is straightforward.
The vicar, Rev. George Verrall, is a despicable human being with double standards, totally belying his position. (Whenever I read about his story, I could only visualise the lecherous, hypocritical vicar in Poldark, and simply detested him).
When Harriet’s diary is discovered I was totally engrossed and my chief suspect changed every few minutes!
Harriet turned to the wrong people for help when those who loved her best were right under her nose, and that’s the sad thing: her murder was totally unnecessary and is just so sad.
As you will have gathered, I loved this book and can not recommend it highly enough: I feel bereft that I have finished it.
Just a little heads up, please do not miss reading the Afterword.
This is published on 28 September 2018 and I know that, if you love Victorian mysteries, then you will certainly love this.
10/10
August 13, 2023
Gebaseerd op waargebeurde feiten.
November 1843, het lichaam van een jonge onderwijzeres wordt aangetroffen in het toilet van de lokale kapel. Het is geen natuurlijke dood en de dame in kwestie blijkt 5 maanden zwanger te zijn.
Wat dan volgt, is een uitgebreide reconstructie van wat er de maanden, dagen, uren voor haar overlijden is vooraf gegaan. Dit gebeurt aan de hand van getuigenissen van de dorpsbewoners, familieleden en enkele mensen die nauw met haar in contact stonden.
Al snel komen er een aantal mensen in het visier die mogenlijks toch wel belang hadden bij haar overlijden. Het onderzoek gaat zich dan ook op vier verdachten toespitsen. En ieder krijgt ruim de kans om zijn of haar versie van de feiten te geven.
Dit is geen snelle actiethriller, maar een heel knap, lang en breed uitgesponnen psychologisch portret van een kleine dorpsgemeenschap in Victoriaans Engeland.
Het verhaal wordt aangevuld met een interessant nawoord waarin de schrijfster verduidelijkt hoe ze te werkt is gegaan, op welke documenten ze zich gebaseerd heeft, en wat ze zelf aangevuld heeft.
Knap gedaan.
November 1843, het lichaam van een jonge onderwijzeres wordt aangetroffen in het toilet van de lokale kapel. Het is geen natuurlijke dood en de dame in kwestie blijkt 5 maanden zwanger te zijn.
Wat dan volgt, is een uitgebreide reconstructie van wat er de maanden, dagen, uren voor haar overlijden is vooraf gegaan. Dit gebeurt aan de hand van getuigenissen van de dorpsbewoners, familieleden en enkele mensen die nauw met haar in contact stonden.
Al snel komen er een aantal mensen in het visier die mogenlijks toch wel belang hadden bij haar overlijden. Het onderzoek gaat zich dan ook op vier verdachten toespitsen. En ieder krijgt ruim de kans om zijn of haar versie van de feiten te geven.
Dit is geen snelle actiethriller, maar een heel knap, lang en breed uitgesponnen psychologisch portret van een kleine dorpsgemeenschap in Victoriaans Engeland.
Het verhaal wordt aangevuld met een interessant nawoord waarin de schrijfster verduidelijkt hoe ze te werkt is gegaan, op welke documenten ze zich gebaseerd heeft, en wat ze zelf aangevuld heeft.
Knap gedaan.
July 27, 2019
This was a fictionalised true crime.
Harriet Monckton , an unmarried school mistress is found dead in the privy of a chapel , and there are various suspects including the preacher , Verral, Harriet's former landlord and the much older Richard, Tom Churcher, who was sweet upon her, Francis - the older school mistress who had a special affection for her and a couple more lesser characters
Her inquest stretches out into more than a couple of years and still , the murderer goes undetected .
The story slowly unfolds via narratives , court proceedings and Harriet's diary .. and culminates into a surprising end.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It is a tad slow paced , but suited me fine
Harriet Monckton , an unmarried school mistress is found dead in the privy of a chapel , and there are various suspects including the preacher , Verral, Harriet's former landlord and the much older Richard, Tom Churcher, who was sweet upon her, Francis - the older school mistress who had a special affection for her and a couple more lesser characters
Her inquest stretches out into more than a couple of years and still , the murderer goes undetected .
The story slowly unfolds via narratives , court proceedings and Harriet's diary .. and culminates into a surprising end.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It is a tad slow paced , but suited me fine
June 12, 2020
Hoge verwachtingen...maar wat een teleurstelling. Saai, langdradig en helemaal niet verrassend...Blij dat ik er vanaf ben!
December 30, 2020
In 1843 Harriet Monckton was found murdered in a privy. Haynes draws upon reports from the time to bring, the people who gave testimony at the inquest, to life.
After a somewhat laboured opening two thirds of the book the reader is rewarded with a deft and emotionally resonant conclusion.
After a somewhat laboured opening two thirds of the book the reader is rewarded with a deft and emotionally resonant conclusion.
February 5, 2020
WARNING: Maybe a slight spoiler halfway through, regarding how the book concludes.
Excuse my ignorance when I say that I didn’t realise this was a fictionalised version of a real murder until about half way through the book. At this point I was kind of bored, and wondering whether to continue on, and to help with this decision I looked up some info on it.
When you look at the book in that context, it’s a brilliantly laid out, fantastically constructed novel. Harriet Monckton, a young woman striving to become a teacher, well loved in the small community in Bromley, is murdered with poison in November, 1843. Later on it transpires that she was around 6 months pregnant. An inquest into her death reveals several key suspects, including Francis Williams, a fellow teacher, newcomer into the area, and beloved friend; Reverend George Verrall, well respected and desperately trying to convince the jury that Harriet killed herself; Richard Field, with whom Harriet lived for a while, now married with a baby and carrying deeply personal letters of correspondence between himself and Harriet; and young Thomas Churcher, ‘promised’ to another woman but deeply in love with Harriet.
A fascinating case of whodunnit in the 1840’s. In it are genuine accounts given by witnesses during the inquest, laced with the (fictional) thoughts of the four suspects, and during the second half we get to read Harriet’s (fictional) diary.
LOOK AWAY NOW IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO HAVE ANY IDEA HOW THE BOOK ENDS.
For anyone that wondered, as I did, if there is a solid conclusion to the story, then I can assure you that yes, there is indeed. It is fictional, and well thought out, and I was hugely relieved because I was concerned that, as the real case was never solved, that perhaps the book would be left open-ended.
So, in theory, this novel has all the parts that I love in a historical fiction. And a crime mystery historical fiction? Even better. Unfortunately, I found myself rather bored during the first half, and this led me to then skim-read the next 25%. I did really enjoy Harriet’s diary entries, and I really liked Harriet herself. I didn’t enjoy the first half because I didn’t like any of the four people that we spend it with - Francis, Verrall, Churcher or Field. The snippets we see from them and from the inquest didn’t endear me to them, and whilst I understand that this is obviously needed in order for us to try to figure out who did the crime, I really need to feel connected to characters to enjoy a book. Harriet isn’t really revealed to us as a character in her own right until her diary entries - until then she is kind of assembled in bits and pieces for us.
Whilst I do believe that this is a clever book, and that the author has done a fine job of bringing to life a woman that has otherwise been lost to history, I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I was expecting to, especially during the first half. However, once Harriet’s diary comes into it, I found myself riveted by her story, and I enjoyed it a lot more. Overall, a good read, and if you’re interested in real unsolved crimes, or historical fiction, I would say to give it a go yourself 😊
Excuse my ignorance when I say that I didn’t realise this was a fictionalised version of a real murder until about half way through the book. At this point I was kind of bored, and wondering whether to continue on, and to help with this decision I looked up some info on it.
When you look at the book in that context, it’s a brilliantly laid out, fantastically constructed novel. Harriet Monckton, a young woman striving to become a teacher, well loved in the small community in Bromley, is murdered with poison in November, 1843. Later on it transpires that she was around 6 months pregnant. An inquest into her death reveals several key suspects, including Francis Williams, a fellow teacher, newcomer into the area, and beloved friend; Reverend George Verrall, well respected and desperately trying to convince the jury that Harriet killed herself; Richard Field, with whom Harriet lived for a while, now married with a baby and carrying deeply personal letters of correspondence between himself and Harriet; and young Thomas Churcher, ‘promised’ to another woman but deeply in love with Harriet.
A fascinating case of whodunnit in the 1840’s. In it are genuine accounts given by witnesses during the inquest, laced with the (fictional) thoughts of the four suspects, and during the second half we get to read Harriet’s (fictional) diary.
LOOK AWAY NOW IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO HAVE ANY IDEA HOW THE BOOK ENDS.
For anyone that wondered, as I did, if there is a solid conclusion to the story, then I can assure you that yes, there is indeed. It is fictional, and well thought out, and I was hugely relieved because I was concerned that, as the real case was never solved, that perhaps the book would be left open-ended.
So, in theory, this novel has all the parts that I love in a historical fiction. And a crime mystery historical fiction? Even better. Unfortunately, I found myself rather bored during the first half, and this led me to then skim-read the next 25%. I did really enjoy Harriet’s diary entries, and I really liked Harriet herself. I didn’t enjoy the first half because I didn’t like any of the four people that we spend it with - Francis, Verrall, Churcher or Field. The snippets we see from them and from the inquest didn’t endear me to them, and whilst I understand that this is obviously needed in order for us to try to figure out who did the crime, I really need to feel connected to characters to enjoy a book. Harriet isn’t really revealed to us as a character in her own right until her diary entries - until then she is kind of assembled in bits and pieces for us.
Whilst I do believe that this is a clever book, and that the author has done a fine job of bringing to life a woman that has otherwise been lost to history, I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I was expecting to, especially during the first half. However, once Harriet’s diary comes into it, I found myself riveted by her story, and I enjoyed it a lot more. Overall, a good read, and if you’re interested in real unsolved crimes, or historical fiction, I would say to give it a go yourself 😊
September 24, 2018
I can't describe how I felt when I opened the beautifully wrapped parcel that contained my copy of
The Murder of Harriet Monckton by Elizabeth Haynes.
I know that I gasped out loud, as I had no idea that this book was being written and this author is one of my all time favourites.
I was intrigued to find that this was not another psychological thriller or police procedurals, but a historical crime novel, and based on real events. Whilst historical fiction is not my favourite genre, I was convinced that this fabulous author would nail it.
And she has.
Elizabeth Haynes came across transcripts from Harriet Monckton's murder case whilst researching another story and became intrigued and fascinated by them. The result of her fascination is this wonderfully written and absolutely compelling story that will grip any reader.
Twenty three year old Harriet Monckton was found dead in the privy behind a chapel in Bromley. Harriet was a well respected woman, from a good family and a regular church goer. Her death shocked the community. The reader is given a glimpse into Harriet's death in the enticing prologue and we are then taken through the following days, as members of the community realise that she's missing and the search begins.
Harriet was known by many people, and had plenty of secrets that are elegantly unfolded throughout the story. When the post mortem reveals that Harriet was pregnant, the case becomes more urgent. It's clear that Harriet was murdered and what becomes clearer is that there a many suspects. So many characters in this tale have their own reason to want her out of the picture.
There are a lot of characters, and the author jumps from one to another quite quickly. Revealing their innermost thoughts and their actions. It did take me a while to get used to this style, and to remember just who was who. However, the creation of each character is so brilliantly done that their own individual voices soon begin to shine, they become instantly recognisable to the reader.
It is not only the intriguing and mysterious plot, or the cleverly created characters that make this book something quite special. Elizabeth Haynes brings Bromley to life so well too. Her writing conjures up the dark and foreboding back streets of this London borough so well, giving such a realistic sense of place that adds such a wonderful depth to the tale.
I defy anyone to guess the outcome of this one. It's so well put together, with an unexpected twist here and a quirky turn there that I certainly was led down the completely wrong track, which for me, is another sign of the intelligent and purely crafted plotting and story telling.
I will remember this story, and Harriet for a long time. Elizabeth Haynes has taken a long-forgotten murder case and brought it to life quite wonderfully. Her passion for the subject shines through in her writing. Highly recommended.
The Murder of Harriet Monckton by Elizabeth Haynes.
I know that I gasped out loud, as I had no idea that this book was being written and this author is one of my all time favourites.
I was intrigued to find that this was not another psychological thriller or police procedurals, but a historical crime novel, and based on real events. Whilst historical fiction is not my favourite genre, I was convinced that this fabulous author would nail it.
And she has.
Elizabeth Haynes came across transcripts from Harriet Monckton's murder case whilst researching another story and became intrigued and fascinated by them. The result of her fascination is this wonderfully written and absolutely compelling story that will grip any reader.
Twenty three year old Harriet Monckton was found dead in the privy behind a chapel in Bromley. Harriet was a well respected woman, from a good family and a regular church goer. Her death shocked the community. The reader is given a glimpse into Harriet's death in the enticing prologue and we are then taken through the following days, as members of the community realise that she's missing and the search begins.
Harriet was known by many people, and had plenty of secrets that are elegantly unfolded throughout the story. When the post mortem reveals that Harriet was pregnant, the case becomes more urgent. It's clear that Harriet was murdered and what becomes clearer is that there a many suspects. So many characters in this tale have their own reason to want her out of the picture.
There are a lot of characters, and the author jumps from one to another quite quickly. Revealing their innermost thoughts and their actions. It did take me a while to get used to this style, and to remember just who was who. However, the creation of each character is so brilliantly done that their own individual voices soon begin to shine, they become instantly recognisable to the reader.
It is not only the intriguing and mysterious plot, or the cleverly created characters that make this book something quite special. Elizabeth Haynes brings Bromley to life so well too. Her writing conjures up the dark and foreboding back streets of this London borough so well, giving such a realistic sense of place that adds such a wonderful depth to the tale.
I defy anyone to guess the outcome of this one. It's so well put together, with an unexpected twist here and a quirky turn there that I certainly was led down the completely wrong track, which for me, is another sign of the intelligent and purely crafted plotting and story telling.
I will remember this story, and Harriet for a long time. Elizabeth Haynes has taken a long-forgotten murder case and brought it to life quite wonderfully. Her passion for the subject shines through in her writing. Highly recommended.
July 24, 2024
Elizabeth Haynes took her inspiration for The Murder of Harriet Monckton from actual historical documents about an unsolved murder from 1843. Haynes scoured archives to try and find out if the case was ever solved. It wasn’t, but Haynes uses all of the available information about the crime scene and the suspects to create a solution to Harriet’s murder. She does an absolutely incredible job of taking the scant information gleaned from newspapers, court documents, and letters to bring Bromley of 1843 back to life. This book is an amazing piece of historical fiction; Haynes definitely shows us how to do this right. Seriously, the talent on display in this book floored me...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type.
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