Rasputin: The Role of Britain's Secret Service in His Torture and Murder

by Richard Cullen

The murder of Grigori Rasputin, mystic, healer, advisor to the Tsar & Tsaritsa of Russia, remains one of the most intriguing crimes of the 20th century. Using cutting edge forensic police techniques, former Scotland Yard cop Cullen goes back in time to solve the murder & reveal how British secret services were involved in the plot. He's uncovered a story of sexual tensions, torture & murder in which British spooks were closely involved.
Richard Cullen was a detective for much of his career. He's now a senior Ministry of Justice official.

Genres: History

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2010

Reviews

[James Burn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually, I only read the first and last couple chapters, speed-reading everything in between.
Written by an ex-Scotland Yard detective going over crime-scene details from every angle - in hopes of drawing alternate conclusions than the explanation offered during the last days of Romanov Dynasty - he believes that the early British Secret Services were behind the assassination, and that Grigori was tortured in aid of finding out details regarding Germany's intentions of finding a separate piece w/Russian during WWI.

Only for those fascinated with the subject (Russia, Revolution, Romanovs, Rasputin - the four Rs, &c.)...otherwise, too much much minor forensic detail.

Also, rated this a 3 * , because I do think the research by Cullen might benefit anyone else interested in the actual murder.
1 * for ease of reading...

[Erik Graff · Rating 2 out of 5]

This short book represents a forensic reexamination of the Rasputin murder case. It is based on a critical review of contemporary accounts by putative participants, Russian police and medical reports, later memoirs, and, as regards British involvement, informed speculation. The basic idea is that British intelligence, concerned that Rasputin was advising peace with Germany, had him tortured, then killed, probably by the Russians who confessed involvement.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hopeful at first as the prologue was quite humorous, but as the book progressed I found it very dry and quite difficult to read. Despite this, it was an interesting and informative read.

[Elizabeth Montague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by my uncle so I may be bias but a great and informative read.