Story of a Murder: The Wives, the Mistress and Dr Crippen by Hallie Rubenhold

"Whip-smart, brilliantly atmospheric, completely addictive."
—Rachel Joyce

In March, let's talk about one of the most infamous murders of the 20th century...after reading Story of a Murder: The Wives, the Mistress, and Dr. Crippen by Hallie Rubenhold.

• The International Bestseller
• Winner of the Clue Award - True Crime Book of the Year

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On February 1, 1910, the vivacious, diamond-adorned music hall performer Belle Elmore suddenly vanished from her home, causing alarm among her friends, the entertainers of the Music Hall Ladies’ Guild. Their demands for an investigation would lead to the unearthing of a gruesome secret and trigger a fevered international manhunt for Belle’s husband, medical fraudster Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen.

Ethel Le Neve, Crippen’s typist and lover, who fled with Crippen in disguise, has always hidden in the shadows of this tale--was she really just "an innocent young girl" in thrall to a powerful older man? And was there an equally sinister story behind the death of Crippen’s first wife, Charlotte?

Brimming with twists and featuring a carnival cast of eccentric entertainers, star lawyers, zealous detectives, medics and liars, Story of a Murder offers an electrifying snapshot of Britain and America at the dawn of the modern era.
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“Unbelievably addictive - I defy you to put it down! Written with Rubenhold's completely unique combination of sleuthing, storytelling and compassion."
―Lucy Worsley

“Astonishing and deeply researched history... Story of a Murder entrances, speeding us along on journeys of female empowerment, complete with fascinating details of life as a woman living in the early 20th century, then delivers a murder mystery with all the thrill of a manhunt."
―Wall Street Journal

“A fantastic read: the story of the women killed by Dr Crippen and how a raggle-taggle band of variety theatre ladies fought for their friend. Crammed with fascinating of social history and detail, Story of a Murder is compelling to the very last page."
―Denise Mina
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📆Event Details

• Date & Time: Sunday, March 1st, 3:00 PM
• Venue: Las Palmas rooftop bar
• Note: Please support the venue by ordering at least one drink.

📚Club Guidelines

• Following the discussion, our next book will be chosen by group poll—come prepared to champion your pick. Each month, we explore a different genre. For the April discussion, please bring at least one fiction recommendation. If your suggestion wins the vote, your book takes center stage! Even if not, you’ll enjoy stepping beyond your usual horizons.

❓FAQ

• 1)"Do I have to finish reading the book to join the event?"
  YES. We’re here to discuss the book! To ensure a rich and meaningful conversation for everyone, all participants are expected to read the book in full before attending.
• 2)"Can I just listen and not join the discussion?"
  NO. We gather in person to share ideas. Your voice matters! Whether you agree, disagree, or interpret things differently, every perspective helps deepen our understanding of the book. There’s no right or wrong answer, and every opinion is equally cherished.

Feel free to send me a message if you have any other questions.
See you in March, bookflies🦋!