through examination of the remaining available evidence. very interesting ( )

A comienzos del siglo XIX, el asesinato de dos familias de comerciantes consternó a la sociedad londinense. El terror que generaron dichos crímenes y la presión por resolver el caso con celeridad se tradujeron en una sucesión de pesquisas apresuradas y en medidas chapuceras, que culminaron con el suicidio de un inocente. Ésta es la historia novelada de un suceso que todavía hoy remueve la conciencia de los británicos.

I found this retelling of the Ratcliffe Highway murders covered off more angles than the traditional more lurid true crime book - a careful, evidence-based investigation of whether the right man was blamed, coupled with an evocative picture of the Georgian East End and nascent police force. If nothing else it is an interesting take on the importance of effective information-sharing and rigorous analysis at a time when it is most needed but least likely to happen: in the midst of crisis and panic. The only aspect that left me unsatisfied was the limited exploration of motive for the proposed guilty parties, although the authors are careful to note that the answer to this question probably lies in lost documents. Recommended for those interested in London's social history. ( )

An unusual book to read, for me.

It is a look at two murders that happened in 1811 in London’s East End. Two families were murdered in their homes on two separate nights. The murders were extremely violent. The first was a tradesman, wife and baby; the second a pub owner, wife and servant.

Author P.D. James and historian T.A. Critchley heavily researched the murders in historical records from the era and published periodicals.

Not only do they write of the crime, they also five a picture of life in an area as rough as the East End was developing into. A formal police department had yet to be formed. Instead each parish took care of their own and didn’t share information. This meant a lot of information fell between the cracks. Because of the disjointed law system, it appears there was no justice done of either family.

It is a dry, historical read, with much detail. Interesting for someone who has a great interest of life and times in early 195h century London. ( )