Crippen: A Novel of Murder - Tapa blanda

From Library Journal (starred review): *Boyne, John. Crippen: A Novel of Murder. Thomas Dunne Bks: St. Martin's. Mar. 2006. c.352p. ISBN 0-312-34358-2 [ISBN 978-0-312-34358-3]. $24.95. F "The truth always outs," states Inspector Dew of Scotland Yard. Or does it? Boyne (The Thief of Time) blends fact, fiction, and supposition in a suspenseful tale based on the 1910 transatlantic pursuit of Dr. Hawley Crippen for the murder and brutal dismemberment of his wife, Cora. The novel seamlessly blends several story lines, following Hawley and lover Ethel, disguised as father and son, as they board a cruise ship headed for Canada (and, they hope, freedom) while also tracing the life of Hawley and of those connected to him from his infancy to his execution for Cora's murder. Unlike historical perspectives that mention Crippen and Jack the Ripper in the same breath, Boyne's Crippen is more sympathetic, although certainly frightening at times. Despite having to capture such a long time frame, Boyne does an excellent job of condensing and elaborating exactly where and when he should. His characters are wonderfully memorable and engaging, and this book will satisfy patrons with a thirst for dramatized true-crime stories. Highly recommended for all popular fiction collections.-Susan O. Moritz, National Gallery of Art Lib., Washington, DuBR> -- Susan O. Moritz "Library Journal starred review" (02/01/2006)

Praise for John Boyne and "Crippen"
"Had Charles Dickens been around to turn his talents to fictionalizing the classic Crippen murder case, the result might well have been close to this superb, multifaceted novel. ... Boyne brings all the characters in this drama to life, skillfully shifting perspectives and using flashbacks and flash-forwards. ... Boyne is to be commended for his ability to alternate between Wodehousian humor and Edwardian noir."
--"Publishers Weekly "(starred review)
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"A wonderfully evocative and detailed tale... Hugely enjoyable."
--"Macavity's" (UK)
"Boyne is a skillful storyteller... genuinely thrilling."
-- "Sunday Tribune" (UK)
"Boyne has the ability to create memorable characters, and to unfold their various stories in a tightly controlled narrative that shifts backwards and forwards, doling out enough information to keep readers on the edge of their metaphorical seats."
--"The Irish Times"
""Crippen "has confirmed him as one of the best and original of the new generation of Irish writers."
--"Irish Examiner"
"Starred Review." Had Charles Dickens been around to turn his talents to fictionalizing the classic Crippen murder case, the result might well have been close to this superb, multifaceted novel from Irish author Boyne ("The Thief of Time"). The crime, a cause co?=lo?=bre in 1910, is probably best remembered for its denouement, which featured a race across the Atlantic by Scotland Yard Insp. Walter Dew in pursuit of his suspects aboard a cruise ship. Boyne brings all the characters in this drama to life, skillfully shifting perspectives and using flashbacks and flash-forwards. While his depiction of Hawley Crippen, a quack and self-proclaimed doctor with a disturbing taste for butchery, and his mistress is admittedly speculative, the author's imaginings of their inner lives and motivations are plausible. His version of the events of the night when Crippen's harridan wife met her gruesome death is convincing, despite the lack of historical support. Boyne is to be commended for his ability to alternate between Wodehousian humor and Edwardian noir. "(Mar.)"
-- PW "Publishers Weekly starred revview" (01/01/2006)

Re-creates an infamous serial killer case involving the 1910 Scotland Yard investigation into the murder of Bella Elmore, whose body is discovered in the cellar of her husband and killer Hawley Crippen, a doctor who has fled in disguise along with his mistress on a cruise ship bound for America. Reader's Guide included. Reprint. 30,000 first printing.