While this is certainly a work of true crime, "The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher" is not one written in the Ann Rule, mass-market-paperback, page-turner variety. Rather, it's a Victorian mystery that endeavors to simultaneously to solve a crime, reflect on the evolution of home-life in 18th-Century England, and shine a light on the early years of detective work. The mystery at the center of the story involves the murder of a three year old boy, Saville Kent and the suspicions his demise casts on family members and servants in an upscale English country home. When the local constabulary are unable to solve the crime, Scotland Yard sends Jonathan Whicher, the best and brightest of their new breed of "Detective-Inspectors" to investigate.
As clues are sought and the mystery deepens author Kate Summerscale puts the case in both a historic and literary perspective. Citing newspaper articles and pamphlets, she illustrates how the case created scandal and fear at the national level. At the literary level, she ties the early years of detective work to pioneers of mystery writing and literary detectives, providing background on Wilkie Collins "The Woman in White", Edgar Allen Poe, and Dickens most celebrated of detectives, Inspector Bucket, of "Bleak House" fame.
Fans of Victorian era novels will likely find something to enjoy in the period details and sense of history presented. Similarly, readers of Victorian Mysteries (Gyles Brandreth's "Oscar Wilde series, Anne Perry, etc.) and Sherlock Holmes novels will also enjoy tracking the early years of detective work in England. I'd feel comfortable handing this to someone who enjoyed "Devil in the White City", with the caveat that "it won't be as good". Sadly, true-crime afficianados looking for either a fast-paced thriller or a "ripped-from the headlines" sensationalism will likely be disappointed.
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