Article: Does DNA prove that Crippin didn't murder his cheating wife?

Sunday Express, 29th October 2023

"Matthew Coniam’s book would, I’m sure, have appealed to those seekers after truth, Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes."

The Sherlock Holmes Journal - Summer 2022

Article: 'Was Doctor Crippen Wrongly Convicted?'

International Express

Can I just say, I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! It was one of those, "I cannot put this down until I finish."

When it comes to true crime, this is one of the best ones that I have read. The entire case, with a disappearing doctor, a mistress, and a missing wife.
Throughout the course of the trial, there are several discrepancies that come up, and there are several opinions that are expressed throughout the book. But the level of research done and the amazing retelling of this story kept me intrigued throughout the entire book.

Well done and very well written!

NetGalley, Rebecca Hill

Well Researched, Compelling…
A very readable, well researched and compelling account of the Crippen case. In clear, concise and crisply written prose the author dissects the case itself and what we know and, perhaps, what we don’t know. This particular account is made more interesting in that the case for the innocence of Crippen is investigated in a fluid and believable fashion.

NetGalley, Ruth Giles

I should say that when I first got into True Crime in my late teens, I’m pretty sure this was the first case that I read about. I’m sure I thought at the time that the story was a bit gross, cruel and odd. Odd in the fact of Dr Crippen means of trying to escape justice after such a heinous crime, when in my opinion it was quite obvious that he would be the prime suspect in this case. While not wanting to reveal much more as I don’t want to ruin the read for anyone else, the author puts forward a number of points etc, that do make you stop and think because now we have the use of modern-day technology that reveals so much more. The book is very good and the author has written it well and the combination of ‘old’ story and modern-day findings is very good indeed. I would recommend this book, especially if your interested in true crime.

Read the full review here

UK Historian

ARTICLE FEATURE: Was Doctor Crippin Wrongly Convicted? One of the most notorious killers in history, he was hanged for killing his wife... but, as a new book suggests, there is now strong evidence that he was innocent.

Daily Express

An intriguing, well-researched account with a fresh perspective on the infamous Crippen murders. There was a good deal I didn't know, and the author had me look at things in new ways. Recommended for true crime fans!

NetGalley, Ashley Weaver

It will serve as a very thorough account of the case, its newspaper coverage and more recent developments.

Read the full review here

Alan Moss

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As a true-crime author myself-so, any true crime book is gold dust to me. I have for a long time been fascinated with the Crippen story. I thought I knew the story pretty well, but obviously not. A very well-written and well-researched book. Recommended.

NetGalley, Wendy M Rhodes

Compelling arguments are given that could explain Crippen’s innocence, leaving you with many unanswered questions that may never be answered. It definitely made me look at this case in a different way and I would love to read any follow up work from the author.

NetGalley, Karen O'Hare

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Apparently the mysterious case of "Dr" Crippen and the alleged murder of his wife Cora is a well known one in the world of true crime, especially in the UK but also here in America...and yet I personally had never heard of this case until I began reading this book.

I was, therefore, thoroughly disgusted by the finding of the "mass of flesh" found buried in Crippen's basement and followed the blow by blow account of this historic case as eagerly as the people of 1910 must have done.

The writing here strikes that perfect balance between relating real life facts and dramatizing a story to make it enjoyable. The author presents all facts as such, all theories as such, making clear distinction between the two, and looking the whole case over with a critical eye.

I found the entire story morbidly fascinating, especially when the modern day evidence was presented, throwing quite a wrench in the whole thing and revealing a gross miscarriage of justice. The author then presents several current working theories but ultimately leaves the reader to form their own opinions on a case which will never truly be solved.

NetGalley, Heather Miller

A well researched, entertaining and gripping true crime. I never heard about this case before and thoroughly enjoyed this well written book.
Recommended.

NetGalley, Anna Maria Giacomasso

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I thought I knew this story but I was wrong.. The author, Matthew Coniam, wrote a fantastic and well-researched account of the infamous British Murderer, "Doctor" Crippen.
Now in all of my love of true crime and research, I have done myself, it amazes me that criminals of any kind were dumb enough to get caught back then.. I mean there was no DNA, no security cameras, no cell phones to track. yet they were sloppy and more often than not greedy.
As a history buff, a collector of true crime books, I will admit this is the first book of Matthew Coniam's I have read. But after looking into his other books, I will be reading more, and I think you will agree.

NetGalley, Natalie Freese

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It’s a fresh take on the infamous Dr Crippen case, incorporating new DNA evidence - I won’t say too much about the authors conclusions but this is an excellent and well researched book.

NetGalley, Rebecca B

Loved this book! Gave plenty of detail on the crime itself and also a feel for the times they were living in.

NetGalley, Stephanie Melucci

I have to say that I had never heard or read about this case, so everything I learned here was a surprise to me. The author did good research, and he tried to be as objective as possible, which I respect.

NetGalley, Laura N.

A highly well researched book. I liked that all angles were explored and it does seem that this is not as clear cut as it was believed to be.

NetGalley, Christine Cazeneuve

Very interesting and well written account on this case!

NetGalley, Wendy S. Lovell

There can be few people that don't know that Crippen murdered his wife Cora, buried her in his basement and then fled with his mistress disguised as a boy to Canada and was trapped by the new wireless technology. Right? Well probably wrong, and Matthew Coniam explains why here.

The book is obviously well-researched and the author is able to agree with, or more often, refute assertions made by others with logical precision. He takes us back to the early days of the Crippens, shines a light on the quack profession Crippen engaged in and speculates on why following the birth of his son by his first wife, no further children were born.

I greatly enjoyed the read.

NetGalley, Cleo Pullen

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Time to clear your schedule for the afternoon, coffee pot on and phone turned off - you won’t want to put this one down. This was a compelling and thoroughly gripping read from start to finish with a great storyline, and all capped off by skilful writing. Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the advanced reading of this fantastic book!

NetGalley, Michelle Coates

This is a fascinating persepctive on this case. I have read multiple books and articles over the years but this by far gives the most thorough information.
I highly recommend this book.

NetGalley, K.M. Kenyon

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Wow, what a riveting book! Like others I have been fascinated by the story of "Doctor" and Cora Crippen which first made headlines in July, 1910 when a gruesome discovery was made in their cellar. Sensationalism doesn't even begin to cover it...dismemberment by someone knowledgeable about anatomy, a quack doctor, a theatrical wife, a mistress, poison, quicklime, theories, surmises, lies, deception and fleeing London for Canada.

Hawley Harvey Crippen and his actress wife Cora were Americans who lived on Hilldrop Crescent in London. Doctor Crippen was more of a quack, parting people from their money with sugar water cures. He also classified himself as a dentist. He and Cora enjoyed socializing and threw parties but the fun ended with the grim discovery in their cellar after Crippen and Ethel (who was living with him as his wife) fled London. When questioned about his professional pedigree, he readily admitted the stories he told his friends about Cora's death. His fleeing before the discovery seemed to point to his guilt. And it didn't help that he didn't defend himself yet he denied any part in the crime. Wonder what Ethel thought?

There is a plethora of questions in this case. Was the flesh found indeed Cora? If so, was it not overkill to use poison? And why get rid of bits of the body in a house rented by Crippens? And loads more, of course. So many interesting facts, including two coffins and quicklime...these really made me think. Cora sightings and hoaxes abounded which kept the cycle going.

The author's thorough research really shows, including new thought-provoking DNA evidence. The photographs in the book are fascinating. If true crime fascinates you, do read this incredibly readable and compelling book with differing viewpoints and conclusions, including that of the author.

NetGalley, Brenda Carleton

Very interesting in-depth examination.

John George Haigh, Christie, Dr Crippen.....all well-known murderers from many years back. There is a fascination to know exactly what happened. I remember seeing a documentary a few years ago which suggested there had been new evidence found which brought some doubts relating to Crippen's case, so was very interested to read this book when I saw it newly available.

These sorts of books are usually very interesting and fascinating. I was anxious to get to the main part of the action, rather than a lot of social background, but I soon became engrossed in it. Not just about the murders, there's quite a bit of background to the Crippens coming to London, Cora being in music Hall etc.

This is well-researched, with mountains of information.

NetGalley, Julie Haigh

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

By far the very best coverage of the Crippen case, which has disturbed people for a hundred years. The writing is wonderful, flows like no other and you will not want to put this book down.
In addition to excellent writing the author brings out many previously glossed over facts. Crippen's and Ethel's behavior after Cora disappeared seems astonishing, strange and foolish. The author turns the facts over, this way and that, and shows how they simply could have been the actions of foolish young (?) lovers. Then again....
Of course, the piece de resistance is the issue with the new forensic work done on the remains, the forensic mindblower of all time. You have to read the book to learn about that. Some previous writers have made Crippen out to be a sweet, sensitive, quiet and unassuming man and he may have been all that. But he was also a dishonest businessman and a liar. Does that make him a killer?. What we do know for sure is that law enforcement was equally dishonest in this case.

NetGalley, Cecilia Vettraino Brown

I am a true crime buff, I watch anything about true crime and now am trying to read more about it, too. I must caveat that this tends to only stretch to UK crime as I find the American tales a bit sensationalised when they are on TV.

This review, however, is about a book so here we go. I absolutely loved this. It contains a lot of information that I was not aware of before. The writing style is very engaging and before I knew it, I was more than halfway through this book. I used to read on my way home from work but due to covid, I am working from home so do not have that time for escapism. I have a dedicated place for reading now and so I am getting back into my books.

I devoured this in two sittings. I didn't realise how long I was sitting down for, I was fully absorbed in this book and have recommended it to my friends who are like-minded and they are going to look into it when the book comes out.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, it was engaging, factual and not at all sensationalist. Looking forward to hearing more from this author in the future.

NetGalley, Tarv Panesar

I've long been fascinated by the subject of the book so was thrilled to be able to read this

Well researched
Well written - very accessible read and interesting

I thought it was a great read

NetGalley, Maria Martignetti

Clearly the author did a ton of research into this case! It was evident that he found the topic interesting and that he spent a lot of time reviewing information and making it accessible. I especially enjoyed the chapters dedicated to the theories of what really happened to Cora Crippen. These were possibilities I had never heard of before! I have read many mystery stories that reference Mr. Crippen, so it was interesting to get the background on the case and see for myself what was meant by that.

NetGalley, Katie Sauer

Got it and read it in the same day - this is a must for true crime addicts. Such a well known and well documented case must surely have no new insights to offer, right? This book proves that there is always something new to uncover and a new perspective to bring. Meticulously argued by an author who is clearly fascinated by Crippen, the book offers credible and somehow disturbing theories which really make you wonder…

NetGalley, Louise Gray

Very interesting. Well-written. I found the subject presented in an understandable manner and in a way that keeps your attention.

NetGalley, Norma Carroll