[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars This is a fascinating book, well-written and thoroughly researched. It is about a real private detective, yet at times it reads like a novel. In addition to telling the story of Henry Slater, this book discusses identity in Victorian society including class and gender. Even the parts of the book that feel slower are interesting in painting a portrait of Slater and the society in which he lived. I was totally engrossed, even while I was appalled by some of the actions that were pertinent to the trial. Fans of historical true crime (that doesn't involve murder) and Sherlock Holmes will likely find this book interesting.
NetGalley, Katie A

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars Great book, hard think how life would been like for possibly my ancestors. Well written, worth reading.
NetGalley, Karen Bull

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars This was such an interesting read. I really didn't know anything about this but glad I read it. Very interesting.
NetGalley, Rachel Phillips

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars I found this to be a fun and informative read that really complimented my previous reading of Queen Victoria’s family. This is much more than a look at Victoria’s life, but also an exploration of a very turbulent time in history, spanning from the late nineteenth century through two world wars. My favorite sections were those that delved into Victoria’s childhood, with her siblings, and the death of her mother, Princess Alice, but I also enjoyed the later bits that explored the death of Alix and Ella. Miller does a terrific job of relaying these events in a well-rounded way that prioritizes how deeply affected Victoria was by them (all while trying to spare Ernie from some of the more horrific details.) Phenomenal work with just the right blend of history and gossip that kept my attention the entire time (and often made me say to myself, “If only they had listened to Victoria!”)
NetGalley, Nicholas Artrip

Reader review
Who Do You Think You Are? - Issue 221, September 2024