Stevie‘s review of The Dublin Railway Murder by Thomas Morris
Historical non-fiction published by Harvill Secker 11 Nov 21
I have a certain fondness for stories of Victorian true crime, told from a meticulously researched modern perspective. The most famous example in the genre is probably The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher, and the man himself makes a brief appearance in this book too, although the main focus is on the Dublin police and their colleagues in the legal profession. The story centres around a locked room mystery: the killing of railway cashier George Little as he works late in his office at Broadstone Station in Dublin. Although various blunders by those who discover the crime eliminate a number of clues, there is no shortage of suspects, nor of police officers and other workers to search for evidence.
George Little seemingly had no enemies and led a blameless life, living with and providing for a number of unmarried and widowed female relatives. However, the large quantity of money that had been taken in payments over the previous few days was an obvious incentive for anyone who knew George’s habits and was ruthless enough to commit murder in order to make off with the cash. Arrests are made and the arrestees subsequently released, witnesses change their statements, and red herrings abound. At last the police have enough circumstantial evidence to bring someone to trail. But the verdict is far from the end of the story.
I really enjoyed this book. As well as the central mystery itself, the reader is treated to many other aspects of mid-nineteenth century life in Dublin and the surrounding area, as well as to excerpts from contemporary accounts of the events. We also learn of new scientific disciplines and some pseudo-sciences that have since been thoroughly discredited. I hope to read more from this author very soon.
Grade: A
Summary:
Dublin, November 1856: George Little, the chief cashier of the Broadstone railway terminus, is found dead, lying in a pool of blood beneath his desk.He has been savagely beaten, his head almost severed; there is no sign of a murder weapon, and the office door is locked, apparently from the inside. Thousands of pounds in gold and silver are left untouched at the scene of the crime.
Augustus Guy, Ireland’s most experienced detective, teams up with Dublin’s leading lawyer to investigate the murder. But the mystery defies all explanation, and two celebrated sleuths sent by Scotland Yard soon return to London, baffled.
Five suspects are arrested then released, with every step of the salacious case followed by the press, clamouring for answers. But then a local woman comes forward, claiming to know the murderer…
No excerpt available.
