Story of a Murder
The Wives, the Mistress and Dr Crippen
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Story of a Murder
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Narrated by:
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Juliet Stevenson
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By:
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Hallie Rubenhold
About this listen
Brought to you by Penguin.
BY THE AUTHOR OF MULTI-AWARD-WINNING #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER: THE FIVE, THE WOMEN KILLED BY JACK THE RIPPER
An epic examination of the historical true-crime story of infamous wife-murderer Dr Crippen in Edwardian England, brought to justice by an extraordinary group of strong women
No murderer should ever be the keeper of their victim's story …
On 1 February, 1910, vivacious musichall performer, Belle Elmore, suddenly vanished from her north London home, causing alarm among her circle of female friends, the entertainers of the Music Hall Ladies’ Guild who demanded an immediate investigation.
They could not have known what they would provoke: the unearthing of a gruesome secret, followed by a fevered manhunt for the prime suspect: Belle’s husband, medical fraudster, Dr Hawley Harvey Crippen.
Hiding in the shadows of this evergreen tale is Crippen’s typist and lover, Ethel Le Neve – was she really just ‘an innocent young girl’ in thrall to a powerful older man as so many people have since reported?
In this epic examination of one of the most infamous murders of the twentieth century, prizewinning social historian Hallie Rubenhold gives voice to those who have never properly been heard – the women.
Featuring a carnival cast of eccentric entertainers, glamorous lawyers, zealous detectives, medics and liars, STORY OF A MURDER is meticulously researched and multi-layered, offering the listener an electrifying snapshot of Britain and America at the dawn of the modern era.
'A unique combination of sleuthing, storytelling and compassion' Lucy Worsley
'Under her pen, history comes alive' Professor Dame Sue Black
'An exceptional achievement. I was gripped from the very first page' The Secret Barrister
'Reads like a great thriller. I inhaled it' Bella Mackie
'Fascinating. It's about time Belle became the hero of her own story' Val McDermid
'As compelling as any crime drama' S J Parris
‘I couldn't put it down' Bonnie Garmus
'I had my hand over my wide-open mouth' Rachel Joyce
'Takes us beyond the world of Dr Crippen into the lives impacted by him and the society in which he moved. Terrific' Ian Rankin
'Compelling to the very last page' Denise Mina
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What listeners say about Story of a Murder
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Bibliobob
- 27-04-25
Excellent, but......
Very good book, but I feel it was overly long for the subject matter. Better editing needed.
Excellent narration.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- cyndy foard
- 10-04-25
Fantastic
Halle has done it once again. Like “The Five” Halle has encouraged the reader to look at all aspects of each and every person involved. From their childhood to adulthood and beyond proving that they had history and lives before this event took place. This is not only a book of criminal history but one of making you realise that those involved were people, whether they be the victims or the perpetrator. Fantastic insight into a part of criminal history I knew very little about. Thank you Halle.
Juliet Stevenson is a fantastic narrator I love her voice. So thank you Juliet. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- rambling rose
- 09-04-25
fascinating
this was a fantastic listen another great success from this author. looking forward to more.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- CJ Lockett
- 08-04-25
Interesting and thought provoking
I enjoyed the thoroughness and the unwillingness to paint the people in black and white terms.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Eleb
- 18-04-25
A timely revision
This detailed, well-researched account spotlights the victim, Belle Elmore, and how, over the years, she has been presented in media accounts of her murder. It also considers, in depth, the role played, or possibly played, by Ethel Le Neve. This brings much needed perspective to what is usually referred to as the Crippen case. The narration by Juliet Stevenson is excellent.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- The Groke
- 27-04-25
In-depth exploration of a classic crime
This was superbly read by Juliet Stevenson. In it the author puts the victim of the crime, the ebullient and popular Belle Elmore in the centre of the story. She also describes the slightly seedy and morally hidebound lower middle class Edwardian life in a compelling fashion. Thoroughly enjoyed it, it is a long book, but is completely compelling. I read it in a week.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Bernie
- 25-04-25
Excellently told tale
I enjoyed this story very much. The characters and people concerned in the Crippen case come to life and the author gives us new and fresh insight into the murder of Belle Elmore. Well worth a listen.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mike Griffiths
- 23-04-25
Excellent exploration of crime
Just listen to this if you want to know about the crime that was front page news in 1910. So thoroughly researched and a just a great book!!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jacinta
- 26-04-25
Thoroughly entertaining with exquisite narration.
One of the best audio books that I have had the pleasure of listening to. I'm so glad that I came across this gem. The story was very well documented and researched. The narrator was sublime and a joy to listen to. An incredible story and marvellously entertaining. RIP Belle.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Elinor
- 26-04-25
Great character portrayal
I'd heard of Dr Crippen but didn't really know the story. Very sad, but interesting too. Poor Belle! poor Charlotte!
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