This is one of my all-time favorite true crime books. I've read it twice, and plan to re read it again someday.
The crime itself is full of drama, heartbreak, obsession, and scandal. A three year old boy was found murdered in an outdoor privy, and Scotland Yard was called in. The lead detective on the case, Whicher, became fixated on the idea that someone in the boy's family was the murderer, and was consumed by the case. Five years later, the true killer came forward.
Summerscale has an excellent writing style that presents facts and theories in a fascinating, gripping way. The book is also a literary theory of sorts, discussing how Whicher is considered the basis for detective characters such as Sam Spade. Fans of true crime, as well as detective stories, will love this book.
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