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beccakatie's review against another edition
dark
informative
fast-paced
3.75
This was a really interesting journey through how the British public have engaged with the concept of murder throughout the years, regarding it as a moral lesson, as entertainment, or a puzzle. Worsley writes with a gentle and approachable manner, slipping in her own experiences during research in a way that does not feel obtrusive, but rather adds good additional information.
I found it interesting how the book veered away from the Victorian engagement with real murder into fictionalised crimes in melodrama and early-twentieth century crime novels. I do feel like the shift could have been detailed in a slightly clearer way, perhaps more of a discussion about real crimes, especially as today there is still a fascination with murderers and serial killers, particularly through podcasts and documentaries.
I also feel that there was some repetition at times which pulled you out of the book - within the space of a couple of chapters, the same quote and point had been made three times, which created a disconcerting sense of déjà vu.
Overall though, I found the focus of how the public have interacted with the representation of murder a really interesting premise, as someone who consumes Christie novels and true crime podcasts. To trace the similar historical fascination was very grounding and insightful.
I found it interesting how the book veered away from the Victorian engagement with real murder into fictionalised crimes in melodrama and early-twentieth century crime novels. I do feel like the shift could have been detailed in a slightly clearer way, perhaps more of a discussion about real crimes, especially as today there is still a fascination with murderers and serial killers, particularly through podcasts and documentaries.
I also feel that there was some repetition at times which pulled you out of the book - within the space of a couple of chapters, the same quote and point had been made three times, which created a disconcerting sense of déjà vu.
Overall though, I found the focus of how the public have interacted with the representation of murder a really interesting premise, as someone who consumes Christie novels and true crime podcasts. To trace the similar historical fascination was very grounding and insightful.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Violence
j_squaredd's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Murder
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