Wicked Boy: The Mystery of a Victorian Child Murderer | 
pickFinished my #Bookspin! Intriguing tale of a tween boy who kills his mom (not a spoiler, it‘s on the jacket flap). The book explores whether he was insane, acted alone or had an accomplice, and what became of him afterward. There‘s little suspense here but a fascinating peek at criminal justice for children tried as adults for serious crimes in Victorian Britain. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ #BookSpinBingo
pickSummerscale is an amazing researcher - & uses recorded facts to lay out the crime, the aftermath and society's response. I appreciate the fact there is no filling in the gaps of what isn't recorded fact.The book runs at a fast pace. That does leave the story rather cold - Summerscale doesn't project or speculate - but neither does she suggest or bring in hindsight, so the telling, whilst compelling, can feel rather clinical.
@jenniferw88 @Powered_By_Plants @Mrs_B #LMPBC (011) Would any of these interest you?
pickIt‘s very refreshing when I stumble upon a very well written true crime novel and this book absolutely fits in that category. 4/5 stars - the last third of the book was a bit tedious for me but I‘m going to chalk that up to me enjoying the grisly crime sections of books more than the aftermath 😅 definitely with the read, though.
#TBRPile Day 1
Taking the idea of @StaceyKondla I will be posting one book from my TBR piles per day. No reason, no explanation. I plan on doing this daily for a month & by the end will wind up with a TBR from my TBR.
so-soI wanted more from this one than it was able to get around to. Overall, an interesting overview of a horrendous crime, but I didn‘t care for the retellings. #campandread
so-soI liked Kate summerscale style, clear and straight, well-documented, but I struggled to finish this book. Too gaunt and not so fluid
pickInteresting tale of a child murderer and the Victorian justice system. Overall, I found it an enjoyable read, I just lost interest at the end (reasons why with spoiler tags in comments.)
#BlackCatChallenge: #Nightmare
This is my boyfriends nightmare - how many books will I return with after a library sale. 😱😉
I am impressed I only came back with 7, for a total of only $20. 🤗
pick@BookaholicNatty you‘ve outdone yourself! Thank you!!!
pickIn 1895, 13 year-old Robert Coombes confessed to killing his mother. Found guilty but insane, he was sentenced to Broadmoor (a criminal lunatic asylum) where he stayed until he was released 17 years later. The author challenges what you think you know about Robert in the second half of the book—the story of what he did when he got out and how his crime might be explained. Very well-written, engrossing account of the crime & the era. Recommended.
Ohhh, I know some kids who definitely wish this was a thing!
Really interesting discussion of compulsory & free education, the resulting increase in literacy and the rise of penny dreadfuls which often served as a distraction, according to the author, from the rote learning in school.
The cover pretty much says it all...what it doesn‘t say is that this is an account of a 13 year old boy who confessed to killing his mother. Described not only as an investigation of the murder and its aftermath but also an examination of London and its inhabitants coming to grips with new social and political climates, this book has great reviews. I‘m anticipating a good read.
pickA really good listen. Well researched and Summerscale evokes a vivid Victorian setting. Tho there were some parts that, although interesting, did seem to not be relevant for eh story and dragged it out a bit. Would read another of hers tho.
Started The Wicked Boy audiobook in the bus on the way back to Nanjing from Yangzhou. This pic is taken at the Bamboo garden we visited today.
pickThis was an interesting read. It tells the story of Robert who murders his mother and then we follow his life after the trial which was fascinating to read.
Has anyone read any of these little lovelies yet?! This weeks mini book haul with the weekend still to come!#howtostoptime #thesecrethistory #bookhaul
pickAfter murdering their mother, thirteen year old Robert Coombes and his younger brother spend the next ten days watching cricket matches, playing cards, and pawning their possessions. The party is cut short when a nosy relative insists on entering the house to investigate a noxious odor. Emily Coombes‘ decomposing body is discovered and Robert confesses on the spot.
Robert‘s story is meticulously researched. For true crime fans.
Brought the kids home to their parents and of course I had to go to the local book store! Toby wanted to be in the photo too. #dogsoflitsy
Tried 4 books in the last 8 hours but none of them have held my attention. Trying to decide what to read next in #24in48.
Just got some holiday book mail. This was a recent GoodReads win. One more for my tbr!
pickI don't know what I was expecting, as I haven't read True Crime in years, but wow these are awful people doing awful things.
pickEnjoyed this book. From the brutal murder to how Robert lived his life afterwards was so interesting. I especially liked the description of the trial and the press reactions. Things haven't changed. Really like this author
pickI found this book very interesting. I learned a lot on the Victorian justice system. Definitely a good read ;)
Time to read... and eat... and drink... tea of course!
Time to read ;) With a tea, and a wonderful caramel/amber scent...
pickI recently read a comment, where someone said they shouldn't have to push through a story, it should grab them from the start. Normally I would agree. But you know that is the problem with true stories, they can be inconsistent. I thought the first third, which dealt with the crime a little depressing. But I am so glad I pushed on, because it builds to a fascinating ending.
Thought I'd start this one today. Still trying to get through my NetGalley list and currently failing miserably 😏
pickI know it's only August, but I'm calling it now: favorite read of 2016.
Because having a good reference is just a good way to start, right?
panI know I am in the minority, but I did not enjoy this one. It is touted as a mystery but really, where was the mystery? We are told from the start that Robert killed his mother (Victorian England, 1895), so I kept waiting and waiting for some other mystery to unveil itself. Now that I have finished the book, I get where Summerscale was going with it, but to me it just read of a boring biography of a man that just happened to kill his mother.
It's almost 1:30 AM and I am awake . . . for now. So I may as well jump in and start on the #24in48. This is my current read and I am just over 50% in. I'll be honest, it is dragging for me. Something about Summerscale's writing is just too matter of fact, like she is just spitting out facts. I have to say though, I wish newspapers these days were as interesting as the ones back then!
When your apartment is too hot you head to your neighborhood wine bar for a Gruner and Victorian true crime, The Wicked Boy by Kate Summerscale #booksandbooze
"Suicide during temporary insanity, induced by reading trashy novels." ?
Very few people write nonfiction like Kate Summerscale. Completely hooked.
pickExcellent book 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 Stars! Highly recommended for anyone. Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Press for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
