Synopsis
In 1875 the beautiful widow Florence Ricardo married the handsome and successful young attorney Charles Bravo, hoping to escape the scandals of her past. But Bravo proved to be a brutal and conniving man, and the marriage was far from happy. Then one night he suddenly collapsed, and three days later died an agonizing death. His doctors immediately determined that he had been poisoned. The graphic and sensational details of the case would capture the public imagination of Victorian England as the investigation dominated the press for weeks, and the list of suspects grew to include Florence, her secret lover the eminent doctor James Gully, her longtime companion the housekeeper Mrs. Cox, and the recently dismissed stableman George Griffiths. But ultimately no murderer could be determined, and despite the efforts of numerous historians, criminologists, and other writers since (including Agatha Christie), the case has never been definitively solved. Now James Ruddick retells this gripping story of love, greed, brutality, and betrayal among the elite -- offering an intimate portrait of Victorian culture and of one woman's struggle to live in this repressive society, while unmasking the true murderer for the first time. Simultaneously a murder mystery, colorful social history, and modern-day detective tale, Death at the Priory is a thrilling read and a window into a fascinating time. "An impressively researched retelling ... Death at the Priory reads as a historical intervention, crime novel, and sensational docudrama." -- Zarena Aslami, Chicago Tribune "A suspenseful and stimulating read." -- Merle Rubin, Los Angeles Times "Enjoyable; Ruddick has done much admirable sleuthing." -- Paul Collins, The New York Times Book Review
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About the Author
James Ruddick is a writer and journalist.
Review
A gripping historical thriller about the murder of a brutal Victorian husband and a vivid portrait of a woman, a marriage and a society.
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Death at the Priory
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Death at the Priory: Love, Sex and Murder in Victorian England
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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Death at the Priory: Love, Sex and Murder in Victorian England This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. . Seller Inventory # 7719-9781903809976
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Death at the Priory: Love, Sex and Murder in Victorian England
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Atlantic Books, United Kingdom, London, 2001
ISBN 10: 1903809975
ISBN 13: 9781903809976
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Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. In 1875, the beautiful and vivacious widow Florence Ricardo wedded Charles Bravo, a daring barrister. The marriage seemed a happy one, although society gossips whispered that Bravo had married Florence for her fortune. Yet behind this charming public persona, Charles Bravo was a brutal and vindictive man, who dismissed Florence's steadfast companion Mrs Cox, and who regularly subjected his wife to violent abuse. One night, four months after the wedding, Bravo collapsed. For the next 55 hours, with some of London's most distinguished physicians in attendance, Charles suffered a slow and agonizing death. All the doctors agreed: Charles Bravo had been poisoned. The dramatic investigation that followed was covered in sensational detail by the press. It eclipsed coverage of the prime minister's negotiations with Egypt, the Prince of Wales' Indian tour and the conflict in the Balkans. The finger of suspicion pointed at various times at suicide, at Mrs Cox, at George Griffiths, a stableman with a grudge against Bravo, and at the remarkable figure of Florence Bravo herself. This work provides a meticulous recreation of the case, bringing its main characters and their times to vivid life. The conclusion draws on new evidence unearthed by the author himself to demonstrate for the first time who really murdered Charles Bravo. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR009077237
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