Mr Briggs' Hat: A Sensational Account of Britain's First Railway Murder

Paperback Published on: 02/02/2012
Price: £12.99
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Synopsis

THE THRILLING TRUE STORY OF BRITAIN'S FIRST EVER RAILWAY MURDER

'A fascinatingly quirky portrait of the underside of Victorian London . . . unputdownable' Daily Telegraph

'A cunning and suspenseful tale' Independent

'Meticulously researched . . . the final revelation is a showstopper' New York Times

On 9 July 1864, businessman Thomas Briggs walked into carriage 69 on the 9.45 Hackney-bound train.

A few minutes later, two bank clerks entered the carriage - but as they sat down, one of them noticed blood pooled in the seat cushions and smeared on the walls.

But there was no sign of Thomas Briggs.

The only things left in the carriage were his walking stick, his bag - and a hat that, strangely, did not belong to Mr Briggs . . .

'A thrilling book, which reads at times like a good Victorian novel... an utterly compelling did-he-do-it' Sunday Times

'A riveting portrait of Victorian London' Financial Times

Publisher information

  • Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
  • ISBN: 9780349123592
  • Number of pages: 352
  • Dimensions: 196 x 126 x 28 mm
  • Weight: 260g
  • Languages: English

Customer Reviews

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Mr Briggs' Hat
Hats off to Ms Colquhoun
This is a real page turner thanks to the author's detailed research into not just the crime but the era in which it happened. For the first two thirds of t... READ MORE
WriteStuff
Mr Briggs' Hat
Really good read
A well-written and engaging account of a true Victorian murder mystery. Colquhoun's prose is clear and concise, weaving in details of the murder with facts... READ MORE
Red Clare
Mr Briggs' Hat
Great book
This is a very enjoyable and easy to read book. Colquhoun's descriptions set the Victorian scene beautifully, and create an atmosphere of mystery that keep... READ MORE
Bookish Emma
Mr Briggs' Hat
Mr Briggs' Hat
I enjoyed this book very much, some of the statistical info was a bit long winded but interesting all the same. I was a bit disappointed to learn that it's... READ MORE
Avid Reader of True Historical Stories
Mr Briggs' Hat
Murder Mystery - Summarised & Critiqued
Read & Review for Waterstones I received this book and devoured it easily, the story was easy to digest with its clear presentation of what is known, and ... READ MORE
unquietmind
Mr Briggs' Hat
Disappointing
At the beginning this book gives the impression that you are about to be taken on a Sherlock Holmes adventure. However this illusion is soon shattered. Kat... READ MORE
andr523
Mr Briggs' Hat
Enjoyed this book
I was attracted to this book by its' simple, yet interesting title and was not disappointed. Initially I was unaware that the this book was based on a true... READ MORE
mummypenny
Mr Briggs' Hat
This book rocks realistically.
This book is a must for anyone remotely into Victoriana, Dickens, crime or reality. For just about anyone but those categories in particular. Along with 'T... READ MORE
claws
Mr Briggs' Hat
Murder Most Sensational
On 9 July 1864 two bank clerks enter a first class train compartment only to discover that it is covered in blood, with no sign of an injured person or bod... READ MORE
Marleen
Mr Briggs' Hat
Excellent
Enjoyable read. The author managed to transport me (by rail) back in time. Filled with fascinating facts it still kept up a blistering pace and the main ch... READ MORE
AnnCan
Mr Briggs' Hat
Hats off to Ms Colquhoun
This is a real page turner thanks to the author's detailed research into not just the crime but the era in which it happened. For the first two thirds of t... READ MORE
WriteStuff
Mr Briggs' Hat
Detection Victorian Style
The bloody murder committed within a railway carriage, unleashes a wave of uncertainty and fear into everyday lives to rival any of the Ripper’s exploits. ... READ MORE
Albany
Mr Briggs' Hat
hit and miss
Enjoyed the concept of the book more then the book itself, found it a little hard going so took several attepmts to get into the story. Enjoyed the histori... READ MORE
Becky Ryan
Mr Briggs' Hat
Gripping
Briggs TO: 1 recipient Show Details Message Body I really enjoyed this book. Not only was the murder well described, there was a gruesome description o... READ MORE
TeaWithTumnus
Mr Briggs' Hat
Loved it
This book is beautifully written, all the more surprisingly given that it is sourced almost exclusively from contemporary sources. It is testament to the a... READ MORE
NMH78
Mr Briggs' Hat
True Crime + History = Intrigue
Kate Colquhoun's latest non-fiction work is a gripping account of Britain's first railway murder (as made very clear from the title), and is a fascinating ... READ MORE
JHawk