Read as part of the Transworld Reading Challenge. Written by John Boyne, the author of The Boy in The Striped Pyjamas. Not quite sure what kind of read to expect from this one. Always a little bit unsure about books when as far as history depicts, we know the outcome. Pleasantly surprised then to find my self completely engrossed in the book and it's characters. The setting starts with passengers in Antwerp boarding the Montrose for Canada in 1910. The story follows passengers Mr. Robinson and his son Edmund who seem to have a dislike for other fellow passengers. The story jumps around in Hawley Crippen's life telling all from him being denied a medical education by his mother to being belittled and possibly beaten by his wife Cora Crippen. Most of the females are painted as very strong minded individuals with whom Crippen cannot cope. After throughly enjoying this book I did a little bit of research on Crippen to find out how much of the novel was based on factual information. I discovered one or two inaccuracies which really should have been picked up but still didn't spoil the book for me. Love Boyne's style of writing and would be open to reading more of his works.

I love all John Boynes books as they take you back to a time in history that really happened and tells a story around that event. Crippen was one of these events and I was drawn in almost immediately to the wonderful tale. It was a truely good read and I learnt a lot about Crippen and his life.

London 1910. Music hall singer Cora Crippen's dismembered body is discovered buried beneath the cellar floor of the home she shared with her husband, Dr Hawley Crippen. The marriage was an unhappy one with Cora physically and emotionally cruel to her spouse. Seemingly a broken man, Hawley Crippen seeks comfort with mistress Ethel Le Neve. As Scotland Yard begin an investigation into Cora's gruesome murder, Hawley and Ethel vanish. The police believe Hawley guilty of the heinous crime but can they catch him before he escapes the net? I love John Boyne's writing and how he combines historical fact with fiction to give a new perspective on events. His characters are memorable and his storytelling unparalleled. Gently paced, this novel is an incredible read. Real people from the notorious case of Dr Crippen are skilfully and vividly brought to life. It's a thoroughly immersive and absorbing read. I highly recommend it.