Supper with the Crippens: The true story of one of the most notorious murderers of all time

In 1910, Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen and his wife Belle lived in a suburban villa in North London. On January 31, 1910, Crippen killed Belle with poison, dismembered her body, and buried some of her remains beneath the brick floor of the coal cellar. He never admitted to killing his wife and took the secrets of the crime with him when he was hanged. David James Smith has investigated the case and uncovered unexpected and startling information about Crippen, Belle, and Ethel.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2021
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

In the heart of Edwardian London, in 1910, a notorious tale of murder and intrigue unfolded, re-investigated by a prizewinning journalist. The story revolves around Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen and his wife, Belle, who lived in the suburban villas of North London, renting a house at 39 Hilldrop Crescent. On the evening of January 31, 1910, after a sumptuous dinner with their friends, Crippen poisoned Belle, dismembered her body, and buried some of her remains beneath the brick floor of their coal cellar. Despite his conviction for murder, Crippen never confessed to the crime, taking the secrets of his actions to his grave. It is widely believed that Crippen committed the murder out of love for his mistress, Ethel le Neve. They began living together as a man and wife, but under the constant suspicion of the public, they fled disguised as father and son. The chase for Crippen and Ethel became a global spectacle, with the murder being reported in detail in Britain, America, and the rest of the Western world. After a lengthy investigation, Crippen was finally apprehended, and he and Ethel were brought back to England for trial.

David James Smith, a renowned historian and author, has undertaken a fresh investigation into this celebrated murder case. Through his meticulous research, Smith has uncovered unexpected and startling information about the lives of Dr. Crippen, Belle, and Ethel.

Dr. Crippen, initially portrayed as a respectable and successful physician, was revealed to have a darker side. He was known to have a fascination with the occult and had even constructed a "Chamber of Horrors" in his basement, filled with strange objects and artifacts. It was during his time in America that Crippen met Ethel le Neve, a young and beautiful woman who worked as a nurse. Their relationship was tumultuous, marked by intense jealousy and suspicion on both sides.

Belle, Crippen's wife, was a complex character who was often overshadowed by her husband's notoriety. She was described as a gentle and loving woman, but her life was tragically cut short by her husband's actions. It is believed that Belle knew nothing about Crippen's plans to murder her and that she was a victim of his twisted desires.

Ethel le Neve, on the other hand, was portrayed as a femme fatale who played a pivotal role in the murder plot. She was a skilled liar and was able to manipulate Crippen into carrying out her plans. However, it was later revealed that Ethel had her own motives for the murder, and her actions were driven by her desire for financial security and a life away from the scrutiny of the public eye.

The trial of Dr. Crippen and Ethel le Neve was a media sensation, with the public eagerly awaiting the outcome. Crippen was ultimately found guilty of murder and sentenced to death by hanging. Ethel, although initially charged with the same crime, was eventually acquitted due to a lack of evidence.

The murder of Dr. Crippen and Ethel le Neve remains a captivating and enigmatic case, with its intricate details and surprising revelations continuing to intrigue and baffle murder enthusiasts to this day. The story serves as a reminder of the darker side of human nature and the lengths that people will go to in order to achieve their desires, even if it means taking the lives of others.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 131 x 197 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398705593