The Mysterious Mrs Hood: A True Victorian Mystery of Scandal, Arson, Murder & Betrayal

In Great Yarmouth, England, in September 1900, a young woman named Mrs. Hood was found dead on the beach with a bootlace tied tightly around her neck. Despite the national attention her death received in the press, nobody claimed her. Detective Inspector Robert Lingwood of the Great Yarmouth police force declared he would not rest until the mystery of her death was solved. However, it was only when the case was referred to Scotland Yard that the layers of mystery started to peel away. Mrs. Hood was actually Mary Jane Bennett, and this is her story. Following clues and tracking red herrings, the police closed in on their one and only suspect. With arson, fraud, an affair, and a sensation-hungry press, the murder gripped the nation in one of the most eagerly anticipated trials of the early twentieth century. Author Kim Donovan finally tells her great-great-aunt's story and the truth of evil duplicity in Victorian England. "Mrs. Hood" is a fascinating historical true crime case that will appeal to fans of "The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher" and "The Five."

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

A gripping tale of a cold-blooded murder unfolds in this true crime masterpiece, showcasing the finest of the genre. Wendy Moore, a true crime enthusiast, has uncovered a true crime thriller that is so captivating, it should be illegal. The story takes place in Great Yarmouth, September 1900, where a young woman is found dead on the beach, her neck tightly bound with a bootlace. Despite the national attention her death receives in the press, no one comes forward to claim her. Detective Inspector Robert Lingwood, determined to solve the mystery, takes on the case and vows to rest until the truth is revealed. However, it is only when the case is referred to Scotland Yard that the layers of mystery begin to unravel.

The victim, Mrs. Hood, was in fact Mary Jane Bennett, and this is her story. The police follow clues and pursue red herrings, eventually narrowing their focus to a single suspect. With arson, fraud, an affair, and a sensation-hungry press, the murder gripped the nation as one of the most eagerly anticipated trials of the early twentieth century. Author Kim Donovan has finally brought to light the story of her great-great-aunt, shedding light on the dark secrets of Victorian England.

This true crime masterpiece is as atmospheric and absorbing as any murder mystery, combining the best elements of a whodunnit and a true crime podcast. It is a true triumph, a must-read for fans of The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher and The Five. Don't miss out on this captivating journey into the past.

Weight: 256g
Dimension: 197 x 130 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399615389