True crime

This factual account brings true crime of the early twentieth century to life. The various methods used by the detectives and police in their attempts to solve the mystery behind the robbery, and hopefully bring the thieves to justice, makes for great reading, particularly when one considers the fact that the accounts occurred over a century ago, and are quite authentic. Although the police now have higher technological advantages than was available over a century ago, the reader may find that many general techniques haven't changed all that much over the years. The characters involved with this true caper prove ingenious on both sides. ( Roger Melin)

Each chapter highlights a different detective, with some particularly interesting case he solved, typically using some ingenious method. - Summary by Verla Viera

. Alfred left behind in Paris his wife Lucie, who, forbidden to join her husband in exile, struggled to protect their two children from the rampant anti-Semitism that swirled about them, while she begged her husband to hold onto life as she tried to clear his name. Excerpts from the letters that Alfred and Lucie wrote to each other, between Devil’s island and Paris, are included in Five Years. Their letters are one of the great love stories of all times.

“I live only by feverish will from day to day,” Dreyfus wrote to Lucie on September 4, 1897. Imprisoned in a walled-in hut in brutal heat, for months chained to his bed at night so that he could not turn over, watched 24-hours a day by guards who were forbidden to speak to him, denied books to read or any means of exercising, and only at several months lapse receiving any letters from his wife, (and those often just censored copies), his health rapidly deteriorated, but his determination to survive and prove his innocence remained strong. “Truly,” he writes to Lucie, “were it a question of myself alone, long ago would I have gone to seek in the peace of the tomb forgetfulness of all that I have seen, all of that I have heard . . . But my spirit soon revives, quivering with pain, with energy, with implacable desire for the most precious thing in this world, our honor, the honor of our children, the honor of us all.”

Lucie writes back with passion and courage: (March 6, 1898) . . .”There are moments when my heart is so swollen, when your sufferings re-echo in my soul with such force, so piercingly, that I can no longer control myself . . .With a supreme effort I seek to reach out to you. Then I believe myself to be near you, I speak softly of hope. All too soon, I am awakened from my dream and brought back to reality by a child’s voice . . “

Five Years of My Life speaks to the fortitude, perseverance, and love of Alfred and Lucie Dreyfus, two innocent people snared in a web of evil. It is a book that unquestionably resonates with us today. (Summary by Sue Anderson)

Mr. Black reformed his life over time, beginning with his incarceration in a Canadian prison, which afforded him, among other things, access to an excellent library. In later years, he often lectured on the subjects of criminology and prison reform. He disappeared in 1932 and was presumed dead by suicide. (Summary by Brian Fullen)

In the preparation of this work the Author has had a double purpose before him. He has sought not only to record faithfully the lives and crimes of Burke and Hare, and their two female associates, but also to present a general view of the Resurrectionist movement from its earliest inception until the passing of the Anatomy Act in 1832, when the violation of the sepulchres of the dead for scientific purposes was rendered unnecessary, and absolutely inexcusable."

Backing up his work with research in the archives of the Bastille, he attempts to explain and throw light on the tumultuous times. - Summary by Lynne Thompson

He fled in a panic, first to Japan, then Hawaii, San Francisco, and then New York, agents of the Qing government chasing him all the way, until finally he arrived in London. There, he laid low at the home of a friend, safe (he thought) from retribution...the outrageous acts of the Qing government that followed caused a diplomatic uproar that cemented Sun's fame and influence in the English-speaking world. - Summary by Matthew McNaughton

William Palmer was a physician and surgeon, a widower and father. His appearance instilled confidence and invited trust. But were appearances deceptive? Was he, in fact, a cool, calculating and vicious serial murderer, who used his knowledge and skill for evil ends, to escape the effects of an addiction that was destroying his life? There are numerous references to this case in fiction, by Dickens, Sayers, Hitchcock and others; and the familiar salutation "What's your poison?" is believed to date from the events of this case. This is true courtroom drama, more gripping than fiction and it will have you guessing until the end.( Lynne Thompson)

A sympathetic man with a self-deprecating sense of humour. NOTE: A "ticket-of-leave" was a form of parole document given to a prisoner to allow him or her limited freedom outside the prison. - Summary by Peter Yearsley

Jump into another era and follow along as the detectives investigate train robberies, bank robberies and more! - Summary by Brie Buyaky

Proof-listeners: Ambsweet13 & Colleen McMahon

At this dark moment of national confusion, rage and despair, would the provisions of the Constitution and the procedures of established law be able to deal with the crisis -- or would extralegal methods be needed? Summary by Delmar H. Dolbier

Where the criminal is particularly well known, such as the highwayman, burglar and escape artist Jack Sheppard, other sources were used as well. The readings used here are selected to illustrate different aspects of the eighteenth century criminal world and the British legal system.(Summary by Roy Shreiber)

In this book, historical author Francis Russell brings the participants and events of this tragic drama to life. The book received the Edgar Award for Best Fact Crime in 1963. - Summary by Ciufi Galeazzi

He recounts the facts without swerving toward yellow journalism, and he ends each story with his own thoughts on the case. Logan says in the introduction that he chooses a case to write about not because of its notoriety, but because he believes it will be interesting to read. His clear and concise writing will make the reader share his interest. - Summary by Verla Viera

His areas of expertise were handwriting analysis and document authentication. His background was in chemistry. - Summary by LynneT