The Poisonous Solicitor, by Stephen Bates - Milly
History reveals within its secrets, stories of infamous killings, some involving husbands and wives.
In this classic murder mystery that inspired Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, Stephen Bates recounts the true story of a murder by arsenic poisoning in 1920s Britain. The author has presented a compelling account of the investigation, and trial of Major Herbert Armstrong, who in 1922 was tried and found guilty of killing his wife by poisoning her. Hanged for her murder, the case caused a scandal not only in Hay-on-Wye, where he lived, but across the whole country.
Recreating the atmosphere of the quiet town, and reflecting the morals and attitudes of the times, the author brings the story to life, without allowing his own opinions to detract from the narrative. What is most interesting are the various theories surrounding another incident – that of the attempted poisoning of rival solicitor Oswald Martin – which prompted the investigation into the death of Major Armstrong’s wife.
A fascinating retelling of this murder case, which has been meticulously researched. I was captivated from the first page, and gripped until the very last word. It would be a crime not to read it!
Milly
