Based on a true story and written by Hannah Howe, author of the Amazon #1 Sam Smith Mystery Series, Saving Grace, “the courtroom drama of the year.”The Western Mail2 August 1876Sensation in the Charles Petrie Case!Readers may recall that a young banker, by name Mr Charles Petrie, with every opportunity of succeeding in his profession, and commanding a not illiberal income, returned home after … illiberal income, returned home after riding his horse to dine with his wife, Grace, and her companion, Mrs Quinn. During and after dinner he had nothing to excite him save the receipt of a letter which somewhat annoyed him, and that his wife consumed rather more wine than he considered to be good for her health. Immediately after retiring to his room he was seized with symptoms of irritant poisoning, and despite every effort made on his behalf, he succumbed to its effects. An inquest was held, which vexed the minds of the Coroner’s jury to a degree without precedent in Coroners’ Inquest Law, and an open verdict was returned. However, the matter will not rest there, for after questions in Parliament, a second inquest has been called under suspicion that Mr Charles Petrie was murdered.
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Who poisoned Charles Petrie? Dr James Collymore, a man familiar with poisons, a man harbouring a dark secret that, if exposed, would ruin his career; Florrie, the maid who supplied Charles with his bedtime drink; Bert Kemp, a disgruntled groom, who used poisons in his work, who four months previously had predicted Charles’ dying day; Mrs Jennet Quinn, a lady’s companion with a deep knowledge of poisons, and a deep fear of dismissal; or Grace Petrie, Charles’ wife of four months, a woman with a scandalous past, a woman shunned by polite society.
With crowds flocking to the courtroom and the shadow of suspicion falling upon Grace in the shape of the hangman’s noose, could dashing young advocate, Daniel Morgan, save her?
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I am a fan of this author and love the Sam Smith series, so when I saw this new Victorian mystery, I knew it would be good.
The writing style suits the story well, and though different from the more modern books, it was still easy to read and compelling.
This is a story based on a true event – with an author’s license for drama and twists. It was extremely well done. It had a wonderful sense of place and era. The characters fit perfectly and Daniel was a particular favourite – intelligent and honourable.
Overall, an excellent mystery and highly recommended.
I’ve waited months for this book to come out, and I’m glad to finally get a chance to read this touching story. I love all of Hannah Howe’s books, but this one goes beyond exceptional. It shows you the disgrace (pun intended) Grace Petrie had to endure while testifying about how her husband died. Set in Victorian times, Grace was humiliated by her lifestyle that, today, people wouldn’t blink at. In those days, all a woman would be was a dutiful wife. Then, as now, the media and lawyers out for fame, played a role in swaying the opinion of the public. “The newspapers of the time reported every nuance, every detail of her private life.,” and they had “no regard for the human being at the centre of the story.”
Well done. Bravo, I say to the author. I look forward to more books of this quality from the author.
Based on a true story a lawyer steps in to defend a woman accused of murdering her husband … but not all is as it seems. Originally the case was in England, but Howe moves it to her native Wales, offering descriptive views of the location and the main characters. Includes notes as to what was real and what small literary license she took to tell the story. Well done.
Another use for Antimony: Shades of Sherlock
Loved this ‘Sherlock Holmes’ type mystery based on a true story. Author Hannah Howe weaves an authentic tale set in the late 1800s. Was banker Charles Petrie murdered at all? If so, who is the true villain? Is Carys Beaumond totally mislead in her endeavour to find the truth and save her beloved friend, Grace?
This is a marvelous tale steeped in the chequered history of south Wales. Advocate Daniel Morgan sets out to crack the case and in doing so changes his life. Can Grace, gentle with large eyes, be a murderer? There are questions to be answered in this story, none of them straightforward.
All of which leads to the courtroom drama. Well put together and maybe not too distant from contemporary trials. Great dialogue and questions hanging in the air.
An excellent mystery read. Highly recommended.
The book, “Saving Grace” by Hannah Howe sparked my interest when the author started posting notes and pictures about her forthcoming publication concerning Banker Charles Petrie who was mysteriously poisoned.
Suspicion fell upon his wife and several others in the Grange household.
I looked forward to reading this story.
The book was well written and the sensational story was filled with suspense.
Based on a true story the courtroom drama set in Victorian times did not disappoint.
Author Hannah Howe never ceases to amaze me with her Detective stories and ‘Saving Grace’ did not fall short of her high standards of writing.
Readers, if you are looking for amazing mystery reads, check out books by Hannah Howe author of the No. 1 Sam Smith mystery series.
Highly recommended.