The Life and Crimes of Victorian England's Most Notorius Doctor
Stephen Bates
Mass murdering madman or desperate debtor? This is one of the questions surrounding the crimes of Dr. William Palmer of Rugeley, England. This interesting book takes a look at the life and crimes of Palmer, along with the developing technology, science, and laws that were occurring in the rapidly changing world of Victorian England. It takes us into the world of horse racing, infidelity, illegitimate children, and the then-new life insurance industry. Through all this is the question - did Palmer kill dozens of people for unknown reasons? or did he "only" commit a few due to his desperate financial status caused by a gambling and racing addiction?
Bates even goes so far as to engage modern forensic specialists to review the data (such as it is) that we have from the case. While agreeing that the forensic examination was slipshod, even by the standards of the time, there is enough recorded to give them enough evidence to speculate upon.
I would recommend this to aficianados of true crime, as well as those who may be interested in a look at the life and burgeoning scientific knowledge of the time.
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