The Detection Club, a prestigious group of primarily British mystery writers founded in 1930, left an indelible mark on the genre. Brainchild of Anthony Berkeley (also known as Francis Iles), the club boasted such luminaries as Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, John Dickson Carr (a.k.a. Carter Dickson), G.K. Chesterton, and Freeman Wills Crofts. Beyond their fictional works, the club ventured into true crime, producing collaborative projects like The Scoop and Behind the Screen and The Floating Admiral. One notable non-fiction endeavor was The Anatomy of Murder, a compilation of seven true crime cases analyzed by different members. This article delves into each case, exploring the authors’ approaches and providing a comprehensive overview of this fascinating collection.
Helen Simpson’s “Death of Henry Kinder”: A Tale of Infidelity and Murder
Helen Simpson’s contribution to The Anatomy of Murder focuses on the 1865 murder of Henry Kinder, principal teller at the City Bank of Sydney. Initially suspected as a suicide, the case quickly unfolded to reveal a tale of infidelity and betrayal. Louis Bertrand, Kinder’s “friend,” emerged as the prime suspect, entangled in an affair with Mrs. Kinder. Both Mrs. Kinder and Bertrand’s wife, Jane, were subsequently arrested. Simpson’s prose, with its old-fashioned charm, befits the historical context of the crime. While the narrative effectively captures Bertrand’s obsession with Helen Kinder, Mrs. Kinder’s character remains underdeveloped, observed primarily through the lens of others. Though competently written, the case itself lacks the sensationalism of other entries, perhaps overshadowed by more compelling contemporary cases like the Thompson-Bywaters affair.
John Rhode’s “Constance Kent”: Unraveling a Victorian Era Mystery
John Rhode tackles the infamous Constance Kent case, a Victorian-era murder that captivated the public and inspired literary giants like Wilkie Collins and Charles Dickens. The brutal murder of young Francis Saville Kent, whose body was discovered in a privy, led to the eventual confession of his half-sister, Constance. Rhode meticulously details the crime, the subsequent investigation, and the enduring impact of the case. His portrayal of Detective Inspector Jack Whicher offers a surprisingly sympathetic perspective, highlighting the detective’s internal conflict over his role in the investigation. Rhode’s account provides a compelling exploration of this complex and enduringly fascinating case.
Margaret Cole’s “The Case of Adelaide Bartlett”: A Shroud of Uncertainty
Margaret Cole, known for her collaborative mystery novels with G.D.H. Cole, presents the perplexing case of Adelaide Bartlett. Accused of murdering her eccentric husband, Edwin, Adelaide was acquitted despite the prosecution’s inability to establish the method of the crime. The enduring mystery prompted Sir James Paget to famously remark, “Now that she has been acquitted for murder and cannot be tried again, she should tell us in the interest of science how she did it!” Cole injects a touch of humor into her narrative, offering a refreshing and engaging account of this enduring enigma.
E.R. Punshon’s “An Impression of the Landru Case”: A Verbose Disappointment
E.R. Punshon’s account of Henri Désiré Landru, the notorious French serial killer, proves a verbose and ultimately disappointing entry. Landru, known for murdering at least ten women and a teenage boy, deserves a more compelling narrative than Punshon delivers. The author’s overly descriptive style detracts from the inherent drama of the case, resulting in a tedious and unengaging read.
Dorothy L. Sayers’ “The Murder of Julia Wallace”: A Meticulous Examination
Dorothy L. Sayers, renowned for her fictional detective Lord Peter Wimsey, brings her analytical prowess to the real-life murder of Julia Wallace. Sayers meticulously examines the evidence, offering a balanced perspective despite her belief in William Wallace’s innocence. Unlike Punshon’s verbose approach, Sayers’ writing remains engaging and accessible, showcasing her talent for clear and compelling storytelling. Her insightful analysis of the Wallace case leaves the reader wishing she had explored more true crime cases.
Francis Iles’ “The Rattenbury Case”: A Biased but Captivating Narrative
Francis Iles (Anthony Berkeley) offers a decidedly biased account of the Rattenbury case. The murder of Francis Rattenbury by his wife, Alma, and her young lover, George Stoner, echoed the earlier Thompson-Bywaters case. Iles’ sympathy for the lovers, particularly Alma, permeates his narrative. While lacking objectivity, Iles’ account remains captivating, providing a unique perspective on this sensational crime of passion.
Freeman Wills Crofts’ “A New Zealand Tragedy”: A Meticulous and Disturbing Account
Freeman Wills Crofts, known for his methodical approach to mystery writing, delivers a meticulous and disturbing account of a double murder in New Zealand. Crofts’ methodical style, reminiscent of his short story “The Match,” effectively conveys the gravity of the crime. His evident disturbance by the “abominable murder” and his detailed account of the killer’s fate offer a compelling conclusion to The Anatomy of Murder.
Conclusion: A Diverse Collection of Criminal Narratives
The Anatomy of Murder showcases the diverse talents of The Detection Club members, offering a fascinating glimpse into their analytical minds applied to real-life crimes. While the quality of the contributions varies, the collection as a whole remains a valuable resource for true crime enthusiasts. The book highlights the enduring appeal of these cases, prompting continued discussion and debate even decades later.
