Easter 1876, who poisoned wealthy banker, Charles Petrie?
As a former, banker I was intrigued when I saw this post on Facebook.
I commented that I found it intriguing.
The author, Hannah Howe asked if I would like to feature the story on my blog and I grabbed the opportunity to do so.
The Western Mail
2 August 1876
Sensation 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 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?
Prime Suspect #1, Dr. James Collymore, a man familiar with poisons, a man harbouring a dark secret that, if exposed, would ruin his career. Did Dr Collymore poison Charles Petrie?
Prime Suspect #2, Florrie Williams, an innocent-looking maid. However, Florrie supplied Charles with his final bedtime drink. Did Florrie Williams, pictured at the inquest, poison Charles Petrie?
Prime Suspect #3, Bert Kemp, a disgruntled groom, a man sacked by Charles and thrown out of his home, a man who used poisons in his work, a man who four months previously had predicted Charles’ dying day. Did Bert Kemp, pictured at the inquest, poison Charles Petrie?
Readers, look out for the book, Saving Grace by Author Hannah Howe.
Based on a true story, Saving Grace, is promised to be “the courtroom drama of the year.”
Saving Grace will be published as an eBook, paperback and audio book in English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese with more languages to follow. The book will be backed by a major promotional campaign in America, Australia, Britain, Canada and Europe.
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Coincidentally, Mr Robeson, assistant to Daniel Morgan, Grace’s advocate, and a man who plays a crucial part in the outcome of the story, is from Nevis in the West Indies.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hannah Howe is the author of the Sam Smith Mystery Series, the Ann's War Mystery Series and various standalone novels. Hannah's books are published by Goylake Publishing and distributed through bookstores and Internet outlets such as iBooks, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Smashwords and Audible. Her books are available in print, as eBooks and audio books.
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