‘The Peepshow: The Murders at 10 Rillington Place’ by Kate Summerscale

My Review (5 stars out of 5)

(Audiobook)

When the bodies of three young women are discovered by a tenant in the walls of 10 Rillington Place, Notting Hill, the police start an investigation and soon focus their attention on one of the former tenants, John Reginald Halliday Christie. But the investigation also sheds new light on two earlier murders for which another tenant, Timothy Evans, was hanged. Could Christie have been responsible for those, too?

Kate Summerscale brings her usual eye for detail and thorough research to this familiar story in the annals of British murders. The story includes additional characters such as journalist Harry Procter (who believed Christie to be guilty of the Evans murders), and writer Fryn Tennyson, who contributed to the Notable British Trials series. While these are interesting additions, my own feeling is that the author spent too much time on these ‘sidebars’ rather than the police investigation. Having said that, she does go into great detail about Christie’s various statements and comments to various people (including the police), which highlights how the killer lied and constantly contradicted himself on his activities involving the victims.

Ms Summerscale’s conclusions leave the matter of Timothy Evans somewhat up in the air, as it is not clear if he killed his wife and child or if Christie was involved wholly or in part. Nevertheless, this is a fascinating account, skilfully narrated by the lovely Nicola Walker.

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