The Christie Case

[contrafib]

Well, i was joking but a sample to read would be great.

[Honest John]

Dear Contrafib, The book hasn't been published yet but I can bring a copy of the front cover and a sample chapter.

[contrafib]

Ok, i'll look out for you holding up a signed advance, pre-publication, never-before-seen by the eyes of the world copy of your book. See you then

[Cogidubnus]

Was there really an Observer Book of Serial Killers?

Dave

[Honest John]

I suggest 1pm by the main door. I'll have an appropriate book held prominently.

[contrafib]

Ok, we'll arrange the details nearer the time if others want to come along

[Honest John]

What about lunchtime at the British Library? I'm doing some research there on John George Haigh.

[contrafib]

Yes, potentially. What about Monday 9 July? I'm in London then.

Other events. I thinks there's one about the sources for the history of all this at the National Archives at Kew early next year.

Ok, that could work. Would love to hear more about the book and its creation.

[Honest John]

Yes, potentially. What about Monday 9 July? I'm in London then.

Other events. I thinks there's one about the sources for the history of all this at the National Archives at Kew early next year.

[contrafib]

The website www.10-rillington-place.co.uk now has a useful section providing a critique of each of the main books which have been written about the case, including those by Ludovic Kennedy, John Eddowes etc.

Just read these useful summaries. The ones i haven't read and still want to are Maxwell, Jesse and Camps. He didn't mention John Newton Chance though understandable because it's largely a work of fiction.

[contrafib]

Damn, won't be in England then but will be back from next week until early Sep. Any events going on then? By the way, if anyone wants to have a meet-up, i would be interested to put faces to usernames.

[Honest John]

There are three talks in London about this topic in November - 1st November at 10.30 am at Ealing Town Hall, 6.30pm at Kensington Library on 8 November and at 12.30 at Shoe Library, on 21 November. The last one's free; the other two are by ticket.

[Sherlock]

The website www.10-rillington-place.co.uk now has a useful section providing a critique of each of the main books which have been written about the case, including those by Ludovic Kennedy, John Eddowes etc.

[Sherlock]

I've just had a look at the opening sequence of Sweeney 2 on Youtube. I think this is the same location which was used for the final scene of Ten Rillington Place when Christie (played by Richard Attenborough) is arrested.

[Honest John]

A few geenral observations on the above.

I don't think Christie was having an affair with Beryl; Ethel would certainly have known about this and its a telling point that when he did invite a young woman around, Ethel stayed in the room all the time (in about 1951 or 1952). I think its likely she knew that he had a wandering eye to say the least (though not his murderous career; remember one reason for their split after 1920 was probably his known thievery) and she almost certainly knew of the divorce case where Christie was co-respondent. And that is why, I believe, she had to die. Her last letter to her sister contains no hint about either visiting Sheffield or any criticism of Reg - she even praised his DIY work.

Evans' case is indeed tragic - but sympathy is best placed for Geraldine and Beryl.

I'm currently looking into the case of Haigh; which has parallels here, too. Serial killers seem never to have any sympathy for their victims and either tend to ignore them or belittle them or accuse them.

If anyone has ever seen the film Sweeney 2, the opening sequence is shot very near to where Christie was arrested.