Picked up at Givens Books in Lynchburg, Virginia. Registered in Centreville, Virginia, USA.

In the summer of1895 in London, at the age of 13, Robert Coombes murdered his mother, but her body wasn't discovered for 10 days. The trial was sensational, full of breathless hyperbole and endless speculation. After confessing to the crime, Robert was committed to Broadmoor, an asylum for the criminally insane, for well over a decade. And this was all very interesting, but how this book differs from most True Crime stories is that it continues to follow Robert for the rest of his life, from his release from Broadmoor to his military service to his last years. In the end, this tale of horror develops a thread of hope. A very different kind crime story, a little slow in places, with some unsatisfying (but understandable) gaps, but ultimately quite good.

Taking to the BCinDC meetup in Alexandria. Hope it gets claimed!

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I am on a true crime kick these days. I also have no time to read and a bazillion books on Mt TBR. Still, I brought it home.

A really well-written account of a gruesome historical crime that demonstrates great compassion for all involved. Robert Coombes at 12 years old in Victorian London brutally murdered his mother. The mother appears to have been troubled, possibly bipolar, which likely contributed to the event. Robert possibly had some brain damage from birth or from his living situation, but possibly just had adjustment issues and emotional disturbance.

What I liked best about this book was that it did not limit itself to be a discussion of a true crime event. In addition to capturing the circumstances of life which clearly contributed to the crime, it follows the life of Robert after his conviction as "guilty but mentally ill." I was fascinated by the discussion of the conditions of Broadmoor mental institution-- especially when you contrast them with the other British mental facility Bethlem or Bedlam-- they put most modern institutions anywhere to shame. I have no doubt that it was the empathy and respect and decent living conditions there that accounted for Robert's success in later life.

His later life included service in WWI as part of the ANZAC troops, with service in the Somme after the disaster of Gallipoli. (This exploration of Gallipoli helps me understand a bit more the significance of this battle in Australian history, which has always seemed curious.) Robert's talents and interests were given the chance to blossom and he became an important person in his small community although never rich or famous. I found this story to be an excellent lesson in what is possible when people -- even those who have done terrible things-- are given a chance.

This book is one of many being passed along to other readers at the upcoming meet-up at Westminster.

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Got this book from fellow BC'er "6of8" at the BCinDC annual meet-up at Birdie's Cafe in Westminster Md in memory of BC'er "MaryZee".

Being a cozy mystery & also a true crime fan 6 thought I might like this one as well. I brought the book "Conan Doyle for the Defense" also a true crime investigation and 6 and I essentially swapped books...This one will go onto my TBR pile.

My BC journal entry for "Conan Doyle for the Defense" by Margalit Fox
https://www.bookcrossing.com/---/16376992/