Detective Inspector Whicher's prime suspect, Constance Kent, is brought before the judge at Temperance Hall to face questions about the murder of her younger brother Saville.

After a convincing performance by Constance's defence team, Whicher's case seems to be crumbling. And, even worse, his own morals and working methods are brought into question.

With the release of Constance, and then of the police's suspect, nursemaid Elizabeth Gough, the nation is gripped by 'detective fever' as the truth seems as elusive as ever...

Kate Summerscale's gripping account of the Victorian murder case that shook the nation.

Read by Deborah Findlay.

Abridged by Doreen Estall.

Producer: Justine Willett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2008. Show less