The Calendar of Crime contains 365 amazing and incredible true crimes from British history. With infamous names – Crippen, Seddon, Haigh, Ellis – alongside lesser-known examples from the British pantheon of crime, it will fascinate, chill and surprise readers everywhere.
Calendar of Crime gives a brief description of a different crime from 1000 years of British history, one crime for every day of the year. This novel offers an intriguing and extensive variety of crimes; from German saboteurs turning into double agents (16th December) to the abduction and murder of a young girl (5th January).
Evidently the theme of this book is crime, and the authors’ intent appears to be to show how the definition and type of crime committed in Britain have changed over the past 1000 years. For example, the entry on 27th June 1556 reads; eleven men and two women were burnt at the stake for heresy after refusing to recant their Protestant beliefs during the reign of Queen Mary. Holding certain religious beliefs may have been a crime in the 16th Century, but this is not the case in modern society, and the inclusion of such crimes makes it easier for the reader to perceive how definitions and punishments have changed throughout history.
Stubley’s novel does not go into large amounts of detail about these crimes, only dedicating a page at most to each one, and so may not be appropriate for those looking to carry out an in depth study of the history of crime. However, it makes for an interesting read as there is such a wide variety of crimes listed and not just more commonly discussed gruesome crimes (although many are included!). This novel is appropriate for anyone interested in penal history or just looking for something different to read.
The distinct format of this novel makes it perfect for when you have a spare half an hour as it is not a continuous narration. You will be able to pick Calendar of Crime up to entertain you in your spare time, but it may not be as easy to put it down again!
Book: Calendar of Crime
Author: Peter Stubley
Review by Rachel Gardner
Rachel Gardner is a history student at the university of Nottingham. She enjoys reading and horse riding in her spare time, and aspires to become a history teacher.