From the Victorian Era to present day Crime Scene Investigation books and shows it seems, murder sells.

The Invention of Murder: How the Victorians Revelled in Death and Detection and Created Modern Crime, by Judith Flanders. There were not many murders in Victorian England so when they happened, they were major events. In an effort to get more readers, the newspapers often took, well, liberties with the details. There was no formal crime scene investigation, witnesses could be bought, and any defense often rested on who you were (as in the middle and upper classes). There's a good chance a lot of innocent people were executed. (The really gruesome cases showed up in stage productions, as names of yachts or race horses, or as a figure at wax museum such as Madame Tussands). This was the beginnings of what became the mystery novel. The author did a lot of research on this book and while it sometimes reads a bit like a text book, overall it was very interesting. A lot more of Dickens was based on actual crimes than I knew.

Memories of visiting the wax museum sent me looking more information and this is what I found: Madame Tussaud: a Life in Wax, by Kate Berridge. Before computers (and all their many variations), tv, radio, or even personal copies of the daily newspaper there were wax figures ... of royalty and murderers, of holiday feasts, hangings, and torture. They were very popular and Madame Tussaud was one of the best. Not only was she good with creating her wax replicas, she was good at creating her own life story. The author did a good job at figuring out was true and what wasn't. Please note: in this time period there were hangings and executions and so on and they are described in great detail. It was a bit much for me so I skimmed some of the chapters.

Mr. CSI: How a Vegas Dreamer Made a Killing in Hollywood, One Body at a Time, by Anthony E. Zuiker. In this autobiography, the author explains how an indifferent father, a great mother, and then a great step-father influenced his life and writing. How various events in his life and schooling became ideas for shows, and how the three Crime Scene Investigation shows came to be. And, finally, how he reconciled with his biological father. Initially it was to be one of those 'self-help' books, but then he realized that if someone needs a self help book, he or she needs to write their own book. I rather liked that idea.

And, a few more Christmas mysteries: The Catered Christmas Cookie Exchange, by Isis Crawford. A Wee Christmas Homicide, by Kaitlyn Dunnett.

Reading Hermit With Dog