Trials of the Century Audiobooks No.2
A Trial of the Century witnessed by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
In 1910, Dr Hawley Harvey Crippen stood trial for the murder of his wife, the music-hall performer Belle Elmore, after human remains were discovered beneath the cellar floor of their London home. What followed was one of the first great media manhunts of the twentieth century: a transatlantic pursuit to Canada aboard a steamship, the revolutionary use of wireless telegraphy, and a trial watched by a public gripped by fascination and unease.
Drawn from the original Old Bailey trial transcripts and contemporary reporting, this edition recreates the key exchanges between prosecution and defence: the forensic examination of the remains, the testimony surrounding a troubled marriage, and the steady, methodical cross-examinations in open court. The proceedings reveal not only the legal strategies deployed on both sides but also the atmosphere of Edwardian London as science, celebrity, and sensational journalism converged.
A classic true-crime mystery thriller that caught the eye of Sherlock Holmes’ creator – he sat in the public gallery, taking notes.
Published by Classic Crime Limited
Edition: Audiobook (unabridged)
ISBN: 9781918300017
Publication Date: 24 April 2026
Duration: 1 hour 23 minutes
Purchase link: https://trialsofthecentury.supportingcast.fm
Trials of the Century – About the Series
Before picking up this series, these were not cases I had any real knowledge of, and I think that’s exactly what drew me in. The idea of “Trials of the Century” instantly caught my attention, and I found myself really curious about the stories behind the name… I couldn’t wait to get started.
What makes this series feel so different is the way it’s been produced. These aren’t traditional audiobooks – each one is a full-cast dramatisation, very much in the style of a radio play, bringing real historical trials to life using original transcripts. It creates a really immersive listening experience that feels much more like stepping into a courtroom than simply being told the story. With each audiobook coming in at around 90 minutes, they’re also easy to dip into – long enough to feel complete, but without needing a huge time commitment.
There are multiple titles planned in the series, each written by a different author, which I love as it keeps the style feeling fresh. It’s also refreshing to see a focus on audio-first storytelling, with the option of scripts available separately for those who enjoy exploring the text alongside the performance.
If you’d like to find out more about the series, you can visit the website here: https://www.classic-crime.com
You can also follow along on Instagram for updates and new releases: https://www.instagram.com/trialsofthecentury
Trials of the Century – about the Production
These audiobooks are produced by Classic Crime Limited and performed as a full-cast dramatisation, drawing on a talented group of stage actors to bring the courtroom to life. The production leans into the feel of a traditional radio play, with a strong focus on voice, character, and atmosphere. This really comes through in the delivery here, creating a strong sense of time and place throughout.
If you’re interested in learning more about how these audiobooks are created, or exploring other titles in the series, you can find further details on the Classic Crime website: https://www.classic-crime.com
My Review
The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop Of Poison
Having now experienced the format with the first audiobook in the Trials of the Century series, I was really looking forward to seeing how this next case would be brought to life—and The Trial of Dr Crippen: A Drop of Poison did not disappoint.
Once again, the full-cast dramatisation works incredibly well, giving the production a real sense of depth and atmosphere. It genuinely feels as though you are sitting in the courtroom as the trial unfolds, listening to the testimony, the arguments, and the shifting tension as the case progresses. Each voice adds something to the experience, helping to bring both the people and the period vividly to life.
What stood out most for me this time was just how immersive it felt. Rather than simply recounting the events, the production draws you into them, allowing you to experience the case as it develops. The use of original trial transcripts adds a real sense of authenticity, while the performances keep it engaging from beginning to end.
At around 90 minutes, it’s perfectly paced – long enough to explore the details of the case without ever feeling heavy or overlong. Even without prior knowledge of Dr Crippen, I found it easy to follow and genuinely fascinating, and by the end I felt I had experienced not just the facts of the case, but the atmosphere surrounding it as well.
Having now listened to two audiobooks in this series, I’m really enjoying this format and how effectively it brings these historical trials to life. This was another compelling and engaging listen, and it has definitely left me looking forward to what comes next.
Having now listened to two in the series, I’m really looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Thank you to Classic Crime and NetGalley for providing a digital audio edition enabling me to enjoy and review this audiobook.
#TheTrialOfDrCrippen #ADropOfPoison #MattRichards
#TrialsOfTheCentury #ClassicCrime #NetGalley #audiobookreview
Trials of the Century – continuing the Series
Having started this series, I’m really looking forward to exploring more of these fascinating cases as they’re released. It’s such an engaging way to experience true crime, and I’m excited to see which trials are brought to life next.
I’ve also listened to:
- The Trial of Leopold & Loeb: Dickie & Babe – you can read my review by clicking below
I’ll be updating this section as I continue with the series, so if you’re enjoying these dramatisations as much as I am, it’s definitely one to keep an eye on.
See About My Reviews and Review FAQ for full star rating explanations and review guidelines. This review may also appear on my social media channels and selected book platforms. All links were correct at the time of publication. DISCLOSURE: I received a review copy of this audiobook via NetGalley. As always, my thoughts are honest and my own. This review is original content. Please credit and link back if you wish to quote.
© [2026] [MoMoBookDiary]
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