An absolutely fascinating book, this is part true crime and part history. Lord George (not a real Lord) was a central figure in the Victorian Circus circles. Delving into the background of circuses in Victorian England, Lord George is centered as we find out what kind of person he was and how that lead to his death at 85. Also, in the true showman spirit, there's a few twists and turns at the end too!

I was really into this book from the first chapter, even though I was expecting a straightforward historical true crime. I found the historical descriptions of circuses fascinating, and it was so interesting to read about how it all worked. I also love it when ebooks come with the photo section, and the photos were so interesting! I was also fascinated with the family and what life was like for them back in the late 1800s in particular, at the height of the circus craze. I found it quite easy to follow as it switched between timelines and topics, and I thought it ended really well. I was also fascinated by the interviews with surviving family members, and thought that really added something to the book.

A must read for anyone interested in historical true crime or Victorian history in Britain.

On 28 November 1911 a retired showman died violently at his home in North London. Known to the world as Lord George Sanger, he was once the biggest name in show business, and was venerated as a national institution
The death of Britain's wealthiest showman read like a popular crime thriller: a merciless killer; a famous victim; sensational media headlines; a desperate manhunt laced with police incompetencies and a dramatic denouement few could have anticipated. But for over a century, questions have persisted about the murder. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Killing of Lord George is partly true crime, but mostly a history of the Victorian circus. Lord George was apparently killed by a disgruntled employee by an axe. This is where the story opens, but then we go back and forth to 'Lord' George Sanger's life as one of the most famous snowmen of the Victorian era as he builds up his circus empire. I found all this fascinating, and was less taken by the chapters in his murder and the hunt for his assailant, though I did find the ending interesting.

*Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.*

I picked this book up as part of casual research into life of late Victorian/early Edwardian era, and while true crime may not be my genre of choice, it was more dynamic way to read up on a period in history than just history books. It was more Victorian in coverage, though, in case you happen to have picked it up for similar reasons. Otherwise, an interesting nonfiction read thar breaks away from my usual choice of pop science for when I want to break up my genre reading with something else.

I hadn’t herd of George Sanger and was intrigued by the blurb indicating that this is a true crime story; his murder. The book was an unexpected and total delight. Karl Shaw’s research appears to be meticulous and he recreates the chaotic scene of crime and subsequent investigations very well. Alongside that, and in some ways even more interesting than the crime story, is the background to travelling showmen and how George Sanger got into the business.

Sanger’s father was involved with showman life, much of it on the road in a small horse drawn caravan with a wife and some 9 children, the youngest being George. I was fascinated by the detailed account of this kind of life from late Georgian times right through to the Victorian era. It’s a vivid recreation and the hardships and trickeries are really well described.

The chapters alternate between George’s back story and the crime investigation. This format works well as because it keeps the pace moving and it’s much like a work of fiction at times, rather than a very detailed factual account. It’s an incredible story, one that will appeal to anyone who enjoys a good crime story and even more so as a slice of social history about a way of life that’s long gone and poorly documented. Very highly recommended.

My thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.

Well Researched…
A true account of the life, times and death of a legend of the circus. When this particular showman died, in 1911, it was certainly not a natural death. Indeed, it was a violent and brutal demise. So followed an investigation, apparently fraught with mishaps, and a spectacular media circus befitting of this gentleman’s past. A well researched, fascinating and immersive tale of true crime.

I knew nothing about this true-crime story before starting this book, and I am happy to report that reading it was a pleasant surprise. Karl Shaw has crafted a well-written and highly detailed account of the life and murder of a Victorian circus impresario. We get the full story of Lord George Sanger’s rise to fame and also a deep-dive into the history of Britain's entertainment industry, so this is as much a social history as it is a murder mystery. Highly recommended for true crime fans.

What an unexpected delight. A well written and thoroughly researched account of the life, times and eventual murder of a a titan of the Victorian circus.

Lots of information about Victorian life, a history of the circus and Finchley and a murder mystery also to be solved.

Intoxicating and intriguing stuff that entertained and educated.

A total delight