The Chieftain: Victorian True Crime Through the Eyes of a Scotland Yard Detective

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Focusing on the early days of the Metropolitan Police Detective Branch, this true crime narrative explores the career of George Clarke, who became a prominent figure in mid-Victorian detective work. It delves into notorious cases of murder, societal issues in slums, the rise of Irish terrorism, and significant frauds of the era. A key figure, Harry Benson, plays a crucial role in Clarke's downfall and the first major corruption trial of the Metropolitan Police in 1877. The book draws from extensive sources, including Clarke's own case reports, to provide a vivid portrayal of Victorian crime.