The Ship of Seven Murders by Alannah Hopkin
In 1828, the Mary Russell sailed into Cork Harbour from the West Indies. Seven crewmen lay in the main salon, brutally murdered by the captain. Daniel O'Connell, engaged for the prosecution, did not attend Captain Stewart's trial. The trial was a sensation as survivors revealed a tale of danger and delusion. But what really happened? One of the most celebrated cases of its time, the story of the Mary Russell was largely forgotten until Kathy Bunney located the carefully-tended grave of a murdered crewman. Now the facts of the case are reconstructed against the background of trade between Cork and Cobh and the West Indies. How would today's psychiatrists and courts view Captain Stewart's behaviour? Was his later decline into homicidal mania prompted by guilt, or was mental illness following its natural course? And why has such a strange, intriguing story remained buried for so many years? This bizarre tragedy, the dramatic court case and its place in history and folklore are unravelled in this gripping account.
'Engrossing' The Irish Times 'A story of murder, madness, medical illness, alcoholic bellicosity, religious mania, or what? Whatever your and the jury's verdict, Captain Stewart got a very long sentence (40 years) for a crime for which he was found not guilty' Irish Medical News 'Ghoulishly riveting' Sunday Tribune 'A true story of delusion, brilliantly told' Sunday Independent 'Vivid and plausible detail' Sunday Times
Alannah Hopkin has lived in Kinsale since 1982. A fulltime writer, she also contributes to the Insight and Fodor Guides to Ireland. Her most recent book was Eating Scenery - West Cork, the people & the place (2008). Kathy Bunney from Cork spent much of her teenage years as a swimmer and lifesaver thus encouraging a love of the sea. Now pursuing social studies, she lives with her sons and partner in Cork.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781848890367 |
| ISBN 10 | 1848890362 |
| Title | The Ship of Seven Murders |
| Author | Alannah Hopkin |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Gill |
| Year published | 2010-08-10 |
| Number of pages | 256 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |