The Peculiar Case of the Electric Constable

The Peculiar Case of the Electric Constable

A True Tale of Passion, Poison and Pursuit

by Carol Baxter

416 pages· 2013· ISBN 9781780742434
Join Readfeed freeFind clubs reading this bookBrowse readable books
About
John Tawell was a sincere Quaker but a sinning one. Convicted of forgery, he was transported to Sydney, where he opened Australia’s first retail pharmacy and made a fortune. When he returned home to England after fifteen years, he thought he would be welcomed; instead he was shunned. Then on New Year’s Day 1845 Tawell boarded the 7:42 pm train to London Paddington. Soon, men arrived chasing a suspected murderer – but the 7:42 had departed. The Great Western Railway was experimenting with a new-fangled device, the electric telegraph, so a message was sent: a ‘KWAKER’ man was on the run. The trail became a sensation, involving no apparent weapon, much innuendo, and a pious man desperate to save his reputation – and would usher in the modern communication age. Told with narrative verve and rich in historical research, this is a delicious true tale of murder and scientific revolution in Victorian England.

Discuss The Peculiar Case of the Electric Constable with other readers

Join or start a book club for The Peculiar Case of the Electric Constable on Readfeed. Live chat, shared reading progress, and AI discussion questions — free to get started.

Sign up freeBrowse book clubs

Frequently asked questions

How do I join a book club for The Peculiar Case of the Electric Constable?

Sign up free on Readfeed, then browse public clubs or start your own club with The Peculiar Case of the Electric Constable as the current read. Invite friends with a share link and discuss together with live chat and AI discussion questions.

Can I discuss The Peculiar Case of the Electric Constable with other readers online?

Yes. Readfeed book clubs let you chat live, share progress, and join discussions about The Peculiar Case of the Electric Constable with readers worldwide — whether your club is virtual, in-person, or hybrid.

Is Readfeed free?

Yes. Creating an account and joining book clubs is free. Sign up to find readers who love the same books and start discussing today.