At times, this was a bit overwrought, but it wasn't the writing, it was the period and the "I'm better than you" attitude of the Aristocracy. (Which frankly the rich and current Aristocracy is bad enough, thank you. A murder of your peers is still a murder, you don't get to run around saying how dare they? "They" being those ungrateful servants that were worked to the bone and paid peanuts.)

I was fascinated while trying to puzzle out the culprit and still not sold on the motive or the reasonableness of the plan. Yet, the differing opinions of famous people for and against Courvoisier was so insightful into their character. I don't want to give a spoiler, so I will just say that I have since read Thackery's 'Going to See a Man Hanged' and gained a new respect for his skills of observation, sense of the absurd, and the horrible circus-like atmosphere that public executions turn into.

Have to admit, I'm still wondering if he did it alone, and if so, what was the straw that broke the camel's back? Not that I think that they hung the wrong man, I don't understand the timing combined with the lack of planning and motivation.