Fascinating look into the early development of popular media and it's interaction with the society. In the years before the murder new printing methods had made books cheap and abundant, the novel form was on the rise, and suddenly everyone was reading. The authorities became concerned that sensationalist stories inspiring copycat murders. Along comes the murder of a prominent member of the elites they seem to have the proof. Very relevant in our current context where these interactions are evolving quickly. The underlying story of the murder is a good example of the way organizational pressures and low professionalism result in diminished or missing justice. Good topic but reads a little on the slow side.