Product guide

Arsenic Under the Elms: Murder in Victorian New Haven

Arsenic Under the Elms: Murder in Victorian New Haven examines two late-19th-century murders near New Haven and the forensic evidence, court cases, and social context surrounding them. The listing describes a true-crime account focused on Victorian Connecticut, including sex and marriage, arsenic, early forensic medicine, and courtroom procedure.

At a glance

Covers the cases of Mary Stannard and Jennie Cramer, both murdered near New Haven in the late 1800s.
Connects criminal investigations and trials with Victorian-era attitudes, early forensic medicine, and courtroom procedures.
The publisher description says both accused parties were acquitted, despite forensic evidence discussed in the book.

Price

$33.70Save 42%

Reference price: ~~$58.00~~

Price checked: Nov 14, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Combines two related historical murder cases with context on Victorian Connecticut society and legal proceedings.
The described subject matter includes early forensic medicine and the use of arsenic evidence.

Technical specifications

9 specifications

Publication
Publisher	Praeger
Publication date	October 30, 1999
Edition	First Edition
Language	English
Print length	288 pages
ISBN-10	0275962970
ISBN-13	978-0275962975

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	1.35 pounds
Dimensions	6.14 x 0.68 x 9.21 inches

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers of historical true crime focused on Victorian-era New England.
Readers interested in forensic evidence, 19th-century court procedure, and social history.

Less suited to

Readers looking for fiction or a contemporary crime investigation.
Readers seeking a broad history of Connecticut rather than two specific murder cases.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.4 / 5 · 22 ratings

5 stars68%68%
4 stars10%10%
3 stars13%13%
2 stars9%9%
1 star0%0%

Aggregate ratings lean positive, with five-star ratings forming the largest group, but lower ratings are also present. Without individual feedback, the reasons behind those opinions are unknown. The subject and scope are clear from the listing, while the ratings alone cannot indicate how readers assessed the historical analysis or case coverage.

Frequently asked questions

What cases does Arsenic Under the Elms cover?

The description centers on the murders of Mary Stannard and Jennie Cramer near New Haven in the late 19th century.

Does the book cover more than the crimes themselves?

Yes. The description says it examines the people and evidence involved alongside Victorian attitudes, early forensic medicine, and courtroom procedures.

How long is this edition?

The listing specifies 288 pages.