for admirers of aristos, the rich, and gamblers

If you think that aristocrats, the rich, or gamblers are interesting per se, in the same way that some people think that celebrities are interesting per se, then you just might like this book. I do not find such people interesting simply for what they are, and so I did not find this book interesting.
It is written like a history, not in the style of a novel, so it has none of the interest of good description, characterization, or thoughtfulness, that a novel might have.
The reader cannot be faulted. He reads excellently. But, unfortunately, because the content failed to hold my interest, I only found time to listen to about half of this book.
Some people might like it, but I am not one of them.

1 person found this helpful

An old fashioned story of luck, greed and murder.

This is a good old fashioned story about a group of men and the mostly unfortunate women who get tangled in their lives. it's a story of chance, luck and unimaginable entitlement. At the centre is a man, John Aspinall who is plainly deluded and imagines himself some kind of throwback God. His coterie of 'friends' come together to gamble and he happily fleeces them. One of them James Goldsmith is a lucky parasite who gathers wealth, women and children but who never quite becomes who he wants to be. Lord 'Lucky' Lucan is a most unlucky loser, wife beater and ultimately a murderer. Dominic Elwes has charm and wit but ends up ostracised by his tribe and commits suicide. Mark Birley seem to be the great survivor who detatches in time. Not lovable characters but a cracking listen. Great performance by the reader.

interesting context

superb context around the Lucan story and the social climate that created the mystery.

worth listening to as it is a sensible approach to the story.

Fascinating and expertly narrated

Quite an eye opener. An audible page turner. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended. Must read.

different look at Lucan's backstory

The title says it all really, not truly about the events that surround Lucan's disappearance, more about the lives of the Clermont Set, the club where he and his chums gambled.

intriguing story, that does go through those still around for their take on the murder of nanny Sandra Rivett. It also gives brilliant insight to the other active interests of the time, in particular of course, John Aspinall, The Clermont's owner.

Brings a real atmosphere of the time. The narrator is pretty sharp and on point. I enjoy listening to this one over and over. The time and the area of London are big interests of mine.