18th Century Murder Inspired 'Murder at the Opera'

Portrait of Martha Ray by Nathaniel Dance (Public Domain)

Those of you who have read my mysteries know by now that my novels are often inspired by true-life murders. It’s probably the journalist in me that looks to real life to inform my writing. 

In this case, inspiration for Murder at the Opera came from the 1779 murder of Martha Ray, a British singer who was the longtime mistress of the 4th Earl of Sandwich. (The earl is most famous for supposedly having invented the sandwich.)

Ray was an accomplished singer but Sandwich did not allow her to sing in public. She only performed for his friends at private parties.

It was at one of these gatherings that Martha probably met James Hackman, a soldier 10 years her junior, who became infatuated with her. We don’t know if the two were romantically involved or whether Hackman was a stalker. 

One night, as Martha was leaving the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden with a lady friend, Hackman suddenly appeared. By this time, he had left the army and was now a clergyman. Hackman shot Martha in the head, killing her instantly.

Sandwich, who lived with Martha for sixteen years and had several children with her, was supposedly distraught. The murder was a sensation and the public followed the case closely.

Some of the more misogynistic narratives suggested that Hackman was a man in love who’d been cruelly rejected and that Martha had paid the price for a life of sin. It was a case of “blame the victim” while portraying her killer in a positive light. 

 

The Infamous murder trial that inspired 'Murder in Bloomsbury'

I think it is the journalist in me that is often inspired to turn true-life events into fiction.

Accused murderess Madeleine Smith (Public Domain Photo)

My first Atlas Catesby mystery, Murder in Mayfair, was inspired by a real incident that took place back in the 1700s, when a duke purchased the wife of an ostler who was selling the woman to the highest bidder. 

My second Atlas Catesby novel, Murder in Bloomsbury, borrows liberally from a sensational murder trial that occurred in Scotland in the mid 1800s.

Glasgow socialite Madeleine Smith was accused of killing her low-born lover. The case had all of the elements of a high drama—blackmail, sex, poison and possibly murder. 

Letters detailing the passionate secret love affair were introduced in court and scandalized society at the time. I was fascinated to be able to read the transcript from the trial online. You’ll see elements of Madeleine Smith’s story throughout Murder in Bloomsbury

I hope you enjoy reading the second Atlas Catesby mystery as much as I enjoyed researching and writing it!

The early reviews are in...

The early reviews for Murder in Mayfair are in and I’m excited to be able to share them with you:

Murder in Mayfair by D.M. Quincy

“Dashing and enjoyably melodramatic.”   Kirkus Reviews

 

“Regency London comes vividly alive in this atmospheric historical; the witty prose and well-developed characters will remind readers of Georgette Heyer and Charles Finch.” 
Library Journal, starred review

 

“…cleverly plotted series launch…”  Publisher’s Weekly

 

“The first of a new series, this historical mystery will appeal not only to cozy readers, but also to lovers of Regency romances.”  Booklist

 

“Murder in Mayfair is a delicious tale of intrigue and deceit set in beautifully drawn Regency England. Fans of Thomas Hardy will especially love the set-up, and everyone will be hoping for the next installment of this new series.”
Tasha Alexander, New York Times bestselling author of The Adventuress

 

“I’ve always been a fan of the Regency novel and enjoyed this delicious tale of scandal and villainy in Georgian England.”
Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author of the Royal Spyness and Molly Murphy mysteries

 

“D. M. Quincys Murder in Mayfair is a quite simply, a great read. The author brings the English Regency vividly to life with a beautifully plotted mystery, a strong sense of place and wonderful characters. Im already eager to read the next Atlas Catesby adventure!”
Emily Brightwell, New York Times bestselling author of the Mrs. Jeffries mysteries

 

“An entertaining and twisting tale of jealousy, greed, love and murder teeming beneath the precise manners and splendid facade of Regency society.”
Shelley Freydont, New York Times bestselling author

 

“Murder in Mayfair is an intriguing story based on an unusual premise (a nod to Thomas Hardy!) with interesting, sympathetic characters and an unexpected ending.”
Carola Dunn, author of the Daisy Dalrymple mysteries