The novel is a biographical account of the life of Mary Ann Cotton, an English serial killer who murdered her children and others for financial gain. It explores themes of poverty, desperation, and the societal conditions that led to her crimes. The narrative is presented in a straightforward and matter-of-fact style, with a focus on the facts of the case rather than emotional or sensationalized portrayals.
By Helen C. Black · First published 1883 · Genre: Biography, Non-fiction, Historical