Susan Goldenberg’s new book Deadly Triangle explores the 1935 murder of British Columbia’s famed architect Francis Mawson Rattenbury. Before his death, Rattenbury was known for designing the iconic Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel in Victoria. After his death, he became famous for the fact that his young wife Alma and her lover, the chauffer, were the killers. Alma and Francis Rattenbury were no strangers to controversy in Canada. In fact, their affair while Francis was still married to his first wife sent the two to move to Bournemouth, England. Francis started to drink and became impotent. Alma began to seduce the chaufffer and the rest is history.
Susan Goldenberg gives a detailed account of the lives and scandals of the Rattenbury family and how their scandal became a perfect set up for a murder most foul. For non-Canadians, this case might be a new one. The trial was absolutely sensational and caused debate about sex, the upper crust, and just what a woman’s requirements were once she was stranded and unhappy.
Deadly Triangle is now available.
