Cunning Murrell

by Arthur Morrison

A vivid historical mystery set in 1854 England, this tale follows a keen-eyed observer as news and danger collide around a seaside village.

Through the eyes of a rugged, disabled sailor-turned-gossip, the story blends shadowy locals, whispered superstitions, and a tense wartime atmosphere. A sudden shift from a lively crowd to unsettling quiet signals that ordinary days can crack open into dangerous secrets.

Step into a coastal world rich with period detail, from fishing lanes to old castle ruins and a bustling fairground meadow.Watch a crowded boxing match unfold, then feel the shock of a sudden news flash that changes everything.Experience the pull of local legends, belief in Witchcraft and devils, and the uneasy balance between superstition and hard fact.Meet a cast of colorful characters, including a weathered navigator, a skilled smith, and the enigmatic figure of Master Murrell, whose influence shadows the village. Ideal for readers who enjoy historical crime, atmosphere-rich settings, and character-driven intrigue in which private loyalties are tested by public shocks.

369 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1900

About the author

Arthur George Morrison (1863-1945) was an English author and journalist, known for his realistic novels about London's East End and for his detective stories. In 1890, he left his job as a clerk at the People's Palace and joined the editorial staff of the Evening Globe newspaper. The following year, he published a story titled "A Street", which was subsequently published in book form in Tales of Mean Streets (1894). Around this time, Morrison was also producing detective short stories which emulated those of Conan Doyle about Sherlock Holmes. Three volumes of Martin Hewitt stories were published before the publication of the novel for which Morrison is most famous: A Child of the Jago (1896). Other less well-received novels and stories followed, until Morrison effectively retired from writing fiction around 1913. Between then and his death, he seems to have concentrated on building his collection of Japanese prints and paintings.

Amongst his other works are Martin Hewitt: Investigator (1894), Zig-Zags at the Zoo (1894), Chronicles of Martin Hewett (1895), Adventures of Martin Hewett (1896), and The Hole in the Wall (1902).

Reviews

[Steven Kay]

I rate this highly. So much so in fact that I published a version of it alongside the Strand Magazine article where Morrison talks about his research for the novel and his meeting with people who knew James Murrell. I have also included an extract from a history book that may have been the original material that set Morrison on his quest and sparked his interest. The collection goes under the name of Spirit of Old Essex.

[Andy Chew]

This isn't for everyone, but if you have an interest in the occult and want to delve deeper into some folk stories that are certainly embellished by the author, then go for it!

[Trunatrschild]

This book is difficult to describe. Apparently it was written around the turn of the 1900's by a man who actually got to read some of Cunning Murrell's papers, but it's fiction too, fiction with some fact.
At first I was bored to tears with only the well written accent of the speakers to entertain me, but then it grew on me. It's like a little slice of life in the mid 1800's in small town southern England.
Cunning Murrell is either the bases for other knowledge of Cunningfolk or he's a typical specimen, difficult to know.
The story is well written and lyrical, enjoyable in a soothing way, till the end where it started to verge on being a 'thriller'. It could have been longer with more in depth character building, but that really wasn't the point, it's just a window into the past. I'd recommend it, but don't expect a lot of information, just an enjoyable story.