Library Journal Review

This very dark drama-the original three-part ITV version-is based on the true story of Great Britain's most notorious female serial killer, Mary Ann Cotton (1832-73). Cotton (in a riveting performance by Downton Abbey's Joanne Froggatt) most likely killed three of her four husbands, 11 of her 13 children, a stepson, and others while managing to keep a long-term lover. Her weapon of choice was arsenic, a tasteless poison whose symptoms mimic common diseases of the Victorian period such as typhoid fever and cholera. She profited without suspicion for two decades from insurance policies on some of her victims; she was eventually arrested, tried, and hanged. Froggatt does a masterly job of balancing the portrayal of a coldhearted killer with that of a sometimes-abused woman worthy of empathy. In addition to witnessing her despicable crimes, viewers are privy to the horrible lives and treatment of some women during the era. The rather shadowy and moody cinematography supports the gloom of the story. Bonus items include a "behind the scenes" feature. VERDICT A must-see for PBS and British drama fans, particularly those wishing to keep up with the current work of their favorite Downton Abbey actors. Very highly recommended for any popular video collection. [See Trailers, LJ 5/1/17.]-Tom Budlong, Atlanta © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.