Deadly Triangle

Deadly Triangle is a true-crime story written by Susan Goldenberg, the author of nine other books plus several articles in previous issues of Canada’s History magazine. Based on a murder case from the 1930s, the book begins by introducing readers to the main characters in this tragic story. It goes on to describe the events leading up to the crime, the crime itself, its aftermath, and the ensuing trial. 

The victim was none other than architect Francis Rattenbury, who designed the B.C. provincial Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel in Victoria. He was living there with his wife and children, but, after he began a flagrant affair, Rattenbury and his mistress were shunned by Victoria society and left for England. 

Personal letters, newspaper stories, and novels later written about this infamous case have provided differing views of the events and the people involved. The sensational case even spawned a stage play, entitled Cause Célèbre, that is still performed. 

Included in the book is a handful of archival photos of the people and places that are mentioned. While his murder took place in England, it is claimed that Francis Rattenbury’s ghost haunts the Parliament Buildings and Empress Hotel in Victoria to this day.