Scotland Yard: A Bloody History

(Hardback)

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Description

'A true crime history that reads like a thriller ... a foggy, lamp-lit descent into the chilling cases that established the Yard's reputation. A macabre and fascinating page-turner.' John Douglas, co-author of Mindhunter

From the victims of a teenage murderess to dismembered corpses in train station luggage racks, London is home to some of the most macabre and gruesome murders in history. And for more than 200 years, Scotland Yard has built its name and reputation pursuing death merchants, psychopaths and serial killers.

From its inception in 1829 up to the eve of World War II, Scotland Yard: A Bloody History tells the full story of how the Yard developed and advanced modern crime-fighting techniques one infamous case at a time.

Following detectives in pursuits across the sea, midnight hunts through Whitechapel and a grand manor death that inspired many a murder mystery, this enthralling book shows how the Yard helped pioneer bloodstain analysis, criminal profiling, fingerprinting, ballistics and more to 'catch their man' (or, sometimes, woman).

Filled with stories of devious poisonings, drownings, stabbings, decapitations, shootings and - of course - Jack the Ripper, Scotland Yard is a thrilling look into some of the most horrific crimes in history - and what it takes to bring a murderer to justice.

Reviews

A true crime history that reads like a thriller, SCOTLAND YARD is a foggy, lamp-lit descent into the chilling cases that established the Yard's reputation. A macabre and fascinating page-turner. * John Douglas, bestselling co-author of Mindhunter *
Marrying rigorous research with smooth storytelling, this is a must-read for fans of true crime. * Publishers Weekly *
Entertaining and atmospheric ... True crime enthusiasts will relish these many murders most foul. * Kirkus Reviews *
Triumphant. Expertly navigates the blood-soaked alleyways of Scotland Yard and keeps the reader engaged from the very first page. Indispensable for anyone drawn to true crime and the darker districts of history. * Lindsey Fitzharris, bestselling author of The Butchering Art *
Scotland Yard is a riveting and novelistic deep dive into the true history of one of the world's great institutions. The book is peppered with enough blood-soaked crimes to keep readers up all night turning its pages. This vivid account of the Yard's early years, now nearly two centuries old, is essential reading for anyone even mildly curious about the history of investigative technique. * Alex Grecian, bestselling author of The Yard *
Simon Read takes us on a thrilling tour of Scotland Yard's most gripping cases, from the sinister alleyways of the Ratcliffe Highway to the lamp-lit cobblestones of Whitechapel. Scotland Yard: A Bloody History is beautifully researched, elegantly written, and brimming with vivid characters and detail. * Daniel Stashower, bestselling author of American Demon *

Author Bio

Simon Read is the author of nine previous works of nonfiction, his most recent being The Iron Sea. His books Winston Churchill Reporting: Adventures of a Young War Correspondent and Human Game: Hunting the Great Escape Murderers have been optioned for screen adaptation. Originally from Britain, he currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona. You can reach him through his website at simonreadwriting.com.