Reviews

From its Anglo-Saxon origins the word 'murder' has a clear definition but legally it is not quite so straightforward. In this book an attempt is made to show how our present-day laws have come about using a series of landmark cases to illustrate. From cannibalism on the high seas to domestic violence via madness and neglect, this is a endlessly interesting story of the changing nature of our views on crime.
This could have been a really dry tome but it is far from it. Despite the legalese of some parts the stories behind the cases are intriguing. Some are well known - Ruth Ellis etc - some less so but all are carefully chosen to engage.

teostratulat's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative reflective sad tense slow-paced

3.5

sharron_joy_reads's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

A gruesome but fascinating exploration of the study of murder in Britain. This is a thrilling journey through the legally important crimes of the last few centuries and how the laws of the land were written, amended and put into practice.

Well researched it also highlights the gaps in the current legal legislation for those who kill as to how they can plea and how this is interpreted rightly and wrongly. A compelling read.

olivialucy's review against another edition

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4.0

Really informative book that catalogues murder cases and the definition itself from its conception hundreds of years ago until present day. Lots of interesting facts and bits of information. It is a bit waffly in parts but overall really good. 4*

jackdllb's review against another edition

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informative reflective fast-paced

5.0

ellie981's review against another edition

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dark informative medium-paced

4.5

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