This book is fascinating and well-structured. Don’t let the horrible cover design put you off! There is nothing gratuitously gory or sensationalised about the content. It’s a history of the crime of murder in English law, spanning about 1000 years.
When I saw this book available to borrow from the library, I wasn’t sure about it. I thought that reading about the dreadful ways people have killed each other might be too upsetting. However, I was reassured by the tight focus on the challenges and limitations of law. The author only tells you what you need to know in the context of this. Of course, it was upsetting at times, but it was also enlightening and thought-provoking. The chapters are in roughly chronological order and deal with turning points in English legal history, using a variety of cases – some very well-known, others not so much. The boundary between murder and manslaughter is a theme throughout. Other topics include the plea of insanity, duelling, diminished responsibility, the death penalty, infanticide, provocation and corporate manslaughter. I was very shocked to learn how long it took for the latter to become viable law.
The book includes a glossary of legal terms, an index and a small picture section. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to understand the history of murder in English law. The writing style is accessible and you don’t need to have legal knowledge beforehand.
Published in 2021.
You’re right about the cover, it’s the stuff of nightmares!
It almost put me off, but then I started reading it and decided that the cover was sensationalist to get everyone’s attention.
It works!
Fab review! I added the audiobook to my Scribd list the other day but still wasn’t sure if I’d listen or not. I’m so glad it’s not gratuitous which definitely makes me want to listen, so thanks!
Thanks! It looks gorier than it is! I hope you’ll find it interesting.
Sounds super interesting. Would be good for anyone writing an English murder mystery!
It is! And yes it would be a good resource – it’s informative without being too academic.
A “tight focus on the challenges and limitations of law” sounds absolutely fascinating. Great review!
Thanks! The book could have descended into sensationalised accounts of gruesome murders but it has been done just right!
Sounds perfect!
This sounds really interesting – definitely the kind of non fiction that I think I would enjoy. I can see how the cover draws attention – it’s certainly eye catching! Great review 😊
Thanks! 🙂 I remember you are into true crime at the moment? Then this would certainly be a book to interest you!
Yes I’m massively into true crime at the moment – it’s bordering on the obsessive! I’ve added this to my list, it’ll be good to read some more true crime rather than watching it on YouTube etc
Strangely enough, I’ll read true crime but not watch it and also I don’t read much crime fiction!
It’s funny how we have our preferences isn’t it.
Sounds like a good book as research for crime writers.
It definitely would be a good reference guide for crime writers! Thanks for your comment.
OMG NS…the cover….*glurp* But your review makes me wanna read it! I’m intrigued! Great review:)
Thanks Jee! 🙂 Yes the cover is scary, but luckily I didn’t totally dismiss the book because of the cover and I’m glad I read it.