Victorian Murders

by Jan Bondeson
Victorian Murders cover
Good Books rating 4.33
True Crime
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Waterstones
Paperback • £11.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 2822
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781445666310
  • Publisher: Amberley Publishing Limited
  • Published: 2017-12-15
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Victorian Murders offers a gripping collection of fifty-six real-life murder cases from the Victorian era, all sourced from the archives of the Illustrated Police News. Each case is presented with vivid detail, providing a stark glimpse into the darker side of history. The book not only recounts the crimes but also offers insights into the societal and legal contexts of the time, making it a compelling read for history enthusiasts and true crime aficionados alike. This anthology serves as a fascinating exploration of the Victorian criminal underworld, highlighting the sensationalism and moral panics that often surrounded these cases. The Illustrated Police News, known for its dramatic illustrations and sensational reporting, brings these stories to life with a unique blend of historical accuracy and narrative flair. Whether you're a fan of true crime or simply curious about the past, Victorian Murders promises to captivate and intrigue.

Reviews
Amazon · 2025-10-16
compelling 4.50

Highly recommended for crime enthusiasts, the book benefits from the author's firsthand experience in policing. The cases are compelling and well-researched.

If you're a fan of true crime, this book is a must-read. The author's personal experience in the police force brings an authenticity to the stories that you don't often find in other books. They have a knack for making each case feel fresh and exciting, even if you're familiar with some of the historical details. The level of research is impressive, and it's clear that a lot of care went into presenting these stories. It's a great addition to any true crime collection.

Quick quotes

    I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in crime during the Victorian era.

    The author was working in the police himself in this time.

    Very interesting and well researched.

Cleopatra Loves Books · 2025-10-16
fascinating 4.50

The book offers a fascinating glimpse into Victorian-era crimes, highlighting the sensationalism of the time. The author's background in police work adds credibility to the narratives.

This book is a treasure trove for anyone interested in true crime and Victorian history. The author, who worked in the police during this era, provides a unique perspective on the cases covered in the Illustrated Police News. They do a great job of capturing the sensationalism and public fascination with crime during this period. Each case is presented with a level of detail that makes you feel like you're right there in the midst of the investigation. It's a gripping read that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    A book of unrivalled interestingness

    The author's background in police work adds credibility to the narratives.

    Each case is presented with a level of detail that makes you feel like you're right there in the midst of the investigation.

Goodreads · 2019-12-01
captivating 4.00

The book is a captivating exploration of Victorian crimes, though some may find the sensationalism overwhelming. The historical context is rich and well-presented.

This book is a captivating read for those interested in the darker side of Victorian history. The author does an excellent job of setting the scene and providing historical context for each case. However, the sensationalism of the time can be a bit overwhelming at times, which might not be to everyone's taste. That said, the stories are well-told and the research is thorough. It's a great choice for anyone looking to dive deeper into the criminal underbelly of the Victorian era.

Quick quotes

    This book features fifty-six Victorian cases of murder covered in the sensational weekly penny journal the Illustrated Police News between 1867 and 1900.

    The author does an excellent job of setting the scene and providing historical context for each case.

    The stories are well-told and the research is thorough.

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