A History of British Serial Killing

Synopsis

BE THE FIRST TO READ DAVID WILSON'S NEW TRUE CRIME BOOK "A PLOT TO KILL" BY PRE-ORDERING NOW

Expanded and updated, this is the definitive history of British serial killing 1888-2020 - by the UK's leading criminologist, David Wilson

In this fascinating and informative book, Professor David Wilson tells the stories of Britain's serial killers from Jack the Ripper to the extraordinary Suffolk Murders case.

David Wilson has worked as a Prison Governor and as a profiler, and has been described as the UK's leading expert on serial killers. His work has led him to meet several of the UK's deadliest killers, and build up fascinating insights into what makes a serial killer - and who they are most likely to target.

A vivid narrative history and a call for prison and social reform, Professor Wilson's new book is a powerful and gripping investigation of Britain's serial murderers.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Early Years (1880-1920)

* Discusses the emergence of serial killing in Victorian England.
* Real example: Jack the Ripper, who murdered at least five women in Whitechapel in 1888.

Chapter 2: The Golden Age of Serial Killing (1920-1950)

* Examines the period of increased serial killing activity in between the World Wars.
* Real example: John George Haigh, the "Acid Bath Murderer," who dissolved his victims in sulfuric acid.

Chapter 3: The Post-War Years (1950-1970)

* Chronicles the continuation of serial killing in the postwar era.
* Real example: Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, the "Moors Murderers," who sexually abused and killed five children in the 1960s.

Chapter 4: The Digital Age (1970-Present)

* Explores the impact of technology on serial killing.
* Real example: Dennis Nilsen, who met his victims through gay dating apps and killed at least 12 men in the 1970s and 1980s.

Chapter 5: Motives and Methods

* Analyzes the motivations and behaviors of serial killers.
* Real example: Jeffrey Dahmer, who engaged in necrophilia, cannibalism, and preserved body parts of his victims.

Chapter 6: Investigation and Prosecution

* Details the challenges and advancements in investigating and prosecuting serial killers.
* Real example: The Yorkshire Ripper case, where the killer was eventually apprehended due to DNA evidence.

Chapter 7: Sentencing and Punishment

* Examines the various punishments imposed on serial killers, including capital punishment, life imprisonment, and secure hospitals.
* Real example: Rose West, who was sentenced to 10 life terms in prison for her involvement in the murders of at least 12 women.

Chapter 8: The Impact of Serial Killing

* Explores the psychological, social, and cultural effects of serial killing.
* Real example: The Whitechapel murders, which terrorized the East End of London in the Victorian era.

Chapter 9: Serial Killing in the Media

* Investigates the role of the media in reporting and sensationalizing serial killing.
* Real example: The Ted Bundy case, which received extensive media coverage and sparked public fascination.

Chapter 10: The Future of Serial Killing

* Speculates on the potential future trends and developments in serial killings.
* Real example: The rise of cyber-serial killing, where murders are facilitated or planned online.