Scotland Yard: A Bloody History (Hardback) - Simon Read

A fascinating yet gruesome look at the bloody history that helped shape Scotland Yard and modern crime-fighting into what it is today.

'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.

About the Author

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.