Maurice Morson has reconstructed, in painstaking detail, several of the most shocking and intriguing episodes from Norfolk's criminal history for this gripping study. He recalls the extraordinary case of Richard Nockolds, the violent weaver who revelled in assault, arson and machine-wrecking; the two cut-throats who were hanged for killing Hannah Mansfield; Herbert Bennett, found guilty of strangling his wife with a bootlace; Rosa Kowen who may - or may not - have battered her husband to death; John Stratford who murdered the wrong man; Samuel Yarham, the prosecution witness and real murderer; William Jacobs and Thomas Allen, both convicted of killing policemen; and, perhaps the most infamous case of all, the Burnham Westgate multiple murders. To these cases Maurice Morson has applied his skill as a historical researcher and his forensic experience as a former detective. Each case is closely reviewed, and the evidence is questioned. He gives a vivid insight into the local background, the personalities of the individuals involved, their relationships, the means by which the crimes were committed, and the workings of the police force and the justice system which often seems, to our modern eyes, clumsy and mistaken. This engrossing new book confirms Maurice Morson's reputation as the leading chronicler of crime in the county.

Four years after it happened, police have finally arrested a man over the baffling murder of Janelle Patton on Norfolk Island. The murder may or may not yet be solved, but Norfolk Island still has plenty of secrets. I always thought the biggest coup for Norfolk Island would be to get on the big blue weather map, to be broadcast to millions of viewers who would say 'So that's where Norfolk Island is.' Instead Norfolk Island got on a different map and it had nothing to do with sunshine or rain. On the afternoon of Easter Sunday 2002, somebody killed a woman. A vicious, nasty prolonged attack which pitted a feisty, pretty brunette against a person of great strength, anger and hatred. Her name was Janelle Patton. She fought for her life. And died. In the tradition of true-crime reportage Norfolk scratches the facade of this secretive and protective community, probing murder, myth, history, politics and gossip. Despite being an Australian territory Norfolk is wonderfully and strangely different - a culture where deception, tension and age-old animosities lie just beneath the surface of life in 'paradise'.

MetroWest is known for its rolling farmland, winding rivers and quaint white churches facing green town commons. But looks can be deceiving. Tales from these small towns captured headlines and shocked readers across the state with lurid details of betrayal, cruelty, greed and murder. Nina Danforth, spurred on by love and jealousy, made a midnight call to the home of Andrew Emery in Framingham seeking revenge. The murder of spinster Mabel Page in Weston sent a man to the electric chair, and forty years before Lizzie Borden, the grisly axe murder of a husband and wife sent shock waves through the terrified town of Natick. Authors James L. Parr and Kevin A. Swope reveal the stories behind these crimes and the motives of the desperate criminals who perpetrated them.

Maurice Morson has reconstructed, in painstaking detail, several of the most shocking and intriguing episodes from Norfolk's criminal history for this gripping study.

Sheffield born actor and author Geoffrey Howse delves into his files covering over 200 years of Sheffield's criminality. In Murder & Mayhem in Sheffield he takes a look at some of the events that took place during a period of enormous growth within Sheffield; including a failed plot to murder some of Sheffield's officials, take control of the Town Hall and set fire to the homes of prominent citizens; the series of incidents known as the Sheffield Outrages are also mentioned, as are the notorious Sheffield Gang Wars of the 1920's. Murders from the eighteenth century through to 1947 are covered, including he fascinating case of one of Britain's most notorious murderers, Charlie Peace. The gruesome Shelf Street Hatchet Murder of 1881, is also included as are the Woodhouse Murder of 1893 and the Chinese Laundry Murder of 1922. Two Sheffield murderers who bore the same name, William Smedley, and who were both hanged for their crimes, committed murder in 1875 and 1947 respectively, are also featured. Although not for the feint-hearted, this book is sure to capture the curiosity of all individuals with an interest in the social and criminal history of Sheffield.'

Hampton Roads is an iconic destination, but the "birthplace of America" has a nefarious past. Dive into the story of cannibalism in the Jamestown colony and learn the gory details of the tale of the Witch of Pungo. Blackbeard and his men wreaked havoc in Hampton Roads before Virginians brought them to justice. Explore rarely told stories of lynchings, riots and a hoax involving none other than famed aviator Charles Lindbergh. Join author and historian Nancy E. Sheppard as she explores some of the darkest moments in Hampton Roads' vibrant history.

“A detailed account of crime and capital punishment . . . from the days of the 1700s when felons were publically hanged outside the walls of Lancaster Castle.” —Friends of Real Lancashire This account of executions in Lancashire spans two centuries and begins in the era of the Bloody Code. In the closing years of the eighteenth century, there were over 200 capital crimes and the early chapters discuss those condemned to death for highway robbery, croft breaking, riot, and sodomy. As the nineteenth century progressed, crimes for which the death penalty could be imposed decreased, until—with the exception of treason and piracy—only murderers faced the noose. The author has selected chapters that discuss botched hangings and possible miscarriages of justice, and ends with a chapter devoted to the last two men to be executed in this country, in 1964. A compelling read for anyone interested in local and social history, written by an experienced criminal historian. “Using a wealth of research, illustrations from local papers, original photographs, letters and even a route plan from one of the crimes, Baggoley has unearthed some fascinating and gruesome cases.” —Lancashire Evening Post