A Dictionary of True Crime is a guide to the most compelling cases of extreme and violent crime in the writing files, from the 17th century to present day. Amongst notorious criminals like Jack the Ripper and the Moors Murderers, lesser-known but provoking cases which have occupied the writer’s mind for some time are also discussed, with questions and theories posed, such as those of Walter Rowland, who was twice sentenced to die, and Louie Calvert who, Wade argues, was innocent of the crime for which she was hanged.

As well as murder, other crimes, including baby farming, arson and treason are also discussed, along with criminals such as gangsters, pirates and highwaymen and punishments including hanging, flogging and being burnt at the stake. Professions within crime, for example detectives, hangmen, and the unexpected Kings’ Messengers who were given powers of arrest in their duties feature, along with cases that have formed points of law which impact the courts even today, and oddities like the ‘cutlery eater’, a burglar with a strange calling card.

Arranged in an A-Z format, this well-researched dictionary from crime writer Stephen Wade is the perfect read for fans of true crime.