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Scotland Yard

A Bloody History

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Scotland Yard

By: Simon Read
Narrated by: Harry Myers
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About this listen

 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.©2024 Simon Read Crime Murder True Crime Exciting Detective England

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Critic reviews

A true crime history that reads like a thriller, SCOTLAND YARD is a foggy, lamp-lit descent into the chilling cases that established the Yard's reputation. A macabre and fascinating page-turner.
We love a great true crime history that reads like one of the best page-turning thrillers. And this one has it all, from tales of poisonings, drownings and decapitation, right down to dismembered corpses in train station luggage racks ... This exciting tome charts the beginnings of the police force in the capital and the dramatic history of its HQ, Scotland Yard ... Riveting.
Marrying rigorous research with smooth storytelling, this is a must-read for fans of true crime.
Entertaining and atmospheric ... True crime enthusiasts will relish these many murders most foul.
Triumphant. Expertly navigates the blood-soaked alleyways of Scotland Yard and keeps the reader engaged from the very first page. Indispensable for anyone drawn to true crime and the darker districts of history.
Scotland Yard is a riveting and novelistic deep dive into the true history of one of the world's great institutions. The book is peppered with enough blood-soaked crimes to keep readers up all night turning its pages. This vivid account of the Yard's early years, now nearly two centuries old, is essential reading for anyone even mildly curious about the history of investigative technique.
Simon Read takes us on a thrilling tour of Scotland Yard's most gripping cases, from the sinister alleyways of the Ratcliffe Highway to the lamp-lit cobblestones of Whitechapel. Scotland Yard: A Bloody History is beautifully researched, elegantly written, and brimming with vivid characters and detail.
All stars
Most relevant
very interesting story charting how the police force came to be and all the major additions in it such as police dogs and fingerprints etc. Brilliant reader who brought the book alive.

brilliant reader

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A fascinating tale and superbly read. well worth a listen if you are remotely interested in crime.

brilliant reader

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Apart from the above it must have taken a lot of research to write such an excellent book.

The narration made for a most agreeable listen that I found it almost impossible to stop listening.

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History comes alive in the midst of death by foul means. A riveting roller coaster of murder and investigation, through which, evolves the best Police Force in the world. Highly recommend you take a trip into the back alleys, fog and foul deeds of London and learn how the Met gained it's incredible reputation copied worldwide.

Riveting

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Really enjoyable book. Full of historical facts about how awful humans can be to each other.
Author has done a great job here. Lots of detail that stops short of glorifying the violence.
Read with passion. I really enjoy the actors deep voices!!
Would recommend you try this book.

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