No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter

by Martin Brunt

"A cracking tale" – Duncan Campbell, investigative journalist and author of Underworld

"A revelation" – Professor Sue Black, author of All That Remains and Written in Bone

"Required reading for professional and amateur criminologists" – Gerald Seymour, bestselling author of Harry's Game

"Highly recommended" – Howard Sounes, author of Fred & Rose

"A gripping read" – Patricia Wiltshire, author of The memoir of a forensic scientist and criminal investigator

"This book is a must-read" – David Wilson, Professor Emeritus of Criminology

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What is it about crime that we find so fascinating, even if at the same time the details are repugnant? Why exactly do we immerse ourselves in true crime podcasts and TV shows? Has this appetite for gore shifted over the years? And what role does the crime reporter play in all of this?

In this compelling book, Martin Brunt draws on the most shocking and harrowing stories he's covered over the past thirty years to document the life of a crime reporter and assess the public obsession with crime that his reporting caters for. He also considers the wider relationship between the press and the police, the impact of social media and the question of why some crimes are ignored while others grip the nation.

Featuring many undisclosed details on some of the biggest cases Brunt has covered, from the 'Diamond Wheezers' to Fred and Rose West, this blend of storytelling and analysis is not only a riveting overview of the nature of crime reporting but a reflection on the purpose of the profession in the first place.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2025

Reviews

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I've known Martin professionally for around 20 years and - being aware of the breadth and depth of his experience - I looked forward to reading his book. Notwithstanding that confession, I wouldn't be leaving a review unless I genuinely felt that this book was not only worth its salt, but also an absolutely superb read. The fact that Martin has essentially led the way in crime reporting during recent decades meant that my expectations were worryingly high. Safe to say that I was not disappointed, because this is a truly gripping and revealing record of a journalist's relationship with some of the most important, high-profile crimes (and criminal trends) of our lifetime.

One of the things I enjoyed most about the book is the range of emotions that Martin's recollections elicit. One minute you'll find yourself laughing at a particular situation in which Martin found himself, while the next you might feel sad at the reminder of a needless death, frustrated by the incompetence of authorities or impressed by the commitment of individual police officers or forensic experts.

Whether you've worked in law enforcement all your life or are simply curious about how the relationship between the police and the media actually works behind the scenes, this book doesn't disappoint. In addition to the no-holds-barred stories of criminality, Martin takes you on a fascinating journey from a bygone time of long, boozy lunches between journalists and cops to our current post-Levison (Inquiry) era.

By the time you finish the book you'll have realised why Martin's self-effacing, intelligent, and very 'human' approach to his reporting has led to so many great 'scoops' over the years. Very highly recommended!

[Andrew Macfarlane · Rating 2 out of 5]

nothing bad or unreadable. it's just not that interesting. most of the information about the actual crimes or their investigation could probably be gleaned from Wikipedia or trawling the Internet and cross checking

[Noa Cohen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting insight, some chapters written better than others. Overall didn’t fill me with joy about the prospect of his family life.