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Murder at Home: How Our Safest Space Is Where We’re Most in Danger
Home is where the heart is. But home is also the most common site for murder. The grimly fascinating new book from the UK's leading criminologist David Wilson uncovers the dangers that exist where we least expect them - perfect for fans of The Dark Side of the Mind and The Mind of a Murderer.
The home is the place where murder most commonly occurs. In England and Wales, each year on average 75 per cent of female murder victims and 39 per cent of murdered men are killed at home.
This gripping new title from the author of My Life with Murderers and A Plot to Kill explores the tragic prevalence of domestic murder and how, for so many victims, their own home is the place they are most in danger.
David Wilson is the UK's leading criminologist and his knowledge of murder is unparalleled. By walking through each part of the house, he explains how each room's purpose has changed over time, the weapons they contain, and ultimately, how these things combine in murder.
Delving into infamous as well as lesser-known true crime cases, this examination of the tragic, ordinary nature of murder is both a chilling read and a startling insight into the everyday impact of violence and how it can touch us all.
The home is the place where murder most commonly occurs. In England and Wales, each year on average 75 per cent of female murder victims and 39 per cent of murdered men are killed at home.
This gripping new title from the author of My Life with Murderers and A Plot to Kill explores the tragic prevalence of domestic murder and how, for so many victims, their own home is the place they are most in danger.
David Wilson is the UK's leading criminologist and his knowledge of murder is unparalleled. By walking through each part of the house, he explains how each room's purpose has changed over time, the weapons they contain, and ultimately, how these things combine in murder.
Delving into infamous as well as lesser-known true crime cases, this examination of the tragic, ordinary nature of murder is both a chilling read and a startling insight into the everyday impact of violence and how it can touch us all.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2023
35 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
David Wilson
25 books127 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
David Wilson is Professor of Criminology and founding Director of the Centre for Applied Criminology at Birmingham City University – one of the university’s “research centres of excellence”. He is the co-Editor of the prestigious Howard Journal of Criminal Justice, which is produced five times per year. Prior to taking up his academic appointment in September 1997, David was Senior Policy Advisor to the Prison Reform Trust, and between October 1983-April 1997 he worked as a Prison Governor.
David completed his PhD at Selwyn College Cambridge in 1983, and immediately joined HM Prison Service as Assistant Governor at HMP Wormwood Scrubs. He worked as a Prison Governor at a variety of establishments, including HMYOIs Huntercombe and Finnamore Wood – where at the age of 29 he was the youngest governing Governor in the country – and at HMPs Grendon and Woodhill. At HMP Grendon he ran the sex offender treatment programme, and at HMP Woodhill he designed and managed the two specialist units for the 12 most disruptive prisoners in the penal system. This experience brought him into contact with some of the most notorious criminals in the country.
David has advised on live police investigations related to a linked series of murders and has provided training to new Senior Investigating Officers who will take charge of murder inquiries.
His current research interests range from the phenomenon of British serial murder, family annihilation, hitmen and lethal violence within organised crime, to all aspects of prison history and penal reform.
His first work of fiction is The Rules of Restraint.
David Wilson is Professor of Criminology and founding Director of the Centre for Applied Criminology at Birmingham City University – one of the university’s “research centres of excellence”. He is the co-Editor of the prestigious Howard Journal of Criminal Justice, which is produced five times per year. Prior to taking up his academic appointment in September 1997, David was Senior Policy Advisor to the Prison Reform Trust, and between October 1983-April 1997 he worked as a Prison Governor.
David completed his PhD at Selwyn College Cambridge in 1983, and immediately joined HM Prison Service as Assistant Governor at HMP Wormwood Scrubs. He worked as a Prison Governor at a variety of establishments, including HMYOIs Huntercombe and Finnamore Wood – where at the age of 29 he was the youngest governing Governor in the country – and at HMPs Grendon and Woodhill. At HMP Grendon he ran the sex offender treatment programme, and at HMP Woodhill he designed and managed the two specialist units for the 12 most disruptive prisoners in the penal system. This experience brought him into contact with some of the most notorious criminals in the country.
David has advised on live police investigations related to a linked series of murders and has provided training to new Senior Investigating Officers who will take charge of murder inquiries.
His current research interests range from the phenomenon of British serial murder, family annihilation, hitmen and lethal violence within organised crime, to all aspects of prison history and penal reform.
His first work of fiction is The Rules of Restraint.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 24, 2023
Thank you to my Goodreads friend, Liz, for this recommendation! I'm already a fan of David Wilson, and this book did not disappoint. Although you may know about some of the cases mentioned, it is interesting to hear his views on the crimes, particularly (for me) the Clydach Murders, and I agree with his take! Please note, I listened to the audiobook, which is ably narrated by the author.
April 24, 2023
I picked this up because it had good reviews in The Times and because the author was my daughter’s professor.
I’m not into real life crime so this definitely wasn’t a wise choice for me. Too many different stories, some of which have no conviction. I prefer crime fiction.
I’m not into real life crime so this definitely wasn’t a wise choice for me. Too many different stories, some of which have no conviction. I prefer crime fiction.
May 16, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️¾
This really isn't an especially comforting read for everyone who thinks that home is the safest place to be, as this book suggests quite the opposite! But it's a fascinating journey around the home from doorstep to back garden, concentrating on one room or area at a time, as well as focusing on the house as a whole.
David Wilson assigns each room its own chapter and then talks the reader through accounts of killings that have happened there. Some of these are familiar; eg the death of Jill Dando is covered in the chapter on doors/the doorstep, as well as the murder of Edward Evans in the living room at 16 Wardle Brook Avenue, and the murders committed by John Reginald Halliday Christie in the kitchen at 10 Rillington Place.
Wilson covers a number of cases for each room, some from different eras, and others more contemporary, and all are fascinating in terms of the psychology behind them. It should be mentioned, however, that Wilson goes into great detail about these murders, and this makes for macabre reading. He also introduces a great deal of psychology and current thinking into the mix, and this adds to an already rich concoction.
This book isn't just about rooms, however. Wilson also introduces the concept of "whole house murders", or 'annihilations' - which are as horrific as the name suggests. These are murders that usually involve a male setting fire to a property after killing his family and then committing suicide. This chapter was one that really made me angry because so many seemed to be the result of a wounded male ego.
The usual suspects are here, of course - Brady and Hindley, Fred and Rose West, Mary Ann Cotton et al, and there's plenty to get your teeth into in this book. Wilson also adds a terrific list of "Further Reading" (including a biography of Ian Brady written by my old RE teacher 😳) for anyone wishing to delve into the subject more deeply.
This is an original look at crime, to be sure; but it isn't an easy read, all things considered, and certainly won't make anyone feel warmly towards the male of the species.
This really isn't an especially comforting read for everyone who thinks that home is the safest place to be, as this book suggests quite the opposite! But it's a fascinating journey around the home from doorstep to back garden, concentrating on one room or area at a time, as well as focusing on the house as a whole.
David Wilson assigns each room its own chapter and then talks the reader through accounts of killings that have happened there. Some of these are familiar; eg the death of Jill Dando is covered in the chapter on doors/the doorstep, as well as the murder of Edward Evans in the living room at 16 Wardle Brook Avenue, and the murders committed by John Reginald Halliday Christie in the kitchen at 10 Rillington Place.
Wilson covers a number of cases for each room, some from different eras, and others more contemporary, and all are fascinating in terms of the psychology behind them. It should be mentioned, however, that Wilson goes into great detail about these murders, and this makes for macabre reading. He also introduces a great deal of psychology and current thinking into the mix, and this adds to an already rich concoction.
This book isn't just about rooms, however. Wilson also introduces the concept of "whole house murders", or 'annihilations' - which are as horrific as the name suggests. These are murders that usually involve a male setting fire to a property after killing his family and then committing suicide. This chapter was one that really made me angry because so many seemed to be the result of a wounded male ego.
The usual suspects are here, of course - Brady and Hindley, Fred and Rose West, Mary Ann Cotton et al, and there's plenty to get your teeth into in this book. Wilson also adds a terrific list of "Further Reading" (including a biography of Ian Brady written by my old RE teacher 😳) for anyone wishing to delve into the subject more deeply.
This is an original look at crime, to be sure; but it isn't an easy read, all things considered, and certainly won't make anyone feel warmly towards the male of the species.
August 23, 2024
David Wilson writes his books in such a way that you are able to understand everything he means. This was incredibly intriguing to learn more about how the home is the place you are most likely to be killed rather than somewhere public as the media would like you to think. I enjoyed reading about how different rooms in the house have typical types of murders occurring in them. Also very interesting to learn that a ‘mass murder’ is 4 or more people killed on one occasion!
January 26, 2024
Not quite what I expected and some chapters seemed a little bit forced due to the premise
August 25, 2023
Professor David Wilson explores murders in our safest of places – our homes.
There is no place like home: our sanctuaries, the scenes of family drama and tranquillity, host to social gatherings, witness to the entire span of our lives. But within the bricks and mortar that we transform into a home, there may be hidden darkness.
Statistically, you are more likely to be murdered in your home than in a public place. While we may be familiar with the dictum that you are more likely to be murdered by someone known to you (the data fluctuates year on year, with significant difference between genders), it is not only these ‘domestic’ situations which impact the location statistics – even stranger attacks and the relative anomalies of serial murder contribute to this sobering data. Criminologist David Wilson investigates how our safest space is actually where we are most in danger.
Fascinating, informative and as gripping as fiction, Wilson takes us on a tour through the home – from the public threshold of the front door step to the back garden, into the semi-privacy of our living rooms and bedrooms, and the shadowy recesses of our attics and cellars. Alongside the case studies and analysis of the crimes, there is also exploration into the general psychology of our perceptions of these rooms – their differing and sometimes conflicting levels of access and privacy – something to which everyone can relate. Wilson never fails to keep the narrative grounded in our everyday experience, juxtaposed as it may be with these horrific crimes.
Detailing a mix of infamous and lesser-known cases – amongst them the crimes of Ian Brady (and Myra Hindley), Mary Ann Cotton, Fred and Rose West, and Peter Tobin, and a review of the Clydach Murders – each chapter groups them by the location within the home where significant elements of the crimes took place. Where necessary, there are some graphic crime scene descriptions and insights into the murders as they were committed, though Wilson ensures the victims are front and centre of his analysis and treats them with respect. The subject of dark tourism is also touched upon: murderers fascinate us – perhaps certain types of murderers more so – their psychology and the circumstances surrounding their crimes never failing to mystify and intrigue, but it is always important, specifically when dealing with true crime, to remember that people have tragically lost their lives and the impact still felt by their loved ones to this day.
Spanning over a century and a half of murder, the narrative interrogates how time has impacted these spaces and individual rooms, as the result of changing social attitudes and even technology. In recent times, we have only to open our social media feeds to see inside people’s homes; yet, perhaps, never before has there been such a veneer over those private spaces. Sometimes, the more we can see, the less we are seeing. We truly never know what is happening behind closed doors.
A riveting and thought-provoking study of murder, ‘Murder at Home’ is a superb addition to Wilson’s already expansive library of criminological works.
There is no place like home: our sanctuaries, the scenes of family drama and tranquillity, host to social gatherings, witness to the entire span of our lives. But within the bricks and mortar that we transform into a home, there may be hidden darkness.
Statistically, you are more likely to be murdered in your home than in a public place. While we may be familiar with the dictum that you are more likely to be murdered by someone known to you (the data fluctuates year on year, with significant difference between genders), it is not only these ‘domestic’ situations which impact the location statistics – even stranger attacks and the relative anomalies of serial murder contribute to this sobering data. Criminologist David Wilson investigates how our safest space is actually where we are most in danger.
Fascinating, informative and as gripping as fiction, Wilson takes us on a tour through the home – from the public threshold of the front door step to the back garden, into the semi-privacy of our living rooms and bedrooms, and the shadowy recesses of our attics and cellars. Alongside the case studies and analysis of the crimes, there is also exploration into the general psychology of our perceptions of these rooms – their differing and sometimes conflicting levels of access and privacy – something to which everyone can relate. Wilson never fails to keep the narrative grounded in our everyday experience, juxtaposed as it may be with these horrific crimes.
Detailing a mix of infamous and lesser-known cases – amongst them the crimes of Ian Brady (and Myra Hindley), Mary Ann Cotton, Fred and Rose West, and Peter Tobin, and a review of the Clydach Murders – each chapter groups them by the location within the home where significant elements of the crimes took place. Where necessary, there are some graphic crime scene descriptions and insights into the murders as they were committed, though Wilson ensures the victims are front and centre of his analysis and treats them with respect. The subject of dark tourism is also touched upon: murderers fascinate us – perhaps certain types of murderers more so – their psychology and the circumstances surrounding their crimes never failing to mystify and intrigue, but it is always important, specifically when dealing with true crime, to remember that people have tragically lost their lives and the impact still felt by their loved ones to this day.
Spanning over a century and a half of murder, the narrative interrogates how time has impacted these spaces and individual rooms, as the result of changing social attitudes and even technology. In recent times, we have only to open our social media feeds to see inside people’s homes; yet, perhaps, never before has there been such a veneer over those private spaces. Sometimes, the more we can see, the less we are seeing. We truly never know what is happening behind closed doors.
A riveting and thought-provoking study of murder, ‘Murder at Home’ is a superb addition to Wilson’s already expansive library of criminological works.
June 27, 2023
David Wilson is a well regarded Criminologist and I enjoy watching the TV programmes he features in. I noticed he had a new book out and decided to pick up a copy.
Murder at Home explores different cases where people have been killed in the home. The book is structured a bit like a walkthrough of a house, each chapter focuses on a different space such as doorstep and bedroom. In exploring the cases, David also shows the significance of the location of the murder and what this can tell you about the situation and the perpetrator.
A lot of cases are covered in the book, around three per chapter. Some are very well known like the Wests and some I was less familiar with. I didn’t find it confusing to follow and I thought it was accessibly written. I’m not from a Criminology background, but like many people have an interest in true crime and the psychology behind what drives someone to kill.
Home is somewhere you should feel safe, but you might find yourself double checking the doors are locked after reading this book!
If you’re interested in Criminology and true crime I would recommend the book. I found it very interesting and well researched without being a huge book you feel like you need to trawl through.
Murder at Home explores different cases where people have been killed in the home. The book is structured a bit like a walkthrough of a house, each chapter focuses on a different space such as doorstep and bedroom. In exploring the cases, David also shows the significance of the location of the murder and what this can tell you about the situation and the perpetrator.
A lot of cases are covered in the book, around three per chapter. Some are very well known like the Wests and some I was less familiar with. I didn’t find it confusing to follow and I thought it was accessibly written. I’m not from a Criminology background, but like many people have an interest in true crime and the psychology behind what drives someone to kill.
Home is somewhere you should feel safe, but you might find yourself double checking the doors are locked after reading this book!
If you’re interested in Criminology and true crime I would recommend the book. I found it very interesting and well researched without being a huge book you feel like you need to trawl through.
July 29, 2024
Towards the end of this thesis the author asks “Is it the house, a room in the house or the people who are living there that ‘cause’ the crime?”. He then takes a page and a half failing to answer this apparently obvious question and that somehow sums up for me the slightly bizarre concept this work.
For me it was slightly interesting, albeit rather morbidly obsessive, to learn some if the background to a number of real life murders that had some relevance to domestic properties. However I felt the conclusions of the various chapters felt forced and illogical so will probably stick to crime fiction rather than essays such as this book in the future.
For me it was slightly interesting, albeit rather morbidly obsessive, to learn some if the background to a number of real life murders that had some relevance to domestic properties. However I felt the conclusions of the various chapters felt forced and illogical so will probably stick to crime fiction rather than essays such as this book in the future.
July 3, 2023
‘There’s no place like Home’
I was anxious to read this, the title alone is enough to put you off! We all think of our homes as a safe place…. This book disputes that!
It was a fascinating read and the ideal read for true crime readers.
‘The door and the doorstep become an almost perfect example of when the homely can become uncanny and frightening’
Knock, knock, knock.
The cases mentioned in this book could be a spoiler for some readers.
‘Evil doesn’t need to be invited to come into our home, because it’s already there.’
I was anxious to read this, the title alone is enough to put you off! We all think of our homes as a safe place…. This book disputes that!
It was a fascinating read and the ideal read for true crime readers.
‘The door and the doorstep become an almost perfect example of when the homely can become uncanny and frightening’
Knock, knock, knock.
The cases mentioned in this book could be a spoiler for some readers.
‘Evil doesn’t need to be invited to come into our home, because it’s already there.’
December 17, 2023
As a fan of crime fiction, and writing it myself, I'm always keen to know what goes on in the criminal mind. It was interesting to discover that although we consider the home to be a sanctuary, more murders occur here than anywhere else. Nobody seems able to explain why that is so. A fascinating read, but not for the squeamish.
May 17, 2024
A little disappointed in this, I've enjoyed his previous work but this was a little long winded. Perhaps because I don't overly enjoy history but I felt there was a little too much historical facts and it overshadowed the case stories slightly.
Still an interesting read, and does open your eyes to what goes on in people's homes.
Still an interesting read, and does open your eyes to what goes on in people's homes.
April 28, 2023
A fascinating walk through the rooms and garden of a house that offers insight into the connection between the public and private spheres of an individual, their family, and the spaces surrounding the home where murders most often occur.
May 23, 2024
I've always been fascinated by crime and criminology. This is a superb offering by David Wilson, who is not only an absolute expert in his field but has a very entertaining way of explaining concepts and theories.
July 9, 2024
Interesting if occasionally a little long-winded.
June 23, 2024
A novel idea but he doesn't really discuss the victims and the reasoning behind the murders enough for me. A easy read, the authors voice is very knowledgeable and chatty which I enjoyed.
August 8, 2023
David Wilson discusses a number of murders and the links to the rooms where they took place. There are some really interesting ideas and it highlights some cases that demand further reading
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews