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Beyond Evil - Inside the Twisted Mind of Ian Huntley
The horrific murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman shocked and sickened the nation, and the man found guilty of their murders is now one of the most reviled men in the country. As if his crime was not dreadful enough, he has recently admitted that he lied under oath about the circumstances of one of the murders. This in-depth book is written by investigative journalist Nathan Yates, who witnessed the murder hunt first-hand and even interviewed Huntley his and former girlfriend, Maxine Carr. Yates also has an exclusive source for contact with Ian Huntley, and has further revelations about how far Huntley has lied about what happened that tragic day.
305 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
April 26, 2017
The Soham Murders, the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman was very big when it happened, especially because I used to live only a 26 minute drive away from Soham at the time it happened. I think the scariest thing about this is that I was five at the time and even then I knew enough to know that Ian Huntley was a bad man, and this was a horrible thing that happened. The girls were only 10 and I happened to be in Soham with my family the day they went missing. After finding this out, I was about 12 or 13, it was around 2009 or 2010. I found this book in our shed during a family barbecue - ironically enough, Holly and Jessica went for a walk during a family barbecue and they never returned - and I immediately sat down to read it.
This book changed a lot for me. My entire life, I had been surrounded by the name Ian Huntley and this book finally explained what happened when I was five years old. I was absolutely horrified reading this book. I binged read this in that one day, and lay awake for ages that night, trying to figure out what could possess Ian Huntley to do these horrific things.
This book goes into detail of what he did to clear up, and the efforts he made to help the search party, acting like he was extremely concerned for the girls, and this was horrifying. Honestly, reading this shattered my perfect illusion of the world. If you have ever heard of Holly Wells, Jessica Chapman or the cursed name of Ian Huntley, or if you've heard of the Soham Murders, check this out for sure. It goes into brilliant detail that gives such a perspective on what happened that fateful day, I highly recommend this.
This book changed a lot for me. My entire life, I had been surrounded by the name Ian Huntley and this book finally explained what happened when I was five years old. I was absolutely horrified reading this book. I binged read this in that one day, and lay awake for ages that night, trying to figure out what could possess Ian Huntley to do these horrific things.
This book goes into detail of what he did to clear up, and the efforts he made to help the search party, acting like he was extremely concerned for the girls, and this was horrifying. Honestly, reading this shattered my perfect illusion of the world. If you have ever heard of Holly Wells, Jessica Chapman or the cursed name of Ian Huntley, or if you've heard of the Soham Murders, check this out for sure. It goes into brilliant detail that gives such a perspective on what happened that fateful day, I highly recommend this.
December 4, 2015
This true crime book is written by a journalist who was at the scene reporting for the Daily Mirror, I have to confess my expectations were fairly low. Although this isn’t the best example of this type of book, it is far from the worst and not quite as sensational as the title might suggest; full title is Beyond Evil: Inside the Mind of Ian Huntley, the Wickedest Man on Earth.
Nathan Yates expertly reconstructs the afternoon when the two ten-year-old girls set off for a walk well within their permitted boundaries in Soham, Cambridgeshire, and the horror only too easily imagined when both sets of parents realised they were missing. This book also reported how Huntley inserted himself into the search and became an unofficial spokesman for the locals while the hunt for the girls continued. He quickly volunteered the information that he’d seen the two as they passed his house. Hollie and Jessica knew Huntley’s girlfriend Maxine Carr and it seems likely that they asked after her. Only Ian Huntley actually knows what happened next and Nathan Yates is unable to add anything that wasn’t already in the public domain.
The book is cleverly constructed flipping between days to make the pertinent points which was especially useful to demonstrate that while Huntley thought he was covering up his crime, the police already had their suspicions although Nathan Yates, unsurprisingly, gives much of the credit to the media!
The part of this book that was more informative is the role that Maxine Carr played in the covering up of the crime, again she has steadfastly claimed she didn’t know what her boyfriend had done and so provided an alibi to save him from suspicion. Unfortunately for her once Ian Huntley was under suspicion, the fact that she was miles away in Grimsby at the time the girls went missing, was quickly proved. The author provides quite comprehensive background to Maxine’s earlier life which allowed me to come to my own conclusions about her motivation for providing him with an alibi.
This book which claims to know more about the perpetrator’s thoughts than is possible having had no access to him or even those close to him, reads like a fairly long newspaper report. As such it provides broad background to a shocking case but adds little in the way of real insight into the crime. What it does really well is to give the reader a real sense of those two girls whose lives were cut short in what appears to be a classic case of crossing the path of a man who acted on impulse in the most terrible way.
Nathan Yates expertly reconstructs the afternoon when the two ten-year-old girls set off for a walk well within their permitted boundaries in Soham, Cambridgeshire, and the horror only too easily imagined when both sets of parents realised they were missing. This book also reported how Huntley inserted himself into the search and became an unofficial spokesman for the locals while the hunt for the girls continued. He quickly volunteered the information that he’d seen the two as they passed his house. Hollie and Jessica knew Huntley’s girlfriend Maxine Carr and it seems likely that they asked after her. Only Ian Huntley actually knows what happened next and Nathan Yates is unable to add anything that wasn’t already in the public domain.
The book is cleverly constructed flipping between days to make the pertinent points which was especially useful to demonstrate that while Huntley thought he was covering up his crime, the police already had their suspicions although Nathan Yates, unsurprisingly, gives much of the credit to the media!
The part of this book that was more informative is the role that Maxine Carr played in the covering up of the crime, again she has steadfastly claimed she didn’t know what her boyfriend had done and so provided an alibi to save him from suspicion. Unfortunately for her once Ian Huntley was under suspicion, the fact that she was miles away in Grimsby at the time the girls went missing, was quickly proved. The author provides quite comprehensive background to Maxine’s earlier life which allowed me to come to my own conclusions about her motivation for providing him with an alibi.
This book which claims to know more about the perpetrator’s thoughts than is possible having had no access to him or even those close to him, reads like a fairly long newspaper report. As such it provides broad background to a shocking case but adds little in the way of real insight into the crime. What it does really well is to give the reader a real sense of those two girls whose lives were cut short in what appears to be a classic case of crossing the path of a man who acted on impulse in the most terrible way.
June 12, 2024
A comprehensive account of the Soham murders, every bit as upsetting as you would imagine it is and very detailed. You come away from the book feeling you know the whole story of the case, along with feeling sickened that someone could do this.
Unlike some other true crime books, however, this one made no attempt at objectivity. The author conveys his emotion and feelings on the case throughout, which is neither good nor bad, but adds a different feel to the book which some other true crime books avoid by keeping impartial during the writing.
An important book on the case, and a must for anyone with opinions about it. It will shock and disturb, but a book on this subject which didn't do that could not be written.
Unlike some other true crime books, however, this one made no attempt at objectivity. The author conveys his emotion and feelings on the case throughout, which is neither good nor bad, but adds a different feel to the book which some other true crime books avoid by keeping impartial during the writing.
An important book on the case, and a must for anyone with opinions about it. It will shock and disturb, but a book on this subject which didn't do that could not be written.
April 14, 2011
Just finished this morning with this book.
I read this together with a Dutch tranlated version of Kevin Wells book, the father of little blonde Holly, one of the murdered girls. The title of that book is Goodbye Dearest Holly.
Reading both books together gave me much more insight.
Beyond Evil gave me more insight in Ian Huntley and what he had been up to before he murdered the 2 girls. (nothing good)
I liked reading this book. No pussy footing around but admitting the author very much dislikes the coward that is Huntley. (and Carr)
I read this together with a Dutch tranlated version of Kevin Wells book, the father of little blonde Holly, one of the murdered girls. The title of that book is Goodbye Dearest Holly.
Reading both books together gave me much more insight.
Beyond Evil gave me more insight in Ian Huntley and what he had been up to before he murdered the 2 girls. (nothing good)
I liked reading this book. No pussy footing around but admitting the author very much dislikes the coward that is Huntley. (and Carr)
February 17, 2014
This was just sensationalist writing at its best .
This was all supposition and no-one can know what Huntley was thinking - what route he drove - what his feelings where as he has never told us what he was feeling or even to admit that he did this,
As for Carr - well you make your bed and you lie in it..
Over all a rubbish book
This was all supposition and no-one can know what Huntley was thinking - what route he drove - what his feelings where as he has never told us what he was feeling or even to admit that he did this,
As for Carr - well you make your bed and you lie in it..
Over all a rubbish book
January 10, 2020
Don't know how I should be describing this book, although it was fascinating & I learnt a lot more about how Huntley had left their remains (I didn't know they had been burned), it was also heartbreaking specially when you realised the cover photograph was taken a mere 2 hours before their lives were cruelly taken away from them & their families 😔
March 13, 2014
Being on a role when it comes to reading I have managed to finish two boos this week. The first one can be found here and now I am reviewing this book about the Soham murders.
Nathan Yates who is a journalist for The Daily Mirror and worked the case as it happened writes this book. A book delves deep into the past of both the killer and his partner including their upbringing and Huntley’s previous sexual and violent history. I can help but think there is a heavy use of ‘artistic licence’ in the details and descriptions that he uses. The author documents what Huntley would have been thinking and feeling when he murdered the girls, when he was hiding the bodies and subsequently trying to return to his normal life. As none of these details have ever been revealed, let alone discussed, I wonder how Nathan knew what was going on. The only person who knows what happened that day is Huntley himself. The author also tries to detail how Huntley killed the girls, which is still disputed by pathologists.
There is also one glaring fault in the book where Nathan claims that he believes Huntley may have used a drug similar to GHB to subdue the two girls, or may have given them alcohol. This is inaccurate as the girls stomach content analysis proved that they had not been given drugs or alcohol as their stomachs were devoid of any alcohol or drug related substances.
Nobody relevant to the case was interviewed in the book. The quotes all come from "a person close to the families", or "An old school pal".
Overall the book was sensational and biased, rather than fact based, but having said that it was a good read. Weather or not the murder of Holly and Jessica was intentional or not, I do not know. But I do believe that if he wasn’t caught he would have killed again.
Nathan Yates who is a journalist for The Daily Mirror and worked the case as it happened writes this book. A book delves deep into the past of both the killer and his partner including their upbringing and Huntley’s previous sexual and violent history. I can help but think there is a heavy use of ‘artistic licence’ in the details and descriptions that he uses. The author documents what Huntley would have been thinking and feeling when he murdered the girls, when he was hiding the bodies and subsequently trying to return to his normal life. As none of these details have ever been revealed, let alone discussed, I wonder how Nathan knew what was going on. The only person who knows what happened that day is Huntley himself. The author also tries to detail how Huntley killed the girls, which is still disputed by pathologists.
There is also one glaring fault in the book where Nathan claims that he believes Huntley may have used a drug similar to GHB to subdue the two girls, or may have given them alcohol. This is inaccurate as the girls stomach content analysis proved that they had not been given drugs or alcohol as their stomachs were devoid of any alcohol or drug related substances.
Nobody relevant to the case was interviewed in the book. The quotes all come from "a person close to the families", or "An old school pal".
Overall the book was sensational and biased, rather than fact based, but having said that it was a good read. Weather or not the murder of Holly and Jessica was intentional or not, I do not know. But I do believe that if he wasn’t caught he would have killed again.
June 25, 2014
„Beyond evil“ is the account of the Soham murders. The murders of the two ten year old girls Jessica Chapman and Molly Wells.
The Autor, Nathan Yates, is a journalist, who covered the case as a reporter for the Daily Mirror from the day the girls went missing throughout the search and finally the trial of the murderer Ian Huntley and his fiance Maxine Carr.
Just a few days before their arrest, Yates even interviewed Carr in their home, where Huntley killed both Jessica and Molly, and listened to her lies and faked sorrow.
Based on in-depth research and in detail „Beyond evil“ sheds light on the lives of both, the killer and his later girlfriend Maxine Carr, who alibied him for the murders, knowing exactly what he had done (and denying the knowledge to this day) but protecting him and the live she hoped for at all costs.
The book paints a picture of a paedophile and rapist who managed to escape justice for more than 10 years by lying and maniuplating not only the girls and women he made his vitims, but the system as well. It shows, how devious and methotically Huntley tried to get rid of any evidence that would link him to the crime and to hide what he had done.
Is there something like „born evil“? In this case, I tend to say yes, there is. To this day, he shows no remorse or regret other than he got caught and convicted.
I’m absolutely sure, if this man really had gotten away with it, he’d have killed again. It’s like Jessicas father said: „I think he was a time bomb waiting to go off…“
I don’t know if there is a hell, but if so, I really hope this guy will rot there until the end of days and beyond.
The Autor, Nathan Yates, is a journalist, who covered the case as a reporter for the Daily Mirror from the day the girls went missing throughout the search and finally the trial of the murderer Ian Huntley and his fiance Maxine Carr.
Just a few days before their arrest, Yates even interviewed Carr in their home, where Huntley killed both Jessica and Molly, and listened to her lies and faked sorrow.
Based on in-depth research and in detail „Beyond evil“ sheds light on the lives of both, the killer and his later girlfriend Maxine Carr, who alibied him for the murders, knowing exactly what he had done (and denying the knowledge to this day) but protecting him and the live she hoped for at all costs.
The book paints a picture of a paedophile and rapist who managed to escape justice for more than 10 years by lying and maniuplating not only the girls and women he made his vitims, but the system as well. It shows, how devious and methotically Huntley tried to get rid of any evidence that would link him to the crime and to hide what he had done.
Is there something like „born evil“? In this case, I tend to say yes, there is. To this day, he shows no remorse or regret other than he got caught and convicted.
I’m absolutely sure, if this man really had gotten away with it, he’d have killed again. It’s like Jessicas father said: „I think he was a time bomb waiting to go off…“
I don’t know if there is a hell, but if so, I really hope this guy will rot there until the end of days and beyond.
August 22, 2016
This book is exceptionally well written. The story beyond tragic. Yates walks us through the mourning of an entire nation and beyond. The loss of true innocence in the most literal sense of the word is devastating. The crimes of Ian Huntley are unimaginable, the pain all encompassing. We as a society have not even after events such as this have not learned how to shield our young from the boogie man that does exist.
Mr. Yates, thank you for sharing the stories of Jessica and Holly. Thank you for letting us feel for their families. Thank you for remembering that this story is NOT about Ian and Maxine. They do not deserve our attention. You kept the focus of this book where it belongs.
I would recommend this book for individuals that enjoy the works of Ann Rule, or M. William Phelps. Also.... I would recommend this book to any parent that has taken criticism for being a little to protective of their children. This is not a criticism of Jessica and Holly's families. It is simply that for any parent who has taken a tongue lashing for being to watchful, this book is a testament to your right to be vigilant.
Mr. Yates, thank you for sharing the stories of Jessica and Holly. Thank you for letting us feel for their families. Thank you for remembering that this story is NOT about Ian and Maxine. They do not deserve our attention. You kept the focus of this book where it belongs.
I would recommend this book for individuals that enjoy the works of Ann Rule, or M. William Phelps. Also.... I would recommend this book to any parent that has taken criticism for being a little to protective of their children. This is not a criticism of Jessica and Holly's families. It is simply that for any parent who has taken a tongue lashing for being to watchful, this book is a testament to your right to be vigilant.
February 16, 2016
The first chapters were interesting, delving into Mr Huntleys childhood and so on, exploring how he could develop into the person he became to be. Same goes for the chapters about Ms Carr. But the majority was just a retelling of all the details you already know if you followed the news at the time.
December 5, 2022
Listened to the audiobook version of the book and quite enjoyed it.
It’s a sad and tragic case, which is brought to light with both describing the victims and the origins and backgrounds of the perpetrators…
A harrowing read/listen, but we’ll researched and plenty of information.
It’s a sad and tragic case, which is brought to light with both describing the victims and the origins and backgrounds of the perpetrators…
A harrowing read/listen, but we’ll researched and plenty of information.
April 14, 2013
Dreadful!
February 11, 2015
I know this is written by a tabloid journalist and yes it does use rather sensational language but the background on that terrible person Ian Huntley and his girlfriend Maxine Carr really does shed some light on this case.
I was not sure whether I really wanted to read this due to the subject matter but no money went to Huntley (there is no way I would read it if it did).
Disturbing but this kind of book should also be used as a tool for police and learning for the present and future.
I was not sure whether I really wanted to read this due to the subject matter but no money went to Huntley (there is no way I would read it if it did).
Disturbing but this kind of book should also be used as a tool for police and learning for the present and future.
January 16, 2011
This was a very detailed account of the murder of Holly Chapman and Jessica Wells. A very harrowing and sad story. The book was very well written and did not have just bare facts, there was some emotive writing which helped with the narration.
January 15, 2014
It made for a horrifying read though that's to be expected given the subject matter. I thought the author handled it well though without over-dramatising it and by showing sincere sympathy for the families of the two little girls.
August 10, 2025
I remember seeing about Jessica and Holly on the news I wasn't much younger than the girls at the time I don't remember it all but I remember seeing the picture of the girls wearing the Manchester United tops.ive just read this book it's broken my heart what the girls and their families and friends went through. I really think the justice for the girls wasn't enough especially as Maxine Carr made up a false albi for Huntley she should have served longer it's so unfair on Holly and Jessica's family knowing maxine only got so long in prison.Jessica and Holly loved Maxine she was their favourite clearly showed she didn't care or love them like they did her if she had an ounce of decency she would have told the truth that she was with her mum.how sick can any individuall be knowing that he had seen the girls but acted as if he was innocent and helping search knowing what he had done.i think about Holly and Jessica alot they should be living their lives they should be here enjoying spending time together and with there families maybe even having a family of their own.as for Huntley constantly lying and putting things on what a selfish man
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2024
This awful case is one of those cases that never had left my mind.
In Beyond Evil we join the author into the twisted and evil mind of Ian Huntley. Who for his own sick gratification brutally killed Holly and Jessica who due to Mr. Huntley’s twisted tendencies froze those lovely children in time at the age of 10.
The book gives us a very strong and well researched dive into this case. The entire book is well written and very authentic.
Please note: the book is not for the faint of heart
* this review has been shared on multiple platforms
In Beyond Evil we join the author into the twisted and evil mind of Ian Huntley. Who for his own sick gratification brutally killed Holly and Jessica who due to Mr. Huntley’s twisted tendencies froze those lovely children in time at the age of 10.
The book gives us a very strong and well researched dive into this case. The entire book is well written and very authentic.
Please note: the book is not for the faint of heart
* this review has been shared on multiple platforms
December 6, 2023
Skim read the majority of this book for research purposes for my apprenticeship 🤩🤯🤯
October 6, 2022
An horrific account of a tragedy, well told.
April 19, 2024
As always with any true crime or biography I always rate 3 stars as that is average for me. I don't like to give any more or less because I don't want to give too much of an opinion.
I was the same age as Holly and Jessica when they died and remember this story taking over the UK and the hard work and effort everyone went into to find these little girls and it disgusts me to have read that ian took part in that search. This book gave me a lot more information on the background of ian and maxine than I already knew. I thought part maxine had been part of the killings and it makes me feel so sad that she went along with this and backed ian all the way.
An absolute horror story of the worst kind, very well written
I was the same age as Holly and Jessica when they died and remember this story taking over the UK and the hard work and effort everyone went into to find these little girls and it disgusts me to have read that ian took part in that search. This book gave me a lot more information on the background of ian and maxine than I already knew. I thought part maxine had been part of the killings and it makes me feel so sad that she went along with this and backed ian all the way.
An absolute horror story of the worst kind, very well written
March 13, 2013
Insight into the mind of Ian Huntley and Maxine Carr, Their early lives and how they ultimately got together.
Although Maxine took no part in the killing's as she was visiting family when by chance the girls passed by the couples house, The events that unfolded left the girls dead.
What actually happened inside that house when the girls went in is unknown as Huntley made up so many stories that it cant sure what actually happened, And will never be, He will take the truth to his grave just like Ian Brady probably will also.
What can be proven is although Huntley obsessively got rid of evidence and deep cleaned his house, fibres and other evidence was eventually found which added to his conviction for the murder of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.
Maxine Carr insists that she never knew Ian had killed the girls, And that Ian had asked her to be his alibi as he was the last to see the girls he was scared people would think it was him due to his previous sexual/violent outburst with girls in the past (which he was never convicted for) Carr believed Ian and so gave him an alibi, Although the alibi wouldn't stand up in court as she was visiting family at the time and people of her families village called the police to inform them of this.
This book was written by a journalist who was involved from the start of the case, I thoroughly enjoyed , Well written and very informative.
Although Maxine took no part in the killing's as she was visiting family when by chance the girls passed by the couples house, The events that unfolded left the girls dead.
What actually happened inside that house when the girls went in is unknown as Huntley made up so many stories that it cant sure what actually happened, And will never be, He will take the truth to his grave just like Ian Brady probably will also.
What can be proven is although Huntley obsessively got rid of evidence and deep cleaned his house, fibres and other evidence was eventually found which added to his conviction for the murder of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.
Maxine Carr insists that she never knew Ian had killed the girls, And that Ian had asked her to be his alibi as he was the last to see the girls he was scared people would think it was him due to his previous sexual/violent outburst with girls in the past (which he was never convicted for) Carr believed Ian and so gave him an alibi, Although the alibi wouldn't stand up in court as she was visiting family at the time and people of her families village called the police to inform them of this.
This book was written by a journalist who was involved from the start of the case, I thoroughly enjoyed , Well written and very informative.
June 24, 2019
Well written about such tragic events
February 10, 2014
This is an account into the Soham murders. It tell us about the early life of the sick mind of Huntley.The things that we find out the Huntley did before the killings makes you wonder what the British judicial system is doing and need to change things before something like this can happen...although sadly it already has (April Jones). This ANIMAL should have been locked up and the key thrown many years before.
January 12, 2014
This book goes into depth about the sordid background of one of the UK most hated child murderers and that of his girlfriend who would do absolutely anything to keep her man, including create a cock and bull story to try to let him get away with murder.
February 3, 2014
This book was a gift because I have an interest in true crime (kind of comes with my job!)
I cried that much I couldn't see the pages half the time!
How very very sad this story is. Those poor girls. Only I read if you are not easily upset.
I cried that much I couldn't see the pages half the time!
How very very sad this story is. Those poor girls. Only I read if you are not easily upset.
August 13, 2012
Very sad, detailed account of the murders of Holly and Jessica. Well written
June 3, 2013
It's a good insight into the mind of the killer Ian Huntley, but at times I felt the tone was off and the author sensationalised the story unnecessarily.
August 31, 2013
Disturbing account of this tragic incident that shook the whole nation.
Written by a journalist involved in the case at the time, it's a harrowing account but couldn't put it down.
Written by a journalist involved in the case at the time, it's a harrowing account but couldn't put it down.
April 5, 2014
A harrowing book, but interesting read
February 28, 2016
Just starting but the free sample was compelling.
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