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A Dictionary of True Crime: A Reference Guide to the Dark and Curious Crimes of British History
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.
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.
- GenresNonfictionTrue Crime
208 pages, Hardcover
Published February 13, 2025
3 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Wade
144 books31 followersStephen Wade was born in Leeds and educated at the universities of Wales and Leeds.
He taught in further and higher education for many years, and this was followed by six years as a writer working in prisons.
He has written over fifty books, mainly in non-fiction, and he also lectures part-time at the University of Hull.
He taught in further and higher education for many years, and this was followed by six years as a writer working in prisons.
He has written over fifty books, mainly in non-fiction, and he also lectures part-time at the University of Hull.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 28, 2024
I received a free copy of, A Dictionary of True Crime, by Stephen Wade, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book goes from A-Z on horrible true crimes, from arson to murder. This was an informative read on true crime.
December 1, 2024
"sorts of murderers has convinced me that however disparate their methods may be, all have this common characteristic: self-conceit, so abnormally developed as to become a sort of moral cancer – an overwhelming sense of their individual importance in the scheme of creation, and a corresponding indifference to, and disregard of, the claims and feelings of others."
As described, this one is slow-paced, judicious and gently educative. An A-Z of true crime cases ranging from the strange and extreme oddities to such horrendous and heinous track records of murder and methods involved.
Some are interesting like the chapters on Ripperologists and poisoners whilst some also sort of meh or forgettable. I do, however, have noted a few books mentioned in here that have sparked my interest and added on my tbr.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for the arc. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3.25✨
As described, this one is slow-paced, judicious and gently educative. An A-Z of true crime cases ranging from the strange and extreme oddities to such horrendous and heinous track records of murder and methods involved.
Some are interesting like the chapters on Ripperologists and poisoners whilst some also sort of meh or forgettable. I do, however, have noted a few books mentioned in here that have sparked my interest and added on my tbr.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for the arc. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3.25✨
November 29, 2024
A Dictionary of True Crime by Stephen Wade is touted as a "Reference Guide to the Dark and Curious Crimes of British History."
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Pen & Sword True Crime, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis and Opinions:
First, I hate when I receive a pdf file of a book. They are notoriously hard to read on an e-reader, so that's never a good start. I'll try to remain objective.
The author says he was selective as to which crimes were included in this book. He tried to balance those cases he personally researched and found notably interesting and significant, and the cases which are indispensable.
Murder is the main crime, including some rather fearsome methods, but other crimes including baby farming (that's a new one to me!), body stealing, as well as burglary and horse stealing...and the list goes on. There are some popular names in here - Jack The Ripper, Burke & Hare, and even Oscar Wilde takes up some pages in this book of crime! But there were a lot of names that this Canadian certainly didn't know...which made it interesting. Punishments include prison, hanging, and pressing -- heavy stones placed on the condemned until he died.
The crimes are shown in alphabetical order. ie the first is The Acid Bath Killer (John Haigh), who killed 9 people, horribly. The last entry is for Graham Young, a poisoner, who started at the early age of 14. The book has an index which lists all the perpetrators in alphabetical order showing the page on which they can be found.
That same index, has information on Trials, Prisons, Police, Punishment, Bibliography and Sources, and finally Internet Material
I do wish that the index was at the front of the book, so that you could go to whatever page you wanted much more easily. Again, the problem with an e-reader.
This is one of those books that should only be purchased/read as a "coffee table" book, although why you would want this displayed in this manner is beyond me. As much as I am a fan of true crime, I probably wouldn't set this out for everyone's perusal.
Overall, this was a well-researched book. Just make sure you get a hard copy of it, and don't attempt an e-reader pdf. I read it on my computer though, and didn't have a problem.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
December 5, 2024
This is a must read for anyone who is interested in true crime! This goes from a-z on various true crime cases throughout history and is very informative and well researched. I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Stephen Wade, Pen & Sword and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2024
Stephen Wade's A Dictionary of True Crime exceeded my expectations. This is a phenomenal resource for anyone interested in crime in Britain. Well-established author Wade brings extensive research and a conversational style to his wealth of descriptions and insights.
This kind of material isn't for everyone. I like Wade's approach, influenced by literary true crime. I could tell from the introduction that he's a serious researcher. There are so many chilling facts available, it's not necessary to exaggerate anything. He limits his time on the best-known cases in favor of illuminating lesser-known crimes and presenting a broad exploration of criminality in context. It's an impressive feat, covering Britain from the eighteenth century to recent decades.
Along with some extreme and truly odd cases that were new to me, I learned more about people involved in many aspects of dealing with crime. There's even a ghost story.
He includes relevant social factors such as poverty and the vulnerabilities of women due to their disadvantaged status under the law. I was delighted by his many references to authors who were inspired by specific cases and his sympathetic report of Oscar Wilde's court cases and imprisonment.
I enjoyed Wade's comments about his childhood memories of how certain cases maintained an impact for many decades, such as the name Crippen being on a par of darkness with Frankenstein or Dracula. An example in the US is a rhyme about Lizzie Borden.
The book details several punishments, including the most barbaric practices. Wade gives a wide ranging account of crime and punishment, from robbers using garrotes to a hangman with special nooses for the worst offenders.
The cross references between listings are helpful along with the complete contents list at the end. The many photos and illustrations show some of the criminals, publications, and key places in the book. The annotated bibliography and sources list is a treasure.
This book reads like a series of conversations with a personable expert. It's one I'll continue to recommend and consult.
Highly recommended for non-squeamish readers interested in True Crime, British History, and the social sciences.
Thank you, Pen and Sword for the e-ARC for consideration. These are my honest opinions.
This kind of material isn't for everyone. I like Wade's approach, influenced by literary true crime. I could tell from the introduction that he's a serious researcher. There are so many chilling facts available, it's not necessary to exaggerate anything. He limits his time on the best-known cases in favor of illuminating lesser-known crimes and presenting a broad exploration of criminality in context. It's an impressive feat, covering Britain from the eighteenth century to recent decades.
Along with some extreme and truly odd cases that were new to me, I learned more about people involved in many aspects of dealing with crime. There's even a ghost story.
He includes relevant social factors such as poverty and the vulnerabilities of women due to their disadvantaged status under the law. I was delighted by his many references to authors who were inspired by specific cases and his sympathetic report of Oscar Wilde's court cases and imprisonment.
I enjoyed Wade's comments about his childhood memories of how certain cases maintained an impact for many decades, such as the name Crippen being on a par of darkness with Frankenstein or Dracula. An example in the US is a rhyme about Lizzie Borden.
The book details several punishments, including the most barbaric practices. Wade gives a wide ranging account of crime and punishment, from robbers using garrotes to a hangman with special nooses for the worst offenders.
The cross references between listings are helpful along with the complete contents list at the end. The many photos and illustrations show some of the criminals, publications, and key places in the book. The annotated bibliography and sources list is a treasure.
This book reads like a series of conversations with a personable expert. It's one I'll continue to recommend and consult.
Highly recommended for non-squeamish readers interested in True Crime, British History, and the social sciences.
Thank you, Pen and Sword for the e-ARC for consideration. These are my honest opinions.
May 26, 2025
Thanks to the Pen and Sword and Netgalley for this eARC.
Stephen Wade’s "A Dictionary of True Crime" is not just a collection of historical accounts—it’s a meticulously researched exploration of crime through the ages, offering readers a panoramic view of Britain’s most perplexing and unsettling cases. Blending forensic scrutiny with cultural analysis, Wade delivers a reference guide that is as compelling as it is chilling.
Rather than presenting a mere catalogue of infamous criminals, Wade crafts a study of crime that delves into the social, psychological, and legal nuances behind each case. From Victorian-era scandals to modern criminal intrigue, every entry reflects how crime evolves alongside societal transformations. Readers will find themselves not only absorbing facts but questioning the historical forces that shaped criminal behavior.
One of the book’s strengths is its balance between well-known cases and lesser-known incidents that deserve a closer look. While famous names make their expected appearances, Wade unearths stories of crimes that history nearly forgot—cases with strange motivations, unusual legal outcomes, or bizarre twists that redefine our understanding of justice. This makes the book a true discovery experience, rather than a simple recounting of the familiar.
True crime often teeters on the edge of dramatization, but Wade steers clear of gratuitous storytelling. His writing is informative yet engaging, maintaining a tone that is thoughtful rather than exploitative. The book serves as an intellectual resource, ensuring that readers walk away with a broadened historical perspective rather than just a fleeting shock.
"" A Dictionary of True Crime" is an invaluable addition to any true crime enthusiast’s library, offering a nuanced and well-researched exploration of Britain’s criminal past. With Wade’s keen analytical eye and historical rigor, this book transforms crime documentation into an insightful journey through justice, law, and human nature itself.
For those fascinated by historical crime narratives, legal evolution, and the darker corners of Britain’s past, this reference guide is enlightening and engrossing.
Stephen Wade’s "A Dictionary of True Crime" is not just a collection of historical accounts—it’s a meticulously researched exploration of crime through the ages, offering readers a panoramic view of Britain’s most perplexing and unsettling cases. Blending forensic scrutiny with cultural analysis, Wade delivers a reference guide that is as compelling as it is chilling.
Rather than presenting a mere catalogue of infamous criminals, Wade crafts a study of crime that delves into the social, psychological, and legal nuances behind each case. From Victorian-era scandals to modern criminal intrigue, every entry reflects how crime evolves alongside societal transformations. Readers will find themselves not only absorbing facts but questioning the historical forces that shaped criminal behavior.
One of the book’s strengths is its balance between well-known cases and lesser-known incidents that deserve a closer look. While famous names make their expected appearances, Wade unearths stories of crimes that history nearly forgot—cases with strange motivations, unusual legal outcomes, or bizarre twists that redefine our understanding of justice. This makes the book a true discovery experience, rather than a simple recounting of the familiar.
True crime often teeters on the edge of dramatization, but Wade steers clear of gratuitous storytelling. His writing is informative yet engaging, maintaining a tone that is thoughtful rather than exploitative. The book serves as an intellectual resource, ensuring that readers walk away with a broadened historical perspective rather than just a fleeting shock.
"" A Dictionary of True Crime" is an invaluable addition to any true crime enthusiast’s library, offering a nuanced and well-researched exploration of Britain’s criminal past. With Wade’s keen analytical eye and historical rigor, this book transforms crime documentation into an insightful journey through justice, law, and human nature itself.
For those fascinated by historical crime narratives, legal evolution, and the darker corners of Britain’s past, this reference guide is enlightening and engrossing.
January 2, 2025
I watch true crime documentaries almost every week, but this was my first time reading a true crime book. This book is a great beginner for anyone who is curious about true crime. The book is what the title says, it’s an A to Z guide to true crime covering murders and criminals throughout history in Britain.
This book wasn’t an easy read but it was an enjoyable read. I mostly enjoyed learning about the lesser known crimes and historical cases, it was fascinating to learn the difference of what crime and investigations were like back then compared to now. The entries for each crime or criminal varied in length, some were a paragraph, and some were several pages long. This meant that some sections felt too brief and didn't go in depth as I would like, whilst some went on for a bit too long. The writing is very matter of fact but you can tell how knowledgeable the author is about this topic. I appreciate that the author didn’t focus too much on well known criminals (i.e. Jack the Ripper) as there’s little new to write about them. Instead the vast majority of the book is full of lesser known murders and criminals that I’ve never heard of before.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in true crime or the history of crime and punishment. But I would add a warning that some entries are disturbing, but that should be expected when talking about murder. But I'd also say that this book is pretty tame in comparison to what else is out there on true crime and is a good choice for people who’re new to true crime.
This book wasn’t an easy read but it was an enjoyable read. I mostly enjoyed learning about the lesser known crimes and historical cases, it was fascinating to learn the difference of what crime and investigations were like back then compared to now. The entries for each crime or criminal varied in length, some were a paragraph, and some were several pages long. This meant that some sections felt too brief and didn't go in depth as I would like, whilst some went on for a bit too long. The writing is very matter of fact but you can tell how knowledgeable the author is about this topic. I appreciate that the author didn’t focus too much on well known criminals (i.e. Jack the Ripper) as there’s little new to write about them. Instead the vast majority of the book is full of lesser known murders and criminals that I’ve never heard of before.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in true crime or the history of crime and punishment. But I would add a warning that some entries are disturbing, but that should be expected when talking about murder. But I'd also say that this book is pretty tame in comparison to what else is out there on true crime and is a good choice for people who’re new to true crime.
December 20, 2024
A Dictionary Of True Crime by Stephen Wade, I read a lot of True Crime and my favorite thing about this. True Crime book is the author referenced older writers of the genre those who were in the beginning and onward. not only that he talked about everything the different types of murders from infanticide even to his opinion of the word, murder and all it’s inceptions and I haven’t even got to the nitty-gritty the actual crimes themselves. I do believe he covered every type of murderer in the historical days of highway robbers body snatchers cannibals in so much more. I love the way the author wrote the book and broke it up until it’s different chapters. I have read a lot and I mean a lot of True Crime lately and have more books on my TBR shelf to be read and so really was dreading having to read another but once I started, I was all in. I really was engrossed in the narrative and found the author had me wanting to turn the page in although some were those I have read. I am always shocked when I get to one I have and they had a few of those in this book. I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this book and highly recommended. #NetGalley,#PenAndSwordPress, #StephenWade, #ADictionaryOfTrueCrime,
December 22, 2024
The book is a comprehensive collection of true crimes throughout British history that does tend to hop around quite a bit at time and at other times it seems to flow more. It is, however, the kind of book that could be read from start to finish or in intervals. Since each story is self contained, it allows the reader to read as much or as little as desired.
There were plenty of the usual stories that an aficionado of true crime has read about multiple times. It also has a nice selection of some more obscure and not as well known crimes. Often it deals with not only the murderer but the judges or the executioners and of course, the victims. It is a compendium that would find a welcome home in your library. Four purrs and two paws up.
There were plenty of the usual stories that an aficionado of true crime has read about multiple times. It also has a nice selection of some more obscure and not as well known crimes. Often it deals with not only the murderer but the judges or the executioners and of course, the victims. It is a compendium that would find a welcome home in your library. Four purrs and two paws up.
December 3, 2024
A Dictionary of True Crime: A Reference Guide to the Dark and Curious Crimes of British History by Stephen Wade is an A-Z book of true crime. It has a lot of information. I suspect everyone interested in true crime will find something they like in this book. I was familiar with some cases, like Jack the Ripper, but most of the information was new to me.
Thank you to the author, Pen & Sword, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Thank you to the author, Pen & Sword, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 17, 2024
A Dictionary of True Crime by Stephen Wade was a very informative book from start to finish and I really enjoyed reading it. It is a great guide to the most compelling cases of extreme and violent crimes in the writing files, from the 17th century to present day.
I liked the way this book was formatted and arranged in an A-Z format, this well-researched dictionary which made it a great reference book especially if you are studying these violent crimes for college work etc. A great book for everyone interested in true crime.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for my ARC.
I liked the way this book was formatted and arranged in an A-Z format, this well-researched dictionary which made it a great reference book especially if you are studying these violent crimes for college work etc. A great book for everyone interested in true crime.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for my ARC.
December 3, 2024
Spanning British history from the 17th century to the modern day, this guide profiles violent crime from infamous cases such as Jack the Ripper to lesser-known yet equally captivating cases. It also explores the stories of some of the investigators and executioners who shaped these infamous events. It’s written in an engaging style that left me wanting more.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
December 11, 2024
3.75 stars
‘So many nasty murders inhabit the chronicles of crime in Britain, and many of them are concerned either with domestic conflicts or with violent crimes, but some of the most infamous are in that rare category that relates to great national issues and events.’
True crime readers, this one is for you!
From the acid bath killer to the man they could not hang, A Dictionary of True Crime will have you hooked.
‘So many nasty murders inhabit the chronicles of crime in Britain, and many of them are concerned either with domestic conflicts or with violent crimes, but some of the most infamous are in that rare category that relates to great national issues and events.’
True crime readers, this one is for you!
From the acid bath killer to the man they could not hang, A Dictionary of True Crime will have you hooked.
December 4, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. I found that some of these stories ran on. Some were good, others weren't so much. This one wasn't really for me; but that doesn't mean it wasn't good.
April 14, 2025
thank you to netgalley for an eARC of this book. sadly this is the most boring true crime book I have ever read. some of the stories were uninteresting and dragged on but then others were barely a paragraph. I just felt like it could have been trimmed down a lot
December 14, 2024
Informative entries, including not just people who committed crimes, but also a few entries on related things. Over all, a fascinating read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews