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Let This Be Our Secret
May 1991. The location: a quiet, picturesque seaside town. The scene: two bodies in a car filled with carbon monoxide. Police officer Trevor Buchanan and nurse Lesley Howell have apparently taken their own lives, unable to live with the pain of their spouses’ affair with each other. The adulterous pair — Sunday school teacher Hazel Buchanan and dentist Colin Howell — had met in the local Baptist Church. Following the apparent double–suicide, they continue their affair secretly before both later remarrying. A series of disasters in Howell’s life — the death of his eldest son, massive losses in an investment scam and the revelation that he has been sexually assaulting female patients — lead to him declaring that he is a fraud and a godless man. He tells the elders of his Church that he and Hazel Stewart conspired together to murder their spouses nearly two decades earlier. What follows the dramatic confession are two of the most sensational murder investigations ever seen in Ireland, leading to both Howell’s conviction for murder in December 2010, and Stewart’s in March 2011 — despite her protestations of innocence.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
October 17, 2018
When reading this novel I often thought to myself, “this is an incredible story”.
Unfortunately for Trevor Buchanan and Lesley Howell, its 100% true.
This happened about 50miles from where I live. It dominated the news headlines for quite some time, and why wouldn’t it?............
Respected Dentist Colin Howell and housewife Hazel Buchanan, kill their partners with car exhaust fumes and frame it as a double suicide.
They would have continued to get away with it, only Colin Howells second wife Kyle, made him confess many many years later.
Yes this book does repeat a little. However, I honestly didn’t mind that and thoroughly enjoyed it. Maybe because I can picture all the places in the book, as I’ve been there myself over the years.
I can’t recommend enough the TV movie, “The Secret”. It stars James Nesbitt (a local celebrity) and tells this story to perfection!
Who could two people be so evil!
Unfortunately for Trevor Buchanan and Lesley Howell, its 100% true.
This happened about 50miles from where I live. It dominated the news headlines for quite some time, and why wouldn’t it?............
Respected Dentist Colin Howell and housewife Hazel Buchanan, kill their partners with car exhaust fumes and frame it as a double suicide.
They would have continued to get away with it, only Colin Howells second wife Kyle, made him confess many many years later.
Yes this book does repeat a little. However, I honestly didn’t mind that and thoroughly enjoyed it. Maybe because I can picture all the places in the book, as I’ve been there myself over the years.
I can’t recommend enough the TV movie, “The Secret”. It stars James Nesbitt (a local celebrity) and tells this story to perfection!
Who could two people be so evil!
October 23, 2016
Fairly dry, repetitive narrative around the murders of two people by their spouses who covered it up by creating an apparent double suicide. Colin Howell is the dentist from hell, preys on women (including patients), loves pornography, is financially reckless and is a control freak. Oh, he is also a strong Baptist.
True crime books like Joe Cinque's Consolation, A True Story of Death, Grief and the Law by Helen Garner are written with style, building a depth around the people and questioning the ability of the murderer to deny their actions. The Secret does not have this subtlety and suffers accordingly.
True crime books like Joe Cinque's Consolation, A True Story of Death, Grief and the Law by Helen Garner are written with style, building a depth around the people and questioning the ability of the murderer to deny their actions. The Secret does not have this subtlety and suffers accordingly.
June 5, 2016
I bought this book after watching the TV series The Secret, starring James Nesbitt, as I imagine many have done. For those who know nothing about it, it's the true story of Colin Howell, dentist and supposedly devout Baptist, who, together with his lover, Hazel Buchanan, hatched a plan to murder their two spouses, Lesley and Trevor. Though suspected by many, their crimes went undetected for twenty years.
Did this have anything to add to the TV series? Yes, in that one can get a clearer picture of motive from a book. I must admit that I nearly stopped reading it by around ten per cent; the beginning is a bit stilted, with lots of irrelevant detail about Lesley's past, as if Henderson just sat down and typed up his research notes without deciding which had value to the reader; then again, perhaps he was was just honouring a woman who did not get to live her life. I also felt that he was painting her as almost saintly, but as I turned the pages she seemed less so. When the story turned to Trevor, there was, again, too much irrelevant detail, but the picture was built up of a simple, goodhearted sort of chap, devoted to his wife who he put on a pedestal.
I found the detail about Hazel Buchanan's life after the murders fascinating; it was clear that she experienced few moments of real happiness for the next twenty years. Much of this detail was provided by a man she treated badly during a seven year relationship, but there is much to be read between the lines. As for Howell himself, he is well portrayed as as a narcissist, possibly a psychopath, a manipulative egomaniac whose life was a complicated mess of smoke and mirrors ~ pretty much how James Nesbitt played him! I was struck by how none of them, despite their supposed religious faith, seemed particularly Christian, aside from Trevor, perhaps...
There is much in the way of quotes from people who knew or were related to the four of them, which was interesting, and it underlines the peculiar world of a small religious community such as theirs. I wanted to know more about the ludicrous Phillipines gold scam in which Howell became involved; that he squandered the family's fortune in this way made me wonder if his sanity was failing, then, or if he wanted to punish himself... many questions are raised throughout.
The book is repetitive at times, but this is perhaps inevitable when recounting a story and then the court case that follows. I'd say that if you found the series as absorbing as I did, you'll be interested to read this; I liked the way that Henderson does not seem to judge too much throughout, just delivering the facts, though at times this made it more like a newspaper article than a biographical story. It reads better as it goes on, though, and gives insight into the lives of Howell and Hazel and their families post-conviction. Worth getting, if not quite as compelling as I'd hoped.
Did this have anything to add to the TV series? Yes, in that one can get a clearer picture of motive from a book. I must admit that I nearly stopped reading it by around ten per cent; the beginning is a bit stilted, with lots of irrelevant detail about Lesley's past, as if Henderson just sat down and typed up his research notes without deciding which had value to the reader; then again, perhaps he was was just honouring a woman who did not get to live her life. I also felt that he was painting her as almost saintly, but as I turned the pages she seemed less so. When the story turned to Trevor, there was, again, too much irrelevant detail, but the picture was built up of a simple, goodhearted sort of chap, devoted to his wife who he put on a pedestal.
I found the detail about Hazel Buchanan's life after the murders fascinating; it was clear that she experienced few moments of real happiness for the next twenty years. Much of this detail was provided by a man she treated badly during a seven year relationship, but there is much to be read between the lines. As for Howell himself, he is well portrayed as as a narcissist, possibly a psychopath, a manipulative egomaniac whose life was a complicated mess of smoke and mirrors ~ pretty much how James Nesbitt played him! I was struck by how none of them, despite their supposed religious faith, seemed particularly Christian, aside from Trevor, perhaps...
There is much in the way of quotes from people who knew or were related to the four of them, which was interesting, and it underlines the peculiar world of a small religious community such as theirs. I wanted to know more about the ludicrous Phillipines gold scam in which Howell became involved; that he squandered the family's fortune in this way made me wonder if his sanity was failing, then, or if he wanted to punish himself... many questions are raised throughout.
The book is repetitive at times, but this is perhaps inevitable when recounting a story and then the court case that follows. I'd say that if you found the series as absorbing as I did, you'll be interested to read this; I liked the way that Henderson does not seem to judge too much throughout, just delivering the facts, though at times this made it more like a newspaper article than a biographical story. It reads better as it goes on, though, and gives insight into the lives of Howell and Hazel and their families post-conviction. Worth getting, if not quite as compelling as I'd hoped.
June 24, 2021
True crime story set in Northern Ireland where an apparent suicide pact turned out to be a double murder. Eighteen years after the incident, dentist Colin Howell confessed to police, telling them he and his former lover, Hazel Buchanan, murdered their respective spouses.
Although superbly narrated by Gary Furlong, this book got off to a slow start and took quite a while to fully grab my attention. Part of this was due to a lot of repetition – the accounts from friends, neighbours, church members etc, relating their thoughts on the murder and the two couples’ relationships, became tedious and for the most part seemed irrelevant to the story, especially as many individuals churned out the same hackneyed phrases. The book would have had more appeal if the author had simply stuck to the facts rather than trying to paint a picture of the hearts and minds of the entire community.
Having said that, the details of the murderous twosome’s relationship, their deceitful behaviour and the planning and execution of the murders, is fascinating. What is slightly unbelievable is how Colin Howell was continually supported by his church and its members – any sensible community group would surely have seen through his lies long before things got out of hand.
A thought-provoking tale, marred by a rather pedestrian writing style.
Although superbly narrated by Gary Furlong, this book got off to a slow start and took quite a while to fully grab my attention. Part of this was due to a lot of repetition – the accounts from friends, neighbours, church members etc, relating their thoughts on the murder and the two couples’ relationships, became tedious and for the most part seemed irrelevant to the story, especially as many individuals churned out the same hackneyed phrases. The book would have had more appeal if the author had simply stuck to the facts rather than trying to paint a picture of the hearts and minds of the entire community.
Having said that, the details of the murderous twosome’s relationship, their deceitful behaviour and the planning and execution of the murders, is fascinating. What is slightly unbelievable is how Colin Howell was continually supported by his church and its members – any sensible community group would surely have seen through his lies long before things got out of hand.
A thought-provoking tale, marred by a rather pedestrian writing style.
May 14, 2016
‘The Secret’ tells of the true events that happened in Coleraine. Colin Howell and Hazel Buchanan are married when they meet and begin an affair, this leads to the fateful decision to murder their spouses, stage it as suicide and then be together. They do this and get away with it, they continue in a relationship for six years before parting and beginning new families. Then Colin’s life implodes and he confesses to his crimes. This leads to a shocking murder investigation and the conviction of both Colin and Hazel though she continues to protest her innocence.
Henderson is a journalist and in ‘The Secret’ he has produced an account that is heavily based in fact and what we know occurred. He goes back to the beginning to when they met their first spouses and the recounts all of the events from then onwards. My one negative is Henderson occasionally goes off on a tangent and adds details about people that are not relevant to the case. Other than this, ‘The Secret’ is highly readable and a fascinating insight.
Henderson has written this very sympathetically and included insights from families and friends and has not added drama or scandalous content, other than that which came out in the trial of Hazel. This is not entertaining but it is incredibly fascinating, in particular Colin and the justifications he has for his actions. If you are interested in true crime then this is a shocking but approachable read.
Henderson is a journalist and in ‘The Secret’ he has produced an account that is heavily based in fact and what we know occurred. He goes back to the beginning to when they met their first spouses and the recounts all of the events from then onwards. My one negative is Henderson occasionally goes off on a tangent and adds details about people that are not relevant to the case. Other than this, ‘The Secret’ is highly readable and a fascinating insight.
Henderson has written this very sympathetically and included insights from families and friends and has not added drama or scandalous content, other than that which came out in the trial of Hazel. This is not entertaining but it is incredibly fascinating, in particular Colin and the justifications he has for his actions. If you are interested in true crime then this is a shocking but approachable read.
April 28, 2015
Although at times repetitive, this is a fascinating look at the intense hypocrisy and suffocating nature of Northern Irish churches - some of which I've had experience with thanks to relatives when I've returned to Belfast.
Also fascinating because of my (very slight) connection - this was my cousin's dentist. "Always thought he was such a nice man!" Yeah, everybody says that about sociopaths. They're good at what they do.
Also fascinating because of my (very slight) connection - this was my cousin's dentist. "Always thought he was such a nice man!" Yeah, everybody says that about sociopaths. They're good at what they do.
October 21, 2016
I'd never heard of the TV series before I read this book; after reading it, I am definitely going to watch the series.
Although this book took me longer to read than many that I have this year, it certainly was an endearing read, and I'd urge anyone who enjoys true murder stories to read it.
Although this book took me longer to read than many that I have this year, it certainly was an endearing read, and I'd urge anyone who enjoys true murder stories to read it.
June 23, 2018
A gripping page-turner.
This was an excellent true crime book. It tells of two people meeting, falling in love and starting a life together. It's not all rosy, but that's as for most. There are many people who have affairs, split up, divorce-but some go to extremes. What makes them go so far as to kill? This book examines.
I've read quite a few brief true crime books recently but this is a good long read. It has quite a bit of background. It starts right back where Lesley is a student nurse, before she meets Colin Howell.
The Howell's were respectable, church going people. Active and involved members of the church eg. with Youth Fellowship and Duke of Edinburgh award Scheme. By the time Lesley is pregnant with their third child, Colin is a successful dentist and he is buying his own dental practice. After everything going well, things turn sour, there are mounting money worries, and affairs.
You just can't imagine 'the other woman', Hazel, wanting to be with Colin, knowing what he's done to his wife. Was she not just a bit worried he could end up doing the same to her one day? This seemed a tad slow at first-I started it a while ago, just read the first bit, and went on to read something else-but I came back to it, started it again, and it builds to a gripping true crime case. A real page-turner and a good, in-depth treatment of this case. Contains comments from people who knew them, church people etc. and they tell about their character and manner then. This is very well put together from interviews etc.
Please note that this book 'The Secret' is a TV tie-in edition and is the same book as 'Let This Be Our Secret' by the same author. As there are two editions, with different ASIN numbers, then someone wouldn't be aware that they were buying the same book that they already had, only the cover and the title is different.
This was an excellent true crime book. It tells of two people meeting, falling in love and starting a life together. It's not all rosy, but that's as for most. There are many people who have affairs, split up, divorce-but some go to extremes. What makes them go so far as to kill? This book examines.
I've read quite a few brief true crime books recently but this is a good long read. It has quite a bit of background. It starts right back where Lesley is a student nurse, before she meets Colin Howell.
The Howell's were respectable, church going people. Active and involved members of the church eg. with Youth Fellowship and Duke of Edinburgh award Scheme. By the time Lesley is pregnant with their third child, Colin is a successful dentist and he is buying his own dental practice. After everything going well, things turn sour, there are mounting money worries, and affairs.
You just can't imagine 'the other woman', Hazel, wanting to be with Colin, knowing what he's done to his wife. Was she not just a bit worried he could end up doing the same to her one day? This seemed a tad slow at first-I started it a while ago, just read the first bit, and went on to read something else-but I came back to it, started it again, and it builds to a gripping true crime case. A real page-turner and a good, in-depth treatment of this case. Contains comments from people who knew them, church people etc. and they tell about their character and manner then. This is very well put together from interviews etc.
Please note that this book 'The Secret' is a TV tie-in edition and is the same book as 'Let This Be Our Secret' by the same author. As there are two editions, with different ASIN numbers, then someone wouldn't be aware that they were buying the same book that they already had, only the cover and the title is different.
August 2, 2020
This is certainly a shocking true story. Colin Howell was a reputable and successful dentist. He was involved with the community and church. Outward appearances showed a man of standing and repute. However, behind the facade Colin was a master manipulator, deceitful to the core and controlling. Added to this was his ego and his almost uncontrollable sexual appetite. His lust led him to commit a double murder along with help from his lover, married woman Lesley Buchanan, which was seen as a double suicide. For some fifteen years he lived as if he had committed no wrong doing. But beneath the surface inner torment of guilt and religious beliefs led Colin to confess initially to church elders. What followed were two intriguing court cases which gripped the community with their detail and deviance culiminating in two life sentences.
October 13, 2016
Found this in the bookshelf at the Hotel Globales Tamaimo Tropical in Tenerife. This hotel was pretty dire, so I got lots of reading done. There were hardly any English books in on the shelf, so when I finished all the books I brought with me there wasn't much choice.
This looked alright, when I started reading this, I thought I was going to love it. A double murder made to look like a double suicide! How on Earth did they manage to get away with that!?
As Henderson fleshes out the events with the history of everyone's life, it does tend to get a little dry. I honestly can't belive they got away with it for so long and Twenty one years is a pathetic sentence. Those poor kids who thought their parents would rather be dead then be with them, only to find out years later they had been murdered by the other parent.
This is a truly shocking crime. Think I may have to hunt down the ITV drama.
This looked alright, when I started reading this, I thought I was going to love it. A double murder made to look like a double suicide! How on Earth did they manage to get away with that!?
As Henderson fleshes out the events with the history of everyone's life, it does tend to get a little dry. I honestly can't belive they got away with it for so long and Twenty one years is a pathetic sentence. Those poor kids who thought their parents would rather be dead then be with them, only to find out years later they had been murdered by the other parent.
This is a truly shocking crime. Think I may have to hunt down the ITV drama.
December 29, 2011
Was fairly repetitive in the information. Since the murders took place in Northern Ireland, I wonder if it would have helped to have known about them ahead of time? Sometimes I felt as though the author wrote as though the reader was already familiar with the case.
October 27, 2015
The book was quite repetitive but as everything took place in my town I could relate to the people, churches and places, I couldn't believe what I was reading! A fantastically interesting book on a double murder that was covered up for almost 20years
January 3, 2016
Not a particularly well written book as it jumps from past to present & different people quite awkwardly. However, I really enjoyed this book. The fact that it is true & based in N. Ireland made it very appealing to me.
May 17, 2020
I do love a good true crime book. A well written account of a very strange ‘affair’ - if it was fiction you would review it as unbelievable, the fact that it’s a true narrative makes it even stranger - poor families, what hell these two people put them through.
August 29, 2021
This is the 2nd time for me to read this story which is true. The former book was by a different author. These 2 people were appalling what they done to their spouses. Howell the narcissistic, hyprocital dentist claimed he was a great christian man, so did his beau Hazel. They callously killed their spouses Lesley and Trevor with carbon monoxide poisoning/drugging them first, then placed them in a car leaving them in a car in her dead Father's garage. The police seemed inept even though Trevor and his 2 brothers were policemen. Howell was making a fortune doing implantology. I believe he killed Lesley and perhaps her Father so he could get his hand on the money. His business was in difficulty this all helped plus his wife's insurance payout. Hazel was the most materialistic person I have ever read about. She left her 2 young children Fatherless and acted the grieving widow. Howell left 4 small children Motherless. The affair fizzled out and did not become Howell's preceived fairytale. He remarried having a further 5 children a young divorcee from America with 2 kids already . He eventually lost all their money in a scam. His life/business were falling away. He eventually confessed to his church about another affair he was having. His addiction to phonographic material. He also abused women patient while under anaesthetic getting their teeth done. Hazel remarried and divorced, using another man previously to that for material items for 8 years. She then married a retired Superintendant Police inspector. She and Howell lied and fooled everyone for 20 years. She then tried to come across as being 'led' by Howell. She has years of opportunities before the murders to stop them. They are both evil psychopaths. I am definite that if Howell had not confessed after 20 years (After his eldest son Matthew was killed in Russia), he would never have confessed. This does not mean he is a great person to eventually confess and bring 2 brokenhearted families closure. He confessed because Karma eventually caught up with him. He could no longer rely on his religion saving him. Why do so many so called 'religious' people use religion to commit heinous crimes. Confess then repeat. In psychology this fascinates me. If anyone has the answer do tell me. I recommend this book 100%
December 2, 2017
Given the scandaloso nature of this story, this book achieved an extremely dry narrative.
I've never read true crime before and I'm disappointed that this has had to set the benchmark for me. It was rubbish!
The author must have had a word limit to hit, because there was so much repetition in this. One notable example was during McCauley's review of Hazel. The author stated himself that McCauley was willing to talk a lot about her character and events, and I felt like the author just ran with this. Just because an interviewee has a lot to say it doesn't mean you should include everything, repetition and all. Three times in a row he spoke about how Hazel's spending habits were unsustainable. As the author surely it is your job to trim the fat and include only important detail. Bit of a moan on that front, the repetition problem continued throughout.
There also seemed to be no voice to the book. No insight or opinion or point of view, just "this happened, then this happened, and this person said this". This, in my opinion, was the main reason for the 'dryness' of the narrative.
Random anecdotes with no connection to the overall arc, long annoying sentences and repetition all lost my attention.
Overall would recommend a brief google search if you want to know more about this case, I'm sure it would give you just as much. Or watch the ITV adaption, James Nesbitt is great, I'm sure you'll find more enjoyment at least from that.
I've never read true crime before and I'm disappointed that this has had to set the benchmark for me. It was rubbish!
The author must have had a word limit to hit, because there was so much repetition in this. One notable example was during McCauley's review of Hazel. The author stated himself that McCauley was willing to talk a lot about her character and events, and I felt like the author just ran with this. Just because an interviewee has a lot to say it doesn't mean you should include everything, repetition and all. Three times in a row he spoke about how Hazel's spending habits were unsustainable. As the author surely it is your job to trim the fat and include only important detail. Bit of a moan on that front, the repetition problem continued throughout.
There also seemed to be no voice to the book. No insight or opinion or point of view, just "this happened, then this happened, and this person said this". This, in my opinion, was the main reason for the 'dryness' of the narrative.
Random anecdotes with no connection to the overall arc, long annoying sentences and repetition all lost my attention.
Overall would recommend a brief google search if you want to know more about this case, I'm sure it would give you just as much. Or watch the ITV adaption, James Nesbitt is great, I'm sure you'll find more enjoyment at least from that.
December 20, 2025
Being from Northern Ireland, I completely missed this case at the time—I’d already moved away in ’89—so coming to it now was both fascinating and unsettling. The book is an excellent piece of work from a journalist who not only followed the case closely but clearly put in meticulous effort to understand the people involved. The storyline is compelling, grounded firmly in fact, and never drifts into sensationalism.
That said, it leans heavily toward the plain, documented details and less toward the emotional undercurrents. I found myself feeling genuinely sorry for Hazel, who seemed to be swept along in the protagonist’s escalating insanity. I kept wishing for more insight into what was happening inside her head throughout all of this—perhaps that’s something only a sequel from Deric could satisfy.
I actually discovered the story through the TV adaptation The Secret first, and Jimmy Nesbitt was outstanding as Colin. Seeing the show before reading the book added an extra layer of intensity, but the book’s factual depth stands firmly on its own.
That said, it leans heavily toward the plain, documented details and less toward the emotional undercurrents. I found myself feeling genuinely sorry for Hazel, who seemed to be swept along in the protagonist’s escalating insanity. I kept wishing for more insight into what was happening inside her head throughout all of this—perhaps that’s something only a sequel from Deric could satisfy.
I actually discovered the story through the TV adaptation The Secret first, and Jimmy Nesbitt was outstanding as Colin. Seeing the show before reading the book added an extra layer of intensity, but the book’s factual depth stands firmly on its own.
February 2, 2018
Excellent writing and a very factual account of true murders and how the couple almost got away with it. Howell was a true paranoid killer showing no remorse or care for what he did believing it was gods plan and hazel Buchanan was a stupid co killer who I think cared more about her looks, her wardrobe and smart house and what Howell would afford her on his money. But god works in mysterious ways and he confessed. If he is still sitting in prison thinking he will get out at 70 with another 20 years of freedom I sincerely hope he meets a ghastly end in prison at the hand of something much worse than him.
May 5, 2018
I saw this as a PBS film -- loved it, so I got the book (because the book is better, right?). Well, this one is proof that the book isn't always better. Pages of extraneous detail that adds nothing to the understanding of the plot -- just try keeping your eyes open after pages of detail about nothing important.
This books needs some serious editing. Besides the on and on and on of nothing, my favourite line was something about having no sense of 'triumphalism'!!!! Hasn't the author heard of the word 'triumph'?
Sadly, this is an interesting story, but it left me with a feeling of irritationalism (sic).
This books needs some serious editing. Besides the on and on and on of nothing, my favourite line was something about having no sense of 'triumphalism'!!!! Hasn't the author heard of the word 'triumph'?
Sadly, this is an interesting story, but it left me with a feeling of irritationalism (sic).
June 21, 2020
if you know my favorite murder, this would be my "hometown murder". i picked this up because at the time it was the only book at home i hadn't read, and my mother is obsessed with the story.
beyond that, this was nothing but a good gossip book. there are zero references, notes etc, so as a history student i have to ask where any of the information came from. henderson's writing is also quite generalised, speculative and repetitive, in places a little cringeworthy.
however, this was a fun read and i would recommend it if you want a salacious story of two northern irish christians and the affair which resulted in the murder of their respective spouses, spiced with secrets, sex and scandal.
beyond that, this was nothing but a good gossip book. there are zero references, notes etc, so as a history student i have to ask where any of the information came from. henderson's writing is also quite generalised, speculative and repetitive, in places a little cringeworthy.
however, this was a fun read and i would recommend it if you want a salacious story of two northern irish christians and the affair which resulted in the murder of their respective spouses, spiced with secrets, sex and scandal.
October 28, 2020
A Fascinating Read!!
A very well researched story of a couple who nearly got away with double murders, believed at the time to be double suicides - it took nearly 20 years for the truth to come out, by which time many lives had been hugely devastated, including very young children, extended family, elderly parents, colleagues friends and a close knit community. A true story of Ireland and an interesting look at a country torn by religion & politics. My only criticism is that there are too many "characters" but only because the author went to such lengths to ascertain facts & be authentic in his telling! I hope he writes more!
A very well researched story of a couple who nearly got away with double murders, believed at the time to be double suicides - it took nearly 20 years for the truth to come out, by which time many lives had been hugely devastated, including very young children, extended family, elderly parents, colleagues friends and a close knit community. A true story of Ireland and an interesting look at a country torn by religion & politics. My only criticism is that there are too many "characters" but only because the author went to such lengths to ascertain facts & be authentic in his telling! I hope he writes more!
April 15, 2020
Interesting account of how someone who is very obviously an egotist with no conscience can function for 18 years in that environment and believe that he can admit his guilt and be forgiven by his church elders. More it demonstrates his need to be a center of attention by reopening the investigation. A dangerous man, self centered and only confessing when his planned fortune in gold turned out to be someone else being a smarter conman than himself. Worth the read to offer advice that all is not necessarily what we think it is.
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August 10, 2020Terrible crime!
Cheating spouses trying to cover up their infidelity, then one has stronger feelings than the other, the stronger personality prevails, an idea forms, a crime is committed...then another...and another...
And suddenly bad things start happening. Could this be because he's sinned? Is he really damned? If he confesses his sins will his soul be free? But he's done a LOT more than just THAT, and that was really big! How much more can be lose?
Actually...a WHOLE BUNCH! Will he?
Cheating spouses trying to cover up their infidelity, then one has stronger feelings than the other, the stronger personality prevails, an idea forms, a crime is committed...then another...and another...
And suddenly bad things start happening. Could this be because he's sinned? Is he really damned? If he confesses his sins will his soul be free? But he's done a LOT more than just THAT, and that was really big! How much more can be lose?
Actually...a WHOLE BUNCH! Will he?
October 3, 2022
This is strange true crime read because the perpetrators would possibly have got away with this forever if Colin Howell hadn't cracked and told the police exactly what he'd done. Colin was a devout Baptist but that didn't stop him having an affair. Nor did it stop him plotting with his mistress to kill both his wife, and her husband.
The relationship later broke down with both parties keeping their secret, until many years later.
This was an interesting read from a crime that hit the headlines.
The relationship later broke down with both parties keeping their secret, until many years later.
This was an interesting read from a crime that hit the headlines.
March 22, 2023
What made this book so scary was the fact I grew up in Northern Ireland and New alot of the places where colin Howell and Hazel Bucanan lived and visited I also Lived in Bangor where he had a dental practice, it's scary to think that this can happen on your own front door and you may have met them at some point , the book was good and well written I don't remember any of the case as I was too young but I remember when they were arrested my mum telling me how she had met Hazel through another friend
April 17, 2023
Very confusing storyline—
Jumped back and forth in time periods, but with no obvious reason for it. Very hard to keep up with what was going on. The middle third of the book was extremely boring. I wound up skipping much of it because it seemed irrelevant. Mentioned so many minor characters that it was impossible to keep up with them. Also, was no logical reason to include much of that information. Reminded me of someone’s rattling on in an endless stream of consciousness.
Jumped back and forth in time periods, but with no obvious reason for it. Very hard to keep up with what was going on. The middle third of the book was extremely boring. I wound up skipping much of it because it seemed irrelevant. Mentioned so many minor characters that it was impossible to keep up with them. Also, was no logical reason to include much of that information. Reminded me of someone’s rattling on in an endless stream of consciousness.
December 22, 2024
Summary:
A killer dentist & his mistress cruelly kill their spouses so they could be together. They frame the deaths as a suicide & nearly get away murder. Until 18 years later….when their lives begin to unravel & the truth finally emerges.
My Thoughts:
I thought Deric Henderson did a really good job in bringing this tragic story to light. It is clear that he thoroughly researched the case & it will give you an insight into the twisted minds of these two heartless killers.
On another note, RIP Trevor Buchanan & Lesley Howell x x
My Rating: * * * *
A killer dentist & his mistress cruelly kill their spouses so they could be together. They frame the deaths as a suicide & nearly get away murder. Until 18 years later….when their lives begin to unravel & the truth finally emerges.
My Thoughts:
I thought Deric Henderson did a really good job in bringing this tragic story to light. It is clear that he thoroughly researched the case & it will give you an insight into the twisted minds of these two heartless killers.
On another note, RIP Trevor Buchanan & Lesley Howell x x
My Rating: * * * *
October 5, 2017
A very well written detailed account of the horrific double murder of Lesley Howell and Trevor Buchanan in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. This book goes beyond the obvious and is a very disturbing story. It dissects the murders and the role of the murderer Colin Howell and his lover Hazel Buchanan and the influence of the church and the very incompetent investigation into what was believed t be suicide. An excellent read and very close to home if you are from Northern Ireland.
May 19, 2020
Incredible Evil Is Genuine Per True Story Of “Real Monsters Prancing Within Baptist Church! Recall The Awesome Author Scott Peck Book: “People Of The Lie” Actual Diagnose Of Patients As “EVIL”! Per Roman Catholic Church “Free Will Choice”; IF INSTEAD GENUINE LIVE CHRISTIAN FAITH OBEY GOD; “A Better Lifestyle Choice” Within Heart, Mind, & Soul; OUTCOMES Be Drastically Different In People’s Lives! Read Scott Peck Book “People Of The Life” Is My Suggestion!
June 25, 2020
3 Stars - Good but Hard Going
This was a good book. I usually find true crime gripping and am unable to put the book down. However this particular one I found rather hard going. That’s not to say it wasn’t lacking detail or evidence but just didn’t light the spark that was needed to interest me. But, of course, this is only personal opinion. To another reader it may be of completely different consequence.
This was a good book. I usually find true crime gripping and am unable to put the book down. However this particular one I found rather hard going. That’s not to say it wasn’t lacking detail or evidence but just didn’t light the spark that was needed to interest me. But, of course, this is only personal opinion. To another reader it may be of completely different consequence.
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