The Trials of Nurse Kerr

by Scott Bainbridge

Did New Zealand have a secret poisoner? In 1992, builders demolishing a Devonport home stumbled across a skeleton, triggering an investigation that sent shockwaves across the community. The remains belonged to a woman who had died in the 1930s, and whispers soon emerged of the deadly legacy of Nurse Elspeth Kerr. Now all but forgotten, a series of court trials gripped New Zealand in the early 1930s, Nurse Elspeth was formally accused of poisoning her husband, her foster daughter and an elderly resident at her Devonport nursing home, and other victims were also suspected. Bodies were exhumed, top lawyers were engaged, expert witnesses called, and the police waited with bated breath for each next revelation.

The Trials of Nurse Kerr lays out the untold story of Elspeth Kerr, her victims and the twists and turns of bringing the case to justice. Applying a modern understanding of poisoning cases to the events of the time, and with his trademark meticulous research and insight, Scott Bainbridge reveals the tale of the woman who may well have been New Zealand’s most prolific poisoner.

190 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2024

About the author

High School education at Te Awamutu College.

NZ true crimes writer & investigator.

Reviews

[Nicole Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent book! Scott Bainbridge has meticulously researched Nurse Kerr's case and presented the facts in a brilliantly structured, fascinating work. Without any bias, the reader is encouraged to figure out all the possibilities surrounding the various tragedies detailed in the book. A very enjoyable read from this fine New Zealand writer!

[Shavarn Christopher-Brighouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is unbelievable how people can do such things! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and quickly ran through it within less than a week.. an excellent read for anyone who is into NZ true crime/history.

[Anntonia Orchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting to read how the doctors of an earlier era come to certain conclusions.
It would be very different now days

[Helen Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fascinating read from Scott Bainbridge. I’d never heard of the drug Veronal and the prolific poisoner Elspeth Kerr. Who knew how many patients in her nursing home were also victims?

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting book about a woman I didn't know about and about a drug I didn't know much about.