Unmasking Lucy Letby: The Untold Story of the Killer Nurse

by Jonathan Coffey, Judith Moritz

Winner of BEST NEW AUTHOR at THE TRUE CRIME AWARDS 2025
Highly commended for BOOK OF THE YEAR at THE TRUE CRIME AWARDS 2025
Shortlisted for THE ALCS GOLD DAGGER FOR NON-FICTION at the 2025 CWA DAGGERS

'Diligent and absorbing' Gaby Hinsliff, Guardian

'Meticulous and unexpectedly gripping' Janice Turner, The Times

'An excellent and open-minded study of the case' Peter Hitchens

'Should become required reading for any hospital manager' Harry Wallop, The Times

______________________________

The untold story of the killer nurse.

Lucy Letby seemed like a totally ordinary young fun-loving and sociable. Those who knew who say she had a happy childhood with devoted parents, and after university she landed her dream job as a nurse looking after sick babies. She even became a poster girl for the hospital where she worked.

And yet today, Lucy Letby is officially the most prolific child killer of the modern era. Following one of the longest murder trials in British legal history, she's been convicted of murdering seven babies, and attempting to murder seven others. She is only the fourth British woman ever to receive a whole life prison sentence. Still only in her thirties, Letby will die in prison. But although her journey from obscurity to infamy has made headlines across the world, very little is known about her. Meanwhile, her convictions have attracted unprecedented controversy with a growing number of critics arguing that she may in fact be innocent.

So who is the real Lucy Letby? What was she like according to those who knew her best? What happened at the hospital where she worked? And what convinced senior medics and the police that she was killing babies?

Despite trying and failing to appeal her convictions, Letby has maintained her innocence and no one ever saw her harming a baby - which is one reason why this case has become so controversial. Could Lucy Letby be the victim of a miscarriage of justice, as her supporters believe, or is she the cruel, calculating killer that the jury found her to be?

Drawing on extensive interviews with people who knew and worked with her, as well as unrivalled access to sources and documents, this book traces the story of Lucy Letby from primary school to prison, and grapples with the truth about one of the most high-profile murder cases in living memory.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Audiobook, Crime, Mental Health, Biography

448 pages, Paperback

First published October 24, 2024

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Objective look at the Letby case with different perceptive medically even though how tragic this case was and still is

[Lisa - OwlBeSatReading 🦉📚]

Nothing beats traumatising myself with the very first book for the year. This is without a doubt the most horrifying and upsetting book I have ever read.

I cannot rate it. I had to read it, I hated reading it, but couldn’t stop. There’s a lot to be said about morbid curiosity, but I truly think this one crossed the line for me.

Brilliantly put together, a little heavy and repetitive on the medical science side, but necessary for the court case.

I don’t want to look at Letby’s mugshot on my side table a moment longer, it’s going back to the library tomorrow.

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this as an audiobook. Really good insight into the trial and the evidence provided. It covers all theories surrounding her innocence or guilt. It’s frightening to hear about all the errors that could have been picked up during the 1 year period and how the NHS processes failed. It’s a sad lesson learned for the hospital and staff

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I started this book I thought Lucy was guilty but wanted to understand what all the controversy was about. Well let's just say I got my wish. Is she guilty, the honest answer is I'm not sure. But oh my days is the science that put her in jail questionable.


I must say the writers have done a good job of explaining the science. It was very complicated at times. But they did a wonderful job of explaining everything.

So why have I only given this book three stars? Well they did some pretty standard, but appalling journalistic things.

For example they can't seem to understand why Lucy Letby and her family wouldn't talk to them. I mean the reasons for that are pretty obvious. Particularly as at one point they admit to (in my opinion) harassing someone involved in the case. But you know it meant that the person in question agreed to speak to them so that's ok. Utterly appalling if you ask me.

Then there's their pet theory: Lucy is a single woman in 20s so she must be jealous of the new mothers. I mean could you get anymore sexist? Speaking as a single woman in her 30s I find this pretty weak and insulting. There's literally no evidence for it no texts or conversations, nothing. But you know she's female so it must be that good old biological clock ticking. So pathetic.

Then they make this BIG thing about her appearing emotionless in court. When everything we know about her says that she's a quiet, shy, reserved person. I'm no medical expert but I can think of two very simple reasons for this behaviour. Firstly she was medicated up to her eyeballs (again understanable). Or two she was dissociating. Side note neither of these means she innocent just in an extremely difficult situation.

So yeah a good book but disappointing in my opinion.

[Sarah Oakey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy Letby is a British former neonatal nurse convicted of murdering 7 infants and attempted murder of 7 others between 6/2015 and 6/2016. Lucy came under investigation following a high number of unexpected deaths which occurred at the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester hospital three years after she began working there.
On 21 August 2023, Lucy was sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole life order, the most severe sentence possible under English law; she is only the fourth woman in UK legal history to receive such a sentence.

This book is written by two BBC correspondents, heavily researched it includes in-depth details of the whole case and draws on extensive interviews with many people involved in the case and Lucy's life.

There has been a huge public backlash from this case with many people wondering if Lucy is a murderer or a scapegoat. There are too many coincidences that point to Lucy as guilty yet all the evidence was only circumstantial, there's not a shred of physical evidence against Lucy.
The case lasted from October 2022 to August 2023 and the jury deliberated for 25 days before finding Lucy guilty! (put into perspective Harold Shipmans case was 4 months long and took the jury 6 days to deliberate). Lucy was also found not guilty on two counts of attempted murder. The jury was unable to reach verdicts on six further attempted murder charges.

The book gives strong cases for and against Lucy's guilt. The coincidences really do point to her guilt but equally I wouldn't be surprised if in the future she's proved innocent . The court found no motive, she had a normal loving upbringing in the county of Hereford, her friends, family and co-workers maintain her innocence.... But none of this can negate the coincidences and circumstantial evidence.

It was a hefty listen at 16hrs long but it genuinely had me completely engrossed. I honestly cannot say I think she's innocent or guilty.
I hope for the sake of the babies and their parents that the right justice has been served.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, my thoughts on this book have shifted so many times as I read it! Even now, I’m not entirely sure where I land. It’s a brilliant read that truly challenges you to rethink the evidence presented. A bit repetitive in places that’s why 4 stars for me.

[alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very balanced and very sensible, despite the tacky title. Rather insensibly, I confess, I only really picked this up hungry for a bit of dark humour after my friends and I tittered at Letby’s unfortunate interior design choices in the newspapers. So shoot me. Yet having finished the book, I’m unnerved and surprised that I cannot say that I think she is guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Equally, I cannot say I think she is innocent. What does seem clearer to me, and what I also had not expected, is that Letby’s convictions do not appear safe in any case. For someone, by all accounts, so ordinary, forgettable, saccharine, dowdy and bland, Letby is challenging to like and sympathise with, but as a scientist, I have little confidence in the robustness of the prosecution expert evidence, and feel deeply uncomfortable that a trial of such spurious quality could be used against anyone, seeking justice on behalf of anyone, in the year of our lord 2024. The defence, directed by Letby, also weak and utterly perplexing. Hers is a concerning conviction. Concerning, given all that we should have learned from historic unsafe convictions of healthcare workers both in the UK and internationally based on flawed evidence; concerning, that an innocent person may be behind bars based on that evidence; and concerning, that the public might owe the captivity of such a dangerous individual to such fallible evidence that seems liable to unravel as messily as it was cobbled together.

An ugly, woolly, and unsatisfying way of serving justice, if indeed justice has been served at all, but a stimulating, thorough, and satisfying read.

[Suzisue13 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this from a professional perspective wanting to understand more about some of the complexities of this horrific case and after closely following the podcast of the trial. It was a good representation of the trial and also openly discusses some of the questions that have arisen with regards to some of the expert opinions. Will be interesting to see what the Thirwell Inquiry says when it is published.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

At times this is a sluggish read, in the middle sections when the authors pull apart and explain the science and opinions behind the prosecution case of Lucy
Letby. But the majority of it is very readable and it’s a fascinating insight to the case and the personality of Lucy Letby.

The authors explore her upbringing, personal life before, and her work as a nurse, and then the trial of 2023 and the retrial of Baby K in the summer of 2024.

Throughout the last almost ten years Letby has maintained her innocence, and continues to do so now. But the argument for her guilt is in equal parts compelling and flawed. There is no smoking gun, and ultimately nobody saw her do anything of which she has been convicted, yet she has been - and there’s lots of reasons why. But there’s also holes and questions within that ‘evidence’.

Rest assured, whichever side of the fence you sit on initially of whether or not Letby is guilty of the crimes for which she has been convicted, you will feel uncertain at the end of this book. It’s a difficult and uncertain case no matter which opinion you have, and this is a great book for an unbiased and balanced exploration of this compelling ‘crime’.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucy Letby is a former nurse, convicted in the UK of killing eight babies and the attempted murder of two others. This book is written with a great deal of research by two journalists who sat through her very long trial and appeal and spoke at length to a great many experts after the fact, before presenting her story. They also produced the BBC documentary on Letby, but this book goes beyond that. Not only does it describe the sequence of events that led to her falling under suspicion and conviction, this book also takes seriously some very serious doubts as to whether Letby was given a fair trial, and whether her conviction is as safe as some would have us believe.

Letby's story is not unique. The case of the former nurse in the Netherlands, Lucia de Berk, is now a case study in the misuse of statistics and other errors that led to that country's most notorious miscarriage of justice. The similarities between Letby's story and de Berk's are striking, and just last week there was news of an application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission by Letby's new defence team.

Writing this book must therefore have been no mean feat. Since reporting restrictions were lifted in the UK, many experts have stood up to say they are concerned about the strength of Letby's conviction, but on the other hand, there is no doubt that babies died, and these are harrowing events, that are terrible to recount. Views are often polarised, but what is the truth?

The book has two authors (Goodreads is only showing Jonathan Coffey but the other is Judith Moritz) and reading the book, it seemed to me that there was a difference between Moritz and Coffey that was acknowledged in the last chapter. Whilst Moritz believes Letby is guilty, Coffey cannot discount the possibility that she is innocent. But despite their differences on that, both authors diligently present the evidence as they have seen it, both for and against Letby's guilt. There is no shying away from the very pertinent questions as to how the case against Letby was put together, how the statistics could have been manipulated or misconstrued, alternative explanations for the deaths, how the expert witness for the prosecution adapted his earlier opinions, and various other doubts. At the same time, both authors are equally firm about aspects of Letby's own behaviour and defence that remain troubling.

The authors delve into speculation of motive too -something no one tried to establish in the prosecution. They come up with a plausible argument for one motive, but here the book maybe over-reaches. Despite their caution, the motive they present feels especially plausible when they describe it - but this is down to their own presentation of the material in all the previous chapters. Indeed, I did not need the last chapter to tell me what they thought Letby's motive was. I knew what they thought already. And that speaks to the danger of any book such as this. Ultimately the narrative is more in the control of the authors than we might appreciate. Being aware of that is a useful caution.

All the same, I thought the authors did do a good job of presenting a balanced point of view. On at least one point it is already outdated, as the prosecution's expert witness has retracted another piece of evidence, and another unexplained injury has found a plausible alternate explanation. But what the authors do show is that there is a valid question as to whether there were any murders at all. And another valid question as to whether Letby was the right person in the frame even if there were murders. Equally they show there are other questions that Letby's supporters need to be aware of.

As Coffey says, quoting another, ultimately we cannot say whether Letby is guilty or innocent. But if, one day, she is standing in front of the cameras after many years of wrongful imprisonment, would we want to be among those who put her there?

Anyway, not a happy book to read. A very informative and thoroughly researched one. One that raises questions, some of which may never be answered, and whatever the rights or wrongs here, that is a terrible shame.

[James R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The two BBC journalists that wrote this book did a great job of presenting the facts of this case in a neutral and impartial way, which allows the reader to make their own conclusions about what they think happened in this case. There are lots of details included from the Letby court case which help to build a picture of what went on. It's all told in a pretty much chronological way with very little opinion or speculation from the authors. While the writing wasn't brimming with literary flair, I did like the depth and even-handedness the authors took with this very sensitive subject.

This book doesn't say whether Lucy Letby committed the crimes she was convicted of but from the information presented it seems incredibly likely that she was involved in some horrendous acts. Though the book also points to some flaws in how Lucy Letby was defended and some of the counter-arguments against the prosecutions evidence (most of which weren't put forward at the trial).

One element I think this book was missing was an proper insight into why Lucy Letby did what she did. The authors called this book "Unmasking Lucy Letby" but failed in their attempts to reveal any likely motivation for the monstrous acts she perpetrated. I think this is more down to there not being any satisfying explanation available rather than the authors' inability to unvover it. I just think the title over promised a bit, despite the book being a thorough and articulate summary of this sad story.

[Anna McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough deep dive on the Letby case by two diligent and precise journalists - they explore the "constellation of circumstantial evidence" that taken together paints a strong enough picture of guilt to ensure a life spent in prison, but when the individual threads are pulled, there's more questions to be asked and the unavoidable absence of a smoking gun. As always when I hear about the intricacies of court proceedings, I am chilled by how much is left to pure gut instinct on the part of the jury. Experts will contradict each other, and the personalities of lawyers and witnesses in the box can influence how seriously you believe in a piece of evidence - it's almost hard to believe that any conviction is free of reasonable doubt. Very intrigued to see how Letby's appeals will go...

[Marie (UK) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I watched the Panorama programme and was drawn into the storyline that maybe the verdicts in this case were unsound. The contention appears to be that there were no undeniable proofs presented thT Lucy Letby had harmed any of the babies. At the same time the sheer amount of evidence was overwhelming in building a case for conviction. It seems that many whilst believing that Lucy Letby is guilty also believe her trial and conviction were far from safe. This makes for a fascinating read. As a nurse who worked in and Adult intensive care setting I can almost see both possibilities and am still unable to decide which has most merit.

[Rebecca Smyth]

Quite enjoyed this book; it is very good coverage of the trials and the differing theories that some have highlighted that potentially may give indication of Lucy Letbys innocence and discusses them in detail so that you can understand them fully. A really great read. When I first read the book I wasn’t sure whether LL was innocent or guilty - I’d loosely followed the trial but had some doubts however since reading this and it discussing each theory I feel fairly certain the jury were right in their decisions at both trials.

[Jess O'Donnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating this 3.5... chapters were quite long and parts really drawn out, overall a good read, still feel very conflicted over this case.

[Hannah McKenzie]

It feels wrong to give such a harrowing story a star rating, but would highly recommend listening to the audiobook for anyone who's interested in the case/ the criminal justice system in general.

[Alice Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do I think she's guilty: yes
Do I think there was enough evidence for beyond reasonable doubt: no

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gods, this book was depressing.

It's a fair account representing both guilty and innocent arguments, but it's pretty evident throughout what side both journalists are on and they do admit to this at the end.

I can't say if I was on that jury I would've found any different.

Would have liked a bit more reporting and investigation into the senior management at the Countess of Chester hospital because what a sh1t show that was.

Those poor babies. Their families 💔

I would've rated higher, but there's a crazy amount of repetitiveness because both journalists are individually reporting and the chapters end up reading too similar.

Saying that, it is a worthwhile read.

[Ciara Heneghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had loads of information that I hadn’t seen in the news. There was pictures in the middle of the book that’s not been seen before aswell. Was a sad read hearing all about what happened 💔

[Leanne Keenoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve got a morbid fascination with this case so a detailed behind the scenes look into the court case had me hooked

[Kristen Cullen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very very detailed

[Wendy McArthur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though provoking, especially the medical evidence. The 3 stars are 3.5 because they repeat themselvrs lots towards the end.

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

obviously a horrifying and interesting story to learn about. i appreciate the depth of the research involved, this could’ve been half the length though. so many things repeated over and over when there was no need.

i didn’t like how journalist it felt (even though i know the authors are journalists) - parts were quite obviously dramatised.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My final book of the year was on the heavier side.

[John Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was August 2023 I spotted the Lucy Letby trial and in my mind as per usual the question was what's the evidence and immediately I saw there was none. So that is my understanding since then I am still in the camp of innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
The book was excellent. The best I have read to date and at times my understanding was seriously challenged. Good arguments as the authors explored every aspect about the case.
Here are some extra points I would like to put forward to support my side. I have a real thing about justice and fairness. I have noted news items over the 12 or so years ago my then wife Jenny pointed out the programme "The other side of Jimmy Savile" And I had my question what is it and what is the evidence? There was no evidence. There were 5 key witnesses all associated with Duncoft school and over the years their evidence has disappeared. Jimmy Savile was convicted by news and public opinion based on hype and stories. Then the prosecution put the criteria out to come forward and "you will be believed". To believe is not an evidencial approach. Yes all complainants should be heard but never believd until reliable evidence is confirmed. So literallly in these cases the world over have had hundreds come forward including the "me too" movement and have in fact done a lot of good. But some innocent people have had their lives ruined.
Thus now I tend to start from the side innoent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
The items I suggest for innoence are as follows that I think may of got overlooked or just cursory note.
1. The time frame from June 2015 to July 2016 the neo natal unit suddenly was receiving neo nates at level 2 and many more babies. It is clear the unit was struggling with problems before the change and no preparation at all. A hospital in Wales had closed or partially closed is one reason I found.
2. Lucy Letby was trained and prepared for the sickest babies and thus many died on her shift.
After Lucy was moved the deaths stopped but in reality the unit was set immediately to lavel one.
4. Baby deaths information withheld. Not a full picture.
5. Doctors not included in shift chart.
6. Dr Jayaran in case of baby K appears to be lying. It is his story and only his story. Even other nurse does not remember anything.
7. Interesting letter of clarification from head nurse Karen Rees about Dr Breary twisting her words. Dr Breary same doctor who had insulin test reults passed on a couple of years later. He makes me wonder if he didn't himself set up the insulin question. He would of been around whenever he wanted. Things are guadually coming out about some of his practices.
8. Guadually baby by baby revised assessments are appearing re cause of baby death. So far baby C and baby o and if what I think about insulin that would be two more babies excluded.

[Katies_cosy_reading_corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this one as an audiobook. I know this case from what I seen in the news back in 2023 but I can't say its a case I particularly followed well. This book definitely filled in the bits that were missing.

Lucy Letby is classed as the most prolific child killer of the modern era. Lucy appeared to have a normal workingclass upbringing, a happy child with devoted parents. Went to university and landed her dream neonatal nursing career. Her friends and coworkers thought highly of her.
So when things pointed to Lucy at being the baby killer many thought it was unbelievable.
What I didnt realise before going into this book is that there is actually a wide amount of controversy around this case and some truly believe that she is innocent.
I have to admit there is room for doubt, but when it comes to facts of science it's hard to argue and I suppose we put trust into our legal system in hope they will catch the right killer.

This book displayed insight with a vast amount of impecable research. It dives into who Lucy was as a person and questions how someone of this sensitive nature turns into a baby killer.

The whole story was put together really well. It was filled with alot of medical science which was complex, but neccessary. I found it scary how easy things went a miss in our beloved NHS and how it took high medical experts over a year to finally invole the police.

There were a couple of personal gripes in this book. The narrators/writers appeared insulted that the Letby's wouldnt engage in an interview but putting it into context i'm sure alot of families avoid the media. It was also mentioned how she was maybe jealous of the new mothers and queried this a motivation, but this was speculation and there wasnt any evidence to support this.

This is not an easy read, its tragic and deeply upsetting. The details are graphic and it was at times hard to swollow. Afterall your comfronted by helpless babies fightinf for thier place in the world and parents filled with grief as they watch their newborns slip away. Overall a good informative book, It's not for the faint hearted but for those with a morbid facisnation of real life serial killers.
Perhaps this may be a case which will re-address the courts in the future as a miscarry of justice is still in question.

[Claire Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the authors of this book sat through Lucy Letby's ten-month trial and both authors give a good overview of the case that has now lasted ten long years of Lucy Letby's life. (From 25 years old to 35 years old to be exact). They describe her youth and her personality well. However, in an attempt to be clear about the medical evidence, they become rather repetitive and thus, ironically, somewhat confusing. The structure of the book could be better with less jumping to and fro.
They leave some questions unanswered such as why some people were allowed to testify anonymously behind screens. Why is it permissible that a consultant who Lucy had a friendship with has been allowed to maintain his anonymity while she has had photos of her bedroom posted online and her personal life raked over in the press? The title of the book, "Unmasking Lucy Letby" is completely inappropriate. Ironically, Lucy Letby has never presented herself as anything other than she is - the victim of a miscarriage of justice.
Their analysis of Lucy Letby's appearance can be rather strange at times and lacking in empathy for her and her terrible situation. I don't understand what is unusual about Lucy appearing at one of her trials with "gloom-filled eyes and strangely large down-turned mouth". Anyone with any empathy should be able to see that she was desperately unhappy. She is described at her second unsuccessful appeal as, "She certainly looked downcast but it was hard to see in her demeanour anything that looked like an innocent person desperate to be freed". I would love to know what "an innocent person desperate to be freed" should look like, according to these journalists. From my reading of the situation, at all times throughout her trials and appeals, Lucy Letby has behaved with dignity in extremely taxing circumstances. Throughout the book the authors try to maintain a balanced view, but it is obvious that Lucy Letby's case is based on a false premise, a biased police investigation, flawed medical evidence and inexpert "medical experts". Her convictions call into question the entire police, judicial and penal systems we have in Britain. Hopefully she will be freed in her thirties and not in her forties or fifties. She has already spent ten years in custody. I believe her when she says that she is innocent.

[John Parry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guilty or Guiltless?

Unmasking Lucy Letby is a comprehensive journey through the investigation and subsequent court cases finally arriving at several possible conclusions. On the whole it is balanced however in the final chapter it tends to favour the view that Letby is culpable.

The authors are strongest I feel dissecting and explaining the multiple and complex areas of science which underpinned the trials and conviction. Such as air embolism. A deliberate act of harm or an inadvertent accident caused by a leaking catheter or some other unintentional route. The presence of high externally administered levels of insulin in the babies or a seriously rogue bogus test which should as of a matter course been been repeated to ensure its integrity. Displaced breathing tubes, done deliberately or the action of a restless newborn baby? The neonatal experts offer alternative explanations which either support or oppose the proposition that Letby is a killer. Questions abound about the science but one strange anomaly from the trial stands out: the absence of expert witnesses for the defence challenging the prosecution in the court?

Like the science the statistical evidence is massively open to interpretation. The famous spreadsheet showing Letby always on duty when suspicious deaths or collapses occurred, but include all baby traumas and all duty staff on the sheet and Letby is less obvious as a candidate for murder.

The other circumstantial evidence is equally well considered. The post-it notes with alleged confession, Letby's on-line obsessive searching for parents of dead babies, the consultant claiming he walked in on Letby moments after she disturbed a vital tube, her demeanor in court, her refusal to be present for sentencing. In all these matters the authors do a strong job of journalism reporting interestingly, accurately and lucidly.

I do recommend to anyone who wants to equate themselves with the issues and evidence on which the case was argued and ultimately decided.

A case proven beyond reasonable doubt or a case short of that threshold and consequently an unsafe conviction? Lucy Letby Unbound goes some way to help you decide.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew this would be a difficult book to read and it is as harrowing as it is informative. It provides an incredibly detailed insight into the Letby investigation, trial, and the horrific impact on all the families involved. The writing is balanced and avoids the sensationalism that many books covering similar cases often show, and it presents both sides of the argument in non-biased ways, allowing the reader to reach their own conclusions.

It did leave me with lingering questions but I feel like this is inevitable with such a controversial case, and a highly emotional topic.

The book sheds light on the challenges of prosecuting a case like this - one where circumstantial evidence and personal interpretation is the majority of the evidence gathered. It also highlighted the huge responsibility on healthcare professionals and the devastating ripple effects when trust is broken - or even perceived to be broken.

The need to remain impartial in a book like this is key, however I did feel that sometimes this constricted parts of the book. It doesn’t provide absolute answers or deep insight into the psychology of the accused because that would be subjective and therefore not impartial - if this is the kind of information you’re looking for then the book probably won’t be what you’re expecting.

That said, the emotional weight of the book is undeniable and I sobbed through hearing the parents impact statements. It made me think critically about the justice system, media coverage of cases that are highly followed, and the broader implications of the case. It wasn’t an easy read at all - but it felt an important one to get through.

I don’t really want to rate this book - it achieves what it set out to do, yet the lingering uncertainty and emotionally charged nature reflects the case itself. Prepare yourself for an intense read into one of the most debated criminal cases in recent history.

[Aoife · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book investigates and poses the question of whether the longest running murder trial in British history was a victim of miscarriage of justice or indeed a callous killer.

We see the character assassination of Lucy Letby. She was classed as bland, vanilla, nothing really of note. She was meek, not murderous. Straight away she knew she wanted to be a neonatal nurse. This was once seen as ambitious, but now as sinister, as she could and would prey on the weakest.

We hear about the rationalisations that the staff started to refer to her as a “shit magnet”. She wasn’t seen as a murderer just had incredibly bad luck. She was looking after the sickest babies. There were staffing issues. She had the support and an ally in the head nursing. But also how she may have done this for attention for her doctor friend to notice her, her confession notes, her online searches of the parents and a possible munchausen diagnosis. It was only when the consultants raised their concerns that her practices were investigated.

I didn’t know a huge amount about this case. I never looked into how small the hospital was and how monumental the amount of deaths were. In the space of June 2015 - June 2016 she was convicted of the murder of 7 babies and the attempted murder of 7 more. At one point they saw the amount of deaths they had in a year in the space of two weeks.

This book isn’t a witch hunt. It spends time on the trial and retrial yes, but also on the science and how it’s not perfect and there could be other explanations and rationalisations. I didn’t find the work biased, but rather it was an important insight into the justice system and what if Lucy didn’t do it?