What do you think?
Rate this book
The Moors Murders: The definitive history of the most notorious criminal cases in Britain – a new chilling account of crime, investigation and justice, a must read for 2026
Not yet published
Expected 4 Jun 26What drives seemingly ordinary individuals to commit unimaginable acts of evil?
In the case of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, this question has haunted Britain for decades. Known as the Moors Murderers, this notorious pair lured, abducted, and ultimately murdered five innocent children, subjecting them to unspeakable horrors. Their actions, documented in photographs and recordings, have left a lasting scar on the national consciousness.
In The Moors Murders, Michael Attwell, presents a comprehensive examination of this chilling chapter in British history. With nearly fifty years of dedicated research, Attwell seeks to understand how the pair transformed into figures of unspeakable evil.
As Attwell revisits the timeline of the Moors Murders, he confronts the enduring question that has perplexed the public for
Why did they do it?
The Moors Murders invites readers to reflect on the chilling realities of this case, encouraging a deeper understanding of the events and the individuals involved. It is a sobering reminder of the capacity for evil that can exist in the most unexpected places.
In the case of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, this question has haunted Britain for decades. Known as the Moors Murderers, this notorious pair lured, abducted, and ultimately murdered five innocent children, subjecting them to unspeakable horrors. Their actions, documented in photographs and recordings, have left a lasting scar on the national consciousness.
In The Moors Murders, Michael Attwell, presents a comprehensive examination of this chilling chapter in British history. With nearly fifty years of dedicated research, Attwell seeks to understand how the pair transformed into figures of unspeakable evil.
As Attwell revisits the timeline of the Moors Murders, he confronts the enduring question that has perplexed the public for
Why did they do it?
The Moors Murders invites readers to reflect on the chilling realities of this case, encouraging a deeper understanding of the events and the individuals involved. It is a sobering reminder of the capacity for evil that can exist in the most unexpected places.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 4, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I appreciate that the author is an experienced journalist with immense knowledge over this case, having worked on it his entire carreer, he can absolutely be considered an expert on the subject. Nonetheless he cites many great sources and colleagues, forensic experts and witnesses to make his points.
In an era where true crime is so widespread and considered a good selling points I also appreciate the care to victims and their families. This isn't a sensationalist take on the terribly famous story of the Moors Murders but indeed a true account and analysis of the case.
The author begins by telling us about the murders and the arrestation but soon goes on to try and understand the hows and the whys. How do such personalities as that of Brady and Hindley develop? Why did Hindley agree to Brady's fantasies? And can people like these two ever be rehabilitated?
With eloquence Atwell describes their life in prison and upbringings, their apparent state of mind through their exchanges with the outside world, their psychological examinations and all the evidence found of their twisted relationship before it all came crumbling down. The book remains accessible and helps one make sense of not only this specific case but sociopathy as a whole.
Atwell took care in adressing the mysogyny Hindley has certainly been victim of all while revealing her full personality impartially and I found fascinating the part on the effect of tabloids and politics that played into her access to a lesser sentence and possible parole.
Personally my opinion is that Hindley just like Brady was a huge liar and displayed if not sociopathic tendencies then at least sadism. Why it came about? That I do not know but I don't think she was as much of a victim as she tried to make the public believe. That doesn't mean however that she wasn't groomed.
Perhaps neither would have ever gone to commit such crimes had they not met each others..
This isn't a cold case. There are still many mysteries to be uncovered. A body to be found, and perhaps this is the bigger appeal to this case. We may never know for sure.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperElement for providing me with an ARC for this fascinating book! I very much enjoyed it and would recommend it to all true crime lovers!
Tiktok review posted here: http://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRseWwuQ/
In an era where true crime is so widespread and considered a good selling points I also appreciate the care to victims and their families. This isn't a sensationalist take on the terribly famous story of the Moors Murders but indeed a true account and analysis of the case.
The author begins by telling us about the murders and the arrestation but soon goes on to try and understand the hows and the whys. How do such personalities as that of Brady and Hindley develop? Why did Hindley agree to Brady's fantasies? And can people like these two ever be rehabilitated?
With eloquence Atwell describes their life in prison and upbringings, their apparent state of mind through their exchanges with the outside world, their psychological examinations and all the evidence found of their twisted relationship before it all came crumbling down. The book remains accessible and helps one make sense of not only this specific case but sociopathy as a whole.
Atwell took care in adressing the mysogyny Hindley has certainly been victim of all while revealing her full personality impartially and I found fascinating the part on the effect of tabloids and politics that played into her access to a lesser sentence and possible parole.
Personally my opinion is that Hindley just like Brady was a huge liar and displayed if not sociopathic tendencies then at least sadism. Why it came about? That I do not know but I don't think she was as much of a victim as she tried to make the public believe. That doesn't mean however that she wasn't groomed.
Perhaps neither would have ever gone to commit such crimes had they not met each others..
This isn't a cold case. There are still many mysteries to be uncovered. A body to be found, and perhaps this is the bigger appeal to this case. We may never know for sure.
Thank you to Netgalley and HarperElement for providing me with an ARC for this fascinating book! I very much enjoyed it and would recommend it to all true crime lovers!
Tiktok review posted here: http://vm.tiktok.com/ZNRseWwuQ/
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Moors Murders – Michael Attwell
Pub Date: 4 June 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – 5 Star Read
As someone who absolutely loves true crime and the psychology behind how these monsters are eventually caught, The Moors Murders completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. Michael Attwell has created an incredibly detailed, chilling, and deeply researched account of one of Britain’s most horrifying murder cases, and it did not fail to deliver.
What stood out most to me was the sheer depth of research poured into this book. You can genuinely feel Attwell’s decades of dedication to understanding not only the crimes themselves, but the disturbing psychology behind Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. Rather than simply retelling events, this book forces readers to confront the uncomfortable reality of how seemingly ordinary people can become capable of unimaginable evil.
The writing is factual, immersive, and respectful to the victims while still delivering the level of detail true crime readers crave. The exploration into criminal psychology was especially fascinating for me, and I found myself constantly questioning the same thing that has haunted Britain for decades — why did they do it?
This is not an easy read emotionally, nor should it be, but it is an incredibly compelling and authoritative account of a case that continues to shock generations. If you enjoy true crime, criminal psychology, investigative history, and understanding how law enforcement pieces together these horrific crimes, then this is absolutely a must-read.
A haunting, fascinating, and unforgettable true crime read that I highly recommend.
— @Donna’s Book Addiction
Pub Date: 4 June 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – 5 Star Read
As someone who absolutely loves true crime and the psychology behind how these monsters are eventually caught, The Moors Murders completely pulled me in from the very first chapter. Michael Attwell has created an incredibly detailed, chilling, and deeply researched account of one of Britain’s most horrifying murder cases, and it did not fail to deliver.
What stood out most to me was the sheer depth of research poured into this book. You can genuinely feel Attwell’s decades of dedication to understanding not only the crimes themselves, but the disturbing psychology behind Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. Rather than simply retelling events, this book forces readers to confront the uncomfortable reality of how seemingly ordinary people can become capable of unimaginable evil.
The writing is factual, immersive, and respectful to the victims while still delivering the level of detail true crime readers crave. The exploration into criminal psychology was especially fascinating for me, and I found myself constantly questioning the same thing that has haunted Britain for decades — why did they do it?
This is not an easy read emotionally, nor should it be, but it is an incredibly compelling and authoritative account of a case that continues to shock generations. If you enjoy true crime, criminal psychology, investigative history, and understanding how law enforcement pieces together these horrific crimes, then this is absolutely a must-read.
A haunting, fascinating, and unforgettable true crime read that I highly recommend.
— @Donna’s Book Addiction
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An extremely well researched and excellent account of the notorious serial killers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. What Michael Attwell has attempted to do is look into the lives, minds and childhood of the two killers, looking for clues as to why they became the most hated individuals of the 20th century. Even today, long after their deaths, their crimes are still hotly debated quite simply in an attempt to understand.
There is no doubt in my mind that Ian Brady was evil incarnate. From a childhood in working class Glasgow he lived a life with no boundaries or rules, thieving, cruelty, and indeed rape (if we believe his account) were all normal to him. He was born out of wedlock and had no one to look up to for guidance…..not that I believe this would have kept him from the path of murder he chose.
Myra Hindley, alternatively, was reared in a tight knit community, had close ties with the working class inhabitants in and around the Manchester suburb of Hyde. She had support and guidance but nevertheless was happy to help her boyfriend in his murderous endeavors. In the years following her incarceration she attempted to distance herself from Hindley but her fate was sealed when the tape recording of the torture of Lesley Anne Downey was exhibited to the jury at the Chester Assizes trial. They were sentenced in May 1966 and narrowly escaped the death penalty which had been suspended at the end of 1965.
An excellent read, many thanks to the publishers for this early review copy.
There is no doubt in my mind that Ian Brady was evil incarnate. From a childhood in working class Glasgow he lived a life with no boundaries or rules, thieving, cruelty, and indeed rape (if we believe his account) were all normal to him. He was born out of wedlock and had no one to look up to for guidance…..not that I believe this would have kept him from the path of murder he chose.
Myra Hindley, alternatively, was reared in a tight knit community, had close ties with the working class inhabitants in and around the Manchester suburb of Hyde. She had support and guidance but nevertheless was happy to help her boyfriend in his murderous endeavors. In the years following her incarceration she attempted to distance herself from Hindley but her fate was sealed when the tape recording of the torture of Lesley Anne Downey was exhibited to the jury at the Chester Assizes trial. They were sentenced in May 1966 and narrowly escaped the death penalty which had been suspended at the end of 1965.
An excellent read, many thanks to the publishers for this early review copy.
Read
May 24, 2026This was a fascinating look into this infamous case. Of course it was as harrowing & sickening as you'd expect but I was also kept intrigued by the way Attwell gets us to try and figure out alongside him why & how these two individuals came together to commit the crimes they did, whilst also never excusing them or lessening the seriousness of what they did.
I thought this was a really well written true crime book & though I've seen many tv documentaries about this case, there was still so much new info I found out through reading this, about Brady & Hindley as individuals & the case as a whole. I found this entire book to be an interesting way of trying our best to understand & figure out why they did what they did but I also really appreciated the sensitivity behind it & respecting the victims & their families all the way through which can't be said so often for media of this nature.
This was well researched with first person accounts from Attwell himself as well as quotes from other sourced material over the years since news of the murders first broke. I think for readers of true crime nonfics, this is a really accessible way of discovering more about this particular case & there wasn't really any part throughout that lost my attention.
Thank you HarperCollins & Netgalley for my free eARC!
I thought this was a really well written true crime book & though I've seen many tv documentaries about this case, there was still so much new info I found out through reading this, about Brady & Hindley as individuals & the case as a whole. I found this entire book to be an interesting way of trying our best to understand & figure out why they did what they did but I also really appreciated the sensitivity behind it & respecting the victims & their families all the way through which can't be said so often for media of this nature.
This was well researched with first person accounts from Attwell himself as well as quotes from other sourced material over the years since news of the murders first broke. I think for readers of true crime nonfics, this is a really accessible way of discovering more about this particular case & there wasn't really any part throughout that lost my attention.
Thank you HarperCollins & Netgalley for my free eARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Everyone of a certain age remembers the Moors Murders and even now it is hard to even say those words without a chill working its way throughout your body.
Michael Attwell, an experienced documentary producer has been on top of this story almost from the beginning and he has produced a reasoned and thorough description and indeed, insider's account, of those terrible crimes as well as endeavouring to get inside the head of both Brady and Hindley in an attempt to understand what made them commit those appalling murders which have totally changed the way in which we take care of young children and no longer allow them to run around unsupervised.
The prose is spare and the story flows but it is far more than simply a dry account of what took place as Attwell attempts to analyse why they happened both in the context of society at the time as well as what drove the perpetrators to commit such evil.
He is perceptive and never less than fascinating and the book - whist never an easy read given the subject matter provides an in-depth and valuable updating of what will always be deemed one of the worst crimes in recent times.
Michael Attwell, an experienced documentary producer has been on top of this story almost from the beginning and he has produced a reasoned and thorough description and indeed, insider's account, of those terrible crimes as well as endeavouring to get inside the head of both Brady and Hindley in an attempt to understand what made them commit those appalling murders which have totally changed the way in which we take care of young children and no longer allow them to run around unsupervised.
The prose is spare and the story flows but it is far more than simply a dry account of what took place as Attwell attempts to analyse why they happened both in the context of society at the time as well as what drove the perpetrators to commit such evil.
He is perceptive and never less than fascinating and the book - whist never an easy read given the subject matter provides an in-depth and valuable updating of what will always be deemed one of the worst crimes in recent times.
May 24, 2026
A well researched book retelling the events of the horrific ‘Moors Murders’. The author attempts to explore the factors that contributed to two people becoming child serial killers.
Interviews throughout the years with individuals associated with the couple inform his findings. The justice system at the time is discussed and how particularly Myra Hindley may have been treated today. This is explored sensitively in respect for the victims and is in no way sympathising with her.
Although, the subject matter is difficult, I found the book interesting and quick to get through.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Interviews throughout the years with individuals associated with the couple inform his findings. The justice system at the time is discussed and how particularly Myra Hindley may have been treated today. This is explored sensitively in respect for the victims and is in no way sympathising with her.
Although, the subject matter is difficult, I found the book interesting and quick to get through.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review Of Advance Copy From NetGalley
A Chilling But Compelling Book That Is Told With A Lot Of Deep Knowledge And Insight By Michael
Atwell. The Facts Of This Infamous Case Are Very Well Researched And Are Told In An Accessible Way, The Book Is Split Into 3 Parts. You Can Tell That Michael Atwell Has Covered The Case Since The Late 1970s And I Learnt Some New Facts That I Didn't Previously Know Before. The Book Is Respectful Of The Victim's And Their Families. I Would Recommend To Any True Crime Fans But It Is A Harrowing Read.
A Chilling But Compelling Book That Is Told With A Lot Of Deep Knowledge And Insight By Michael
Atwell. The Facts Of This Infamous Case Are Very Well Researched And Are Told In An Accessible Way, The Book Is Split Into 3 Parts. You Can Tell That Michael Atwell Has Covered The Case Since The Late 1970s And I Learnt Some New Facts That I Didn't Previously Know Before. The Book Is Respectful Of The Victim's And Their Families. I Would Recommend To Any True Crime Fans But It Is A Harrowing Read.
June 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC of The Moors Murders for me to review honestly. I wasn’t paid to read and review this book.
This book was very interesting, as it provided context and some insights that I wasn’t aware of as the murders happened before I was born. I rate true crime/non fiction differently than fiction, just because someone’s experience isn’t my own and I can’t really comment on it.
I rated this book 5 stars, very informative and insightful.
This book was very interesting, as it provided context and some insights that I wasn’t aware of as the murders happened before I was born. I rate true crime/non fiction differently than fiction, just because someone’s experience isn’t my own and I can’t really comment on it.
I rated this book 5 stars, very informative and insightful.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fascinating and harrowing true crime book. The story of the Moors Murders are widely known, despite this the book continues to shock and unleash horrific details and new information I had never known before. I think this book benefits from the decades of research and understanding that the murders now have. A must read for any true crime fan. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews