What do you think?
Rate this book
The Butcher of Aberdeen
The Butcher of Aberdeen explores the chilling true crime story of Katherine Knight, delving into a life shaped by childhood trauma, violent relationships, and a relentless descent into madness.
A mother living in a small country town stabs her partner to death thirty-seven times before decapitating him, skinning him, and serving up slices of his cooked flesh at a table set for his children.
The Butcher of A Story of Sex, Madness, and Murder is a shocking tale of childhood trauma, volatile relationships, and a descent into madness. Born into a dysfunctional family in rural Australia, Katherine Knight was raised in an environment of neglect, violence, sexual abuse, and emotional turmoil, setting the stage for a life marked by intense instability. As an adult, she would become notorious for her sexual manipulations, violent outbursts, her inability to maintain healthy relationships, and the brutal nature of her crimes.
This gripping account, based on true events, explores the terrifying devolution of Knight’s character, from her tumultuous early years to her “dream job” at the local abattoir, where she became skilled in the deadly act of slaughtering animals. Katherine’s turbulent relationships with men paint the portrait of a woman tormented by a fear of abandonment and driven by a desperate need for control.
At the heart of this story lies Katherine’s profound inner a constant battle between the need for love and a tendency to violence, between a desire for connection and an overwhelming urge for revenge. This conflict led to increasingly dysfunctional relationships and caused her violent tendencies to spiral out of control, culminating in a shocking act of murder that would forever mark her as one of Australia’s most infamous killers.
With a careful balance of psychological insight and chilling detail, The Butcher of Aberdeen takes readers on a journey through the dark and twisted psyche of a woman whose central driving question “Will she ever learn to take responsibility for her actions and find peace?” Katherine Knight’s story is a tragic exploration of the consequences of childhood trauma, the complexities of human nature, and the unthinkable path that some lives can take if left unexamined.
A mother living in a small country town stabs her partner to death thirty-seven times before decapitating him, skinning him, and serving up slices of his cooked flesh at a table set for his children.
The Butcher of A Story of Sex, Madness, and Murder is a shocking tale of childhood trauma, volatile relationships, and a descent into madness. Born into a dysfunctional family in rural Australia, Katherine Knight was raised in an environment of neglect, violence, sexual abuse, and emotional turmoil, setting the stage for a life marked by intense instability. As an adult, she would become notorious for her sexual manipulations, violent outbursts, her inability to maintain healthy relationships, and the brutal nature of her crimes.
This gripping account, based on true events, explores the terrifying devolution of Knight’s character, from her tumultuous early years to her “dream job” at the local abattoir, where she became skilled in the deadly act of slaughtering animals. Katherine’s turbulent relationships with men paint the portrait of a woman tormented by a fear of abandonment and driven by a desperate need for control.
At the heart of this story lies Katherine’s profound inner a constant battle between the need for love and a tendency to violence, between a desire for connection and an overwhelming urge for revenge. This conflict led to increasingly dysfunctional relationships and caused her violent tendencies to spiral out of control, culminating in a shocking act of murder that would forever mark her as one of Australia’s most infamous killers.
With a careful balance of psychological insight and chilling detail, The Butcher of Aberdeen takes readers on a journey through the dark and twisted psyche of a woman whose central driving question “Will she ever learn to take responsibility for her actions and find peace?” Katherine Knight’s story is a tragic exploration of the consequences of childhood trauma, the complexities of human nature, and the unthinkable path that some lives can take if left unexamined.
288 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2026
About the author
Roje Augustin
3 books13 followersRojé Augustin is a writer, producer, and content creator. She began her career at the New York Daily News, as an editor for BET Weekend Magazine. She then moved to television, first at CBS News Productions, working in cable documentary features, then to ABC News ’20/20' with Barbara Walters and John Stossel, ‘Primetime’ with Diane Sawyer, and ‘Good Morning America Weekend Edition,’ as a journalist and producer. In 2007, while living in London, Rojé began work on her debut novel, The Unraveling of Bebe Jones, which was self-published and won the 2013 U.S. National Indie Excellence Award in African American fiction. It was also a finalist in the National Black Book Festival. She was featured as a "writer to keep your eyes on" in Essence Magazine's News & Culture Column, 'Patrik's Pics' (August 2013), as well as on NY1's morning books television segment.
In 2013 Rojé's script, The Weekly, was selected for the AWG’s Pathways Program for emerging screenwriters. Over the next several years, Rojé continued to write and produce, building a slate of projects for development. An early project was The Right Space, a podcast and visual web series called which explored the relationship between creatives and their workspaces. Rojé co-produced and co-hosted 23 episodes of the series in collaboration with Filthy Look Films. In May 2020 she published her debut poetry collection, Out of No Way, Madam C.J. Walker and A'Lelia Walker: A Poetic Drama, (Boukman Press) which tells the story of Madam Walker's phenomenal life story through various poetic forms and which she hopes to adapt into a stage production. That same year, Rojé was awarded funding from Screen NSW to develop her teen drama series, The Park. In August 2022, Rojé was one of four shortlisted for the national SBS Emerging Writers Incubator Program. In 2023 The Park was selected as a finalist in the U.S. based Diverse Voices Script Lab.
Rojé is a native New Yorker based in Sydney where she works as a writer, news editorial producer, and journalist. She is also an Australian citizen. She has studied in Paris and London and is a graduate of Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours from the Literature & Writing Program.
In 2013 Rojé's script, The Weekly, was selected for the AWG’s Pathways Program for emerging screenwriters. Over the next several years, Rojé continued to write and produce, building a slate of projects for development. An early project was The Right Space, a podcast and visual web series called which explored the relationship between creatives and their workspaces. Rojé co-produced and co-hosted 23 episodes of the series in collaboration with Filthy Look Films. In May 2020 she published her debut poetry collection, Out of No Way, Madam C.J. Walker and A'Lelia Walker: A Poetic Drama, (Boukman Press) which tells the story of Madam Walker's phenomenal life story through various poetic forms and which she hopes to adapt into a stage production. That same year, Rojé was awarded funding from Screen NSW to develop her teen drama series, The Park. In August 2022, Rojé was one of four shortlisted for the national SBS Emerging Writers Incubator Program. In 2023 The Park was selected as a finalist in the U.S. based Diverse Voices Script Lab.
Rojé is a native New Yorker based in Sydney where she works as a writer, news editorial producer, and journalist. She is also an Australian citizen. She has studied in Paris and London and is a graduate of Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours from the Literature & Writing Program.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
July 26, 2026
The Butcher Of Aberdeen is a narrative non-fiction book by Australian producer, journalist, and author, Roje Augustin that explores a shocking murder that occurred in country The NSW in early 2000, and the woman who was convicted of it.
Augustin takes the known facts around the case: court documents, sentencing reports, transcripts, legal judgements, and media coverage; then, with dramatic licence, she fills in detail so that it reads more like a novel than dry fact, all in an effort to explore what led to this awful crime.
Katherine Mary Knight was skilled in abattoir work and, after stabbing John Price thirty-seven times on the last day of February, 2000, proceeded to decapitate and skin the body, including preparing part of him as a meal for his children, leaving a grisly scene for police conducting a welfare check.
Augustin explores what led up to the murder and what sort of person she was revealed to be in interviews with forensic psychiatrists. While family and friends agree that she was a good mother to her four children, they warn that it was dangerous to get on the wrong side of her. Sexually manipulative is the definite conclusion from her former partners, as well as violent and vindictive.
The psychiatrists summarised: “She stores slights— real or perceived— for a long time and acts upon them with a degree of calculation that speaks to premeditation… Her violence is reactive, theatrical, and instrumental… She wants to be feared, noticed, obeyed… the pattern among her partners: grim tolerance, helplessness, and in some cases, real fear.”
The judge concluded “this was not a crime of passion, nor one borne of uncontrollable madness. It was one borne of calculated cruelty and deep-seated resentment.” Her lack of remorse was a factor in her never-to-be-released sentence and most, after reading Augustin’s insightful overview, will be grateful that Knight’s appeal against her sentence in 2006 failed. An intriguing, fascinating, chilling read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Post Hill Press
Augustin takes the known facts around the case: court documents, sentencing reports, transcripts, legal judgements, and media coverage; then, with dramatic licence, she fills in detail so that it reads more like a novel than dry fact, all in an effort to explore what led to this awful crime.
Katherine Mary Knight was skilled in abattoir work and, after stabbing John Price thirty-seven times on the last day of February, 2000, proceeded to decapitate and skin the body, including preparing part of him as a meal for his children, leaving a grisly scene for police conducting a welfare check.
Augustin explores what led up to the murder and what sort of person she was revealed to be in interviews with forensic psychiatrists. While family and friends agree that she was a good mother to her four children, they warn that it was dangerous to get on the wrong side of her. Sexually manipulative is the definite conclusion from her former partners, as well as violent and vindictive.
The psychiatrists summarised: “She stores slights— real or perceived— for a long time and acts upon them with a degree of calculation that speaks to premeditation… Her violence is reactive, theatrical, and instrumental… She wants to be feared, noticed, obeyed… the pattern among her partners: grim tolerance, helplessness, and in some cases, real fear.”
The judge concluded “this was not a crime of passion, nor one borne of uncontrollable madness. It was one borne of calculated cruelty and deep-seated resentment.” Her lack of remorse was a factor in her never-to-be-released sentence and most, after reading Augustin’s insightful overview, will be grateful that Knight’s appeal against her sentence in 2006 failed. An intriguing, fascinating, chilling read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Post Hill Press
July 6, 2026
What a wild ride! Being from the US, I had never heard the story of Katherine Knight, aka The Butcher of Aberdeen. When I saw this book, the true crimer in me knew I had to learn more. And learn I did.
Though the revelations bounce around in Katherine's life, the puzzle of how and why she became who she is becomes clearer with every chapter. I expected to develop some sympathy as Katherine's developmental years are laid out, because surely some tragedy skewed her world view and "aww, the poor thing never had a chance to become a decent and contributing human being". We all want to make sense of it, and give people the benefit of the doubt.
Oddly, I never felt like the choices she made were understandable, regardless of her plight. I don't believe in evil, but I do believe there are bad seeds, people whose wiring makes them choose to do evil things because it will benefit them, and them alone. This is the Katherine Knight we come to know in this book.
If you're a true crime fan, then I believe you'll find this story of The Butcher of Aberdeen intriguing. It will frustrate you and fascinate you, and make you realize just how normal you really are.
Though the revelations bounce around in Katherine's life, the puzzle of how and why she became who she is becomes clearer with every chapter. I expected to develop some sympathy as Katherine's developmental years are laid out, because surely some tragedy skewed her world view and "aww, the poor thing never had a chance to become a decent and contributing human being". We all want to make sense of it, and give people the benefit of the doubt.
Oddly, I never felt like the choices she made were understandable, regardless of her plight. I don't believe in evil, but I do believe there are bad seeds, people whose wiring makes them choose to do evil things because it will benefit them, and them alone. This is the Katherine Knight we come to know in this book.
If you're a true crime fan, then I believe you'll find this story of The Butcher of Aberdeen intriguing. It will frustrate you and fascinate you, and make you realize just how normal you really are.
July 5, 2026
The Butcher of Aberdeen is a chilling and compelling non-fiction account of the notorious killer Katherine Knight. I had never heard of her before picking up this book, but the story immediately pulled me in and left me wanting to dig deeper into who she was and what drove her to commit such a horrific crime against her husband.
The narrative is both disturbing and fascinating, unfolding in a way that keeps you hooked while also making you reflect on the psychological complexity behind the case. It reads almost like a real-life version of Lamb to the Slaughter by Roald Dahl—except far more unsettling because it actually happened.
While not an easy read due to the subject matter, it is undeniably gripping and well-told. A solid four-star read for true crime fans who are interested in the darker side of human nature.
The narrative is both disturbing and fascinating, unfolding in a way that keeps you hooked while also making you reflect on the psychological complexity behind the case. It reads almost like a real-life version of Lamb to the Slaughter by Roald Dahl—except far more unsettling because it actually happened.
While not an easy read due to the subject matter, it is undeniably gripping and well-told. A solid four-star read for true crime fans who are interested in the darker side of human nature.
April 29, 2026
Read as an ARC from NetGalley
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time reading this. It was deeply disturbing and includes some of the most extreme acts of violence and manipulation I’ve ever read.
If you’re a fan of true crime, this is a must-read. It follows events from Katherine Knight’s early life through to her trial.
Fantastically written, with it all woven together in a way that almost reads like fiction.
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time reading this. It was deeply disturbing and includes some of the most extreme acts of violence and manipulation I’ve ever read.
If you’re a fan of true crime, this is a must-read. It follows events from Katherine Knight’s early life through to her trial.
Fantastically written, with it all woven together in a way that almost reads like fiction.
July 22, 2026
This is a True Crime story. I read this book by listening to the audiobook, and I really enjoyed this audiobook. I never hear anything about Katherine Knight, but this happens in rural Australia. I am from the US, so I am not shocked that I never heard anything about this before picking up this book. This is a wild and crazy story, and I feel for anyone that is being abused. You do not hear about men being abused, and I think this book brings that to light. This book is written in a way that is easy to read and understand what is going on, and the true crime lover in me really enjoyed this book. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
July 26, 2026
The Butcher Of Aberdeen is a narrative non-fiction book by Australian producer, journalist, and author, Roje Augustin that explores a shocking murder that occurred in country The NSW in early 2000, and the woman who was convicted of it. The audio version is narrated by Katherine Littrell.
Augustin takes the known facts around the case: court documents, sentencing reports, transcripts, legal judgements, and media coverage; then, with dramatic licence, she fills in detail so that it reads more like a novel than dry fact, all in an effort to explore what led to this awful crime.
Katherine Mary Knight was skilled in abattoir work and, after stabbing John Price thirty-seven times on the last day of February, 2000, proceeded to decapitate and skin the body, including preparing part of him as a meal for his children, leaving a grisly scene for police conducting a welfare check.
Augustin explores what led up to the murder and what sort of person she was revealed to be in interviews with forensic psychiatrists. While family and friends agree that she was a good mother to her four children, they warn that it was dangerous to get on the wrong side of her. Sexually manipulative is the definite conclusion from her former partners, as well as violent and vindictive.
The psychiatrists summarised: “She stores slights— real or perceived— for a long time and acts upon them with a degree of calculation that speaks to premeditation… Her violence is reactive, theatrical, and instrumental… She wants to be feared, noticed, obeyed… the pattern among her partners: grim tolerance, helplessness, and in some cases, real fear.”
The judge concluded “this was not a crime of passion, nor one borne of uncontrollable madness. It was one borne of calculated cruelty and deep-seated resentment.” Her lack of remorse was a factor in her never-to-be-released sentence and most, after reading Augustin’s insightful overview, will be grateful that Knight’s appeal against her sentence in 2006 failed. An intriguing, fascinating, chilling read.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and RB Media
Augustin takes the known facts around the case: court documents, sentencing reports, transcripts, legal judgements, and media coverage; then, with dramatic licence, she fills in detail so that it reads more like a novel than dry fact, all in an effort to explore what led to this awful crime.
Katherine Mary Knight was skilled in abattoir work and, after stabbing John Price thirty-seven times on the last day of February, 2000, proceeded to decapitate and skin the body, including preparing part of him as a meal for his children, leaving a grisly scene for police conducting a welfare check.
Augustin explores what led up to the murder and what sort of person she was revealed to be in interviews with forensic psychiatrists. While family and friends agree that she was a good mother to her four children, they warn that it was dangerous to get on the wrong side of her. Sexually manipulative is the definite conclusion from her former partners, as well as violent and vindictive.
The psychiatrists summarised: “She stores slights— real or perceived— for a long time and acts upon them with a degree of calculation that speaks to premeditation… Her violence is reactive, theatrical, and instrumental… She wants to be feared, noticed, obeyed… the pattern among her partners: grim tolerance, helplessness, and in some cases, real fear.”
The judge concluded “this was not a crime of passion, nor one borne of uncontrollable madness. It was one borne of calculated cruelty and deep-seated resentment.” Her lack of remorse was a factor in her never-to-be-released sentence and most, after reading Augustin’s insightful overview, will be grateful that Knight’s appeal against her sentence in 2006 failed. An intriguing, fascinating, chilling read.
This unbiased review is from an audio copy provided by NetGalley and RB Media
August 17, 2026
Themes:
• True crime
• Psychological descent
• Childhood trauma
• Domestic violence
• Toxic relationships
• Obsession & control
• Murder investigation
• Australian true crime
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️¾ 4.75 stars
OMG... 😳 This was my first time reading anything quite like this and my first book by Rojé Augustin, and I was completely hooked.
The Butcher of Aberdeen is disturbing, fascinating, and honestly hard to look away from. Katherine Knight's story is absolutely horrific, but the way the book explores her childhood, relationships, escalating violence, and the events leading up to the murder made this such a compelling listen.
🎧 Katherine Littrell was AMAZING. Her narration fit the story perfectly and made an already intense book even more gripping.
Definitely check the content warnings because this gets extremely graphic and deals with some very heavy subjects.
Also... This would make SUCH a good book club pick because there is so much to unpack and discuss afterward. 👀
Absolutely adding Rojé Augustin to my authors-to-watch list after this one.
Thank you Netgalley and Rbmedia for this ALC 🔥 🖤
• True crime
• Psychological descent
• Childhood trauma
• Domestic violence
• Toxic relationships
• Obsession & control
• Murder investigation
• Australian true crime
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️¾ 4.75 stars
OMG... 😳 This was my first time reading anything quite like this and my first book by Rojé Augustin, and I was completely hooked.
The Butcher of Aberdeen is disturbing, fascinating, and honestly hard to look away from. Katherine Knight's story is absolutely horrific, but the way the book explores her childhood, relationships, escalating violence, and the events leading up to the murder made this such a compelling listen.
🎧 Katherine Littrell was AMAZING. Her narration fit the story perfectly and made an already intense book even more gripping.
Definitely check the content warnings because this gets extremely graphic and deals with some very heavy subjects.
Also... This would make SUCH a good book club pick because there is so much to unpack and discuss afterward. 👀
Absolutely adding Rojé Augustin to my authors-to-watch list after this one.
Thank you Netgalley and Rbmedia for this ALC 🔥 🖤
July 22, 2026
The narrator [Katherine Littrell] is absolutely outstanding and does a really fantastic job reading this oft gruesome story. I really admire how she was able to just straightforwardly tell the story and get all the icky stuff out without adding anything with her voice. I highly recommend her and will be looking for other books to read that she narrates.
Thank you to NetGalley, Roje Augustin, Katherine Littrell - Narrator, and RBmedia for proving this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2026
Wild. Absolutely chilling.
I have seen a lot of crime shows and documentaries and read my fair share of true crime stories but I was unfamiliar with Katherine Knight aka The butcher of Aberdeen. Katherine was the first woman in Australia to be sentenced to life in prison without parole for brutally murdering her husband.
This book goes from her childhood all the way through the trial and is really exceptionally written. It is fictionalized in areas but it's all based on true events and interviews etc.
One of the most compelling parts of this book for me were the interviews with the psychiatrist and the psychiatrist notes about Katherine because I always want to be on the side of a woman and I genuinely believe that mental illness plays a huge role the violence perpetuated by women as well as sexual assault and trauma etc. I expected to develop a smidge or so of empathy for her but I did not. All as the story goes on you just realized that maybe there are true evil people in the world and Katherine Knight is one of them.
Another part of this book that was equally frustrating and interesting were all of Katherine's past partners and how she repeatedly assaulted them physically even going so far is to stab them yet none of them reported her to the police. That has a lot to do with you know living in a patriarchal society and believing that women are not capable of violence against men like this but it's just such a phenomenon to study how far men are willing to go to protect their own masculinity instead of their own literal livelihood. This is in no way me blaming a victim just simply stating when someone doesn't feel secure and reporting violence, the violence will only continue.
If you like true crime or criminal shows and can handle some serious gore I definitely recommend this book. It is horrifyingly fascinating.
I have seen a lot of crime shows and documentaries and read my fair share of true crime stories but I was unfamiliar with Katherine Knight aka The butcher of Aberdeen. Katherine was the first woman in Australia to be sentenced to life in prison without parole for brutally murdering her husband.
This book goes from her childhood all the way through the trial and is really exceptionally written. It is fictionalized in areas but it's all based on true events and interviews etc.
One of the most compelling parts of this book for me were the interviews with the psychiatrist and the psychiatrist notes about Katherine because I always want to be on the side of a woman and I genuinely believe that mental illness plays a huge role the violence perpetuated by women as well as sexual assault and trauma etc. I expected to develop a smidge or so of empathy for her but I did not. All as the story goes on you just realized that maybe there are true evil people in the world and Katherine Knight is one of them.
Another part of this book that was equally frustrating and interesting were all of Katherine's past partners and how she repeatedly assaulted them physically even going so far is to stab them yet none of them reported her to the police. That has a lot to do with you know living in a patriarchal society and believing that women are not capable of violence against men like this but it's just such a phenomenon to study how far men are willing to go to protect their own masculinity instead of their own literal livelihood. This is in no way me blaming a victim just simply stating when someone doesn't feel secure and reporting violence, the violence will only continue.
If you like true crime or criminal shows and can handle some serious gore I definitely recommend this book. It is horrifyingly fascinating.
July 1, 2026
Got to love women who snap. The Butcher of Aberdeen tells the story of Katherine Knight, who stabs her partner 37 times and mutilates his body before serving slices of his body to his children for dinner.
I loved it. By telling the story of Knights childhood trauma and how desperate she was to be loved, it humanized her before the telling of her crime. The fact that she spends years learning the art of butchering, sexually manipulating those around her, and exhibiting emotional turmoil all makes the reader focus on every little detail trying to figure out when she’s going to snap. Every person seems to have a “well, maybe she’ll change and it won’t be so bad THIS TIME” attitude when it comes to her and then finally it was.
I know this is a well known story for some people but not knowing any of this previously was exhilarating. The whole thing is deeply disturbing and does contain quite a large number of trigger warnings so please be mindful of those.
The Butcher of Aberdeen was published June 30, 2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and the publisher.
I loved it. By telling the story of Knights childhood trauma and how desperate she was to be loved, it humanized her before the telling of her crime. The fact that she spends years learning the art of butchering, sexually manipulating those around her, and exhibiting emotional turmoil all makes the reader focus on every little detail trying to figure out when she’s going to snap. Every person seems to have a “well, maybe she’ll change and it won’t be so bad THIS TIME” attitude when it comes to her and then finally it was.
I know this is a well known story for some people but not knowing any of this previously was exhilarating. The whole thing is deeply disturbing and does contain quite a large number of trigger warnings so please be mindful of those.
The Butcher of Aberdeen was published June 30, 2026 and I received an advanced copy from Netgalley and the publisher.
July 6, 2026
I went into this one thinking I knew the Katherine Knight case. I didn’t.
This book doesn’t just rehash the headlines. It walks you through how someone gets to that level of violence, and honestly, that’s the part that got under my skin the most. It’s disturbing because you can see the escalation happening over years, even though the ending is almost beyond comprehension.
It’s definitely graphic, so if you’re squeamish, skip this one. But if you’re like me and you’re fascinated by the psychology behind true crime more than the gore itself, it’s worth the read. I found myself thinking less about the crime and more about how many chances there were for things to go differently.
One thing I will say is that I wish the writing had been a little tighter in places, but the story itself is so unbelievable that it kept me turning the pages anyway.
This is one of those books that leaves you staring at the wall for a minute after you finish. Australia has had some infamous killers, but Katherine Knight’s case is in a league of its own.
This book doesn’t just rehash the headlines. It walks you through how someone gets to that level of violence, and honestly, that’s the part that got under my skin the most. It’s disturbing because you can see the escalation happening over years, even though the ending is almost beyond comprehension.
It’s definitely graphic, so if you’re squeamish, skip this one. But if you’re like me and you’re fascinated by the psychology behind true crime more than the gore itself, it’s worth the read. I found myself thinking less about the crime and more about how many chances there were for things to go differently.
One thing I will say is that I wish the writing had been a little tighter in places, but the story itself is so unbelievable that it kept me turning the pages anyway.
This is one of those books that leaves you staring at the wall for a minute after you finish. Australia has had some infamous killers, but Katherine Knight’s case is in a league of its own.
July 16, 2026
4/5 stars.
Honestly I struggle reviewing this because I’ve always had my thoughts on Katherine Knight. She is definitely one of the more gruesome cases in true crime I’ve heard.
One can argue nature vs. nurture in cases like these— Katherine was raised in an abusive household and didn’t have the parental figures a child deserved. She was exposed to such violence so young, it was what she knew and ingrained in her. Such a volatile childhood does not excuse what she ended up doing. Many people have a similar or worse upbringing and don’t commit the gruesome crime she did against John Price.
This book explained a lot more about her early life and how that may have contributed to what psychological problems were created and why she had the mentality she did while also not excusing her behavior and crime. Katherine was failed as a child, but ultimately she knowingly committed her crime and is serving the time she deserves. John cannot be blamed for “going back to her” at all. If it wasn’t John, someone else would’ve been her victim.
Honestly I struggle reviewing this because I’ve always had my thoughts on Katherine Knight. She is definitely one of the more gruesome cases in true crime I’ve heard.
One can argue nature vs. nurture in cases like these— Katherine was raised in an abusive household and didn’t have the parental figures a child deserved. She was exposed to such violence so young, it was what she knew and ingrained in her. Such a volatile childhood does not excuse what she ended up doing. Many people have a similar or worse upbringing and don’t commit the gruesome crime she did against John Price.
This book explained a lot more about her early life and how that may have contributed to what psychological problems were created and why she had the mentality she did while also not excusing her behavior and crime. Katherine was failed as a child, but ultimately she knowingly committed her crime and is serving the time she deserves. John cannot be blamed for “going back to her” at all. If it wasn’t John, someone else would’ve been her victim.
August 24, 2026
3.5 stars***
This was so interesting - I’ve never heard of Katherine Knight!
Her manipulation in relationships and the use of sex as power is wild and lowkey fierce. Also, insane butchering of the fiancé.
Only wasn’t a higher rating because I think I’m just not a fan of narrative non-fiction.
This was so interesting - I’ve never heard of Katherine Knight!
Her manipulation in relationships and the use of sex as power is wild and lowkey fierce. Also, insane butchering of the fiancé.
Only wasn’t a higher rating because I think I’m just not a fan of narrative non-fiction.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I knew this case was infamous, but absolutely nothing prepared me for hearing it narrated while I was innocently folding laundry. One minute I'm matching socks, the next I'm standing perfectly still thinking... "I'm sorry, she did WHAT?" Laundry never recovered. Neither did I.
What kept pulling me in wasn't even the crime itself. It was how every single person around Katherine seemed to look at the latest horrifying thing she'd done and collectively decide, "Well... maybe this time it'll be different." Ma'am had enough warning signs to open her own highway department. Violent outbursts. Threats. Assaults. Relationships exploding one after another. Yet somehow another man would wander into the story thinking, "I can fix her." Sir. Respectfully. No, you cannot.
The audiobook really worked for me because Katherine Littrell tells the story with exactly the right amount of restraint. She never sounded like she was trying to sensationalize what happened, which honestly made it even creepier. The quieter the narration stayed, the more my brain filled in the horror on its own, and that was somehow worse. I ended up listening for way longer than I planned because every chapter answered one question and immediately handed me three worse ones.
What hit hardest wasn't the crime scene everybody knows. It was everything leading up to it. This wasn't somebody who woke up one random Tuesday and became violent. You keep watching years of abuse, manipulation, rage, control, and escalating behavior stack on top of each other until you're practically begging somebody, anybody, to intervene before another life gets destroyed. And over and over again... nobody really does.
That doesn't make what she did any less monstrous. If anything, it makes the whole story sadder. There are moments where you can see how deeply broken this woman was long before she became a household name, and then five minutes later she'd do something so unbelievably cruel that any sympathy you'd managed to build packed its bags and left. It's a deeply uncomfortable place to sit as a listener, and I think that's exactly where this story belongs.
I also liked that this wasn't simply a parade of gruesome details. Yes, the crime is horrific. Yes, there are moments that made me physically pause the audiobook and stare into space for a second. But I never felt like the violence was there just to shock me. I walked away thinking just as much about John Price and everyone else whose lives were swallowed up by Katherine's choices as I did about Katherine herself, and I appreciated that balance.
By the end I wasn't scared in the horror movie sense. I was unsettled in the "this actually happened" sense. That's always the kind of true crime that lingers with me the longest. The monsters aren't hiding under the bed. They're making dinner, going to work, arguing with their partners, and convincing everyone around them that things aren't really that bad until suddenly they're unimaginably worse.
This ended up being a 3.5-star listen for me. It's gripping, incredibly disturbing, and one of those audiobooks that makes you sit in silence for a minute before deciding whether you're emotionally ready to hear another human voice.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Say "Absolutely Not" Out Loud More Times Than Any Other True Crime Book This Year
Huge thanks to RBmedia and NetGalley for the ALC. Next time you hand me an audiobook this horrifying, please include complimentary therapy, a weighted blanket, and maybe a note reminding me not to start it right before bed.
What kept pulling me in wasn't even the crime itself. It was how every single person around Katherine seemed to look at the latest horrifying thing she'd done and collectively decide, "Well... maybe this time it'll be different." Ma'am had enough warning signs to open her own highway department. Violent outbursts. Threats. Assaults. Relationships exploding one after another. Yet somehow another man would wander into the story thinking, "I can fix her." Sir. Respectfully. No, you cannot.
The audiobook really worked for me because Katherine Littrell tells the story with exactly the right amount of restraint. She never sounded like she was trying to sensationalize what happened, which honestly made it even creepier. The quieter the narration stayed, the more my brain filled in the horror on its own, and that was somehow worse. I ended up listening for way longer than I planned because every chapter answered one question and immediately handed me three worse ones.
What hit hardest wasn't the crime scene everybody knows. It was everything leading up to it. This wasn't somebody who woke up one random Tuesday and became violent. You keep watching years of abuse, manipulation, rage, control, and escalating behavior stack on top of each other until you're practically begging somebody, anybody, to intervene before another life gets destroyed. And over and over again... nobody really does.
That doesn't make what she did any less monstrous. If anything, it makes the whole story sadder. There are moments where you can see how deeply broken this woman was long before she became a household name, and then five minutes later she'd do something so unbelievably cruel that any sympathy you'd managed to build packed its bags and left. It's a deeply uncomfortable place to sit as a listener, and I think that's exactly where this story belongs.
I also liked that this wasn't simply a parade of gruesome details. Yes, the crime is horrific. Yes, there are moments that made me physically pause the audiobook and stare into space for a second. But I never felt like the violence was there just to shock me. I walked away thinking just as much about John Price and everyone else whose lives were swallowed up by Katherine's choices as I did about Katherine herself, and I appreciated that balance.
By the end I wasn't scared in the horror movie sense. I was unsettled in the "this actually happened" sense. That's always the kind of true crime that lingers with me the longest. The monsters aren't hiding under the bed. They're making dinner, going to work, arguing with their partners, and convincing everyone around them that things aren't really that bad until suddenly they're unimaginably worse.
This ended up being a 3.5-star listen for me. It's gripping, incredibly disturbing, and one of those audiobooks that makes you sit in silence for a minute before deciding whether you're emotionally ready to hear another human voice.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Say "Absolutely Not" Out Loud More Times Than Any Other True Crime Book This Year
Huge thanks to RBmedia and NetGalley for the ALC. Next time you hand me an audiobook this horrifying, please include complimentary therapy, a weighted blanket, and maybe a note reminding me not to start it right before bed.
June 29, 2026
Ok. I actually have so many thoughts but I honestly don’t know how to put it into words. The fact that this actually happened is wild and the more I sit on it the more I can’t believe this is real life.
First, the book. I listened to the audiobook and thought it was done really well. The book is written like a story so it’s easy to follow, rather than a true crime “here are the facts” book it’s explained in a way that you’re reading a story.
*SUMMED UP* at the beginning it states- Everything that happened, happened. Dramatized account of a true story- comments were drawn by public records. All major events are real and supported by documents however there are gaps in the records, gaps that are the unspoken moments, the scenes aren’t just made up they are ground from documented patterns of behaviour and psychiatric analyzes. Dialogue through out the book blends direct quotations through transcripts. Narrative non fiction- it’s not fantasy though it’s not exact fact in places.
So while you follow a story that is somewhat fiction, this is a very real thing that happened and I found the author did a very good job to keep you engaged and explaining everything that I feel like at the end I don’t need to do a deep dive into it because she pretty much covered everything. From her life as an adult and her past traumas as an adolescent, things were all included.
Now.. do I spend the time trying to dive into the heart of the book? I have no idea where to even start. I have so many feelings but I’m trying to keep this to the book and not on the event itself. Reading this was a hard read. I have no problem reading heavy/dark matters but it’s a whole different beast when it actually happened. It’s so much easier to stomach when you know it’s fiction.
There were SO many signs that Katherine was unwell and SO many reasons that she should have been reprimanded long before she killed John. It was difficult to read just how many times she got away with disgusting acts and that there were so many times that John could have been saved if someone just did SOMETHING about it. And she didn’t only kill him, what she did was inhumane, disgusting and honestly unfathomable. The empath in me can try to sympathize with her with everything she did leading up to her killing. The trauma that she endured as a child is something no child should go through and of course that’s going to cause mental health issues but there is absolutely NOTHING that can excuse her behaviour and her actions of the literal butchering of John Price. The fact that she tried to appeal in 2006 shocked me. I wasn’t expecting that at the end. Her saying “what she did postmortem shouldn’t have been considered in her sentencing” LIKE WHAT. The fact that lawyers can even stand up there and try to fight for someone like that makes me ill.
I feel like I could go on and on about my feelings and opinions but that’s not on the book, that’s on Katherine so I’m gonna leave it here. I totally recommend this book if you like true crime but want more of a story out of it!
Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
First, the book. I listened to the audiobook and thought it was done really well. The book is written like a story so it’s easy to follow, rather than a true crime “here are the facts” book it’s explained in a way that you’re reading a story.
*SUMMED UP* at the beginning it states- Everything that happened, happened. Dramatized account of a true story- comments were drawn by public records. All major events are real and supported by documents however there are gaps in the records, gaps that are the unspoken moments, the scenes aren’t just made up they are ground from documented patterns of behaviour and psychiatric analyzes. Dialogue through out the book blends direct quotations through transcripts. Narrative non fiction- it’s not fantasy though it’s not exact fact in places.
So while you follow a story that is somewhat fiction, this is a very real thing that happened and I found the author did a very good job to keep you engaged and explaining everything that I feel like at the end I don’t need to do a deep dive into it because she pretty much covered everything. From her life as an adult and her past traumas as an adolescent, things were all included.
Now.. do I spend the time trying to dive into the heart of the book? I have no idea where to even start. I have so many feelings but I’m trying to keep this to the book and not on the event itself. Reading this was a hard read. I have no problem reading heavy/dark matters but it’s a whole different beast when it actually happened. It’s so much easier to stomach when you know it’s fiction.
There were SO many signs that Katherine was unwell and SO many reasons that she should have been reprimanded long before she killed John. It was difficult to read just how many times she got away with disgusting acts and that there were so many times that John could have been saved if someone just did SOMETHING about it. And she didn’t only kill him, what she did was inhumane, disgusting and honestly unfathomable. The empath in me can try to sympathize with her with everything she did leading up to her killing. The trauma that she endured as a child is something no child should go through and of course that’s going to cause mental health issues but there is absolutely NOTHING that can excuse her behaviour and her actions of the literal butchering of John Price. The fact that she tried to appeal in 2006 shocked me. I wasn’t expecting that at the end. Her saying “what she did postmortem shouldn’t have been considered in her sentencing” LIKE WHAT. The fact that lawyers can even stand up there and try to fight for someone like that makes me ill.
I feel like I could go on and on about my feelings and opinions but that’s not on the book, that’s on Katherine so I’m gonna leave it here. I totally recommend this book if you like true crime but want more of a story out of it!
Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
June 28, 2026
😳🔪🖤 Horrifying, Haunting, and Exceptionally Researched
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of those books that’s difficult to rate—not because it isn’t well written, but because the subject matter is so horrific. The Butcher of Aberdeen is a fictionalized retelling of a real murder case from Australia in the late 1990s, using documented evidence while thoughtfully filling in the gaps where no one can truly know what happened. The result is a story that feels disturbingly authentic from beginning to end.
Be prepared before you start this audiobook because it does not ease you in. The opening chapter immediately throws you into graphic descriptions of dismemberment, and the level of detail never really lets up. This isn’t violence for shock value—it reflects the brutality of the actual crimes—but it is some of the most graphic true crime fiction I’ve read. There are scenes involving extreme violence, abuse, animal cruelty, murder, sexual violence, and coercive control that genuinely made me pause the audiobook just to process what I’d heard. I physically shuddered more than once.
The narration was outstanding and perfectly suited to the material. The Australian accents felt authentic, the pacing never dragged, and despite the heavy backstory, I finished the audiobook in less than two days because I needed to understand how everything unfolded. Since it’s based on a real case, there aren’t traditional twists, but the storytelling kept me completely engaged. What stayed with me most, though, was the portrayal of abuse. It’s easy to wonder why someone didn’t just leave when you’re looking from the outside, but this book reminds readers that trauma changes the way people think, react, and survive.
I’m giving this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️—not because I “enjoyed” the events, but because the author accomplished exactly what she set out to do. The research, narration, pacing, and emotional impact were all exceptional. Just know exactly what you’re signing up for before pressing play.
Who should read/listen?
True crime readers and horror fans who appreciate meticulously researched stories and can handle extremely graphic depictions of real-world violence. If explicit descriptions of murder, dismemberment, abuse, sexual violence, or animal cruelty are triggering for you, I would skip this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of those books that’s difficult to rate—not because it isn’t well written, but because the subject matter is so horrific. The Butcher of Aberdeen is a fictionalized retelling of a real murder case from Australia in the late 1990s, using documented evidence while thoughtfully filling in the gaps where no one can truly know what happened. The result is a story that feels disturbingly authentic from beginning to end.
Be prepared before you start this audiobook because it does not ease you in. The opening chapter immediately throws you into graphic descriptions of dismemberment, and the level of detail never really lets up. This isn’t violence for shock value—it reflects the brutality of the actual crimes—but it is some of the most graphic true crime fiction I’ve read. There are scenes involving extreme violence, abuse, animal cruelty, murder, sexual violence, and coercive control that genuinely made me pause the audiobook just to process what I’d heard. I physically shuddered more than once.
The narration was outstanding and perfectly suited to the material. The Australian accents felt authentic, the pacing never dragged, and despite the heavy backstory, I finished the audiobook in less than two days because I needed to understand how everything unfolded. Since it’s based on a real case, there aren’t traditional twists, but the storytelling kept me completely engaged. What stayed with me most, though, was the portrayal of abuse. It’s easy to wonder why someone didn’t just leave when you’re looking from the outside, but this book reminds readers that trauma changes the way people think, react, and survive.
I’m giving this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️—not because I “enjoyed” the events, but because the author accomplished exactly what she set out to do. The research, narration, pacing, and emotional impact were all exceptional. Just know exactly what you’re signing up for before pressing play.
Who should read/listen?
True crime readers and horror fans who appreciate meticulously researched stories and can handle extremely graphic depictions of real-world violence. If explicit descriptions of murder, dismemberment, abuse, sexual violence, or animal cruelty are triggering for you, I would skip this one.
August 3, 2026
Jul 2026
A good mother can also be a terrible partner.
Katherine Knight is a complex woman, to say the least. She is intriguing, while her actions are inexcusable. The Butcher of Aberdeen chronicles much of her life, examining her turbulent upbringing- and the effect it had on her- and her time carving at a meat factory, as well as her consistently fraught relationships with men, leading to a fatal end for one.
‘She had no interest in how much it hurt him, just the satisfaction of the blow.’ 55%
It would be true to state that there is seldom a ‘right’ time to explore a story: when all of the information has been gathered, when general interest is present, when sensitivity can be appropriately prodded. Yet, even twenty-five years later, it still feels like it might be too early to delve into this case- solely for the first reason mentioned; Knight has offered little of her own perspective.
Perhaps Knight’s refusal to discuss her story has and will continue to hinder this, but the book lacks enough grounded data. This book truly runs with its ‘narrative non-fiction’ format; it loves to suggest chats and thoughts, to the extent that the audiobook frequently plays more like a radio drama.
This is notably frustrating in the period just prior to John Price’s murder. While it is certainly possible to ascertain (for example) the order of events, the severity of the blows required and the journey taken through the house, it’s impossible to know precisely what he considered in the few hours beforehand, or to comprehend his emotions, beyond educated conjecture. It breaks the illusion which the writing endeavours to build, aiming to present the information as a thriller, but it fails to do so compellingly.
While there isn’t a wide range in vocal intonation, especially for distinguishing between the characters, the cast is small enough that this is not an issue. Littrell has a distinct Australian lilt, which she uses to effect to suit the context. Whether part of the narration, the Australian voice or the book’s written syntax is hard to confirm, but there are frequent points of grammatical inaccuracy throughout. This doesn’t detract from the narrative, but it is a shame not to better represent Augustin’s work.
This is an unsettling story of one woman’s struggles as well as her power over others.
A good mother can also be a terrible partner.
Katherine Knight is a complex woman, to say the least. She is intriguing, while her actions are inexcusable. The Butcher of Aberdeen chronicles much of her life, examining her turbulent upbringing- and the effect it had on her- and her time carving at a meat factory, as well as her consistently fraught relationships with men, leading to a fatal end for one.
‘She had no interest in how much it hurt him, just the satisfaction of the blow.’ 55%
It would be true to state that there is seldom a ‘right’ time to explore a story: when all of the information has been gathered, when general interest is present, when sensitivity can be appropriately prodded. Yet, even twenty-five years later, it still feels like it might be too early to delve into this case- solely for the first reason mentioned; Knight has offered little of her own perspective.
Perhaps Knight’s refusal to discuss her story has and will continue to hinder this, but the book lacks enough grounded data. This book truly runs with its ‘narrative non-fiction’ format; it loves to suggest chats and thoughts, to the extent that the audiobook frequently plays more like a radio drama.
This is notably frustrating in the period just prior to John Price’s murder. While it is certainly possible to ascertain (for example) the order of events, the severity of the blows required and the journey taken through the house, it’s impossible to know precisely what he considered in the few hours beforehand, or to comprehend his emotions, beyond educated conjecture. It breaks the illusion which the writing endeavours to build, aiming to present the information as a thriller, but it fails to do so compellingly.
While there isn’t a wide range in vocal intonation, especially for distinguishing between the characters, the cast is small enough that this is not an issue. Littrell has a distinct Australian lilt, which she uses to effect to suit the context. Whether part of the narration, the Australian voice or the book’s written syntax is hard to confirm, but there are frequent points of grammatical inaccuracy throughout. This doesn’t detract from the narrative, but it is a shame not to better represent Augustin’s work.
This is an unsettling story of one woman’s struggles as well as her power over others.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Butcher of Aberdeen by Rojé Augustin | Pub Date: 30 June 2026 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
The Butcher of Aberdeen is a deeply unsettling yet compelling exploration of one of Australia’s most infamous true crime cases. Rojé Augustin delivers a narrative that is both chilling in its detail and thought-provoking in its psychological depth, offering far more than a surface-level recounting of events.
What stands out most in this book is its unflinching examination of Katherine Knight’s life. Rather than focusing solely on the brutality of the crime, Augustin carefully traces the trajectory that led to it—childhood trauma, cycles of abuse, and the gradual erosion of emotional stability. This approach creates a portrait that is as disturbing as it is tragic, forcing the reader to confront the uncomfortable intersection between victimhood and culpability.
The writing strikes a deliberate balance between factual recount and psychological analysis. While the details of the crime are undeniably graphic and not for the faint-hearted, they are presented with purpose rather than sensationalism. The narrative consistently returns to the underlying question of accountability, control, and the long-term consequences of unresolved trauma.
At times, the intensity of the subject matter can feel overwhelming, but this is also where the book’s strength lies. It does not attempt to soften or distance the reader from the reality of the events. Instead, it immerses you fully, creating a reading experience that is both gripping and deeply unsettling.
This is not an easy read, nor is it meant to be. It is a stark, often disturbing examination of the darkest aspects of human behaviour, handled with a level of care and insight that elevates it beyond standard true crime. For readers interested in the psychological underpinnings of violent crime, this is a powerful and memorable account that lingers long after the final page.
The Butcher of Aberdeen is a deeply unsettling yet compelling exploration of one of Australia’s most infamous true crime cases. Rojé Augustin delivers a narrative that is both chilling in its detail and thought-provoking in its psychological depth, offering far more than a surface-level recounting of events.
What stands out most in this book is its unflinching examination of Katherine Knight’s life. Rather than focusing solely on the brutality of the crime, Augustin carefully traces the trajectory that led to it—childhood trauma, cycles of abuse, and the gradual erosion of emotional stability. This approach creates a portrait that is as disturbing as it is tragic, forcing the reader to confront the uncomfortable intersection between victimhood and culpability.
The writing strikes a deliberate balance between factual recount and psychological analysis. While the details of the crime are undeniably graphic and not for the faint-hearted, they are presented with purpose rather than sensationalism. The narrative consistently returns to the underlying question of accountability, control, and the long-term consequences of unresolved trauma.
At times, the intensity of the subject matter can feel overwhelming, but this is also where the book’s strength lies. It does not attempt to soften or distance the reader from the reality of the events. Instead, it immerses you fully, creating a reading experience that is both gripping and deeply unsettling.
This is not an easy read, nor is it meant to be. It is a stark, often disturbing examination of the darkest aspects of human behaviour, handled with a level of care and insight that elevates it beyond standard true crime. For readers interested in the psychological underpinnings of violent crime, this is a powerful and memorable account that lingers long after the final page.
July 4, 2026
This book, the author writes, is a dramatised account of a true story and is based on extensive research. The author’s note at the beginning of the book sets out how Ms Augustin approached what she calls ‘narrative nonfiction’. Ms Augustin’s objective was not to sensationalise the violence, but to try to explain what led to it.
I remember this case: Katherine Knight’s murder of John Price in Aberdeen, New South Wales on the night of 29 February 2000. She stabbed Price 37 times, skinned him, and cooked his flesh with vegetables, intending to feed his remains to his children. An horrific crime.
Ms Augustin sets out Katherine Knight’s background, her dysfunctional upbringing, her ‘dream’ job in the local abattoir where she developed the professional skills as a meatworker which she employed to such devastating effect in dismembering John Price.
The picture painted of Katherine Knight is of a woman so terrified of abandonment that her need for control becomes overwhelming. She was manipulative and violent in her personal relationships with men: John Price may have been the only man she murdered but he was not the only man she assaulted.
I agree with Justice O’Keefe:
‘The court’s duty is to impose a sentence that protects society and delivers justice for the victim and his family. Mercy, in this case, is not warranted.’
‘The only appropriate penalty for the prisoner is life imprisonment, and that parole should never be considered for her. The prisoner should never be released.’
I finished the book. While I appreciate Ms Augustin’s research into Katherine Knight’s background and the factors that shaped her, I am pleased that she will never be released from prison. In 2006 Katherine Knight appealed against her sentence. The appeal was dismissed.
Note: My thanks to Post Hill Press for sending me a copy of this book.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
I remember this case: Katherine Knight’s murder of John Price in Aberdeen, New South Wales on the night of 29 February 2000. She stabbed Price 37 times, skinned him, and cooked his flesh with vegetables, intending to feed his remains to his children. An horrific crime.
Ms Augustin sets out Katherine Knight’s background, her dysfunctional upbringing, her ‘dream’ job in the local abattoir where she developed the professional skills as a meatworker which she employed to such devastating effect in dismembering John Price.
The picture painted of Katherine Knight is of a woman so terrified of abandonment that her need for control becomes overwhelming. She was manipulative and violent in her personal relationships with men: John Price may have been the only man she murdered but he was not the only man she assaulted.
I agree with Justice O’Keefe:
‘The court’s duty is to impose a sentence that protects society and delivers justice for the victim and his family. Mercy, in this case, is not warranted.’
‘The only appropriate penalty for the prisoner is life imprisonment, and that parole should never be considered for her. The prisoner should never be released.’
I finished the book. While I appreciate Ms Augustin’s research into Katherine Knight’s background and the factors that shaped her, I am pleased that she will never be released from prison. In 2006 Katherine Knight appealed against her sentence. The appeal was dismissed.
Note: My thanks to Post Hill Press for sending me a copy of this book.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
July 9, 2026
“Control is everything when it comes to your knife… long clean strokes. Remember you’re drawing, not stabbing.”
The Butcher of Aberdeen by Rojé Augustin, and narrated by Katherine Littrell, was a 4star true crime, narrative nonfiction for me. Before this book, I was completely unfamiliar with the tale of Katherine Knight- but who wouldn’t want to grab a story promising sex, murder, and madness?! Katherine, who had a very troubled upbringing, eventually snaps and kills her husband. She doesn’t stop there though- she dismembers him and prepares to serve him to his children for dinner.
This entire series of events is beyond disturbing, and Augustin does a really thorough job painting the picture of an increasingly erratic and violent woman. The manner in which Knight’s actions are presented to us create a very unsettling vibe; aside from being straight up disturbing, I think part of this can be attributed to that, in general, we’re used to MEN being the repeat violent offenders and coercing their partners back. There were a few points where it felt a bit repetitive- we kinda see her doing things over and over… but that IS what actually happened. So that kind of almost monotony of her actions somehow makes everything feel eerier.
The narration was really nice and easy to listen to even though the content itself was gruesome. As I was not previously familiar with the case, I can’t vouch for how well-researched this actually was, or for the extent of the dramatization. But it was like a really unique blend of fiction (in terms of inner dialogue) and true crime (based off the interviews and documents and actual events).
I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a dark narrative hybrid of their favorite true crime podcast— especially if you’ve never heard of this case!
The Butcher of Aberdeen by Rojé Augustin, and narrated by Katherine Littrell, was a 4star true crime, narrative nonfiction for me. Before this book, I was completely unfamiliar with the tale of Katherine Knight- but who wouldn’t want to grab a story promising sex, murder, and madness?! Katherine, who had a very troubled upbringing, eventually snaps and kills her husband. She doesn’t stop there though- she dismembers him and prepares to serve him to his children for dinner.
This entire series of events is beyond disturbing, and Augustin does a really thorough job painting the picture of an increasingly erratic and violent woman. The manner in which Knight’s actions are presented to us create a very unsettling vibe; aside from being straight up disturbing, I think part of this can be attributed to that, in general, we’re used to MEN being the repeat violent offenders and coercing their partners back. There were a few points where it felt a bit repetitive- we kinda see her doing things over and over… but that IS what actually happened. So that kind of almost monotony of her actions somehow makes everything feel eerier.
The narration was really nice and easy to listen to even though the content itself was gruesome. As I was not previously familiar with the case, I can’t vouch for how well-researched this actually was, or for the extent of the dramatization. But it was like a really unique blend of fiction (in terms of inner dialogue) and true crime (based off the interviews and documents and actual events).
I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a dark narrative hybrid of their favorite true crime podcast— especially if you’ve never heard of this case!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reading copy of this book.
The Butcher of Aberdeen was a book I went into without much preparation. I knew it was a true crime account of a brutal murder in the year 2000. What peaked my interest was that it was carried out by a female against her male domestic partner.
The book starts with the account of what the police find when they walk into the house after the crime takes place - brutal in its imagery. What I needed to remember is that this part actually WAS a true account. He was cut, he was flayed, he was decapitated...the horror continued. It was NOT from someone's imagination and straight into a pile of fiction.
Augustin seamlessly unravels the years that lead up to that night by patching together interviews with friends, investigators, and public records and uses the prison therapy sessions to periodically to underline certain events.
Katherine Knight used her femininity as a method of control, and it is presented as part of the abusive cycle. She would have explosive relationships - each on more jealous and violent than the last. Domestic violence usually presents with the female as the victim; in Katherine's case, she physically assaulted her romantic partners then used sex as a representation of love and comfort to win them back. Every one of them went back after the cuts and bruises and scratches and stabbings - yes, stabbings.
Out of necessity, this is a fictionalized retelling to an extent - we don't know what John Price thought. We don't even know Katherine's inner thoughts because she has refused to speak about the events since then. The author shares this part of Australia's history without the sensationalism that I was expecting. It was masterfully presented.
The Butcher of Aberdeen was a book I went into without much preparation. I knew it was a true crime account of a brutal murder in the year 2000. What peaked my interest was that it was carried out by a female against her male domestic partner.
The book starts with the account of what the police find when they walk into the house after the crime takes place - brutal in its imagery. What I needed to remember is that this part actually WAS a true account. He was cut, he was flayed, he was decapitated...the horror continued. It was NOT from someone's imagination and straight into a pile of fiction.
Augustin seamlessly unravels the years that lead up to that night by patching together interviews with friends, investigators, and public records and uses the prison therapy sessions to periodically to underline certain events.
Katherine Knight used her femininity as a method of control, and it is presented as part of the abusive cycle. She would have explosive relationships - each on more jealous and violent than the last. Domestic violence usually presents with the female as the victim; in Katherine's case, she physically assaulted her romantic partners then used sex as a representation of love and comfort to win them back. Every one of them went back after the cuts and bruises and scratches and stabbings - yes, stabbings.
Out of necessity, this is a fictionalized retelling to an extent - we don't know what John Price thought. We don't even know Katherine's inner thoughts because she has refused to speak about the events since then. The author shares this part of Australia's history without the sensationalism that I was expecting. It was masterfully presented.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to netgalley for the opportunity to read this as an advanced copy.
This book has descriptions of graphic violence. This is not a case for the squeamish, the details are horrific and there is just no escaping that. However I think it really does the case justice.
This is a docudrama style narrative of a true crime case from Aberdeen, Australia. The style of the narrative really allows the victim - John Price - to have much more of a presence in the story than in other books and in tv shows on the same case I have read/seen previously. The inclusion of part of the speeches from his funeral at the end really brings home who this book should be about.
The interspacing of flashbacks with the sections in the psychiatric unit really help this story be told well. It reminds us that the only person who can tell us what really happened at times is the killer, and she is the definition of an unreliable narrator as she is clearly trying to avoid taking responsibility. It also shows the pattern of behavior from her and makes the crime and almost inevitable escalation that people should have seen coming.
The book seems well researched - based on some of the insight into the inner thoughts of the law enforcement involved for example, I suspect the author has close ties to law enforcement or has spoken in depth with someone who has. Despite the book telling the story of the killer, they constantly bring things back to the other people who are affected by her behavior, not limited to her ultimate victim.
I'll be looking forward to this book being in physical copy. I feel like it needs to be one on my shelf full of post its and notes in the margin.
This book has descriptions of graphic violence. This is not a case for the squeamish, the details are horrific and there is just no escaping that. However I think it really does the case justice.
This is a docudrama style narrative of a true crime case from Aberdeen, Australia. The style of the narrative really allows the victim - John Price - to have much more of a presence in the story than in other books and in tv shows on the same case I have read/seen previously. The inclusion of part of the speeches from his funeral at the end really brings home who this book should be about.
The interspacing of flashbacks with the sections in the psychiatric unit really help this story be told well. It reminds us that the only person who can tell us what really happened at times is the killer, and she is the definition of an unreliable narrator as she is clearly trying to avoid taking responsibility. It also shows the pattern of behavior from her and makes the crime and almost inevitable escalation that people should have seen coming.
The book seems well researched - based on some of the insight into the inner thoughts of the law enforcement involved for example, I suspect the author has close ties to law enforcement or has spoken in depth with someone who has. Despite the book telling the story of the killer, they constantly bring things back to the other people who are affected by her behavior, not limited to her ultimate victim.
I'll be looking forward to this book being in physical copy. I feel like it needs to be one on my shelf full of post its and notes in the margin.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As described by the author, this is a “narrative nonfiction” book telling the unsettling story of a grizzly premeditated murder and supporting the need to highlight violence against men perpetrated by women. The statistics show that this is more frequent than violence against women by men: 28.3% vs 21.6% (Wikipedia).
This is a harrowing read. We are given a story of a very disturbed woman whose dislike of men grounded in her childhood but her immense desire to be appreciated drove her to kill her latest lover and then chillingly hack his body up as if he were a piece of meat - she had worked in a meat packing plant at one time.
The author centers the case around court and public records. While she didn’t interview anyone - the murderer sentenced to life in prison in Australia, refused interviews - the records themselves reveal a very disturbed person and an act so vile it’s hard to phantom the why of it. The speculative psychiatric interviews give some insight to the psychological elements of the murderer.
When I was finished reading I was haunted by this story. I never think of how women may be the perpetrators of violence. I think we are so conditioned by societal norms that say men are the stronger sex that we fail to understand there are women out there equally as violent as men. This is important and why this book has importance.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Post Hill Press for allowing me access to this ARC.
This is a harrowing read. We are given a story of a very disturbed woman whose dislike of men grounded in her childhood but her immense desire to be appreciated drove her to kill her latest lover and then chillingly hack his body up as if he were a piece of meat - she had worked in a meat packing plant at one time.
The author centers the case around court and public records. While she didn’t interview anyone - the murderer sentenced to life in prison in Australia, refused interviews - the records themselves reveal a very disturbed person and an act so vile it’s hard to phantom the why of it. The speculative psychiatric interviews give some insight to the psychological elements of the murderer.
When I was finished reading I was haunted by this story. I never think of how women may be the perpetrators of violence. I think we are so conditioned by societal norms that say men are the stronger sex that we fail to understand there are women out there equally as violent as men. This is important and why this book has importance.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Post Hill Press for allowing me access to this ARC.
July 6, 2026
4.5 stars
★★★★☆
I went into this audiobook knowing absolutely nothing about Katherine Knight, and I’m glad I did. The story was shocking from beginning to end. While I’d heard her name before, I had no idea about the horrific murder of John Price or the astonishing lack of empathy and remorse Katherine Knight displayed throughout her life.
Katherine Littrell’s narration was excellent and kept me engaged throughout. She struck the right balance for a true crime audiobook, delivering the facts with clarity while allowing the gravity of the events to speak for themselves. I thought she was particularly good as Katherine when interviewed by the psychologist.
One aspect I found particularly compelling was the legal proceedings after the murder. I appreciated learning about how the court handled such an unprecedented case and the consideration given to jurors who would be exposed to deeply disturbing evidence. That perspective added another layer to the story beyond the crime itself.
For me, the level of detail was just right. I’m not particularly squeamish, so the graphic descriptions didn’t bother me, but I also appreciated that the author didn’t get bogged down in unnecessary minutiae. The narrative stayed focused and engaging without wandering into details that didn’t add to the story.
If you enjoy well-researched true crime with excellent narration, I’d definitely recommend picking this up in either audiobook or print.
★★★★☆
I went into this audiobook knowing absolutely nothing about Katherine Knight, and I’m glad I did. The story was shocking from beginning to end. While I’d heard her name before, I had no idea about the horrific murder of John Price or the astonishing lack of empathy and remorse Katherine Knight displayed throughout her life.
Katherine Littrell’s narration was excellent and kept me engaged throughout. She struck the right balance for a true crime audiobook, delivering the facts with clarity while allowing the gravity of the events to speak for themselves. I thought she was particularly good as Katherine when interviewed by the psychologist.
One aspect I found particularly compelling was the legal proceedings after the murder. I appreciated learning about how the court handled such an unprecedented case and the consideration given to jurors who would be exposed to deeply disturbing evidence. That perspective added another layer to the story beyond the crime itself.
For me, the level of detail was just right. I’m not particularly squeamish, so the graphic descriptions didn’t bother me, but I also appreciated that the author didn’t get bogged down in unnecessary minutiae. The narrative stayed focused and engaging without wandering into details that didn’t add to the story.
If you enjoy well-researched true crime with excellent narration, I’d definitely recommend picking this up in either audiobook or print.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Received an Advanced Reader Copy from Netgalley!!
📚 Finished Reading: The Butcher of Aberdeen
This was an eerie and deeply unsettling read from the very first page. Unlike a typical thriller, suspense novel, or crime story, The Butcher of Aberdeen is an exploration of the human mind—how trauma, obsession, distorted beliefs about love, and an overwhelming need for control can gradually lead someone into darkness.
The book examines the life of Katherine Knight, not to excuse her actions but to understand the chain of experiences and choices that culminated in one of Australia's most horrifying crimes. What makes the story especially chilling is that it wasn't an act of self-defence or a crime committed in the heat of the moment. It was deliberate, driven by revenge, obsession, and a deeply fractured psyche.
The author's focus on psychological analysis rather than sensationalism makes the narrative both fascinating and disturbing. As a reader, you're constantly confronted with uncomfortable questions about the long-term effects of childhood trauma, the nature of accountability, and how far a person can descend when their darkest impulses go unchecked.
The fact that these events actually happened makes the book all the more terrifying.
⭐ Rating: 4/5
A dark, thought-provoking true-crime account that explores the anatomy of madness rather than the mystery of a crime.
📚 Finished Reading: The Butcher of Aberdeen
This was an eerie and deeply unsettling read from the very first page. Unlike a typical thriller, suspense novel, or crime story, The Butcher of Aberdeen is an exploration of the human mind—how trauma, obsession, distorted beliefs about love, and an overwhelming need for control can gradually lead someone into darkness.
The book examines the life of Katherine Knight, not to excuse her actions but to understand the chain of experiences and choices that culminated in one of Australia's most horrifying crimes. What makes the story especially chilling is that it wasn't an act of self-defence or a crime committed in the heat of the moment. It was deliberate, driven by revenge, obsession, and a deeply fractured psyche.
The author's focus on psychological analysis rather than sensationalism makes the narrative both fascinating and disturbing. As a reader, you're constantly confronted with uncomfortable questions about the long-term effects of childhood trauma, the nature of accountability, and how far a person can descend when their darkest impulses go unchecked.
The fact that these events actually happened makes the book all the more terrifying.
⭐ Rating: 4/5
A dark, thought-provoking true-crime account that explores the anatomy of madness rather than the mystery of a crime.
June 2, 2026
For a true crime book this had many attributes. I didn’t know anything about this crime prior to reading. I appreciated the thorough background of each relationship, and the psychological examination, however the book is too “dry”. I don’t know how else to explain except it feels mechanical. I’m not sure if that is intentional on the author’s part.
Having the medical documentation/transcripts makes a book hit differently, as hearing the words from the perpetrator’s own mind causes the crime to be more real. I always like to get the background of the killer and the victim. I think this book misses an opportunity to get more info about Katherine’s early life though. Her mom told men in her life that she was “crazy” but we never get to know why she came to feel that way.
The book successfully explores the push and pull in Kathrine’s relationships and the endless cycles of anger, violence, and revenge against those she believed wronged her somehow. She did not discriminate in her plots, and nothing was off limits. It’s truly chilling to read what creative punishments her unwell mind devised.
Note: author mentions AVOs multiple times but doesn’t actually say what that stands for until halfway through the book which is abnormal when abbreviating. For American readers it’s helpful to know what that means early on.
Having the medical documentation/transcripts makes a book hit differently, as hearing the words from the perpetrator’s own mind causes the crime to be more real. I always like to get the background of the killer and the victim. I think this book misses an opportunity to get more info about Katherine’s early life though. Her mom told men in her life that she was “crazy” but we never get to know why she came to feel that way.
The book successfully explores the push and pull in Kathrine’s relationships and the endless cycles of anger, violence, and revenge against those she believed wronged her somehow. She did not discriminate in her plots, and nothing was off limits. It’s truly chilling to read what creative punishments her unwell mind devised.
Note: author mentions AVOs multiple times but doesn’t actually say what that stands for until halfway through the book which is abnormal when abbreviating. For American readers it’s helpful to know what that means early on.
July 2, 2026
ARC courtesy of NetGalley.
The Butcher of Aberdeen by Roje Augustin is an unusual blend of true crime and fiction that ultimately didn’t quite work for me.
While I appreciate strong character development and well-crafted relationships, I found the narrative surprisingly dry at times, almost clinical in its presentation. Much of the story is told through medical transcripts and case documentation, which creates an interesting perspective but also distances the reader from the emotional core of the novel.
Throughout the story, Katherine’s mother repeatedly warns that Katherine is “the crazy one,” yet the novel never fully explores how she reached that point. I kept expecting some pivotal childhood event or trauma that would explain her behaviour, but that depth never materialized. Likewise, although Katherine spends time in a psychiatric unit and receives medication, the story offers little insight into her diagnosis or mental health, leaving an important aspect of her character feeling incomplete.
My biggest challenge with the book was its identity. It isn’t quite true crime because of its fictional framework, yet it doesn’t fully succeed as fiction because it relies so heavily on true crime elements and documentary-style presentation. For me, those two approaches never fully meshed, making this an interesting concept but a sometimes difficult and emotionally distant read.
The Butcher of Aberdeen by Roje Augustin is an unusual blend of true crime and fiction that ultimately didn’t quite work for me.
While I appreciate strong character development and well-crafted relationships, I found the narrative surprisingly dry at times, almost clinical in its presentation. Much of the story is told through medical transcripts and case documentation, which creates an interesting perspective but also distances the reader from the emotional core of the novel.
Throughout the story, Katherine’s mother repeatedly warns that Katherine is “the crazy one,” yet the novel never fully explores how she reached that point. I kept expecting some pivotal childhood event or trauma that would explain her behaviour, but that depth never materialized. Likewise, although Katherine spends time in a psychiatric unit and receives medication, the story offers little insight into her diagnosis or mental health, leaving an important aspect of her character feeling incomplete.
My biggest challenge with the book was its identity. It isn’t quite true crime because of its fictional framework, yet it doesn’t fully succeed as fiction because it relies so heavily on true crime elements and documentary-style presentation. For me, those two approaches never fully meshed, making this an interesting concept but a sometimes difficult and emotionally distant read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5 STARS True Crime read about AKA THE FEMALE HANNIBAL LECTER. Oh myyyy this is a true story!
True crime, fact-based, and utterly horrifying—this story left me stunned, my mouth hanging open for most of it. I went in blind, not knowing anything about Katherine Knight, and as a true crime fanatic, I was completely consumed by the author’s chilling account.
If you love true crime, this book is an absolute must-read.
It unravels the life of Katherine Knight—one of the few female serial killers and one of Australia’s most notorious murderers. The sheer brutality is almost unimaginable: she stabbed her partner 37 times, skinned him, and attempted to serve his remains to his own children. Her crimes were so monstrous that she became the first woman in Australia sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
But what makes this even more haunting is the look into her past—a childhood steeped in violence, trauma, and abuse. It paints a disturbing picture of how a life can spiral into something so dark and incomprehensible.
Gripping, disturbing, and impossible to forget—this is true crime at its most extreme.
Thank you Arthor Roje Augustin, Post Hill Press, Simon & Shuster, and Netgalley for the ARC.
True crime, fact-based, and utterly horrifying—this story left me stunned, my mouth hanging open for most of it. I went in blind, not knowing anything about Katherine Knight, and as a true crime fanatic, I was completely consumed by the author’s chilling account.
If you love true crime, this book is an absolute must-read.
It unravels the life of Katherine Knight—one of the few female serial killers and one of Australia’s most notorious murderers. The sheer brutality is almost unimaginable: she stabbed her partner 37 times, skinned him, and attempted to serve his remains to his own children. Her crimes were so monstrous that she became the first woman in Australia sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
But what makes this even more haunting is the look into her past—a childhood steeped in violence, trauma, and abuse. It paints a disturbing picture of how a life can spiral into something so dark and incomprehensible.
Gripping, disturbing, and impossible to forget—this is true crime at its most extreme.
Thank you Arthor Roje Augustin, Post Hill Press, Simon & Shuster, and Netgalley for the ARC.
June 1, 2026
I was given an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest reviewThe Butcher of Aberdeen is a true crime book centered around Katherine Knight and the grisly murder of John Price, otherwise known as “Pricey.” It is hard to fathom a murder as violent as the one described in the book happened in 2000. Sometimes real events can be scarier than any fiction one can imagine. The book takes you through some of the relationships Katherine had with various men throughout her life, which led up to the events surrounding Pricey’s death. Having held a job in a meat cutting plant, she had developed a knowledge of how to butcher animals, and she used this knowledge to butcher someone who had at one time been her lover.
My rating of the book reflects how true crime stories can grip you. The author provided a detailed enough account of what transpired with just a sprinkling of narrative to maintain the flow of events throughout the book. There are very vivid, unsettling and gruesome descriptions of the crime scene, so please take that into account when deciding whether this is a book for you or not. If you enjoy true crime novels or podcasts, consider reading this book.
My rating of the book reflects how true crime stories can grip you. The author provided a detailed enough account of what transpired with just a sprinkling of narrative to maintain the flow of events throughout the book. There are very vivid, unsettling and gruesome descriptions of the crime scene, so please take that into account when deciding whether this is a book for you or not. If you enjoy true crime novels or podcasts, consider reading this book.
June 3, 2026
Growing up, my family mostly lived in Tamworth and surrounds, so any trip to visit meant driving through Aberdeen. I remember watching the news coverage in 2000 and being completely dumbstruck by Katherine Knight’s actions against John Price. Since then I’ve listened to countless podcasts covering the case and, looking back, it was probably one of the catalysts for my interest in true crime - particularly Australian true crime.
Maybe it’s morbid, but I find crimes that happen close to places I know far more chilling than ones on the other side of the world. I’ve wandered the Sunday morning markets in Aberdeen, eaten at the Top Pub and driven through town more times than I can count, so this has always been one of those cases that’s stuck with me.
What I appreciated most about this book was how much context it provided. Most people know the headline-making events of the case, but I enjoyed learning more about Knight’s childhood, relationships and mental health history. The sections drawn from psychiatric transcripts and assessments were particularly interesting and added another layer to a story I thought I already knew pretty well.
This book filled in a lot of blanks for me and gave me a deeper understanding of one of Australia’s most infamous criminal cases.
Maybe it’s morbid, but I find crimes that happen close to places I know far more chilling than ones on the other side of the world. I’ve wandered the Sunday morning markets in Aberdeen, eaten at the Top Pub and driven through town more times than I can count, so this has always been one of those cases that’s stuck with me.
What I appreciated most about this book was how much context it provided. Most people know the headline-making events of the case, but I enjoyed learning more about Knight’s childhood, relationships and mental health history. The sections drawn from psychiatric transcripts and assessments were particularly interesting and added another layer to a story I thought I already knew pretty well.
This book filled in a lot of blanks for me and gave me a deeper understanding of one of Australia’s most infamous criminal cases.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews