What do you think?
Rate this book
The Butcher of Aberdeen: A Story of Sex, Madness, and Murder
Not yet published
Expected 30 Jun 26The 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.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 30, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
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.
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.
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
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a challenge read! I didn't know what to expect and I got a big shock! I muss confess that I skipped the passages describing the bestial murder of John. Too horrific, too disturbing for me. I was more interested in the psychiatric evaluation of Katherine. The narrative reveals the difficulty in analysing such a person and thus reach a correct diagnosis. The reason of such violence is also very hard to determine. Two points astounded me: the fact that Katherine was not stopped earlier, and the fact that one needed to press charges against someone who comitted extreme violence, whether psychological or physical !!! Many acts might have been otherwise avoided. A disturbing and thought provoking story.
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think this is an interesting concept, but the way it was executed unfortunately did not click with me. The subject matter is based on an actual event, and I found it interesting to learn about given how disturbing the crime is, but the book felt too much like a case file or an ID Channel documentary, which made it hard to get through at first. It does pick up later on, but I felt it took too long to get there.
I appreciated the in depth breakdown of Katherine Knight and what led to the crime, as well as the lack of sensationalism in the depiction of the violence, which true crime can be guilty of. It is clear that a lot of research went into this, and if you enjoy true crime and are comfortable with gruesome details, I think you would enjoy this. It just ultimately did not land for me.
I appreciated the in depth breakdown of Katherine Knight and what led to the crime, as well as the lack of sensationalism in the depiction of the violence, which true crime can be guilty of. It is clear that a lot of research went into this, and if you enjoy true crime and are comfortable with gruesome details, I think you would enjoy this. It just ultimately did not land for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really tried to get into this book, but it just didn’t click for me. It started off very slow and felt more informative and factual than like an actual story, which made it hard to stay engaged. I found myself skipping through parts that felt too dense to get through. I can see why this might be a favorite for some readers, but unfortunately it wasn’t for me - 2 stars.
Thank you to Rojé Augustin, Post Hill Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!
#TheButcherofAberdeen #NetGalley
Thank you to Rojé Augustin, Post Hill Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!
#TheButcherofAberdeen #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A horrible murder that is a must read for any true crime fan. Some of the book is based on assumption but the author makes note of where that occurs and is not only appreciated but believable. It is hard to imagine such evil exists in this world and I can only hope that both of their families can experience some peace with the remainder of their lives. There are some tough spots to read but one can skip over them and still experience the book. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of the Advanced Copy from Netgalley
A great informational book about one of Australia’s most infamous killers. I really enjoyed how informative it was while still feeling like a story rather than just a collection of facts. The writing made it easier to connect with the victims on a more emotional level, which made the case feel much more human and impactful than if it had only focused on cold, straightforward details.
A great informational book about one of Australia’s most infamous killers. I really enjoyed how informative it was while still feeling like a story rather than just a collection of facts. The writing made it easier to connect with the victims on a more emotional level, which made the case feel much more human and impactful than if it had only focused on cold, straightforward details.
May 16, 2026
ARC Review for The Butcher of Aberdeen by Roje Augustin
Publish Date 6/20/2026
4 Stars
I received this advanced copy through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This is a morbidly fascinating read for the true crime enthusiast. Fair warning, there are graphically descriptive details of murder and domestic abuse/partner violence. I liked that this book did not sensationalize the crimes committed by Katherine Knight. This is a fictionalized narrative that was based on court records, police files, news reports and other public records. While Katherine Knight’s story does not have many twists and turns in it, the author lays out a pretty clear picture of how Katherine grew up, her environmental influences, family dysfunction, toxic relationships, and other contributing factors that lead to this cycle of abuse and the eventual, horrific murder of John Price.
Publish Date 6/20/2026
4 Stars
I received this advanced copy through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This is a morbidly fascinating read for the true crime enthusiast. Fair warning, there are graphically descriptive details of murder and domestic abuse/partner violence. I liked that this book did not sensationalize the crimes committed by Katherine Knight. This is a fictionalized narrative that was based on court records, police files, news reports and other public records. While Katherine Knight’s story does not have many twists and turns in it, the author lays out a pretty clear picture of how Katherine grew up, her environmental influences, family dysfunction, toxic relationships, and other contributing factors that lead to this cycle of abuse and the eventual, horrific murder of John Price.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews