Life Means Life: Jailed Forever: True Stories of Britain's Most Evil Killers

by Nick Appleyard

From sex-crazed fiends to cold-eyed professional assassins, only those convicted of the most terrible murders are told they will die behind bars.This book tells the stories of those most depraved killers whose crimes outraged society and demanded the harshest penalty available to a British court. Among a UK prison population of close to 100,000, fewer than 40 men and women have been told they will end their days in a prison cell. They range from men who crossed continents to slay youngsters, to contract killers who relished their grisly calling. Some planned their killings in a sick and sadistic manner, others killed in an unanticipated explosion of rage, lust, greed or jealously. But whatever their crime, whatever their motive, each of these beasts has one thing in they are the most evil people in our prison system. A graphic and harrowing read, this book is the first ever to bring together the case histories of every full-term lifer in Britain's jails. It offers never-before-published information about these extraordinary offenders. Police, lawyers and the relatives of the victims and killers all describe how the truth behind these awful crimes was pieced together and those responsible were brought to justice to face the harshest punishment. These are the 36 monsters deemed beyond redemption, who by their own hands forfeited the right to live among us, forever. These are the killers whose crimes were such that society demanded that ...LIFE MEANS LIFE!

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Biography, Audiobook, Autobiography

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2009

Reviews

[Tom Stretton · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most disturbing books I've ever read.

This book is a very well written book about the absolute lowest of the low, the men and women of Britain that quite rightly will never see the outside of a prison wall again. I've always been fascinated by what makes these purely evil psychopaths tick.

Nick appleyard tells the stories behind the likes of Levi Bellfield, Ian Brady, Dennis Nilsen, Steve Wright, Robert Maudsley, Rose West and many more and although the book was written almost 10 years ago now, meaning a few of the killers contained within these pages have died (and unfortunately quite a few more could now be added), it taught me a lot more about the sick crimes of these depraved animals.

Well worth a read for anyone who finds these 'people' intriguing.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are 35 short chapters and each chapter is about a different person and the crime that they committed. This book is an eye opener, it is not for the faint hearted, most of the crimes in this book are horrendous. The book is an interesting read.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this well enough - I had not heard of some of the crimes so it was a good introduction to them. Each section was fairly short and gave a general overview of the case, some quotes from family and investigators on the case, background of the killer etc. Some of the cases interested me more, so I would have liked to read a bit more about them, but this book could act as a springboard to other works dedicated entirely to that case.

[Steve Parcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written book about the well known serial killers in the UK and lesser known spree killers and murderers.

Unfortunately a social commentary as well detailing the failings of our justice system. But also more importantly the lives destroyed by these evil men and women which led to one father taking his own life

Excellent read.

[Martyn Lilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this a fascinating read as we always remember the crimes But hardly ever what they finally got sentenced. Was a interesting read to discover other crimes they had already been convicted for before they got life. Does make you think how our criminal justice has gone so wrong and why criminals rights are always put above the victims rights.

[Emlyn Lunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frightening

It details the murders of people that did not deserve such treatment. It details their crimes in such detail it makes a differcult read

[cynthia jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting

Gives a different perspective on many well known criminals although there have been more added to the list now. Look forward to an update.

[SUSAN TURNER]

Interesting

Enjoyed reading this. Read about a lot of them but still good. Would recommend to anyone who is interested in these monsters

[Ryan Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for any true-crime fan. A lot of the lesser well-known heinous 'lifers' are covered in this book, and at times, it makes for very scary reading. Enjoyed it.

[Pinkyjoanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book. Certainly makes you think twice about our justice system.

[Jen Wake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and disturbing in equal measure

[laelto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Great book! Full of short but informative points of some horrific crimes committed. I had not heard of some of them.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok read