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Almost the Perfect Murder: The Killing of Elaine O’Hara, the Extraordinary Garda Investigation and the Trial That Stunned the Nation: The Only Complete Inside Account
For over a year everyone assumed missing Dublin woman Elaine O'Hara had ended her own life. But after her remains were found gardaí discovered that Elaine was in thrall to a man who had spent years grooming her to let him kill her. That man was Graham Dwyer, a married father of three and partner in a Dublin architecture practice.
Almost the Perfect Murder details the exhaustive investigation - one of the most complex and chilling in Irish criminal justice history - that allowed gardaí to build a case against Dwyer. And it outlines the twists and turns - both in the courtroom and behind the scenes - during the dramatic trial that followed.
Almost the Perfect Murder contains startling new material based on extensive research conducted especially for the book. This includes fresh insights into the garda investigation and background information on Graham Dwyer. This is the definitive account of the case that gripped the nation by Ireland's leading crime journalist, Paul Williams.
'A book that had to be written and it's really well written ... fascinating.' Ray D'Arcy, RTÉ Radio 1
'A great book ... really comprehensive' Miriam O'Callaghan, RTÉ
'Fascinating' Pat Kenny, Newstalk
'It is very rare for murder to involve the degree of calculation revealed in this case' Irish Times
'An example of doggedness and tenacious police work, which saw that justice was done, and seen to be done' Irish Independent
Almost the Perfect Murder details the exhaustive investigation - one of the most complex and chilling in Irish criminal justice history - that allowed gardaí to build a case against Dwyer. And it outlines the twists and turns - both in the courtroom and behind the scenes - during the dramatic trial that followed.
Almost the Perfect Murder contains startling new material based on extensive research conducted especially for the book. This includes fresh insights into the garda investigation and background information on Graham Dwyer. This is the definitive account of the case that gripped the nation by Ireland's leading crime journalist, Paul Williams.
'A book that had to be written and it's really well written ... fascinating.' Ray D'Arcy, RTÉ Radio 1
'A great book ... really comprehensive' Miriam O'Callaghan, RTÉ
'Fascinating' Pat Kenny, Newstalk
'It is very rare for murder to involve the degree of calculation revealed in this case' Irish Times
'An example of doggedness and tenacious police work, which saw that justice was done, and seen to be done' Irish Independent
279 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2015
87 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Paul Williams
14 books21 followersPaul Williams is an Irish crime journalist, and author of crime exposes depicting the rise and fall of some of Ireland's most notorious and brutal gangs and criminal figures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 7, 2017
Setting aside the gruesome and heartbreaking subject matter, this was an exceedingly well written, thoughtfully researched and addictive read. Elaine O'Hara fell under the spell of murderous pervert Graham Dwyer due to her interest in BDSM after she mentioned feeling suicidal. Dwyer used this against her telling her he would help to murder her so she wouldn't have to worry about letting her family down and was soon in court charged with her terrifying murder - the lead up to it described in detail in his hundreds of texts and computer documents.
A dispicable human being who is now serving life in jail. Paul Williams did a wonderful job of bringing the story to life, from the beginning of the text/BDSM relationship to the final court case that sent him down. It's a must read book for anyone interested in true crime.
A dispicable human being who is now serving life in jail. Paul Williams did a wonderful job of bringing the story to life, from the beginning of the text/BDSM relationship to the final court case that sent him down. It's a must read book for anyone interested in true crime.
December 28, 2017
Anyone living in Ireland in 2013 remembers this story as it broke in the news. The remains of Elaine O'Hara had been found over a year after her disappearance (assumed to be suicide) was reported by her distraught father. This is the story of how coincidence, the weather, luck, and a LOT of police work culminated in the sadistic pervert Graham Dwyer serving a life sentence after the most harrowing murder trial the state has ever seen.
When I first heard about this book, I didn't want to read it. Mainly because of the author - I'm not a fan of his particular breed of journalism. So, when the oppportunity arose to borrow it from a friend, I said I'd read it - only because I had heard that as a police procedural, it was worth a read.
Credit where it's due, the book is put together well. The insight into the Garda work is fascinating, and the sheer amount of evidence and information compiled by all officers involved is overwhelming.
"The Gardaí had pursued 619 individual lines of enquiry, interviewed 488 people and taken 788 statements. They had retrieved and examined 2,612 text messages and 5,300 hours - over seven months - of CCTV footage. A total of 408 witnessses, including members of the public and Gardaí, had been subpoenaed by the State while the book of evidence ran into seven volumes, containing 540 individual statements. In addition to the CCTV footage, there were five terabytes of data in computer evidence and 925 exhibits. In order to prove their case, the State intended to throw everything they had at it."
This is a very, very disturbing and graphic read. Even without the specific details, it's scary due to the way Graham Dwyer was leading a life that he was able to keep secret from his closest family. You'd have to wonder how many more like him are out there. I'd recommend it if you have an interest in crimes or cases, but it's a sad read and it's hard to shake off the feelings of great discomfort and sorrow for what Elaine and her family went through. Dwyer used her desire to be loved and wanted against her in the most inhumane way - be wary that this isn't a story you'll forget, so proceed with caution.
When I first heard about this book, I didn't want to read it. Mainly because of the author - I'm not a fan of his particular breed of journalism. So, when the oppportunity arose to borrow it from a friend, I said I'd read it - only because I had heard that as a police procedural, it was worth a read.
Credit where it's due, the book is put together well. The insight into the Garda work is fascinating, and the sheer amount of evidence and information compiled by all officers involved is overwhelming.
"The Gardaí had pursued 619 individual lines of enquiry, interviewed 488 people and taken 788 statements. They had retrieved and examined 2,612 text messages and 5,300 hours - over seven months - of CCTV footage. A total of 408 witnessses, including members of the public and Gardaí, had been subpoenaed by the State while the book of evidence ran into seven volumes, containing 540 individual statements. In addition to the CCTV footage, there were five terabytes of data in computer evidence and 925 exhibits. In order to prove their case, the State intended to throw everything they had at it."
This is a very, very disturbing and graphic read. Even without the specific details, it's scary due to the way Graham Dwyer was leading a life that he was able to keep secret from his closest family. You'd have to wonder how many more like him are out there. I'd recommend it if you have an interest in crimes or cases, but it's a sad read and it's hard to shake off the feelings of great discomfort and sorrow for what Elaine and her family went through. Dwyer used her desire to be loved and wanted against her in the most inhumane way - be wary that this isn't a story you'll forget, so proceed with caution.
October 23, 2015
I normally don't read these kinds of books because like they say, fact is stranger than fiction and facts tend to stay in my head longer than fiction, especially gory and morbid ones. I also had never heard about this case at all, and maybe it's because I'm in the US, so I came into it based on just a recommendation on my Kindle. But after reading the book description I had to know what happened to Elaine O'Hara. I read it in one sitting - 5 hours straight.
This book is written in a compelling manner, based on evidence gleaned from dogged perseverance by the Gardai and the field of computer forensics. Guess I can't hide my whereabouts if I'm attached to the hip to my iPhone or anywhere there's CCTV. But because of this and more, Elaine's killer was found, Graham Dwyer, a man you would never suspect to be so twisted and manipulative, taking advantage of a vulnerable woman, and grooming her to die in his hands. I was completely riveted by the steps taken to collect and disseminate evidence though some parts of the courtroom drama between judge and defense I did have to skim through because by the fourth hour, I suspect my eyes glazed over, but that was probably the only part. I feel for the people affected by this crime, from Elaine's family to Dwyer's unsuspecting wife, and most of all, Elaine herself, whose most private intimate moments were laid out for all in that courtroom and beyond to see.
This book is written in a compelling manner, based on evidence gleaned from dogged perseverance by the Gardai and the field of computer forensics. Guess I can't hide my whereabouts if I'm attached to the hip to my iPhone or anywhere there's CCTV. But because of this and more, Elaine's killer was found, Graham Dwyer, a man you would never suspect to be so twisted and manipulative, taking advantage of a vulnerable woman, and grooming her to die in his hands. I was completely riveted by the steps taken to collect and disseminate evidence though some parts of the courtroom drama between judge and defense I did have to skim through because by the fourth hour, I suspect my eyes glazed over, but that was probably the only part. I feel for the people affected by this crime, from Elaine's family to Dwyer's unsuspecting wife, and most of all, Elaine herself, whose most private intimate moments were laid out for all in that courtroom and beyond to see.
November 20, 2015
Graphic Read
This book really delved into the depths of depravity. It's a well told story that can at times get a bit bogged down with details, but you do get a real sense of who these people were.
This book really delved into the depths of depravity. It's a well told story that can at times get a bit bogged down with details, but you do get a real sense of who these people were.
May 4, 2024
What a bizarre book. Society really let this woman down. But this was not almost the perfect murder. Compare this to Kaitlyn Conely who nearly did commit a perfect murder until she made the mistake of writing the letter.
But both of the people here, just messed up.
Well done to the police for very long hours and excellent work.
But both of the people here, just messed up.
Well done to the police for very long hours and excellent work.
October 3, 2017
Thank your lucky charms, as we head to a world of leprechauns, pots of gold, and unicorns. A lassie named Elaine O’Hara goes missing and her “da” calls the garda (police) to report her disappearance. She was picked on at school and suffered from chronic depression. The poor girl was in and out of nut houses and took antidepressants after cutting her wrists at sixteen. Irish eyes were certainly not smiling upon her. She described dreams of being abducted and informed her family of a bizarre relationship with a married man involving bondage. Elaine’s computer revealed a penchant for fetish websites. Two men were interviewed and admitted to sexual encounters with the missing woman. The police suspected suicide due to several previous attempts. They were proven wrong when a dog named Millie started a murder investigation by finding bones which led to a human body. Dental records concluded that it was Elaine. The police found handcuffs, knives and a cell phone in a lake near where the body was located. Elaine’s computer hard drive contained text messages between a slave (Elaine) and her master (Goroon). She favored being bound in chains and handcuffs and also asked to be cut. What the hell is wrong with people? A dogged police investigation linked a name in Elaine’s diary to a Graham Dwyer from the area. The suspect was an architect with a wife in the same profession. They lived in an affluent neighborhood with two children. Cell phone towers and toll booth records established a link to Dwyer. The police were astonished at the vast community of doctors, lawyers, and other professionals in the fetish culture of S&M and B & D (bondage and domination). The book contains text messages between the “slave” and “master” leading up to the murder. Two wack jobs were in the wrong place at the wrong time. The messages are nauseating and I need a break. At this point, I am close to believing in the end times. Repent. Dwyer was questioned by the police and turned into a real life Raskolnikov from Crime and Punishment, as he repeatedly denied killing that woman. Graham is one sick cracker. Dwyer’s computer hard drives contained a wealth of sadistic material in both video form and writings by the accused. The trial was long and tedious. The writer failed to make it compelling. It is basically just a rehash of earlier parts of the book. Williams goes on and on with redundant details regarding the admissibility of certain evidence; boring. He is beating a dead horse. A seven week trial came to a conclusion and a verdict which I will not reveal. Almost the Perfect Murder is not on my list of best true crime books and after finishing this journey into the darkness, I came to the conclusion that I may be one of the last sane people left on planet earth.
August 25, 2015
If you followed the trial, like pretty much everybody in the country, there isn't a huge amount of new material. A more colourful telling of the court proceedings is all you'll probably get as the media are limited as to what can be published during a trial. It was a good in depth rehash of the whole macabre tale of how a poor fragile woman fell for the whims of a successful and wealthy possessive and controlling man, and his ultimate downfall.
March 14, 2016
Good book. Not terribly well written but it had all the facts and presented them in a clear and logical way. The trial wasn't really covered in England so I missed the day to day reporting at the time. Glad I read this!
January 11, 2017
This would not be my first choice but did not want to buy another book on the trip. This was a sensational true crime in Ireland. It is well written with details on how cyber forensics played a huge role in providing evidence of the setup to the murder. Very sad story of the victim.
May 31, 2016
This book has a very very long title. It's a good insight into the entire case though, I didn't really follow it while it was in the news.
August 16, 2021
The trial of Graham Dwyer was in every newspaper for nearly 3 months. The title "Almost the perfect murder" certainly sums up this sorry saga. The murderer Graham Dwyer, happily married, a successful architect, children and living in an upmarket suburb of Dublin. The victim, a vulnerable woman with not many close friends and suffering from mental health issues, viciously manipulated by sick, perverted and ruthless man.
To think that if it wasn't for a hot summer, drought and the actions of a curious and thorough member of AGS, he might have gotten away with it.
The book is at times heartbreaking, the author uses actual transcripts of SMS messages and emails between Dwyer and Elaine, so you can actually see the techniques that Dwyer used to get into her head and force her to almost accept him killing her. The book is not for the light hearted, but recommended for anyone who followed the case.
To think that if it wasn't for a hot summer, drought and the actions of a curious and thorough member of AGS, he might have gotten away with it.
The book is at times heartbreaking, the author uses actual transcripts of SMS messages and emails between Dwyer and Elaine, so you can actually see the techniques that Dwyer used to get into her head and force her to almost accept him killing her. The book is not for the light hearted, but recommended for anyone who followed the case.
December 28, 2018
A very well written true crime book and that has lately become a novelty in its own so I was very pleased to have finally discovered a good true crime book.
I did not know about this case and I felt so sad for the victim and her family. One thing I stupidly did was while reading this book checking on the internet about this case and discovering ..........
Anyway I recommend this to true crime readers and if you read this, I would love some recommendations for some newer true crime.
The last good book I have read was Kathryn Casey's In Plain Sight.I need some more good tc please.
I did not know about this case and I felt so sad for the victim and her family. One thing I stupidly did was while reading this book checking on the internet about this case and discovering ..........
Anyway I recommend this to true crime readers and if you read this, I would love some recommendations for some newer true crime.
The last good book I have read was Kathryn Casey's In Plain Sight.I need some more good tc please.
April 1, 2019
No le he puesto cinco estrellas porque el asunto es muy muy fuerte y ha habido veces que no he podido leer parte de los relatos que descubren en el ordenador del asesino, pero el libro se las merece.
Pero el libro te engancha desde el principio y no lo puedes dejar, a pesar como digo de que el asunto es muy desagradable. Ello explica que diga que es merecedor de 5 estrellas, según mi opinión.
Está muy bien escrito y te mantiene el interés siempre.
Además está muy bien descrito el juicio y las reflexiones hechas por el autor son muy acertadas.
Pero el libro te engancha desde el principio y no lo puedes dejar, a pesar como digo de que el asunto es muy desagradable. Ello explica que diga que es merecedor de 5 estrellas, según mi opinión.
Está muy bien escrito y te mantiene el interés siempre.
Además está muy bien descrito el juicio y las reflexiones hechas por el autor son muy acertadas.
July 9, 2023
This is a true horror story, with the proverbial "wolf in sheep's clothing" torturing and murdering a mentally fragile woman to satisfy his kinky sexual urges.
No one would have suspected that a respectable, married man would be capable of turning a vulnerable, mentally unwell woman into his personal sex slave. The diminutive architect lived in one of Dublin's most desirable suburbs with his beautiful wife and two young children. He was personable, outwardly amicable and kept in touch with the friends he had grown up with. His hobby was as harmless and nerdy: flying model aeroplanes.
As you would expect from the great crime reporter Paul Williams, this is a meticulously researched book about one of the most shocking crimes ever to take place in Ireland.
No one would have suspected that a respectable, married man would be capable of turning a vulnerable, mentally unwell woman into his personal sex slave. The diminutive architect lived in one of Dublin's most desirable suburbs with his beautiful wife and two young children. He was personable, outwardly amicable and kept in touch with the friends he had grown up with. His hobby was as harmless and nerdy: flying model aeroplanes.
As you would expect from the great crime reporter Paul Williams, this is a meticulously researched book about one of the most shocking crimes ever to take place in Ireland.
November 27, 2024
There are a few words which leap to mind when reading this book.
"Meticulous". The Garda devotion to detail and thoroughness during the accumulation of evidence is exemplary and the author's devotion to the same detail in the telling of the story is also.
"Disturbing". There is no doubt this story is disturbing. It also has distressing and disgusting elements and much gratitude is due the Garda, the prosecutors and everyone involved in bringing this POS individual to justice.
"Compelling". It is a very compelling read.
"Meticulous". The Garda devotion to detail and thoroughness during the accumulation of evidence is exemplary and the author's devotion to the same detail in the telling of the story is also.
"Disturbing". There is no doubt this story is disturbing. It also has distressing and disgusting elements and much gratitude is due the Garda, the prosecutors and everyone involved in bringing this POS individual to justice.
"Compelling". It is a very compelling read.
June 3, 2020
An astonishing story
Extremely well written account of a murder case. The attention to detail gave a disturbing but gripping insight into the workings of a devious murderer's mind. Equally fascinating was the way the Garda were able to piece together all the minute fragments of evidence and the amount of work involved in preparing a case. Character descriptions were well presented. A fascinating book but perhaps will not appeal to some readers.
Extremely well written account of a murder case. The attention to detail gave a disturbing but gripping insight into the workings of a devious murderer's mind. Equally fascinating was the way the Garda were able to piece together all the minute fragments of evidence and the amount of work involved in preparing a case. Character descriptions were well presented. A fascinating book but perhaps will not appeal to some readers.
April 10, 2023
This is the horrific and terrifying story of the murder of Elaine O'Hara murdered in cold blood by a man who wanted to kill a woman by stabbing her to death. This tells a huge amount of information about the crime and the combination of coincedences, solid and excellent police work and the role of technology in pursuit of a man who was living a double life. Ireland's most notorious murder case. If you are a fan of true crime then this is the book for you.
October 5, 2021
Exceedingly well written
A brilliant book, meticulously written. Hard to put down and hard to escape from. Just cannot put the story out of my mind! A horrendous, heinous crime by the evil Graham Dwyer. Definitely worth a read for those interested in true crime stories and to those interested in criminal law.
A brilliant book, meticulously written. Hard to put down and hard to escape from. Just cannot put the story out of my mind! A horrendous, heinous crime by the evil Graham Dwyer. Definitely worth a read for those interested in true crime stories and to those interested in criminal law.
June 20, 2022
A thorough and detailed examination into the incredibly disturbing and sad story of Elaine O'Hara. Williams has left no stone unturned and no detail unexamined. While it was a very tough read and I am full of sadness for the O'Haras and disgust towards Dwyer, the book was an excellent, objective account of the horrific crimes which were suffered by O'Hara.
October 13, 2022
This is definitely one of those "fact is stranger than fiction" type tales. I was gripped from start to finish. I loved how cleverly the Garda case was brought together with each new element building on the overall picture. The story was told in this same fashion with each new chapter adding a piece.
May 8, 2019
Wow, what a book!! I simply couldn't put it down!!
Had it read in two days.
Very well written. An easy read and was glad there wasn't a load of legal jargon in it.
Hard to get my head around the whole story.
Would highly recommend to anyone interested in the case!!
Had it read in two days.
Very well written. An easy read and was glad there wasn't a load of legal jargon in it.
Hard to get my head around the whole story.
Would highly recommend to anyone interested in the case!!
May 26, 2020
Very very good
At times harrowing and disturbing but the determination and care given to bring this monster to justice is incredible .
May Elaine sleep with the angels until her dad and family can cuddle her again xx
At times harrowing and disturbing but the determination and care given to bring this monster to justice is incredible .
May Elaine sleep with the angels until her dad and family can cuddle her again xx
July 4, 2022
Incredible
This book will live long in my memory. That such people exist is a fact I've had to face because of it. The dark side of life resides in us all but from time to time these events reveal that " evil" truly exists as an entity in it's own right I believe
This book will live long in my memory. That such people exist is a fact I've had to face because of it. The dark side of life resides in us all but from time to time these events reveal that " evil" truly exists as an entity in it's own right I believe
July 28, 2022
Brilliant True Crime book that delves deep into the Garda investigation behind the prosecution of Graham Dwyer. Tough to read at times as the case is truly insane. I fully believe that Dwyer would have went on murder more women had it not been for the excellent work of the Gardaí.
July 18, 2025
I had seen the Amazon prime documentary so when I received the book I had planned to speed read it but I actually couldn't! It was so addictive and well written I was glued to every single word. It is so well researched and so well put together on paper.
September 30, 2018
Disturbing and heart breaking. Well written, interesting, disgusting and shocking.
February 12, 2020
Well written.
June 25, 2020
This is so sad, poor Elaine O'Hara. To be seeking all the help she needs and for him to come into her life and fuck her mind up even more.
Very well written
Very well written
September 16, 2020
A complete book chronicling the murder of elaine o hara and the excellent police work that brought her killer to justice!
January 5, 2021
Bri!!iant
The book was so well written its just a pity that the crime was so real. Its nice to think this monster can't !urk about free in his place of darkness where he once lived
The book was so well written its just a pity that the crime was so real. Its nice to think this monster can't !urk about free in his place of darkness where he once lived
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews