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Catching a Serial Killer: My hunt for murderer Christopher Halliwell
On the evening of Saturday, 19 March 2011, D.S. Stephen Fulcher received a life-changing call that thrust him into a race against time to save a missing 22-year-old girl.
What followed was an intense investigation and a cat-and-mouse pursuit that led Steve to the discovery of two bodies.
'Catching a Serial Killer' is a thrilling, devastating look at a real-life murder case and potentially one of UK’s most prolific serial killers.
What followed was an intense investigation and a cat-and-mouse pursuit that led Steve to the discovery of two bodies.
'Catching a Serial Killer' is a thrilling, devastating look at a real-life murder case and potentially one of UK’s most prolific serial killers.
399 pages, Paperback
First published June 29, 2017
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1551 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
July 23, 2017
This story reads like a thriller as it recounts the investigation into and ultimate incarceration of Chris Halliwell, taxi driver from Swindon, who was found responsible for the murder of Sian O'Callaghan and Becky Godden-Edwards. As an employee of Her Majesty's Courts Service I was fascinated to follow the chase to find the killer in the hands of SIO Stephen Fulcher. The narrative and events that occur lead to the prosecution of Fulcher as a senior police officer who in his search for justice disregarded procedures under Pace (Police and Criminal Evidence act) and by not issuing Halliwell with the customary warning (before Halliwell confessed to the murder of Becky) was found to be in neglect of his duties. The story therefore raises and debates some fascinating legal issues and in the final outcome justice is seen to be served but at what price to a dedicated and serving police officer. For anyone interested in crime whether true or fiction this is a work of some brilliance and needs to be read.
February 5, 2022
Detective Superintendent Steve Fulcher was experiencing a quiet weekend when he was the senior officer on call in March 2011. But mid-evening on Saturday 19 March he received a call that changed his whole life. It concerned a missing 22-year-old girl and he changed and rushed immediately to Swindon police station to join in the action to find the missing girl.
He was subsequently appointed the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) on the enquiry team that was named Mayan. Plenty of resources were put onto the team and extensive searches by police officers and the supportive public followed. But nothing was forthcoming and no sightings were initially picked up on the various CCTV cameras in the Swindon area where Sian O'Callaghan had gone missing after leaving a night club.
Then an observant officer spotted a grainy image that led to the investigation taking a positive turn. Sian was spotted but then she disappeared in the headlights of a nearby car. Sian disappeared from the CCTV images thereafter so it was suspected that the driver of the car had picked her up. But what was the make of the car? It was difficult to pick out but then another observant officer found CCTV images from another camera that not only helped identify the make of car but, remarkably, produced a registration number. And the car proved to be a taxi as a distinguishing mark on its nearside illustrated.
With so much information the driver was identified and questions were asked of the taxi firm, who gave details of the driver's evening's movements on the night in question. So as not to give away the fact that they had a lead on him DS Fulcher told the press that all taxi drivers were going to be asked about their movements on the night when Sian went missing. So the driver in question, Christopher Halliwell, was interviewed and his account of the night did not match that of the taxi firm details. This discrepancy put him right in the frame for the abduction of Sian.
DS Fulcher was working all possible hours in an attempt to find Sian and he hoped beyond hope that she had been incarcerated and not killed. The pressure was put on Halliwell and eventually DS Fulcher decided the time was right to let him know that he was their prime suspect. Initially he denied all knowledge of Sian's disappearance but as the pressure mounted he began to crack.
DS Fulcher applied all the pressure without jeopardising the investigation and eventually he wormed a confession out of the suspect and even talked him into telling them where he had left Sian. And in doing so Halliwell admitted to another abduction some eight years earlier and he took the police to the spot where he had left Sian's body and talked of burying the other girl he had abducted in a field. [He later mentioned some 60 killings to another prisoner when in jail but nothing could come of this 'confession'.]
While this exchange of views was going on DS Fulcher decided not to read Halliwell his rights because he realised, quite rightly, that it could well prevent the bodies of two young girls from being found. This apparently is against the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) codes of practice but in the circumstances DS Fulcher decided that this was the right way to tackle the problem to get closure on the case. At the time his senior officers agreed with him.
Sian's body was eventually found in a ditch but the other young girls's Becky's, body was not where the police originally thought it was; it was, however, subsequently discovered. And, from having confessed when out in the open countryside, Halliwell suddenly offered 'No Comment' to any questions that were asked of him when he returned to Swindon police station. And the same situation existed when he went to court.
Unbelievably this brought into question the actions that DS Fulcher had originally taken and the breaking of the PACE code of practice came into question. DS Fulcher was suspended and removed from the investigation. This brought a real furore from the press and public alike with one family member from one of DS Fulcher's previous murder investigations writing to the Daily Telegraph saying, 'I am so angry about this. The idea that his skills and experience and compassion are going to be lost simply because the rules are not fit for purpose is simply outrageous. No one seems to care about the rights of victims. It is all about the rights of criminals. Now this is even taking precedence over the right of the police to do their jobs.'
And, from reading this graphic and detailed account of an abduction/murder investigation, there seems no doubt that had DS Fulcher not taken the action he did Sian's body could well not have been discovered and no-one would have known the whereabouts of Becky's body. Absolutely surprisingly Halliwell went to trial over Sian's murder but was not initially tried over the death of Becky. He was, not surprisingly with all the evidence that had been gathered, found guilty and sentenced to jail and, thank goodness, some years later he was convicted over the death of Becky and his term of imprisonment was increased to life.
Sadly DS Fulcher suffered a breakdown over the whole affair, was moved to other duties but subsequently returned to Swindon. However, he found the situation intolerable and eventually resigned from the force; scandalous action to have to take for so committed an officer, who had given everything to his police work throughout his career. It was not only a personal loss, it was a financial loss as well but he felt that life would be much better with less money and no stress or stigma attached to him.
I have seen such murder investigations on television documentaries but there is nothing to compare with the insider knowledge and intricate detailing that DS Fulcher brings to this harrowing tale.
He was subsequently appointed the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) on the enquiry team that was named Mayan. Plenty of resources were put onto the team and extensive searches by police officers and the supportive public followed. But nothing was forthcoming and no sightings were initially picked up on the various CCTV cameras in the Swindon area where Sian O'Callaghan had gone missing after leaving a night club.
Then an observant officer spotted a grainy image that led to the investigation taking a positive turn. Sian was spotted but then she disappeared in the headlights of a nearby car. Sian disappeared from the CCTV images thereafter so it was suspected that the driver of the car had picked her up. But what was the make of the car? It was difficult to pick out but then another observant officer found CCTV images from another camera that not only helped identify the make of car but, remarkably, produced a registration number. And the car proved to be a taxi as a distinguishing mark on its nearside illustrated.
With so much information the driver was identified and questions were asked of the taxi firm, who gave details of the driver's evening's movements on the night in question. So as not to give away the fact that they had a lead on him DS Fulcher told the press that all taxi drivers were going to be asked about their movements on the night when Sian went missing. So the driver in question, Christopher Halliwell, was interviewed and his account of the night did not match that of the taxi firm details. This discrepancy put him right in the frame for the abduction of Sian.
DS Fulcher was working all possible hours in an attempt to find Sian and he hoped beyond hope that she had been incarcerated and not killed. The pressure was put on Halliwell and eventually DS Fulcher decided the time was right to let him know that he was their prime suspect. Initially he denied all knowledge of Sian's disappearance but as the pressure mounted he began to crack.
DS Fulcher applied all the pressure without jeopardising the investigation and eventually he wormed a confession out of the suspect and even talked him into telling them where he had left Sian. And in doing so Halliwell admitted to another abduction some eight years earlier and he took the police to the spot where he had left Sian's body and talked of burying the other girl he had abducted in a field. [He later mentioned some 60 killings to another prisoner when in jail but nothing could come of this 'confession'.]
While this exchange of views was going on DS Fulcher decided not to read Halliwell his rights because he realised, quite rightly, that it could well prevent the bodies of two young girls from being found. This apparently is against the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) codes of practice but in the circumstances DS Fulcher decided that this was the right way to tackle the problem to get closure on the case. At the time his senior officers agreed with him.
Sian's body was eventually found in a ditch but the other young girls's Becky's, body was not where the police originally thought it was; it was, however, subsequently discovered. And, from having confessed when out in the open countryside, Halliwell suddenly offered 'No Comment' to any questions that were asked of him when he returned to Swindon police station. And the same situation existed when he went to court.
Unbelievably this brought into question the actions that DS Fulcher had originally taken and the breaking of the PACE code of practice came into question. DS Fulcher was suspended and removed from the investigation. This brought a real furore from the press and public alike with one family member from one of DS Fulcher's previous murder investigations writing to the Daily Telegraph saying, 'I am so angry about this. The idea that his skills and experience and compassion are going to be lost simply because the rules are not fit for purpose is simply outrageous. No one seems to care about the rights of victims. It is all about the rights of criminals. Now this is even taking precedence over the right of the police to do their jobs.'
And, from reading this graphic and detailed account of an abduction/murder investigation, there seems no doubt that had DS Fulcher not taken the action he did Sian's body could well not have been discovered and no-one would have known the whereabouts of Becky's body. Absolutely surprisingly Halliwell went to trial over Sian's murder but was not initially tried over the death of Becky. He was, not surprisingly with all the evidence that had been gathered, found guilty and sentenced to jail and, thank goodness, some years later he was convicted over the death of Becky and his term of imprisonment was increased to life.
Sadly DS Fulcher suffered a breakdown over the whole affair, was moved to other duties but subsequently returned to Swindon. However, he found the situation intolerable and eventually resigned from the force; scandalous action to have to take for so committed an officer, who had given everything to his police work throughout his career. It was not only a personal loss, it was a financial loss as well but he felt that life would be much better with less money and no stress or stigma attached to him.
I have seen such murder investigations on television documentaries but there is nothing to compare with the insider knowledge and intricate detailing that DS Fulcher brings to this harrowing tale.
January 14, 2021
4.50 Stars — Excellent, all round true crime. A Detective desperate to try and save a young woman, chasing a potential serial killer whom ultimately comes up against a much more powerful foe, bureaucracy-gone-mad.
Scintillating & cogitate-inducing story of the highest calibre. A must-read for any crime or true-crime buff.
Scintillating & cogitate-inducing story of the highest calibre. A must-read for any crime or true-crime buff.
August 8, 2017
Extremely well written book, found it hard to put down.
What Stephen Fulcher had to go through in the aftermath of arresting Christopher Halliwell was shocking, and really makes you worry about the police force and where their concerns and priorities lie in terms of victims and criminals; and just how they choose to treat an officer who slightly oversteps GUIDELINES in order to potentially save a victims life!
A very interesting read overall.
What Stephen Fulcher had to go through in the aftermath of arresting Christopher Halliwell was shocking, and really makes you worry about the police force and where their concerns and priorities lie in terms of victims and criminals; and just how they choose to treat an officer who slightly oversteps GUIDELINES in order to potentially save a victims life!
A very interesting read overall.
January 29, 2018
I think the fact that I demolished this book within about 5/6 hours is testament to not only how gripping the story is but to how good the writing is. I don't know how much help Fulcher had in this regard but whatever he did, it works.
The story is utterly gripping, all the more for it being a true story and told from the viewpoint and experiences of the leading officer in charge of the case (at least to start with). Fulcher seems to hold nothing back as every decision, tactic, approach and conversation that mattered is detailed and Fulcher's own inner thoughts, feelings and concerns are documented. As the mystery behind Sian O'Callaghan's disappearance deepens and more evidence comes to light that all is not what it seems (I'll be honest I wasn't familiar with her story and didn't want to stop reading and find out), Fulcher's desperation to find her, bring her home and bring her family peace is palpable. I swear I have never read a book with such eagerness and desperate need to know. And just when you think it has reached it's conclusion, Halliwell drops a bombshell right into Fulcher lap. A bombshell that inevitably leads to Fulcher being persecuted by his own people and Becky Godden-Edwards' family left fighting for justice in the face of institutional stone-walling. As the story drags through the subsequent years, Fulcher's frustrations, confusions and disbelief are just as palpable as his earlier drive for justice and the story becomes even more unbelievable as the officer that solved one murder and uncovered and solved another is penalized for putting the victim and their families before the suspect, simply by having a conversation.
On a side note, I truly hope the police service have learnt lessons from this case and that Karen Edwards has succeeded in her quest to get the PACE guidelines reviewed so they recognise those instances where officers need to act quickly to rescue a victim by conversing with suspects when they are willing to talk, an option without which Karen Edwards would still be searching for her lost daughter. Most of all I hope Stephen Fulcher realises and accepts that he was right to talk to Halliwell when he did and that the public, certainly this member, is well and truly on his side.
The story is utterly gripping, all the more for it being a true story and told from the viewpoint and experiences of the leading officer in charge of the case (at least to start with). Fulcher seems to hold nothing back as every decision, tactic, approach and conversation that mattered is detailed and Fulcher's own inner thoughts, feelings and concerns are documented. As the mystery behind Sian O'Callaghan's disappearance deepens and more evidence comes to light that all is not what it seems (I'll be honest I wasn't familiar with her story and didn't want to stop reading and find out), Fulcher's desperation to find her, bring her home and bring her family peace is palpable. I swear I have never read a book with such eagerness and desperate need to know. And just when you think it has reached it's conclusion, Halliwell drops a bombshell right into Fulcher lap. A bombshell that inevitably leads to Fulcher being persecuted by his own people and Becky Godden-Edwards' family left fighting for justice in the face of institutional stone-walling. As the story drags through the subsequent years, Fulcher's frustrations, confusions and disbelief are just as palpable as his earlier drive for justice and the story becomes even more unbelievable as the officer that solved one murder and uncovered and solved another is penalized for putting the victim and their families before the suspect, simply by having a conversation.
On a side note, I truly hope the police service have learnt lessons from this case and that Karen Edwards has succeeded in her quest to get the PACE guidelines reviewed so they recognise those instances where officers need to act quickly to rescue a victim by conversing with suspects when they are willing to talk, an option without which Karen Edwards would still be searching for her lost daughter. Most of all I hope Stephen Fulcher realises and accepts that he was right to talk to Halliwell when he did and that the public, certainly this member, is well and truly on his side.
February 24, 2018
This is a book in two halves. The first half barely allows you to pause for breath as it carries you through a police investigation that takes an astonishing turn. The story, told by the senior investigating officer, gives a fascinating insight into the frustrations of modern policing, and also into how dedicated many police are to finding answers for families and getting justice for victims.
The second half of the book starts well, as it outlines the ensuing court case, but then gets bogged down as it begins to describe the various inquiries into the investigation. Many of the points and background to the decisions under investigation had already been presented in detail in part 1, so there's a lot of rehashing. Despite the author saying there's no sour grapes, the tone of part 2 suggests otherwise. That's not to say that sour grapes would be unjustified - the author ran a soul-destroying gauntlet over 5 years, paying a high price to defend his actions and seek justice for the victims.
The author is clear that he partly wrote the book to shed light on some of the issues that did arise - and he successfully does so - whether anything is done to address those concerns remains to be seen.
It's unfortunate that the title gives some of the story away before the reader even begins. The case was front-page news in the UK, but is far less well known in other places around the world.
The second half of the book starts well, as it outlines the ensuing court case, but then gets bogged down as it begins to describe the various inquiries into the investigation. Many of the points and background to the decisions under investigation had already been presented in detail in part 1, so there's a lot of rehashing. Despite the author saying there's no sour grapes, the tone of part 2 suggests otherwise. That's not to say that sour grapes would be unjustified - the author ran a soul-destroying gauntlet over 5 years, paying a high price to defend his actions and seek justice for the victims.
The author is clear that he partly wrote the book to shed light on some of the issues that did arise - and he successfully does so - whether anything is done to address those concerns remains to be seen.
It's unfortunate that the title gives some of the story away before the reader even begins. The case was front-page news in the UK, but is far less well known in other places around the world.
May 24, 2022
Fascinating, and very interesting. This book was much more than just a true crime memoir, it also serves as a thought-provoking discussion of police and judicial procedures in terms of balancing victim and criminal rights, about the purposes of the police force and the framework in which they work to serve the public.
Extremely interesting too to see what is effectively a real-life (albeit, as a consequence, much more borderline) example of the trope in crime fiction of a detective effectively not following the rules in order to secure justice - the author faced a high profile investigation into his alleged misconduct in not complying with rules to protect the criminal and the integrity of evidence against him, when trying to obtain information about a missing woman who the police did not know was alive or dead.
I am in general quite a believer in rules and principles etc. but Fulcher writes intelligently about the investigation, his actions, and the consequences of them. For all that this is one side of a story which probably has counterexamples, it is a convincing and compelling read.
Extremely interesting too to see what is effectively a real-life (albeit, as a consequence, much more borderline) example of the trope in crime fiction of a detective effectively not following the rules in order to secure justice - the author faced a high profile investigation into his alleged misconduct in not complying with rules to protect the criminal and the integrity of evidence against him, when trying to obtain information about a missing woman who the police did not know was alive or dead.
I am in general quite a believer in rules and principles etc. but Fulcher writes intelligently about the investigation, his actions, and the consequences of them. For all that this is one side of a story which probably has counterexamples, it is a convincing and compelling read.
July 22, 2017
This story reads like a thriller as it recounts the investigation into and ultimate incarceration of Chris Halliwell, taxi driver from Swindon, who was found responsible for the murder of Sian O'Callaghan and Becky Godden-Edwards. As an employee of Her Majesty's Courts Service I was fascinated to follow the chase to find the killer in the hands of SIO Stephen Fulcher. The narrative and events that occur lead to the prosecution of Fulcher as a senior police officer who in his search for justice disregarded procedures under Pace (Police and Criminal Evidence act) and by not issuing Halliwell with the customary warning (before Halliwell confessed to the murder of Becky) was found to be in neglect of his duties. The story therefore raises and debates some fascinating legal issues and in the final outcome justice is seen to be served but at what price to a dedicated and serving police officer. For anyone interested in crime whether true or fiction this is a work of some brilliance and needs to be read.
February 5, 2023
This was a really fascinating book to read.
This case was pretty close to home, but it was really interesting to read the process from stage to finish, from the detective perspective.
What makes this case different from many other serial killer cases in the UK is the detective in charge, who lost his career over not following proper police procedures correctly. However, without doing so, it would have not lead to the discovery of another victim.
This book gave a really fascinating insight into the police procedures and the subsequent investigations, court cases, and reviews that followed. It's incomprehensible to believe that PACE guidelines could ever be prioritised over the victims and their families.
This was a very well written book, which was easy to follow and understand despite the jargon.
If you have any interest in true crime, then I highly recommend this book.
This case was pretty close to home, but it was really interesting to read the process from stage to finish, from the detective perspective.
What makes this case different from many other serial killer cases in the UK is the detective in charge, who lost his career over not following proper police procedures correctly. However, without doing so, it would have not lead to the discovery of another victim.
This book gave a really fascinating insight into the police procedures and the subsequent investigations, court cases, and reviews that followed. It's incomprehensible to believe that PACE guidelines could ever be prioritised over the victims and their families.
This was a very well written book, which was easy to follow and understand despite the jargon.
If you have any interest in true crime, then I highly recommend this book.
September 14, 2017
A riveting read from start to finish. A straightforward style of writing but fascinating throughout.
August 28, 2017
When a young woman went missing in Wiltshire in 2011, Detective Superintendent Stephen Fulcher was the Senior Investigating Officer. His investigations led him to Christopher Halliwell. This is that story. This was so well-written that it reads like a crime novel. Fulcher comes across as one of those good coppers you see on crime dramas and hope to meet if you're ever unlucky enough to be involved with the police.
July 7, 2017
A very good book. Even with having some knowledge from working on some of the job I still learnt a lot.
Steve Fulcher has received atrocious treatment from the bosses of Wiltshire Police.
A truly decent man who did the right thing for the right reason.
Number 1 part of a police officers role- preservation of life if they can't try and do this, things should change.
Steve Fulcher has received atrocious treatment from the bosses of Wiltshire Police.
A truly decent man who did the right thing for the right reason.
Number 1 part of a police officers role- preservation of life if they can't try and do this, things should change.
November 20, 2020
Till I read this book I have never read about a real life investigation. All have I read are the fictional detectives - Sherlock, Poirot, Marple, etc.., And what a revelation has been this book, I came to not know that inspite of all the modern innovations we have still finding the perpetrator of a crime is really hard. And even harder is it to convince the jury to punish the perpetrator!
The most nightmarish thing was the "PACE" laws are even in favor of these perpetrators and this books shows how even after catching the perpetrator and getting his confession still there was a high possibility of the perpetrator being released as not guilty.
The most nightmarish thing was the "PACE" laws are even in favor of these perpetrators and this books shows how even after catching the perpetrator and getting his confession still there was a high possibility of the perpetrator being released as not guilty.
February 25, 2024
This book was actually recommended to me whilst I was on a work course and we were looking at urgent interviews (Section 11.1 of PACE Code C) and I have to say it was a brilliant read. Written like a thriller, with a perfect balance of realism and effective writing I found it difficult to put the book down and found myself reading it at every opportunity.
It was difficult to not feel frustration at the injustice that former D/Supt Fulcher received for simply, in my opinion, doing the morally ‘right’ thing and more scarily, the potential precedent that that it sets - that a suspects right to silence is more important than a victim’s life.
Overall, a fascinating read for both those involved and not involved in the criminal justice system that I highly recommend!
It was difficult to not feel frustration at the injustice that former D/Supt Fulcher received for simply, in my opinion, doing the morally ‘right’ thing and more scarily, the potential precedent that that it sets - that a suspects right to silence is more important than a victim’s life.
Overall, a fascinating read for both those involved and not involved in the criminal justice system that I highly recommend!
April 5, 2021
Outrageous.... this true account, which is very well written, shows how wrong how very wrong Police policies from the top are. A Detective who lives and breathes justice for the victims had his life and career turned upside down because policy dictates the perpetrator has more rights than the victims ...... read it
June 26, 2018
Excellent book
Really enjoyed this book which was recommended by a friend, I couldn't put it down. Very well written and thought provoking,especially in relation to the current wording of the current police caution
Really enjoyed this book which was recommended by a friend, I couldn't put it down. Very well written and thought provoking,especially in relation to the current wording of the current police caution
March 30, 2020
The law once again is wrong 😡
September 19, 2017
Really interesting to hear the SIO'S point of view.
January 10, 2019
Utterly brilliant despite the devastating nature of the story itself and all those it destroyed in its wake.
The writing is pitch perfect and nothing short of gripping. You "feel" every ticking second in this race-against-time narrative. The questions it raises about humanity, the stunning reversals one after the other, and the twists that only prove how truth is often stranger than fiction, raise this book from the status of crime non-fiction to a kind of Greek tragedy.
Spoilers ahead:
What I found so utterly compelling in this real-life story is the dilemma of a highly skilled, highly intelligent, compassionate detective, risking everything and more, to do the right thing, who is then so shockingly treated as a result. The only mistake of, Fulcher, the author-detective seems to be to have mistakenly believed that others held his own same high level of integrity and dedication to service.
Do we really need to question that the human rights of victims should take precedence over those of the criminals who harm them?
That a detective who uncovers a serial killer and helps two families find closure should then go on to be vilified and witch-hunted for his efforts is unfortunately not an isolated case. Personally, I've known other gifted individuals in other fields, who thought outside the box, who did the right thing, yet were crucified by the small-minded, small-hearted who have greater power.
That we allow such things to happen is a tragedy and a wake up call for all of society.
As I read this book, I felt both awed and humbled by Fulcher's courage, integrity, and compassion. And I felt ashamed at the smallness of the society in which we live.
Indeed:
Rules are for the guidance of wise men,
and the obedience of fools.
The writing is pitch perfect and nothing short of gripping. You "feel" every ticking second in this race-against-time narrative. The questions it raises about humanity, the stunning reversals one after the other, and the twists that only prove how truth is often stranger than fiction, raise this book from the status of crime non-fiction to a kind of Greek tragedy.
Spoilers ahead:
What I found so utterly compelling in this real-life story is the dilemma of a highly skilled, highly intelligent, compassionate detective, risking everything and more, to do the right thing, who is then so shockingly treated as a result. The only mistake of, Fulcher, the author-detective seems to be to have mistakenly believed that others held his own same high level of integrity and dedication to service.
Do we really need to question that the human rights of victims should take precedence over those of the criminals who harm them?
That a detective who uncovers a serial killer and helps two families find closure should then go on to be vilified and witch-hunted for his efforts is unfortunately not an isolated case. Personally, I've known other gifted individuals in other fields, who thought outside the box, who did the right thing, yet were crucified by the small-minded, small-hearted who have greater power.
That we allow such things to happen is a tragedy and a wake up call for all of society.
As I read this book, I felt both awed and humbled by Fulcher's courage, integrity, and compassion. And I felt ashamed at the smallness of the society in which we live.
Indeed:
Rules are for the guidance of wise men,
and the obedience of fools.
August 30, 2017
I have just finished reading this book by former police officer Stephen Fulcher about his hunt for serial killer Christopher Halliwell. After obtaining a confession from Halliwell and discovering 2 bodies Fulcher was discredited and made into a pariah for breaching PACE guidelines. PACE sets out the correct procedure when it comes to questioning criminals. Some, including Fulcher, argue that it favours the criminal over the victim. After 2 trials over 5 years Halliwell was eventually convicted of both murders. In the final trial it was revealed that the police and forensics believed Haliwell returned to the body of his final victim up to 4 times in order to have sex with her corpse. Halliwell claimed to have killed as many as 6 when speaking to another inmate, but when the police found Halliwell'ss trophy stash they discovered 60 items of woman's clothing, leading some to believe he may have committed many more murders. It seems like Halliwell may well be one of the UK's most prolific killers, the UK version of Ted Bundy maybe?
The book raises some serious questions about who's rights the law favours in cases such as this. While everyone agrees that the police should not ride roughshod over suspects and the law, surely the chance of possibly finding the victims alive and securing a conviction should prompt a review of the regulations.
The book raises some serious questions about who's rights the law favours in cases such as this. While everyone agrees that the police should not ride roughshod over suspects and the law, surely the chance of possibly finding the victims alive and securing a conviction should prompt a review of the regulations.
September 8, 2017
Could not put it down
Excellent writing, read it over 24 hours. Infuriated by the handling of a devoted officer who the force did not deserve.
Excellent writing, read it over 24 hours. Infuriated by the handling of a devoted officer who the force did not deserve.
August 19, 2017
An excellent book, explaining clearly the procedural work that goes on during a missing person investigation.
Despite the perpetrator being locked up, we should not lose sight of the fact that the treatment of Stephen Fulcher following the arrest of Halliwell was shocking; how can the rights of the suspect ever be more important than the rights of the victim. There is truly something wrong with our judicial system when an SIO is treated this way for overstepping the GUIDELINES in order to potentially save a victims life.
What concerns me now is the fact that, despite potential 'trophies' for other victims, further investigations have been discounted; how can that bring justice for the parents/spouses/siblings of other potential victims across the country.
Despite the perpetrator being locked up, we should not lose sight of the fact that the treatment of Stephen Fulcher following the arrest of Halliwell was shocking; how can the rights of the suspect ever be more important than the rights of the victim. There is truly something wrong with our judicial system when an SIO is treated this way for overstepping the GUIDELINES in order to potentially save a victims life.
What concerns me now is the fact that, despite potential 'trophies' for other victims, further investigations have been discounted; how can that bring justice for the parents/spouses/siblings of other potential victims across the country.
July 7, 2017
Hmmm where to start? This was a hard book to read! I am ex police myself and don't have much good to say of the force! They shit on their own as demonstrated massively in this book and are often unbeknown to the public corrupt when it comes to covering asses to avoid 'embarrassment' and in shaping situations to best suit themselves above telling the truth! That's so unimportant to so many in the police and I have lived it and I have experienced and witnessed it so feel comfortable to be able to say that!
With fuclher I am much the same in terms of being honest to the bitter end no matter what the cost! I do not like or tolerate liars! I found the last part of the book hard to carry on with as I was so so angry because the police treat people so badly and continue to get away with it. As stated in the book large parts of the law do protect the criminals and it was what I couldn't stand about policing! The countries a mess when it comes to helping all the wrong people and penalising those decent among us!
The book was also hard to read as you could tell it was written by a high ranking officer not your on the street Bobbie! It was like reading an official policing legislation document largely in parts BORING, REPETITIVE AND LONGGGG! I don't doubt fulcher was a talented detective with an amazing gut instinct. What he doesn't have a talent for is writing books in my opinion and I read a lot!
I did find him to be rather arrogant in the first part of the book tbh. However following his down fall which should never have happened but still, his writing style altered and he came across as a bit more humble and less arrogant. I felt for him as I've experience the shit the police can put their own through and it's not a nice place to be!
Is it worth a read? Yes! Is it an easy read in terms of page turning and enjoyable? No!
With fuclher I am much the same in terms of being honest to the bitter end no matter what the cost! I do not like or tolerate liars! I found the last part of the book hard to carry on with as I was so so angry because the police treat people so badly and continue to get away with it. As stated in the book large parts of the law do protect the criminals and it was what I couldn't stand about policing! The countries a mess when it comes to helping all the wrong people and penalising those decent among us!
The book was also hard to read as you could tell it was written by a high ranking officer not your on the street Bobbie! It was like reading an official policing legislation document largely in parts BORING, REPETITIVE AND LONGGGG! I don't doubt fulcher was a talented detective with an amazing gut instinct. What he doesn't have a talent for is writing books in my opinion and I read a lot!
I did find him to be rather arrogant in the first part of the book tbh. However following his down fall which should never have happened but still, his writing style altered and he came across as a bit more humble and less arrogant. I felt for him as I've experience the shit the police can put their own through and it's not a nice place to be!
Is it worth a read? Yes! Is it an easy read in terms of page turning and enjoyable? No!
August 21, 2017
Shameful
Stephen was treated shamefully by Wiltshire police after the work he did to catch this awful murderer.A most interesting and sobering story of the investigation of a missing young women and what came from that.He could have murdered many more women and the police investigation should continue to find the truth.
Stephen was treated shamefully by Wiltshire police after the work he did to catch this awful murderer.A most interesting and sobering story of the investigation of a missing young women and what came from that.He could have murdered many more women and the police investigation should continue to find the truth.
August 9, 2017
True crime can be a problematic genre, too often the focus is on all things sensational, thankfully this book bucks that unhappy trend. Fulcher emerges as a man of principle willing to risk losing everything to do what’s right.
The book paints a much less flattering picture of the upper echelons of the Wiltshire police, their actions show them to be a mendacious bunch, more than happy to back Fulcher until a problem with Halliwell's ‘confession’ raises questions about his methods, though not his motivations. They seem to have been perfectly relaxed with the prospect of a guilty man walking free to protect a flawed system.
There are some flaws, it might have been useful to know a little about what led Haliwell to kill. At one point a psychologist called in to examine his home says, ‘he doesn’t live here’, metaphorically at least that is correct, but he must inhabit some dark region of his own psyche. What sent him there? Monsters are made not born after all. Fulcher also uses police show clichés like ‘nick’ and ‘guv’, possibly on the advice of his editor, it’s doubtful he ever spouted such guff when he was a serving officer.
These are minor criticisms, this is an absorbing and often unsettling book about the darkness we ask the people charged with keeping us safe to look into and the impact it has on their lives.
The book paints a much less flattering picture of the upper echelons of the Wiltshire police, their actions show them to be a mendacious bunch, more than happy to back Fulcher until a problem with Halliwell's ‘confession’ raises questions about his methods, though not his motivations. They seem to have been perfectly relaxed with the prospect of a guilty man walking free to protect a flawed system.
There are some flaws, it might have been useful to know a little about what led Haliwell to kill. At one point a psychologist called in to examine his home says, ‘he doesn’t live here’, metaphorically at least that is correct, but he must inhabit some dark region of his own psyche. What sent him there? Monsters are made not born after all. Fulcher also uses police show clichés like ‘nick’ and ‘guv’, possibly on the advice of his editor, it’s doubtful he ever spouted such guff when he was a serving officer.
These are minor criticisms, this is an absorbing and often unsettling book about the darkness we ask the people charged with keeping us safe to look into and the impact it has on their lives.
August 13, 2017
Absolutely brilliant
I thought Stephen Fulchers story was heartbreaking and honest, an unbelievably good read. Opens your eyes to the truths behind policing and the justice system.
I thought Stephen Fulchers story was heartbreaking and honest, an unbelievably good read. Opens your eyes to the truths behind policing and the justice system.
October 8, 2017
When I first started this book, I was considering being a detective. Throughout the chase for the murderer I maintained that’s desire, but when Stephen Fulcher, the detective who catches the murderer is humiliated and treated despicably by his own colleagues and a judge, I lost all motivation to ever even enter the police force. This is a sad tale of how our justice system is tainted and corrupted by political correctness. It made me physically angry that justice for a victim came second to the rules of a serial killer. Stephen Fulcher is a great and honest writer, I only wish he had a more positive story to tell.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2017
Very gripping true tale of the hunt for a missing girl that turned into a double murder enquiry. Written by the lead detective, this provides great insights into police procedure while remaining a very compelling story. Occasionally clunky text doesn’t spoil a book that I tore through in a few days. This is perhaps a 4.5 star rather than 5, as I don’t think it’s a book I’ll remember forever, but it was a great read.
July 25, 2017
Everyone needs to read this book.
I can't think of enough great things to say about this book. It actually brought a tear to my eyes at times, and that is no mean feat. I had no idea about what had happened to Steve, and it is heart breaking that he ultimately gave up his job for being an outstanding detective. We would all want him as SIO if our child went missing. Something is greatly amiss with the police powers that be, and it smacks of corruption. I truly hope that Steve is now once again happy and at peace with his life.
I can't think of enough great things to say about this book. It actually brought a tear to my eyes at times, and that is no mean feat. I had no idea about what had happened to Steve, and it is heart breaking that he ultimately gave up his job for being an outstanding detective. We would all want him as SIO if our child went missing. Something is greatly amiss with the police powers that be, and it smacks of corruption. I truly hope that Steve is now once again happy and at peace with his life.
June 27, 2017
Shocking, hard to put down
Incredibly well written, hard to put down. Broken into two parts. The first part is the hunt for a missing woman. To convict her murderer, who offers up two bodies Stephen Fulcher bravely goes out on a limb to bring two women back to their families.
The second part deals with the aftermath and fallout from Stephen Fulcher's brave actions.
One of the best books I've rread in a long time.
Incredibly well written, hard to put down. Broken into two parts. The first part is the hunt for a missing woman. To convict her murderer, who offers up two bodies Stephen Fulcher bravely goes out on a limb to bring two women back to their families.
The second part deals with the aftermath and fallout from Stephen Fulcher's brave actions.
One of the best books I've rread in a long time.
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