Dark Valleys: Foul Deeds Among the South Wales Valleys 1845–2016

by Gary Dobbs

Dark Valleys collects together more than a century of murders that took place in and around the valleys of South Wales. These horrific crimes shocked not only Wales, but also made national headlines. Although treated with compassion and sensitivity by the Welsh author and crime historian Gary M. Dobbs, these true stories are often gruesome and harrowing, with no details spared in chronicling what were truly terrible events. The reasons behind such violent crime are explored, and we see the changing attitudes of society to crimes fuelled by alcohol, poverty, passion or, increasingly so in modern times, drug abuse. The book also highlights the changing procedures of both the police and the courts in dealing with such crimes. It contains stories of hardship and incredible poverty, and of ordinary lives suddenly transformed by brutal and sickening violence.Many of the killings contained within these pages remain unsolved, such as the 1862 Tyntyla Farm Murder and the 1993 execution style killings of Megan and Harry Tooze. The latter case remains one of South Wales most infamous unsolved murders. Along the the way we look at the case of Rhoda Willis, the first woman to be hanged at Cardiff Prison, and many, many more gruesome but fascinating cases.In all cases the author has painstakingly collected together every available piece of evidence to provide as clear a picture as possible. Gary Dobbs carefully researched, well-illustrated and enthralling text will appeal to anyone interested in the darker side of history.

Genres: True Crime

139 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2020

About the author

Welsh author Gary Dobbs is best known as a fiction writer. Using the pen name Jack Martin, he is responsible for a string of best-selling westerns as well as the popular crime series, Granny Smith. The latter published under G.M. Dobbs.

Cardiff and the Valleys in the Great War is his first major non-fiction work and he felt both humbled and proud to tackle the project. Hours of research were involved in compiling the stories presented within these pages, and alongside the grim statistics the author feels that there is a very human story that he was deeply privileged to tell.

Reviews

[Crime Traveller · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an intriguing journey starting back in the Victorian era, author Gary Dobbs explores the criminal history of the South Wales Valleys between 1845 and 2016. From swift punishments where conviction, sentencing and hanging would take place within days through to modern-day where hanging is no longer and long prison terms are the norm. The cases covered here include the crime of murder, the ultimate harm one individual can do to another.

Welsh author Gary Dobbs has an engaging writing style making this book very enjoyable to read. As each chapter is digested, the next moves along the timeline taking the reader into a new case where facts are presented along with an exploration of the motivations behind these crimes and the societal norms which surround them.

With these cases involving the crime of murder the all too common emotions of jealousy and rage can be seen with time dedicated to Harold Jones, the area’s most infamous killer alongside individuals who were convicted and imprisoned despite their innocence. A fascinating read which will keep true crime fans and historians gripped from chapter to chapter.

Read my full review of Dark Valleys on Crime Traveller at: https://www.crimetraveller.org/2017/0...

[Terri Stokes · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read in to some of the crimes committed in Wales over the years stated. Some are quick reads while others are a little longer and makes you wonder about the crimes a little more as well as the victims and the killers too.

But the perfect read if you want something quick and semi light.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book.

[Julia Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the way the cases were wrote and it would of been nice to see a few more photos. Several spelling mistakes and grammatical errors but overall a good read for true crime fans

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

True crime lovers should really like this book. The author has compiled all the murders committed in South Wales for the years 1845-2016. I found this book so fascinating that I nearly read it all in one sitting. The perpetrators in these cases are male and female, young and old, British and foreigners. The author also notes the forensic techniques used in these cases and points out the development of the science over the period. It seems wrong somehow to say that I enjoyed this book, but I found it fascinating and the author’s writing style was very engaging. Overall, a job well done!