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The Man in Black: Peter Moore – Wales’ Worst Serial Killer
Written by criminal defense lawyer Dylan Rhys Jones, this is the true story of his experience of defending Rhyl serial killer Peter Moore, known as 'The Man in Black', who was found guilty in 1996 of murdering four men in north Wales and seriously assaulting over 30 more over a 20-year period.
In his concluding remarks while sentencing Moore, Judge Mr Justice Maurice Kay referred to him as "as dangerous a man as it is possible to find". Moore admitted the killings and described them in detail, but then changed his story, blaming someone else for the murders. As his brief, the author spent hours discussing with Moore his motivation for murder, his compulsion for the violent sexual assaults, his background, his plans for further murders, his involvement with a circle of friends in north Wales and Merseyside who had similar strange sexual proclivities, and the overwhelming urge he felt to kill. An in-depth firsthand account of full and frank dealings with a particularly vicious individual who apparently gained pleasure from violence, and an insight into the professional and personal pressures suffered by a lawyer during the yearlong process leading up to such a high-profile trial.
The book also discusses its aftermath, including Jones' discussions with Moore regarding an appeal and about how he was coping in prison, and reveals new information undisclosed by the killer until now. He recalls one candid discussion when he asked Moore how it felt to kill someone, and the chilling reply he received. The book will reveal the stress of dealing with a large murder case, the complexity of a serial killer’s mind and the way a lawyer learns to deal with such an individual. The public’s fascination with the sick or dangerously criminal mind never seems to wane.
In his concluding remarks while sentencing Moore, Judge Mr Justice Maurice Kay referred to him as "as dangerous a man as it is possible to find". Moore admitted the killings and described them in detail, but then changed his story, blaming someone else for the murders. As his brief, the author spent hours discussing with Moore his motivation for murder, his compulsion for the violent sexual assaults, his background, his plans for further murders, his involvement with a circle of friends in north Wales and Merseyside who had similar strange sexual proclivities, and the overwhelming urge he felt to kill. An in-depth firsthand account of full and frank dealings with a particularly vicious individual who apparently gained pleasure from violence, and an insight into the professional and personal pressures suffered by a lawyer during the yearlong process leading up to such a high-profile trial.
The book also discusses its aftermath, including Jones' discussions with Moore regarding an appeal and about how he was coping in prison, and reveals new information undisclosed by the killer until now. He recalls one candid discussion when he asked Moore how it felt to kill someone, and the chilling reply he received. The book will reveal the stress of dealing with a large murder case, the complexity of a serial killer’s mind and the way a lawyer learns to deal with such an individual. The public’s fascination with the sick or dangerously criminal mind never seems to wane.
- GenresTrue Crime
256 pages, Paperback
Published December 28, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 24, 2020
I knew something of the story of Peter Moore. I have a vague recollection of TV news footage of him being interviewed regarding his one-man mission to save the North Wales cinema industry. I knew that he had subsequently been convicted of a series of murders but I didn’t know anything of the detail.
I enjoy books based on reality and I believe what I got from this book was Dylan’s 100% realistic and faithful recollection of an almost indescribable series of events. I was captivated from the preface when Dylan explains his journey and motives for writing the book, so long after the event. I believe that the contemplation period offered by the pandemic will strike a chord with so many readers.
When looking back 25 years I did wonder what sort of lens the author would apply? Would he embellish certain aspects to amplify his role or justify his actions. With every page I turned I got a huge sense of the integrity with which Dylan wanted to relay the story. I genuinely believe that he succeeds in taking the reader behind the curtain of some of the worst murders committed in Wales without bringing any sense of his own ego to distort the re-telling.
I really liked the pace and rhythm of the book. This is a story that deserves to be told and there are certain sections which are truly remarkable such as the night-time confession and the day when Dylan and Dewi visited the scenes of the horrific murders.
Dylan does a wonderful job of explaining the legal processes pertaining to the case but for me the most fascinating aspect is the sense of professionalism and diligence he applied in such difficult circumstances. I found myself asking why on earth would a defence lawyer put themselves through such an ordeal. Even though the events had a massive negative impact on Dylan I can see why he never really questioned whether to put himself through the act of representing Peter Moore. He offers a range of insights, lawyers needing to be isolated and viewing through frosted glass/ peers leaving University with a sense of wanting to do some good in the World/criminal lawyers being gatekeepers against the power of the State. I came away with the sense that if you have trained for so long to do something that it is then almost impossible not to take on such a challenge when fate presents it. This is what drives so many committed and professional people and there is a message here about the need for society to do more to support these people.
I approached the end of the book with some trepidation as I was enthralled by the prospect of Dylan meeting Peter Moore again after 25 years. I won’t cover this in any detail as I don’t want to spoil this culmination of the book for the readers.
Da iawn Dylan and thank you for sharing your journey.
I enjoy books based on reality and I believe what I got from this book was Dylan’s 100% realistic and faithful recollection of an almost indescribable series of events. I was captivated from the preface when Dylan explains his journey and motives for writing the book, so long after the event. I believe that the contemplation period offered by the pandemic will strike a chord with so many readers.
When looking back 25 years I did wonder what sort of lens the author would apply? Would he embellish certain aspects to amplify his role or justify his actions. With every page I turned I got a huge sense of the integrity with which Dylan wanted to relay the story. I genuinely believe that he succeeds in taking the reader behind the curtain of some of the worst murders committed in Wales without bringing any sense of his own ego to distort the re-telling.
I really liked the pace and rhythm of the book. This is a story that deserves to be told and there are certain sections which are truly remarkable such as the night-time confession and the day when Dylan and Dewi visited the scenes of the horrific murders.
Dylan does a wonderful job of explaining the legal processes pertaining to the case but for me the most fascinating aspect is the sense of professionalism and diligence he applied in such difficult circumstances. I found myself asking why on earth would a defence lawyer put themselves through such an ordeal. Even though the events had a massive negative impact on Dylan I can see why he never really questioned whether to put himself through the act of representing Peter Moore. He offers a range of insights, lawyers needing to be isolated and viewing through frosted glass/ peers leaving University with a sense of wanting to do some good in the World/criminal lawyers being gatekeepers against the power of the State. I came away with the sense that if you have trained for so long to do something that it is then almost impossible not to take on such a challenge when fate presents it. This is what drives so many committed and professional people and there is a message here about the need for society to do more to support these people.
I approached the end of the book with some trepidation as I was enthralled by the prospect of Dylan meeting Peter Moore again after 25 years. I won’t cover this in any detail as I don’t want to spoil this culmination of the book for the readers.
Da iawn Dylan and thank you for sharing your journey.
January 13, 2021
The Man In Black would be an excellent addition to any true crime fan’s bookshelf- an utterly compelling story from the point of view of the man who defended Peter Moore – Moore often referred to as Wales’ worse serial killer.
Those who ask “how can anyone defend such a man ” should read this. Dylan Rhys Jones having a dedication to his job and the belief that everyone deserves fairness in the justice system shines through here – even as the affect on his mental health is negative.
There are many layers here, not least the character of Moore himself, a seemingly peaceful, self contained man who, as things progress becomes quietly chilling and ultimately difficult to understand. There is a huge amount of insight into a criminal investigation and the relationship, in this case mutually respectful, between defence and police.
Overall a fascinating read that is as compelling as any fictional character drama and as much of a page turner as any mystery. The mystery here is in human nature with all its variables, it was intriguing from first page to last.
Recommended.
January 13, 2021
Dark but compelling
A fascinating look at a very dark subject. Some typos and minor mistakes (in the Ebook version), but a pacy read.
A fascinating look at a very dark subject. Some typos and minor mistakes (in the Ebook version), but a pacy read.
November 9, 2020
Back in the 1990s, I spent almost ten years working among murderers, rapists and arsonists. I spent eight hours every day surrounded by men who had committed the most horrific crimes imaginable. When I heard about this book, I was fascinated as it's written by Peter Moor's defence lawyer. I don't think I've ever read anything written about a true crime from that angle.
Peter Moore was convicted of the murders of four men and was dubbed 'the man in black' because of the clothing that he wore. Moore didn't know his victims, and he had displayed no signs of what he had done. It's a fascinating case.
Dylan Jones was just thirty-years-old when he took on Peter Moore's case. Jones had dealt with various legal financial matters for Moore in the past, and recalled him as just an ordinary, if somewhat dour and solitary man. His passion was cinema, and he owned and ran some small independent cinemas throughout Wales.
From the outset, Dylan Jones writes with an honesty about his own feelings for this case that I personally could empathise with. He talks about how some things that a solicitor will see, and hear can have a long-term impact. Some things are seared into the brain, and despite the passing of time, they don't leave. I too have experienced this, and there was one particular episode whilst working in a top-security forensic psychiatric hospital that I saw, that I will never forget. It was that one episode that led me to finally leave that job.
Dylan Jones was a duty solicitor, working with Legal Aid clients. He wasn't appointed defence lawyer for Moore by choice; either his or Moore's.
Like many of us, my only real knowledge of lawyers has been from television and film. Those long and often emotionally charged, almost theatrical speeches to the jury, the presumption that they are all very rich and just getting richer through the crimes of their clients. Jones explains what it is really like. He explains that no solicitor who wants to be rich chooses to be defence lawyer, and goes into great detail about just how much work is involved in a case. How that case can take up every waking moment, and affect personal lives. What we rarely understand is that whilst the lawyers are working flat out on a case, they also have all of their other clients to take care of. This story certainly made me consider just what goes into the workings of a criminal case in court.
Moore's case is very very strange. He's a strange man who appears cold and almost immune to what is going on around him. The strangest part of the build up to the actual court case was Moore's lengthy confession statement; detailing the murder that he'd been arrested for, and also owning up to more victims - one of whom, the police had no idea about. Moore admitted to so much.
The following morning Moore claimed that he had lied. He was innocent, and was really protecting a friend named Jason. He didn't know where Jason lived, or what his last name was, but he was protecting him.
As you can imagine, Jones and his team had a very difficult job to do. Who could really believe Moore's claims about Jason? Yet, as defence lawyer, that's what Jones had to do. His job was to persuade the jury that it wasn't Moore who murdered these men, but a mystery guy called Jason.
The truth is most certainly stranger than fiction.
This is a riveting book. Jones writes with an honestly that is admirable. He details how the case affected him and how his own behaviour changed afterwards. He acknowledged that Moore had left a lasting impact on him, and he sought help for that. It's also a detailed and fascinating insight into the workings of the criminal justice system, and whilst there's a lot of legal detail, it is never boring or dry.
I really enjoyed this excellently written book and would recommend it to both fans of true crime, and crime fiction.
Peter Moore was convicted of the murders of four men and was dubbed 'the man in black' because of the clothing that he wore. Moore didn't know his victims, and he had displayed no signs of what he had done. It's a fascinating case.
Dylan Jones was just thirty-years-old when he took on Peter Moore's case. Jones had dealt with various legal financial matters for Moore in the past, and recalled him as just an ordinary, if somewhat dour and solitary man. His passion was cinema, and he owned and ran some small independent cinemas throughout Wales.
From the outset, Dylan Jones writes with an honesty about his own feelings for this case that I personally could empathise with. He talks about how some things that a solicitor will see, and hear can have a long-term impact. Some things are seared into the brain, and despite the passing of time, they don't leave. I too have experienced this, and there was one particular episode whilst working in a top-security forensic psychiatric hospital that I saw, that I will never forget. It was that one episode that led me to finally leave that job.
Dylan Jones was a duty solicitor, working with Legal Aid clients. He wasn't appointed defence lawyer for Moore by choice; either his or Moore's.
Like many of us, my only real knowledge of lawyers has been from television and film. Those long and often emotionally charged, almost theatrical speeches to the jury, the presumption that they are all very rich and just getting richer through the crimes of their clients. Jones explains what it is really like. He explains that no solicitor who wants to be rich chooses to be defence lawyer, and goes into great detail about just how much work is involved in a case. How that case can take up every waking moment, and affect personal lives. What we rarely understand is that whilst the lawyers are working flat out on a case, they also have all of their other clients to take care of. This story certainly made me consider just what goes into the workings of a criminal case in court.
Moore's case is very very strange. He's a strange man who appears cold and almost immune to what is going on around him. The strangest part of the build up to the actual court case was Moore's lengthy confession statement; detailing the murder that he'd been arrested for, and also owning up to more victims - one of whom, the police had no idea about. Moore admitted to so much.
The following morning Moore claimed that he had lied. He was innocent, and was really protecting a friend named Jason. He didn't know where Jason lived, or what his last name was, but he was protecting him.
As you can imagine, Jones and his team had a very difficult job to do. Who could really believe Moore's claims about Jason? Yet, as defence lawyer, that's what Jones had to do. His job was to persuade the jury that it wasn't Moore who murdered these men, but a mystery guy called Jason.
The truth is most certainly stranger than fiction.
This is a riveting book. Jones writes with an honestly that is admirable. He details how the case affected him and how his own behaviour changed afterwards. He acknowledged that Moore had left a lasting impact on him, and he sought help for that. It's also a detailed and fascinating insight into the workings of the criminal justice system, and whilst there's a lot of legal detail, it is never boring or dry.
I really enjoyed this excellently written book and would recommend it to both fans of true crime, and crime fiction.
March 3, 2021
I don’t read true crime books. It’s not something that interests me, reading about the depravity that some human beings are capable of and I’m not in the habit of celebrating or glamourising these criminals until they become some kind of twisted celebrity. However, when I was approached by Dylan to review his book, I agreed because this is a different type of true crime novel. It focuses on the experience of a solicitor who is called upon to represent a serial killer in his legal case. As a non-practising solicitor myself, I was really fascinated to read about this experience first hand in a non-fictional book. It is something that every law student imagines when they are studying criminal law at university, but very, very few ever experience.
I first decided I wanted to be a lawyer aged 13, because of the TV show, Crown Court. I don’t know how many of you will remember this programme (if you’ve never seen it, Google it), but I was obsessed with it. At the time, I was convinced it was real, I didn’t realise it was fictional, and I was determined I was going to become a criminal barrister. At university, I found the criminal law module of my degree fascinating but, as I studied and then began my training contract in a firm, it became clear that I was no advocate and that my talents lay in the non-contentious area of corporate law and mergers and acquisitions. The practice of criminal law is not much like the portrayals you see on TV. It is much darker, dirtier and depressing than you see, but so, so necessary for the justice system to operate fairly and I have nothing but admiration for the people who make this their vocation – because this is what it is. They are not in it for the fame or fortune, but because they are called to help people.
All of this becomes very clear when you read this book by Dylan Rhys Jones, as he describes to you his experience of being the solicitor charged with acting on behalf of serial killer, Peter Moore in the mid-1990s. The book focuses on his emotional reaction to dealing with this depraved man, the long term effects it had on him personally and his impressions of Peter Moore as an individual. It is absolutely riveting. Very, very few of us will ever have such close, personal contact with someone accused of such evil acts, and to read about how Dylan interacted with this man, accused of some totally heinous acts, what effect having to become so intimately acquainted with the horrendous crimes he committed, the long-lasting psychological effects it had on him – well, it will open the eyes of anyone who has ever wondered how criminal lawyers can represent such criminals and how it feels to be ‘taking their side.’
Despite the fact this is focused mostly on the legal side of the case and the solicitor, and does not portray things from the killer’s side or try to get in to his mind, there are still some graphic descriptions of the crimes and parts of it are deeply disturbing. For me, the toll that representing someone like Peter Moore takes on his legal team is possibly the most disturbing part and just confirmed to me what heroes these people are. Criminals need robust legal representation, regardless of what they are accused of, for our adversarial legal system to operate fairly, but criminal defence lawyers are regularly scorned and maligned. Anyone reading this book should come away with a much clearer and fairer understanding of why their job is vital and what they sacrifice in order to do it. If you don’t come away with massive sympathy for the author at the end of this book, I would be amazed.
This book is really honest, well-written and compelling. I was gripped from beginning to end by Dylan’s vivid descriptions of what he went through in representing this man, and I came away with so much admiration for him. I have never been more sure that I made the right decision not to become a criminal law solicitor, I would never have been robust enough to survive it, and also reminded me why I don’t read true crime books. This is a must read for anyone who wants to see the story of a serial killer from a unique and completely different angle.
I first decided I wanted to be a lawyer aged 13, because of the TV show, Crown Court. I don’t know how many of you will remember this programme (if you’ve never seen it, Google it), but I was obsessed with it. At the time, I was convinced it was real, I didn’t realise it was fictional, and I was determined I was going to become a criminal barrister. At university, I found the criminal law module of my degree fascinating but, as I studied and then began my training contract in a firm, it became clear that I was no advocate and that my talents lay in the non-contentious area of corporate law and mergers and acquisitions. The practice of criminal law is not much like the portrayals you see on TV. It is much darker, dirtier and depressing than you see, but so, so necessary for the justice system to operate fairly and I have nothing but admiration for the people who make this their vocation – because this is what it is. They are not in it for the fame or fortune, but because they are called to help people.
All of this becomes very clear when you read this book by Dylan Rhys Jones, as he describes to you his experience of being the solicitor charged with acting on behalf of serial killer, Peter Moore in the mid-1990s. The book focuses on his emotional reaction to dealing with this depraved man, the long term effects it had on him personally and his impressions of Peter Moore as an individual. It is absolutely riveting. Very, very few of us will ever have such close, personal contact with someone accused of such evil acts, and to read about how Dylan interacted with this man, accused of some totally heinous acts, what effect having to become so intimately acquainted with the horrendous crimes he committed, the long-lasting psychological effects it had on him – well, it will open the eyes of anyone who has ever wondered how criminal lawyers can represent such criminals and how it feels to be ‘taking their side.’
Despite the fact this is focused mostly on the legal side of the case and the solicitor, and does not portray things from the killer’s side or try to get in to his mind, there are still some graphic descriptions of the crimes and parts of it are deeply disturbing. For me, the toll that representing someone like Peter Moore takes on his legal team is possibly the most disturbing part and just confirmed to me what heroes these people are. Criminals need robust legal representation, regardless of what they are accused of, for our adversarial legal system to operate fairly, but criminal defence lawyers are regularly scorned and maligned. Anyone reading this book should come away with a much clearer and fairer understanding of why their job is vital and what they sacrifice in order to do it. If you don’t come away with massive sympathy for the author at the end of this book, I would be amazed.
This book is really honest, well-written and compelling. I was gripped from beginning to end by Dylan’s vivid descriptions of what he went through in representing this man, and I came away with so much admiration for him. I have never been more sure that I made the right decision not to become a criminal law solicitor, I would never have been robust enough to survive it, and also reminded me why I don’t read true crime books. This is a must read for anyone who wants to see the story of a serial killer from a unique and completely different angle.
January 16, 2025
Growing up as a child, I used to be dropped off at the creepy cinema in Bagillt to watch films. It's always felt a bit bonkers that our parents would drop us off to essentially be entertained by a serial killer.
Every now and then, people will bring up Peter Moore and it's after one of these discussions, I came across Dylans book.
Im glad I did. I really enjoyed reading this book and hearing about the case from a different perspective. The life of a criminal lawyer isn't something I've thought about before. It was really insightful, and I will try to find some similar books.
Every now and then, people will bring up Peter Moore and it's after one of these discussions, I came across Dylans book.
Im glad I did. I really enjoyed reading this book and hearing about the case from a different perspective. The life of a criminal lawyer isn't something I've thought about before. It was really insightful, and I will try to find some similar books.
December 19, 2025
This book meanders through the story quite a bit, as the author focuses on small reflections or thoughts about "what is evil". It's sparse on the details at times, especially when it comes to the trial. It's a shame, but makes sense since the author has struggled with PTSD due to the case. Honestly, I was stunned when he said at the end how long he'd carried on with it untreated! Glad he's been able to open up about it and access supportive mental health services.
March 17, 2021
Started off good but began to drag along 3/4 of the way through. Ending was disappointing, as was the book as a whole having looked forward to reading it, being an Anglesey inhabitant.
Typos and grammarical errors throughout.... annoying! (Hard copy).
Typos and grammarical errors throughout.... annoying! (Hard copy).
November 10, 2025
a very interesting read
What a well written book! I live in North Wales but I’m a little bit too young to have understood what was happening with this case at the time. It almost became a “local legend” for me so it was interesting to read about this case.
What a well written book! I live in North Wales but I’m a little bit too young to have understood what was happening with this case at the time. It almost became a “local legend” for me so it was interesting to read about this case.
August 25, 2025
A difficult read in some ways, but written in a very engaging way, it was hard to put down.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews