The true story of the shocking 1930s murder case, and the revolutionary investigation that changed forensics forever. Lancaster, 1935. In a jealous rage, Dr Buck Ruxton kills his wife, Isabella, and their children’s nanny, Mary, before dismembering the bodies in the bathtub. When walkers discover the remains scattered in a ravine in the Scottish Borders, police are confronted with a gruesome jigsaw puzzle that they must piece together – not only to give the women their names back, but also to catch their killer.
Using new research, Jeremy Craddock tells the full story of this landmark case in British criminal history. The Jigsaw Murders brings to life Dr Ruxton, the investigators, the legal figures, and silent witnesses Isabella and Mary, recreating the dramatic scenes that shook the world.
It may not have been the book, could've just been me. But from the start I was bored and that feeling never went away. I know the story is interesting and I wanted to finish it, but I can't right now, maybe at some point in the future.
3.75 Really well researched and detailed look into this gruesome and macabre murder of two young women. Interesting details on how new (at the time) forensic techniques were used and are now still commonly used tools in forensic sciences today
( Format : Audiobook ) "Untapped information." 1930's Britain. When out walking in the local countryside with her mother, a young woman saw something odd over a bridge which, on closer examination, turned out to be wrapped and chopped up human body parts. The police were called in and, initially, it was impossible to determine if the victims were male or female or even how many people were involved. This book is a reconstruction of the notorious investigation and trial which became known as the Jigsaw Murders.
It is a fascinating, if gruesome, story and obviously well researched. So much so I seems that the author, determined to put in every fact he learned, spends many opening chapters introducing more and more people who will at some time in the future p!ay a part but rather overloading the reader with unnecessary names and information before the central story properly begins. And really, was it necessary to put in a Derby horse race commentary when a simple statement of winners and losers would have sufficed?
This overly padded commentary would have been far more interesting had the text been rearranged, linking the early mentioned forensic and legal protagonists within the context of the murder investigations and trial itself. Much irritation was saved, however, by the excellence of Jonathan Keeble's narration, his calm, beautifully modulated voice carrying the reader onwards, through the picture of the lifestyle of Dr.Ruxton and his family and neighbours, the gruesome deaths and, finally, the trial and aftermath. Don't give up with the early onslaught of a multitude of names: they all come back again much later.
For readers of true crime, this is worth hearing, just a bit untidy.
The fascinating and macabre tale of Buck Ruxton is brought to life in this exploration of the case that became known as the Jigsaw Murders. It is a significant case that led to the modern age of forensic science. In an ever-expanding canon of true crime books, this is the tale that needs to be told.
For a book that deals with such gruesome detail, it is written in a way that makes this book unputdownable. The novelistic style of each chapter ending with a cliff-hanger makes you want to get to read this next aspect of the story.
The Jigsaw Murders is underpinned by a journalistic eye for a good story. This well-researched book has thrown up several new angles that give some of the secondary characters in the story a more prominent focus. Mary and Isabella’s deaths in some places have been seen as a side-line to the other detail, but their lives are given more prominence as a result of new information that has been unearthed in the research.
It is clear that there has been a great deal of primary and secondary research in the writing of this book. This is borne out by the extensive reference list and the vivid way that this has been written. It is no surprise that the book has been optioned for television.
This macabre masterpiece brings a scholarly weight to the notorious ‘Jigsaw Murders’, which are newly examined in forensic detail.
Author Jeremy Craddock underpins his novelist-style prose with solid research, as evidenced by the lengthy notes on sources.
With every pacy chapter concluding on a Netflix-worthy cliffhanger, it is easy to get swept up in the firestorm of this notorious investigation; however, it is for his sensitive treatment of Ruxton’s female victims that Craddock truly deserves to be commended.
Isabella and Mary are finally afforded the dignity and compassion that evaded them in life. They are shown to be rounded women of passion and purpose whose abominable deaths continue to sicken more than 75 years later.
True-life crime enthusiasts will also appreciate an intimate look into ground-breaking developments in forensics - and the men who shaped them - whilst social historians can enjoy a neat portrait of prewar life in Lancaster (its customs and norms).
Now that the puzzle is complete, Craddock can feel proud to have brought some humanity to those most impacted by inhumane deeds.
The Jigsaw Murders is a gripping read. Its focus is the murder of two innocent women in the mid-1930s, and forensic scientists' dedication to the creation and development of techniques to identify the victims and the perpetrator. It is also a compelling account of the rhythm of life in a northern English town between the wars. Jeremy Craddock has conducted extensive research to create an atmospheric narrative of how a volatile individual can destroy the lives of his own and others' families.
I would say 3.75, was not a huge fan of the narrator. A hugely fascinating look at a landmark case the really bought forensic evidence to the forefront including etymology, fingerprinting as well as dental identification. Also deep dives into the history of the victims, their families and who they were rather than focusing solely on the killer, and gruesome details of the case.
To me giving a crime a sobriquet feels wrong, being crass and insensitive. Often (probably more so in the previous couple of centuries) this nickname is dreamt up by the press, as shocking headlines sell newspapers. Newspapers play an important part in opening lines of investigation in this case, with the chief crime correspondent of the News of the World at the head of the pack. Whilst a slightly tasteless nickname it is quite apt, as a jigsaw is what faced the academics at Edinburgh University, as they must piece together the incomplete and decomposing body parts of two victims. These remains were jumbled together to and scattered at the deposition site known locally as the Devil’s Beef Tub, a hollow in hills near Moffatt in Scotland. An incredible effort would be needed to identify the remains, and in doing so several new techniques were tried and developed.
Central to events is Indian doctor Bukhtyar Chompa Rustomji Ratanji Hakim, who became known as Buck Ruxton. Ruxton can be considered something of a very complex character even by modern standards. Coming from a wealthy Indian Parsee family in Bombay and with a French mother he had an exotic lineage. To which can be added dashing good looks, an ability to charm and a dapper dress sense. Attributes that made him stand out in 20s and 30s Edinburgh and Lancaster. It was not all surface veneer though; he was a Doctor of Medicine and of Surgery, so he was supremely talented as his patients would later attest. He earned a considerable income but also spent prodigiously loving the best things in life, clothing, furniture, art and fine food. He and his wife were also reckless gamblers. He was generous in spirit though, and there were numerous instances of his treating of the poor and disadvantaged for free, this being in the days before the NHS. Such was the esteem and affection he was held in that he still had local support through his trial and after, something that was to be echoed some sixty-five years later with Dr Harold Shipman until the full extent of his deeds were uncovered. Ruxton was prone to emotional outbursts though and his marriage to his common law wife Isabella was tempestuous.
Less is said about the victims which was a bit of a shame, but that could be down to there being fewer corroborating facts. The author suggests that Buck and Isabella must have been a striking couple and it is easy to see his point. Isabella was quite an independent woman for the time, working as a restaurant manager and had rather an extrovert personality. She was taller than average with an athletic build and looks that could be described as a little mannish, certainly a woman one would notice when she entered a room. Both victims are sensitively portrayed though.
There are several sidebar anecdotes which some readers might consider padding but for me round out the recounting of the murder and highlight its significance. The number of historically important men (sadly women very restricted in the 1930s) who had a role in the case is staggering, so it does seem right to give some of the spotlight to them. On the forensics alone there were Professors John Glaister, James Couper Brash and Sydney Smith and entomologist Alexander Means who did significant groundbreaking work. At the trial the defence was conducted by Norman Burkitt KC and the prosecution by David Maxwell Fyfe KC and Hartley Shawcross, who ten years later would meet up in a ‘Trial of the Century’. Burkitt was a judge at the main Nuremberg tribunal with Maxwell Fyfe and Shawcross being Great Britain’s lead prosecutors.
The research is excellent with uncorroborated anecdotes and facts left out and the temptation to embellish appears to have been avoided. The writing style is accessible, about as entertaining as it is possible with such a subject matter. A little of the macabre is left in such as the bathtub from the Ruxton home being used as a horse trough for Lancaster police horses for many years before ending in a museum. The structure is well considered and cogent with all the pieces slotted together itself like a complex jigsaw. Any reader with an interest in the development of forensic techniques and the human condition will find this a fascinating book.
I love my true crime and it's probably not the done thing to say that a book about a gruesome double murder is excellent, this certainly is. September 1935 two female hikers find several packages containing human remains in the Scottish Borders. When police arrive more remains are discovered. Initially police believed the victims were a man and woman, but when more detailed examinations were carried out, it was discovered both victims were female. Using completely new forensic techniques investigators were able to identify the badly mutilated remains, and this then led to the killer being identified. Excellent read.
Excellent account of a notable British murder case which proved to be a breakthrough in forensic detection. The author paints an authentic picture of the period and Ruxtons slide into a paranoia.
Diving into Jeremy Craddock's "The Jigsaw Murders: The True Story of the Ruxton Killings and the Birth of Modern Forensics" was an intellectual thrill from start to finish. Craddock masterfully resurrects a chilling yet fascinating chapter in true crime history, capturing the essence of the Ruxton killings and their pivotal role in the evolution of modern forensic science.
One of the strengths of Craddock's narrative lies in his meticulous research and attention to detail. He artfully reconstructs the events surrounding the Ruxton murders, providing readers with a riveting and comprehensive account that unveils the layers of mystery surrounding the case. Craddock's ability to navigate the historical context with precision adds depth to the storytelling, transporting readers to a bygone era while unraveling a tale that remains relevant in the annals of criminal history.
The book excels in its portrayal of the birth of modern forensics, showcasing the pioneering techniques employed during the investigation. Craddock skillfully weaves together the scientific advancements and breakthroughs that emerged from the Ruxton case, highlighting the pivotal role it played in shaping forensic methodologies. This aspect not only adds a layer of educational value to the narrative but also appeals to those with an interest in the history of forensic science.
Craddock's writing style is both engaging and accessible, making the complexities of forensic science and the legal proceedings surrounding the Ruxton case digestible for a broad audience. His ability to balance the technical aspects of the investigation with the human stories involved ensures that readers remain captivated without getting lost in the intricacies of the science.
Furthermore, "The Jigsaw Murders" excels in its exploration of the characters involved, providing nuanced portrayals of the key players in the investigation. Craddock goes beyond the crime itself, delving into the psychology of the individuals, the societal context, and the enduring impact on those affected by the events. This multi-dimensional approach enriches the narrative, making it not just a true crime story but a compelling exploration of the human experience.
In conclusion, Jeremy Craddock's "The Jigsaw Murders" is a triumph in true crime literature. It seamlessly blends meticulous research, captivating storytelling, and a deep dive into the birth of modern forensics. Whether you're a true crime enthusiast, a history buff, or someone intrigued by the evolution of forensic science, this book is a must-read that skillfully brings a chilling chapter of the past to life.
A totally readable [listenable] true crime story, so sensibly and unflinchingly written, without unneccessary dramatic effect, as true crime writers often muddy it up with, neither boring and flat, as some plain facts could be. To those of us who enjoy accuracy without the sensationalism, this author knows how to make a very good telling of the events of a life, perfectly added, to keep the scenes of this man's life going forward. Plus the peripherals, of the people around even to the ilk of entitled women and their idea of how they want to put their matriarchal stamp [and have done] on UK society. If all our criminal court cases could be led in such a teamled, right-thinking way, we would not have quite so much corruption and unscriptural leniencey towards those ones who are a burden on society.
This was really interesting. I like that the forensics and the new developments needed to prosecute this case were the focus but I thought it could have gone into even more detail about these techniques and how they relate to modern forensics. There were a few things I recognised and did some side research on that would have been great to include. I also really liked that after the book was first published there were a few people who had been involved with the case still living who contacted the author and that he included some of their stories and reminisces.
True crime can often focus too much on the gory details of the crime itself, but this really glanced over the actual murders and although there were gory details they were much more about the investigators putting things together after the fact.
Listened to this as an audiobook. Really interesting case well told and kept interesting throughout. The narration by Jonathan Keeble was great because he has a lovely posh English voice which somehow really suited a story of well to do people committing murders in the 30s. Every time he said “suit” I found myself repeating it because it was so delightfully posh. Hadn’t ever heard of this case before but really glad I listened to this book. Very interesting and paved the way for many forensic techniques still used today.
This gripping narrative non-fiction is written with such respect for the victims. Mary and Isabella’s stories are not treated as something to entertain and care was taken to not guess about or sensationalise the act of their deaths. I was fascinated by the detail included about the forensic science developed in order to solve this case and secure a conviction. A well researched, well written book.
It’s exceptionally well researched and kept me gripped to the very end. A hugely interesting account of the legal case & its use of early and developing forensic methods.
My only real criticism was the editing. There were some repetitive passages that could have been taken out and some parts which could have been more succinct.
Brilliant. It's a lot lighter than i normally like but it works here, the main case is told in good detail and a dozen or so more case-studies are sketched in, giving a secondary story of the development of early forensics. Together they make a ridiculously enjoyable book.
Growing up in Lancaster it was pretty common to be told what went on at 2 Dalton Square at a very early age. This was a very surreal retelling of the horrors that went down. Unbelievable piece of work.
An informative and gripping account of the Buck Ruxton murders, which reads as if it were a novel.
I was captivated by the book and in a combination of listening to the audiobook and reading the paperback, I completed it within a day or two.
I liked the fact that social history was mixed in with the criminal element of the case, both in how the crime was committed and how those investigating used ground breaking forensic methods both to identify the victims and to apprehend Ruxton.
I found the book provoked mixed reactions in me, from anger and disgust at Ruxton's actions, to empathy for his victims and the children who were left orphaned by this horrific crime.
The emphasis on Isabella Ruxton and Mary Jane Rogerson was touching as so often these ladies have become mere footnotes in the investigation rather than focusing the people they were, and on the horror of how they died and were disposed of by Ruxton.
This book goes a long way in rectifying that fault.
As a Lancaster native, it was highly interesting to learn more about a case I have always heard stories about, but never really understood until now.
Many thanks to the author Jeremy Craddock for writing such an engaging and affecting account of the case, and for signing my copy at my local book store.
Really interesting and well worth my credit. The story is about the doc who murdered both his wife, the maid and the forensic science that broke new ground.
So much info and given in a really down to earth manner made this book one of my best listens 2021