Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A Dictionary of True Crime by Stephen Wade was a very informative book from start to finish and I really enjoyed reading it. It is a great guide to the most compelling cases of extreme and violent crimes in the writing files, from the 17th century to present day.

I liked the way this book was formatted and arranged in an A-Z format, this well-researched dictionary which made it a great reference book especially if you are studying these violent crimes for college work etc. A great book for everyone interested in true crime.

NetGalley, Nessa Thompson

A well-thought and researched dictionary of true crime for true crime fans.

NetGalley, Didem Durak Akser

Informative entries, including not just people who committed crimes, but also a few entries on related things. Over all, a fascinating read.

NetGalley, Norma Carroll

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a must read for anyone who is interested in true crime! This goes from a-z on various true crime cases throughout history and is very informative and well researched. I would recommend this!

NetGalley, Victoria Thompson

I really enjoyed this book. I am a massive true crime fan anyway so anything to do with true crime I devour so this was such an interesting read. There was a good mix to between things that I knew and things I didn't know.

NetGalley, Kirsty Montgomery

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Oh my goodness. I had no idea I was in for such a feast when I requested a review copy of this title. Stephen Wade’s knowledge of true crime is encyclopaedic and is well reflected in the content of this dictionary. It’s so much more than a simple dictionary; the introduction alone gives a fascinating insight into the history of true crime, murder and includes a scholarly and fascinating overview of De Quincey and the Scottish lawyer, William Roughead. Roughead has clearly been an early influence on crime reporting and writing and references to his work have, alone, whetted my appetite to learn more about him.

Stephen Wade is a notable author of numerous true crime books covering specific cases, people, places etc and also on other topics including hangmen and prisons. Added to this, he’s a fiction author and the introduction gives the reader insight into writing fiction; the mechanics and thought processes which informs the development of his plot and characters. I was mesmerised.

As for the dictionary, it’s just packed with detail. Many of the more famous cases, ably covered by many authors over the years, are briefly outlined. This allows the reader to learn more about numerous less famous cases. There’s a comprehensive index so it’s easy to find a specific case or person. Best of all are the illustrations at the end of the book. All the pictures were new to me; a Lambert and But,er cigarette card depicting Turpin, a booklet about Newgate, Mary Bateman, the Yorkshire witch portrait. Absolutely fascinating in their own right. And the bibliography is extensive; a wide and varied resource with much material for readers interested in further relevant reading. This book is one to dip into and I’ve put the title on my wish list for a hard copy which will really do the text and pictures justice. It’s a book I want on my shelf. Pen and Swird have some outstanding non fiction titles and I’ve read many, but this is certainly in my top 10 best. Social history, true crime and more all rolled into one absorbing title. Outstanding.

NetGalley, Anita Wallas

‘So many nasty murders inhabit the chronicles of crime in Britain, and many of them are concerned either with domestic conflicts or with violent crimes, but some of the most infamous are in that rare category that relates to great national issues and events.’

True crime readers, this one is for you!

From the acid bath killer to the man they could not hang, A Dictionary of True Crime will have you hooked.

NetGalley, Georgi Lvs Books

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Spanning British history from the 17th century to the modern day, this guide profiles violent crime from infamous cases such as Jack the Ripper to lesser-known yet equally captivating cases. It also explores the stories of some of the investigators and executioners who shaped these infamous events. It’s written in an engaging style that left me wanting more.

NetGalley, Andrea Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Stephen Wade's A Dictionary of True Crime exceeded my expectations. This is a phenomenal resource for anyone interested in crime in Britain. A well-establishe author, Wade brings extensive research and a conversational style to his wealth of descriptions and insights.

This kind of material isn't for everyone. I like Wade's approach, influenced by literary true crime. I could tell from the introduction that he's a serious researcher. There are so many chilling facts available, it's not necessary to exaggerate anything. He limited his time on the best-known cases in favor of illuminating lesser-known crimes and presenting a broad exploration of criminality in context. It's an impressive feat, covering Britain from the eighteenth century to recent decades. Along with some extreme and truly odd cases that were new to me, I learned more about people involved in many aspects of dealing with crime. There's even a ghost story.

He includes relevant social factors such as poverty and the vulnerabilities of women due to their disadvantaged status under the law. I was delighted by his many references to authors who were inspired by specific cases and his sympathetic report of Oscar Wilde's court cases and imprisonment. I also enjoyed Wade's comments about his childhood memories of how certain cases maintained an impact for many decades, such as the name Crippen being on a par of darkness with Frankenstein or Dracula. An example in the US is a rhyme about Lizzie Borden.

The book details several punishments, including the most barbaric practices. Wade gives a wide ranging account of crime and punishment, from robbers using garrotes to a hangman with special nooses for the worst offenders. The cross references between listings are helpful along with the complete contents list at the end. The many photos and illustrations show some of the criminals, publications, and key places in the book. The annotated bibliography and sources list is a treasure. This book reads like a series of conversations with a personable expert. It's one I'll continue to recommend and consult.

Highly recommended for non-squeamish readers interested in True Crime, British History, and the social sciences.

NetGalley, Jayce Torben

This book goes from A-Z on horrible true crimes, from arson to murder. This was an informative read on true crime.

NetGalley, Sheila Treacy

Stephen Wade's A Dictionary of True Crime is a must read for any crime fan - fact or fiction. It takes us through the alphabet of the most horrific crimes of our history and bringing the attention of the perpetrators. I was fascinated by this book, which didn't feel glamourised as some are.

NetGalley, Claire Wilson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As a true crime enthusiast this book was my perfect read, it covered so many cases I knew and ones I didn't. I loved the layout and format as it made it easy to differentiate between cases, each letter had so many different cases so overall it was a very informative and interesting read that I would recommend.

NetGalley, A D

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Written brilliantly and Great idea for any crime fan.
Definitely worth buying.

NetGalley, Karen Bull