Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Murder of Judith Roberts by Chris Clark and Tanita Matthews is a true crime book about Judith Roberts who was only 14 year old girl who took off for a bike ride within the vicinity of her Staffordshire home in the summer of 1972, Her body was discovered after a three-day manhunt, concealed from view in a thick privet having been brutally attacked. The community of Tamworth was rocked by the news of her death and an outcry for justice ensued.

Within weeks of her murder, an impressionable and troubled soldier, based in the nearby barracks, 17-year-old Andrew Evans, walked into a police station and confessed to the killing. Relentlessly interviewed for hours on end without representation or an appropriate adult present, Andrew was swiftly charged with Judith's murder. Despite attempting to recount his statement and a legal defence at trial that defied the prosecution's arguments that Andrew Evans was guilty, a judge sentenced him to life behind bars. He was eventually acquitted in 1997 in what was, at the time, Britain's longest miscarriage of justice.

While Andrew Evans fought for his freedom, another man drove up and down England undetected:

Peter William Sutcliffe. Eventually proven capable of inflicting unimaginable horror at any given opportunity, an independent inquiry dubbed him likely responsible for more murders than the 13 he was convicted of and the seven others he attempted between 1975 and 1980.

This book was a very interesting read and I am so glad I had the chance to read and review it.

NetGalley, Nessa Thompson

In The Murder of Judith Roberts (The Mark of Peter Sutcliffe), Chris Clark and Tanita Matthews revisit the tragic case of Judith Roberts, examining possible connections to Peter Sutcliffe, infamously known as the Yorkshire Ripper. This meticulously researched book is both a chilling true-crime narrative and a compelling exploration into the unsolved elements surrounding Roberts’ murder, revealing new insights that will captivate both true-crime aficionados and those familiar with Sutcliffe’s history.

Clark and Matthews skillfully weave historical context with investigative detail, presenting fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions surrounding the case. The book navigates through complex investigative challenges and the nuances of forensic advancements, illuminating how these might have influenced earlier conclusions. Their research and dedication to uncovering hidden details shine throughout, creating an immersive, respectful tribute to the victim’s story.

At times, the forensic depth might feel heavy for casual readers, but true-crime enthusiasts will appreciate the authors’ commitment to detail. With thoughtful narrative flow and well-supported insights, The Murder of Judith Roberts is an absorbing, thought-provoking read that raises important questions about justice, evidence, and the impact of unresolved cases on victims and society alike.

NetGalley, Beau Wasserman

A well researched book on the crime. It makes you feel for the victims and their justice. A wrong conviction and the one who deserved to be convicted. A well presented and narrated book.

NetGalley, TIYASHA GANGULY

Mathews and Clark do an excellent job and research on Peter Sutcliff and the unknown victims of this serial killer. The book is a compelling argument as to why they think Sutcliff could be Judith Roberts murderer. There were plenty of flaws in the initial investigation which led to the wrongful imprisonment of Evans. This is an excellent read and is still a very disturbing book about all the women attacked and murdered by Sutcliff. It is professionally researched and defiantly a book for true crime readers.

NetGalley, Kathleen RIGGS

The Murder of Judith Roberts is a gripping true crime investigation that delves into the tragic case of 14-year-old Judith Roberts, who was brutally murdered in 1972. The book meticulously examines the evidence and presents a compelling argument that Peter Sutcliffe, infamously known as the Yorkshire Ripper, was the true perpetrator12.

Clark and Matthews provide a detailed narrative that not only explores the crime itself but also highlights the flaws in the initial investigation, which led to the wrongful imprisonment of Andrew Evans for 24 years. The book is immensely readable despite covering a lot of ground, and some disturbing crimes.

The authors’ thorough research and engaging writing style make this book a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and for those who are interested in how investigations can go badly awry with such serious consequences,

NetGalley, Cleo Pullen

I love the fact that books like this are still be written and published that in the hope one day Judith Roberts parents and other families out there get answers about how their loved ones died and finally be able to put them to rest properly. There is almost no doubt that Judith was another victim of this man. I just wish there was someway these victims could get the closure they need. And Sutcliffe could be help accountable for all he has done. The investigation work in this book alone proves that we should always keep opening cold cases and re testing and researching records and any samples.

NetGalley, Jade Clarke-Mackintosh

This is a well-researched and in-depth analysis of the work done to find the killer of Judith Roberts. The author puts forth his own well-backed assumptions of who the killer is. It points out a lot of the mistakes made by investigators during the course of the investigation. Some of them were a lack of the knowledge we are now privileged with, some of them were poor police work even then. Very interesting!

NetGalley, Ashleigh Carter

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This was a respectfully written true crime nonfiction book, it had that educational element that I was looking for. Chris Clark and Tanita Matthews wrote this perfectly and you could tell the research was done perfectly. I didn't know a lot about this case and thought it was researched well and glad I was able to learn about this.

NetGalley, Kathryn McLeer

This is a well written, well researched book. It’s obvious that there are gaping holes in the investigation and particularly the interviews of Evans. These were clearly definite failings but it is meticulously documented in this book. I enjoyed reading it and it was excellent and easy to follow the theory surrounding the case. A great read and the introduction of Sutcliffe is definitely food for thought.

NetGalley, steve cripwell

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I’m a big fan of true crime and this title was of particular interest as I lived near the area at the time of Judith Roberts murder and recall the case. This book is a real eye opener. I remember there were doubts about the conviction of Evan’s at the time and an innocent man spent many years incarcerated, trying to prove his innocence. But what was worse was that the real killer was still at large, free to continue his killing spree.

I find it disgraceful the Laurence Byford’s report was suppressed for decades. That’s so wrong. There has long been a belief that Sutcliffe was responsible for numerous other murders. These have not been fully explored but this book makes a truly compelling case. It deserves a wide audience.
Clark is a former police intelligence officer. He and his Co author have conducted extensive and meticulous research including an independent pathologist review of evidence. This is a story which reads like a thriller, but it’s chilling as it’s all true and the people are real. Detailed and well written a must for true crime enthusiasts but also a fascinating slice of very recent social history.

NetGalley, Anita Wallas

A very interesting book which goes into incredible detail about police procedures and the law as it was at the time of the crimes. I enjoyed reading the theories and how the authors came to their positions on the cases. It seemed very well researched and thought through. As always with Chris Clark’s work, the victims are treated respectfully and their importance never forgotten.

NetGalley, Louise Gray