The unsolved 1832 murders of William and Thomas Bradbury at Bill’s o’Jack’s public house in Saddleworth Moor became a local legend, persisting for nearly a century. This book reconstructs the events surrounding the crime, exploring the lives of those involved and the historical context of the era, tracing the transformation of the real-life tragedy into enduring folklore.

This is a fascinating story, though a bit frustrating in that the murder was never solved. The author explores the possible suspects and the mythology that grew up around the murder. The gives a good picture of how crimes in the countryside were handled in Georgian Britain.

NetGalley, Andrea Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Bill’s o’Jack’s Murders is a well-researched and atmospheric retelling of a tragic, unsolved mystery. It will particularly appeal to fans of true crime, local legends, and those interested in the intersection of history and folklore.

NetGalley, Beau Wasserman

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

What a story! For most of my generation, Saddleworth Moor will always be associated with the Moors murderers, Brady and Hindley. I’ve never heard of this true crime case which was infamous and remains unsolved. If I ever visit the area, I’d make a point of visiting the grave at Saddleworth church where the bodies of both victims are buried and the stone has an intriguing inscription.

The author gives a detailed and apparently meticulously researched account of events from start to finish. Father and son were brutally murdered. One survived long enough to utter a couple of words but their meaning was unclear. The case gained notoriety and a huge reward was offered for information about the killer, but to this day it remains unsolved. This reads like a fast paced adventure; well written and detailed with every aspect of the crime and its aftermath considered. It’s shocking now and difficult to imagine how it must have affected a small and close knit community in Georgian England. Intriguing, and it was amazing to learn about a case I’d never come across before. A must for anyone interested in true crime, but it also presents a very particular slice of social history as the account is placed in context of the time. I loved it.

NetGalley, Anita Wallas

In , “The Murders at Bill’s O’Jack’s”, Giles Wilcock masterfully resurrects one of history’s most perplexing unsolved crimes, weaving a narrative that is as haunting as it is meticulously researched. With an eye for detail and a talent for storytelling, Wilcock brings the characters and atmosphere of Saddleworth Moor to life, guiding readers through a labyrinth of clues, motives, and dead ends. Though the mystery remains unsolved, this book offers profound insights into the social tensions, fears, and intrigue that shrouded the case, leaving readers both riveted and reflective. A must-read for true crime enthusiasts and history lovers alike, “The Murders at Bill O’Jack’s” keeps the suspense alive while respecting the enigma that endures to this day.

NetGalley, Bradley Harmer-Barnes

I was expecting a true crime book about the crime of “Bill’s oJack’s” but received not only that, it also gave a brief history lesson of Georgian England time period that I knew very little about about. The brief history helped with the flow of the story and gave me a “sense” of being there and feeling what it was like to live in Georgian England. Being in the states, that topic is barely covered In grade school, I will encourage anyone into true crime, crime pertaining to Georgian England to grab a copy and read it.

NetGalley, Garrick Roshau