Pen and Sword Books: Britain's Forgotten Serial Killer

Serial killer Patrick Mackay was dubbed the most dangerous man in Britain when he appeared in court in 1975 charged with three killings, including the axe murder of a priest. The Nazi-obsessed alcoholic had stalked the upmarket streets of West London hunting for victims and was suspected of at least eight further murders.

Now, after more than 40 years behind bars, where he has shunned publicity, Mackay has been allowed to change his name and win the right to live in an open prison - bringing him one step closer to freedom. For the first time, Britain’s Forgotten Serial Killer reveals the full, untold story of Patrick Mackay and the many still-unsolved murders linked to his case.

This book contains everything you need to know about his [Mackay] sanguineous career in the 1970s; it belongs in any larger true crime collection.
Fortean Times, February 2020 – reviewed by Jan Bondeson

The author sets out a biography of Patrick Mackay and his potential involvement in other unsolved crimes that match the crimes he was convicted for. If you’ve never heard of this particular serial killer, this book is a good place to start.

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Rosemarie Cawkwell, Blogger

Normally I’m not a big reader of nonfiction novels but this book immediately intrigued me. I’m a big mood reader which means in October, I want all the spooky, creepy, dark books and this one definitely fit that. Getting to read in-depth about Patrick Mackay’s life leading up to the murders and what caused him to become the monster he was, reading details about the heinous murders (and some awesome pictures), and how many other murders he was possibly tied to honestly gave me the chills. John Lucas did a fantastic job with this book and I’m glad I got the chance to read it! ⁣

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Books With Meg

This is a superbly researched, detailed examination of one of Britain’s worst serial killers, even though you very likely never heard of Patrick Mackay. Highly recommended for a fascinating read. Five stars.

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Caitlyn Lynch

I commend John Lucas for his time consuming, painstaking work, and for adding to my true crime shelves a permanent, welcomed addition – it’s easily become and will remain THE definitive book about the Mackay case. When I do review books, I am always honest and unbiased, and for as much praise as I can give, I will also criticise where I see fit to – I don’t see the point of a review if you don’t do that, give the good and the bad. But I have absolutely no criticisms here whatsoever, I thought it was an excellent, well researched and referenced, staggeringly detailed and gripping account on all fronts. An instant classic that belongs on the bookshelf of any true crime enthusiast – it certainly does on mine.

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The True Crime Enthusiast

As featured in
The Mirror 21/7/19

Fascinating new book reveals shock story of Nazi-crazed serial killer set to be freed
The Sport 17/4/19

'Concerns over possible release of Kent priest's killer'
ITV Meridian, 12th April 2019

John Lucas’ new book Britain’s Forgotten Serial Killer: The Devil’s Disciple, a detailed and dramatic account of the notorious Nazi-obsessed killer and his victims.
Metro 11/4/19

New book revealed some of the gruesome murders and how Mackay befriended a priest before killing him
Mail Online

Chilling photos show Mackay - dubbed the "most dangerous man in Britain" - looking deranged as his cold, dead eyes stare into the camera.

The disturbing pictures are from John Lucas’ new book Britain’s Forgotten Serial Killer: The Devil’s Disciple, which retells the horror of the Nazi-obsessed killer.
The Sun 11/4/19

About John Lucas

John Lucas is an investigative journalist based in Essex, East of England. He was the chief crime correspondent for the region’s major newspaper, The Echo, and his work now regularly appears in national newspapers.

More titles by John Lucas