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Convicting the Moors Murderers (Hardback)

The Arrest, Trial and Imprisonment of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley

P&S History > British History P&S History > By Century > 20th Century P&S History > True Crime World History > UK & Ireland > England

By Chris Cook
Imprint: Pen & Sword True Crime
Pages: 288
Illustrations: 25 mono
ISBN: 9781399098809
Published: 13th March 2023

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The second book published in this series carries on from where ‘The Moors Murderers’ left off and continues the horrific story of the crimes perpetrated by Ian Brady and Myra Hindley and tells of what happened at their trial in 1966.

We see how Brady and Hindley turned on David Smith, the 17-year-old who witnessed them murder Edward Evans and shopped them to the police the following day, by attempting to implicate him in their murders. This led to him being an almost daily victim of assaults by both locals and members of the victims’ families.

It tells the full story of the depths Myra Hindley went to in order to affect her escape from prison in 1973, how she eventually turned on Ian Brady and how she manipulated her way through her prison sentence until the day she died. It also shows how Ian Brady tormented the families of the victims from his prison cell.

It tells the full story of how the body of Pauline Reade was recovered from Saddleworth Moor and also of the search for Keith Bennett, who to this day remains unfound.

Printed here for the very first time are photographs of Myra Hindley during her incarceration released to the author from Home Office files held at the National Archives.

I enjoyed this book. It started with their trial and talked more about their prison years which I felt was new information for me. We’ve all heard about the horrendous murders but we hardly ever heard what came next.
Highly recommended.

NetGalley, Lara Wynn

This was so disturbing but a well-researched, detailed explanation. I’ve seen multiple documentaries on these murders, and it was fascinating to take a deep dive through this book.

NetGalley, Morgan Armstrong

4 out of 5

The book is meticulously researched and narrated.

Read the Full Review Here

Army Rumour Service (ARRSE)

I love true crime. I find it really fascinating, especially the darker areas of true crime like the Moors Murderers.
I find it so shocking and so fascinating so I was excited to read this book and although there was a lot that I recognised and knew there was also a lot I didn't know.
A great read if you are interested in true crime.

NetGalley, Aria Harlow

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I LOVE true crime, i love reading about people and learning about what make people tick and do the things they do, i hate that they hurt and murder people, but i love that books about true crime keep the world reminded that the people (victims) existed and that they matter.
This book was very fascinating, interesting, disturbing and i couldn't put it down.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys true crime.
5/5 stars

NetGalley, Rebecca Starks

This book was very fascinating. This case is such an interesting and disturbing case and I found this book very engaging. If you are into true crime then I recommend this book.

NetGalley, Karis Clements

Chris Cook continues where they left off with this history of the Moors Murderers. Anyone who is interested in true crime will be fascinated by this incredibly well-researched and written book.

Using statements from witnesses, inmates, and prison staff, Cook chronicles the lives of Brady and Hindley after their convictions for their heinous crimes, as well as the affects the murders had on the victims' and criminals' families.

I would recommend. I'm looking forward to seeing what Cook writes next.

NetGalley, James Doyle

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I thought I knew everything about the moors murders, since I live not far and grew up hearing the stories and watching shows about it. wow was I wrong. This book follows what happened after trial, a view we don’t often get to see.

The author kept strict with the facts, which in such a highly emotional subject is difficult and appreciated. It felt like they gave us the information and allowed us to follow along the process.

I went through so many stages of thought process, the brother in law was involved, no he wasn’t, Myra was an abused unwilling participant, no she wasn’t, Myra was genuinely sorry, no she wasn’t, Brady wasn’t the only highly manipulative person, there has to be more victims, no there isn’t.

Even now I don’t know if I believe Brady’s additional “confessions”. Did they both actually know where Keith is on the moor? Or did they both just lie to get some time out of their cells?

They were both monsters, manipulative, cruel and I really don’t think showed genuine remorse for what they did to those poor children. I hope Keith is located, with how far technology has come surely scanning the shiny brook area would be possible now?

I will be purchasing the first book because I truly enjoyed the authors writing style and how well paced the book was. The author was very respectful even when covering the parents reactions. I hope this author does more books like these, I for certain will purchase!

NetGalley, Emma Crossan

"Convicting the Moors Murderers. The Arrest, Trial and Imprisonment of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley" by Chris Cook is a very harrowing book. It shows true cruelty. Literally pure evil. I couldn't read it in one day. The book contains photographs.

The author has created a perfect work. Unfortunately, he showed the whole tragic truth in it. This book is perfect for anyone who loves the True-Crime series. It's a pity that the events described really happened. I can't believe so many people lost their lives for no reason. The process of real monsters is perfectly depicted. What were their sentences? You will find out by reading this book. Be warned right away that this story is intended for adult readers only. Not an ounce of icing here. Do you know anything about Ian Brady's and Myra Hindley's? Do you know what atrocities they committed? If not, be sure to read this book. The author even cites their letters. Interesting book. Hard topic. It is not light reading. Nevertheless, I recommend it.

NetGalley, mommy_and_ books

The Moor’s Murders are something that I didn’t know massive amounts about, I obviously was aware of what took place but before reading this, I wasn’t aware of the details.

This book is really well researched and has such detailed information on the case. I enjoyed how to book was focused on the murderers post conviction and thought the author wrote with such care and consideration for such a delicate subject matter.

NetGalley, Molly Beswick

It's a case that haunted the UK for generations and while this book does not try to excuse, nor does it villify. It presents the facts, and lets the reader make up their own mind, which I really respect. The author also writes with great sensitivity, keeping in mind always, the families of the victims.

NetGalley, Daisy Bee

A Great Follow Up, Fascinating And Revolting In Equal Measure.
In October 1965, I lived in Manchester, England as a young teenager so I was very aware of the terror everyone felt when Ian Brady and Myra Hindley committed there violent and gruesome murders on the moors, taking innocent children in our neighbourhood. This led to the concern and protection from parents and neighbours as they kept their eyes on all the neighbourhood kids for years whilst Brady and Hindley terrorised us all. Everyone was left shocked at the appalling news that Two of their own had committed this violent and gruesome murders. Sadly, it took five innocent children to be murdered before Ian Brady and Myra Hindley were eventually handed in to the police. Thankfully Myra's brother-in-law, David Smith called into the police station to claim that he had witnessed Ian and Myra trying to cover up the murder of a 17-year-old Edward Evans. This thankfully led to their capture and thankfully the downfall of two of England's most notorious serial killers and eventually the discovery of four of their five victims.
This book has undoubtedly been meticulously researched by Chris Cook and Chris has gathered together so much detailed information. The book details the collapse of the Ian Brady and Myra Hindley relationship and how they began to turn on each other.
The book details how they were treated in prison and how they both adapted and changed over the years. They were both initially very supportive of each other but eventually they cut all ties and began to turn on each other. We learn more about the time when Myra tried to escape prison and her lovers. We also find more details on the recovery of Pauline Read and the hunt for Keith Bennett. For years they still both continued to hold back facts and taunted the police relating to the location of the last two missing victims. Sadly, even now in death they still continue to torment one of the families from beyond the grave.
Anyone wanting to know about the history of these horrific crimes should look no further than these two books. This book is a worthy follow-up to “The Moors Murderers by the same author and both books are definitely worth a read as an excellent factual piece of history well documented by this author.

NetGalley, Kathleen RIGGS

Chris Cook has brought us the second instalment of the Moors Murderers. This book covers the conviction of the pair. What happened to David Smith.
The book details the collapse of the Hindley / Brady relationship and how they began to turn on each other. We learn more about the time when Myra tried to escape prison and her lovers. We also find more details on the recovery of Pauline Read and the hunt for Keith Bennett.
The book is extremely well researched. The author has gathered together so much detailed information. A lot of which I was not aware off.

NetGalley, Catherine Harrold

I didn't realize until after I started reading that this was the second book in the author's series on this topic, however, if you know about this case already then it's possible to read this one as a stand-alone! If you are new to this case I'd highly recommend reading them both so you get the back story. Book one focuses on Ian Brady and Myra Hindley's lives prior to and then during their two-year killing spree, while book two focuses on the trial and their lives in prison after their sentencings.

In October 1965, all in Manchester, England were left shocked at the appalling news. Two of their own had committed violent and gruesome murders right under their very nose. Ian Brady and Myra Hindley were handed in to the police, by Myra's brother-in-law, David Smith. Smith called in to the police to claim that he had witnessed Ian and Myra, attempting to cover up the murder of 17-year-old Edward Evans. From here, led the downfall to two of England's most notorious serial killers and the discovery of their five victims.

Meticulously researched, Cook offers the reader an accurately detailed account of Brady and Hindley's lives following their arrests. The story follows the chronological timeline, from the time Brady and Hindley were in trial together, and when they separated their relationship and moved on while in prison. It's extremely fascinating to see how truly different, yet scarily similar, their approaches were at accepting their sentences of life without parole.

I also appreciate the level of respect and care that the author took to address the victims and their families. Admitting letters between the victims and the killers, interviews, and other facets really helps the reader to understand the severity and multitude of victims in this case. Not only the victim's of the crime, but also the families of the murderers as well, who had no part in their act, but were ostracized just the same.

If you are interested in true crime, and particularly in this case, I highly recommend this one!

NetGalley, Alysia Ascher

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


This book focuses on the trial, conviction, and incarceration of the notorious Myra Hindley and Ian Brady. It details how they were treated in prison and how they both adapted and changed over the years, initially being supportive of each other but eventually cutting all ties. For years they still both continued to hold back facts relating to the location of the last two missing victims, and even now in death still continue to torment one of the families from beyond the grave.

Not always an easy read given the content, it is undoubtedly another meticulously researched work by the author, and a worthy follow-up to “The Moors Murderers”, the first in the series. Anyone wanting to know about the history of these horrific crimes need look no further than these two books.

NetGalley, Rob O'Driscoll

Okay! This book gave me the chills! Very informative and very exciting to read. This case is so gory, horrible but also fascinating! If you like true crime you will love this book!

NetGalley, Wittmann Victoria

This book has a real quality of authority about it! The meticulous research shines through whilst leaving the content readable.

There can be few people around who don't know something of the crimes of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. This book focus is on the trial and the prison terms served by both. In some ways this reveals more about their distinct personalities than the crimes themselves. Myra comes across as a highly devious woman, whilst Brady's affection for his partner in crime, and his bitterness when this is no longer returned, is chilling.

The struggles of the families to find out what happened to their loved ones, made for tough reading. The fact that these other murders were only ever revealed due to the animosity between them, surely confirms that imprisoning them did nothing to improve their personalities.

A good factual book.

NetGalley, Cleo Pullen

A sequel to the Moors Murders. If you find real crime an interesting topic then this is for you. I found sections of this book interesting. It is horrific what they did to those poor children and it still baffles me that poor Keith has never been found .

NetGalley, Cennin Thomas

I enjoyed this book very much. It tells about the murders of Edward Evans, Pauline Reade and Keith Bennett who were murdered by Ian Brady and Myra Hindley and buried on the Saddlebrook Moors. The trial was interesting and they both got life in prison. It also tells about how Myra Hindley planned her escape from prison in 1973. She never escaped but eventually turned on Ian Brady. She took a group of investigators and went to the Moors to show where Ian buried Pauline Reade. They took Ian Brady to try to find where he buried Keith Bennett but he remains unfound even today. It was decided that Ian Brady had killed many others throughout his life. There are lots of photos of Myra Hindley during her incarceration. If you like true crime, then you will enjoy this book.

NetGalley, Eadie Burke

Convicting the Moors Murderers by Chris Cook is a fascinating book about the trial and imprisonment of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, some of the most well-known murderers in the United Kingdom after they abducted, assaulted and murdered at least 5 children and buried them of Saddleworth Moor. This book gives us details about the trial, the experiences of the families of both Myra Hindley and Ian Brady and the victims' families. You may think you know just about everything there is to know about this case, but you would be very much mistaken as there is some information which likely has not been published before.

I loved this book as, although I had a basic understanding of Myra Hindley and Ian Brady from various sources such as documentaries, I have learned so much more from this book than I have from any other source which is incredible. From the life of David Smith and Maureen to Brady's and Hindley's visits to the moor, various candles, and letters between themselves and the victims' families. On top of all this information, I think the most interesting part of this book for me was probably reading about the arrangements made after Brady died, including the careful transportation of his body to ensure there were no traces left of the body...

I was blown away by the information in this book. The pictures included throughout were also extremely interesting and I was again surprised to see how much Brady and Hindley had changed in their appearance during their long imprisonment.

NetGalley, Charlie Medcalf

I am always interested to read true crime books, so I was really pleased when my request was granted! This book tells the story of the trial and conviction of the Moors Murderers, including parts related to their time in prison and how they were with other inmates. An interesting read for any true crime fans.

NetGalley, Toni Wade

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book and the previous one by Chris Cook are the DEFINITIVE books on the Moor Murderers. Full of interesting details and facts not divulged in any other books I have read on the murders. Fascinating and must reads for true crime fans. Highly recommended.

NetGalley, Suzi Jeevaratnam

As a true crime addict, I couldn't wait to read this book. I wasn't disappointed. Full of accurate information about this horrendous gruesome twosome.

NetGalley, Wendy M Rhodes

Another well researched and interesting book about the Moors murders.
I’ve read and listened to a lot about this couple and the horrible crimes they committed. This one is accurate and full of information.

NetGalley, Lauren Hewitt

This book tells the story of the trial and conviction of two of the most evil killers in British history. It also tells what happened after the trial, their days in prison and how they desperately tried to shift the blame for their crimes.
Hindley’s sister and brother-in-law, Maureen and David also suffered because of Brady and Hindley. David witnessed them murder Edward Evans, but when he told the police the killers turned on him and implicated him leading to him being abused and attacked.
It’s a powerful insight into how Brady and Hindley coped with prison and continued to manipulate and torment from behind bars. Transcripts of letters and reports show that they both lied and deceived to make their time in prison easier. If you have an interest in true crime it’s definitely worth reading.

NetGalley, Anne-marie Cox

True crime is always a hard one to review I hate to say I enjoyed reading a book like this but I did. It was a great continuation from the first book The Moors Murderers and I would definitely recommend both books if you are interested in true crime.

NetGalley, Mel Smith

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This focuses on Hindley around 1973 and her relationship with Brady and how that changed, it's shows her true character and how manipulation played a key role in her prison sentence.
Brady is shown in his true light aswell, again how he believed his power could be used to continue the torment of the families.

We also see unseen pictures of Hindley.

However you feel regarding Brady and Hindley, this is a further fascinating insight into their characters and also on the continuing search for Keith Bennett.

Highly recommended

NetGalley, Odette Lattimer-Gittins

Great read for the true crime fans.

NetGalley, Joanne Hattersley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

‘That’s what I’ve missed because of this. I’ll never be able to have a baby now and I would have liked one so much. I’d have loved to have been a mother but I’ve no chance now. IF I got out tomorrow I’d still be too old.” Myra Hindley

To think this woman wanted to be a mother completely revolts me.

This is Chris’s second book based on the Moors murders. This time around we get to see what happened at the trial and how Myra and Ian coped serving their prison sentence.

A lot of information and research has been done here and I throughly enjoyed reading this. It is a hard topic… especially when it comes to children but anyone who likes reading true crime should check this book out as well as Chris’s other book - The Moors Murderers.

‘Myra told how none of the children ever queried anything or objected to anything they were asked to do. She admitted: ‘It was probably because of me being a woman - they never had any fear.’

The ending of this book is sad and heartbreaking. This was such an awful crime and so many people were affected and still are to this day with many unanswered questions.

I devoured this within 4 days and completely abandoned my other current reads to consume this.

NetGalley, Georgi B

I have read about Ian Brady and Myra hindley over the years, but this is a true in-depth read leading to their convictions and the years they spent rotting in their hells. The terror that they caused in the 60’s and the ever lasting pain their families will feel are ingrained in us.

NetGalley, Jannine Fairley

I have read several books on the Moors Murderers and this still had something to offer. It was well researched and well written and also covered more of the events after the murders which was refreshing. The writer was able to give a balanced account and stick to the facts rather than adding opinion. It was also interesting to hear how the aftermath of the murders effected Myra's sister and mother and the back lash that they had from the community. I read this quickly and it kept me interested from the beginning till the end. I would recommend this to any lovers of true crime and it definitely stands up against some of the more well known publications.

NetGalley, Claire Knight

Even though I didn't have the opportunity to read the first book, it really didn't matter because the author did a great job summarizing it and I was able to delve right in. GREAT BOOK! I was so obsessed that I read it in a day - I just couldn't put it down. Great research, and laid out to make it so easy to read. Comes with pictures (love that!). Highly recommended for all True Crime fans!

NetGalley, Christine Cazeneuve

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A great true crime book. Has all the information in you could need. It's a great edition to any true crime fans bookcase

NetGalley, Michelle Griffiths

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Another brilliant book by publisher Pen and Sword. As the title says it's a detailed documented trial and conviction of Moors Murderers - Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. Their heinous murders of five children shocked the nation in the 1960s.
The book is well-researched and well-written, mostly based on documents from Home Office. The involvement of other members of the family such as David Smith and Maureen Smith is mentioned. Highly recommended!!!

NetGalley, Meg Gajda

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is an excellent example of a true crime account, offering many details which are not widely known or included in other accounts of this case. The terrible injustice done to David Smith and the awful skill of both Hindley and Brady in manipulating so many people since committing their crimes is addressed in detail. The author has achieved something incredibly important in this book - a full exploration of what happened after the pair were convicted and how the case impacted lives over generations.

NetGalley, Louise Gray

‘That’s what I’ve missed because of this. I’ll never be able to have a baby now and I would have liked one so much. I’d have loved to have been a mother but I’ve no chance now. IF I got out tomorrow I’d still be too old.” Myra Hindley

To think this woman wanted to be a mother completely revolts me.

This is Chris’s second book based on the Moors murders. This time around we get to see what happened at the trial and how Myra and Ian coped serving their prison sentence.

A lot of information and research has been done here and I throughly enjoyed reading this. It is a hard topic… especially when it comes to children but anyone who likes reading true crime should check this book out as well as Chris’s other book - The Moors Murderers.

‘Myra told how none of the children ever queried anything or objected to anything they were asked to do. She admitted: ‘It was probably because of me being a woman - they never had any fear.’

The ending of this book is sad and heartbreaking. This was such an awful crime and so many people were affected and still are to this day with many unanswered questions.

I devoured this within 4 days and completely abandoned my other current reads to consume this.

Georgi Lvs Books !!

About Chris Cook

A true crime fanatic, who enjoys re-investigating real life crimes and un-earthing new, never seen or heard before information to add to the narrative. I have a range of interests, including football, Formula 1 and natural disasters. I’m from a working-class background in Kent and work at a University in London.

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