If you are a history buff or a true crime fanatic this book not only shares the crimes of women who might not know about, but also how you can become a researcher yourself.

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The Nerdy Girl Express

This is a solidly researched and helpfully formulated volume, which will appeal both to those with an established interest in criminology and those wondering how best to find out more about their female ancestors who fell foul of the law.

Family & Community Historical Research Society

The first part surveys the type of crimes committed by women in Victorian and Edwardian times, the penalties that were available to deal with them and the system of aftercare. The core of the book consists of some 30 case studies of women who went through the system, their offences (from drunkenness and petty theft to murder) and their punishments (from fines or prison to transportation or execution). Sadly, few of them seem to have come through it to live a better life. This type of research is not made any easier by the way in which many women frequently changed their names, both on marriage or less formal relationships and as deliberate attempts to evade detection or further punishment
The third and final part reviews the source materials that may still be available for similar research. It also includes a short section about four gaol museums in the UK, Ireland and Australia: the authors note that the need to provide visitors with entertainment as well as education obscures the reality of life for the prisoners.

The book is intended, and will be most useful, as a guide for both academic and family history researchers. The subject matter is peripheral to police history but it will still provide relevant guidance for those researching the lives of police officers and their customers.

Police History Society

A well-researched and instructive book, in which the authors share their considerable professional expertise in this fascinating, yet often overlooked, area of research into life in the past. It is easy to follow, with clear explanations and ideas for further study. The title is an essential reference for those who are interested in crime history, as well as providing inspiration for all family historians to look more closely at the experience of lawbreaking women in the past.

WDYTYA?, August 2018 – reviewed by Angela Buckley