A history of the legal definition of murder had the potential to be a very dry, technical subject but this book is anything book. It is written in an easy to follow style and full of excellent case studies, covering cannibalism, honour duels and incompetent doctors. Although broadly chronological, it takes a thematic approach, comparing cases that throw doubt on a particular definition of murder.
This is a must read for anyone interested in crime as it shows that real life can be stranger than fiction. A special mention has to go to the chapter on the insanity plea for sneaking in a reference to Blackadder Goes Forth, it confirmed this was written by a woman after my own heart. I have always thought that it was very clear what situations are classed as murder but this book shows that it is actually a very grey area. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for any further books written by Kate Morgan in the future!
This is a must read for anyone interested in crime as it shows that real life can be stranger than fiction. A special mention has to go to the chapter on the insanity plea for sneaking in a reference to Blackadder Goes Forth, it confirmed this was written by a woman after my own heart. I have always thought that it was very clear what situations are classed as murder but this book shows that it is actually a very grey area. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for any further books written by Kate Morgan in the future!