This is an ambitious book, looking at numerous murder cases and how the law at the time lead to their verdict, and how they subsequently influenced changes to the law.
There are so many cases covered you sense that each one examined isn't really given the depth it needs. For instance in the case of Ruth Ellis it's suggested her behaviour leading up to the murder suggested premeditation to the ury and was one reason for her conviction - but this is never explained in any detail. Neither is the domestic abuse she suffered which would perhaps have lead to a different outcome today - although mentioned it isn't examined in depth and feels almost like a footnote to her story. In fact for many modern cases included here the author mentions various t.v/film adaptations as if she's referring you to watch them for more info.
That said this isn't a bad book - it's interesting and eye-opening - I just wish it had focussed on fewer cases and given more information.
There are so many cases covered you sense that each one examined isn't really given the depth it needs. For instance in the case of Ruth Ellis it's suggested her behaviour leading up to the murder suggested premeditation to the ury and was one reason for her conviction - but this is never explained in any detail. Neither is the domestic abuse she suffered which would perhaps have lead to a different outcome today - although mentioned it isn't examined in depth and feels almost like a footnote to her story. In fact for many modern cases included here the author mentions various t.v/film adaptations as if she's referring you to watch them for more info.
That said this isn't a bad book - it's interesting and eye-opening - I just wish it had focussed on fewer cases and given more information.