The first study, year by year, of murder in Britain in the 20th century. The cases range from the long forgotten, like Rhoda Willis - last of the baby farmers - to the truly terrifying, such as Patrick Mackay (front cover). An introduction to each decade shows how investigative procedures and the criminal law changed during the century.

• Full of surprising insights: why do so many murderers love their pets (especially dogs) - John Chistie, Haigh, Dennis Nilsen?
• Murders from all over Britain, of interest to all local media outlets.
• Why is there a rusty tin opener amongst the exhibits of the Met Police 'black Museum' - not on display?