Dark City: Murder, Vice, and Mayhem in Wartime London

The blackout in London three days before the declaration of war turned the city into a criminals paradise, with killers, rapists, looters, and gangs stalking the bomb-ravaged streets. Scotland Yard did its best to tackle a rogues gallery of crimes, including the Blackout Ripper, Acid Bath Murders, and Rillington Place killer, and crimes that continue to fascinate from history's darkest corners.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 09 April 2019
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

Three days before the declaration of war, a blackout descended upon London, transforming the nocturnal city into a criminal's paradise. Amidst the chaos, the bomb-ravaged streets became the hunting grounds for killers, rapists, looters, and gangs. The sheer volume of bodies retrieved during the Blitz made it impossible for the authorities to conduct thorough autopsies on all of them, effectively providing cover to those who employed blades, guns, and more sinister tools. Scotland Yard, already stretched to its limits, valiantly attempted to tackle a rogues' gallery born of bombs and darkness, and crimes that continue to captivate us from the darkest corners of history.

In his award-winning book "Dark City," Simon Read offers a captivating portrayal of the other side of wartime London. From the notorious Blackout Ripper and the Acid Bath Murders to the infamous Rillington Place killer and his house of corpses, Read delves into the darker side of this turbulent period. The book provides a detailed account of these crimes and the investigations that were conducted to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The blackout not only created a breeding ground for criminal activity but also had a profound impact on the lives of ordinary Londoners. The lack of light and electricity led to widespread disruption and hardship, with families struggling to find food, heat, and safety. The bombings themselves caused widespread destruction and loss of life, leaving a lasting impact on the city's infrastructure and psyche.

Despite the challenges faced by the authorities and the civilians, the resilience of Londoners shone through. Communities came together to support each other, volunteering their time and resources to help those in need. The Blitz also sparked a renewed sense of patriotism and unity, with people coming together to celebrate the resilience of their city and the heroism of its citizens.

In conclusion, the blackout that descended upon London three days before the declaration of war was a period of immense adversity and darkness. However, it also revealed the strength and resilience of the city's people, who came together to overcome the challenges and emerge stronger than ever before. The crimes that occurred during this time continue to fascinate us, reminding us of the darker side of human nature and the importance of coming together to combat crime and injustice.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 132 x 196 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750989855