Missing Presumed Murdered: The McKay Case and Other Convictions without a Corpse

The British public is particularly interested in murders where the bodies are not found, as it provides no closure for relatives and friends and has a macabre appeal. Muriel McKay, wife of a News of the World Executive, was kidnapped in 1969 and believed to have been fed to pigs, while James Camb murdered a glamorous actress and John Haigh confessed to disposing of his nine victims in acid. Dick Kirby has uncovered a fascinating collection of disappearances, such as the dismemberment of a gay man's wife in the 1950s and the discovery of a woman's head near his home in Roman times.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The British public's fascination with murders, particularly those where the victims' bodies are never found, is a dark and macabre aspect of human nature. Aside from the immense pain and suffering experienced by the relatives and friends of the victims, the lack of closure poses significant challenges for law enforcement and prosecutors. This factor also adds a morbid allure to the public, who are captivated by the mystery and intrigue surrounding such cases.

One notable example is the kidnapping of Muriel McKay, the wife of a senior News of the World Executive, in 1969. Despite extensive searches and investigations, her body, believed to have been fed to pigs, was never recovered. Despite this, the perpetrators were eventually convicted, highlighting the determination of the authorities to bring justice to the victims.

Another chilling case is that of James Camb, a businessman who murdered a glamorous actress by feeding her to sharks. Despite his gruesome act, Camb's trial was a sell-out, with women flocking to witness his confession and punishment. John Haigh, a serial killer, confessed to disposing of his nine victims in acid, and his trial was also highly publicized.

Dick Kirby, a former Scotland Yard detective turned best-selling crime writer, has uncovered a fascinating collection of disappearances in his book "Missing, Presumed Murdered." These cases include the dismemberment of a gay man's wife who had threatened to expose him in the 1950s, as well as the discovery of a woman's head near Kirby's home, which dated back to Roman times.

These and numerous other cases in the book showcase the darker side of human nature, where the line between justice and madness becomes blurred. The stories are compelling and chilling, leaving readers with a sense of unease and fascination. While the cases may be disturbing, they serve as a reminder of the importance of law enforcement and the tireless efforts of investigators to bring closure to the families of the victims.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 165 x 240 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399093446