To Hunt a Killer

Detective Superintendent Julie Mackay was awarded the CrimeCon UK True Crime Awards 2023 for Best New True Crime Author. She was also shortlisted for the ALCS Gold Dagger award for non-fiction, Crime Writers Association Awards 2023. This is the true story of how she brought Melanie Roads murderer to justice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

The captivating true account of Detective Superintendent Julie Mackay's relentless pursuit of justice in bringing the murderer of Melanie Roads to account is presented here.

BATH, 1984: Jean Road, a 49-year-old mother of three, is jolted awake by the devastating news that her daughter Melanie has been brutally murdered in a nearby street while returning home from a club in the early hours of the morning. The nation is gripped by a massive manhunt that commences. A trail of blood, a rare blood type, leads away from the crime scene, igniting a year-long inquiry and 94 arrests. However, despite the relentless efforts, the case remains unsolved, with no one charged with Melanie's murder.

AVON & SOMERSET POLICE HQ, 2009: Detective Sergeant Julie Mackay, a 41-year-old single mother of three who has faced numerous obstacles in her career due to her gender, transfers to the Cold Case Unit. As she delves into the original inquiry file, she is captivated by the intricate details: the rare blood type, the atmospheric setting of Bath on a summer night, and the investigative missteps that occurred. Determined to unravel the mystery, Julie takes on the case, alongside the unwavering support of Melanie's inspirational mother.

Through tireless dedication and unwavering determination, Julie Mackay embarks on a quest to rebuild the case from scratch. She meticulously analyzes every piece of evidence, conducts interviews with witnesses, and follows every lead, even as the years pass. Her unwavering commitment and unwavering belief in justice drive her forward, despite the obstacles and setbacks that she encounters.

Finally, after years of tireless investigation, Julie Mackay makes a breakthrough. With the help of new technology and forensic techniques, she identifies the suspect as a former acquaintance of Melanie's. The evidence is overwhelming, and the suspect is brought to justice. Melanie's family finally receives the closure they have longed for, and the community breathes a collective sigh of relief.

Julie Mackay's remarkable story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of truth. Her unwavering commitment to justice has not only brought closure to the family of Melanie Roads but has also inspired countless others to fight for justice and bring criminals to account.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of true crime writing, Julie Mackay has been awarded numerous accolades, including the prestigious CrimeCon UK True Crime Awards 2023, where she was honored as the Best New True Crime Author. She has also been shortlisted for the ALCS Gold Dagger award for non-fiction, a prestigious accolade bestowed by the Crime Writers Association Awards 2023.

Julie Mackay's story is a shining example of the human spirit's resilience and the indomitable quest for justice. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for a brighter future, and that the unwavering pursuit of truth can bring about positive change in the world.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008507473