‘Brisk and fascinating… as befits a lawyer, Morgan’s real interest lies in the slippery concept of murder itself, which she carefully traces through the centuries.’ – Sunday Times 'A fascinating new history of homicide… Kate Morgan’s book is a detailed account of the subtle way that the law has changed over the years to embrace self-defence, insanity, diminished responsibility, medical incompetence, corporate manslaughter, dangerous driving, even death by bicycle.' – Daily Mail ‘Kate Morgan’s panoramic tour allows us to pull back and examine how our understanding is built on history, but also fiction and legend. Masterful.’ – Judith Flanders, author of The Invention of Murder ‘A page-turning read… A history that is framed by the Law but does not shy away from using popular culture and our endless fascination with murder and murderers to bring the story to life.’ – Prof. David Wilson, author of Signs of Murder ‘With Murder: The Biography author and lawyer Kate Morgan asks two essential questions: What exactly is the crime we know as murder? and how has it gained its current prominence in our criminal justice system? Weaving together fascinating historical cases and expert opinion on the subject, Morgan presents an account that will engross and titillate all those for whom murder is a passion…’ Vaseem Khan, author of Midnight at Malabar House ‘Fascinating reading… The pages come alive as the author drops in details about some well-known crimes – such as Ruth Ellis and Derek Bentley, and other more obscure cases and how they changed public opinion about the law… Morgan’s book will satisfy those who like grisly tales all in all it’s an excellent book which I highly recommend.’ TotalCrime.co.uk

• An extraordinary popular history written by a debut author• Kate Morgan is a qualified lawyer with nearly 15 years in the business• A truly original exploration of British society and the laws that govern it• Brilliant stories, gruesome plots, impeccable research, surprising histories – all told through a motley cast of vengeful spouses, complacent doctors, insane cannibals, abused partners and shoddy employers.• A crisp, artfully produced and completely gripping narrative that lifts the lid on some of Britain’s most disturbing crimes Competition: The Five; The Suspicions of Mr Whicher; The Secret Barrister; Under the Wig; A Very British Murder; His Bloody Project. Hallie Rubenhold; Kate Summerscale; The Secret Barrister; William Clegg; Lucy Worsley; Graeme Macrae Burnet