"Lively. Worsley's goal isn't to provide a history of crime or crime writing, but to show how the British enjoyed and consumed the idea of murder."--The New York Times Book Review

"Worsley has a lively, accessible style, with frequent changes of pace and contagious enthusiasm for the little anecdotes and artifacts that bring history to life. A friendly introduction to the history of crime fiction."--The Washington Post

"Worsley's vivid account excites as much as its sensational subject matter, and edifies, too, thanks to her learned explications."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Fascinating. This riveting cultural history will enthrall fans of British crime novels as well as readers of true crime."--Library Journal (starred review)

"A brief, absorbing history lesson on how the British obsession with bloody deeds changed not only methods of law enforcement, but fertilized the roots of modern popular culture."--Bookgasm