Yorkshire Ripper

The Secret Murders: The True Story of Serial Killer Peter Sutcliffe’s Reign of Terror

By: Chris Clark, Tim Tate

Narrated by: Leighton Pugh

In 1981, Peter Sutcliffe, the "Yorkshire Ripper", was convicted of 13 murders and seven attempted murders. All his proven victims were women; most were prostitutes. There is a still-secret story of how Sutcliffe's terrible reign of terror claimed at least 22 more lives and left five other victims with terrible injuries. Police and prosecution authorities have long known that Sutcliffe's reign of terror was far longer and far more widespread than the public has been led to believe. But the evidence has been locked away in the files and archives. As a result, the families of at least 22 murdered women have been cheated of their right to know how and why their loved ones died. Worse still, police blunders and subsequent suppression of evidence ensured that three entirely innocent men were imprisoned for murders committed by the Yorkshire Ripper.

This book, by a former police intelligence officer, is the story not just of those long-cold killings, of the forgotten families, and of three terrible miscarriages of justice. It also uncovers Peter Sutcliffe's real motive for murder - and reveals how he manipulated police, prosecutors, and psychiatrists to ensure that he serves his sentence in the comfort of a psychiatric hospital rather than a prison cell.

Contains mature themes.

©2015, 2021 Chris Clark and Tim Tate (P)2021 Tantor

Scholarly, informative and frustrating as hell

Well written account of the multiple murders NOT attributed to, but likely committed by Stuart Sutcliffe, and the ultimate suppression of the evidence that would embarrass those who let him slip through the hands of the law. Crime detection has come a long way since the days when the Yorkshire Ripper terrorized the UK, in part because of the tragic mistakes and misguided efforts described here. A must for the bookshelf of any true crime aficionado.

Essential Reading for UK True Crime Buffs

Comprehensive without being tedious. Detailed without unnecessary artful language. Interesting analysis without being pedantic. Narrator is ideal; clear and well spoken.

Extremely Fascinating and Well Told

The writing is superb and the story is detailed and well researched!!!!! I am a True Crime and this great book is an example of what to aim for.