Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Moors Murderers:
Yeah, no one should have been shocked when these two got arrested.
Quick synopsis:
The story of the child killers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley in the 1960s.
Fun Fact for Non-History People Will Like:
There were quite a few early indicators Ian Brady was a psychopath. Punching his headmaster when he was 12 is just one example.
Fun Fact for History Nerds:
The people who turned Brady and Hindley in were treated nearly as badly, if not worse, than the killers.
My Take on The Moors Murderers:
Chris Cook’s The Moors Murderers is the rare case of a true crime book which relies too heavy on the facts and not enough on the heart. The result is a meticulously researched and clearly written account of the horrific Moors Murders that is missing the vital component of the author’s point of view and critical analysis.
Following the lives of murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley from their childhoods to their murder trial, Cook writes an extremely detailed story. I don’t think there is anyone who could question Cook’s ability to synthesize and write a coherent narrative. His research is in depth, and I felt like I was learning all the facts I needed to know throughout the case. It is the strongest part of this book. However, there is the occasional stumble where Cook will introduce needless facts which never come back around to matter. For instance, Cook mentions how much the couple hated some Jamaican neighbors. This never becomes necessary to the story, and we are already well aware of their racism in their avowed love of Hitler.
Unfortunately, Cook’s adept handling of the facts drowns out his own voice as an author. The text can often read like a police report which loses the nuance and feelings of those involved. Admittedly, such as when talking about the families of the victims, no editorial is needed. However, large portions of the book lack the analysis which would connect many dots. Brady and Hindley grew up in atrocious family environments. The links between these events and later actions is never made. Mental health science has come a long way since these murders, and it is a missing ingredient in this story. If you are someone who just wants the facts without any fluff, you will not be disappointed.
Ultimately, anyone who wants a detailed account of the Moors murders will find it here.
Verdict:
If you just want the facts, this book has everything you need on these murders. Buy it here!
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