Essex Murders
Published by Sutton Publishing 13 May 2004
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Essex is a county of contrasts - rolling farmland, sandy beaches, salt marshes, quiet rural villages, and busy market towns, and all of these can provide a backdrop to murder. In this book I have selected ten cases, ranging in date from 1744 to 1944, many of which have never been anthologised before. All have moments of high drama, and remarkable personalities, and many have unexpected twists in the story.
1. Colchester Jack (1744-6)
The story of a notorious eighteenth century smuggler who came to a bad end.
2. One Night in Walthamstow (1751-2)
A shot in the dark - a wealthy man murdered in his bed - but whose finger was on the trigger?
3. The Dagenham Outrage (1846-58)
A young policeman is savagely murdered and mutilated. As the investigation proceeds a scandal breaks which throws suspicion in an unexpected quarter.
4. The Clavering Poisoner (1845-51)
The story of a callous poisoner who very nearly escaped justice.
5. Sweet Lass of Buckhurst Hill (1867-8)
Frederick Watkins stabbed his lover, but at his trial the chief prosecution witness was unaccountably missing.
6. The Man at Witham Station (1893-1901)
As flames die down a blackened corpse is found, and the search is on for an escaped murderer.
7. Tragedy at Southend (1922)
Two lovers head for the seaside, and an unusual murder charge.
8. The Beast of Hornchurch (1939)
Every parent's nightmare - a missing child, found dead. As the police collect fragmentary clues, suspicion falls on a quiet family man, but his loyal wife conducts her own investigation.
9. Explosion at Rayleigh (1943)
An invalid is blasted to fragments by a mine placed under the seat of his wheelchair.
10. Last Taxi to Birch.(1944)
A taxi driver is murdered by American soldiers, which leads to a unique trial.
More Essex Murders will be published in 2011
Linda Stratmann