Levi Bellfield is one of the most notorious British serial killers of the last fifty years.  Furthermore, his name alone evokes horror and revulsion, after his string of brutal murders.  Moreover in the early 2000’s, at 3:07pm on 21st March, 2002.  Milly Dowler left her school in Surrey for the last time. Less than an hour later, she was to be abducted and murdered in the cruellest fashion. Similarly, sparking a missing person investigation that would span months before her body was found.  In addition the two years that followed, two more young women – Marsha McDonnell and then Amélie Delagrange – were murdered.  Equally important, in unspeakably brutal attacks.Yet with three murdered women on their hands, and few leads open to them, investigating officers were running out of ideas and options, That’s until SIO Colin Sutton was drafted into the investigation for the murder of Delagrange.  Also seeing a connection between the three women, and thriving under the pressure of a serial killer hunt.  Sutton was finally able to bring their murderer to justice after the case had begun to seem hopeless.  By the same token, Manhunt tells the story of how he led the charge to find a mystery killer.  Not to mention against the clock and against the odds – day by day and lead by lead.In addition once a gripping police procedural, and an insight into the life of an evil man.  This is the story behind what it takes to track down a shockingly violent murderer before he strikes again.

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Book Fan
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good in parts
13 January 2019
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Like many of the other readers, I watched the dramatised ITV miniseries ‘Manhunt’ with Martin Clunes. Finishing this book made me realise what a fantastic job the screenwriter did on that, to successfully encapsulate four years of police work in just three hours of compelling screen time. I don’t feel this book reaches those same heights.

Although the content is fascinating in parts, it takes a while to get going, and I nearly gave up. I’d advise you to just skip to chapter four if, like me, you have a short attention span. All of the start could have been cut, and so could the police reports and transcripts – even if the author may have felt these needed to have been preserved for posterity.

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The details around how the cases against Levi Bellfield were constructed and tried are really interesting. Also much of the SIO work seems for the most part quite dull – involving meetings, policy decisions, staffing and office space issues. I would have been more interested to read the author’s tips from a management point of view. How did he get a team of seventy officers working together as one well-oiled machine? Perhaps that’s something he will look at in the future. He clearly has a special knack of getting people to pull together under his command.

In summary – this book is a curate’s egg. Flashes of brilliance amongst a sea of grey. I would assume, much like the police work that went into catching and trying the accused.

Jackie
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gripping stuff and a great read!
12 January 2019
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The recent TV series inspired me to buy this and I’m so glad I did, because the programme only scratched the surface of the whole tale. Colin Sutton writes well and manages to paint a very clear picture of the sheer grind involved in the investigation without becoming tedious at any stage. It’s a sad and painful read at times, when you realise the number of missed opportunities to apprehend Levi Bellfield and the impact this had on so many lives, but it’s also an extraordinary depiction of a band of dedicated officers working incredibly hard to identify the culprit and nail down the evidence. Bravo Colin Sutton and team – I’m looking forward to the next book!

6 people found this helpful

Pendragon
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great True Crime Read
14 January 2019

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I have read many books on crime and this is one of the best. If you are looking for a grisly, gruesome sensationalised account, I am glad to say you will be disappointed. However, if like me, you are interested in Criminology and police work you have come to the right place.

Former DCI Sutton headed the investigation into Bellfield’s crimes.

So who better to guide you through a long, grueling, painstaking investigation? Writing in an affable style with occasional humour, a quality which must have been necessary to stay sane in the face of the very worst human nature can reveal, he nevertheless explains in detail all the complexities of a large scale investigation in which modern forensic science offered little in the way of assistance and old-fashioned dedication and intelligent thinking was the key to success.

Sutton is no yes man and while exhibiting a great deal of diplomatic skill.  He is more than willing to highlight institutionalised failure when he sees it hampering the investigation. While as one would expect he is justly proud of his achievements, he is generous in his praise for colleagues and is at pains to stress that a murder inquiry is always a matter of teamwork. Most of all, I was impressed by his genuine sympathy and compassion for Bellfield’s victims and their families. It must be easy to become hard in Sutton’s business but it clear that he has managed to hold on to his humanity in those most trying of circumstances. If you want a true crime book that goes way beyond the hysterical tabloids, this is definitely one for you.

4 people found this helpful

St. Francis of Assisi
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Who needs forensic evidence?
22 January 2019
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Sutton’s book focuses mainly on 3 incidents; his initial investigation into the murder of French student, Amélie Delagrange, in August 2004; the strikingly similar murder of Marsha McDonnell in February 2003; and the hit and run, attempted murder of Kate Sheedy in May 2004. These cases show a pattern to Bellfield’s behaviour where he stalks the city checking out bus stops for possible victims before brutally attacking them from behind in a blitz attack style with a hammer.

Sutton sticks to the facts of the cases as he was investigating them. This meant the focus was much more on the victims and getting justice for them rather than on Bellfield’s life prior to his attacks. It’s a fine line to tread and whilst I love reading true crime I hate the idea of these sadistic criminals getting the publicity they want. I think it’s important to remember the victims in all this and how many lives this hideous creature has altered beyond recognition but also those brave women who stood up to him and gave evidence against him in Court; including his ex-partners who he had abused repeatedly for many years.

It was also interesting to note the issues that media intrusion caused in this case.

I think most people, certainly in the UK, will remember hearing the horrific news that the News of the World had hacked Milly Dowler’s phone whilst she was still a missing person, torturing her family with the false hope that she was still alive somewhere because she was checking and deleting her messages. Sadly, she wasn’t, it was reporters from the News of the World who were deleting messages to make room for more to come in so they could hack more information. This was not the only issue they caused during these cases though and I was shocked to read the consequences of their stupidity and arrogance.

The press perform an important function in society,

Also there is no doubt about that, but certainly not more important than the legal process and more needs to be done to hold them accountable.

Sutton mentions several other women who came forward as victims of Bellfield and others they discovered when looking through unsolved crimes with similar MOs after his convictions and he stressed how the justice that was won for Amélie, Marsha, Kate and Milly is shared by all these other victims. Bellfield will never see the light of day for what he’s been convicted of and these other victims will never get their day in court as it isn’t deemed to be in the public interest to try him for more crimes when he’s already serving a whole life tariff but they can hopefully rest easy in the thought that justice has been served.

I’d recommend this book to anyone with a love of true crime as I found it really interesting to see the inside of the Police investigation and the minute details that the Team had to chase down to ensure the convictions they eventually won. This wasn’t a glamorous, “Criminal Minds” style case, this was hard, tedious Police work at its finest and Sutton did an amazing job in keeping his team focused with an incredible level of attention to detail.

One person found this helpful

G. Larmour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ THE FRUSTRATION OF POLICING AND FINDING EVIDENCE
22 January 2019
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Having seen the recent television series MANHUNT based on Colin Sutton’s book I was naturally keen to read Colin’s book to check out the complete story.
Having just finished the book, I would firstly compliment the TV producers who did a fantastic job of condensing a protracted and detailed investigation into a three part series.
Colin’s book is a warts and all story that shows the backroom, often boring aspects of being a police detective and the tedious, frustrating bits of the job, trying to find and piece together small clues that the public are not always aware of or appreciate.
Colin also doesn’t shy away from the petty office politics that you can find in any workplace where often colleagues, can through their own arrogance and jealousy hinder another colleague’s progress. He also does not hide the fact that mistakes, some very basic, were made by supposedly experienced investigators and the series of missed opportunities that could have perhaps saved lives such as Amelie Delagrange

Noteworthy:

Colin has not written a sensational, dramatic page-turner but instead takes the reader meticulously through the dedication of an ordinary detective doing the job the way it should be done with the support of an equally dedicated team. Whose willingness to look at every possible scenario led him and them to the success they achieved in putting away this evil individual.
In doing his job (some would say in the old fashioned way of good police investigation principles) I was impressed that Colin always looked at things from the victim’s perspective. His genuine compassion and empathy for the victims’ families was commendable. And as someone who knows what it feels like to be the brother of an unsolved murder victim I speak from bitter experience in that regard. My own 30 year search for the truth in my brother’s unsolved murder is detailed in my own book ‘

They Killed the Ice Cream Man’

Colin and his team deserve the praise they have received for their dedication in working on this complex case. And I would recommend his book to anyone interested in how he and his team managed to piece together the many small bits of evidence required to convict the perpetrator.
However I would like Colin to answer one aspect of the story that does trouble me.
In the TV series there is a very brief moment when a black female uniformed police constable who speaks to Colin in the station and asks if anything had come from the ‘witness’ statement she took from a female after the murder of Amelie Delagrange.
Also in Colin’s book this brief conversation is acknowledged although Colin does not identify if it was a black female PC.
The uniformed PC’s query prompts Colin to search the files of initial witness statements and on reading this particular document (from a former partner of Bellfield) finds that it confirms Bellfield by name and his white van and other details about his aggressive behaviour.

Had this ordinary PC not been inquisitive enough to ask if the statement she took had been looked at is it possible that another basic investigative error could have been added to the list of mistakes already made by others.

I personally consider this (black female uniformed PC) by correctly highlighting what she considered an important possible lead essentially started the ball rolling in the cracking of the case against Levi Bellfield. Yet she only received literally a minute in the TV programme and a few lines in Colin’s book.
My questions for Colin : IF THIS INCIDENT IS CORRECT DID THAT ORDINARY.  UNIFORMED PC WHO POINTED YOU TOWARDS THAT FILED STATEMENT NAMING LEVI BELLFIELD.   ASK NOT TO BE NAMED – AND IF NOT WHY DID THIS PC NOT GET THE PROPER RECOGNITION SHE DESERVED IN HELPING CRACK THIS CASE?

One person found this helpful

Mrs. E. J. Alway
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Not a particularly ‘ gory’ crime story
22 February 2019
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This is not a ‘true crime’ story in that it doesn’t really discuss the psychology of Bellfield. It is about how the police set out gathering the evidence to prove that Bellfield was a very unpleasant individual with a shocking record of escaping the consequences of his actions towards women, including the ones that lived with him at various times of his life. It shows just how much tedious manhours it takes to put together a case that mainly consisted of only circumstantial evidence. The dramatised account on television sparked my interest in reading this book & I found it hard to put down and I was left with a feeling that it is a great pity that our police force doesn’t have more Colin Sutton’s on their team. H3 uncovered police mistakes mainly caused by shortage of funds & that is particularly alarming as the police at that time had more resources than they do now.

Toby Jug of London
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Exceptional and totally fascinating
15 January 2019
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I read this in a day. I never read a book in a day, more like a month. It is a rare, detailed and utterly absorbing insight into life in the MET and the lawlessness that some members of society think they can operate in. Sutton should be Knighted for this Herculean effort to bringing the most odious, callous and cowardly animal to spend the rest of his pitiful life looking over his shoulder for the next shank to be slashed across his fat face. Brilliant book. Read it

2 people found this helpful

Peloton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reads like a thriller
22 August 2019
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Having seen the TV series I was keen to read the background, which will obviously allow more detail. Colin Sutton’s account of his and his team’s search for the killer of Amelie Delagrange is magnificent. It could just be an expression of how wonderful DCI Sutton was but it reads to me like a genuine attempt to give an overview of a police Major Incident Team’s, rather than an individual’s, process of a murder investigation. And it reads like a thriller so you don’t want to put it down. Brilliant. And all the time I was reading it I saw Martin Clunes, so I think the TV casting was equal to the book.

Lucy Jane
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gripping
14 January 2019
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I did Wander having just watched the dramatised version manhunt if reading the tail from the horses mouth would be as gripping – it was and I come away with utmost admiration for Colin Sutton who seems to lead without any undue influence of the politics of policing – expertly framed without seriously criticising anyone else which made for a purist view of the cases – hopefully there’s more books in him yet!

One person found this helpful

Ralph
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Narcissistic Musings of an Egomaniac
3 August 2019
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I bought this after watching the TV series. For once the book is not better than screen. I’m genuinely amazed that the screen writer managed to crowbar Colin Sutton’s narcissism from the narrative. The man is egomaniacal, he constantly throws colleagues under the bus, he feels that he deserves to be lavished with splendor for simply doing his job and bemoans his superior officers for not doing so. These cases would never have been solved had the bus service not began using outward facing cameras.

Jim J
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  Captivating
21 January 2019
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It was the TV drama that made me buy this book, and as much as I enjoyed the dramatisation, the book is better. It is the inside story of the investigation, written in an engaging way, with pace enough to keep the reader engaged. Mr Sutton has managed to avoid ‘copper speak’ and he is fulsome in the praise of his team. In the end I give thanks that this monster is locked up.

One person found this helpful

Stephen Richardson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A gripping read!
27 June 2019
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I’ve read many true crime books but this one stands head and shoulders above the rest. The attention to detail that Colin and his team exercised in their efforts to nail Bellfield is second to none and as this book progresses, you feel yourself being drawn into the investigation and carried along, almost as if you are part of the team, until the ultimately satisfying conclusion. If you’re looking for a book that details exactly how real life murders are solved, this is the one.

Rob
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A reality check
14 February 2019
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1) The book unlike the TV series (which was very good in its self) captures the lengths that the investigation team went to in terms of graft, grit and detail. This is reality and quite often a large dose is required when it comes to the great British public.

Our papers, social media feeds and televisions are filled with self appointed experts ever willing to offer wisdom, feedback and armchair tactical advice. Bottom line is that the path of least resistance is often non existent in criminal investigations and the only route is the hardest.

2) Conventional forensic evidence was non existent. How so? Locards theory is that every contact leaves a trace. That trace is often so minute that it will never be found even by the most detailed of examinations. The contact is often far more subtle, far less obvious and you have to work hard to find it.

3) This book shows why this country should be proud of the police service and the robust criminal justice system. Bellfield will never walk the streets again. His guilt can never be questioned.

4) Colin Sutton adds his own personality to the writing. He is far from perfect and as some reviewers have pointed out his behaviour falls short at times. He is human and working in a powder keg of pressure. Imagine the weight on that mans shoulders and then multiply it by 1000.

Moreover, a chilling but ultimately reassuring tale of good vs evil.

MD
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent insight into an incredible series of events
4 March 2019
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After having watched the ITV drama series ‘Manhun.”  I was intrigued to read the story behind the reality. Colin Sutton deserves a knighthood.  Furthermore incredible determination which for the most part of this book is spoke brutally honestly. I found the trial part of the book, the least gripping.  Moreover, following the minutiae of the judicial system. However the incredible twists and turns of the investigation.  And how Bellfield’s name came into the limelight is fascinating.

Azzerbazzer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sterling police work captures an absolute monster
10 February 2019
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Bellfield is pure evil. A ruthless paedophilic animal who is a hundred percent in the right place, a high security prison cell. I saw the TV programme and decided to buy the book. Wasn’t disappointed. Colin and his team ‘did some good’ as he put it. RIP those poor girls who fell victim to this monster. And of course my deepest sympathy for the families devastated by his crimes.

DaisyReadsLots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Not exactly a page turner, but interesting, nevertheless.
19 April 2019
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I was prompted to buy this book after watching the excellent TV drama with Martin Clunes. Colin Sutton is by no means as charismatic as Martin and I thought he came across as a bit smug in this book. He went over the top in praising his team, I thought. Not nearly as interesting nor as comprehensive as Wicked Beyond Belief about The Yorkshire Ripper case.

Gordon
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ When toil and tears pay off!
17 June 2019
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This was an inspiring story from a horrifying beginning. When others were unconvinced and even his bosses were about to ‘kick his theories into touch.’ A dedicated police officer trapped one of the most evil and depraved killers of all. What could have happened if this investigator had given up? Don’t even think about it!

Richard A. Hughes
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brilliant Book
12 February 2019
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I actually watched the 3 part series on television first and thought that was very factual and entertaining about the police investigation and eventual arrest and charging of Levi Bellfield. When I saw the book advertised I knew that I had to read it and actually it was as it was portrayed in the series. Excellent read and account by Colin Sutton.

Mr. R. J. Holmes
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Compelling, suspenseful even though I knew the outcome
13 January 2019
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These crimes were familiar to me, both from living in the area and latterly from watching the TV series Manhunt, And Colin Jones has written this book in such a way that I had to keep reading to get to each milestone.  Also each outcome satisfactorily.
We should be grateful to have police officers like Co!in Sutton and his team.  And also grateful that he has shared his story with us.

Truly he gives all the victims justice.

One person found this helpful

janamb
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Superb
13 January 2019
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Amazing insight into such shocking crimes and the incredible work, commitment and determination which went into bringing justice to the victims and their families.  Compelling, fascinating and honest account from Colin Sutton.

One person found this helpful

Anon
⭐⭐⭐ Mediocre
17 January 2019
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If you ignore references of what Sutton claims to have done himself, you are left with a good book.  Also describing how a murder squad functions and how an investigation develops.
Sutton fails to recognise all of those involved or what others did, instead claiming it as his own.

One person found this helpful

Neil
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gripping account of a horrific case
8 February 2019
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This is a first class account of a long and complex murder enquiry. The author manages to convey the true feeling of the reality of what it is like to manage and be part of a long-running and highly complex murder enquiry. If you enjoyed the TV adaptation then you will love this. It is pacy enough to keep the pages turning and yet conveys the meticulous, attention to detail required.
Highly recommended

Dickens
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ So well written
13 January 2019
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A great insight into a difficult case. So much more mesmerising for being factual and based on the knowledge of the team who were there.

One person found this helpful

KARAN J MCKERROW
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Between the lines
24 February 2019
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Thoroughly fascinating read.  Well written by an experienced author and senior Police Officer.. Gave real insight into the sheer hard work and determination of the Officers involved.  Not to mention the dignity of the victims’ families and the horror that is Levi Bellfield

Weary cook
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brilliant
15 January 2019
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Well written,I could not put it down,not often I read the book after the film, or vice versa,last time it was Lawrence. of Arabia.

One person found this helpful

Mr J Cairns
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Shows the hard work and determination put in to put away an evil monster.
7 March 2019
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From the horses mouth, written by the officer who nailed Levi Bellfield, and evil merciless monster. It shows very thoroughly the painstaking work needed to secure his conviction. A thoroughly good read. The conviction has without doubt saved many more lives.
Colin Sutton is a hugely experienced detective and I am glad he decided to put pen to paper, a real page turner.

rach30ipswich
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Interesting insight of shocking crimes
30 January 2019
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This is an interesting insight in to shocking and well documented crimes. Fascinating how the police caught him and used every technique possible to bring him to justice. Great book.

poppy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent book
17 February 2019
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I am only three quarters through this book and I can’t put it down, its amazing!
The attention to detail is brilliant.
I just don’t want it to end!