The Blooding: The True Story of the Narborough Village Murders Hardcover – February 1, 1989

One of Wambaugh's true crime books, although his non-fiction is as easy to read as his fiction. This one has some characters that are almost worthy of being included among Wambaugh's fictional roster.The book briefly traces the development of DNA, and covers the first use of DNA to conclusively solve a case. The recounting of the true crimes and the perpetrator's "development", including a wrong turn towards on the suspect list. It's all well-done, and very readable. Wambaugh treats the survivors of the victim with the sensitivity they deserve, while detailing how these major crimes were handled and solved. For anyone interested in older police procedure, this is definitely worth the read, I would definitely recommend picking this one up in the Kindle version, as the paperback is pretty hefty.

I read this book a long time ago and lost my copy. I wanted to read it again. Well worth buying again. The background of how DNA was first used for profiling was very interesting to me. Long before television made it look so simple to get a DNA match to a suspect the history of such a thing is very interesting. I love Joseph Wambaugh's writing. 5 well deserved stars.

Having watched the Court TV episode concerning this case several times, I decided to read the book. Before getting into the crimes, Joseph Wambaugh spends some time describing village life in England. I found this rather helpful to those of us living in the U.S. In fact it would be the British fondness for pubs that would play a role in solving the case.This book goes into graphic details often and is exactly why the book is great. This includes portions of the guilty person's police interview, very revealing. After reading it, one will understand why various nuisance crimes such as exposing oneself are often the first steps to becoming a serial killer.While this is the first case solved by DNA evidence, it is also the first case were the original suspect, who had confessed to one of the murders, was exonerated by DNA evidence; makes one question confessions. In fairness, it must be said that this original suspect was no 'alter boy'. There were valid reasons to suspect him. It also brings to light not only how difficult and time consuming crime investigations are but also, how easy it is to get on the wrong track. This is especially true when dealing with a sociopath because such people are never obvious suspects, will never be caught using a polygraph, was almost not caught, even with a DNA dragnet The asylum in the village, close to the crime scene, figured prominently in causing the authorities to develop tunnel vision. But they would have been remiss had they not scrutinized it. In the end, it would be a bit of bragging in a pub that would lead to the arrest of the guilty person.

I had read Wambaugh's fiction but not a true crime book. This still read like his fiction (good writing) but more effecting because I knew it happened. I also lived in England not long after these murders happened, so the description of the area was especially meaningful to me.

I've known about Wambaugh since I was a kid and my mom was into his books. This is the first one I've read, and wow! Really enjoyed this story as he takes us through the hunt for a serial killer and the first use of genetic fingerprinting. He does an excellent job of developing the characters involved, so it read more like a novel. Recommend strongly if you're into true crime, well done.

Excellent book. Unbelievable research in every detail. The story of the first DNA criminal case in England.Again hard to believe how much research went into the details of this true story.

entertaining. I never pass any of his books without reading them. I amfortunate to be able to have access to them on Kendal Fire.

I want to save five star rating.At times, his writing is quite dry but very concise. I think most curious should read all his books.

This is the true story of the brutal murders of two teenage girls in the Leicester area. I live locally the crimes and I drive through Enderby almost weekly. Although the crime took place in the 80's I still remember Carlton Hayes hospital, which is mentioned frequently.This is a book you cant put down even if you are unfamiliar with the area. It highlights the discovery of genetic fingerprinting that is used to solve crime today. And without which the wrong man may have been imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit.It is written in a factual way and displays the feelings of the families of the missing girls. Also the odd joke pops up.If factual crime is of interest to you the is a must read you wont put down!

This book tells the true story of the first murder ever to be solved using DNA, with the odd twist and turn along the way. The scientist that discovered how to extract a DNA profile is British, and the crimes are committed in traditional English villages, but this book is written by acclaimed American writer Joseph Wambaugh - and it's none the worse for that. An excellent word-smith who keeps the reader engrossed in the story throughout the book. It's a tragic tale but a story that is fascinating if you are unaware of it and the fact that history is made in this case (in more than one way) just adds to the interest. Very much worth a read - well-written, factually accurate, the first DNA case, and don't you just want to know what a 'blooding' is...?

bought this for my wife , I had read it in the 80,s..When the TV drama appeared recently I told her it was based on this book, She wanted to read it as she works in medical field , I have read several of this author . This is a change from his usual crime novels but is a very good read ..Had a lot of searching to find this but did . Book arrived in good condition and arrived when stipulated, .

This book was a great read.

Very good detective story, the fact that this really happened makes it even more can't put down to stop reading it !