Murder Maps: Crime Scenes Revisited; Phrenology to Fingerprint 1811–1911

*BOOKOFF POLECA*

Murder Maps isn’t just another true-crime book — it’s a visceral exploration of historical murders through maps, diagrams and forensic insight. Dr Drew Gray meticulously charts notorious cases from across the world, from the ‘French Ripper’ Joseph Vacher to H.H. Holmes and his infamous “Murder Castle”. Each event is replotted using archival maps, revealing the geography of crime like never before.

Why we chose this book

• Narrative + visual depth: history lovers and armchair detectives will find themselves immersed in both gripping storytelling and richly detailed cartography. 

• Unique format: maps, period illustrations, and authentic layouts turn this into a coffee-table book with substance — it sparks curiosity and conversation. 

• A fresh angle on crime history: not just the stories of crime, but how societies responded — from primitive police whistles to early fingerprinting.

What you’ll find inside

• Geographic breakdowns of historic murders

• Street-level plans and archival maps

• Cases ranging from Europe to America and beyond

• Insight into the rise of forensic science and detection techniques

• Vintage illustrations, mugshots, and crime press imagery

Perfect for

• Fans of true-crime history and forensics

• Lovers of cartographic storytelling

• Readers who enjoy engaging and unusual non-fiction

• Gifts for collectors, detectives at heart, and visual story lovers