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Babes in the Wood

Two girls murdered. A guilty man walks free. Can the police get justice?

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Babes in the Wood

By: Graham Bartlett, Peter James
Narrated by: Leighton Pugh
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About this listen

A gripping true crime story and an insight into the motivations of a truly evil man, Babes in the Wood by Graham Bartlett with Peter James is a fascinating account of what became a thirty-two year fight for justice.

On 9 October 1986, nine-year-olds Nicola Fellows and Karen Hadaway went out to play on their Brighton estate. They would never return home; their bodies discovered the next day concealed in a local park. This devastating crime rocked the country.

With unique access to the officers charged with catching the killer, former senior detective Graham Bartlett and bestselling author Peter James tell the compelling inside story of the investigation as the net tightens around local man Russell Bishop. The trial that follows is one of the most infamous in the history of Brighton policing – a shock result sees Bishop walk free.

Three years later, Graham is working in Brighton CID when a seven-year-old girl is abducted and left to die. She survives . . . and Bishop’s name comes up as a suspect. Is history repeating itself? Can the police put him away this time, and will he ever be made to answer for his past horrendous crimes?

'An extremely well-written and detailed account' – Adam Hibbert, former head of Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team

'A triumph . . . Babes in the Wood should be required reading for all budding detectives' – Malcolm Bacon, former DI

Abductions, Kidnapping & Missing Persons Crime Murder True Crime Emotionally Gripping Thought-Provoking Scary Detective

Critic reviews

A testament to what a families determination and Police investigative skills can achieve in bringing justice to these two innocent young girls. (Superintendent Adam Hibbert, former head of Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team)
Babes in the Wood tells this harrowing and tragic story with great accuracy and sensitivity, revealing for the first time the inside story of how the police eventually brought justice for the two little girls. It is a story that needs to be told. (David Gaylor, Retired Detective Chief Superintendent, Sussex Police and 'the real life Roy Grace')
Babes in the Wood should be required reading for all budding detectives. (Former DI Malcolm Bacon, investigating officer who saw Bishop jailed for life in 1990)
All stars
Most relevant
Such a sad and tragic story but glad justice was served in the end The family’s showed such strength

So glad to read the facts of the case

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I lived in Brighton and was 19 at the time. The community couldn't believe it. So so sad for the families concerned and ripped apart by a cold, pathetic, cowardly individual! RIP Karen & Nicola. Even after all these years whenever I drive past Wild Park you're in my thoughts.

Justice In The End!

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I am from Brighton and I remember this all unfolding I was only 12 at the time but this really has left an imprint on the place.
A great book detailing a lot of things that the public never really knew.

great

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Wow what a fascinating and in-depth In-sight to this very harrowing crime. Written with such compassion. So informative. So many facts I never knew about. Brilliant

Babes in the Wood

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Well written and read, sad but compelling read - couldn’t put this down, what a monster !!!

Sad but compelling

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