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Groomed

Coercion, Control and a Cold-blooded Murder

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Groomed

By: Nicola Tallant
Narrated by: Nicola Tallant
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About this listen

The horrifying story of Jonathan Cresswell and the rape and murder of 21 year old showjumper Katie Simpson, who was initially thought to have taken her own life until Cresswell's crime was uncovered

Jonathan Cresswell was a dangerous and violent man, particularly to women. He manipulated his many girlfriends using coercive control and physically assaulted them if they didn't do as he wished.

In August 2020 he raped and murdered showjumper Katie Simpson, the sister of his partner and the aunt of his two children. He attempted to cover up the murder and pretended he had found her hanging from the landing in their shared home, and he very nearly got away with it. Only the persistence of an investigative journalist, suspicious nurses and Katie's concerned family and friends caused the PSNI to open a case almost five months after her death.

During the resulting trial Cresswell killed himself. Three other women were charged with helping him to conceal his crime, and each received a suspended sentence due their deference of being under Cresswell's control.

©2025 Nicola Tallant (P)2025 Bonnier Books UK Equestrian Sports Horse Racing Murder True Crime Crime
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Never really knew this was "Death of a showjumper" read it because I follow Nicla Tallant and never been disappointed. To me, a cult type status, Waco, Charles Manson...evil beyond belief. Recommended.

Talland, is so talented.

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Whilst the narration could have been slightly better in terms of tone/pace, it was still excellent. Brilliant storyline taking you to the inevitable, and even though I knew the end before I started, I was still willing Katie to wake up. It was a story I’d not heard before, and I seriously hope lessons have been learned.

Brilliantly presented story

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This is one of the most powerful and unforgettable listens I’ve had in a long time. Nicola has crafted a story that is both gripping and deeply unsettling, capturing the dark undercurrents of control, manipulation, and the abuse of power with extraordinary precision and empathy.

As someone from the border region, I was struck by how authentically she portrays the nuances of crossing and living along the border — it’s woven seamlessly into the fabric of the story, giving it both realism and depth. The detail in the writing makes every scene vivid and alive, even when the subject matter is harrowing.

The depiction of Jonathan Cresswell and his network is chilling — disturbingly reminiscent of real-life figures who’ve caused so much harm. Yet Nicola handles it with sensitivity, never sensationalising, but rather illuminating the psychological and societal dynamics that allow such behaviour to persist.

I also appreciated the portrayal of local journalism through Tanya and the Impartial Reporter — a reminder of how crucial committed, brave reporting is in the face of silence and complicity. The book doesn’t shy away from hard truths, including the failures of the PSNI, whose inaction and corruption still cast a long shadow even decades after the peace process.

This story is grim, yes, but it’s also an act of truth-telling — a beautifully written testament to resilience, justice, and the need to speak out. Nicola’s work deserves the highest praise for both its artistry and its courage.

A tough listen at times, but an essential one.

Brilliantly Written, Hauntingly Real

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I found this to be the most accurate of all of the media telling this shocking story. I knew/know most of those involved.
A complex, despicable and sad story of coercive control and abuse that is sadly more common in the horse world than people realise.
RIP Katie. Thoughts go out to the family.

Sadly accurate

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Good book, really interesting with lots & lots of detail & background info - it's a slightly complicated story. I did find it slightly irritating that the writer swings between calling people by their first name, then in the next sentence by their surname, then first name again - made me have to concentrate! Unfortunately men like this are prevalent in the equestrian world (I've been there myself), young, impressionable girls who love horses & are flattered that the older "skilled horsemen" who they look up to are showing them attention....
Books like this can only be a good thing, to bring light to these men in the equestrian world (like an operation yewtree investigation)

Detailed & full of info

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