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The Hunt for the Silver Killer

The Shocking True Story of a Murderer who Remains at Large

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The Hunt for the Silver Killer

By: David Collins
Narrated by: Nick Biadon
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About this listen

 **AS SEEN ON TV**

*HIGHLY COMMENDED FOR BEST AUDIOBOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE TRUE CRIME AWARDS 2023*

'A truly astonishing murder mystery – this is proper journalism' Jeremy Clarkson

Following a long investigation by the world-famous Sunday Times Insight team, David Collins tells the truly unique story of a string of murder-suicides in north-west England and poses the terrifying question: are they the work of a serial killer who has been operating undetected since the mid-nineties?

In 1996 and 1999, two elderly couples died in the small town of Wilmslow, Cheshire. In each case the husband was blamed for turning berserk and killing his wife using a horrifying level of violence. The police failed to make a link between the deaths – despite the similarities. That might have been the end of the matter. But when two coroner's officers began to piece together the evidence, it revealed a pattern which may prove the existence of a sadistic attacker known as 'the silver killer'. Using interviews with dozens of witnesses, including police investigators, forensic and crime scene experts, coroner's officers and family members, the author pieces together the clues in an attempt to solve the mystery of what really happened.

A gripping true-crime investigation, the book reveals how suspicions were aroused and set investigators on a new trail to uncover the truth. Collins, whose reporting helped the police to convict the serial killer Levi Bellfield of killing Milly Dowler, has written a brilliant account of a crime that nearly went undiscovered which is sure to become a classic of the genre. Crime Murder True Crime Marriage Exciting

Critic reviews

'A truly astonishing murder mystery - this is proper journalism' (Jeremy Clarkson)
'A book set to become a classic of the true crime genre. This is a page-turning thriller I couldn't put down.' (Sophy Ridge)
'A shocking and thoroughly engaging work more terrifying than any horror story. An I’ll Be Gone In The Dark for the north west of England.' (Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal and The Twyford Code)
'The Hunt for the Silver Killer is a gripping and haunting account, all the more so because of its unanswered questions. A serial killer at large is one thing - but a serial killer clever enough never to have been caught is another order of scary.' (Christopher Hart)
'Astonishingly good, a true story that grips like the very best thriller - I defy anyone to put this down' (Peter James)
'When the suburban dream becomes the suburban nightmare. Shocking and powerful in equal measure. Investigative journalism at its finest.' (Nazir Afzal, author of The Prosecutor)
'This is a skilful telling of a gripping true story about the investigation and detection of murder. Readers will be captivated, as I was, by the determined quest of one remarkable woman - risking her reputation and career to try and prove the presence of a serial killer among us.' (David James Smith, author of The Sleep of Reason)
'An extraordinary true crime story, written by a Sunday Times journalist, that reveals a string of deaths in the northwest and the as yet unidentified serial killer who may be responsible for them.'
All stars
Most relevant
This is a compelling listen and the performance is excellent, being calm and measured, which is essential because the subject matter is distressing.
I raced through it in a couple of days, not wanting to listen to anything else. I am horrified but sadly not surprised to hear that the response of the police to being found to be potentially in error is to try and shoot the messenger, rather than admit fault.
I had heard of these cases before and was vaguely aware of the story, but the details of the inadequacies of the official explanation laid out here is heartbreaking. This is proper journalism. We must create a mechanism to force police forces to reconsider in circumstances such as these. Nobody can learn from their mistakes if they're able to refuse to acknowledge that they've even made any.

At a loss for words

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I finished this in 2 days I just didn’t want to turn it off, if you like true crime and listening to how so many things were ignored then this is for you, it’s graphic in describing the crimes and really makes you wonder how and why anyone could do the things that were done, very very sad, very well read/told

Brilliant

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excellent read well written lots of detailed information on the case hopefully this will lead to more probing into the case

excellent read

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Any true crime fans will love this but it’s also incredible well told and handled with empathy and care for the victims mentioned and their families

Brilliant journalism and entertainment

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Over 7 hours of listening flew by. Deeply frustrating behaviour from the Police - arrogant, ignorant and void of empathy for the families. It’s about time the Police were dragged into this Century and remove the old establishment. Hurrah for David Collins wonderful journalism and please make sure that Stephanie Davies knows she’s hugely admired and an inspirational woman - don’t let the arseholes get you down.

Compelling & brilliantly written

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