The 100 objects we have featured, and the cases we describe, reflect controversies, including the death penalty, how women have been treated, and awful things done by those who may have been mad, bad or both. We hope that they shine a light on the way in which Metropolitan Police and other detectives have tackled crime over the years, and the difficulties faced by police officers. Sometimes the police have solved the cases quickly; sometimes inquiries were only closed after a prolonged period, or not at all. This is not an official book published by the Metropolitan Police Service, so we as authors take full responsibility for any mistakes or misinterpretations.
We had many discussions about the best sequence for the objects, some of which come in a natural, broad chronological order. We let the object itself lead into some of the important associated cases we describe rather than attempt to adhere strictly to subject headings.
Some readers may find some of this book disturbing, but the material does reflect the nature of crime from which the police do their best to protect us. The police seek justice for victims and their families, and we hope that the book leaves us all with renewed concern for those who suffer the effects of crime.