In 2016, Graeme Macrae Burnet was shortlisted for the Booker Prize with a mesmerising literary thriller based on ‘found’ historical documents, set in an unforgiving landscape where the exercise of power is arbitrary
In 1869, Roderick Macrae was accused of the brutal slaying of three people, in a murder trial that gripped the British public. Roderick’s memoir, along with court transcripts, medical reports, police statements and newspaper articles, show that he readily admitted his guilt. But do they reveal just why a young man would commit the most atrocious acts of violence? Why didn’t he defend himself more vigorously, or try to cover up the crime? And will he hang?
From reading guides to extracts, find out more about our September Book of the Month here.
