Using the Moors Murders as a case study through which to explore the
symbiotic relationship between serial killing and the mass media, this
book is a multi-dimensional analysis of the social and cultural legacy of
the crimes of Ian Brady and Myra Hindley.
Using the research approach of bricolage, the crimes’ authors examine
this prime example of mediatised murder via inter-disciplinary academic
and non-academic accounts, print media, film, TV drama, music and art,
with chapters focusing on serial killing as a modern phenomenon, a factual
account and timeline of the role of victims, Brady and Hindley’s trial
and the reporting of their deaths, Hindley’s status as ‘the most evil woman
in Britain’ and a reflection on the process and ethical implications of
engaging in this area of work.
This chapter will outline the structure, content and overall approach of
the book. It is important to start with a clear statement of the purpose of
this work. It is not an attempt to ‘solve’ any mysteries about the crimes of
the Moors Murderers. There is no new information about the case in this
volume. The chapter also outlines the main themes that are examined in
greater depth throughout the work. It also discusses bricolage as a research
method and how this approach is used across the work.