Blood on the Thames: Murder, money and the making of the modern detect

Blood on the Thames: Murder, Money and the Making of the Modern Detective is a gripping work of history that examines a shocking murder in Georgian London. When shipyard magnate Isaac Blight is found shot dead in his armchair, suspicion falls on his partner, Richard Patch. Despite a strong alibi and a lack of clear motive, the case evolves into a national sensation.

This volume 1 account follows surgeon Astley Cooper, magistrate Aaron Graham, and lawyer William Garrow as they establish the foundations of modern detective work. The narrative moves from the London docks to high-stakes courtrooms attended by British royals and foreign dignitaries. Combining meticulous research with the suspense of a crime novel, this history explores a true story of greed and intrigue that shaped the British justice system.