{"product_id":"the-beast-of-birkenshaw-hugh-odonnell-9798233225291","title":"The Beast of Birkenshaw: Peter Manuel","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Beast of Birkenshaw: Peter Manuel \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBetween 1956 and 1958, Peter Manuel terrorized Scotland in a killing spree that would claim at least seven lives and expose catastrophic failures in mid-century law enforcement. Born in New York and raised in poverty, Manuel evolved from a bullied child into one of Britain's first recognized serial killers, murdering entire families in their beds and taunting police with his intelligence and legal acumen.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis comprehensive account examines Manuel's psychological development from his traumatic childhood through his years mastering criminal law in Peterhead Prison, to his methodical execution of the Watt and Smart families. The book reveals the near-miscarriage of justice that saw innocent William Watt imprisoned for murders Manuel committed, the breakthrough provided by sequential banknotes, and Manuel's audacious decision to defend himself at trial.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBeyond the crimes themselves, this work explores Manuel's lasting legacy: the transformation from fragmented local constabularies to unified Police Scotland, the limitations of pre-DNA forensic science, and the role his case played in abolishing capital punishment. Drawing on trial transcripts, investigative records, and contemporary accounts, this is the definitive examination of the Beast of Birkenshaw and his enduring impact on Scottish criminal justice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Hugh O'Donnell\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9798233225291\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Silverback Books\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 01\/18\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 296\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.76lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.67d","brand":"Hugh O'Donnell","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":48743081574655,"sku":"9798233225291","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/the-beast-of-birkenshaw-hugh-odonnell-9798233225291","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}