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Murder Ballads: Illustrated Lyrics & Lore
In this unique, illustrated collection, Literary Witches co-creator Katy Horan resurrects the real and fictional women (and men) of twenty traditional murder ballads, exploring their legacy in modern American music and culture.
Murder Ballads is a guide to the origins and cultural impact of murder ballads as a music genre, covering its roots in patriarchal violence and white supremacy, as well as its contemporary relationship to true crime.
From “Delia's Gone” to “The Death of Queen Jane,” each of twenty carefully chosen ballads is accompanied by one of Horan’s beautifully macabre illustrations and a thoroughly researched reflection on the song's history and evolution. At the back of the book, readers can browse a list of essential recordings for each ballad.
Mysterious and alluring as the songs themselves, Murder Ballads will delight history enthusiasts, armchair musicologists, true crime fans (and critics), as well as anyone who appreciates the darker side of folk music.
Murder Ballads is a guide to the origins and cultural impact of murder ballads as a music genre, covering its roots in patriarchal violence and white supremacy, as well as its contemporary relationship to true crime.
From “Delia's Gone” to “The Death of Queen Jane,” each of twenty carefully chosen ballads is accompanied by one of Horan’s beautifully macabre illustrations and a thoroughly researched reflection on the song's history and evolution. At the back of the book, readers can browse a list of essential recordings for each ballad.
Mysterious and alluring as the songs themselves, Murder Ballads will delight history enthusiasts, armchair musicologists, true crime fans (and critics), as well as anyone who appreciates the darker side of folk music.
144 pages, Hardcover
Published April 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
January 19, 2025
“Everyone who hears a song and repeats it…also recreates it.” “While early collectors of ballads drew from manuscripts and broadsides, other folklorists wandered through both Europe and America, ‘collecting songs from the actual folk responsible for the folk tradition…such as twentieth-century musicologists John and Alan Lomax.” The movie “Songcatcher” (2000) describes a musicologist’s journey into the most isolated mountains of Appalachia to record and document ancient Scottish-Irish ballads that had been orally passed down for generations.
Katy Horan, illustrator/interdisciplinary artist has meticulously researched the stories behind 20 murder ballads of both “Black America and Renaissance Europe, and songs based in myth as well as tales of real murders…Murder ballads almost always chronicle a transgression, a trust betrayed.”
A murdered sweetheart ballad often describes a killer’s desire to avoid marriage. A woman might be “drowned, battered or murdered by men”. “Delia’s Gone” relates the true murder of a 14 year old Black girl killed by her boyfriend in Savannah, Georgia. In some renditions of the ballad, Delia is described as “worthless” while other balladeers express love and mourn for her.
“The Twa Sisters” is a jealous-lover ballad. Two sisters love the same man. When he chooses the prettier, younger one, the elder sister drowns the other in the river. A passing fiddler discovers the girl’s body and constructs a magic fiddle from her bones and hair. The killer is revealed when the magic fiddle is played.
“Frankie and Johnny” is a song addressing domestic violence. “Frankie was a Black woman who-walk(s) free after killing a dangerous man in self-defense…when Hollywood capitalized the story (Frankie) was ‘erased’ as it was co-opted for entertainment.”
“The Cruel Ship’s Carpenter” describes revenge beyond the grave/spectral revenge. A young girl, promised marriage, was instead lured into the forest, killed and buried in a shallow grave. The culprit fled aboard an ocean going vessel only to see an apparition-the ghost of his beloved and his baby. He confessed! This ballad started as a broadside in London, became a broadside in Boston, later to become prominent in the Maritime Provinces of Eastern Canada. The song title eventually evolved and the song was renamed “Pretty Polly.”
Brought to mind are two murder ballads, not in this read, but for consideration. “The Queen and the Soldier” written and recorded by Suzanne Vega concerns a soldier who knocks on the queen’s door telling her he will not fight for her “fun” anymore. He asks why there must be a battle? She summarily orders his execution. A contemporary murder ballad “Goodbye Earl” is sung by The Chicks. A song of domestic abuse…perhaps her friends will help her dispose of Earl’s body!
Badman ballads arguably written in the “ragtime tradition” have elevated the bad-ass killer to folk hero stature; songs such as “Stagolee” and “Big Bad Leroy Brown”, continue to maintain their popularity.
In 18th Century England “when British ballads were traveling en masse to America…variants occurred when a song’s geography changed as singers personalized the lyrics…lyrics that often shift over the course of a song’s recorded life.” Author Katy Horan’s totally enjoyable read contains a Catalogue of Notable Recordings for each of the 20 Murder Ballads discussed as well as an Extensive Bibliography. The song lyrics and magnificent artwork complete the package!
Highly recommended.
Thank you Andrews McMeel Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Katy Horan, illustrator/interdisciplinary artist has meticulously researched the stories behind 20 murder ballads of both “Black America and Renaissance Europe, and songs based in myth as well as tales of real murders…Murder ballads almost always chronicle a transgression, a trust betrayed.”
A murdered sweetheart ballad often describes a killer’s desire to avoid marriage. A woman might be “drowned, battered or murdered by men”. “Delia’s Gone” relates the true murder of a 14 year old Black girl killed by her boyfriend in Savannah, Georgia. In some renditions of the ballad, Delia is described as “worthless” while other balladeers express love and mourn for her.
“The Twa Sisters” is a jealous-lover ballad. Two sisters love the same man. When he chooses the prettier, younger one, the elder sister drowns the other in the river. A passing fiddler discovers the girl’s body and constructs a magic fiddle from her bones and hair. The killer is revealed when the magic fiddle is played.
“Frankie and Johnny” is a song addressing domestic violence. “Frankie was a Black woman who-walk(s) free after killing a dangerous man in self-defense…when Hollywood capitalized the story (Frankie) was ‘erased’ as it was co-opted for entertainment.”
“The Cruel Ship’s Carpenter” describes revenge beyond the grave/spectral revenge. A young girl, promised marriage, was instead lured into the forest, killed and buried in a shallow grave. The culprit fled aboard an ocean going vessel only to see an apparition-the ghost of his beloved and his baby. He confessed! This ballad started as a broadside in London, became a broadside in Boston, later to become prominent in the Maritime Provinces of Eastern Canada. The song title eventually evolved and the song was renamed “Pretty Polly.”
Brought to mind are two murder ballads, not in this read, but for consideration. “The Queen and the Soldier” written and recorded by Suzanne Vega concerns a soldier who knocks on the queen’s door telling her he will not fight for her “fun” anymore. He asks why there must be a battle? She summarily orders his execution. A contemporary murder ballad “Goodbye Earl” is sung by The Chicks. A song of domestic abuse…perhaps her friends will help her dispose of Earl’s body!
Badman ballads arguably written in the “ragtime tradition” have elevated the bad-ass killer to folk hero stature; songs such as “Stagolee” and “Big Bad Leroy Brown”, continue to maintain their popularity.
In 18th Century England “when British ballads were traveling en masse to America…variants occurred when a song’s geography changed as singers personalized the lyrics…lyrics that often shift over the course of a song’s recorded life.” Author Katy Horan’s totally enjoyable read contains a Catalogue of Notable Recordings for each of the 20 Murder Ballads discussed as well as an Extensive Bibliography. The song lyrics and magnificent artwork complete the package!
Highly recommended.
Thank you Andrews McMeel Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2025
What I liked:
* The illustrations. Amazing. Magical. Gorgeous. Fabulous.
* I listened to the audiobook [more on that below] and I really enjoyed the sections that had the actual songs performed [I wish that all of them had had that as it really made that particular section magical, even if the text was not that exciting]; that was absolutely lovely.
* Some of the lore was truly fascinating and creepy and left me wanting more.
What didn't work for me:
* There is absolutely no depth to these stories. None. I wanted so much more than I got.
* Does the author even like Murder Ballads and their lore?
* THE. NARRATION. People who are in charge of this, can you PLEASE make sure that A. the narrator can pronounce ALL of the words correctly, and B. that their voice has some sort of inflection when reading [spooky stories are MUCH less spooky when told in monotone], and C. that they sound like they are actually want to be there reading said book. Thankyouverymuch. Listening to this was mostly awful [I had no choice due to circumstances beyond my control], and it really added to my disappointment with this book. I cannot in good faith recommend this audiobook to anyone.
This should have been amazing, full of history, creepy and slightly icky stories, and music [again, there IS some of that, but not nearly enough. The spoken word of the songs by that narrator was so very grating]; what one gets is fractured history [research IS important], stories that may or may not be creepy if one is read reading it, and unfortunately, much disappointment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
* The illustrations. Amazing. Magical. Gorgeous. Fabulous.
* I listened to the audiobook [more on that below] and I really enjoyed the sections that had the actual songs performed [I wish that all of them had had that as it really made that particular section magical, even if the text was not that exciting]; that was absolutely lovely.
* Some of the lore was truly fascinating and creepy and left me wanting more.
What didn't work for me:
* There is absolutely no depth to these stories. None. I wanted so much more than I got.
* Does the author even like Murder Ballads and their lore?
* THE. NARRATION. People who are in charge of this, can you PLEASE make sure that A. the narrator can pronounce ALL of the words correctly, and B. that their voice has some sort of inflection when reading [spooky stories are MUCH less spooky when told in monotone], and C. that they sound like they are actually want to be there reading said book. Thankyouverymuch. Listening to this was mostly awful [I had no choice due to circumstances beyond my control], and it really added to my disappointment with this book. I cannot in good faith recommend this audiobook to anyone.
This should have been amazing, full of history, creepy and slightly icky stories, and music [again, there IS some of that, but not nearly enough. The spoken word of the songs by that narrator was so very grating]; what one gets is fractured history [research IS important], stories that may or may not be creepy if one is read reading it, and unfortunately, much disappointment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Andrew McMeel Publishing for the ARC.
As someone who enjoys the spooky side of folk music, this dive into the historical sources of various murder ballads was very satisfying. It addressed the dark, complex, and often prejudiced ways that the stories of real people are transformed into folk songs, without taking away from the enjoyment of them, and recommending certain iterations both classic and modern. The illustrations were a nice little bonus as well.
As someone who enjoys the spooky side of folk music, this dive into the historical sources of various murder ballads was very satisfying. It addressed the dark, complex, and often prejudiced ways that the stories of real people are transformed into folk songs, without taking away from the enjoyment of them, and recommending certain iterations both classic and modern. The illustrations were a nice little bonus as well.
January 27, 2025
This book is a brilliant combination of history, folklore, lyrics, and beautiful artwork that I absolutely loved. Murder ballads are not something I knew a lot about going into this book, but the concept was intriguing and the book cover is gorgeous - and before I even finished the foreword I was hooked.
I took my time reading through this book, enjoying the artwork and even making a playlist of the songs mentioned (when I could find them), and listening to them from start to finish.
If you, like me, enjoy folklore/folk art, music and true crime (kind of a bizarre combination, but it works), this is a beautiful coffee table book that you’ll actually want to read, and that will spark plenty of interesting conversations.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I took my time reading through this book, enjoying the artwork and even making a playlist of the songs mentioned (when I could find them), and listening to them from start to finish.
If you, like me, enjoy folklore/folk art, music and true crime (kind of a bizarre combination, but it works), this is a beautiful coffee table book that you’ll actually want to read, and that will spark plenty of interesting conversations.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 29, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an Advanced Reader Copy - pub date 4/29/2025. There is nothing quite so haunting as a good solid song that talks about murder and violence and wraps it all up with a near-mythic sense of The Other. I say this with a completely straight face because I've always been the kind of girl who reads the original versions of fairy tales and listens to obscure bands that dig up folk songs to play. (Fun fact - both things are heavily grim and kind of morbid and deeply symbolic and feature an awful lot of MURDER.) Katy Horan takes all of the rich history of the murder ballad and applies her stark art style to make a thing of beauty out of horror for us to enjoy. In her book, she chose 20 traditional songs and did her research on their origins before dropping herself into creating haunting images to match. Quite a few of the songs might already be familiar to readers picking up the book but there are some that are definitely more obscure. Horan notes the fact and fiction behind each song and makes sure to mention some of the musicians who covered them. This gives you a great chance to make your own Murder Ballad Playlist! Very convenient. While I wish some of the write-ups had been longer, I understand that there is a limit on both the information available and Horan's skill-set. What she does give us is to the point and makes you curious so that works very well. Then, oh, then she gives the reader her art to pair with the songs. Her style feels reminiscent of old woodcuts but with touches of American folk-art, a simplicity of design that reveals surprising depth with a few well-placed details. She layers her images and often you get the full ballad in one image. Even the smaller drawings between the ballads ring with a haunting punctuation.
This might be a specialized book but, for those of us who know, will 100% appreciate it... And, yes, I did find myself a playlist of Appalachian Murder Ballads and mainlined it all of the next day at work after finishing my read of this book. What better testimony can you ask for? :)
This might be a specialized book but, for those of us who know, will 100% appreciate it... And, yes, I did find myself a playlist of Appalachian Murder Ballads and mainlined it all of the next day at work after finishing my read of this book. What better testimony can you ask for? :)
May 20, 2025
I feel like this is a pretty good overview of murder ballads in general while also highlighting some lesser known ones and recontextualizing them with a modern lens. it's very accessible and easy to read in one sitting, though you'll probably find yourself looking up the different recordings and artists mentioned while you page through!
the only reason this isn't a five star is that I feel like it could have been organized better. having themed sections to place the different ballads into would have been helpful. I also think tacking the ballad on at the end after giving the historical context was a misstep, as I felt like I didn't have a grasp on the ballad itself before the information was given to me. maybe if they had been broken up throughout the historical sections it would have helped, but even having them at the beginning of the "chapters" would have been more beneficial than having them at the end. I also wish there had been a way to include the different variations mentioned instead of having only one version that doesn't entirely line up with the information given.
I think I'll try to pick up a copy of this for myself (I borrowed it from the library) to use as reference since it does seem to have a lot of research behind it and I'd like to dive more into all the different resources it has listed at the end.
the only reason this isn't a five star is that I feel like it could have been organized better. having themed sections to place the different ballads into would have been helpful. I also think tacking the ballad on at the end after giving the historical context was a misstep, as I felt like I didn't have a grasp on the ballad itself before the information was given to me. maybe if they had been broken up throughout the historical sections it would have helped, but even having them at the beginning of the "chapters" would have been more beneficial than having them at the end. I also wish there had been a way to include the different variations mentioned instead of having only one version that doesn't entirely line up with the information given.
I think I'll try to pick up a copy of this for myself (I borrowed it from the library) to use as reference since it does seem to have a lot of research behind it and I'd like to dive more into all the different resources it has listed at the end.
May 29, 2025
Received via Netgalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
I don't know what I expected going into a book with this title. This was, let's be real, a title grab. Tell me more, tell me more. And I absolutely got what I asked for.
BUT HOLY CRAP.
I enjoy that the author really researched the origins of these songs, the folklore and actual people behind some of the MOST HORRIFIC SONGS YOU'VE NEVER HEARD.
That's not fair. People are probably way ahead of me on this. I've only ever heard of one, and even that was a cover done by Nirvana that I DIDN'T REALIZE WAS A MURDER SONG.
Seriously, this book deserves all the capslock.
Unfortunately, and rudely, so rudely, the part I criticize is the illustrations. Again, not sure what I expected, but these stories are so horrifying, and the art is so...underwhelming. Each piece is almost a cut and paste of the other, with a few things changed and maybe some variants thrown into the background.
It's a beautiful style, to be sure. I don't want it to seem like I am criticizing the artist's talents. But we're talking about songs where women stab newborns and women are cut into three pieces by their siblings. Like, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect more.
I will be listening to all of these songs. And I will be judging the artists who did Delia wrong VERY HARSHLY. Looking at you, Dylan.
I don't know what I expected going into a book with this title. This was, let's be real, a title grab. Tell me more, tell me more. And I absolutely got what I asked for.
BUT HOLY CRAP.
I enjoy that the author really researched the origins of these songs, the folklore and actual people behind some of the MOST HORRIFIC SONGS YOU'VE NEVER HEARD.
That's not fair. People are probably way ahead of me on this. I've only ever heard of one, and even that was a cover done by Nirvana that I DIDN'T REALIZE WAS A MURDER SONG.
Seriously, this book deserves all the capslock.
Unfortunately, and rudely, so rudely, the part I criticize is the illustrations. Again, not sure what I expected, but these stories are so horrifying, and the art is so...underwhelming. Each piece is almost a cut and paste of the other, with a few things changed and maybe some variants thrown into the background.
It's a beautiful style, to be sure. I don't want it to seem like I am criticizing the artist's talents. But we're talking about songs where women stab newborns and women are cut into three pieces by their siblings. Like, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect more.
I will be listening to all of these songs. And I will be judging the artists who did Delia wrong VERY HARSHLY. Looking at you, Dylan.
June 2, 2025
I grew up with murder ballads. Stories of Sweet Sadie, and Frankie and Johnny. A healthy worry of willow gardens and pine forests. Of cruel mothers, jealous sisters, and men who lie. Would you believe me if I told you that hearing them sounds like home to me? And every now and then a book comes along that does the same.
With the academic rigor of an ethnomusicologist artist Katy Horan gives readers a thorough exploration of murder ballads by tracking the timelines of twenty classic tunes including Rose Connoley, The Twa Sisters, Frankie and Johnny, The Cruel Mother, In the Pines, and The Unquiet Grave. Along with her in-depth research, Horan's beautiful illustrations accompany the text elevating this book far and away above similar titles.
MURDER BALLADS is a must read for anyone interested in folk songs as well as readers of grim books. Horan doesn't just rehash the harsh realities of these songs and the women - usually it's women - who suffer within them, but instead treats this subject with a sensitivity and awareness that moves beyond shock factor and the macabre.
It's an incredible achievement.
With the academic rigor of an ethnomusicologist artist Katy Horan gives readers a thorough exploration of murder ballads by tracking the timelines of twenty classic tunes including Rose Connoley, The Twa Sisters, Frankie and Johnny, The Cruel Mother, In the Pines, and The Unquiet Grave. Along with her in-depth research, Horan's beautiful illustrations accompany the text elevating this book far and away above similar titles.
MURDER BALLADS is a must read for anyone interested in folk songs as well as readers of grim books. Horan doesn't just rehash the harsh realities of these songs and the women - usually it's women - who suffer within them, but instead treats this subject with a sensitivity and awareness that moves beyond shock factor and the macabre.
It's an incredible achievement.
December 29, 2025
A fun fact about me is that I'm something of a murder ballad enthusiast and I think they're a very interesting genre of folk music, so this book is very much my alley. I enjoyed the selection of songs and the variety of history and time periods represented, which is pretty broad. Although it doesn't include either Matty Groves or Lord Randall, which are two of my personal favorites, there are a lot of ones I wasn't super familiar with, and along with the illustrations each song has a section about the historical context and the variations of each song that also exist (I did kind of wish the book had actually included some of the variations, though–for example, the song "The Two Sisters" has a lot of versions that are all slightly different). The historical context was probably my favorite part since it was really interesting to read about how the completely fictional songs have evolved over time, and how the ones based on history often change real details and why. Overall, a pretty quick read and was a solid way to spend part of my evening.
April 12, 2025
Murder ballads is an intriguing book that had me hooked from the start . Who knew that one of my favourite clash songs originated as a balled . You’ll find it in the book along with others that you somehow remember but don’t know where from . A magical masterpiece. I shared a post on Instagram of the book kindly gifted by the publisher Andrews McNeil and the author Katy Horan messaged me to say how much she loved it . The artwork is superb and the cover even glows when the light hits it enchantingly magical. A must read for fans of folklore and dark cottagecore . I loved it
August 16, 2025
Oral storytelling is maybe the biggest piece of what makes us human. Folklore is a subject I'll always find endlessly fascinating, and this short venture was no exception. Katy Horan guides you through the paths of some of the most well-known murder ballads in American and European folklore, tracing their history to true stories, variants across locations, and themes perpetuated among them. The audiobook was a treat, including covers of the folk songs by various artists. Now I need to get my hands on the physical copy to see the artwork!
May 14, 2025
Loved the art, loved the history, loved that in some cases these songs were the only means of telling stories in the absence of social justice. Also fascinating- society’s (near always?) obsession with dead young women, and the ways songs traveled from country to country, genre to genre before technology.
November 11, 2025
Cool book. I would have liked even more analysis, but I understand that this is straddling the coffee-table book category rather than being firmly on the scholarly side. I do think there should be a dedicated playlist available somewhere with the purchase, with the author's favorite versions of each ballad.
August 30, 2025
Beautifully illustrated and a great overview and introduction to Murder Ballads. I find something wonderful about a cultural line that can be drawn from medieval folk songs to the most popular modern podcasts that along the way tracks misogyny, patriarchy, racism, and the folkways and mores across time and geography.
December 6, 2025
Quick read and pretty interesting. Never heard of the term murder ballad or any of these folk songs but I enjoyed the book. I will be looking up some of the songs to listen to now thanks to the book. Would definitely recommend to people you like to read about unique history.
May 14, 2025
надто швидко закінчилося, але такі чудові екскурси в історію та культуру✨
July 5, 2025
Fascinating, darkly illustrated and well-researched.
January 15, 2025
What an interesting concept. I really enjoyed the collection.
January 15, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrew McMeel Publishing for an ARC of this book!
It’s honestly SO RARE to see an original take on retelling true crime stories but this book does a really good job of incorporating artwork, music and folklore into each story. The collection features stories that while brief, are still captivating and not competing with the illustrations.
Overall a super cool concept and would make a really good coffee table book to keep going back to.
It’s honestly SO RARE to see an original take on retelling true crime stories but this book does a really good job of incorporating artwork, music and folklore into each story. The collection features stories that while brief, are still captivating and not competing with the illustrations.
Overall a super cool concept and would make a really good coffee table book to keep going back to.
December 22, 2025
This is one of those books where you either know about it or you see it in the store and go “huh, what’s that?” And it ends up being one of the greatest things you’ve read.
What an interesting endeavor and exploration.
Thank you E G for this awesome bday gift. 💝
What an interesting endeavor and exploration.
Thank you E G for this awesome bday gift. 💝
August 20, 2025
Murder Ballads is a beautifully illustrated collection of songs which have traditionally involved narratives of patriarchal and racial violence memorialized in American and English music. Horan pushes back against conventional readings by providing readers with historical and cultural context for each song while highlighting the subjects and their agency. Unlike the genre of true crime, Murder Ballads does not glorify violence; instead, it remembers and honors the victims and their stories. Most of these songs were ones with which I wasn’t familiar. I was surprised that La Llorona didn’t come up in this collection, although this figure may be too much of an urban legend to be included in a collection that emphasizes the importance of telling real victims' stories. I appreciated Horan’s recommended reading section at the end of the book, and I would have appreciated a list of additional murder ballads that didn’t make it into the collection. After reading and enjoying Horan’s book, I’ll be checking out her illustrations in Taisia Kitaiskaia’s Literary Witches: A Celebration of Magical Women Writers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an advance copy of this illustrated guide to the history of songs about love and betrayal, hate and murder, and why these songs serve as warnings to us all, for the heart will almost always overwhelm the mind, leaving the soul to deal with the consequences.
My parents were big music lovers before I was born. My father was a little bit of a taper, recording shows that he would see with my Mom when they were courting, and later when they were married. Having a child meant they put away their childish things, and music was sadly one of these things. However they had a big collection of records, and lots of reel to reels that I was able to explore as I got older. This was later, as my first music was AM sounds, but as my taste evolved, and my brother began to like songs outside of the mainstream also we would listen to these old songs. Many were Irish and folk tunes, and a sadder lot of music one couldn't find. I don't mean the performances, these were songs about the dead. Dead fighting in wars, fighting for freedom, of dead by a lovers hand. I was enthralled, especially listening to these songs as my parents heard them live. So much sadness, so much evil. And yet full of beauty. I like story songs, and my goodness did these tell a story. A story that seems to keep touching ears and hearts even in some cases hundreds of years later. Murder Ballads: Illustrated Lyrics & Lore by Katy Horan is a history of select songs, complete with lyrics and illustrations by the author that try to track down the truth behind these songs that even now have the power to shock and awe listeners.
The book begins in one of the best places on Earth Brooklyn. An artist, Katy Horan is at a pub listening to a friend's band when Horan hears a song about two sisters, one of which killed the other in a fit of jealousy. Horan was an artist finding their way in art, and this song spoke to Horan, and began an interest in songs known as muder ballads. Popularized by many folk acts from Boiled in Lead, Steeleye Span, roots rockers like the Grateful Dead and goth gods like Nick Cave these are songs usually based on violent acts, acts that seemed beyond the usual muder. Most of these songs deal with women getting into trouble, as they would say, and murdered by the father of the trouble, who didn't want to marry. Or a woman who just had enough and shot a man to stop him from taking revenge on her. These songs are poetic in nature, sad, violent, and sometimes weird. Horan looks at many of the popular ballads, tracks down the history of the song, and the participants involved. Horan also includes lyrics, usually to the most popular version, as many ballads have been adapted and altered to fit moods or cultural times.
I was going to write this is a fun book, and for a certain segment this will be. I really enjoyed it. I love to read about how art is created, and how many of this songs had real counterparts in the world. These songs are sad in many places, but to read about the real victims, those who were murdered, and those who had to life with the legacy of the song they were the basis of give listeners even more of an emotional punch. Also the art that Horan has created is amazing. Many are as disturbing as the songs. A violent beauty in a way that explains why these songs are still so popular. Horan also adds a nice listing of different versions of the songs, so one can hear how these songs changed, or were adapted over the years.
This is a book that will appeal to many different readers. True crime fans will love the history, music fans will like the creation of the songs, and the playlists. Artists will enjoy the pictures inside, and maybe gain some inspiration for their own work. And all will enjoy all the work that Horan has done. I look forward to what Katy Horan has planned next.
My parents were big music lovers before I was born. My father was a little bit of a taper, recording shows that he would see with my Mom when they were courting, and later when they were married. Having a child meant they put away their childish things, and music was sadly one of these things. However they had a big collection of records, and lots of reel to reels that I was able to explore as I got older. This was later, as my first music was AM sounds, but as my taste evolved, and my brother began to like songs outside of the mainstream also we would listen to these old songs. Many were Irish and folk tunes, and a sadder lot of music one couldn't find. I don't mean the performances, these were songs about the dead. Dead fighting in wars, fighting for freedom, of dead by a lovers hand. I was enthralled, especially listening to these songs as my parents heard them live. So much sadness, so much evil. And yet full of beauty. I like story songs, and my goodness did these tell a story. A story that seems to keep touching ears and hearts even in some cases hundreds of years later. Murder Ballads: Illustrated Lyrics & Lore by Katy Horan is a history of select songs, complete with lyrics and illustrations by the author that try to track down the truth behind these songs that even now have the power to shock and awe listeners.
The book begins in one of the best places on Earth Brooklyn. An artist, Katy Horan is at a pub listening to a friend's band when Horan hears a song about two sisters, one of which killed the other in a fit of jealousy. Horan was an artist finding their way in art, and this song spoke to Horan, and began an interest in songs known as muder ballads. Popularized by many folk acts from Boiled in Lead, Steeleye Span, roots rockers like the Grateful Dead and goth gods like Nick Cave these are songs usually based on violent acts, acts that seemed beyond the usual muder. Most of these songs deal with women getting into trouble, as they would say, and murdered by the father of the trouble, who didn't want to marry. Or a woman who just had enough and shot a man to stop him from taking revenge on her. These songs are poetic in nature, sad, violent, and sometimes weird. Horan looks at many of the popular ballads, tracks down the history of the song, and the participants involved. Horan also includes lyrics, usually to the most popular version, as many ballads have been adapted and altered to fit moods or cultural times.
I was going to write this is a fun book, and for a certain segment this will be. I really enjoyed it. I love to read about how art is created, and how many of this songs had real counterparts in the world. These songs are sad in many places, but to read about the real victims, those who were murdered, and those who had to life with the legacy of the song they were the basis of give listeners even more of an emotional punch. Also the art that Horan has created is amazing. Many are as disturbing as the songs. A violent beauty in a way that explains why these songs are still so popular. Horan also adds a nice listing of different versions of the songs, so one can hear how these songs changed, or were adapted over the years.
This is a book that will appeal to many different readers. True crime fans will love the history, music fans will like the creation of the songs, and the playlists. Artists will enjoy the pictures inside, and maybe gain some inspiration for their own work. And all will enjoy all the work that Horan has done. I look forward to what Katy Horan has planned next.
May 8, 2025
One of the most devastatingly beautiful songs ever made, in my opinion, is Nick Cave's "Where The Wild Roses Grow", featuring Kylie Minogue. It is a so-called murder ballad: a slow song describing someone's violent death, often told from the perspective of the victim, killer or both. The visuals of the music video are as ethereal as they are morbid, a haunting combination. Katy Horan's similar fascination with imagery inspired by Murder Ballads is what drove her to create this book. The dichotomy between the beautiful and the heinous can be jarring. How can one handle a dark subject like that with grace?
Murder Ballads is a visually appealing book, and it catches the eye immediately. It is definitely a pretty book. But Horan absolutely treats the subject with care. For her and others, crime and violence can be inspirations for beautiful art. But it would be irresponsible and inappropriate not to acknowledge the horror that inspired them and the fact that this horror most often befalls women and marginalized groups. Which isn't new information - but the genre of murder ballads doesn't always appear to acknowledge that. And that's problematic.
In the present and future, we can admire the original ballads and the works they inspire - and allow ourselves to continue to be inspired - but we should identify and address the issues. Murder ballads are very often about young women, murdered by men, for reasons that were and probably still are considered "immoral". Pregnancy out of wedlock. Promiscuity. Cheating. And through the grapevine stories get told and transformed into song. And somehow the songs tend to not so much grieve the victim as sing "Well, I told you so". But the girls are still described as almost virginal and pure, because women were still expected to relate to them. "This could 100% be you! So ignore the miller's son or you too shall be drowned in the river!"
Not only that, but the full tragedy behind some victims' murders were often censored. For instance, the subject of incest was referred to in European ballads but removed from their US versions or counterparts. Deeming something taboo serves listeners, not victims or the truth. Which is ironic for something that helped inspire what True Crime is today.
Another example is how race comes in: because the folks who used to keep track of these Ballads, who "recorded" them (jotting down the lyrics) were often White, Black ballads ended up being straight up dismissed or overlooked. We still see that today! Consider the differences in news coverage of a White woman gone missing versus a Black Woman. It boggles the mind.
And that's ultimately what I like most about this book: how it invites me - someone who regularly peruses True Crime - to really think about how coverage of True Crime is handled. Murder Ballads were the True Crime of yore! True Crime today still has a similar way of sensationalizing someone's victimhood in a way that almost becomes a cautionary tale. We often see, "if you reject a man, this is what happens". It's "no means no" until "no" leads to rage and violence. I consume True Crime because of my psychology background; I can discern between what is useful for me to know and what is sensationalized, but what of other viewers or listeners?
Katy Horan selected 20 murder ballads to cover in a very structured manner: she explains the backstory (often from real life, sometimes fictional), how the song evolved and traveled, discusses its impact and shares the lyrics to one version. Then, she reveals her visual interpretations, which are all equally stunning with her use of florals and earth-tones. This is Horan acting responsibly: providing the relevant information of the ballads (and problems with them) prior to showing their respective imagery allows for a full picture and a critical eye. It does become somewhat repetitive towards the end, but I suppose that could also highlight the lack of diversity in these songs to begin with.
Horan's book is an accessible introduction to this particular music genre and its impact, background to her beautiful artwork, but one that invites further engagement with the music (Horan provided extensive song lists in the end of the book so you can look up more versions and have a listen), more sources to look into if you wish to know more about the music genre, and most importantly: plenty of food for thought.
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this. All opinions are honest and my own.
Murder Ballads is a visually appealing book, and it catches the eye immediately. It is definitely a pretty book. But Horan absolutely treats the subject with care. For her and others, crime and violence can be inspirations for beautiful art. But it would be irresponsible and inappropriate not to acknowledge the horror that inspired them and the fact that this horror most often befalls women and marginalized groups. Which isn't new information - but the genre of murder ballads doesn't always appear to acknowledge that. And that's problematic.
In the present and future, we can admire the original ballads and the works they inspire - and allow ourselves to continue to be inspired - but we should identify and address the issues. Murder ballads are very often about young women, murdered by men, for reasons that were and probably still are considered "immoral". Pregnancy out of wedlock. Promiscuity. Cheating. And through the grapevine stories get told and transformed into song. And somehow the songs tend to not so much grieve the victim as sing "Well, I told you so". But the girls are still described as almost virginal and pure, because women were still expected to relate to them. "This could 100% be you! So ignore the miller's son or you too shall be drowned in the river!"
Not only that, but the full tragedy behind some victims' murders were often censored. For instance, the subject of incest was referred to in European ballads but removed from their US versions or counterparts. Deeming something taboo serves listeners, not victims or the truth. Which is ironic for something that helped inspire what True Crime is today.
Another example is how race comes in: because the folks who used to keep track of these Ballads, who "recorded" them (jotting down the lyrics) were often White, Black ballads ended up being straight up dismissed or overlooked. We still see that today! Consider the differences in news coverage of a White woman gone missing versus a Black Woman. It boggles the mind.
And that's ultimately what I like most about this book: how it invites me - someone who regularly peruses True Crime - to really think about how coverage of True Crime is handled. Murder Ballads were the True Crime of yore! True Crime today still has a similar way of sensationalizing someone's victimhood in a way that almost becomes a cautionary tale. We often see, "if you reject a man, this is what happens". It's "no means no" until "no" leads to rage and violence. I consume True Crime because of my psychology background; I can discern between what is useful for me to know and what is sensationalized, but what of other viewers or listeners?
Katy Horan selected 20 murder ballads to cover in a very structured manner: she explains the backstory (often from real life, sometimes fictional), how the song evolved and traveled, discusses its impact and shares the lyrics to one version. Then, she reveals her visual interpretations, which are all equally stunning with her use of florals and earth-tones. This is Horan acting responsibly: providing the relevant information of the ballads (and problems with them) prior to showing their respective imagery allows for a full picture and a critical eye. It does become somewhat repetitive towards the end, but I suppose that could also highlight the lack of diversity in these songs to begin with.
Horan's book is an accessible introduction to this particular music genre and its impact, background to her beautiful artwork, but one that invites further engagement with the music (Horan provided extensive song lists in the end of the book so you can look up more versions and have a listen), more sources to look into if you wish to know more about the music genre, and most importantly: plenty of food for thought.
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this. All opinions are honest and my own.
February 8, 2025
This book is not what I hoped it would be. It's very light on the history, and very heavy on the author's own views - which are very narrow, 21st century feminist ones. There's holes in several different areas of her research (ie her failure to bear a male heir was not the historical grounds that Henry VIII used to divorce Katherine of Aragon). And although she claims in her introduction that she loves these ballads and is fascinated by them, Ms. Horan spends a good deal of time in the essay sections of her book lecturing the audience and telling them reasons why they SHOULDN'T like these ballads, or listen to them. These include, but are not limited to: sexism, racism, and misogyny.
Yes, it's unfair that women were treated badly historically. It's unfair that black people were, at any point, thought to be less than white people. It's unfair that Hollywood doesn't do its due diligence and see if there is any real people behind these songs that they should pay royalties to for use of their life stories - but those things did happen, and Hollywood isn't going to change. Ms. Horan should go rant about those things and do a book about those things if that's what really interests her. She shouldn't advertise her book as a collection of history and lore, when that appears to be the third or fourth thing on her mind after her opinion on why these ballads are in actuality quite horrible. It felt almost like reading one of those articles that try to lecture and make a person feel badly for enjoying true crime documentaries and podcasts - because, after all, their motives for doing so must be terrible.
I follow an amazing podcast called "Bone and Sickle". It has several episodes on historical ballads. I would recommend anyone go listen to those instead of reading this book. I would give it zero stars if I was able. Thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel publishing for the advanced reader's copy. This review is voluntary, all views and opinions are my own.
Yes, it's unfair that women were treated badly historically. It's unfair that black people were, at any point, thought to be less than white people. It's unfair that Hollywood doesn't do its due diligence and see if there is any real people behind these songs that they should pay royalties to for use of their life stories - but those things did happen, and Hollywood isn't going to change. Ms. Horan should go rant about those things and do a book about those things if that's what really interests her. She shouldn't advertise her book as a collection of history and lore, when that appears to be the third or fourth thing on her mind after her opinion on why these ballads are in actuality quite horrible. It felt almost like reading one of those articles that try to lecture and make a person feel badly for enjoying true crime documentaries and podcasts - because, after all, their motives for doing so must be terrible.
I follow an amazing podcast called "Bone and Sickle". It has several episodes on historical ballads. I would recommend anyone go listen to those instead of reading this book. I would give it zero stars if I was able. Thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel publishing for the advanced reader's copy. This review is voluntary, all views and opinions are my own.
April 23, 2025
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This in no way impacted my opinions.
‘Murder Ballads’ is a visually arresting, darkly beautiful exploration of traditional folk ballads that often revolve around death, betrayal, and tragedy, particularly those involving women. Katy Horan pairs her stunningly haunting illustrations with rich, well-researched commentary, drawing on multiple versions of each ballad to trace how they’ve shifted over time. With a subtle but powerful feminist lens, this book delves into how stories of women’s pain have been preserved and reinterpreted through generations of song.
Accuracy: ★★★★☆
The research is commendably thorough. Horan includes multiple versions of each ballad, which adds complexity and context to the stories. Rather than presenting a single, definitive version, she highlights the oral tradition’s evolving nature, which is essential to understanding folk ballads. While not overly academic, the balance between accessible narrative and research is well handled.
Perspective: ★★★★★
What truly sets this book apart is the thoughtful, feminist perspective. Horan explores the way women are portrayed in these ballads – not just as victims, but as complex, sometimes vengeful or wronged figures. There’s a quiet reclamation happening here, a re-centring of women's voices and stories that have long been flattened or sensationalised.
Illustrations: ★★★★★
Absolutely stunning. The art is whimsical yet eerie, matching the haunting tone of the ballads perfectly. There’s a folkloric beauty to every page, with layered textures and delicate lines that echo the sorrow, rage, and myth within the songs. Each piece feels like it belongs in a frame, and together, they create a cohesive atmosphere that elevates the entire book.
Engagement: ★★★★☆
This is the kind of book that’s hard to put down if you’re even remotely interested in folklore, music history, or feminist interpretations. Each ballad pulls you in, and the variety of versions keeps it from feeling repetitive. It does lean more toward quiet, thoughtful reflection than page-turning drama, so some might find it better in small, savoured sittings rather than one continuous read.
Readability: ★★★★★
Despite the heavy and often grim subject matter, Horan’s writing is very readable. The prose is lyrical without being dense, and the formatting makes it easy to dip in and out of the different ballads. This would work just as well as a coffee table book for occasional browsing as it does for cover-to-cover reading.
Enjoyment: ★★★★☆
I really enjoyed this, both as a visual experience and a folkloric deep dive. It’s a niche book, sure, but it hits that niche beautifully. If you love eerie ballads, historical storytelling, or gorgeous, moody artwork, you’ll find so much to love here. It left me wanting more – more stories, more art, more analysis.
‘Murder Ballads’ is a gorgeously eerie, deeply thoughtful collection that celebrates the haunting legacy of traditional ballads through both word and image. Katy Horan delivers not only an aesthetic treat but also a cultural exploration of women’s stories – retold, remembered, and reframed. A must-have for folklore lovers, art book collectors, and anyone intrigued by the darker side of music and myth.
‘Murder Ballads’ is a visually arresting, darkly beautiful exploration of traditional folk ballads that often revolve around death, betrayal, and tragedy, particularly those involving women. Katy Horan pairs her stunningly haunting illustrations with rich, well-researched commentary, drawing on multiple versions of each ballad to trace how they’ve shifted over time. With a subtle but powerful feminist lens, this book delves into how stories of women’s pain have been preserved and reinterpreted through generations of song.
Accuracy: ★★★★☆
The research is commendably thorough. Horan includes multiple versions of each ballad, which adds complexity and context to the stories. Rather than presenting a single, definitive version, she highlights the oral tradition’s evolving nature, which is essential to understanding folk ballads. While not overly academic, the balance between accessible narrative and research is well handled.
Perspective: ★★★★★
What truly sets this book apart is the thoughtful, feminist perspective. Horan explores the way women are portrayed in these ballads – not just as victims, but as complex, sometimes vengeful or wronged figures. There’s a quiet reclamation happening here, a re-centring of women's voices and stories that have long been flattened or sensationalised.
Illustrations: ★★★★★
Absolutely stunning. The art is whimsical yet eerie, matching the haunting tone of the ballads perfectly. There’s a folkloric beauty to every page, with layered textures and delicate lines that echo the sorrow, rage, and myth within the songs. Each piece feels like it belongs in a frame, and together, they create a cohesive atmosphere that elevates the entire book.
Engagement: ★★★★☆
This is the kind of book that’s hard to put down if you’re even remotely interested in folklore, music history, or feminist interpretations. Each ballad pulls you in, and the variety of versions keeps it from feeling repetitive. It does lean more toward quiet, thoughtful reflection than page-turning drama, so some might find it better in small, savoured sittings rather than one continuous read.
Readability: ★★★★★
Despite the heavy and often grim subject matter, Horan’s writing is very readable. The prose is lyrical without being dense, and the formatting makes it easy to dip in and out of the different ballads. This would work just as well as a coffee table book for occasional browsing as it does for cover-to-cover reading.
Enjoyment: ★★★★☆
I really enjoyed this, both as a visual experience and a folkloric deep dive. It’s a niche book, sure, but it hits that niche beautifully. If you love eerie ballads, historical storytelling, or gorgeous, moody artwork, you’ll find so much to love here. It left me wanting more – more stories, more art, more analysis.
‘Murder Ballads’ is a gorgeously eerie, deeply thoughtful collection that celebrates the haunting legacy of traditional ballads through both word and image. Katy Horan delivers not only an aesthetic treat but also a cultural exploration of women’s stories – retold, remembered, and reframed. A must-have for folklore lovers, art book collectors, and anyone intrigued by the darker side of music and myth.
April 29, 2025
Katy Horan once again invites us into a world that is stark, somber, and hauntingly beautiful through her evocative illustrations. Murder Ballads is far more than an art book—it’s a meticulously researched exploration of the murder ballad tradition and its deep roots in American musical history.
What surprised me most was the depth of scholarship in this volume. Horan skillfully traces the lineage of well-known murder ballads—such as “Delia” and “Stagger Lee”—back to the real people and historical events that inspired them. In doing so, she restores a sense of personhood to the victims, often overlooked in the stylized retellings. She also thoughtfully examines recurring themes across the genre, like the “girl in the river” or the “bleeding dove,” symbols that continue to echo in contemporary music—often without audiences realizing their origins.
The book includes a curated list of notable recordings that will undoubtedly shape my listening habits going forward. As someone relatively unfamiliar with this genre, I found this addition both accessible and compelling—it’s a gateway into a tradition as musically rich as it is unsettling.
Horan’s artwork is, as always, striking. Gothic, restrained, and emotionally resonant, it perfectly complements the haunting subject matter. Her visual interpretations align seamlessly with the stories she tells, making the experience of reading this book deeply immersive.
I highly recommend Murder Ballads to anyone interested in Americana, folk music history, the Southern Gothic tradition, or the cultural undercurrents of femicide. It’s a powerful, beautiful, and necessary work that bridges art, history, and social commentary with grace and gravity.
Thank you to the publisher Andrews McMeel and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book to read and give an honest review.
What surprised me most was the depth of scholarship in this volume. Horan skillfully traces the lineage of well-known murder ballads—such as “Delia” and “Stagger Lee”—back to the real people and historical events that inspired them. In doing so, she restores a sense of personhood to the victims, often overlooked in the stylized retellings. She also thoughtfully examines recurring themes across the genre, like the “girl in the river” or the “bleeding dove,” symbols that continue to echo in contemporary music—often without audiences realizing their origins.
The book includes a curated list of notable recordings that will undoubtedly shape my listening habits going forward. As someone relatively unfamiliar with this genre, I found this addition both accessible and compelling—it’s a gateway into a tradition as musically rich as it is unsettling.
Horan’s artwork is, as always, striking. Gothic, restrained, and emotionally resonant, it perfectly complements the haunting subject matter. Her visual interpretations align seamlessly with the stories she tells, making the experience of reading this book deeply immersive.
I highly recommend Murder Ballads to anyone interested in Americana, folk music history, the Southern Gothic tradition, or the cultural undercurrents of femicide. It’s a powerful, beautiful, and necessary work that bridges art, history, and social commentary with grace and gravity.
Thank you to the publisher Andrews McMeel and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book to read and give an honest review.
April 25, 2025
Book Review: Murder Ballads: Illustrated Lyrics & Lore by Katy Horan
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have to say, stumbling upon Murder Ballads by Katy Horan was such a treat! From the moment I saw the cover – which is absolutely stunning, I was hooked. It’s one of those rare finds that feels quirky and fascinating all at once.
Katy Horan, co-creator of Literary Witches, dives deep into the world of murder ballads, unwrapping both the true crime and mythic stories behind twenty traditional songs. These aren’t just retellings; each ballad comes with a beautifully eerie illustration by Horan herself, alongside a thoughtful exploration of the song’s origins, cultural context, and evolution. What makes this book stand out is how it doesn’t shy away from the darker roots of these ballads—touching on themes like patriarchal violence and white supremacy—while also connecting them to today’s true crime obsession.
The collection ranges from haunting tales like “Delia's Gone” to historical legends such as “The Death of Queen Jane,” making it a rich journey through folk music’s shadowy side. Plus, if you want to dive deeper, there’s a handy list of essential recordings at the back that perfectly complements the stories.
As someone who loves all things spooky and atmospheric, this book was incredibly satisfying. The artwork is superb—macabre yet mesmerizing—and the whole package feels like a dark cottagecore dream come to life. If you’re into folklore, music history, or just enjoy a good eerie story, Murder Ballads is an absolute must-read.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have to say, stumbling upon Murder Ballads by Katy Horan was such a treat! From the moment I saw the cover – which is absolutely stunning, I was hooked. It’s one of those rare finds that feels quirky and fascinating all at once.
Katy Horan, co-creator of Literary Witches, dives deep into the world of murder ballads, unwrapping both the true crime and mythic stories behind twenty traditional songs. These aren’t just retellings; each ballad comes with a beautifully eerie illustration by Horan herself, alongside a thoughtful exploration of the song’s origins, cultural context, and evolution. What makes this book stand out is how it doesn’t shy away from the darker roots of these ballads—touching on themes like patriarchal violence and white supremacy—while also connecting them to today’s true crime obsession.
The collection ranges from haunting tales like “Delia's Gone” to historical legends such as “The Death of Queen Jane,” making it a rich journey through folk music’s shadowy side. Plus, if you want to dive deeper, there’s a handy list of essential recordings at the back that perfectly complements the stories.
As someone who loves all things spooky and atmospheric, this book was incredibly satisfying. The artwork is superb—macabre yet mesmerizing—and the whole package feels like a dark cottagecore dream come to life. If you’re into folklore, music history, or just enjoy a good eerie story, Murder Ballads is an absolute must-read.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
February 8, 2025
4/5. Thank you to Ms. Horan, the publisher, and Netgalley for the beautifully illustrated ARC.
This was a very interesting read. I know some of these songs from my own childhood, but to trace back the origin of them (and the many, many variations) is an adventure. I can't say that as a child I noticed the rampant misogyny and racism, but the way Ms. Horan has laid it out really does begin to tell the tale.
Murder Ballads are exactly what they sound like: ballads that deal with gruesome crimes. Sometimes, they're from a single event that has been twisted through years of oral tradition. Sometimes they get changed from place to place to suit the local traditions. They can come from the UK, Ireland, America, Scandinavia - anywhere.
What Ms. Horan does is trace these songs from their origin (or as near as can be found) to modern day, where artists continue to sing and adapt these songs. Accompanying the historical perspective and lyrics are illustrations that I adore. That was one of the big reasons I wanted to read this ARC: I love her style. And each piece had so many lovely little details to admire.
I don't know if this is a book one will read over and over again, but it is certainly a fun addition to a library that loves musical history, true crime, or folklore.
This was a very interesting read. I know some of these songs from my own childhood, but to trace back the origin of them (and the many, many variations) is an adventure. I can't say that as a child I noticed the rampant misogyny and racism, but the way Ms. Horan has laid it out really does begin to tell the tale.
Murder Ballads are exactly what they sound like: ballads that deal with gruesome crimes. Sometimes, they're from a single event that has been twisted through years of oral tradition. Sometimes they get changed from place to place to suit the local traditions. They can come from the UK, Ireland, America, Scandinavia - anywhere.
What Ms. Horan does is trace these songs from their origin (or as near as can be found) to modern day, where artists continue to sing and adapt these songs. Accompanying the historical perspective and lyrics are illustrations that I adore. That was one of the big reasons I wanted to read this ARC: I love her style. And each piece had so many lovely little details to admire.
I don't know if this is a book one will read over and over again, but it is certainly a fun addition to a library that loves musical history, true crime, or folklore.
March 11, 2025
An interesting premise but left me disappointed.
This book just wasn’t what I thought it would be. It felt more like a scaffold for the author’s art, as opposed to an in-depth analysis and exploration of the history of murder ballads.
Aside from a couple of ballads that were better researched than the rest, most of the analyses were cursory descriptions of the chosen variants with a few opinions thrown in—every time the author brought up something interesting, it was immediately skimmed over. I also found that the lack of cohesion or of a clear theme made the whole book feel disjointed. I suppose this works for a coffee table book though—you can open it to any page and just start reading.
What I really felt was missing were the threads connecting all of these variants; they were mentioned vaguely and by name, but not in their historical or regional contexts, which made their inclusion feel almost meaningless. I wish the author had given us more information or omitted them entirely.
Despite my issues with it, I’m glad this book introduced me to something I knew nothing about. I found myself frequently looking up different variants and their associated histories/folklore to learn more about them, and enjoyed the reading experience overall.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
This book just wasn’t what I thought it would be. It felt more like a scaffold for the author’s art, as opposed to an in-depth analysis and exploration of the history of murder ballads.
Aside from a couple of ballads that were better researched than the rest, most of the analyses were cursory descriptions of the chosen variants with a few opinions thrown in—every time the author brought up something interesting, it was immediately skimmed over. I also found that the lack of cohesion or of a clear theme made the whole book feel disjointed. I suppose this works for a coffee table book though—you can open it to any page and just start reading.
What I really felt was missing were the threads connecting all of these variants; they were mentioned vaguely and by name, but not in their historical or regional contexts, which made their inclusion feel almost meaningless. I wish the author had given us more information or omitted them entirely.
Despite my issues with it, I’m glad this book introduced me to something I knew nothing about. I found myself frequently looking up different variants and their associated histories/folklore to learn more about them, and enjoyed the reading experience overall.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
April 27, 2025
Murder Ballads by Katy Horan is an incredibly fascinating and beautiful book about the phenomenon of murder ballads, songs written about murder, death, and victims. These songs have long traditions, often in folk music, and have been a tradition in several parts of the world for centuries. The author highlights several songs, some well-known and others less so, writes about the background of the songs, and illustrates with beautiful art.
I had heard of murder ballads before, but I was only familiar with more recent songs (e.g., Where the Wild Roses Grow). It was fascinating to read about the background, how these melodies originated, evolved, and survived through generations. We also get to know several cases, victims, and receive a thorough introduction to the genre and how it has developed.
Incredibly well-written and very exciting reading! The entire book becomes a poetic and artistic experience, making me want to explore more and seek out several of the songs mentioned. Highly recommended for anyone who likes folklore, music, folk art, or just wants to read a fascinating book.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
I had heard of murder ballads before, but I was only familiar with more recent songs (e.g., Where the Wild Roses Grow). It was fascinating to read about the background, how these melodies originated, evolved, and survived through generations. We also get to know several cases, victims, and receive a thorough introduction to the genre and how it has developed.
Incredibly well-written and very exciting reading! The entire book becomes a poetic and artistic experience, making me want to explore more and seek out several of the songs mentioned. Highly recommended for anyone who likes folklore, music, folk art, or just wants to read a fascinating book.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
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