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Amelia Dyer and the Baby Farm Murders
On 30 March 1896, a bargeman hooked a parcel from the river Thames at Caversham. Inside the brown paper package was the body of a baby girl – she had been strangled with tape. When two more tiny bodies were found in a carpet bag, the police launched a nationwide hunt for a serial killer.
A faint name and address on the sodden wrapping provided Reading police with their first clue. Can Chief Constable George Tewsley and his colleagues catch this heartless baby farmer before more infants meet a similar fate?
The first in a new historical true crime series, Victorian Supersleuth Investigates, Angela Buckley recounts the frantic race to stop Amelia Dyer - one of Britain’s most prolific murderers.
A faint name and address on the sodden wrapping provided Reading police with their first clue. Can Chief Constable George Tewsley and his colleagues catch this heartless baby farmer before more infants meet a similar fate?
The first in a new historical true crime series, Victorian Supersleuth Investigates, Angela Buckley recounts the frantic race to stop Amelia Dyer - one of Britain’s most prolific murderers.
158 pages, Paperback
Published March 30, 2016
11 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Angela Buckley
6 books37 followersDr Angela Buckley is a historian specialising in Victorian and Edwardian detectives, the evolution of crime investigation and forensic science, and the true crimes that shaped them. She has a PhD in the history of detective practice.
Her life in crime began with her own family. Whilst researching her family tree, she uncovered all sorts of shady ancestors, including petty thieves, poachers and even a brothel keeper in the dangerous Victorian slums of her home city of Manchester. During a break from her career as a modern foreign languages lecturer, she began to write about my family's past, which led to the publication of her first non-fiction history book, The Real Sherlock Holmes.
Angela’s work on crime and detective history has featured in many national magazines and newspapers, including The Times, The Telegraph, the Sunday Express, All About History and Who Do You Think You Are? magazine. She is a member of the Historical Writers’ Association and the Crime Writers’ Association.
An experienced speaker, Angela has taken part in many events such as the Henley Literary Festival, the Manchester Histories Festival and at the Museum of London. She is a regular contributor to the annual London Month of the Dead festival, and a frequent guest on podcasts. She has appeared on The One Show on BBC One, and Celebrity Antiques Road Trip and The Secret Genius of Modern Life on BBC Two. She is also a Crime Fiction Expert for policeadvisor.co.uk.
Her life in crime began with her own family. Whilst researching her family tree, she uncovered all sorts of shady ancestors, including petty thieves, poachers and even a brothel keeper in the dangerous Victorian slums of her home city of Manchester. During a break from her career as a modern foreign languages lecturer, she began to write about my family's past, which led to the publication of her first non-fiction history book, The Real Sherlock Holmes.
Angela’s work on crime and detective history has featured in many national magazines and newspapers, including The Times, The Telegraph, the Sunday Express, All About History and Who Do You Think You Are? magazine. She is a member of the Historical Writers’ Association and the Crime Writers’ Association.
An experienced speaker, Angela has taken part in many events such as the Henley Literary Festival, the Manchester Histories Festival and at the Museum of London. She is a regular contributor to the annual London Month of the Dead festival, and a frequent guest on podcasts. She has appeared on The One Show on BBC One, and Celebrity Antiques Road Trip and The Secret Genius of Modern Life on BBC Two. She is also a Crime Fiction Expert for policeadvisor.co.uk.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 8, 2017
I found this book fascinating. I'm not going to say too much in case of spoilers, but fellow residents of Caversham and Reading will find this very interesting. I also spent a lot of my childhood in Warminster and have spent 2 years living in Bristol, so can visualize everywhere mentioned. Great insight in to a chapter of history I was previously unaware of.
January 5, 2020
This is quite a depressing read, not because of the author but because of the subject matter. The book is clearly thoroughly researched and gives an account of Amelia Dyer, believed to have killed many babies and children during a career as a 'baby farmer'.
What isn't clear is whether this is intended just as a historical record or whether it was meant to feel like a novel. I think it might have been interesting to push it towards being a novel as, at times, it became a bit dull to read - something I am.ashamed to say given the horrific events within. (By novel, I mean giving some more description to characters and actions, rather than just the simple descriptions found in the press at the time).
It's worth reading, especially as this si a case that contributed to much improved child welfare legislation. As a resident of Reading, who used to live close to Kensington Rd, it was also very interesting to learn of Reading of old. A good read but one I won't be rushing to get back into!
What isn't clear is whether this is intended just as a historical record or whether it was meant to feel like a novel. I think it might have been interesting to push it towards being a novel as, at times, it became a bit dull to read - something I am.ashamed to say given the horrific events within. (By novel, I mean giving some more description to characters and actions, rather than just the simple descriptions found in the press at the time).
It's worth reading, especially as this si a case that contributed to much improved child welfare legislation. As a resident of Reading, who used to live close to Kensington Rd, it was also very interesting to learn of Reading of old. A good read but one I won't be rushing to get back into!
September 9, 2021
Perhaps I expected more after hearing so much about this book and Amelia Dyer. It’s a fascinating story but the writing style and the whole structure of the book just didn’t sit well with me. Interesting read nevertheless.
March 3, 2018
I saw lots of 5-star ratings, so I was expecting more. Not bad, just average.
January 15, 2020
Well written nonfiction. Comprehensive retelling of the series of events
March 1, 2023
It was a very interesting read. And shocking.
April 23, 2024
A nice easy read if you are interested in Victorian murders. Not bulked out with unnecessary facts and figures.
June 11, 2025
Interesting account of Amelia Dyer, a notorious "baby farmer" of the late Victorian Era. Written in a calm and measured tone. Has suggestions for further reading.
January 19, 2026
I think personally there was a bit too much focus on the history of reading considering it is such a short book but it is still quite factual
February 11, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book. Very well researched. I’m looking forward to reading her other book about Jerome Caminada.
September 17, 2016
Angela Buckley is well-known among family historians as the Chair of the Society of Genealogists and for her work on true crime. Her first book, The Real Sherlock Holmes: The Hidden Story of Jerome Caminada (Pen & Sword, 2014) explored crime and criminals through the life of a 19th century Italian-Mancunian detective.
This latest title is the first in Buckley's historical true crime series, Victorian Supersleuth Investigates. Focusing on the crime (or in this case, crimes), Buckley carefully pieces together the facts using contemporary reports supported by her research into socio-historical sources.
Buckley was inspired to explore the crimes of Amelia Dyer when she discovered she lived close to the Reading location where the baby farmer's victims were found in the River Thames. The true number of Dyer's victims will never be known, but the book names all those identified through Dyer's trial, the police investigation, and the rather sensational newspaper reporting of the time. As such, this is a valuable resource for family and social historians. There are details, too, of those who found the victims, along with other witnesses and neighbours.
One of the mysteries of this case for a modern reader is why did anyone hand over their infants to the murderous Dyer? Buckley provides the background to this, explaining the myriad difficulties in the late Victorian period for women who were unmarried or unable to care for their own children. In my view, the socio-historical detail is one of the book's greatest strengths.
Another strength is the lucid writing. Not only is the book easy to read, but the complexities of these crimes and the motivations of the rather puzzling Dyer are explained clearly. Although the subject matter is harrowing, criminal details are balanced against fascinating passages of social history. Despite being full of dates, names and times. the book is short and well-paced. As such it is suitable for anyone wanting to read a book on holiday or during a daily commute. It certainly transports the reader to another world.
This latest title is the first in Buckley's historical true crime series, Victorian Supersleuth Investigates. Focusing on the crime (or in this case, crimes), Buckley carefully pieces together the facts using contemporary reports supported by her research into socio-historical sources.
Buckley was inspired to explore the crimes of Amelia Dyer when she discovered she lived close to the Reading location where the baby farmer's victims were found in the River Thames. The true number of Dyer's victims will never be known, but the book names all those identified through Dyer's trial, the police investigation, and the rather sensational newspaper reporting of the time. As such, this is a valuable resource for family and social historians. There are details, too, of those who found the victims, along with other witnesses and neighbours.
One of the mysteries of this case for a modern reader is why did anyone hand over their infants to the murderous Dyer? Buckley provides the background to this, explaining the myriad difficulties in the late Victorian period for women who were unmarried or unable to care for their own children. In my view, the socio-historical detail is one of the book's greatest strengths.
Another strength is the lucid writing. Not only is the book easy to read, but the complexities of these crimes and the motivations of the rather puzzling Dyer are explained clearly. Although the subject matter is harrowing, criminal details are balanced against fascinating passages of social history. Despite being full of dates, names and times. the book is short and well-paced. As such it is suitable for anyone wanting to read a book on holiday or during a daily commute. It certainly transports the reader to another world.
May 6, 2016
We cannot help being fascinated by true life crimes and how they are solved. This sensational tale has been thoroughly researched and told in an easily read style which gives us a realistic picture of late 19th century life.
Unmarried mothers at that time, not only suffered deep shame but would also lose their jobs and probably end up in the workhouse. The alternatives were to do away with their baby or to find a baby farm. Middle aged women like Amelia Dyer advertised for babies, whom, for a fee they would take care of. Frequently these babies would be sold on to another, although some women genuinely wanted a child as a companion and helpmate. To provide anonymity for the mother (and also the baby farmer) the baby was often handed over in a large railway station.
Amelia Dyer first took in babies while living in the Bristol area before eventually moving to Caversham near Reading. Despite being admitted more than once into a mental asylum she kept under the radar until a shocking discovery was made under the Clappers footbridge across the River Thames. The body of a child was found wrapped up in brown paper.
Angela Buckley’s book describes how events unfolded as the Reading police searched for the perpetrator. From newspaper accounts, letters and the trial details, the sad lives of many children and the events surrounding Amelia Dyer’s actions are revealed in a compelling story. We also become acquainted with Granny, a simple soul who helped look after the babies and Arthur Ernest Palmer, Amelia’s enigmatic son-in-law.
This is the first of Angela Buckley’s new historical true crime series, Victorian Supersleuth Investigates, promising more revealing stories in the future.
Unmarried mothers at that time, not only suffered deep shame but would also lose their jobs and probably end up in the workhouse. The alternatives were to do away with their baby or to find a baby farm. Middle aged women like Amelia Dyer advertised for babies, whom, for a fee they would take care of. Frequently these babies would be sold on to another, although some women genuinely wanted a child as a companion and helpmate. To provide anonymity for the mother (and also the baby farmer) the baby was often handed over in a large railway station.
Amelia Dyer first took in babies while living in the Bristol area before eventually moving to Caversham near Reading. Despite being admitted more than once into a mental asylum she kept under the radar until a shocking discovery was made under the Clappers footbridge across the River Thames. The body of a child was found wrapped up in brown paper.
Angela Buckley’s book describes how events unfolded as the Reading police searched for the perpetrator. From newspaper accounts, letters and the trial details, the sad lives of many children and the events surrounding Amelia Dyer’s actions are revealed in a compelling story. We also become acquainted with Granny, a simple soul who helped look after the babies and Arthur Ernest Palmer, Amelia’s enigmatic son-in-law.
This is the first of Angela Buckley’s new historical true crime series, Victorian Supersleuth Investigates, promising more revealing stories in the future.
April 28, 2016
'Amelia Dyer and the Baby Farm Murders' is the first in Angela Buckley’s new historical true crime series, Victorian Supersleuth Investigates. And what a case she starts with! Amelia Dyer has gone down in history as the serial killer of countless infants entrusted to her care; we’ll never know exactly how many.
Using police and court records, as well as newspaper reports, Angela tells this compelling story with sensitivity but does not shy away from the brutality and cruelty which are central to the tale. In Victorian Britain, life was cheap and infants were easy targets.
I loved all the social history which is included in the book to help readers understand the need for baby farmers in the Victorian period, and why so many single mothers were forced to use this form of childcare. The real tragedy is that it took so long for legislation to be passed to protect infants. Baby farming was perfectly legal and Amelia Dyer was not the first baby farmer to be hanged for murder.
Was she a callous child killer or simply a lunatic? Read the book to find out… It’s fairly short and an easy read, thanks to Angela’s superb storytelling skills. If you’re interested in Victorian crime, you’ll really enjoy this book!
Using police and court records, as well as newspaper reports, Angela tells this compelling story with sensitivity but does not shy away from the brutality and cruelty which are central to the tale. In Victorian Britain, life was cheap and infants were easy targets.
I loved all the social history which is included in the book to help readers understand the need for baby farmers in the Victorian period, and why so many single mothers were forced to use this form of childcare. The real tragedy is that it took so long for legislation to be passed to protect infants. Baby farming was perfectly legal and Amelia Dyer was not the first baby farmer to be hanged for murder.
Was she a callous child killer or simply a lunatic? Read the book to find out… It’s fairly short and an easy read, thanks to Angela’s superb storytelling skills. If you’re interested in Victorian crime, you’ll really enjoy this book!
April 12, 2016
This is the way true Victorian and Edwardian crime should be written up. Avoiding the endless repetition of court and newspaper accounts so prevalent in this genre, Angela Buckley has made the sensible choice, choosing thoroughly researched storytelling over padding and thereby keeping the reader's attention from start to finish. The atmosphere of the times is well evoked, the police effort to bring a case against Mrs Dyer presented without bias and the author has set up a Pinterest board to offer readers the opportunity to see the faces of the people in the story, and they are quite as one imagines them as the book progresses.
Amelia Dyer is a fascinating character and the practice of baby-farming one that it is hard to imagine without a shiver. I learned a lot from what is a proper page turner. Highly recommended.
Amelia Dyer is a fascinating character and the practice of baby-farming one that it is hard to imagine without a shiver. I learned a lot from what is a proper page turner. Highly recommended.
April 27, 2016
In the first book of her new 'Victorian Supersleuth' crime series, Angela Buckley tells the shocking story of a series of terrible crimes which gripped the public's imagination. She presents the trail of clues which led the police to the murderer's house of horror - but would they be in time to stop the killer before another tiny life was extinguished? Many people in Victorian society set little value on the lives of poor and illegitimate children - and unmarried mothers were shunned. Was baby killer Amelia Dyer a product of an uncaring system - or was she criminally insane? You'll have to judge the evidence for yourself in this gripping read.
May 1, 2016
A refreshingly new look at the horrendous crimes of notorious baby farmer Amelia Dyer. Written in easy flowing prose, the author presents us with the facts in intense detail. It is obvious that a great amount of research has gone into the creation of this wonderful book, as the reader is treated to an in-depth look at not only the circumstances behind the baby farming business but also of day to day life in Victorian times. A work that I enjoyed immensely.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews