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Murder Gone Mad
The first Golden Age detective novel to feature a serial killer with no rational motive - and surely impossible for Scotland Yard to solve?
A long knife with a brilliant but perverted brain directing it is terrorising Holmdale – innocent people are being done to death under the very eyes of the law. After every murder a business-like letter arrives announcing that another ‘removal has been carried out’, and Inspector Pyke of Scotland Yard has nothing to go on but the evidence of the bodies themselves and the butcher’s own bravado. With clear thinking impossible in the face of such a breathless killing spree, the police make painfully slow progress: but how do you find a maniac who has no rational motive?
Philip MacDonald had shown himself in The Noose and The Rasp to be a master of the detective novel. In Murder Gone Mad he raised the stakes with the first Golden Age crime novel to feature a motiveless serial killer prompted only by blood lust – inspired by the real-life case in 1929 of the Düsseldorf Monster – and this time without the familiar Anthony Gethryn on hand to reassure the reader.
252 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1931
5 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Philip MacDonald
148 books17 followersPhilip MacDonald (who some give as 1896 or 1899 as his date of birth) was the grandson of the writer George MacDonald and son of the author Ronald MacDonald and the actress Constance Robertson.
During World War I he served with the British cavalry in Mesopotamia, later trained horses for the army, and was a show jumper. He also raised Great Danes. After marrying the writer F. Ruth Howard, he moved to Hollywood in 1931. He was one of the most popular mystery writers of the 1930s, and between 1931 and 1963 wrote many screenplays along with a few radio and television scripts.
His detective novels, particularly those featuring his series detective Anthony Gethryn, are primarily "whodunnits" with the occasional locked room mystery. His first detective novel was 'The Rasp' (1924), in which he introduced his character Anthony Gethryn.
In later years MacDonald wrote television scripts for Alfred Hitchcock Presents ('Malice Domestic', 1957) and Perry Mason ('The Case of the Terrified Typist', 1958).
He twice received an Edgar Award for Best Short Story: in 1953, for 'Something to Hide', and in 1956, for 'Dream No More'. Indeed many critics felt that his short story writing was superior to his novels and they did win five second prizes in the annual contests held by 'Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine'.
He also wrote under the pseudonyms Oliver Fleming, Anthony Lawless, Martin Porlock, W.J. Stuart and Warren Stuart.
During World War I he served with the British cavalry in Mesopotamia, later trained horses for the army, and was a show jumper. He also raised Great Danes. After marrying the writer F. Ruth Howard, he moved to Hollywood in 1931. He was one of the most popular mystery writers of the 1930s, and between 1931 and 1963 wrote many screenplays along with a few radio and television scripts.
His detective novels, particularly those featuring his series detective Anthony Gethryn, are primarily "whodunnits" with the occasional locked room mystery. His first detective novel was 'The Rasp' (1924), in which he introduced his character Anthony Gethryn.
In later years MacDonald wrote television scripts for Alfred Hitchcock Presents ('Malice Domestic', 1957) and Perry Mason ('The Case of the Terrified Typist', 1958).
He twice received an Edgar Award for Best Short Story: in 1953, for 'Something to Hide', and in 1956, for 'Dream No More'. Indeed many critics felt that his short story writing was superior to his novels and they did win five second prizes in the annual contests held by 'Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine'.
He also wrote under the pseudonyms Oliver Fleming, Anthony Lawless, Martin Porlock, W.J. Stuart and Warren Stuart.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 9, 2024
Phillip MacDonald was a cornerstone author during the Golden Age of Mystery and this story was written in 1931. You probably have to be a fan of this genre to enjoy it due to the language style and story construction. I am and I did.
There are more murders here than are necessary for the reader to understand that there is a serial killer on the loose (long before that term came into use)............the whole small English town is being killed off at an amazing rate by someone called "The Butcher". The local police are stymied and finally Scotland Yard in called in to find the killer. The Butcher sends letters to the police announcing the intention to kill again and these letters are used rather cleverly as a tool to identify the murderer.
There is an obscure clue that appears a few times during the story which I kicked myself for not recognizing but that always makes for a good mystery. This is not a book for everyone but, being in one of my favorite categories, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
There are more murders here than are necessary for the reader to understand that there is a serial killer on the loose (long before that term came into use)............the whole small English town is being killed off at an amazing rate by someone called "The Butcher". The local police are stymied and finally Scotland Yard in called in to find the killer. The Butcher sends letters to the police announcing the intention to kill again and these letters are used rather cleverly as a tool to identify the murderer.
There is an obscure clue that appears a few times during the story which I kicked myself for not recognizing but that always makes for a good mystery. This is not a book for everyone but, being in one of my favorite categories, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 25, 2018
I wanted so much to like this, and it has very highly praised reviews, but I must admit to finding myself utterly bored by it. My mind wandered off and I spent a long time wishing I was at the end, so that when it finally happened it was a massive relief.
The story revolves around an unknown killer named 'The Butcher' who is murdering innocent women under the eyes of the law. The story seeks to unmask the killer.
Just very long and drawn out and I can't say I found any pleasure it the book whatsoever.
The story revolves around an unknown killer named 'The Butcher' who is murdering innocent women under the eyes of the law. The story seeks to unmask the killer.
Just very long and drawn out and I can't say I found any pleasure it the book whatsoever.
December 28, 2025
Libro publicado en 1931, en el auge de la novela de detectives.
Haciendo uso de las herramientas comunes al género, como un pueblo pequeño, varios asesinatos y una cantidad limitada de sospechosos el autor logra entregar una novela muy bien estructurada que sorprende de inicio por la elección de la primera víctima.
Me gusta que la historia vaya al grano, que sea corta y nos deje con esa sensación de que hay comportamientos humanos inexplicables.
No hay grandes giros en la trama, tampoco una investigación muy extensa, si hay pistas aquí y allá que van siendo dejadas de manera sutil para que el lector menos avispado las deje pasar.
Spoiler: me pareció verdaderamente sorprendente que se haya perfilado un asesino qué es casi como un psicopata, que mata al azar y sin una causa aparente, en una época donde generalmente el móvil era vital para darle coherencia a toda la historia, aquí el autor se arriesga logrando dar un giro totalmente desconocido, aunque pareciera que el final es abrupto, a lo mejor queda esa sensación debido a que estamos acostumbrados a la extensiva explicación del porqué, y el que en esta ocasión no haya, nos deja como un poco desvalidos y con nuestras propias deducciones.
Una novela que vale la pena leer.
Haciendo uso de las herramientas comunes al género, como un pueblo pequeño, varios asesinatos y una cantidad limitada de sospechosos el autor logra entregar una novela muy bien estructurada que sorprende de inicio por la elección de la primera víctima.
Me gusta que la historia vaya al grano, que sea corta y nos deje con esa sensación de que hay comportamientos humanos inexplicables.
No hay grandes giros en la trama, tampoco una investigación muy extensa, si hay pistas aquí y allá que van siendo dejadas de manera sutil para que el lector menos avispado las deje pasar.
Spoiler: me pareció verdaderamente sorprendente que se haya perfilado un asesino qué es casi como un psicopata, que mata al azar y sin una causa aparente, en una época donde generalmente el móvil era vital para darle coherencia a toda la historia, aquí el autor se arriesga logrando dar un giro totalmente desconocido, aunque pareciera que el final es abrupto, a lo mejor queda esa sensación debido a que estamos acostumbrados a la extensiva explicación del porqué, y el que en esta ocasión no haya, nos deja como un poco desvalidos y con nuestras propias deducciones.
Una novela que vale la pena leer.
August 2, 2016
Very disappointing. MacDonald can write well but seems to prefer brief, striking scenes rather than any kind of satisfying, unified story. The serial-killer plot is full of suspenseful bits, but they don't hold together: characters and mysteries are created and dropped and the "detection" is overwritten and pedestrian. Sloppy.
September 25, 2020
A great serial killer mystery (before they had the phrase' serial killer). With MacDonald, as with Conan Doyle, the atmosphere is always at least as good as the story.
August 30, 2019
An oddly-paced but enjoyable read. The author is obviously experimenting with the detective story here but some of the meanderings in the opening stage are too meandering and take the edge off some useful scene setting. A period piece but by no means a cosy one.
A useful introduction, too.
A useful introduction, too.
August 19, 2018
For my full review click on the link below:
https://crossexaminingcrime.wordpress...
https://crossexaminingcrime.wordpress...
May 31, 2017
My impressions here...
http://carmenyamigos.blogspot.com.es/...
http://carmenyamigos.blogspot.com.es/...
November 15, 2017
Most of the serial killer stereotypes that we now take for granted originally appeared in this, usually called the first mystery in which the police are tasked with hunting a killer whose identity isn’t necessarily a suspect who’s introduced early in the story. Inspired by the real-life killer Peter Kurten, it’s a psychological step forward for the mystery genre as well as a narrative one (the taunting letters, the murder of someone close to the detective, the traps that fail, among others. Macdonald has an understated way of presenting this material, without the dramatics that usually surround serial killer stories, and a nice way of drawing village life. The contrast to modern policing can be jarring, but considering its age, it holds up well.
February 10, 2024
I'm still trying some of the older authors from what is called the Golden Age of crime fiction. This was originally a Crime Club publication of 1931. Police procedures were obviously very different back then. The language and attitudes are of that time. This is said to be the first murder mystery featuring a "serial killer", although that term was not used back then.
The Chief Constables seemed to be painted almost as buffoons, while Supt. Pike seems to have the upper hand. The police investigate the rapidly increasing instances of murder, with little success. Pike tries various tricks, even including camera surveillance, which was unknown at that time. However, there is no explanation as to how the killer is identified. There is a setup which catches the perpetrator in the act, with a brave policewoman as bait.
Despite the gruesome murders, and the young children and happy young people who are the victims, the author has failed to really capture the obvious horror of it all.
Whodunnit lovers will be disappointed, as I don't think the author gave the required clues. I did have a flash of suspicion based on a long history of reading crime novels. I didn't see how I could have definitely resolved the mystery.
The Chief Constables seemed to be painted almost as buffoons, while Supt. Pike seems to have the upper hand. The police investigate the rapidly increasing instances of murder, with little success. Pike tries various tricks, even including camera surveillance, which was unknown at that time. However, there is no explanation as to how the killer is identified. There is a setup which catches the perpetrator in the act, with a brave policewoman as bait.
Despite the gruesome murders, and the young children and happy young people who are the victims, the author has failed to really capture the obvious horror of it all.
Whodunnit lovers will be disappointed, as I don't think the author gave the required clues. I did have a flash of suspicion based on a long history of reading crime novels. I didn't see how I could have definitely resolved the mystery.
July 21, 2021
An interesting early (1931) example of that now overused idea- the motiveless serial-murderer.
This provides a detailed account not only of the police investigation but also of the effects of the murders on the families and friends of the victims, and on the population of the small town of Holmdale more generally.
The pace of the novel is slow, until the denouement, correctly reflecting the nature of police work at the time. Macdonald deliberately places his series detective, Gethryn, hors de combat, as this is not the type of case susceptible to his methods. Superintendent Pike, like Inspector French., combines meticulous attention to routine with a measure of inspired ratocination.
Gradually suspects are narrowed down, until, after the sixth murder, the killer is outed. While undoubtedly the ending is weak, Pike perhaps chooses the only way available to prevent further deaths.
There are no real clues for the reader, but there are two or three indications, given that the author sometimes looked to psychogical explanations.
Rather better than I expected.
3.5 stars.
This provides a detailed account not only of the police investigation but also of the effects of the murders on the families and friends of the victims, and on the population of the small town of Holmdale more generally.
The pace of the novel is slow, until the denouement, correctly reflecting the nature of police work at the time. Macdonald deliberately places his series detective, Gethryn, hors de combat, as this is not the type of case susceptible to his methods. Superintendent Pike, like Inspector French., combines meticulous attention to routine with a measure of inspired ratocination.
Gradually suspects are narrowed down, until, after the sixth murder, the killer is outed. While undoubtedly the ending is weak, Pike perhaps chooses the only way available to prevent further deaths.
There are no real clues for the reader, but there are two or three indications, given that the author sometimes looked to psychogical explanations.
Rather better than I expected.
3.5 stars.
April 19, 2022
One of the earliest examples of the serial killer novel from the always innovative Philip MacDonald. He captures the mounting sense of horror and frustration well and makes good use of the small town setting, with all its pettiness and snobbery lightly but tellingly sketched.
Gethryn, his usual sleuth, is absent in this novel and the investigation is led by Superintendent Pike instead. Much of the police work feels like trial and error stuff but the authorities do manage to ferret out the culprit eventually. I'm not sure if it is all that fairly clued though; I had worked out who the killer was by perhaps the 65% point but, while not an outright guess, it was largely an intuitive thing.
Gethryn, his usual sleuth, is absent in this novel and the investigation is led by Superintendent Pike instead. Much of the police work feels like trial and error stuff but the authorities do manage to ferret out the culprit eventually. I'm not sure if it is all that fairly clued though; I had worked out who the killer was by perhaps the 65% point but, while not an outright guess, it was largely an intuitive thing.
June 30, 2018
This book is by FAR the worst detective I have read so far. I could not finish it because of the horrible writing style. I do not understand how this got popular??? Like, some books have some redeeming qualities, or at least make you think: "yes, I can see why some people love it", but this one was just incredibly annoying, wow!
The story was boring, the writing style horrible and I don't DNF books frequently, this is only my second book this year that I did DNF, but wow, I don't think I will read anything by this author ever again.
The story was boring, the writing style horrible and I don't DNF books frequently, this is only my second book this year that I did DNF, but wow, I don't think I will read anything by this author ever again.
May 4, 2022
Un procedural policíaco que, si bien acusa un estilo algo anticuado, así como unos personajes algo esquemáticos, sabe conducir muy bien la historia a través de los pormenores de una investigación policial. Una de las primeras —si no la primera— novelas en presentar un asesino en serie. Escrita en 1931 por el guionista de, entre otras, Rebeca, tiene además la particularidad de presentar un antecedente de lo que hoy son las cámaras de videovigilancia. Amena y bien llevada hasta el final, se resuelve en la última página.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2023
Found this book in a free giveaway pile and glad I picked it up! Supposedly it's the first book to have a murderer with no motive. I enjoyed the dialogue as detectives worked through the case and read a description of the case from different perspectives. Did not expect the murderer to be who it was. Well done.
November 10, 2024
3.5 stars because this is a short, fast-paced thriller, supposedly the first serial killer book ever written. It's a police procedural set at a brisk pace and managed to keep me turning the pages. Why only 3 stars? Because the ending felt both stretched out and rushed at the same time and many of the & how questions related to the killings remain unanswered.
May 3, 2021
MacDonald's X v Rex is a much better version of a serial-killer. It's almost as if here he is trying out an alternative plotline.
May 21, 2021
I gave it an extra star because it was apparently the first one with a motiveless serial murderer but I was less than gripped with it. Id like to think someone who commits such a heinous sequence of crimes has at least some reason. The resolution was clever.
August 18, 2022
Much better than "The Rasp" (I'm reading a collection of three novels by MacDonald). Murder Gone Mad is fast-paced, a great "who-done-it), and not overly burdened by endless unnecessary drivel (as in The Rasp).
August 17, 2019
Full review at classicmystery.blog
September 1, 2023
The first time cctv is used in a crime novel? Enjoyable - though beware some of the 1930s stereotyping - police procedural.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2024
Really good prose, well told story, not very satisfying ending.
January 3, 2026
Considered a classic British mystery.
First published in 1931.
Actually, I finished it in two days but forgot to put in my rating.
First published in 1931.
Actually, I finished it in two days but forgot to put in my rating.
February 6, 2026
commits the ultimate sin of being boring
November 12, 2016
You will know of " penny dreadfuls" from this era - well this is a ha'penny dreadful, with the accent on the dreadful. The plot is slow moving and the descriptions of even commonplace events in the narrative are appallingly wordy, so that before I had gone very far I found myself reading down the middle of the page . As others have stated, it is a book about serial killings, but there is not even a semblance of either motive or motivation revealed, and the characters are all without exception of the cardboard cutout variety. My advice is unhesitating : don't waste your time on this drivel
August 28, 2016
Anthony Gethryn is out of action, so his policeman friend, Arnold Pike, is on his own when he's assigned to investigate seemingly lunatic murders that are poisoning the atmosphere in a little suburb. He can't even rely on the local police, some of whom are hostile to interference from Scotland Yard. As he gradually narrows the suspect list from all the people in town to only four, he despairingly realizes that he has no proof, no proof at all.
May 3, 2016
read SOMETIME in 2002
January 2, 2014
amazing :)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews