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Blood Stain: The True Story of Katherine Knight, the Mother & Abattoir Worker Who Became Australia's Worst Female Killer
This horrific true crime work tells the story of Katherine Knight, a grandmother and slaughter house worker who became Australia's most notorious female murderer. Author Peter Lalor covered the case for a top daily newspaper in Australia and interviewed Knight's ex-lovers, family, friends, and a former cop who worked on the investigation to present this chilling true story.
324 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 15, 2017
The story of Katherine Knight and John Price is absolutely horrific. It is hard to comprehend the making of someone who is able to impose such harm on another human being. The up bringing and experience people have at a young age certainly how a huge impact on a persons personality, emotions and relationships. It’s scary to think about the extremes of this. As I work in mental health it was certainly and eye opener to these extremes, thankfully not something I’ve encountered to this extent (or even close). Great read, didn’t feel right to give this a high rating but I was sucked in and read it in a few sittings.
February 28, 2025
I’ve been wanting to read this one for a couple years. I am a big fan of The Last Podcast on the Left, and my favourite episodes are on this case. I feel like I know this case inside and out (pardon the pun), so when Marcus recommended this book, I knew I had to read it.
Again, a true crime obsessed freak, I know this case like the back of my hand, but still, there was a lot in this book that caused my skin to crawl, jaw to drop and triggered a flight or fight response in me. In short, I loved it.
It's such a detailed and informative read, it doesn’t shy away from the gruesome details of the murder, but it’s also fun, filled with lots of Aussie slang.
The “characters” are people you know from down the road, every small town has them. Every small town has that one person you all know, gossip about and avoid at all costs.
If you’re a true crime fan like I am, and have a strong stomach, this is a highly recommended read!
Again, a true crime obsessed freak, I know this case like the back of my hand, but still, there was a lot in this book that caused my skin to crawl, jaw to drop and triggered a flight or fight response in me. In short, I loved it.
It's such a detailed and informative read, it doesn’t shy away from the gruesome details of the murder, but it’s also fun, filled with lots of Aussie slang.
The “characters” are people you know from down the road, every small town has them. Every small town has that one person you all know, gossip about and avoid at all costs.
If you’re a true crime fan like I am, and have a strong stomach, this is a highly recommended read!
May 25, 2019
This book was frightening for many reasons and to think it all took place in a little country town in Australia. It’s a reminder that we are not immune here and crimes of a horrendous nature do occur. What should a killer look like? Well after reading this you are reminded that they come in all forms.
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June 30, 2010You can't possibly say that you've ever been looking forward to reading a book about a case like this, but I have had this book here since it was first published, and I've picked it up and read a little now and then since then. Frankly, the subject matter made me queasy.
But in the same way that the author wanted to know what on earth made Knight go so far over the top, ultimately, I was wondering the same thing. So I eventually stopped sooking and sat down and read this book.
It's no wonder that Katherine Knight is never to be released, and whilst the circumstances of her life are delved into in this book, you still wonder why or how it is that a woman could go so far over the top. So very very far over the top. I think BLOOD STAIN does give you an inkling into what can turn a woman into a killer. I'm not sure anyone could explain what would turn a woman into the sort of killer Kath Knight became. Interesting book about a very stomach turning case.
But in the same way that the author wanted to know what on earth made Knight go so far over the top, ultimately, I was wondering the same thing. So I eventually stopped sooking and sat down and read this book.
It's no wonder that Katherine Knight is never to be released, and whilst the circumstances of her life are delved into in this book, you still wonder why or how it is that a woman could go so far over the top. So very very far over the top. I think BLOOD STAIN does give you an inkling into what can turn a woman into a killer. I'm not sure anyone could explain what would turn a woman into the sort of killer Kath Knight became. Interesting book about a very stomach turning case.
May 14, 2016
Ew. Not a book for the faint-hearted. But the author mercifully does not dwell too much on the physical injuries of the victim; rather, he tries to unravel what led the perpetrator to do what she did. He uncovers a sad background of domestic violence, cultural and emotional impoverishment. The mental health aspects are examined with dry detachment. Overall it's a fascinating insight into an awful event.
Fortunately I was just a spectator through the book. I feel sad for the victim's children, family, and community, as well as the police and detectives who have to live with the direct trauma of the experience. That would be really tough to live with. The perpetrator's family suffer too, no doubt.
Fortunately I was just a spectator through the book. I feel sad for the victim's children, family, and community, as well as the police and detectives who have to live with the direct trauma of the experience. That would be really tough to live with. The perpetrator's family suffer too, no doubt.
January 10, 2010
I'm only going to touch briefly on the crime, because what can be said? It was awful, horrifying, and Katherine Knight should never be released from prison. It's one thing to stab someone thirty-seven times, as Lalor states in the book, but it's another to then skin the victim, cut the head off and cook it up in a soup for the children. That's goes above and beyond what any 'normal' killer would do.
Moving onto the book itself, this is when I start wondering just what to rate it. Lalor goes deep into the history of Knight and what made her just what she is- a twisted mix of nature and nurture. He traces her family and her relationships, and allows for the violence to really speak for itself. In terms of information, Lalor piles it on in tonnes.
As for the way it's written, though, this is where I have an issue. It's written much too casually. Lalor was clearly going for an angle that made the whole book appear as though someone was talking. This started to bother me while I was reading it, because it seemed to lessen the impact of what was happened. As Lalor was drawing the book to a close and started talking about the court case, a more formal style was introduced. I can see why Lalor wanted to use a casual way of writing, but I think given the main point of the book, it wasn't a wise choice.
Moving onto the book itself, this is when I start wondering just what to rate it. Lalor goes deep into the history of Knight and what made her just what she is- a twisted mix of nature and nurture. He traces her family and her relationships, and allows for the violence to really speak for itself. In terms of information, Lalor piles it on in tonnes.
As for the way it's written, though, this is where I have an issue. It's written much too casually. Lalor was clearly going for an angle that made the whole book appear as though someone was talking. This started to bother me while I was reading it, because it seemed to lessen the impact of what was happened. As Lalor was drawing the book to a close and started talking about the court case, a more formal style was introduced. I can see why Lalor wanted to use a casual way of writing, but I think given the main point of the book, it wasn't a wise choice.
January 21, 2016
What a read this one was. I can't recommend it for everyone because of the gore level, but it's crucial reading if you want to know what the real stakes are when someone is dating a borderline. Great instruction manual for mental-health professionals and policymakers who are on the fence between protecting the public and defending the rights of dangerous people. My Cod, EVERYONE knew she was going to do this someday and nobody said a word. Not even the victim.
January 30, 2013
Horrific novel - I wanted to read so I could get some insight as to how any human could possibly do this! It is just terrible think someone could even think of this.
The book was written in a simple, easy to read way and structure.
The book was written in a simple, easy to read way and structure.
June 6, 2019
Although I only rated this book 3 Stars, it's one that has stayed with me. Often a book I bring up to my friends as the most horrific true crime book I have read.
December 25, 2014
A thorough documenting of the life and crime of Katherine Knight; however it strayed into speculation and informality and too often felt like a draft.
December 11, 2016
This woman is a piece of work.
June 17, 2019
Could not put this book down. It’s written extremely well and easy to read at the same time capturing how evil Katherine knight was and her life leading up to the murder of her fiancé.
December 17, 2019
An extremely invasive and insightful read into the story of Katherine Mary Knight, the woman who committed one of the worst murder’s in Australian history. If you haven’t heard of this true crime story before, the Australian show ‘Crimes That Shook Australia’ gives a detailed recount of the events that occurred on 29 February 2000.
However, this book covers the entirety of Katherine’s life; from her traumatic childhood, through her many marriages and to now, where she is currently serving a life sentence for her actions. The crime she committed is extremely vile and is something nobody would ever believe anybody is capable of committing.
In terms of how the story was told, Lalor keeps it interesting by going between Katherine’s destructive past and the present in which the crime has been committed. It is written in a very Australian style, with an abundance of colloquial and bogan-y language being utilised. Sometimes it can be a bit much, but it is extremely fitting considering the crime had taken place in Aberdeen, New South Wales.
In finishing the book, I never really felt as if justice had been served. Yes, Katherine is serving a life sentence in prison, but perhaps it is the magnitude of the crime that makes me feel as if the punishment does not fit the crime. How a person could commit such a crime, nobody will ever really understand except for Katherine herself.
However, this book covers the entirety of Katherine’s life; from her traumatic childhood, through her many marriages and to now, where she is currently serving a life sentence for her actions. The crime she committed is extremely vile and is something nobody would ever believe anybody is capable of committing.
In terms of how the story was told, Lalor keeps it interesting by going between Katherine’s destructive past and the present in which the crime has been committed. It is written in a very Australian style, with an abundance of colloquial and bogan-y language being utilised. Sometimes it can be a bit much, but it is extremely fitting considering the crime had taken place in Aberdeen, New South Wales.
In finishing the book, I never really felt as if justice had been served. Yes, Katherine is serving a life sentence in prison, but perhaps it is the magnitude of the crime that makes me feel as if the punishment does not fit the crime. How a person could commit such a crime, nobody will ever really understand except for Katherine herself.
January 8, 2021
This is a fascinating insight into the mind of Katherine Knight, the perpetrator of one of the most vicious, violent, cruel, gruesome, and callous murders in Australian history. It is difficult content to read, and at times I had to put it down and read something else. The police who were involved are, unsurprisingly, scarred for life by the crime scene and the ensuing investigation.
Katherine's love of death and enjoyment of her work at the abattoir, along with her vicious temper, callous disregard for those who she perceived as crossing her, and previous acts of domestic violence, were all serious warning signs that it appears, sadly for John and his family, no one heeded. The author explains various concepts of why Katherine became the person she became, her motivations, the influences her upbringing and experiences might have had, and where her peculiar hobbies come from. She anticipated she would be able to get away with her heinous crime with a plea of insanity, but the level of depravity and cruelty is simply inexplicable, it goes beyond the realms of even madness. She knew what she was doing, and as far as she is concerned, everyone who crosses her deserves what they get. She is apparently quite popular in prison, I am not sure a person like Kath could ever truly be punished, nor can she understand the pain she's inflicted.
Katherine's love of death and enjoyment of her work at the abattoir, along with her vicious temper, callous disregard for those who she perceived as crossing her, and previous acts of domestic violence, were all serious warning signs that it appears, sadly for John and his family, no one heeded. The author explains various concepts of why Katherine became the person she became, her motivations, the influences her upbringing and experiences might have had, and where her peculiar hobbies come from. She anticipated she would be able to get away with her heinous crime with a plea of insanity, but the level of depravity and cruelty is simply inexplicable, it goes beyond the realms of even madness. She knew what she was doing, and as far as she is concerned, everyone who crosses her deserves what they get. She is apparently quite popular in prison, I am not sure a person like Kath could ever truly be punished, nor can she understand the pain she's inflicted.
June 26, 2019
This is a total, comprehensive look at the life and crime of Katherine Knight. Dubbed Australia's worst female killer, Peter Lalor absolutely delivers the story in a way that keeps the reader intrigued, although not quite at the edge of their seat. This is, after all, a true crime work and not a thriller.
Blood Stain is about the gruesome murder of John Price at the hands, and knives, of Katherine Knight. It starts off with a bang... well, stabbing, skinning, beheading really. We are given the horrors of the crime first, and then the story carries on to tell us how we got there before giving it to us again. I liked this distribution of information because it grabbed my attention immediately, and I felt that it made me want to know how it got that far.
Lalor goes step-by-step through Knight's childhood experiences, and her explosive and unstable relationships with men. He shows the patterns and catalysts that build into a scene straight out of the horror movies both Knight, and I, love to watch.
In parts, this book does drone on a bit, and it is written in a very causal tone. I did not dislike the tone, as it made this book easy to read. The few things I did not understand were the common Australian terms. Solid 4 stars!
Blood Stain is about the gruesome murder of John Price at the hands, and knives, of Katherine Knight. It starts off with a bang... well, stabbing, skinning, beheading really. We are given the horrors of the crime first, and then the story carries on to tell us how we got there before giving it to us again. I liked this distribution of information because it grabbed my attention immediately, and I felt that it made me want to know how it got that far.
Lalor goes step-by-step through Knight's childhood experiences, and her explosive and unstable relationships with men. He shows the patterns and catalysts that build into a scene straight out of the horror movies both Knight, and I, love to watch.
In parts, this book does drone on a bit, and it is written in a very causal tone. I did not dislike the tone, as it made this book easy to read. The few things I did not understand were the common Australian terms. Solid 4 stars!
February 16, 2022
Amazingly written where with a bit of research makes it so simple to understand how John was murdered by a monster such as Cathy in a small country town which sounds easy that it could of been avoided. Even today in big cities with such charismatic people; only after death people have this shock factor when all the signs were there ever so obviously.
She was physically abusive to everybody she dated; her drinking and having a good time was seen as just drunk fights in pubs on women which is only what people saw.
Only the father of her children and children saw her for what she was and warned John and most people loved her.
It’s so well written you can see the bystander effect that could of possibly saved his life with education.
To date she is watched in prison and not allowed to go near knives for her urge to kill somebody yet she takes inmates under her wing whom describe her as on one the nicest protective mother hen. That is highly unsurprising ex inmates see her that way if you have read enough about her. A deadly charisma that draws in their victims rather than make them shiver and their instincts telling them to run but gravitate towards her.
She was physically abusive to everybody she dated; her drinking and having a good time was seen as just drunk fights in pubs on women which is only what people saw.
Only the father of her children and children saw her for what she was and warned John and most people loved her.
It’s so well written you can see the bystander effect that could of possibly saved his life with education.
To date she is watched in prison and not allowed to go near knives for her urge to kill somebody yet she takes inmates under her wing whom describe her as on one the nicest protective mother hen. That is highly unsurprising ex inmates see her that way if you have read enough about her. A deadly charisma that draws in their victims rather than make them shiver and their instincts telling them to run but gravitate towards her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2022
And I thought that I had a temper. Yikes, Katherine Knight is the definition of the term, "anger management issues." The Australian white trash who fill out Blood Stain would fit in perfectly at one of our many trailer parks here in America. Katey bore four children by three different baby daddy's and her final hookup would be with the unfortunate John Price. The police knew of the woman's volatile nature for many years. She had sliced the throat of a puppy when angered by one of her many partners. Her skills with a knife while working at a slaughterhouse were legendary. Her proficiency was put to good use one night when she skinned Mr. Price, removed his head and placed it in a pot on a stove and simmered it with vegetables. The lead detective suffered from PTSD and left the department after witnessing the crime scene. He described the handiwork of Ms. Knight as looking like a Picasso painting. G'day to y'all, put a shrimp on barbie, sit back and enjoy an Australian fairy tale.
June 8, 2025
Katherine Knight was born in New South Wales, Australia in 1955. Knight had a pretty rough childhood in an abusive, chaotic home. She was often alone, but did fly into rages and assault other children at school. Knight had a series of relationships with men, following her mother's pattern of affairs and abuse. Knight murdered John Price in February 2000, skinning him and cooking parts of his body with plans to serve it to his children. This book discusses Knight's background, crimes, and investigation. I thought it had a decent amount of detail and was decently written. If you are interested in learning more about this woman, this is a good book for that. I believe this book was recommended by the hosts of a podcast (The Last Podcast on the Left) that I used to listen to.
August 4, 2025
An amazing read. The intricate details and photographs made me feel as though I was there working the case as it happened. The way the story is written (the pov), had me thinking deeply about how someone’s childhood can truly affect their adult life and the choices they make.
The description of the crime scene, the language used made me feel many emotions, but also made me truly disgusted at what a human being is capable of with the correct motivation. On the other hand the crime scene description, the way katherine tried to squeeze her way out of any consequences and the relationships she had with her partners made me believe to always protect myself in any situation before anyone else, to ensure my personal safety.
The description of the crime scene, the language used made me feel many emotions, but also made me truly disgusted at what a human being is capable of with the correct motivation. On the other hand the crime scene description, the way katherine tried to squeeze her way out of any consequences and the relationships she had with her partners made me believe to always protect myself in any situation before anyone else, to ensure my personal safety.
December 25, 2018
A horrifying true modern account of what one Australian woman did to her partner. After stabbing him at least 32 times, she not only skinned him, but decapitated him and cooked his head and other parts of his body. Her expertise with a knife, gained as an abattoir worker, her rip-roaring temper and her scheme to take care of her partner and the belief she would get away with the horrific murder by being declared insane. Her crime was so hideous it left the investigators with post traumatic stress disorder, as they worked diligently to get her conviction.
Just when you thought you had read it all...the truth is often much more horrifying than fiction.
Just when you thought you had read it all...the truth is often much more horrifying than fiction.
January 8, 2021
I have never wanted to stop reading a book because of the sheer terror it invoked. I've read Stephen King with barely a chill, but this book made me shudder multiple times. Partly, mostly, because of the horrific act that Knight committed. And partly because of Lalor's brilliant writing. The vivid detail that he presents is consistent throughout the book and really put me in the situation, which was not always fun. This was one book I had to break up with soppy romance and fun LGBT adventure graphic novels to lighten the blow.
My only issue is that it was redundant and repetitive in places, but it's non-fiction, so I can't ask for much.
My only issue is that it was redundant and repetitive in places, but it's non-fiction, so I can't ask for much.
September 28, 2021
Blood Stain is a brutal story of Kathrine Knight. Australian killer who killed skinned, decapitated and cooked parts of her fiancee John Price. I'm just astonished that this is not even the most disgusting part of the book. Her life story is just one horrible pot of shit and disgust. The whole story is just enhanced by Peter Lalor writing style, which is on point. This book is no dry list of crimes but a very living and exciting story. Unfortunately, that is also a minor weakness of the book - the author slipped few times and became too populistic, writing more his literary interpretation of events than reality. But I digress, this book is a huge recommendation for any true crime lover.
January 28, 2023
Ever wanted to have nightmares….
This is one book that will create them.
This story is a true story.
Based in Australia.
My mum worked in the industry atm, and had a front row seat to the information.
She gave me this book so I could read what really happened.
It’s a really hard read. It’s crazy to think people really do live that way and do these things.
This is one book that will create them.
This story is a true story.
Based in Australia.
My mum worked in the industry atm, and had a front row seat to the information.
She gave me this book so I could read what really happened.
It’s a really hard read. It’s crazy to think people really do live that way and do these things.
March 29, 2025
Great book to read. At first, I thought it might be dry, but that was not the case at all.
The author jumped right into the gruesome details and fully explores Katherine’s life from her childhood, to her relationships with family members, her kids and their fathers, and her most notable defacto partners.
It kept me wanting to read from start to finish.
The author jumped right into the gruesome details and fully explores Katherine’s life from her childhood, to her relationships with family members, her kids and their fathers, and her most notable defacto partners.
It kept me wanting to read from start to finish.
January 28, 2018
This story about John Price and Katherine Knight is horrific and at times impossible to comprehend. That said it also tells the story of human rage and mental illness and the things a human being is capable of doing.
January 7, 2020
This book was exceptional, I could not put it down. Quite gory in parts it had so many details but it also had a story that flowed and melded together. It gave you enough insight into the background of Katherine Knight and allowed you to see the monster within, not only did it bare her life for all to see but it lead up to the events of that fateful night for Pricey.
The actions taken by Katherine Knight were horrific & inhumane - for the faint of heart the book may be too much but for a true crime book from Australia about a little country town it is a magnificent read.
The actions taken by Katherine Knight were horrific & inhumane - for the faint of heart the book may be too much but for a true crime book from Australia about a little country town it is a magnificent read.
February 26, 2021
Such an evil woman is Katherine Knight. She is vengeful & cunning. So glad she will never be released from prison! Lucky for her she likes it there. I feel for the law enforcer’s who entered the crime scene & saw absolute horror & who live with that trauma everyday.
May 1, 2025
Lalor has chosen to tell the yarn in a manner that suits it. He doesn’t pull punches - nor does he moralise, draw value judgements or attempt to tie anything in any bows. This man has definitely been to Aberdeen. excellent aussie crime writing
October 2, 2017
Not very well written, but very interesting backstory on a HORRIFIC crime.
July 31, 2018
A Bio of Katherine Knight an amazing (and sickening) book, could hardly put it down
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews