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The Dark Side of the Dales
The Dark Side of the Dales is a collection of true stories from in, and around, the villages and towns of the Yorkshire Dales.
The book explores a collection of tragic and dark tales of murder, mystery and crime covering the past 200 years. I've spent a great deal of time uncovering the fascinating stories behind some of the most puzzling, pitiful and poignant crimes that shocked and scandalized the communities in the Dales.
Wherever possible, the stories include eyewitness accounts, carefully researched details of the cruel realities of life for ordinary, working folk, and lots of interesting social details; to offer a fascinating insight in life in years gone by - really placing you at the heart of each story.
There is some sensational, newly uncovered evidence, which may offer answers in two previously unsolved cases, and there is a supernatural element to one of the stories too, tapping into the rich heritage of the area.
The book explores a collection of tragic and dark tales of murder, mystery and crime covering the past 200 years. I've spent a great deal of time uncovering the fascinating stories behind some of the most puzzling, pitiful and poignant crimes that shocked and scandalized the communities in the Dales.
Wherever possible, the stories include eyewitness accounts, carefully researched details of the cruel realities of life for ordinary, working folk, and lots of interesting social details; to offer a fascinating insight in life in years gone by - really placing you at the heart of each story.
There is some sensational, newly uncovered evidence, which may offer answers in two previously unsolved cases, and there is a supernatural element to one of the stories too, tapping into the rich heritage of the area.
240 pages, Paperback
Published May 14, 2021
2 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Mark Bridgeman
23 books12 followersMark Bridgeman was born in Swindon, Wiltshire and is now based in Highland Perthshire, Scotland. After a career working in Finance, Marketing and Sports Coaching, he has now turned his passion for writing, crime fiction and non-fiction, history and sport into words. Mark's first book "The River Runs Red" is now available. A history of true crime in Highland Perthshire, the book has proved an immediate success.
Surviving In The Shadows and Blood Beneath Ben Nevis were released in March 2020 to great reviews.
The Lost Village of Lawers followed in September 2020 and became an instant success.
Mark also contributed a series of short stories to the West Highland Museum website and to his own blog.
As featured on the BBC, The Beacon On The Hill was released in December 2020, taking up the story of Christ Church in Swindon, following on from a book originally written by Mark's late father. In May 2021, Mark released The Dark Side of the Dales (a series of true crime stories from the Yorkshire Dales) and Footsteps at Finlarig, the history of Finlarig Castle in Killin. Both books were well reviewed and proved instant successes.
Mark is currently working on two other projects for release in 2022 and has appeared at several book festivals, on ITV, Channel 5, BBC Radio, and the History Channel.
Surviving In The Shadows and Blood Beneath Ben Nevis were released in March 2020 to great reviews.
The Lost Village of Lawers followed in September 2020 and became an instant success.
Mark also contributed a series of short stories to the West Highland Museum website and to his own blog.
As featured on the BBC, The Beacon On The Hill was released in December 2020, taking up the story of Christ Church in Swindon, following on from a book originally written by Mark's late father. In May 2021, Mark released The Dark Side of the Dales (a series of true crime stories from the Yorkshire Dales) and Footsteps at Finlarig, the history of Finlarig Castle in Killin. Both books were well reviewed and proved instant successes.
Mark is currently working on two other projects for release in 2022 and has appeared at several book festivals, on ITV, Channel 5, BBC Radio, and the History Channel.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 6, 2021
The book is a collection of short stories based upon real life events which happened in and around the towns and villages surrounding the Yorkshire Dales. Concentrating on murder and mystery over the past 200 years, these (often) dark tales of true crime lure the reader in.
This book was fascinating and easy to read but was written in a way that you found yourself saying ‘Just one more chapter’… I was pleased to see that the author included eye witnesses statements/reports wherever possible, thus adding some credibility to the stories being told. It was also interesting to read how criminal laws have changed over the past 200 years. I didn’t appreciate that defendants were not allowed to take the stand to defend themselves in a court of law in the UK until 1898!
I’d like to have given this book 4.5 stars if Goodreads allowed.
This book was fascinating and easy to read but was written in a way that you found yourself saying ‘Just one more chapter’… I was pleased to see that the author included eye witnesses statements/reports wherever possible, thus adding some credibility to the stories being told. It was also interesting to read how criminal laws have changed over the past 200 years. I didn’t appreciate that defendants were not allowed to take the stand to defend themselves in a court of law in the UK until 1898!
I’d like to have given this book 4.5 stars if Goodreads allowed.
May 22, 2021
I read The Dark Side Of The Dales in one day. Having read all of Mark's books, this is my favourite one to date. It has q bit of everything. Dark murders, mysteries and the supernatural. All the genres I love. Mark has developed a writing style of his own which I find addictive. I highly recommend this book to any lover of crime writing. Congrats Mark Bridgeman on another winner. I look forward to more.
March 20, 2022
THE DARK SIDE OF THE DALES
I originally purchased this book after reading an Instagram post. I got this book for my mums partner as a gift.
The feedback he gave me was that he couldn’t stop reading the book, and he thoroughly enjoyed it.
I decided to borrow the book and I found the book very interesting too. This book is full of stories that really did happen across the centuries. The language matched the era for the story and I liked reading how crimes were dealt with and handled in the matching era.
The stories were usually one per chapter and all were very different, for an added bonus the writer adds his own findings to a few stories adding value and a new perspective on the question to whether said person was guilty of a crime.
The book is not a fairy tale and it does not read the same as a run of the meal novel.
I feel this book will appeal to readers who like history and especially any from the U.K. or Yorkshire.
I enjoyed the book and I liked the fact I learnt at the same time.
I originally purchased this book after reading an Instagram post. I got this book for my mums partner as a gift.
The feedback he gave me was that he couldn’t stop reading the book, and he thoroughly enjoyed it.
I decided to borrow the book and I found the book very interesting too. This book is full of stories that really did happen across the centuries. The language matched the era for the story and I liked reading how crimes were dealt with and handled in the matching era.
The stories were usually one per chapter and all were very different, for an added bonus the writer adds his own findings to a few stories adding value and a new perspective on the question to whether said person was guilty of a crime.
The book is not a fairy tale and it does not read the same as a run of the meal novel.
I feel this book will appeal to readers who like history and especially any from the U.K. or Yorkshire.
I enjoyed the book and I liked the fact I learnt at the same time.
November 5, 2025
I love the way this has been compiled and written. As you finish each case you never know where you may be going next, in place or time. It gives a real feel for what life was like in the towns and dales at various times from hundreds of years ago to almost the present day, little snippets of almost forgotten ways of life. Perfect for a relaxing read.
May 26, 2022
Fascinating stories about true crimes that have occurred.
Really good read.
Really good read.
August 18, 2023
I picked this up whilst in the Yorkshire dales on holiday and it is so interesting and honestly shows u the darker side off the lovely places you visit
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews