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Crimson Petticoats: The Betrayal, Brutality and Bloodshed behind the French Maid Massacres
In 1861, the police of a rural French village tore their way into the woodside home of Martin Dumollard. Inside, they found chaos. Paths had been carved through mounds of bloodstained clothing, reaching as high as the ceiling in some places.
The officers assumed that the mysterious maid-robber had killed one woman but failed in his other attempts. Yet, it was becoming sickeningly clear that there was a vast gulf between the crimes they were aware of and the ones that had truly been committed.
Would Dumollard’s wife expose his dark secret or was she inextricably linked to the atrocities? Whatever the circumstances, everyone was desperate to discover whether the bloody garments belonged to some of the 648 missing women.
Crimson Petticoats is a chilling account of Martin Dumollard and one of the most disturbing true crime stories in French history. Ryan Green’s riveting narrative draws the reader into the real-live horror experienced by the victims and has all the elements of a classic thriller.
CAUTION: This book contains descriptive accounts of torture, abuse and violence. If you are especially sensitive to this material, it might be advisable not to read any further.
The officers assumed that the mysterious maid-robber had killed one woman but failed in his other attempts. Yet, it was becoming sickeningly clear that there was a vast gulf between the crimes they were aware of and the ones that had truly been committed.
Would Dumollard’s wife expose his dark secret or was she inextricably linked to the atrocities? Whatever the circumstances, everyone was desperate to discover whether the bloody garments belonged to some of the 648 missing women.
Crimson Petticoats is a chilling account of Martin Dumollard and one of the most disturbing true crime stories in French history. Ryan Green’s riveting narrative draws the reader into the real-live horror experienced by the victims and has all the elements of a classic thriller.
CAUTION: This book contains descriptive accounts of torture, abuse and violence. If you are especially sensitive to this material, it might be advisable not to read any further.
- GenresTrue CrimeNonfiction
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2022
About the author
Ryan Green
32 books499 followersRyan Green is a true crime author in his late thirties. He lives in Herefordshire, England with his wife, three children, and two dogs. Outside of writing and spending time with his family, Ryan enjoys walking, reading and windsurfing.
Ryan is fascinated with History, Psychology and True Crime. In 2015, he finally started researching and writing his own work and at the end of the year, he released his first book on Britain's most notorious serial killer, Harold Shipman.
He has since written several books on lesser-known subjects, and taken the unique approach of writing from the killer's perspective. He narrates some of the most chilling scenes you'll encounter in the True Crime genre.
"Ryan Green is an incredible storyteller...he doesn’t just tell the story, he allows you to be part of it." ~Blackbird
Ryan is fascinated with History, Psychology and True Crime. In 2015, he finally started researching and writing his own work and at the end of the year, he released his first book on Britain's most notorious serial killer, Harold Shipman.
He has since written several books on lesser-known subjects, and taken the unique approach of writing from the killer's perspective. He narrates some of the most chilling scenes you'll encounter in the True Crime genre.
"Ryan Green is an incredible storyteller...he doesn’t just tell the story, he allows you to be part of it." ~Blackbird
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 26, 2022
This is not a genre I usually read… NetFlix tends to fulfil my need to get a hearty dose of true crime! However, Green’s writing was not only interesting, but informative and I found myself fascinated by a serial killer that I had known nothing about.
And there is a reason for this: happening in the 1850s, documentation is sparse about the killer’s victims. With high numbers of women going missing all the time, it became difficult to ascertain whether Dumollard was responsible for their disappearance. Green instead details the cases that were definitely a part of Dumollard’s actions and I found it fascinating at how the number of women he was tried for during his case was so remarkably small.
This book does not read like a dry history book and I enjoyed the way that Green brings this terrifying part of history alive. There is an exploration into Dumollard’s character, his relationship with his wife and how he came to be such a cold-blooded murderer. At the time this was taking place, the ‘Nature versus Nurture’ debate was gaining momentum and I enjoyed reading Green’s theories at the closing of the book as to what really drove Dumollard to act in the way in did.
Although just shy of 150 pages, I was grateful there was not too much depth to the story because I think it would have been too gritty for my liking. Instead, the chapters focus on several abductions before moving to the police investigation and eventual trial. Frequently I forgot that I was reading about events that happened in the nineteenth century because some of the behaviours felt so modern, such as how the trial descended into a media circus. I think this made the story even more powerful because it is quite an unknown case.
Green’s writing was spot on and my only criticism was that I initially struggled to connect with the narrative. However, I am glad I persevered because I felt like I was having a history lesson that read a bit like a crime thriller in itself. The events were carefully presented to readers and the closing comments were provocative in encouraging readers to consider Dumollard’s motivations.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
And there is a reason for this: happening in the 1850s, documentation is sparse about the killer’s victims. With high numbers of women going missing all the time, it became difficult to ascertain whether Dumollard was responsible for their disappearance. Green instead details the cases that were definitely a part of Dumollard’s actions and I found it fascinating at how the number of women he was tried for during his case was so remarkably small.
This book does not read like a dry history book and I enjoyed the way that Green brings this terrifying part of history alive. There is an exploration into Dumollard’s character, his relationship with his wife and how he came to be such a cold-blooded murderer. At the time this was taking place, the ‘Nature versus Nurture’ debate was gaining momentum and I enjoyed reading Green’s theories at the closing of the book as to what really drove Dumollard to act in the way in did.
Although just shy of 150 pages, I was grateful there was not too much depth to the story because I think it would have been too gritty for my liking. Instead, the chapters focus on several abductions before moving to the police investigation and eventual trial. Frequently I forgot that I was reading about events that happened in the nineteenth century because some of the behaviours felt so modern, such as how the trial descended into a media circus. I think this made the story even more powerful because it is quite an unknown case.
Green’s writing was spot on and my only criticism was that I initially struggled to connect with the narrative. However, I am glad I persevered because I felt like I was having a history lesson that read a bit like a crime thriller in itself. The events were carefully presented to readers and the closing comments were provocative in encouraging readers to consider Dumollard’s motivations.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2022
"Is a monster born, or made?"
Crimson Petticoats is a nonfiction about French serial killer Martin Dumollard who was active in the mid 1800s, and where his wife Marie-Anne Martinet was his accomplice. His modus operandi was to approach women who may have been looking for new or better work, telling them that he is in search for new staff on his wealthy master's chateau and that the work load would be light but well payed. Those who took him at his word, or those who were desperate enough to believe him anyways, would pack all they have and follow him out of the city. Once they were alone Dumollard would attack, rape and kill them, taking everything, even the clothes on their corpses to be sold. He was considered to be one of the first serial killers in France.
Personally I had never heard about Martin Dumollard before reading this book. Which I really liked because I love learning about true crime cases that are unknown to me. To be honest, it all kind of blew me away because it truly is one of the most horrendous cases I've ever heard about. It's also the first time I've read a book by Ryan Green but I'm sure it won't be the last because it was a really good one. The book was very well-written, not extremely long so the story definitely didn't drag like some nonfiction does and it was also engaging enough to keep my attention the whole time. I really enjoyed it!
Another thing I enjoyed was that the book went into the whole "are monsters like Dumollard born or made?" and I thought that made for some fascinating food for thought. I also thought it was pretty intriguing how his wife Marie-Anne was involved in it all and the wondering of in how far she was Dumollard's collaborator. The book does indicate to her being the brains of the whole thing, which I think may also have been the case. Spoiler alert... both Martin Dumollard and Marie-Anne Martinet were arrested eventually. Dumollard was sentenced to death and his wife sentenced to twenty years of hard labor where she eventually died in prison.
Overall, Crimson Petticoats by Ryan Green was an absorbing and gripping nonfiction that I'm for sure going to remember for a long time. The writing was excellent and I liked the questions that were brought up during the book. It's definitely one of the best nonfiction books that I've had the pleasure of reading. Highly recommended!
Crimson Petticoats is a nonfiction about French serial killer Martin Dumollard who was active in the mid 1800s, and where his wife Marie-Anne Martinet was his accomplice. His modus operandi was to approach women who may have been looking for new or better work, telling them that he is in search for new staff on his wealthy master's chateau and that the work load would be light but well payed. Those who took him at his word, or those who were desperate enough to believe him anyways, would pack all they have and follow him out of the city. Once they were alone Dumollard would attack, rape and kill them, taking everything, even the clothes on their corpses to be sold. He was considered to be one of the first serial killers in France.
Personally I had never heard about Martin Dumollard before reading this book. Which I really liked because I love learning about true crime cases that are unknown to me. To be honest, it all kind of blew me away because it truly is one of the most horrendous cases I've ever heard about. It's also the first time I've read a book by Ryan Green but I'm sure it won't be the last because it was a really good one. The book was very well-written, not extremely long so the story definitely didn't drag like some nonfiction does and it was also engaging enough to keep my attention the whole time. I really enjoyed it!
Another thing I enjoyed was that the book went into the whole "are monsters like Dumollard born or made?" and I thought that made for some fascinating food for thought. I also thought it was pretty intriguing how his wife Marie-Anne was involved in it all and the wondering of in how far she was Dumollard's collaborator. The book does indicate to her being the brains of the whole thing, which I think may also have been the case. Spoiler alert... both Martin Dumollard and Marie-Anne Martinet were arrested eventually. Dumollard was sentenced to death and his wife sentenced to twenty years of hard labor where she eventually died in prison.
Overall, Crimson Petticoats by Ryan Green was an absorbing and gripping nonfiction that I'm for sure going to remember for a long time. The writing was excellent and I liked the questions that were brought up during the book. It's definitely one of the best nonfiction books that I've had the pleasure of reading. Highly recommended!
April 5, 2022
Ryan Green is my favourite true crime author and his latest Crimson Petticoats does not disappoint. This is set in France and the historic aspects are outstanding. If you're a true crime fan, give this one a try!
April 14, 2022
CRIMSON PETTICOATS tells the true crime story of Western Europe's first known serial killer, Martin Dumollard. A disturbed child constantly in trouble, he grew up happiest when outside, in the forests and fields. When working as a groundskeeper at an estate, he met Marie, his future wife. She played the long game with Martin, their courtship lasting over ten years. After they were married and left that employ though, both of their worlds changed.
This is a well-written account that allows some imagination to take place, whilst firmly keeping the facts from that time -- found in newspapers and other places of research -- in mind. The sheer number of victims is almost incomprehensible by itself.
This is the first book by this author I have read and it won't be the last. I love the mixture of facts, told in a story-like fashion, that makes it a much better read than just dry facts of no consequence.
Absolutely recommended by me to all fans of #TrueCrime.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 14, 2022
This is a well-written account that allows some imagination to take place, whilst firmly keeping the facts from that time -- found in newspapers and other places of research -- in mind. The sheer number of victims is almost incomprehensible by itself.
This is the first book by this author I have read and it won't be the last. I love the mixture of facts, told in a story-like fashion, that makes it a much better read than just dry facts of no consequence.
Absolutely recommended by me to all fans of #TrueCrime.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 14, 2022
March 22, 2022
Well Ryan Green you’ve done it again. Another great true crime book down! He excels at showing the evil and ugly of this mad man.
March 21, 2022
Captivating writing. Ryan is one of the best true crime writers there is. He captured the evil of Martin Dumollard. Couldn't put this one down
December 22, 2022
Interesting and sad
This was a horrific story I knew nothing about before I read it. Ryan Green did an excellent job presenting the facts in this case from the mid-1800s. I liked his conclusion at the end. This is one of those cases that leaves you asking a lot of questions, most notably the question, why? What makes a person resort to such extremes? Even with all of today's advancements in research and technology, we still do not fully understand the complexities of the human brain. In this case, I found it horrifically sad what Dumollard had to witness at such a tender age being done to his father. I'm not so sure if his mind could have been salvaged even with the best therapy available in present day. Certainly his circumstances from that point on in his life played a large roll in creating the monster he became. Still one has to wonder, given those brief moments of charm, how his life may have turned out if he'd never witnessed his father's horrific execution gone wrong. A question that can never be answered. I believe his sentence was just. It was a relief of sorts.
This was a horrific story I knew nothing about before I read it. Ryan Green did an excellent job presenting the facts in this case from the mid-1800s. I liked his conclusion at the end. This is one of those cases that leaves you asking a lot of questions, most notably the question, why? What makes a person resort to such extremes? Even with all of today's advancements in research and technology, we still do not fully understand the complexities of the human brain. In this case, I found it horrifically sad what Dumollard had to witness at such a tender age being done to his father. I'm not so sure if his mind could have been salvaged even with the best therapy available in present day. Certainly his circumstances from that point on in his life played a large roll in creating the monster he became. Still one has to wonder, given those brief moments of charm, how his life may have turned out if he'd never witnessed his father's horrific execution gone wrong. A question that can never be answered. I believe his sentence was just. It was a relief of sorts.
May 14, 2022
This is a fascinating exploration of the crimes of Martin Dumollard who preyed upon would-be maids in imperial France in the 19th Century. While Dumollard has only a few clearly identified victims, the details here support a much larger number of murders and attacks, including possibly a couple of child murders. Green also shares how while it Dumollard alone that met the guillotine, his complicit wife was apparently the "brains" of the heinous enterprise. Green brings to life the luckless young women, including one pregnant one, striving on the margins of society and how Dumollard plied them tempting lies while masquerading as a "master servant" with opportunity to share.
It is interesting how early photography factors in from attempts to identify the first found victim to post-arrest photos used to gauge success in reconstructing his face from data derived from the bones of his retained and studied head.
It is interesting how early photography factors in from attempts to identify the first found victim to post-arrest photos used to gauge success in reconstructing his face from data derived from the bones of his retained and studied head.
April 25, 2026
1855 france demola dumollard was charged with murder he was sentenced to die he had his limbs each tied to a horse and than they pulled his joints out of the sockets still alive his son 4 year old martin witnessed it all than as his father lated there screaming in pain they axed his limbs of and continued to do that till he died...him and his mother were shuned from the people of the town...martin stole to feed his mother than he ended up doing what he could to survive... than he worked tending sheep he loved the work being out there all alone in the winter he worked on the farm where he fell out of the hayloft and couldnt walk he walked hunched back to avoid the pain than he had to steal to survive he got married than he would approach young women and offer them a job at the castle and when they got close in the woods he would rob and murder them and steal all their possessions and sell them this went on for many years until he was arrested and his wife also
April 28, 2022
This is the life tale of Martin Dumollard who committed the French maid massacres, I have never heard of this one in all honesty but found it a very interesting insightful read.
I found it hard to put down with all the information about the murders and his and his wife's trial, the hardships and suffering he had whilst growing up, and the pressure he was placed under to make things perfect for his wife.
I feel slightly odd saying this considering after all said and done Martin was a murderer but I did feel a little sorry for him it seems like even back then the pressures of society to be 'perfect' pushed people to do things to survive.
A very insightful read with a lot of information about the case. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend you read it.
I found it hard to put down with all the information about the murders and his and his wife's trial, the hardships and suffering he had whilst growing up, and the pressure he was placed under to make things perfect for his wife.
I feel slightly odd saying this considering after all said and done Martin was a murderer but I did feel a little sorry for him it seems like even back then the pressures of society to be 'perfect' pushed people to do things to survive.
A very insightful read with a lot of information about the case. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend you read it.
April 5, 2022
Martin Dumollard, the man and the Beast
Mr. Green is the person you'll to read it your genre is True Crime. He's the best for detailed information on his characters. You're left feeling as if you too are in this evil action happening. This book really creeped me out because of that engaging you with the poor girls that suffered and died.
I won't do the spoiler thing except to say Martin Dumollard and his wife Helen are just plain evil. The story takes place in early France. I learned much about that era and what it would take for a young women to survive. I'd actually recommend this book to anyone.
Mr. Green is the person you'll to read it your genre is True Crime. He's the best for detailed information on his characters. You're left feeling as if you too are in this evil action happening. This book really creeped me out because of that engaging you with the poor girls that suffered and died.
I won't do the spoiler thing except to say Martin Dumollard and his wife Helen are just plain evil. The story takes place in early France. I learned much about that era and what it would take for a young women to survive. I'd actually recommend this book to anyone.
June 17, 2022
Not a case I've heard of before, but really quite interesting. The number of murders and the treatment of victims who escaped gives us some insight into the conditions and attitudes of the time. Poor women and girls were unimportant and probably liars and thieves. It's amazing that, given the many consistent description of the murderer, it took so long for cases to be linked. The background of the murderer is explored and informs us of the turbulent years of the nineteenth century in Europe, and how it effected individuals at the lower end of society.
Very interesting. Recommended if you're into obscure serial murderers.
Very interesting. Recommended if you're into obscure serial murderers.
January 27, 2023
Crimson Petticoats: The Betrayal, Brutality and Bloodshed behind the French Maid Massacres was a good read by Ryan Green. In 1861, police in a rural French village tore through the home of Martin Dumollard. They found chaos, and paths through mounds of bloodstained clothes that reached as high as the ceiling in some places. They thought that he had killed one woman but found out that they were completely off base. They were desperate to find out if the bloody garments belonged to some of the 648 missing women. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
April 14, 2022
Crimson Petticoats
I always enjoy reading Ryan Green's books. This book is about a man who watched his father being killed at the age of 4. After this he had to protect his mom who gradually went insane. He got whatever jobs he could outside. At one of these jobs he met his future wife and from there he began murdering and raping maids who were looking for jobs. It ended with his trial and sentence.
I always enjoy reading Ryan Green's books. This book is about a man who watched his father being killed at the age of 4. After this he had to protect his mom who gradually went insane. He got whatever jobs he could outside. At one of these jobs he met his future wife and from there he began murdering and raping maids who were looking for jobs. It ended with his trial and sentence.
May 16, 2022
I’m not a big nonfiction reader, but I love true crime podcasts and shows, so I decided to give this book a try. The story itself is interesting, but I feel like the book just drags on. I don’t know if it’s the writing style or the way the book is framed that put me off, but this isn’t a favorite for me.
Maybe I’ll try another book by this author in the future and see if my opinion changes. At least the book was relatively short and the story was interesting enough to keep me going.
Maybe I’ll try another book by this author in the future and see if my opinion changes. At least the book was relatively short and the story was interesting enough to keep me going.
June 15, 2022
After the first few pages, I knew this was a book I wasn’t going to be able to put down, until I got to The End. Compulsive and gripping! Suspenseful, addictive and complex! Will keep you swiping the pages furiously. If you like absolutely unpredictable, twisted suspense as much as I do, you can't go wrong with this book!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
March 12, 2024
Society made murderer?
I really enjoy Ryan Green's books. This book is rather sad. The man it is written about would probably not have turned out the way he did if he had been alive in a different time, and possibly even in a different place. The same can probably be said about other people who commit horrible crimes but it seems like this man is not smart enough to get around the circumstances of his life.
I really enjoy Ryan Green's books. This book is rather sad. The man it is written about would probably not have turned out the way he did if he had been alive in a different time, and possibly even in a different place. The same can probably be said about other people who commit horrible crimes but it seems like this man is not smart enough to get around the circumstances of his life.
May 8, 2022
Not what I expected
This book should be in the "Historical Fiction."
Although the author basically admits "some" of the text in the book, has been recreated or added out of necessity, all it seems to add is confusion.
The book answers few questions because the author has few answers.
I felt like I was very misled here, and glad the book was free.
This book should be in the "Historical Fiction."
Although the author basically admits "some" of the text in the book, has been recreated or added out of necessity, all it seems to add is confusion.
The book answers few questions because the author has few answers.
I felt like I was very misled here, and glad the book was free.
May 15, 2022
Amazing
as always. Not only does Green provide a well written account of a story few have ever
heard of but he adds psychological flavor that's nearly impossible to imagine, given the time in which it occurred. Each time I think it's not going to stimulate the brain, I find I'm wrong. His chosen subjects never fail to surprise me!
as always. Not only does Green provide a well written account of a story few have ever
heard of but he adds psychological flavor that's nearly impossible to imagine, given the time in which it occurred. Each time I think it's not going to stimulate the brain, I find I'm wrong. His chosen subjects never fail to surprise me!
May 9, 2023
As a historical read I guess it was comprehensive. It was gruesome as the reader is warned but in the end not something I would particularly choose again. It was interesting to note the appeals for clemency are in essence those first trotted out today. World wide brutality still exists. Has our humanity advanced at all?
July 24, 2023
What a great book! I have been an avid reader of Ryan Green's books for quite a while now, and he never disappoints. This true story had me interested from the first page to the last. Ryan is truly one of the very best writers of the true crime genre. Highly recommend!
January 28, 2024
historical murder
The research done for this book must have been enormous. How is so much known about him and his crimes? How can someone be so bewitched by their partner that they take all the blame. Very interesting and well written. I could almost picture the scenes.
The research done for this book must have been enormous. How is so much known about him and his crimes? How can someone be so bewitched by their partner that they take all the blame. Very interesting and well written. I could almost picture the scenes.
July 12, 2026
Nature or Nurture, final analysis both…
There are people born with a hinky mind that follow the course of nature and then you many more people who due to tragedy, trauma, or the basic facts of life which they are dealt, who end up in the same way…
💥🧞♀️ 🙂
There are people born with a hinky mind that follow the course of nature and then you many more people who due to tragedy, trauma, or the basic facts of life which they are dealt, who end up in the same way…
💥🧞♀️ 🙂
April 6, 2022
Very good
This book was very well written. I felt like I was there. Especially during the trial. I couldn't stop reading until I was done!
This book was very well written. I felt like I was there. Especially during the trial. I couldn't stop reading until I was done!
May 8, 2022
Fascinating!
Interesting and terrifying piece of history that I had not heard before. Very well written! I definitely have to read some more by Ryan Green!
Interesting and terrifying piece of history that I had not heard before. Very well written! I definitely have to read some more by Ryan Green!
June 25, 2023
Great read
A look into not only the mind of Martin, but also the social and culture history of 1800 france.
Highly recommended for any true crime fan.
A look into not only the mind of Martin, but also the social and culture history of 1800 france.
Highly recommended for any true crime fan.
June 26, 2024
Sad but true
Enjoyed the history behind the story. Martin might have been happier if love had not gotten in the way. Not only that but his losing his parents were sad.
Enjoyed the history behind the story. Martin might have been happier if love had not gotten in the way. Not only that but his losing his parents were sad.
June 17, 2025
I’ve always found historic murder cases incredibly fascinating. To know how they solved cases without modern technologies, killer profiling or DNA matches for example is such an interesting topic.
Martin Dumollard was a beast of a killer that found opportunities to carry on his murders without consequence - until this very opportunity was his downfall. A very interesting read which gives a lot of sympathy towards the victims which were pretty much torn from society.
Another great one by Green. I do love how short these books are as I can read one in pretty much a night. Is it weird to say these are almost pallet cleansers before I read a big novel? Green has become a go to author to read about true crime stories as his writing is so immersive.
Martin Dumollard was a beast of a killer that found opportunities to carry on his murders without consequence - until this very opportunity was his downfall. A very interesting read which gives a lot of sympathy towards the victims which were pretty much torn from society.
Another great one by Green. I do love how short these books are as I can read one in pretty much a night. Is it weird to say these are almost pallet cleansers before I read a big novel? Green has become a go to author to read about true crime stories as his writing is so immersive.
April 3, 2022
De profundis, indeed!
In another profoundly disturbing yet exceptionally engrossing exposé Ryan Green details the vicious crimes of Martin Dumollard, a French serial killer who was responsible for numerous brutal deaths of young maids between the years of 1855 and 1861. With the help and guidance of his wife, Marie-Anne Dumollard née Martinet, Martin lured young women from their homes in Lyon with the promise of well-paid jobs as maids at a nice château in Côtière. Unable to believe their good fortune, the young ladies readily packed up all their worldly possessions and headed off with this man into the countryside. Sadly, the promised job was only fiction and they were never again seen by their loved ones. Their deaths were violent and bloody. Martin would return home to his wife with all the young woman’s clothing and jewelry which would then be sold off. The body of one victim, Marie-Eulalie Bussod, was found in such a grim state as to horrify the community and prompt them to erect a memorial wooden cross with her name, the date of her murder, February 25, 1861, and the date of her proper burial on August 2 of that year, followed by the inscription: De profundis (Latin for 'from the depths' – a heartfelt cry of sorrow and anguish). It is unknown exactly how many women met a similar grisly fate at his hands. The volume of clothing, some still bloodstained, and other personal effects found in the Dumollard home by authorities, suggests that the Dumollards were responsible for a massive measure of human suffering. This fascinating and grisly story is presented in sharp prose depicting the unvarnished facts of a truly monstrous pair of individuals who lacked any regard or compassion for human life. The story clearly represents the culmination of a prodigious amount of research and clips along at a brisk pace which holds your undivided attention from start to finish. You can never go wrong with Ryan Green for a finely crafted, no-punches-pulled, comprehensive account of some of the worst individuals to ever blot the pages of history. I highly recommend this, and all his books, to any enthusiast of true crime literature.
In another profoundly disturbing yet exceptionally engrossing exposé Ryan Green details the vicious crimes of Martin Dumollard, a French serial killer who was responsible for numerous brutal deaths of young maids between the years of 1855 and 1861. With the help and guidance of his wife, Marie-Anne Dumollard née Martinet, Martin lured young women from their homes in Lyon with the promise of well-paid jobs as maids at a nice château in Côtière. Unable to believe their good fortune, the young ladies readily packed up all their worldly possessions and headed off with this man into the countryside. Sadly, the promised job was only fiction and they were never again seen by their loved ones. Their deaths were violent and bloody. Martin would return home to his wife with all the young woman’s clothing and jewelry which would then be sold off. The body of one victim, Marie-Eulalie Bussod, was found in such a grim state as to horrify the community and prompt them to erect a memorial wooden cross with her name, the date of her murder, February 25, 1861, and the date of her proper burial on August 2 of that year, followed by the inscription: De profundis (Latin for 'from the depths' – a heartfelt cry of sorrow and anguish). It is unknown exactly how many women met a similar grisly fate at his hands. The volume of clothing, some still bloodstained, and other personal effects found in the Dumollard home by authorities, suggests that the Dumollards were responsible for a massive measure of human suffering. This fascinating and grisly story is presented in sharp prose depicting the unvarnished facts of a truly monstrous pair of individuals who lacked any regard or compassion for human life. The story clearly represents the culmination of a prodigious amount of research and clips along at a brisk pace which holds your undivided attention from start to finish. You can never go wrong with Ryan Green for a finely crafted, no-punches-pulled, comprehensive account of some of the worst individuals to ever blot the pages of history. I highly recommend this, and all his books, to any enthusiast of true crime literature.
April 4, 2022
This was a shocking book about what must have been one of the first serial killers. I had never heard of Martin Dumollard before and was very surprised by his story. You feel sorry for Martin as a child when he sees his father put to death and his mother loses her mind and can no longer care for him. I thought it sad that no one cared enough in his small town to help care for him after losing his whole family and is on his own at such a young age. When he finally gets a job at a manor of a wealthy man and meets his future wife things look up for him and if not for her need to be out on their own things may have turned out very differently. The biggest question in the book is such a depraved individual born that way or made that way because of unfortunate circumstances? I guess this is a question that will never be definitively answered because many have come from tragic circumstances and not chose the path Martin did and many have had great upbringings and turned evil so we obviously will never have the answer but it makes for a very interesting read.
I would like to thank the author Ryan Green for my free copy for an honest review.
I would like to thank the author Ryan Green for my free copy for an honest review.
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