Bible John's Secret Daughter: Murder, Drugs and a Mother's Secret Heartbreak

by David Leslie

There was one partner the pretty young women who danced away the 1960s in Glasgow's Barrowlands were desperate to Bible John, so named because he quoted scripture to his victims. He was being hunted for three brutal unsolved sex murders, and each of his victims had been picked up after a night at the famous dance hall. Police were still investigating the first terrifying murder when Hannah Martin was raped on her way home from the Barrowlands. When Bible John struck twice more, Hannah confided to friends that his description matched that of her own attacker. The next shock came when Hannah discovered she was pregnant. Her distraught father banished her from the family home and forced her to give her child up for adoption. She would never see her daughter again, but in a bizarre twist three decades later, an investigation into the infamous World's End murder would result in Hannah's daughter discovering the identity of the mother she never knew. Tragically, the news came too late for them to be reunited but it set her on a course to uncover the shocking secrets of her mother's life. Did Hannah know Bible John? What did Hannah Martin reveal of her baby's father? How did she then become a member of a multimillion-pound drug-smuggling gang? Why, after expecting a huge bounty, did she die in poverty? The answers are all here in Bible John's "Secret Daughter".

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Ebooks

282 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Carolee · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is the answer to a question I've always wondered. That question?

What is the worst book you have ever read?

I only finished it because I wanted to know just how bad it could get.

The premise of the book was never defended with known activity of Bible John. It's timeline was convoluted. He jumped back and forth in the story leading only to confusion. His assumptions and conclusions were rarely backed with fact. He never spoke with Hannah, the supposed victim of Bible John, and all information regarding her history came from third parties--some who had never even met her.

This story's only real connections with Bible John can only be found in the author's head.

The most fascinating aspect of the book, in my opinion, is that the author found a company willing to publish the book. I was actually relieved when I had finally completed it and could delete it from my e reader--it wasn't worth saving. My advice to anyone thinking of reading this book? Do not spend money on it! If you must read it, get it from a library.

[Carla · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't read too much about this book before starting, so had no idea what it was about. Certainly not interesting. Hannah had a child. That child might or might not be a child of a serial killer (that's even to be questioned) who she gave up for adoption. Because of this event in her life, and a crazy childhood, she gets involved in drug running. All of this takes place in Scotland. Was a huge yawner. I read it quickly so I could get onto better books.

[Ruth Turner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, I can't say I wasn't warned. Goodreads has two reviews for this book that give a one star rating, but I had to read it anyway.

"Bible John's Secret Daughter" is a deceptive title. Most of the book is about her mother, Hannah. There isn't even any real proof that the girl she gave birth to, Isobel, was fathered by the serial killer.

The only thing I did like about this book was the brief look at 1960's Scotland with their dance halls and public baths.

Other than that the book isn't worth reading. Full of conjecture it really doesn't qualify as true crime, in my opinion.

[Donna Humble · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book sounded like it would be very interesting. Unfortunately, the storyline meandered all over the place and became boring to read. I did read the book from start to finish, but I didn't enjoy reading it. I am an avid True Crime reader and would not classify this book as True Crime.

[Ailee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book so interesting! I loved learning about scotland in the 60s and how times have changed. I was disappointed bible john was never caught, but that’s real life isn’t it

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. Not something I would read a second time, but held my attention enough to at least finish it.