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The Sydney Assassins: A Mid-Victorian Mystery by Leicester Cotton, first published by Lansdowne Press, Melbourne in 1964, is a gripping reconstruction of a little-known but deeply unsettling series of murders that shocked colonial Sydney in the 1870s. Drawing upon extensive archival research, Cotton revisits the discovery of bodies in the Parramatta River—victims bound, weighted, and brutally killed—and pieces together a narrative that blends true crime investigation with historical detective work. The author's use of primary sources, including court records, depositions, and contemporary accounts, lends the work both authority and immediacy.
As Cotton delves deeper into the so-called Parramatta murders, he uncovers inconsistencies, suppressed details, and a web of intrigue that extends beyond the initial crimes. The narrative broadens to include international threads, with research spanning Australia, England, and New Zealand, revealing a complex and shadowy story involving deception, identity, and possible miscarriages of justice. The book's methodical unraveling of evidence invites the reader to question the accepted version of events and consider the possibility that the full truth was never officially acknowledged.
Presented here in its 1964 first edition with original dustjacket, this work stands as both a compelling historical study and a suspenseful narrative of crime and inquiry. Cotton's clear, measured prose and dedication to uncovering forgotten truths make this a standout example of Australian true crime literature, appealing strongly to collectors of Australiana, enthusiasts of historical mysteries, and readers fascinated by the darker chapters of colonial history.
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Dustjacket protected with clear mylar sleeve. Pages very clean and well presented. No inscriptions. An excellent copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
