Description

The Beast of Birkenshaw: Peter Manuel

Between 1956 and 1958, Peter Manuel terrorized Scotland in a killing spree that would claim at least seven lives and expose catastrophic failures in mid-century law enforcement. Born in New York and raised in poverty, Manuel evolved from a bullied child into one of Britain's first recognized serial killers, murdering entire families in their beds and taunting police with his intelligence and legal acumen.

This comprehensive account examines Manuel's psychological development from his traumatic childhood through his years mastering criminal law in Peterhead Prison, to his methodical execution of the Watt and Smart families. The book reveals the near-miscarriage of justice that saw innocent William Watt imprisoned for murders Manuel committed, the breakthrough provided by sequential banknotes, and Manuel's audacious decision to defend himself at trial.

Beyond the crimes themselves, this work explores Manuel's lasting legacy: the transformation from fragmented local constabularies to unified Police Scotland, the limitations of pre-DNA forensic science, and the role his case played in abolishing capital punishment. Drawing on trial transcripts, investigative records, and contemporary accounts, this is the definitive examination of the Beast of Birkenshaw and his enduring impact on Scottish criminal justice.