This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license. This book provides the most in-depth study of capital punishment in Scotland between the mid-eighteenth and early nineteenth century to date. Based upon an extensive gathering and analysis of previously untapped resources, it takes the reader on a journey from the courtrooms of Scotland to the theatre of the gallows. It introduces them to several of the malefactors who faced the hangman's noose and explores the traditional hallmarks of the spectacle of the scaffold. It demonstrates that the period between 1740 and 1834 was one of discussion, debate and fundamental change in the use of the death sentence and how it was staged in practice. In addition, the study provides an innovative investigation of the post-mortem punishment of the criminal corpse. It offers the reader an insight into the scene at the foot of the gibbets from which criminal bodies were displayed and around the dissection tables of Scotland's main universities where criminal bodies were used as cadavers for anatomical demonstration. In doing so it reveals an intermediate stage in the long-term disappearance of public bodily punishment.

Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman star in this sumptuous Paris-set period drama based on the novella by Guy de Maupassant. Georges Duroy (Pattinson) is a suave and handsome young journalist using his wits and powers of manipulation to make his way in 1890s Paris. In order to ascend the social ladder, Duroy seduces a string of influential society beauties including Madeleine Forestier (Thurman), Virginie Walters (Kristen Scott Thomas) and Clotilde de Marelle (Christina Ricci). His peasant background has soon become a distant memory as he achieves dizzying success both in his career and in fashionable society.

The gripping, atmospheric new crime thriller from the author of The Flood 2004: Rosalie is walking through the wild wetland behind her mother's home on the isolated Isle of Man when she stumbles across a body. Having strayed from the path and lost her brother, Dallin, it's hours before she's discovered, shaken and exhausted. With a reputation for telling stories, not many believe the little girl's tale of the body in the marsh. 2019: Dallin, estranged from his family, returns unannounced with a woman named Cora by his side. Cora's sister went missing fifteen years ago and she believes Rosalie was the one who found her. As dangerous secrets are unearthed, Cora and Rosalie start asking questions about a girl who some would rather keep buried... An atmospheric crime novel, perfect for fans of Cara Hunter and Erin Kinsley. What readers are saying about Little Girls Tell Tales: "A cracking story that had me totally engrossed. It's original, intriguing and well written, with a great cast of characters."J.P. Carter, author of At Your Door "This was quite the page turner. Only took me a few hours to finish... Can't wait to read more from Rachel. She's a wonderful author." "Great book, haven't wanted to put it down! Definitely stayed up way too late reading this enthralling read." "A wonderfully atmospheric read." "Great crime novel with lots of twists and turns! Honestly did not predict what would happen next, which is rare since I read so many mysteries." "I read it in one day! I'd recommend Little Girls Tell Tales to those who like slow-burning suspense novels rather than the high-octane, big-twist version" "This book is a slow burn full of subtle twists and social commentary... Bennett's prose is beautiful and descriptive, and the characters are realistic and likeable... anyone looking for complex family drama, well-thought out mystery, this is the book for you. A beautiful read with a satisfying conclusion."

A gripping, atmospheric crime novel about a town on the edge of collapse, and a murder that shakes the community. Perfect for fans of The Dry. When Daniela Cain returns to her small hometown after seven years' absence, she finds that flooding has left the village all but deserted. She's there to collect something she left in her childhood home, then she plans to leave. But upon entering the old house she discovers her younger sister's body half-submerged in the water. As Daniela tries to work out what happened to Auryn, she uncovers dark secrets from her childhood as one of four sisters in the household, when the Cain's and another local family begin to turn on each other with devastating results.