Prescription for Murder The Victorian Serial Killings of Dr. Thomas Neill Cream (Paper)

Between 1877 and 1892, Dr Thomas Neill Cream murdered seven women, all prostitutes or patients seeking abortions, in England and North America. Using press reports and police dossiers, this work presents an account of the killings, providing an insight into Victorian sexual tensions and fears. Between 1877 and 1892, Dr Thomas Neill Cream murdered seven women, all prostitutes or patients seeking abortions, in England and North America. Using press reports and police dossiers, this account of the killings investigates the links between crime and respectability to reveal a remarkable range of Victorian sexual tensions and fears. The author explores how the roles of murderer and victim were created, and how similar tensions might contribute to the increase in serial killing in modern society.