Review: Murder on the Home Front by Molly Lefebure

[khamneithang]

Murder on the Home Front: A True Story of Morgues, Murderers, and Mysteries During the London Blitz by Molly Lefebure is a fascinating account written by a secretary to a London pathologist during the Second World War which is full of murders and corpses. First published in 1955, this reprint is published by Grand Central Publishing.

Molly Lefebure worked as a newspaper reporter. While following a case for a story at Walthamstow Coroner's Court in 1941, the renowned Home Office pathologist Dr. Cedric Keith Simpson offered her a job as his forensics secretary which she immediately took up as she thought it would provide good experience in the long run as she wanted to be a writer. On being employed by the pathologist, Molly travelled with CKS examining bodies and attending courts, as war rages all over the world.

Filled with detailed descriptions of murders and trials, it is a good portrayal of life in London during the Second World War. Molly's working hour is maddening as she was required to work from early morning to late into the night, walking an average of about 12 miles a day while she was paid a lowly wage. You will find this a fascinating read if you are keen to find out how life is like during the Blitz, and also if you are interested in trials and murders.