Curious local writer Phil World, whose book Shops of Launceston received acclaim across the community last year, has set himself a new challenge: to uncover the stories of murderers, murderesses and the town’s dark history over the centuries in his latest book, Murder Most Launceston.

Shops of Launceston was a hit with people in the area. It gave an insight into Launceston’s retail past and revealed stories about the town’s old businesses, shopkeepers and goods hidden by layers of history. Its popularity sparked questions about Phil’s next investigation.

Phil said: “Friends then started asking me what my next book would be! I certainly didn't plan one but so many people asked that I gave in, and I have been working on a book about historical murders in Launceston and the surrounding area. Once again it has taken over my life - trawling through old papers takes forever - and I'm aiming at putting it out just before Christmas.”

For those intrigued by this dark side of Launceston’s history, this could be the perfect addition to your reading stack, out just in time for those dreary winter nights. With several chapters on various individual murders around the area, plus related topics, Murder Most Launceston will dive into the town’s connection to the justice systems of the day, its notoriety as a last stop before many criminals met their maker, and the ‘murky deeds’ done in Launceston’s narrow, dark streets in days gone by.

Expect tales of highwaymen, public executions, double murders and drunken executioners. One chapter is called ‘Offcuts’, containing stories that may not be relevant to the location or theme of the book, but, in Phil’s words, are ‘too interesting to throw away!’

Phil added: “Murder. No respecter of age, sex , class or ethnicity. Sometimes planned, sometimes spontaneous. And all within easy reach of the town of Launceston.”

It’s important to note that these are historical murders, and to avoid distress, Phil will not be including any recent incidents or stories that may affect living relatives.

Got a story or interesting information for Phil? Email philworld@live.co.uk

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