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The First Detective

The First Detective

  • The Life and Revolutionary Times of Vidocq

Eugene Vidocq was the Morse, the Guv'nor, the James Bond of his day. A notorious criminal and prison escaper, he turned police officer and employed a gang of ex-convicts as his detectives. Now, James Morton takes us on a historical romp through the 18th century in search of this elusive figure.

Today Vidocq's influence can still be seen as members of The Vidocq Society, an unusual, exclusive crime-solving organization honor him by applying their collective forensic skills and experience to 'cold case' homicides and unsolved deaths.

Reviews

  • You really must read ... The First Detective: the extraordinary life and times of a career-criminal

    Sunday Times

  • Morton has done Vidocq a service by removing him from his unfair tabloid image and giving him his due as an important social innovator

    Sunday Times

  • Entertaining

    Sunday Telegraph

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About the Author

James Morton

Since the publication of his first book, Frankie Fraser has enjoyed celebrity status, hosting his own one-man show, appearing in films and even conducting his own guided tour of London's East End crime sites. He has written four previous books, including the bestselling Mad Frank's Diary. Having spent most of his adult life behind bars, Frankie is now enjoying living a quiet life and being able to come and go as he pleases - without having to ask permission from the Governor! James Morton is a solicitor and author who has worked with Frank on his previous books and has published several successful crime titles of his own, including his Gangland series, the latest of which is Gangland: The Lawyers.

James Morton

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