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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

Previously a solicitor for twenty-five years, James Morton then worked as editor of Law Journal and Criminal Lawyer. He is now a full-time writer and author of the bestselling Gangland series.

James Morton

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