This week for Free-for-all Friday, I’m sharing my book review of Dark London by Dr Drew Gray – and what a deliciously Gothic treat it is! 🖤

I was kindly sent this beautiful hardback by the publisher, and from the moment it arrived, I was smitten. The cover design alone is an aesthetic delight, and it now sits proudly on my Gothic black bookshelf, nestled between Tarot cards and crystal skulls. This is one of those books that looks as good as it reads – a real showpiece for any spooky book collection.

A Journey into London’s Shadowy Past

Dr Drew Gray is a social historian who specialises in the history of crime and punishment, and in Dark London he takes us deep into the city’s murky past. From crimes of passion to tales of grave robbing, gruesome murders, dens of iniquity, Victorian séances and haunted houses – London’s dark heart is revealed in over 100 chilling cases.

Some of the stories were familiar to me – you cannot love Gothic history and not stumble upon the Whitechapel horrors at some point – but there were plenty of new ones to discover. I particularly enjoyed the case of the London Burkers, whose ringleader confessed to stealing and selling nearly 1,000 bodies to eager 1830s anatomists. Grim, yet fascinating!

A Feast for the Eyes

What really makes this book stand out are the images scattered throughout. Victorian archive photographs, original prints, posters and paintings all bring the macabre history of London to life. It feels like stepping back in time, walking the gaslit streets, brushing shoulders with both the infamous and the forgotten.

Why You Should Read Dark London

If you enjoy exploring the occult, Gothic and criminal underbelly of history, this book is a must-read. It is packed with scandal, superstition and the kind of morbid tales that make you want to keep the lights on at night. Perfect for lovers of Gothic nonfiction, London history enthusiasts, and anyone who likes their bedtime reading with a side of the sinister.

Dr Drew Gray has curated a dark yet enthralling exploration of London’s hidden stories, and I thoroughly recommend adding this book to your collection.

✨ Have you read Dark London yet, or do you have another favourite Gothic history book? Let me know in the comments – I’m always looking for more spooky reads!

📚Buy the Book: Amazon; Waterstones; TG Jones; Bookshop.

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Note: I received the book in return for an honest review. This article may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you shop using the links I share, I receive a small income at no extra cost to yourself. Thank you for supporting SpookyMrsGreen!