Instigation of the Devil. True Crime Stories of Twenty or Thirty Murders and Other Odd Occurrences

On the correct assumption that truth is stranger than fiction, Mr. Pearson has rescued from oblivion many odd, famous and notorious murders and crimes for the delectation of case-hardened crime seekers. Aside from giving the reasons for and results of the crimes under discussion, he adds a few ironical observations here and there where attempts were made to save the murderer in the face of his indisputable guilt. A highly recommended addition to crime libraries.



This Apple books exclusive series is a gathering place for murderers, hitmen, bandits, criminals, serial killers, assassins, and wrongdoers. It dives into true crime: suspicions and strange coincidences, unsolved crimes, and missing persons who may never reappear.

You'll find court cases, chilling thrillers, police stories, mysteries, and noir novels that only real life can make so brutally and cruelly essential.

Releasing a new volume every week, this series features great True Crime authors like Edmund Lester Pearson and William Roughhead, along with surprising contributions from famous mystery writers like Arthur Machen, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Edgar Wallace. We approach each selection with rigor and respect. If you enjoy this book, we’d love to hear your thoughts in a review.

And remember to pre-order, because each volume is 50% off until its release date: a gift to our loyal readers who will help keeping the series alive. Don’t miss out!


It is the first time this little-known book by Edmund Pearson has been republished in electronic form. To let you familiarize yourself with the series, Instigation of the Devil will be available free of charge for the first seven days of sale, i.e., until June 25, 2024.