Manhunt: The Night Stalker by Colin Sutton

Published by John Blake Publishing, 2021

Currently a TV drama (which I haven’t watched), this is the true story of the hunt for Delroy Grant, a serial sex offender, who committed terrible crimes over a period of seventeen years. The author, then an SIO, was drafted in to review the case.

There’s no denying that the crimes were horrific and degrading, but they form only a small part of this book which, for the most part, concentrates on the investigation and Grant’s eventual arrest.

Three things really struck me: the incredible bravery of the victims, the four short and devastating  sentences with which Colin Sutton summarised the case when seeking more resources and, to use the author’s words, the factual, neutral, non judgemental way in which the case is presented in this book.

Despite the fact that a human error allowed the crimes to continue for many years and, at the present time when police forces and individual officers are subject to criticism, this account of sheer hard work and determination provides a welcome counterbalance.

A very well written book outlining devastating, life changing crimes and the long hard road to eventual arrest.

Adult themes, sensitive issues and violence.