DEAD HERRING'S TRUE CRIME STORIES
Helen is a true crime author, speaker, and founder of Dead Herring, with a lifelong passion for real-life mysteries and classic whodunnits. Her debut book, Amanda Knox: Crime, Trial, Release and Controversy, was published in 2024, with her second title Jeremy Bamber: Murder and Turmoil at White House Farm set for release in May 2026, both with Pen & Sword books.
Recognised for her expertise in the field, Helen has appeared on Sky News and BBC News to discuss Amanda Knox and has given author talks at events including the GAP Festival and Thatcham Festival. With future books in the pipeline and a companion podcast in development, Helen continues to explore the dark and complex world of true crime through fresh perspectives and compelling storytelling.
PUBLICATIONS
Amanda Knox – Crime, Trial, Release and Controversy
In November 2007 the body of British student Meredith Kercher was discovered in her bedroom in Perugia, Italy. She had been brutally killed. Over the course of the next eight years one man, Rudy Guede, would be convicted of her murder and two other suspects, Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito, would be convicted, acquitted and convicted again for their part in the crime, before having their convictions overturned for the final time in 2015.
Almost two decades on from this horrific event Rudy Guede is now a free man, released in 2021 after spending 13 years in jail. Amanda Knox is married with a daughter and Raffaele Sollecito has slipped into relative obscurity. For many, Amanda was, and remains, the central character in this story. Why? And why the controversy?
Through piecing together a timeline of events and investigating the conflicting opinions found in the countless books, articles, films, documentaries, and discussions which have emerged over the years, the author takes the reader on a journey to find out. Including interviews with often unwavering web forum users where posters pit allegations of corruption, coerced confessions, and flawed procedures against those of wilful deceit, callous disregard for life, damning forensics and inappropriate behaviour, Helen investigates if confirmation bias plays a part and asks the ultimate question; can any of us who weren’t there that fateful night ever really claim to know what happened?
Amanda Knox; Crime, Trial, Release and Controversy was published by Pen & Sword in February 2024
Jeremy Bamber – Murder and Turmoil at White House Farm
In the quiet hours before dawn on August 7, 1985, a frantic Jeremy Bamber claimed he had just received a shocking call from his father: “Your sister’s gone berserk, and she’s got a gun.” By the time police finally gained entry into White House Farm, they discovered a horrific scene; Jeremy’s parents, his sister and her six-year-old twins all lay dead from rifle wounds. Though it was initially thought to be a murder-suicide at the hands of Sheila, new evidence pointed to a darker truth.
A year later, Jeremy was convicted of cold-blooded murder, found guilty of staging a horrific scene to frame his sister and secure his family’s fortune. Decades on, he continues to protest his innocence, maintaining his elaborate story of that night with the support of a small but passionate group of followers.
This book not only pieces together the events over the months before, during and after the event but also shines a light on the reasons why some people still believe him to be innocent.
This book will be available to purchase through Pen & Sword in 2026.
MEDIA
Television
Channel 5 Documentary: Jeremy Bamber: Proof of Innocence – The Missing Phone Call
Radio
Kennet Radio 12 September 2024
Talk Radio Europe 5 Feb 2024
BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast Show 6 May 2026
PODCAST
🎙️ Coming Soon: Betty Diddit – Not True Crime Podcast
Announcing that a brand-new podcast series is in the pipeline inspired by our acclaimed murder mystery scripts!
Hosted by Helen’s fictional alter ego Betty Diddit and her ever-curious sleuthing partner Hugh Dunnit, Not True Crime walks the delightful line between theatrical comedy and cosy crime fiction discussion, all while giving a subtle nod to Helen’s true crime books and sharp analytical eye.
In Betty’s world:
-
The crime is fiction
-
The clues are plentiful
-
And the hosts already know whodunnit
Stay tuned for episode updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, and sneak previews. This is one mystery you’ll want to be in on from the start.
Book Reviews
-
This book is one of the best [on the case] as it’s a fully comprehensive package regarding Amanda Knox. Helen Saxton does a phenomenal job of of taking the details from the courtroom, police transcripts, evidence, and even YouTube web sleuths and combining it into something super comprehensive. 5 Stars
Courtney
-
The book is well-researched and very well-written in chronological order with deep insight into controversies. Highly recommended for those who are interested in true crime literature and who don’t know yet the Amanda stories.
Meg
-
This is my first ever true crime book to read and it did not disappoint!
Highly recommend!
Dr Hajar
-
The Author Helen Saxton has done an excellent job authoring this book which balances the story of a British overseas student Meredith Kercher who was found murdered in her bedroom
Kathleen
-
A really refreshing take on the typical true crime novel
Amy
-
I really appreciated the victim-focused beginning as Meredith Kercher is so often forgotten in the narrative of her own murder
Amy
-
A fascinating and well researched account of an infamous crime. Well written and well considered.
Ruth
-
As a huge true crime fan I couldn’t turn down this one. While this book focuses on Knox, Meredith is not forgotten by the author.
It is brilliantly written with a good coverage of both sides of the argument surrounding Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito’s involvement.
Natalie
-
The author, following what seems like an extensive research, gives the reader an opportunity to dive, head first, into this extremely controversial case, providing different and at times contradicting sides to this tragedy; be prepared to slip down a twisted rabbit hole where nothing is as it seems.
Dr Hajar
-
A very well covered case by this great author and one I’d recommend to true crime fans for sure.
Natalie
