Female serial killers have always been something of an anomaly in criminology and a puzzle for law enforcement. It is a popularly held belief that women, being ‘the fairer of the sexes’, are less capable of murder than men. It has been proven, however, that women killers are meticulous, methodical and quiet in committing their crimes and, on average, the time-line of women killers usually spans eight years before they are caught - double that of a male serial killer.

In this six-part factual documentary series, Britain’s leading and most visceral crime writer Martina Cole takes an up close and personal look at some of the most significant cases of female serial killers in history. From Myra Hindley to Beverly Allitt, Martina will examine the life histories and careers of some of the most notorious female killers – re-examining evidence and providing a comprehensive portrait of the sociological backgrounds that may have helped create these killers.

In episode one of the series we look at one of the most infamous murderesses in recent history – Myra Hindley. Alongside her partner, Ian Brady, Hindley was convicted for the abduction and murder of four children between 1963 and 1965 in the “Moors Murders”. This episode looks at to what extend Hindley was a driving force behind the abductions and killings – and exactly how much involvement she had with the murders themselves. In interviews with key personnel from the investigation, as well as family members of the victims themselves, Martina Cole seeks to gain some insight into this most disturbing of cases.

Throughout the remainder of the series the cases examined will be both historical and recent. In historical instances Martina Cole will reopen the history books, question accepted wisdoms and conventions of the times and examine the case within a historical perspective. In modern cases she will meet with the investigating officers, criminal psychologists, colleagues, friends and representatives of the victims. In each episode a tale of intrigue will unfold as Martina takes us on her journey of discovery, offering some form of understanding of the lives and minds of these wilful women.

Martina will bring her unique take to the stories including relatively recent – and relevant - cases such as Myra Hindley, Beverly Allitt and Rosemary West, alongside historical figures such as Elisabeth Bathory who was responsible for the deaths of over 600 people in 16th century Hungary; Mary Ann Cotton, Victorian Britain’s most prolific serial killer, and Amelia Dyer, a Victorian Baby Farmer with murder on her mind.

Monday, 13 October 2008, 9:00PM - 10:00PM