Murder on the Maungatapu

Discover the gripping true crime narrative of 'Murder on the Maungatapu', authored by Wayne Martin and published by Canterbury University Press. Set in the winter of 1866, this riveting book dives deep into the notorious story of the Burgess Gang, led by the infamous bushranger Richard Burgess. As he penned a blood-soaked confession in his prison cell, he sought vengeance against gang traitor Joseph Sullivan, showcasing the brutal history of crime in New Zealand. This detailed narrative history uncovers not just the gruesome murders that took place on Maungatapu Mountain, where five bodies were discovered, but also the dark motivations behind these acts. Drawing upon a treasure trove of primary sources, including rare accounts from Sullivan himself, 'Murder on the Maungatapu' illuminates the chilling events and the lives intertwined with New Zealand's 19th-century crime saga. A tale enriched with themes of betrayal, gold, and blood, this book ultimately challenges readers to reconsider the true cost of crime and the fateful consequences of ambition. Perfect for history buffs, true crime enthusiasts, and those intrigued by the complexities of human nature, this book will keep you captivated from start to finish. Explore the dark corners of New Zealand's past with this essential addition to your library. Get your copy today and dive into a story that is as thrilling as it is enlightening.

Author: Wayne Martin Publisher: Canterbury University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 150 x 225 mm
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 24-06-2016

A narrative history of the Burgess Gang and their greatest crime In the winter of 1866 New Zealand’s most notoriousbushranger, Richard Burgess, knelt at a small desk in his Nelson prison cell, took up his quill pen and began to write. His life, he knew, was beyond salvation but words were the last weapon at his disposal to consign his mortal enemy, gang turncoat Joseph Sullivan, to the gallows. The blood-soaked confession that followed was described by Mark Twain as ‘without its peer in the literature of murder’. Five bodies had been recovered from Maungatapu Mountain in the upper South Island, and another from the West Coast. But who had done the killing,and how many other victims were there? What had brought the ruthless Burgess Gang to this point? Drawing on a wealth of primary sources, including little-known original accounts by Sullivan, ‘Murder on the Maungatapu’ tells the fascinating full story of a dark episode in this country’s history. This is a superbly written tale of blood and gold, ofbetrayal and vengeance, and it draws some startlingconclusions about New Zealand’s crime of thenineteenth century.